Top 10 Point-and-Shoot Cameras With Manual Controls
These cameras put you in charge of your photos, providing manual controls for aperture, shutter, and exposure. Canon's PowerShot G12 reigns supreme, but the number two spot depends on your needs. If you want the best image quality in this class, go for the PowerShot G1 X--just keep in mind that it's a sub-par performer in macro mode and when shooting action. If you want a more well-rounded camera, go for the Nikon Coolpix P7100.
Rated: Jan 20, 2011 4:15 PM
The G12 delivers excellent image and video quality, and it backs up its manual controls with fun scene modes, an optical viewfinder, and a tilt-and-swivel LCD screen.
Rated: Dec 23, 2011 1:27 PM
Nikon’s Coolpix P7100 is as complex as it is powerful, with excellent image quality and a feature set to please even the fussiest photographer. Just make sure you’re up for the challenge.
Rated: Aug 6, 2012 6:00 PM
The Canon PowerShot G1 X takes the sharpest photos we've ever seen from a fixed-lens camera, and its image quality and video quality are outstanding overall. However, for $800, we expected better macro and burst-mode performance.
Rated: Dec 23, 2011 11:20 AM
The Canon PowerShot S100 is just about the most capable compact camera we've seen, and it's packed with features that will please both novices and advanced shooters.
Rated: Jan 20, 2011 4:15 PM
The PowerShot S95 is a perfect camera to grow with, thanks to its pocketable size and its compelling blend of automated and manual controls.
Rated: Jan 20, 2011 4:15 PM
The Lumix LX5 isn't the most novice-friendly camera, but it offers an insane amount of power for a fixed-lens camera when you dig into its manual controls.
Rated: Jun 4, 2012 11:05 AM
The 20X-optical-zoom PowerShot SX260 HS does many things well. It's as close as a compact camera can get to being "one size fits all," thanks to very good image quality and a great mix of options for novices and experienced photographers.
Rated: May 17, 2012 1:20 PM
The Lumix ZS20 is a top-tier travel camera, thanks to a far-reaching zoom lens, built-in GPS with mapping, extensive shooting options, and good (but not great) image and video quality.
Rated: Aug 20, 2012 3:45 PM
With an F1.8 lens, manual exposure controls, and a much lower price than other premium point-and-shoots, the pocketable Coolpix P310 offers excellent bang for the buck.
Rated: Aug 16, 2012 6:58 PM
The feature-loaded, 21X-zoom Samsung WB850F is the best Wi-Fi camera we've reviewed, but a few usability hangups keep it from a higher ranking.
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