Top 5 best point and shoot camera 2025
The best point and shoot cameras for phone-beating snaps
Even if modern smartphones come with great cameras, there will still be a market for the greatest point-and-shoot cameras in 2025. In reality, a few versions became popular in 2024, and since more and more people are eschewing their phones’ screens in favor of taking pictures with their cameras, we anticipate that interest in portable snappers will increase even more this year.
In 2025, there won’t be many options because cellphones have significantly reduced point-and-shoot sales. Nonetheless, new models are coming out, and some of the greatest point-and-shoots are now available, like the high-end Sony Cybershot RX100 VII and the Panasonic Lumix ZS99 / TZ99 with its flexible 30x optical zoom.
Our selection of top picks is based on our extensive testing of point-and-shoots under real-world circumstances. A retro aesthetic, a lengthy optical zoom, or better image quality are just a few of the distinctive features that distinguish each from the top camera phones. To make your choice easier, we’ve evaluated a wide range of factors, including build quality, usability, stability, and overall image quality. The findings of our evaluations are compiled in this list. There is also a section for additional point-and-shoots, some of which are used deals, and it’s also worth looking at our guide to the best small cameras.
Table of Contents
BEST ZOOM
1. Panasonic Lumix ZS99 / TZ99
BEST PREMIUM
2. Sony RX100 VII
BEST PHOTO QUALITY
3. Ricoh GR IIIx
BEST RUGGED
4. OM System Tough TG-7
BEST FOR VIDEO
5. Sony ZV-1 II
1. Panasonic Lumix ZS99 / TZ99
Panasonic invented the ‘travel-zoom’ point-and-shoot camera genre, which includes the ZS99 and TZ99. This particular camera has a 30-x optical zoom and a 24-720mm focal range, and it is backed by five-axis image stabilization. In our assessment, we noticed that the zoom combination of the previous ZS100/TZ100 model, which is replaced by the ZS99/ZS99, was quite effective. Although there are comparable cameras with larger zooms, our testing revealed that the ZS100/TZ100 provides the best value.
The attractive 3-inch touchscreen with an easy-to-use selfie mode that tilts up is one of the key features. Even though the original’s viewfinder was a 0.2-inch device, Panasonic regrettably eliminated it from the more recent model. There aren’t many cameras or smartphones on this list that have a viewfinder, so we’re including the ZS99 and TZ99.
Nevertheless, the ZS99 and TZ99 have remarkable 4K video quality, in-camera raw editing capabilities, and the ability to shoot in raw format. Additionally, the ZS99/TZ99 is reasonably priced at a time when it’s difficult to buy a new point-and-shoot for less than $1,000 or £1,000.
2. Sony RX100 VII
The RX100 VII is the high watermark of Sony’s RX100 series, which has long been the benchmark for high-end compact cameras. It is practically packed with features, but its class-leading autofocus—which allows it to reliably track moving subjects like speeding pets or lock onto people with its Face/Eye AF mode—is what makes it the best for point-and-shoot usability.
The RX100 VII is also a pretty dab hand at video, offering detailed 4K footage with minimal rolling shutter and useful features like a microphone jack. Aside from its price tag, we found that the only real drawbacks of this camera are its lack of touchscreen functionality and a fairly average battery life. Some people may also prefer the handling and shooting experience of the Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III.
With the release of the RX100 Mark VII, Sony’s RX100 series of tiny cameras—which have been among the most well-liked among enthusiasts—has gained some new life.
The Sony RX100 VII, the seventh model in the series, has many design elements with the RX100 VI. It comes with the same lens, which has a maximum aperture of f/2.8-4.5 and a 24-200mm zoom range in 35mm terms.
A newly designed 1-inch stacked CMOS sensor, which again gives 20.1MP, a BIONZ X processing engine, and five-axis picture stabilization—all made possible by compensating elements shifting inside the lens—are also included.
