Editing Point-and-shoot camera

{{Short description|Type of simple still camera}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
[[File:Canon Digital IXUS 850 IS-ar 5to4-fs PNr°0268b.jpg|thumb|right|A point-and-shoot [[digital camera]] with [[optical viewfinder]] made by [[Canon (company)|Canon]], specifically the IXUS 850 IS, early 2010s]]
[[File:My Yashica T4 (4205988566).jpg|thumb|right|A point-and-shoot [[photographic film|film]] camera made by [[Yashica]] with a [[Tessar]] lens, early 1990s]]
A '''point-and-shoot camera''', also known as a '''compact camera''' and sometimes abbreviated to '''P&S''', is a [[still camera]] (either [[photographic film|film]] or [[digital camera|digital]]) designed primarily for simple operation. Most use [[focus free lens]]es or [[autofocus]] for [[Focus (optics)|focusing]], automatic systems for setting the [[Exposure (photography)|exposure]] options, and have [[Flash (photography)|flash]] units built in. They are popular for [[vernacular photography]] by people who do not consider themselves photographers but want easy-to-use cameras for [[Snapshot (photography)|snapshot]]s of vacations, parties, reunions and other events.

Most compact digital cameras use small 1/2.3-type (“1/2.3-inch”) [[image sensor]]s, but since 2008, a few non-interchangeable lens compact cameras use a [[List of large sensor fixed-lens cameras|larger sensor]] such as 1.0-type (“1-inch”), [[APS-C]] (e.g. [[Fujifilm X100]] series), or even [[35mm format|full frame]] (e.g. [[Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1|Sony RX1]] series).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.direporter.com/article/game-changing-large-sensor-point-and-shoot-cameras/ |title=Game-Changing, Large-Sensor Point-and-Shoot Cameras |author=Jason Schneider |access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> Most models prioritize being operated in auto mode, but some high end point-and-shoot cameras have PASM (program, aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual modes) on the [[mode dial]], [[raw image format]], and a [[hot shoe]]. None have [[interchangeable lens]]es,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.trustedreviews.com/sony-cyber-shot-hx50-review |title=Sony Cyber-shot HX50 review |author=Cliff Smith |access-date=1 March 2015}}</ref> but some have [[Lens_mount#Secondary_lens_mount|secondary lens mounts]]. 

Point-and-shoots have been by far the best selling type of standalone camera, as distinct from [[camera phone]]s. However, point-and-shoot camera sales declined after about 2010 as [[smartphone]]s overtook them in usage. To overcome market shrinkage, compact camera manufacturers began making higher-end versions with a stylish metal body.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/the-10-best-compact-cameras |title=The 10 best digital compact cameras in 2018 |author=Marcus Hawkins |date=15 May 2018}}</ref>

== Types of point-and-shoot digital cameras ==
Current point-and-shoot digital cameras have coalesced into three categories:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.adorama.com/alc/the-fall-rise-of-the-compact-digital-camera-9-smarter-higher-quality-models-you-should-buy/|title=The Fall & Rise Of The Compact Digital Camera: 9 Smarter & Higher Quality Models You Should Buy}}</ref>
* [[List of large sensor fixed-lens cameras#Cameras with a prime lens|premium compact cameras]] with a large sensor and [[prime lens]] optimized for [[travel photography|travel]] and [[street photography]];
* [[vlogging]] cameras with a [[Articulating screen|flip screen]] and [[Wide-angle lens|wide-angle]] or [[Ultra wide angle lens|ultra&nbsp;wide-angle]] lens;
* [[List of superzoom compact cameras|travel zoom cameras]] with a compact body.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cnet.com/news/compact-megazooms-compared-roundup/ |title=Compact megazooms compared (roundup) |author=Joshua Goldman |access-date=29 April 2014}}</ref>
Fixed-lens cameras that include an all-in-one [[superzoom]] lens in a large [[DSLR]]-style body are known as [[List of bridge cameras|bridge cameras]].

==Types of point-and-shoot film cameras==
The lowest-end point-and-shoot film cameras are similar to [[disposable camera]]s, but can be reloaded. These cameras have focus-free lenses, with fixed [[aperture]]s. They may or may not have a [[light meter]]. Most have a wheel or lever for advancing the film and cocking the [[shutter (photography)|shutter]], and a crank for returning the film to the canister for unloading. Because of the fixed apertures, models with flash have no way of controlling the exposure from the flash. Therefore, flash pictures have to be taken within a narrow range of distance from the subject.

Advanced models use automatic focus and have variable apertures. They all have light meters. They use electric motors to advance and rewind the film. They are much more versatile than the low-end models. They are also likely to have [[zoom lens]]es, more advanced [[auto-focus]] systems, exposure systems with manual controls, larger apertures and sharper lenses. They may have special lamps or pre-flash systems designed to reduce [[Red-eye effect|red eye]] in flash pictures of people.
== Comparison to SLRs and DSLRs ==
[[File:Rollei35s-minox35ml-front.jpg|thumb|right|Two film point-and-shoot cameras,  [[Rollei 35]] from 1966 and [[Minox#Minox 35 mm compact camera versions|Minox 35ML]] from 1985]]
Point-and-shoot cameras are distinguished from [[single-lens reflex camera]]s (SLRs) in several respects: point-and-shoot film cameras, and many digital ones, use a [[viewfinder]].  The image that the photographer sees is not the same image that passes through the primary lens of the camera.  Rather, the image in the viewfinder passes through a separate lens.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wujimedia.com/2009/11/point-and-shoot-v-dslr-cameras-part-i/
 |title=Point-and-Shoot v. DSLR Cameras – Part I &#124; Welcome to WujiMedia! |access-date=17 November 2009 |url-status=dead
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117022257/http://www.wujimedia.com/2009/11/point-and-shoot-v-dslr-cameras-part-i/ |archive-date=17 January 2010 }}</ref> SLRs, on the other hand, have only one lens, and a mirror diverts the image from the lens into the viewfinder; that mirror then retracts when the picture is taken so that the image can be recorded on the film or sensor. With this mechanism, pictures cannot be previewed on the LCD screens of most [[digital SLR]]s (DSLRs). Some manufacturers have found a way around this limitation, often by splitting the image into two just before reaching the viewfinder eyepiece.  One image goes into the viewfinder and the other goes into a low resolution image sensor to allow light metering or previewing on the LCD, or both.

