The 8 Best Points and Shoot Camera Under $300
A point and shoot (PS) camera, also termed as the compact camera is a still camera purposely designed for simple operations. Many PS use focus free lenses or autofocus feature for focusing, automatic functions for setting the exposure options and got inbuilt flash units. For amateur photographers, and anyone in need of an easy-to-use camera for vacations, ceremonies and other events, point and shoot cameras are the best.
Have you been tirelessly in search of a better camera that offers excellent image quality than a smartphone? If so, then you are on the perfect platform. You will be overwhelmed by the best point and shoot cameras under $300 that are just as light as a phone, more versatile, hardier, and low light performing. Generally, the best point and shoot camera are tough and rugged, have longer zooms, and have better sensors.
However, before you dig deep into your pocket, consider the cheapest DSLR Camera 4k Video with tilting LCD screens if you want to achieve creative shots. You should also look for viewfinders if you tend to do most of the outdoor events. Otherwise, the PS camera has many features that a smartphone lacks, and you can get the best from renowned brands like Nikon, Canon, Sony, and Kodak.
Why Should You Get Yourself A Point And Shoot Camera?
Shooting pictures and videos with your phone can drain your battery and consume enormous phone storage space for other useful apps. However, if you want to save on your storage and phone battery life, then a point and shoot camera do that. When you are traveling, you wouldn’t wish your phone to run out of charge or your phone storage space full.
On the other hand, capturing a moving object is nearly impossible with a smartphone since the images end up blurry. Hence, PS cameras provide better performance. Most of them have an improved shutter lag and a shutter release button, resulting in a more comfortable holding and pre-focusing. The presence of better zoom in and zoom out feature compromises, not on the image quality.
Furthermore, the cameras have a sensor and optical image stabilization that delivers sound quality effects even when your camera shakes or tilt while taking a picture. For smartphones, they have the digital image stabilizer feature the same as the digital zoom, but it lowers the image quality. Besides, the point and shoot cameras have some great on-camera editing features that improve image quality.
What Are The 8 Best Point and Shoot Cameras Under $300?
1. Panasonic Lumix FZ80 4K Digital Camera
Lumix FZ80 is a perfect point-and-shoot camera for travelers and the best professional camera for beginners photographers, the Panasonic Lumix FZ40 has travel-ready technologies like USB charging and Wi-Fi connectivity to your mobile device for on the go convenience.
Besides, the high-resolution 4K video technology enables you to capture fast-paced action in stunning quality and create printable photos with 4K Photo’s blistering 30 frames per second burst feature. However, this point and shoot long-zoom camera is lightweight with 1.36lbs and comes with high-resolution 1,170K-dot viewfinder and a rear touch-enabled 3-inch LCD that provides immersive view even in bright sunlight.
The 18.1-megapixel MOS sensor plus the 60X zoom DC VARIO lens and an Optical Image Stabilizer capture far-off moments with clarity.
PROS
- Excellent battery life
- 4K VIDEO RECORDING
- Impressive low light performance
- High-quality images
- Awesome zoom power
CONS
- No focus rings
2. Canon PowerShot SX530 HS Digital Camera
Canon SX530 weighs 3lbs and comes with powerful 50x Optical Zoom that helps to maintain focus and composition when working at longer focal lengths. The large 3.0-inch LCD with a screen resolution of 461,000 dots allows easy viewing, live view monitoring, and video playback even from a wide-angle.
The 16.0 Megapixel, high-sensitivity CMOS sensor, combined with the Canon DIGIC 4 Image Processor produces high-resolution images with great clarity. Besides, this point and shoot camera capture stunning 1080p full HD video with easy access from a dedicated movie button.
The camera comes with a kit package including Canon PowerShot SX530 – flexible Tripod Small – Vidpro Camera, and 3 Piece lens cleaning Kit, 24GB Memory Card wallet, and replacement NB6L Lithium Ion Replacement Battery.
PROS
- Lightweight
- High-resolution image sensor
- Crystal clear images
- Comfortable grip
- Excellent design quality
CONS
- No warranty
3. Panasonic Lumix ZS60K 4K Digital Camera
You can capture more excitement, more life, and memories that will last for years with the clarity of the cheapest point and shoot camera with 4K video. The LUMIX records every journey in up to 3840 x 2160P detail, four times the quality of Full HD. The VARIO-ELMAR Lens includes a 30x optical zoom that gets you close to everything that concerns your interest.
However, the 5-Axis HYBRID Optical Image Stabilizer Plus detects and suppresses blurring even when the camera is tilted. Interestingly, the viewfinder activates itself when you take the camera to your eye, so you can see each detail and capture the shot you’re looking for.
The 4K photo allows you to achieve the perfect moment in 30fps, and select your best photo after shooting. Besides, the 18.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor records high-quality images in incredible detail and clarity.
PROS
- Lightweight pocket-sized
- 4K Ultra HD video recording
- Automatic eye viewfinder
- Relatively cheap Relatively cheap
- Long optical zoom
CONS
- Poor warranty
4. Panasonic Lumix FZ300 Long Zoom Digital Camera
Lumix FZ300 is the best outdoor point and shoot digital camera rugged weatherproof camera that delivers professional-quality multimedia imaging has never been easy to achieve with any other camera. Besides, the 4K photo technology enables you to shoot 30 frames per second in crystal-clear 4K Ultra HD Video as individual photos.
The storing space is sufficient with a 64GB high-speed memory card. However, the powerful 24x zoom with a constant f2.8 aperture lets you shoot with determination in low light and without the risk of blurred results due to slower shutter speeds.
The 12.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS Sensor, combined with the Venus Engine it yields images that are crystal clear and free from artifacts associated with small aperture settings. Other features include 5-Axis Hybrid IOS, 3inch touch panel, and 12fps burst shooting.
PROS
- High image quality
- 4K photo technology
- Low light shooting
- Weatherproof design
- Wi-Fi enabled
CONS
- Relatively costly
5. Canon PowerShot SX730 Digital Camera
Capture every fantastic moment with a 20.3 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor, which delivers powerful imaging performance. However, shoot subjects near, far, and in-between, with the PowerShot SX730 HS digital camera’s powerful 40x Optical Zoom.
Besides, The DIGIC 6 Image Processor helps boost image quality in both images and videos for high resolution with less noise when capturing in a dark environment. Plus, the 3.0-inch screen can be tilted upwards to 180 degrees for better results.
Thanks to built-in wireless technology and the Canon Camera Connect app, using the PowerShot SX730, you can share photos and videos to and from compatible devices. Share your photos and videos right away with a range of connection options, including versatile built-in Bluetooth and built-in Wi-Fi and NFC technology.
PROS
- Full HD video recording
- Powerful 40x optical zoom
- High-resolution images
- Compact lightweight design
- Wireless picture transfer
CONS
- Not 4K enabled
6. Nikon COOLPIX B500 Digital Camera-Black
Get closer to what matters with 40x optical zoom. The 40x optical zoom gives you super telephoto power, then Dynamic Fine Zoom, an improved digital zoom, effectively doubles to 80x zoom for far away shots. The camera comes with a tilting 3.0-inch 921,000-dot LCD makes it easy to compose your shots and monitor your video recording.
Also, available is a 32GB SDHC High-Speed Memory Card and four 2950mah AA Batteries. Moreover, the built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth maintain a constant connection between the app and your camera.
Each shot you capture automatically transfers to your smartphone or tablet for sharing, editing with photo apps, or uploading to your favorite sites. The lens-Shift Vibration Reduction keeps your shots steady, crucial at such long distances. Plus, a 16-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor captures every detail.
PROS
- Comfortable grip
- Complete accessories
- Amazing zoom lens
- Long-lasting batteries
- High-speed memory card
CONS
- No warranty
7. Crystal Nikon COOLPIX B500 Digital Camera (Black) Bundle
The COOLPIX B500 is a reconditioned best digital camera under $300. It feels cozy in your hands, whether zooming with its super telephoto NIKKOR glass lens or recording 1080p Full HD video using the tilt LCD. It also shoots beautiful photos and videos with its 16-megapixel low-light sensor, controls, fun creative effects, lens-shift vibration reduction (VR), easy menus, and outstanding automatic operation.
Additionally, the COOLPIX B500 can be quickly and seamlessly connected to a compatible smartphone through Bluetooth technology for instant photo transfer and remote camera control upon shooting.
The tilting 3.0-inch LCD makes it easy to monitor your video recording and find exciting new shooting angles. However, capture moments in Full HD 1080P quality with stereo sound with a thrilling fast-motion sequence.
PROS
- Rechargeable batteries
- Brilliant photos and videos
- Affordable
- Wi-Fi enabled
- Super telescope zoom
CONS
- Used
8. Nikon COOLPIX B500 Digital Camera New-Red
The COOLPIX B500’s large, tilting 3.0-inch 921,000 dot LCD makes it easy to compose your shots and monitor your video recording. Also, you can use it to find exciting capturing angles. Besides, reviewing and sharing your creations is a pleasure.
Each shot and video look fantastic on the high-resolution display. With the 16-megapixel low-light sensor, capture incredibly beautiful photos and videos. However, this digital powerful video camera records moments in Full HD 1080p quality with stereo sound.
Interestingly, anyone can take great photos and videos with it. You just turn the camera on, point, shoot, and stare at the results. Secure auto mode offers top point-and-shoot convenience.
PROS
- Easy to operate
- Full HD videos
- Outstanding automatic operations
- High-resolution display
- Blur free images and videos
CONS
- No warranty
Bottom Line
If you are a photo enthusiast looking for something that can deliver quality images more than your smartphone can look no further, provided in this article is among the best point and shoot camera available for sale that doesn’t break a bank.
These cameras have attractive features that a smartphone can’t afford, and their versatility will meet any of your shooting needs. However, this guideline will help you pick the best camera that fits your budget and use.