Key takeaways
- 16MP Sensor: Captures detailed photos with a CMOS…
- Optical Zoom: 5x optical zoom with a 28mm…
- Full HD Video: Records 1080p video for travel…
The best point and shoot camera for most people in 2026 is the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS, thanks to its 20.3MP sensor, 40x optical zoom, and 4K video in a body that fits in a jacket pocket. If you want something rugged for the beach, pool, or snorkeling, the Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 is the pick, with waterproofing to 15 meters and a 4x zoom. On a tight budget, the Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 gives you a 16MP sensor, 5x optical zoom, and a 28mm wide lens for well under the price of the Canons.
For a slim everyday camera with more reach than a phone, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A is a tidy middle ground, offering a 12x optical zoom in a very compact silver body. One warning on pricing: Canon compacts have become scarce, and listings for the SX740 HS and its bundles are often far above the camera’s original launch price. If a listing looks inflated, compare the bundle contents carefully or consider the Kodak options, which are typically priced around $130–$200.
Our top picks
Kodak PIXPRO FZ55-BK 16MP CMOS Sensor Camera- 16MP Sensor: Captures detailed photos with a CMOS…
- Optical Zoom: 5x optical zoom with a 28mm…
- Full HD Video: Records 1080p video for travel…
KODAK PIXPRO WPZ2 16MP Waterproof Digital Camera- Waterproof to 50 ft, Shockproof, and Dustproof for…
- Purpose-Built for Water Sports, Outdoor Adventures, and Active…
- Built-in Wi-Fi for Wireless Sharing and Remote Control…
Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Silver- 12x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer lets…
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC allows for easy sharing…
- The 20.2 Megapixel* CMOS sensor and the DIGIC…
| Product | Key specs | |
|---|---|---|
| Kodak PIXPRO FZ55-BK 16MP CMOS Sensor Camera | 16MP Sensor: Captures detailed photos with a CMOS… Optical Zoom: 5x optical zoom with a 28mm… Full HD Video: Records 1080p video for travel… | Check price |
| KODAK PIXPRO WPZ2 16MP Waterproof Digital Camera | Waterproof to 50 ft, Shockproof, and Dustproof for… Purpose-Built for Water Sports, Outdoor Adventures, and Active… Built-in Wi-Fi for Wireless Sharing and Remote Control… | Check price |
| Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Silver | 12x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer lets… Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC allows for easy sharing… The 20.2 Megapixel* CMOS sensor and the DIGIC… | Check price |
 Canon PowerShot SX740 HS 20.3MP Digital Camera | Items Included: PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Black),… Powerful Zoom in Your Pocket: The Canon PowerShot… Crisp 20.3MP Sensor with DIGIC 8 Processing: Equipped… | Check price |
 Canon PowerShot SX740 HS | 40x optical zoom with optical image stabilizer and… 4K video and 4K time-lapse movie 20.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor | Check price |
 Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 Digital Camera Black | Compact & Easy-to-Use Point-and-Shoot Camera 16 MP CMOS Sensor with 5x Optical Zoom Full HD 1080p Video Recording | Check price |
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Comparison Table
| Camera | Sensor | Optical zoom | Video | Standout feature | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PowerShot SX740 HS | 20.3MP | 40x | 4K | Huge zoom, flip-up screen | Often inflated; historically $400–$450 new, now commonly much higher |
| Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Bundle | 20.3MP | 40x | 4K | Same camera plus accessories | Often $800+ on current listings |
| Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A | 20.2MP | 12x | Full HD | Very slim, Wi-Fi | Varies widely; check current listing |
| Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 | 16MP | 4x | Full HD | Waterproof to 15m, rugged | About $150–$190 |
| Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 (FZ55-BK) | 16MP CMOS | 5x | Full HD | 28mm wide-angle, budget price | About $120–$160 |
| Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 Black (newer listing) | 16MP | 5x | Full HD | Same camera, alternate listing | About $150–$200 |
The Picks in Detail
Canon PowerShot SX740 HS: best overall travel zoom
Best for: travelers, wildlife and sports spectators, and anyone who wants far more reach than a smartphone.