Digital cameras share one advantage of the SLR design, as the camera's display image comes through the lens, not a separate viewfinder. [[Mirrorless camera|Mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras]] (MILCs) lack a mirror but in many ways can be used the same as DSLRs. Many smaller digital point-and-shoots of the 2010s omit the viewfinder and use only the screen.

With SLR cameras, it is important that the image in the viewfinder be the same image recorded by the film or sensor, so that the effect of the add-on lenses and [[Photographic filter|filters]] can be seen by the photographer. Point-and-shoot cameras generally don't have such add-on devices, hence no need.  
<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bolat |first1=John |title=Appareil photo enfant |url=http://www.ptits-fauves.com |access-date=22 May 2021}}</ref>
Small cameras, including digital ones, encourage the occurrence of [[Orb (optics)|photographic orbs]]{{snd}} unexpected, typically circular artifacts that occur in [[flash photography]]{{snd}} where the short distance between the lens and the built-in flash decreases the angle of light [[reflection (physics)|reflection]] to the lens.  The resulting [[retroreflection]] makes dust particles bright and visible.<ref name="orb1">{{cite web
  | title = The Truth Behind 'Orbs'  
  | url = http://www.ghostgadgets.com/_knowledge/orbs.html}}</ref>

== Sales decline ==
[[File:Point-and-shoot-camera.JPG|upright|thumb|Point-and-shoot digital camera using [[live preview]] for a picture in a church in Norway]]
According to the NPD Group, up to end of November 2011 point-and-shoot cameras took 44 percent of photos, down from 52 percent in 2010, while camera-equipped [[smartphone]]s took 27 percent of photos in 2011, up from 17 percent. Unit total sales of all types of point-and-shoot cameras declined by 17 percent year on year, but increased by 16 percent for cameras having optical [[Superzoom|zoom greater than 10x]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gigaom.com/2011/12/22/smartphones-killing-point-and-shoots-now-take-almost-13-of-photos/
 |title=Smartphones killing point-and-shoots, now take almost 1/3 of photos
 |date=22 December 2011}}</ref>
At the end of 2012, more than one brand offered point-and-shoot cameras with 24x optical superzoom<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ephotozine.com/article/top-10-best-pocket-zoom-digital-cameras-19720
 |title=Top 10 Best Pocket Zoom Digital Cameras |date=26 November 2012}}</ref> as compensation of sales decline and in later years longer zooms became commonplace. Concurrently with rising sales of smartphones, the sales of more advanced cameras like SLRs have also increased, at the expense of point-and-shoot.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/04/technology/04camera.html|title = In Smartphone Era, Point-and-Shoots Stay Home|newspaper = The New York Times|date = 3 December 2010|last1 = Grobart|first1 = Sam}}</ref>

Point-and-shoot camera sales dropped by about 40 percent in 2013, particularly for inexpensive cameras.  Fujifilm and Olympus stopped development of low-end point-and-shoot cameras and focused on mid and high-end cameras at higher prices.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/12/30/business/mirrorless-cameras-offer-glimmer-of-hope-to-makers/ |title=Mirrorless cameras offer glimmer of hope to makers 
|author = Reiji Yoshida
|date = 30 December 2013
|access-date=31 December 2013}}</ref>

Shipment dropped to 12 million units in 2016, only one-tenth of the peak reached in 2008.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ricoh may close shutter on personal camera business
 |url=http://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Companies/Ricoh-may-close-shutter-on-personal-camera-business
 |access-date=12 April 2017|work=Nikkei Asian Review|date=12 April 2017}}</ref>

== Types of film ==
Most [[Photographic film|film]]-based point-and-shoots made after the late 1980s use [[135 film|35mm]] film. The key innovations that made 35mm point-and-shoot cameras possible were automatic film loading and automatic advance and rewind. [[Advanced Photo System]] film was mildly popular in the 1990s. [[126 film]] was also popular during the 1970s.

== Terminology ==
[[File:12 MP digital camera - red.jpg|thumb|A red, 12-megapixel digital camera.]]
The terms "point and shoot" and "compact camera" are used differently in different parts of the world. In the UK point-and-shoot predominantly means a fully automatic camera, regardless of size or shape.
A "compact camera" on the other hand, has a small body, regardless of any fully automatic capabilities. Thus a DSLR can have point-and-shoot modes, and some compact cameras are not designed for point and shoot operation, with the equivalent controls to a DSLR.

The use of "point-and-shoot" to mean a small or compact camera regardless of automation capabilities has long been predominant in the US, and in the 21st century it began spreading elsewhere.

The term "compact system camera" has also been used to refer to [[mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera|mirrorless cameras]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.techradar.com/news/photography-video-capture/cameras/what-is-a-compact-system-camera-1031090 |title=What is a compact system camera? |author=Martin Bailey |date=4 October 2011 |access-date=27 February 2014}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Commons category|Compact cameras|compact cameras}}
* [[List of large sensor fixed-lens cameras]]
* [[List of superzoom compact cameras]]
* [[List of bridge cameras]]
* [[Digital photography]]
* [[Electronic viewfinder]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Point-and-shoot cameras| ]]