Best 2017 Point and Shoot Cameras for Beginners and Travelers
Searching for a reliable, easy-to-use point-and-shoot camera from 2017? This guide highlights five versatile models that suit beginners, teens, and content creators. Each pick focuses on simplicity, portability, and solid image quality, with clear reasons who benefits most from each option. The list includes compact travel cams, kid-friendly models, and a Canon powerhouse for sharp detail and long zoom.
| Product | Key Benefit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Ploomen 4K Digital Camera | 56MP, 0.2s autofocus, 16x zoom, 3″ flip screen | Beginners and creators who want vlogging-ready features |
| Kodak PIXPRO FZ45 | 16MP, 4x optical zoom, 27mm wide angle | Everyday snapshots and travel clips |
| CAMKORY Digital Camera | FHD 1080P, 16x zoom, kid-friendly design | Kids and entry-level shooters |
| W & O Digital Camera for Teens | 180° flip screen, built-in fill light, 32GB card | Youth creators and selfie lovers |
| Gtonster 44MP Compact Camera | 44MP, 1080P, 16x zoom | Teens seeking easy, feature-rich entry camera |
Ploomen 4K Digital Camera For Photography & Travel
The Ploomen camera targets beginners and content creators who want sharp 56MP stills and 4K video in a compact form. With 0.2-second autofocus, a 3.0-inch IPS flip screen, and a 16x digital zoom with anti-shake, this model is best for daily vlogging, street scenes, and travel diaries. A built-in fill light helps in low-light indoor shots, making it suitable for quick social media content creation. Best for aspiring creators who need a ready-to-share device without complicated settings.
Best for: beginners who plan to vlog or post on social platforms and want fast focus and a flip screen. Limitations: digital zoom can reduce image quality at long reach; consider broader zoom options if pure optical zoom is a priority.
Kodak PIXPRO FZ45 Digital Camera
The Kodak PIXPRO FZ45 provides a balanced option with a 16MP sensor and 4x optical zoom. The 27mm wide-angle lens helps frame landscapes and group shots without stepping back. Full HD 1080p video supports simple travel vlogging. This model suits first-time shooters who want straightforward operation and dependable results in varied lighting.
Best for: casual photographers who want a compact, no-fuss camera for daily travel photos and simple videos. Caution: optical zoom is modest, so distant subjects require closer proximity or steadier hands for best results.
CAMKORY Digital Camera For Kids And Teens
The CAMKORY model emphasizes ease of use with FHD 1080P video and 44MP photos, built for beginners and younger users. It includes a 16x digital zoom and a simple interface, plus a long-lasting battery and a kid-friendly form factor. A practical choice for school projects and family trips where quick, reliable captures are valued.
Best for: kids and beginners who want a straightforward, pocketable camera. Limitation: 16x is digital zoom; expect some image softening at maximum zoom compared to optical systems.
Krlun Digital Camera For Kids And Teens
The Krlun model emphasizes a compact, kid-friendly design with 4K-like marketing claims and 48MP output. It features 16x digital zoom, a simple user experience, and a lightweight build suitable for travel and learning. This option is strong for children who want a colorful, easy-to-use camera for everyday moments and school projects.
Best for: young photographers who want a familiar shape and straightforward controls. Caution: 4K claims can be software-enhanced; focus on visible frame quality rather than marketing terms for best results.
Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera
The Canon SX740 HS stands out for its 40x optical zoom and a capable 20.3MP sensor with DIGIC 8 processing. This combination supports crisp detail across scenes, from landscapes to distant wildlife. It’s well-suited for travelers who need reach without carrying bulky gear and for users who value reliable Canon image processing and familiar menus.
Best for: travelers and vloggers who appreciate long reach in a compact body. Limitation: the compact form preserves portability but limits handling in very tight spaces; stabilization is good, yet longer focal lengths still require a steady hand or tripod.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For 2017 Point And Shoot Cameras
- Photo and video resolution: Look for cameras offering at least 1080p video and high-resolution stills (at least 16–56 MP) to ensure sharp results across social platforms.
- Lens and zoom: Optical zoom preserves image quality; digital zoom can degrade detail. Consider models with 3x–40x optical zoom depending on intended subjects.
- Autofocus and stabilization: Fast autofocus (sub-0.3 seconds) helps with moving subjects. Optical or electronic stabilization reduces blur during handheld shooting.
- Screen and framing: A tilting or flipping screen is valuable for selfies and vlogging; IPS displays offer better color and viewing angles in daylight.
- Portability and battery life: Lightweight cameras with long-lasting batteries are ideal for travel and daily use.
- User-friendliness: Simple menus, auto modes, and kid-friendly interfaces reduce the learning curve for beginners and younger users.
- Storage and accessories: Check included cards and the availability of extra batteries, chargers, and protective cases for travel-friendly setups.
- Image processing: Brands with robust image processors (Canon DIGIC, for example) tend to deliver reliable color, contrast, and low-light performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a point-and-shoot camera best used for?
Point-and-shoot cameras are ideal for quick, reliable photos and videos without manual adjustments. They are suited for beginners, families, travel, and casual content creation.
- Is 4K important in a 2017 model?
4K offers higher resolution for video, but many 2017 models still deliver excellent Full HD footage. Consider your editing workflow and storage needs when choosing.
- Should I prefer optical zoom over digital zoom?
Yes. Optical zoom maintains image clarity while digital zoom enlarges pixels, which can blur details, especially at longer focal lengths.
- Are flip screens necessary for selfies?
Flip or tilting screens help frame self-portraits and vlogs more easily, making them a practical feature for content creators.
- What’s a good pick for teens new to photography?
Models with easy controls, built-in guides, and fun features (filters, light effects) are ideal for learning and experimentation.
- Do these cameras require related accessories?
Most come with basic batteries and memory cards; you’ll likely want a spare card, a protective case, and a small tripod for stability.