Best Point & Shoot Digital Camera: I am considering purchasing a point & shoot digital camera to augment my DSLR and accessories but I know absolutely nothing about them. Just starting...

Sir Motley

I am considering purchasing a point & shoot digital camera to augment my DSLR and accessories but I know absolutely nothing about them. Just starting my due diligence.

I want something to put in my pocket that I can whip out when an interesting and unexpected opportunity arises and I don't have my DSLR with me. I've got a smart phone but (pardon me if I offend) they seem kind of nerdy to me. Sooooo....

What are the 2 or 3 best makes to consider?

What features are the absolute "must haves"?

What other features would be "nice-to-have-but-really-aren't-necessary-for-90%-of-the-usual-photo-opportunities"?

Is there that big of difference between a $50 camera and a $100 one? Between a $100 camera and a $150 one or a $250 one? (I know. You get what you pay for. Just want to know what those things are.)

Besides uglyhedgehog.com, where can I find the best information to answer the above questions and other basic questions?

I am always impressed with the thought that goes into answering questions on this forum. I know I won't be disapointed.

Many thanks to all.

macsmom Loc: S Carolina

Sony makes a lot of good p&s. I was originally looking for a "packet camera" as you indicated, but ended up with a Sony DSC-RX10 III. It's bigger (4x4x5") and much pricier ($1600) but it's basically a DSLR with a fixed lens. A 24-600 f2.8-4 lens! May be more than you want, but -- wow. Check out Ken Rockwell's review. Or check out other Sonys and Fujis. Goodluck.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

First off, what's your budget?

Jim Bob

Cdouthitt wrote:

First off, what's your budget?

Noneyun.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Jim Bob wrote:

Noneyun.

FUJB

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Sir Motley wrote:

I am considering purchasing a point & shoot di... (show quote)

Consider a sony rx100. That is my bias. Other hogs will have different opinions.

It will cost you $448
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/869238-REG/Sony_DSC_RX100_Digital_Camera.html

Most of your questions can be answered by doing a google search.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

macsmom wrote:

Sony makes a lot of good p&s. I was originally looking for a "packet camera" as you indicated, but ended up with a Sony DSC-RX10 III. It's bigger (4x4x5") and much pricier ($1600) but it's basically a DSLR with a fixed lens. A 24-600 f2.8-4 lens! May be more than you want, but -- wow. Check out Ken Rockwell's review. Or check out other Sonys and Fujis. Goodluck.

I wouldn't classify the Sony DSC-RX10 III as a point and shoot, but as a bridge camera, as it offers manual and priority mode shooting.

le boecere

Sir Motley wrote:

I am considering purchasing a point & shoot di... (show quote)

This reviewer is usually quite thorough, and respected by many. This collection of reviews covers most of the better pocket cameras (which are sometimes lumped into the vague ~ and maybe meaningless~ category of "point and shoot").

https://www.cameralabs.com/best-point-and-shoot/

P.S.: Your DSLR experience may have trained your eye and your tastes to be rather discerning ("picky"). If so, and depending upon the size of your pockets; many consider the better small pocket cameras to be the Sony RX100's, the Panasonics, the Canon G7 XII ~ for larger pockets; one of the little Fuji's, or maybe even the Olympus Pen F.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Sir Motley wrote:

I am considering purchasing a point & shoot di... (show quote)

Sony RX100 II. This little guy can bounce a flash, combine up to 6 shoots in HDR, and can shoot anything my DSLR's can shoot. And is my go to vacation and travel camera cause I put it in a belt pouch and take it out when needed. You can get one in new condition off ebay from $290.00.

Griff Loc: Warwick U.K.

Totally biased opinion based on use - Sony RX100 III - because of the viewfinder.
Whatever you do, don't buy a camera with just a screen.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Sir Motley wrote:

I am considering purchasing a point & shoot digital camera to augment my DSLR

In my opinion, a viewfinder is essential. Many cameras have Wi-Fi and GPS, which can come in handy. Since you want a pocket camera, you don't want an interchangeable lens body. Generally speaking, a higher price will get you more features and better quality, durability, and images.

http://www.techradar.com/news/photography-video-capture/cameras/best-travel-or-superzoom-camera-1259446

http://snapsort.com/roundups/raw-compact-digital-cameras-viewfinder

http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-point-and-shoot-under-500/
http://www.bestproducts.com/tech/gadgets/g706/point-and-shoot-digital-cameras/

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/2016-roundup-compact-enthusiast-zoom-cameras
https://www.ephotozine.com/article/top-10-best-pocket-zoom-digital-cameras-2015-19720
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/0692551582/2015-roundup-advanced-zoom-compacts/01

Some comparison sites.
Read comparisons and specs, and decide what features are important to you.
(Reviews) https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCameraStoreTV/videos
http://cameras.reviewed.com/
http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu

Eric Bornstein Loc: Toronto Canada

I purchased a FujiX100t as my 'point and shoot'. The critical elements for me were viewfinder and sensor size. I was not concerned with a zoom feature. The lens is 23mm. I purchased a used camera - 1st time ever purchasing a used piece of camera equipment. It had only 5,400 previous 'clicks' and I traded in other equipment that I was not using which value further reduced the price. I shoot Nikon DSLR (D500) which I am most satisfied with. There is a learning curve associated with this Fuji 'rangefinder'.

fergmark Loc: norwalk connecticut

[quote=Sir Motley]I am considering purchasing a point & shoot digital camera to augment my DSLR and accessories but I know absolutely nothing about them. Just starting my due diligence.

Be sure to get your hands on some of the cameras you are considering. Based purely on specs you might miss that a pocket camera could be too small for your hands. My quest for a small quality camera took a turn when I found that I could barely hold one.

avery48 Loc: Jefferson City

Not everyone would rate my Canon G16 "the best point and shoot out there," but for the money I don't think you can do much better. Lens opens up to f 1.8-2.8 and does great in low-light settings. Has a 5X optical zoom (28-140 mm) and a respectable 12.1 megapixel with CMOS sensor and DIGIC 6 image processor. Allows you to choose aperture or shutter priority or manual, along with the usual settings. You can choose to shoot raw or jpeg. Great video (in my estimation). For people who insist on having a viewfinder, it's there (although the view of the lens edge is a bit distracting). Not wanting to carry heavy DSLRs with me to trips in Hawaii, Scotland and England, this was perfect, and I came back with some great images. I even used it in an open-door helicopter in Kauai, and I was most satisfied with what I came back with. Price around $400-500.

Tom G Loc: Atlanta, GA

Please check out the Sony DSC-HX80 in the site below. It will do almost everything a beginner (or almost any photographer) will want.

It has a great Zeiss lens with a wide focal range, a tilt LCD screen, and best of all, an electronic view finder. A view finder is almost impossible to find on a P&S camera, by the way. And, in the long run you will want one. And, it fits in your shirt pocket.

Anyone who suggests that a "beginning photographer pay $1,600.00 for a camera is probably a very wealthy person who likes to help spend other people's money.

The HX80 will cost less than $300.00, new and I got a refurbished one from B&H for less than $200.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80: Digital Photography Review

Give a "look"and let us know what you think.