While most consumers don’t really like point and shoot cameras, it’s really hard for a more advanced photographer to really turn them down. They’re compact and are designed to have a very simple interface. Often stripping the camera down to one lens focal length, it means that the photographer needs to keep in mind one field of view and just shoot. These cameras are fantastic for street photography, but they’re also great for general shooting.
Here are a few that we really love.
Fujifilm X70
In our review, we state:
“For the person that knows nothing about photography, there is a dedicated switch for you to set it to auto mode. For the rest of us, it’s very straight forward. Fujifilm’s menu system, even after four years of use, can sometimes be perplexing but otherwise it isn’t so bad at all. When it comes to shooting, you’ll worry about the shutter speed, aperture and every now and then you may adjust the ISO or you may set it to auto and just shoot in aperture priority.
For what it’s worth, this camera feels like it was designed to be shot in aperture priority.”
Buy Now $699: Amazon
Lomography LCA 120
In our review, we state:
“The Lomography LCA 120 is made of plastic, but is every bit as solid as an entry-level DSLR and in many aspects even more solid feeling. Lomography hasn’t weather sealed the camera, but the main problem that you’d need to worry about is water affecting the light meter. But the likelihood of that happening is very small.
With many cameras, I’m often compelled to put Gaffers tape on them to give me extra grip, but this camera doesn’t need it.”
Buy Now $499: Amazon
Ricoh GR II
We didn’t get a chance to review the Ricoh GR II, but we’ve tried it a number of times. It feels great in the hands and it’s all that so many street photographers out there use. Of any camera on this list, it’s one of the most beloved in the digital world by street photographers.
Buy Now $679: Amazon
Fujifilm X100T
In our review, we state:
“The image quality you can get of Fujifilm’s X-Trans sensor is really something to behold and the X100T has it in spades. There are very few sensors that produce as vibrant colors while rendering very accurate skin tones. Additionally, it seems that the X100T has picked up some of the Fujifilm X-T1’s impeccable low light performance making this a great camera for shooting in the dark.
Even with all these positive things I have to say about the slightly tweaked X-Trans II sensor, it’s technology that’s nearly two-years-old. What I really want to see is a new sensor from Fujifilm that a few more megapixels or pushes the high ISO output even farther.”
Buy Now $1,299: Amazon
Hexar AF
In our review, we state:
“For straight forward shooting, this is a very simple camera to use. You essentially point, shoot, and enjoy after you’ve developed the film.
Having 1/250th as the max shutter speed though can be a bit of a pain. It means you’ll need to stop your lens down or use slower film. When you look in the viewfinder, it will tell you when the camera needs to be stopped down or have a faster shutter speed accordingly.
Certain things are also a bit odd. Thankfully, there are quick guides online that can help.”
Buy Now: Amazon