Best and Worst: Best Point and Shoot Digital Cameras
I’m beginning to suspect that a single picture is no longer worth a thousand words, especially given the sheer volume of photos on many of my friends’ Facebook pages. The availability of digital cameras has enabled virtually unlimited documentation of social events. At times, the entire ordeal reminds me of an inspiring video on The Onion’s website. Point and shoot cameras have steadily begun taking better and better photographs over the last several years, turning the digital camera into a personal electronic item along the lines of a telephone or an mp3 player. Today, we’ll be looking at some of the best point-and-shoot cameras available on the market.
The most high-end camera on our list functions at the upper edges of what would be considered a point-and-shoot camera. Boasting 10 megapixels, the Canon Powershot SX20 boasts a number of features, making it great for people who want to test the waters of more expensive digital cameras. The 20x optical zoom provides exceptional flexibility in shots, and the images have exceptional contrast, especially in natural light. As an extra bonus, the Powershot SX20 allows for high-definition video recording, a great feature that adds a new dimension to the camera’s use. You don’t have to be a camera expert to captialize on the Powershot, but you don’t have to break the bank either, making it a great compromise and a great deal at around $350.
If you’re not a fan of the Canon’s bulky design, then the sleek Casio Exilim might be up your alley. With a compact silver case, the Casio can easily fit into a pocket or purse, making it great for taking photos on the go. The 7.2 megapixels ideal for casual use, and the addition of a 7x optical zoom provides a greater variety of shots at your disposal. The Exilim allow for video recording, although the videos aren’t as quality as the stills. For roughly $160, this Casio is more expensive than other similarly featured cameras, but its stylish looks and sturdy design make it a solid investment for a point and shoot camera.
Our final camera is also our most affordable. At only $120, the Canon Powershot A470 provides some simplified features but still managest to take excellent pictures. While it boasts 7.1 megapixels, the image quality is not quite up to par with the other cameras on our list. Nonetheless, the Powershot A470 makes for a great budget entry into the realm of point and shoot cameras, with an adequate flash that struggles at times in darker environments. The battery life isn’t quite as long as one would like, but for the price, it’s hard to find a better camera.
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