Authored by Mike Bacon in Gadgets 
Published on 12-01-2009

A point-and-shoot camera is pretty much what it sounds like. While it can refer to a film camera, these days it is most often used in reference to a digital camera. Point-and-shoot cameras tend to make it easy for a novice user to simply point at a subject and well, shoot the picture.

Obviously many of these digital cameras have features that require a bit of study in the manual. However, as a rule you can take them out of the box, put in the batteries, and be ready to start taking pictures.

Here are a few of the top point-and-shoot cameras available today.

Canon PowerShot SX120 IS

Canon has long been known for its fine electronic products, and their digital cameras are well made. The PowerShot SX120 ranges in price from $229.99 to $194.98. This is a 10.0 megapixel camera, and features a 10X optical zoom. Even the bells and whistles are easily accessed, and used. This great camera will give you great photos, without draining your bank account.

Kodak Z950

Kodak is one of the best know names in photography. This camera is one of their better efforts. It’s a 12.0 megapixel so you’ll get superior resolution even on your close ups. It has a 10X optical zoom, and a 3 inch LCD screen. It also has a Smart Capture auto adjust feature, which will identify the environment in which you are shooting. It will then adjust the camera accordingly. The Kodak Z950 starts at $179.99 at some stores.

Olympus Stylus 1050SW

Olympus is another company well known for its optical products. The Stylus 1050SW is no slouch when it comes to taking great photographs. The Stylus 1050SW is from the Stylus Tough line. It’s constructed of materials that will take a beating, and still give you pictures that are worthy of the Olympus name. (It is shockproof to five feet) 10.10 megapixels, and a 3X optical zoom may not rank up there with the top of the line cameras, but the face detection technology give you fantastic portraits. Prices start at $199.99

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290

Sony’s entry in the point-and-shoot market is from its Cyber-Shot line. It is a compact camera but packs a lot of punch in its 4-inch wide, 2.4-inch high, 1-inch deep frame. You get a 12.1 megapixel camera, and a 5X optical zoom. You also get fun, in camera editing tools. You’ll find all this in a camera that will easily fit in your pocket. The Cybershot DSC also includes face detection, and image stabilization. You can try out this camera for about $184.95.

Pentax Optio P70

This camera has a slim (just 16.5mm deep) body style that fits into your pocket quite easily. It features 12 megapixels and a 4X optical zoom capacity. This camera has few frills, but the extra features it does have are outstanding. The face recognition technology will detect up to 32 faces. If you are taking a picture of a large group, everyone will be able to find himself or herself with ease. It also has a smile detection system which will snap the shutter the moment your subject smiles. The Pentax Optio P70 is available for just $169.99