A point-and-shoot camera, also known as a compact camera, is a type of camera designed primarily for simple operation. It is a small, easy-to-use camera with a built-in lens that offers a step-up in quality from smartphone cameras while being more affordable and less cumbersome than a DSLR or mirrorless camera. Here are some key features of point-and-shoot cameras:
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Automatic focus and exposure: Point-and-shoot cameras use focus-free lenses or autofocus for focusing and automatic systems for setting the exposure.
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Fixed lenses: Point-and-shoot cameras have fixed lenses, meaning they cannot be switched out. Some have zoom lenses, while others have fixed focal length options.
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Limited manual control: Point-and-shoot cameras have no options to manually set the aperture, shutter speed, and focus.
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Affordability: Point-and-shoot cameras are generally smaller, more lightweight, and more affordable than their DSLR counterparts.
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Portability: Point-and-shoot cameras are convenient to use and are great for travel.
Point-and-shoot cameras can range from cheap throw-aways to pocket-sized digitals. Even high-end cameras have a point-and-shoot option, in which the camera makes all settings automatically. Some types of point-and-shoot digital cameras include premium compact cameras with a large sensor and prime lens optimized for travel and street photography, vlogging cameras with a flip screen and wide-angle or ultra wide-angle lens, and travel zoom cameras with a compact body. Fixed-lens cameras that include an all-in-one superzoom lens in a large DSLR-style body are known as bridge cameras.
While smartphones have impacted their sales and usage, point-and-shoot cameras still hold a steady place in camera bags of pros and hobbyists alike, especially when it comes to travel. They offer higher-quality images, the ability to zoom much closer to your subject, more control over your camera settings, and, depending on the model, professional-friendly features like being able to shoot RAW images.
