If your smartphone is not producing the results you want, then it’s time to take things to another level. The best digital camera should not necessarily be a costly camera, with a large backpack of lenses – it can be something as simple as the best point and shoot camera under 500. The term has become increasingly popular, as consumers from different industries and disciplines seek devices that are simple to use.
Just a few short years ago, many thought that the days of point and shoot were over, thanks to the unveiling of smartphones. That said, some top industry brands remained in the point and shoot category, with top products to match. With that said, the following guide should help you choose a suitable camera for your needs:
PANASONIC Lumix FZ80 4K Digital Camera (Best Overall)
Perfect for shooting images and video content, the PANASONIC Lumix FZ80 4K digital camera makes up for an excellent addition to your regimen. It can capture amazingly smooth and blur-free images all thanks to the exceptional optical image stabilization function. With a powerful 18.1-megapixel MOS sensor, the Lumix DC VARIO camera can deliver rich and vibrant photos each time.
The high resolution of the 4K video technology can capture over 4X the resolution (3840 X 2160) of most point and shoot cameras. The OIS technology on this camera is also balanced with a super bright F2.8 5.9 aperture range, to add a unique depth of field dimension to your images. This way, both videos and images are of superior quality.
As one of the best point and shoot cameras on the market, this unit comes with Post Focus and Focus stacking functions. These will provide added creative freedom by letting you adjust the depth of focus points, as you capture images. The Lumix FZ80 also perfectly fits in your hand, and with an ergonomic grip for ease of use. Furthermore, the touch-enabled 3-inch display and high resolution 1,170 dot viewfinder will stay clear even in the blazing sun.
The Good
- Powerful 18.1-megapixel MOS sensor delivers high quality images
- High-resolution viewfinder and LCD for easy viewing
- Can capture 4K videos with 3840 X 2160 resolution
- Low light performance and Wi-Fi connectivity
The Bad
- Customizing system software requires some experience
Panasonic Lumix 4K Digital Camera with 30X LEICA DC (Runner-Up)
Realize what you have been missing in your video and photography regimen when you finally get the Panasonic Lumix 4K Digital Camera. This unit features a 30x (24 720nm) LEICA DC lens, which is suited for everyday photography purposes. It also features a powerful 18-megapixel sensor, which ensures high-resolution images, and with fewer image artifacts.
For 4K Ultra HD video recording, this camera comes with Post Focus Photo capture functions. It even comes with Eye Level Electronic Viewfinder and touch-enabled LCD, for a wide viewing experience. Harsh sunlight can make even the brightest camera difficult to view. Thus, the LUMIX ZS60K Viewfinder activates automatically when you lift the camera to your eye. This way, you can view every detail and capture every shot that you are looking for.
The camera also features a control ring, which offers optimal control when used. Aside from providing smooth manual control of the aperture, shutter speed, zoom and focus, you will find it easy to customize to handle specific settings.
The Good
- 30x (24 720nm) LEICA DC lens suited for long-distance photography
- Eye-Level Electronic Viewfinder and touch-enabled LCD
- Lens mounted control ring brings DSLR like exposure control
- 4K Ultra HD recording plus exclusive post focus functions
The Bad
- Wide angle lens is not powerful in dark scenes
Nikon Coolpix S7000 16 MP Digital Camera
Pull out the Coolpix S7000 16MP digital camera out of your pocket or purse, and instantly enjoy capturing those special moments in your life. The camera packs all the useful features you need to shoot like a pro, in a compact unit.
For instance, the camera features wireless connections such as Wifi and Near Field Communication Technology for ease of file management. It also features Vibration Reduction, which does well to enhance the quality of your 16M photos. The camera also comes with scene modes, which you can use to overcome tricking shooting conditions.
For those who love tweaking their images and photos, the S7000 has several image effects such as sepia, black and white and more. When you need to even more reach, you can rely on the 20x optical zoom lens. Taking things further, this camera can also record footage in Full HD 1080/60i and with stereo sound quality.
The Good
- Wi fi and Near Field Communication technology for file management
- Vibration Reduction helps to keep photos sharp
- 20x optical zoom lens
- Four-axis hybrid vibration reduction
The Bad
- N/A
Olympus TG-5 Waterproof Camera (Best Travel Camera)
Enjoy optimal imaging power and compactness when you have the Olympus TG-5 camera. This unit has a heavy-duty design, which is freezeproof, dustproof, crushproof and more. More so, it has a rugged design, which is packed with several pro shooting functions, such as F2.0 high-speed lens. Even more, the camera can perform 20fps burst shooting in RAW, and the anti-fog dual-pane glass delivers the best image quality.
Also, the TG-5 lets you take on the most challenging shooting conditions, and come back with jawdropping images. Thanks to the inclusion of the specialized image sensor and advanced dual-core TruePic VIII processor, you get pictures with minimal noise.
The TG-5 will also free fast-moving action with ease, and it can take exceptional shots even at 20 fps. The camera also does well to nail awkward photos, that require split-second timing. It can buffer several high-resolution images, then captures the exact moment in previous five frames with just a single press of a button.
The Good
- Can capture Ultra HD 4K images at 120fps
- Also records Record movement and environmental data
- Use the free Olympus Image Track app to view files
The Bad
- The app could have more functions
Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II Compact Digital Camera (Best Compact Camera)
Equip yourself with the Canon Powershot G9 X Mark II Digital camera, which is perfect for streaming and viewing video content. The camera features a powerful DIGIC 7 image processor, which provides optimal noise reduction, even at high ISO settings.
Thus, it can help capture sharp and detailed images, even in any lighting conditions. More so, this feature also powers enhanced tracking and detection functions, which lets you lock onto your subject throughout the shooting action.
Also, the camera has a time-lapse movie function, which is also a fun and creative option. Thus, you will be able to condense long periods, into short and compelling videos for your audiences.
The Good
- 20.1-megapixel high sensitivity CMOS sensor
- Ultra-slim and lightweight pocket camera design
- Comes with a convenient touch screen panel for ease of use
- DIGIC 7 image processor provides noise reduction at high ISO settings
The Bad
- Battery warms up when used for long
Sony DSCW830 20.1 MP Digital Camera
You are a savvy shopper if you know about Sony Cameras. Thus, this is why this list also features the Sony DSCW830 Digital Camera. It’s a camera with all the unique features you need to capture quality footage and images.
The powerful 20.1-megapixel CCD image sensor delivers gorgeous images, with excellent contrast and clarity quality. With 20.1 megapixels, you will find it easy to produce stunning photo-quality prints and even crop your images. More so, the 8x zoom Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar lens does well to get closer to your subjects each time.
With Sony`s Active Mode image stabilization, you have the freedom to shoot movies, even when walking or running. To support this function, the DSCW830 features an Active Mode, which will correct both vertical and horizontal motion. As far as video recording goes, this can record in 720p quality, with a resolution level of 1280 x 720 high definition MP4 video.
It’s a standard video format when using your PC to produce high quality movies, and also leveraging optical zoom functions. With this camera, you will reach beyond the performance of the conventional wide-angle lens, to capture breathtaking shots.
The Good
- 20.1 megapixel plus 8x zoom function
- Optical steady shot image stabilization for smooth images
- Can shoot and record 720p MP4 HD movies
- Capable of panorama shooting and minimum illumination
The Bad
- N/A
Finally
If you are searching for a conventional camera which you can tag along anywhere, and still deliver jaw-dropping shots, then you need a good camera. The best point and shoot camera under 500 might just fit this bill. At such a price point, you are bound to find a powerful camera, which has several unique functions for your needs.