The SX740 HS combines a 20.3MP sensor with a 40x optical zoom, which covers everything from wide landscapes to distant birds, stage performances, and architectural details. It records 4K video, has a tilting screen that flips up for selfies and vlogging, and connects to your phone over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for quick sharing. Image stabilization helps keep long-zoom shots usable when shooting handheld.
Trade-offs: its small sensor struggles in dim light compared with larger-sensor cameras, there is no viewfinder, and battery life is modest, so carry a spare. Price is the biggest issue: limited supply has pushed many listings well above the original cost.
Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Bundle: same camera, more accessories
Best for: buyers who want everything in one box, typically including a memory card, case, and extra accessories, depending on the seller.
The camera inside is identical to the standalone SX740 HS. Bundle value depends entirely on what is included, so check that the extras are useful (a fast SD card and a spare battery are the most valuable) and compare the total against buying the camera and accessories separately.
Trade-offs: bundles often carry the highest prices, and third-party accessories vary in quality.
Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A: best slim everyday camera
Best for: casual shooters who want a camera smaller than most phones with real optical zoom.
The ELPH 360 HS line is known for a 20.2MP sensor and a 12x optical zoom in a very thin body, with Wi-Fi for transferring photos. It is simple to use in automatic mode, which makes it a good gift for older relatives or kids who want a dedicated camera.
Trade-offs: no 4K, a fixed rear screen, and limited manual control. In good light it delivers clean images, but in low light a modern flagship phone can produce better results.
Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2: best waterproof camera
Best for: beach vacations, pools, snorkeling, kayaking, and kids who are hard on gear.
The WPZ2 is waterproof to 15 meters, and it is built to handle drops and dust as well. A 16MP sensor and 4x optical zoom cover everyday shots, and it records Full HD video. The bright yellow body is easy to spot in the water or the sand.
Trade-offs: image quality is good for snapshots, not for large prints, and the zoom range is short. Always check seals and close the battery door carefully before going in the water.
Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 (FZ55-BK): best budget pick
Best for: beginners, kids, and anyone who wants a simple camera without spending much.
The FZ55 uses a 16MP CMOS sensor, a 5x optical zoom, and a 28mm wide-angle starting point, which is handy for group shots and indoor scenes. It is small, light, and straightforward to operate.
Trade-offs: modest low-light performance and no 4K. It is best treated as a fun, affordable everyday camera rather than a phone replacement for serious photography.
Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 Black: alternate listing
Best for: anyone who finds this listing cheaper or better stocked on the day.
This is the same FZ55 camera sold under a different listing. Buy whichever version is priced lower when you check, and confirm that the package contents (battery, charger, strap) match.
How to Choose a Point and Shoot in 2026
- Zoom matters most. The main reason to buy a compact over a phone is optical zoom. 4–5x is modest, 12x is useful, and 40x is a genuine telephoto range.
- Sensor size affects low light. All cameras on this list use small sensors. They excel in daylight but can trail high-end phones at night. Premium 1-inch sensor compacts cost far more.
- Video resolution. If you vlog or record family events, 4K on the SX740 HS is the clear advantage. The others record Full HD.
- Durability. For water, sand, or kids, choose a rugged waterproof model like the WPZ2 rather than a case for a regular camera.
- Connectivity. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth makes it easy to send images to your phone for sharing.
- Price sanity check. Compact camera prices have swung widely. Compare listings and avoid paying several times a camera’s launch price unless the bundle truly adds value.
FAQ
Is a point and shoot better than a smartphone?
For zoom, yes. A 12x or 40x optical zoom captures detail that phone cameras cannot match. For wide shots in low light, a recent flagship phone may be equal or better.
Which camera is best for kids?
The Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 for durability, or the FZ55 for a lower price.
Bottom line: the Canon SX740 HS is the best all-rounder if you can find it at a sensible price, the Kodak WPZ2 is the go-anywhere rugged option, and the Kodak FZ55 is the simplest way to get a real camera on a small budget.
