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Point-and-Shoot Cameras With the Best Image Quality

In PCWorld Labs subjective tests for overall image quality, these fixed-lens cameras had the highest aggregate scores across all our imaging categories.

Edited by Tim Moynihan   

Rating & Price
Products
1
PCWorld Rating
Prices from $377

Canon PowerShot S100

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.

Full Review | Specs - Rated: December 23, 2011
2
PCWorld Rating
Prices from $447

Nikon Coolpix P7100

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.

Full Review | Specs - Rated: December 23, 2011
3
PCWorld Rating
Prices from $199

Nikon Coolpix S9100

The Nikon Coolpix S9100 is the rare beast that will please both novices and experienced shooters, even with its lack of manual controls. Thanks to its great image quality and creative controls, practically anyone will find this camera a pleasure to use.

Full Review | Video Review | Specs - Rated: May 13, 2011
4
PCWorld Rating
Prices from $400

Nikon Coolpix P500

The 36X-optical-zoom Nikon Coolpix P500 is a versatile, speedy camera with features that address the needs of photo enthusiasts and snapshooters.

Full Review | Specs - Rated: June 14, 2011
5
PCWorld Rating

Canon PowerShot SD4000 IS

The PowerShot SD4000 IS is one of the most impressive compact cameras we've tested, offering image quality and lens capabilities we're used to seeing on professional cameras.

Full Review | Video Review | Specs - Rated: August 16, 2010
6
PCWorld Rating
Prices from $178

Samsung SH100

With an array of wireless sharing and remote-control options, the Samsung SH100 has a generous feature set for a $200 camera. But it's mainly for young, casual shooters, due to its toylike build and lack of manual controls.

Full Review | Video Review | Specs - Rated: July 14, 2011
7
PCWorld Rating
Prices from $375

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V

The 30X-optical-zoom HX100V may not have the zoom range or fine-tuning options of some competing cameras, but it compensates with futuristic extras, good video quality, and solid images.

Full Review | Specs - Rated: September 07, 2011
8
PCWorld Rating
Prices from $399

Canon PowerShot G12

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.

Full Review | Specs - Rated: January 20, 2011
9
PCWorld Rating
Prices from $280

Canon PowerShot SX230 HS

Building on an already-excellent camera, the 14X-optical-zoom PowerShot SX230 HS adds a new sensor, 1080p video capture, high-speed shooting, and in-camera GPS to the mix.

Full Review | Specs - Rated: May 02, 2011
10
PCWorld Rating
Prices from $217

Canon PowerShot A3300 IS Digital Camera

With good image quality, optical stabilization, and creative filters, the PowerShot A3300 IS offers quite a bit more than your average sub-$200 camera.

Full Review | Specs
11
PCWorld Rating
Prices from $175

Casio Exilim EX-H20G

The vacation-friendly EX-H20G has a 10X-optical-zoom lens, great GPS features, and in-camera mapping. It's a top performer in daylight, but it lacks manual controls and a few key features.

Full Review | Specs - Rated: February 17, 2011
12
PCWorld Rating
Prices from $200

Canon PowerShot Elph 500 HS

We love the touchscreen-controlled Elph 500 HS's image quality, ultrawide-angle-lens, and range of shooting modes. We're less fond of its battery life and its user interface for manual controls.

Full Review | Specs - Rated: May 26, 2011
13
PCWorld Rating
Prices from $280

Casio Exilim EX-ZR100

The Exilim ZR100 offers super-high-speed shooting and phenomenal battery life, two factors that set it apart from other pocket megazooms in its class.

Full Review | Specs - Rated: September 06, 2011
14
PCWorld Rating
Prices from $224

Fujifilm FinePix F550EXR

The 15X-zoom FinePix F550EXR has GPS features and in-camera extras that go beyond the norm, but in image and video quality it lags a bit behind competitors.

Full Review | Specs - Rated: September 07, 2011
15
PCWorld Rating
Prices from $283

Nikon Coolpix P300

The Nikon Coolpix P300 offers great hardware and performance for its price, with an F1.8 lens, manual controls, and a very easy-to-use interface.

Full Review | Specs - Rated: July 27, 2011

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