3. Ricoh GR IIIx
If you’re looking for a really portable camera with high-quality photos, the Ricoh GR III series is the best option. While the original GR III packed a wider 28mm f/2.8 lens, we’ve included the GR IIIx here, which has a sharp 40mm f/2.8 fixed focal length lens. In our opinion, the GR IIIx is the more adaptable package overall. It offers a 71mm effective focal length, which works well with the close focusing mode for macro photos, along with a natural perspective to the human eye and a digital crop. However, the original might be a better option if you like landscapes over individuals.
According to our evaluation, the GRIII X is a fantastic pocket-sized everyday camera with a big APS-C sensor, a sharp lens, and beautiful color profiles for smartphone-level image quality. Its Snap Focus technology, which makes it an easy-to-use camera for capturing pivotal moments, is a favorite among street photographers.
Although we would prefer a built-in flash, viewfinder, and tilt screen, as well as longer battery life, the GR III series of cameras is far from flawless. However, considering how small the body is, such compromises are reasonable. The GR IIIx is a winner if you’re looking for great image quality, fast performance, and easy handling in a portable package, along with a ton of fantastic customization options and in-camera raw editing.
4. OM System Tough TG-7
When it comes to a point-and-shoot, the OM System Tough TG-7 is just what you need. Bring it with you, pack it in your suitcase, and even give it to your children. You can be confident it will endure all the bumps and bruises you may encounter, no matter where you take it or what you do with it. In addition to being durable, the Tough TG-7 has an IPX8 rating, which means it is waterproof and ideal for submersion up to 15 meters below the surface.
The 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor of the camera captures 12MP pictures. You can choose between 4K at 30 frames per second and 60 frames per second at 1080p if you like slow motion. You will still receive acceptable, reasonably sized video even though this camera isn’t capable of producing crisp, dramatic film. The Tough TG-7 does a special job of removing the barrier between you and nature, enabling you to get out and about more than ever before, even though other smartphones have better optics.
5. Sony ZV-1 II
The ZV-1 II is a hybrid, pocket-sized device with a feature set that leans toward video, just like the original. Because it has the same sensor and processor as the original model, you can still get good 4K/30p video that is suitable for posting on social media. During testing, we discovered that its 18–50mm equivalent zoom range was more adaptable for photo and video, with a beautiful bokeh produced by an f/1.8 aperture at the wide end. Additionally, we believed that anyone switching from a smartphone would find the updated touchscreen interface easier to use.
The autofocus performance in testing, together with the helpful addition of animal detection in video mode, impressed us, just like it did with the ZV-1. The absence of a headphone port, in-body image stabilization, and a 45-minute battery life are still some of the device’s shortcomings. Objectively speaking, considering the few improvements available, the ZV-1 likewise offers greater value. However, the ZV-1 II is a great choice if you’re looking for a little aircraft that can cover a lot of ground.
Canon, Sony, and Panasonic have historically been the top manufacturers of point-and-shoot cameras. And while the popularity of smartphones has caused all three to basically stop producing low-cost versions, taken as a whole, they produce the greatest pocketable, user-friendly cameras available (apart from phones).
Our list above reflects this. High-quality lenses, huge sensors, handling, and, in some situations, outstanding zooms more than make up for the computational photography talents lacking in Lumix, Cyber-shot, and Powershot cameras. The best bridge cameras are also produced by Sony, Panasonic, and Canon.
Other manufacturers are useful if you have a more specialized need, such as extremely tough cameras for stills or video. The Tough series, which is now led by the TG-7, has a long history with Olympus (formerly OM System). And for video producers who require something durable and waterproof for outdoor excursions, GoPro remains the greatest point-and-shoot option available.
The most insightful method to understand the inner workings of the top point-and-shoot cameras is through real-world testing. Therefore, we evaluate every camera to see how it performs in real-world situations in addition to standardizing tests for things like ISO performance.
To determine its strengths, we will evaluate its startup speed and use it both handled and, if feasible, on a tripod. Additionally, we test the burst shooting and buffer performance of a formatted SD card by shooting in both raw and JPEG (if available).
We use the single point, area, and continuous autofocus modes that are available for autofocusing. Naturally, we examine its metering accuracy and reliability, noise handling capabilities, and reduction of distortion and fringing. By recording some test footage at various frame rates and resolutions, its video shooting abilities are also evaluated.