This is a great topic I am often asked for my advice on. Many people want a good camera without the having to enroll in a photography class to learn how to use it, and that's okay. Here's my list for the 6 best compact cameras for people who don't know photography but want a good quality camera that's intuitive and produces images you can be proud of. If you are interested in learning photography as a hobby or professionally, this list would be very different.
Of the top selling 1,800 compact cameras on the market today I have narrowed it down to 6 based my following criteria:
- Built in Wi-Fi Connectivity. Best way to get your pictures from the camera to your phone or tablet without the use of a computer. Exceptionally useful when traveling and for day to day photography.
- Image Stabilization. Without learning all about the exposure triangle, an image stabilized camera or lens is you best chance at getting sharp shots in low-light conditions.
- Fixed Lens. A Fixed lens camera is a camera with one lens that cannot be removed. While interchangeable cameras provide endless possibilities, it's not a commitment most want to take on to get good photos.
- Zoom Lens. All cameras in this list have a zoom lens which enables zooming for wide and tight shots.
- Touch Screen. A touch screen is the most intuitive way for any beginner to more easily master the usage of their new camera. Many professional cameras implement this feature as well. An all around plus.
- Large Sensor for its class. On this list I have only included cameras with a Four Thirds, and Premium Compact (~1/1.7") sized sensor. This choice helps thin the herd and provides overall better images.
- 1080p Video. Sorry but I rejected all cameras with only 720p video. It's 2015!
So here they are from least to greatest price, ranging from $170 to $800.
1. Canon PowerShot S110, $179.99
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- Built-in WiFi for Image Transfer to Social Sites, PC, IOS and Android Devices
- 5x Optical Zoom with 24mm Wide-Angle Lens and 3" capacitive touch screen
- 1080p Full HD Video With a Dedicated Movie Button,12-bit Multi Aspect Recording in RAW + JPEG
- High-speed AF, High-speed Burst HQ for a maximum of 10 frames
- NB-5L Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack, 3.7VDC, 1120mAh
- Built-in WiFi for Image Transfer to Social Sites, PC, IOS and Android Devices
- 5x Optical Zoom with 24mm Wide-Angle Lens and 3" capacitive touch screen
- 1080p Full HD Video With a Dedicated Movie Button
- High-speed AF, High-speed Burst HQ for a maximum of 10 frames
- 12-bit Multi Aspect Recording in RAW + JPEG
2. Canon PowerShot S120, $399.00
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- Built-in Wi-Fi technology allows you to wirelessly transfer your images to social networking sites through CANON iMAGE GATEWAY
- Upload virtually anywhere on your iOS or Android device with free download of the Canon Camera Window app
- Capture beautiful 1080p full HD video in stereo sound with a dedicated movie button, zoom while shooting and play back videos on an HDTV via the HDMI output
- 12.1 megapixel high-sensitivity 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor combined with the Canon DIGIC 6 image processor for exceptional low-light performance with an ISO range of 80-12800
- Bright f/1.8 lens with 5x optical zoom and 24mm wide angle view
3. CASIO EXILIM EX10, $520.00
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- 3.5inch tilting screen
- FullHD Video with stereo sound
- AdobeDNG raw shooting
- Control ring around lens
- Wi-Fi built in
4. Canon PowerShot G7X, $699.00
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- New 1.0-inch, 20.2 MP High-Sensitivity CMOS Sensor combined with Canon's powerful DIGIC 6 Image Processor
- f/1.8(W)-f/2.8(T), 4.2x optical Zoom (24mm-100mm), 9-blade iris diaphragm and IS equipped lens
- Selfie-ready multi-angle capacitive 3.0" touch panel LCD
- Capture stunning 1080p/60p Full HD video with up to 60 fps
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC
5. Olympic Stylus 1, $699.00
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- Image quality and control comparable to pro cameras
- f2.8 fixed aperature i.ZUIKO lens with a focal length of 28-300mm (35mm equivalent), 10.7x zoom capability
- Eye-level control with a high-definition 1.44M dots interactive Electronic Viewfiner that allows you to preview Exposure Compensation, White Balance, Art Filters and more
- 3.0" high Resolution tilting LCD screen with super-fast touch-screen Autofocus
- Wireless Operation with the Olympus OI. Share app allows you to select the autofocus point, release the shutter button, and control the camera's shutter speed, aperture, ISO, Live Bulb shooting and more
- Choose from 11 in-camera Art Filters to apply artistic effects to your stills and HD videos
6. Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II, $799.00
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- 13.1 megapixel at 4:3 / 12.8 megapixel at 3:2 aspect ratio 1.5"-type CMOS sensor
- 24-120mm equivalent F2-3.9 lens with optical image stabilizer (5x optical zoom)
- ISO 100-12800
- Dual control rings
- 3" tilting touch LCD with 1,040,000 dots
- 1080/30p HD video
- Optional electronic viewfinder with 2,360,000 dots (sold separately)
If you'd like a camera that can potentially grow with you as you develop interest in photography, 4-6 on this list would be a great choice. Enjoy!
Looking for something different? Just ask!
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