Point-and-shoot digital cameras are usually used by hobbyists and first-time photographers to record both snapshots and video. This type of camera differs from DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras because it weighs less, does not have removable lenses and has a lower price.http://www.digital-photography-school.com/should-you-buy-a-dslr-or-point-and-shoot-digital-camera Also, it uses a LCD screen instead of an optical viewfinder, which allows a user to see his subject live via a reflex mirror inside the device.http://www.digital-photography-school.com/should-you-buy-a-dslr-or-point-and-shoot-digital-camera Generally, the picture quality of this kind of camera is lower than what can be achieved with the DSLR variety.http://www.digital-photography-school.com/should-you-buy-a-dslr-or-point-and-shoot-digital-camera

The best beginner point-and-shoot digital cameras have options that assist people who do not have expert knowledge about adjusting exposures and focusing the lens. Many models are compact enough to fit in a shirt pocket or purse, which makes them convenient for traveling, holidays and impromptu picture taking.http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camera-buying-guide/ A point-and-shoot camera has the ability to automatically focus on a subject, adjust the exposure settings for a specific environment and reduce red-eye in images.http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camera-buying-guide/

Some of the notable point-and-shoot digital cameras are the Canon PowerShot S90, Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX, Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1, Canon PowerShot SD4000 and Canon PowerShot SD880 IS. They range in price from $199.99 to $336.95. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 has a large 8x zoom lens while the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1 takes vertical and horizontal panoramic photographs.

With the lithium ion rechargeable battery installed, the Canon PowerShot S90 weighs 7 ounces. It has a 10-megapixel resolution that can take up to a 3,648 x 2,736 pixels picture. The PowerShot S90 takes 30 FPS at 640 x 480 resolution video as well. The device measures 3.9 x 2.3 x 1.2 inches, has a 3-inch LCD screen and supports JPEG, RAW and MOV file formats. Also, it uses SD, SDHC, MMC, MMCplus and HC MMCplus memory storage devices.http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-s90/4505-6501_7-33765880.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody;1r#reviewPage1 The MSRP price for the model is $429.99.http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-s90/4505-6501_7-33765880.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody;1r#reviewPage1

Ratings

• PC World: 4.5 out of 5http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/product/308946/review/canon_powershot_s90.html
• CNET: 4 out of 5http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-s90/4505-6501_7-33765880.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody;1r#reviewPage1
• Amazon: 4.4 out of 5http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B002LITT42/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1285954773&sr=8-1

Price
$336.95 at Amazonhttp://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B002LITT42/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1285954773&sr=8-1

Reviews

• "Excellent control system for manual, semi-manual shooting; fantastic wide-angle f2 lens; very good low-light photo quality."— CNEThttp://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-s90/4505-6501_7-33765880.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody;1r#reviewPage1
• "The Canon S90 takes great pictures in just about any lighting situation, and it provides easy-to-use, intelligent controls to do so."— PC Worldhttp://www.pcworld.com/reviews/product/308946/review/canon_powershot_s90.html
• "I know, it's $430, way more than most point-and-shoots cost in this day and age. But the amount of picture power this literally slips into your pocket is almost unbelievable."— Gizmodohttp://gizmodo.com/5393112/canon-s90-review-itll-never-leave-my-pocket-except-when-im-taking-pictures

This pocket camera has a 10-megapixel resolution, 3-inch LCD screen and a 4x optical zoom lens. It is 3.7 inches wide, 2.2 inches tall and 0.9 inches deep. The device weighs 6.1 ounces. Canon PowerShot SD880 IS cameras have a maximum shutter speed of 1600, minimum shutter speed of 15 and maximum telephoto range of 112 millimeters.http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/product/39469/review/canon_powershot_sd880_is.html#specs This model does not have a viewfinder. It supports JPEG image files and costs $270.http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/product/39469/review/canon_powershot_sd880_is.html#specs

Ratings

• PC World: 3.5 out of 5http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/product/39469/review/canon_powershot_sd880_is.html
• CNET: 4 out of 5http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-sd880-is/4505-6501_7-33310696-2.html?tag=rvwBody
• Amazon: 4.2 out of 5http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SD880IS-Stabilized-Silver/dp/B001G5ZTN6/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1285955114&sr=1-1

Price
$207.99 at Amazonhttp://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SD880IS-Stabilized-Silver/dp/B001G5ZTN6/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1285955114&sr=1-1

Reviews

• ""Simply put, the Canon PowerShot SD880 IS is an excellent point-and-shoot camera." — CNET
• "The PowerShot SD880 IS from Canon is a great point-and-shoot camera that produces nice images at a reasonable price." — Computer Shopper
• "Superb design, excellent picture quality and a wide-angle lens make the SD880 IS a divine travel companion." — PC World

The 12-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 has a 2.7-inch LCD screen and 8x zoom lens. Snapshots can reach a maximum size of 4,000 x 3,000 pixels while videos can be 1,280 x 720 pixels with 30 FPS. It can record high-definition video and has several recording modes, such as sports and snow.http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmc-zr1/4505-6501_7-33736876.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody;2r#reviewPage1 The 5.6 ounce device, which is 2.1 x 3.9 x 1 inches, runs on a lithium ion rechargeable battery. Lumix DMC-ZR1 cameras come with 40 megabytes of internal memory. It has a $279.95 retail price.http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmc-zr1/4505-6501_7-33736876.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody;2r#reviewPage1

