MarkD Loc: NYC

There are many compact cameras that give you manual controls. I think we should make a distinction between P&S cameras that offer few if any manual controls and compact cameras that offer many manual controls. I currently use a Nikon P7800 and a Panasonic ZS50 compact cameras, and both allow full manual control.

Ranjan Loc: Currently Cyber-Nation!

I think "P&S" is really a setting (the green camera icon on Nikons for instance) and can be seen on all kinds of cameras! I realize that some use P&S label for cheaper cameras, others for 'pocketable' cameras.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

For some one who has unlimited funds a 1DX2 or a D5 can be used as a point and shooter. And many of the P&S cameras hve many adjustable settings. As gear gets more and more sophisticated the differences get blurred

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

My Nikon D750 is a P&S. That's all I have to do when it's in Auto.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

I have an older, Nikon S8200 which is pretty much just a P&S camera. The only controls I have on it is a scene selection mode, otherwise, it's full auto. My other small camera is a Canon G16 which is pretty much point and shoot, but offers full manual control if I wish. I just wish it had a larger sensor. My FZ200 bridge camera is either full auto or full manual and everything in between. Then there's my IPhone 6S Plus, which has an amazing camera for a smart phone, and even that has some controls on it. Wherever I am, I always have one camera or another.

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

Ah, this is an angle that I had not thought of before. How much fun is any single use tool? A screw driver only does screws - how boring. In addition, an adjustable camera lets you interact with the scene, err image, and that is a part of the fun, too.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

OK But there are any number of types oif screwdrivers. If you have a phillips head screw a slotted screwdriver is useless. If you don't have the right tool you are up that famous creek with no paddle.

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

Well, you could poke the slotted in corner first and sorta make-do.

Impressionist

Though more possibilities open up when a DSLR is in hand, the challenges presented when having only the iPhone at hand are surprisingly rewarding. It is an effective photographic tool.

lowkick Loc: Connecticut

Exactly! I have a Canon 6D and a 60D, and my "grab and go" camera is a Canon G1X Mark II. These are not the cameras I am referring to as point and shoot, although you can use them that way. I'm referring to the pocket point and shoot cameras. I have an older model Canon Elph that I bought as a grab and go pocket P&S camera with the only goal being to always have a camera with me and get the shot. It collects dust on the shelf (the Elph on the shelf?). I don't enjoy using it and I get just as good results with my cell phone camera. My G1X MII is my go to camera when I want to take a camera with me that gives me more latitude to adjust and get good shots, but I don't want bulky equipment in my way. For instance, taking it to a wedding or party where I am a guest. That camera can slip into my jacket pocket and all my accessories (an extra batter, extra card and lens cloth) fit into my pants pocket without even causing a bulge.

Frankly, after a while I get bored at affairs and welcome the distraction of having an adjustable camera like the G1X MII to play with. Anywhere I go that I think there is a possibility of getting good shots, but photography is not, at least partially, the reason for going, I take the G1X MII. If I'm going somewhere that photography is part of, if not the entire reason for going, I take a DSLR. The rest of the time, the Elph collects dust while I have my cell phone in my pocket.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

... and pries open paint cans, punches holes in things, scrapes stuff off stuff - the list goes on.

rbfanman

Bridge cameras are point & shoots....expensive point & shoots. Few P&S / bridge cameras have really wide apertures, or the ability to tilt-shift for Perspective control. Few do real 1:1 macro. Most use plastic lens elements, rather than glass ones. Why pay DSLR prices for P&S capabilities?

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Well...about half that way.

I love my rangefinder but I also love my point and shoots. I love my Polaroid, and my Pentax SLR's too.

They are all different and the shooting experience is different on each of them and for some...the limitations are enjoyable also.

So I guess the answer is; yeah...somewhat :)

sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant

a point and shoot compact camera is like a sand wedge in golf. a specific tool for specific situations. for example street photography. you are a lot less noticeable using a point and shoot then a dslr with the bigma sigma. I had a Nikon l22( I called her the pocket rocket) took her everywhere when I did not want to carry a dslr. also if you are at events where carrying a dslr would be difficult. I have taken shots with a p+s as good as ones by my Nikon dslr's( again proving its the photographer not the equipment.) Now have a refurbished canon powershot s100. got it refurbished saved beaucoup moola. built like a tank uses actual metal not plastic, and is easily adjustable so long as you use the menus.. also if you are shooting in a potentially dangerous area say downtown Detroit you can get your shots without a dslr with a bazooka lens that screams out mug me I have several thousand of dollars worth of equipment you can steal!!! Better having a camera with you even if it is a Holga, then having a d-5 sitting at the house.

chase4 Loc: Punta Corona, California

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: