Whether it’s New Year celebration with your family, an exotic summer holiday with your partner, or even a solo traveling experience, you always cherish to capture such moments (it’s a fact you know). Factually, a good camera that transforms your moment into loving memories is not less than a celestial bliss. To be very honest, in a market full of high to low-end cameras, DSLRs to point and shoot cameras, it’s laborious to find a perfect pick for your purpose. Consequently, my focus is to provide you some best point and shoot cameras under 400 that can decorate and pamper your moments with great care.
With a booming trend of DSLRs, why to choose a compact point and shoot camera? The answer is simple, straight, and most importantly, in 3 to 4 words; they are compact, easy to use, less complex to learn and maintain, and obviously cheap(mysterious smile moment). The market of compact point to shoot cameras is highly saturated, and one will find it harder which one is the right value to their bucks.
5 Best Point and Shoot Cameras Under $400 in 2022
S No. | Camera Name | Optical Sensor/Zoom | Video Quality |
---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 | 20M/8X | 720p HD |
2. | Canon PowerShot SX740 | 20.3M/40X | 1080P FHD |
3. | Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS70K | 20.3M/30X | 2160p 4k UHD |
4. | Sony DSCHX80/B | 18.2M/30X | 1080P FHD |
5. | Nikon COOLPIX A900 | 20M/35x | 2160p 4k UHD |
Best Point and Shoot Cameras under 400
1. Canon PowerShot ELPH 180
Starting out the best point and shoot cameras listing, we have this cannon Power ELPH 180 20MP camera. Basically, if you don’t know about the ELPH series, this device is an upper version of the ELPH 160 model.
Well, jumping into the purpose of this gadget, it’s not a thing that will satisfy your photography buds. However, this PowerShot model is a superb choice for casual clicks as it’s an entry-level device.
Canon ELPH 180 model has got a DIGIC 4+ image processor, which is an improved version of DIGI 3. Technically, when it comes to faster signal processing, this version of the processor does the job 1.3 times faster than the previous one.
Also, as far as the image noise is concerned, embrace this gadget with a much lower image noise ratio.
Furthermore, this thing looks outstanding as it carries an 8x optical zoom with optical image stabilization. So, when you ask for some photography and image capturing abilities, this compact point and shoot camera add pretty bold colors and beautiful depth to your clicks.
In addition to this, the autofocus function is super quick while adapting its working according to scenarios.
And how we can forget about 8x optical zoom, which is really a stand out feature considering an inexpensive point and shoot digital cameras. Due to this optical zoom, say hello to deeper zoom to your clicks without compromising on picture quality.
So, at the still images department, it smartly does what it supposed to be, yet what about video performance?
Canon has given a 720HD video feature, which is a bit lack as it’s not fully HD (1080p). The video quality is supreme and records the objects at 25fps speed with their true and accurate colors. However, video stabilization is a feature that needs slight improvement.
Anyhow, with such a budget tag, you can’t complain about such performance that is still better than your highest-end smartphone.
Besides all these technical aspects of this canon boy, you will get a 2.7” fixed LCD instead of the viewfinder. At the usage and function side, the auto-zoom is a unique thing that automatically zooms an object for better focus and frameset.
Coming at an overall look, Canon ELPHA 180 is one of the best compact cameras in canon lineup with lightest weigh around 1lbs.
Specifications:
Warranty: 1 Year
- It provides image stabilization.
- The auto-zoom feature is a bonus in such a price bracket
- Easy to use, carry and maintain
- It comes with face detection focusing
- Video is not fully HD
- Screen resolution is low 230kDots
As mentioned earlier, Canon has developed this thing with the intent of casual and light use. So, apart from your high-end handset, this is a perfect budget item for high-resolution clicks. A 32GB external memory card allows you to unlimited stock photos to your collection.
Best Canon Point and Shoot Cameras
2. Canon PowerShot SX740
If you are a Canon fanboy and above mentioned Canon device didn’t fascinate you well, be at peace, this canon boy will surely do.
Momentarily, take it into your notice, this is the 4th generation camera in Powershot SX700 series and is one of the best canon point and shoot cameras in a limited budget.
It comes with some minor updates in comparison with the previous SX730 model. The up-gradation includes the soft 4K video option, which means it can be your perfect Vlogging or some sort of travel camera.
Straightly coming to the performance, it comes with a retractable zoom lens doing 40x optical zoom with 5x image stabilization. Now, 40x zoom means you have the most extended reach to capture photos without disturbing the image pixels.
This model also can do zoom up to 40x zoom, but it carries the digital zoom, and that means you are ready to give away image quality.
Anyway, the talk about the quality of images is simple, and there is no question about the image quality as the SX700 series primarily known for its sharp and more exposed color quality.
In addition to this, the autofocus is swift, and specifically, in traveling scenarios, it picks the object quite nicely.
Playing more in the Image modes, you have an iconic canon burst mode, which I guess takes continuous 10 shots (not sure about the exact number). Also, this feature allows you to make a time-lapse video for Instagram stories or your kids playing in your home.
The canon SX740 model has a small half-inch sensor, which slightly lags in low-light scenarios. Yet, here the popup flash comes into play for better image quality in dark scenery.
As we discussed, this upgraded model comes with 4K + 1080FHD video performance. The 4K video performance is soft, and it doesn’t seem a full-fledge 4K recorder. Moreover, the auto mode records the video at 1080p.
For 4K video performance, make sure you have tapped the Movie Mode Feature. So, if you are choosing it primarily for the 4K video option, it may not serve your purpose perfectly.
So coming to aesthetics and other features, canon has designed its metal body with smart HCI design. All buttons are on top allows you to grip the camera device excellently. Plus, the tilted and 180 degrees flip-able 3” LCD screen grants you to start your Vlogging or photography career in a low price tag.
The value of money goes to heights with WIFI and NFC connectivity. Thus, you have a smartphone in your pocket, let’s connect it with your phone and capture the moments through your phone.
Specifications:
Weight: 0.98oz
Features: Time Lapse Video, NFC, WiFi, Bluetooth, Pop Out/in Flash, Retractable Lens, 1 Lithium Polymer batteries
Warranty: 1 Year Limited
- The image and video quality is outclass
- It comes with maximum 40x zoom for longest reach
- 180 degree moveable LCD becomes helpful to use this device
- The build quality is great
- No touch screen feature is available
- Doesn’t shoot in RAW
This Canon PowerShot SX740 is an outstanding option to start your photography and Vlogging journey in a limited budget.
Specifically, the 1080FHD and 4K video with flip-able LCD helps to shoot a video for the YouTube channel and also captures the low profile scenery with ease. Also, the robust metal body makes it tough for rough use.
Best Point and Shoot Cameras with viewfinder
3. Panasonic Lumix ZS70k
Somehow, if canon PowerShot SX740 doesn’t serve enough exposure to your need, here is the Panasonic Lumix ZS70k. Interestingly, this indirectly falls into competition with the canon boy.
Just clearing some clouds of confusion, note that this Lumix ZS70 model, also known as TZ90 in some markets.
Anyways, if you are in the league of users who want to savor much variety of features and options, Lumix ZS70K or TZ90 is the best point and shoot camera in an extra cut of the price.
Some of the features which most of the brands offer in a product of over 500$, Panasonic Lumix boy comes with under a 400$ budget. The features like touch, viewfinder, 4K video, and mega-zoom are the main ingredients in the development of this Panasonic gadget.
This camera comes with a 30X optical zoom with LEICA retractable lens. In addition to this, the sensor carries a value of 20MP with a 5 Axis Hybrid O.I.S (Optical Image Stabilization) feature for most intact photography.
When it comes to picture quality, it keeps the colors of objects natural and accurate. However, it seems there are less saturation and greenish touch in the results on auto mode. Yet, you can change modes and settings for perfect results and color grading.
Plus, the panoramic mode is something where many devices disappoint you. Happy Face! This Camera also holds this feature for perfect travel selfies.
The video features a full UHD 4K mode, and it can be your best point and shoot camera for vlogging in a minimal budget. A dedicated 4k mode button has been given on the right of LCD so you can change the mode with a relaxed approach of thumb.
This Lumix model records 4K video on auto mode; however, the button is for the purpose you can shuffle between 1080FHD and 4K mode.
This DC-ZX70 model ensures a 3” flip-up 180 degrees LCD with touch properties. So when you get tired of pressing the button on the menu, use this touch feature for easy access to features. Here you can read our another Panasonic Lumix ZS60 product review article.
Specifications:
Weight: 0.71lb
Features: Wi-Fi, 1 Lithium-Ion Battery, Electronic ViewFinder, 180 Degree Flip LCD, Touch Screen, Panoramic Mode, Retractable Lens.
Warranty: 1 Year Limited
- The 1000+ mAh battery gives sound video recording and clicks timing
- It provides a touch screen for better accessibility of features
- The images and video both have 4K mode
- It comes with extremely competitive price
- It provides an electronic viewfinder
- The microphone struggles a bit in noisy and windy conditions as it records noise.
- Image and video result lacks bit saturation and has grains.
This Lumix ZX70 or TZ-90 is a loaded package that gets featured in the most inexpensive price tag. With mega 30x zoom, 5x hybrid image stabilization, 4K video mode on flip-able LCD, it’s not only an all-rounder device yet a most reasonable Vlogging solution too.
Inexpensive point and shoot digital cameras
4. Sony DSCHX80/B
So, here is another perfect gadget for a mid-range budget that not only gives leverage to enjoy pure and bold colors of objects but won’t break your bank too.
This model originated from the HX series and is like a big brother of HX50 and other models.
Looking for more Vlggoing and selfie intent thing? This Sony HX80 carries the goodies of 180 degrees Flip-able 3” LCD screen. However, it doesn’t hold the touch screen feature, but it’s an ignorable feature when you put your eyes on the price tag.
Unlike the conventional 20MP image sensor, it comes with an 18.2 Cyber Shot megapixel sensor that shoots a 1080FHD video at a 60fps rate. Remarkably, the 60 fps is something which is one of the most standout features of this Sony device.
At the moment, when most of the cameras produce average or below-average performance at video stabilization, the DCSHX80 model rings the victory bells with its premium focused performance. Even with full zoom and moving objects, the auto focus features works like a charm.
Although the video is without a 4K feature, you can still enjoy the 1080FHD with true and sharp colors. Moreover, 30x optical zoom with image stabilization also swings your mood big time.
One thing you’ll find really unique and exciting is the popup like an electronic viewfinder. There is a button on the left side of the camera that, upon pressing it, pops out a built-in viewfinder.
Sony has smartly designed this feature, and when you put your eye in front of the viewfinder, the LCD gets turned off, saving the battery time. In a case of not using the viewfinder, you can quickly press this thing, and it gets buried again in the camera.
Aesthetically, the camera gives a premium and compact look. Notably, a rubber-like head at the front side of the camera provides more adhesiveness to your hand to grip your pocket camera firmly.
Furthermore, the tripod port is right next to the battery case, so it’s a little annoying when you want to remove the battery. You have to remove tripod and such other gears as they become a barrier for the battery case to open up.
Specifications:
Weight: 1.06lbs
Features: Wi-Fi, NFC, FHD 1080P Video Capturing, 60fps Video recording, 30X Optical Zoom, 1 Lithium-Ion Battery, 1 Pop Out/in Flash and Viewfinder
Warranty: 1 Year Limited
- The color tone for images and video is impeccable
- The 60 fps rate is really a worthy feature
- Video stabilization is spectacular
- The price is extremely competitive
- It also comes with Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity
- Doesn’t come with 4K video feature
The build quality and durability of the Sony product are unquestionably unmatchable. So you need a Vlogging or travel camera solution with better video stabilization, your search will end here with this Sony DSCHX80 model.
Best Point and Shoot Camera for travel
5. Nikon COOLPIX A900
Wandering around in camera niche, and how can we overlook Nikon as one of the leading players of the market? So, here is the Nikon COOLPIX A900 camera that can be your another travel partner or Vlogging starter pack.
The camera is build up with a mixture of plastic and metal. Yet, you’ll discover many innovative things in this device. The overall look is like old-school thing, and when it’s come sleekness and compactness, it does a pretty average job.
Technically, the COOLPIX A900 sustains a 20MP BSI CMOS image sensor. Moreover, the 35x optical zoom brings the object closer to you without distorting the actual value.
The image quality is superb and gives accurate definition and exposure to the objects. Yet, you have a higher-end smartphone like iPhone 7 or upper version and want to upgrade the level of photography; it may not soothes your expectations.
However, it does an impressive job in a low-light situation with and without the flash.
Besides, when it comes to Vlogging setup or any travel memories, this device can record a 4k video at 30fps rate and 1080FHD at 60fps impressive speed. The video results for both modes are genuinely sharp and focused.
Yet, when you try to zoom and record the video, the autofocus delays a bit to target the objects accurately.
The one more good news about this thing is, Nikon has made the usability easy. Although this point and shoot camera don’t offer touch screen yet the 3” screen is flip-able and also hinges outwards to give you maximum freedom to use on difficult situations.
In addition to this, the Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity allow you to share your photos to the handset like a child’s play
Nikon doesn’t give a standalone charge for battery charging, but it comes with the USB data cable that directly attaches to the camera and charges the battery.
Well, this approach isn’t handy for an extra battery backup, and you have to purchase a standalone charger separately.
Specifications:
Weight: 1.1 lbs
Features: Images Stabilization, Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth, Lithium-Ion Battery, 35x Optical Zoom, 7 Fps Continous Shoot
Warranty: No Warranty
- The camera design and build quality are charismatic and great.
- The 35x zoom brings things much closer without damage to resolution
- The video recording abilities are splendid
- The much flexible LCD gives you a more prosperous position to shoot
- Low-light performance is excellent
- Doesn’t come with a standalone charger
- The auto focus is a bit slow in some conditions
Nikon A900 COOLPIX gives extreme easy and flexible usability in tough and unreachable positions. The video quality and standards are utterly sharp, which can be a perfect solution for your Vlogging startup or career.
Factors to Look While Buying a Best Point and Shoot Camera Under 400$
There is a bunch of features that one should look while making their mind to buy a point and shoot camera. Yet, as a layman, you should necessarily look at things which are listed below:
Zoom Type is a trick: While picking up a camera, you must know what type of zoom is your need. Point and shoot cameras come with digital or optical or a combination of both zoom types to target a specific purpose. It’s up to you what you choose better.
By the way, optical zoom performs way better than digital zoom for not shaking the picture quality.
Must know about Megapixels (MP): Now, this term carries lots of misconceptions and miscalculations. Basically, people think bigger the megapixel numbers, the better the image quality will be. Well, things don’t behave like that way.
Primarily, if you appeal to have better screen beauty, especially in low light scenarios, image sensors should be of high value. Otherwise, moderate MPs cater to powerful zoom.
Face Detection is also an important point: As these type of gadgets focus the whole scenery, choose a top rated point and shoot camera with better face detection feature which can supremely detect and target the faces.
Face detection with the Smile Recognition feature is a value-added bonus for your pocket camera.
External storage is a plus point: Some cameras give you leverage to enjoy additional spaces for your pics and videos through an external memory slot. However, some don’t become handy at external storage.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best point and shoot camera for low light?
Regardless of the low light, remote and sensor shooting capabilities produce images like natural light through point and shoot cameras. Such as Blackmagic design pocket cinema, Fujifilm X100F, Canon digital SLR body EOS 80D, Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 4K, and Canon Powershot digital camera are the most popular ones.
Do any point and shoot cameras have viewfinders?
Viewfinders in point and shoot camera are handy that help in shooting in the bright sun. Cheap camera models include a separate direct viewer, while the expensive ones have costly ones. However, these cameras are alternative to DSLRs and capture better quality images than cell phones occupying less space.
How do I choose a point and shoot camera?
Everyone has gone crazy to buy cheap as well as expensive cameras, but you have to choose them wisely. Always select those point and shoot cameras that have physical control, optical zoom & adequate zoom range (for high-quality close-ups), and larger sensor (for excellent quality images), image stabilization, and high-quality lens.
What is the best point and shoot camera 2022?
Point and shoot cameras consist of larger superzooms and pocketable cameras, where a top-quality model comes with all the exceptional features bridging the gap between two extremes. Sony RX100 VII has premium and autofocus features and captures far better quality images of its rival cameras with double size.
Conclusion:
To say which camera is good and bad, straightforwardly, it’s not about good and below average thing. We have mentioned the best point and shoot cameras under 400$ budget, and it’s absolutely about purpose and approach.
Top 3 Recommendations!
Well, which camera is a perfect fit and an ultimate value to your money? We are mentioning some of the most known purposes and regarding top rated point and shoot camera for easy picking.
- Best Camera for Better Picture and Video Quality: Canon DC-SX740
- Best Camera With Full of Options and Features: Panasonic Lumix ZS70k
- Best Camera for Vlogging and Easy to Use: Nikon COOLPIX A900
Well, these were some of the purposeful pickings from these listing. You think you have got a unique purpose, then do look at other cameras for right buying.