Ratings

• PC World: 3.5 out of 5http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/product/299827/review/panasonic_lumix_dmczr1.html
• CNET: 4 out of 5http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmc-zr1/4505-6501_7-33736876.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody;2r#reviewPage1
• Amazon: 3.9 out of 5http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-ZR1-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B002IKLJT6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1285954947&sr=8-1

Price
$254.99 at Amazonhttp://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-ZR1-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B002IKLJT6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1285954947&sr=8-1

Reviews

• ""With a wide-angle, megazoom lens, a quick AF system, and generally high-quality snapshot photos, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 is a standout compact megazoom." — CNET
• "The ZR1's very quiet, ultrawide-angle lens makes it an unassuming all-star for both stills and video." — PC World
• "The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 is a capable compact camera with a long zoom and wide-angle lens that performed well in various shooting conditions." — PC Advisorhttp://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/index.cfm?reviewId=3219506&pn=2

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1, which costs $349.99 (MSRP), can produce a picture with a maximum size of 3,648 x 2,736 pixels and has a 10-megapixel resolution.http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/sony-cyber-shot-dsc/4505-6501_7-33763789.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody;1r#reviewPage1 It has various recording modes, such as sweeping panorama, handheld twilight and anti-motion blur.http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/sony-cyber-shot-dsc/4505-6501_7-33763789.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody;1r#reviewPage1 It can record video with 1,280 x 720 pixels at 30 FPS. The lithium ion battery can take 350 stills on one charge.http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/sony-cyber-shot-dsc/4505-6501_7-33763789.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody;1r#reviewPage1 Cyber-shot DSC-WX1 cameras come with a 5x zoom lens and 2.7-inch LCD screen. They weigh 5.2 ounces and measure 3.6 x 2 x 0.8 inches.

Ratings

• PC World: 3.5 out of 5http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/product/309130/review/sony_cybershot_dscwx1.html
• CNET: 4 out of 5http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/sony-cyber-shot-dsc/4505-6501_7-33763789.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody;1r#reviewPage1
• Amazon: 3.7 out of 5http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-WX1-Stabilized-2-7-inch/dp/B002IPHIFA/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1285992470&sr=1-1

Price
$199.99 at Amazonhttp://www.amazon.com/Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-WX1-Stabilized-2-7-inch/dp/B002IPHIFA/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1285992470&sr=1-1

Reviews

• "The small-but-skilled Cyber-shot WX1 takes phenomenal low-light shots and easy panoramic images, making it a superb compact camera for anyone without giant hands."— PC Worldhttp://www.pcworld.com/reviews/product/309130/review/sony_cybershot_dscwx1.html
• "The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1 is a great, fast-performing snapshot camera that falters on photo quality."— CNEThttp://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/sony-cyber-shot-dsc/4505-6501_7-33763789.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody;1r#reviewPage1
• "The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1 does cost a bit much for a camera with no manual shutter or aperture controls. However, for the price, you get a very compact, very stylish camera that takes excellent photos in dark settings, and its unique in-camera modes make it a great all-purpose pocket camera."— PC Advisorhttp://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/index.cfm?reviewid=3214902&pn=2

The Canon PowerShot SD4000 IS is a 10-megapixel camera that uses JPEG and MOV file formats. The dimensions are 3.9 x 2.1 x 0.9 inches, and it is 6.2 ounces. It uses a rechargeable lithium battery that can not be recharged inside the camera.http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-sd4000-is/4505-6501_7-34099357.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody;3r#reviewPage1 PowerShot SD4000 IS cameras ship with a bundled software package that includes ZoomBrowser, ImageBrowser and PhotoStitch 3.1 for Windows and Macintosh operating systems.http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-sd4000-is/4505-6501_7-34099357.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody;3r#reviewPage1 The $349.99 device shoots video at 29.97 FPS with a 1,280 x 720 pixels resolution. Pictures can be up to 3,648 x 2,736 pixels.

Ratings

• PC World: 3.5 out of 5http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/product/523517/review/canon_powershot_sd4000_is.html
• CNET: 3.5 out of 5http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-sd4000-is/4505-6501_7-34099357.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody;3r#reviewPage1
• Amazon: 3.9 out of 5http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SD4000IS-Digital-Optical/dp/B003L77Y62/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1285997285&sr=1-3

Price
$259.00 at Amazonhttp://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SD4000IS-Digital-Optical/dp/B003L77Y62/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1285997285&sr=1-3

Reviews

• "Canon's pricey top-of-the-line Elph, the SD4000 IS excels at low-light shooting, but if that's not a top priority, you can get more features for less in competing pocket shooters."— PC Magazinehttp://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2365399,00.asp
• "" A bright, wide-angle lens and a high-sensitivity sensor add up to very good low-light photos and fast performance for the Canon PowerShot SD4000 IS." — CNEThttp://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-sd4000-is/4505-6501_7-34099357.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody;3r#reviewPage1
• "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." — PC Worldhttp://www.pcworld.com/reviews/product/523517/review/canon_powershot_sd4000_is.html

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