A point and shoot camera with a zoom lens and built in flash

A point and shoot camera, also called a compact camera, is a still camera designed primarily for simple operation. They include a viewfinder for composition, but use autofocus (or focus free lenses) for focusing and automatic systems for exposure as well. They differ from other types of cameras, except disposables, in that they lack systems for focusing manually.

Point and shoots are by far the best selling type of camera. They are popular with people who don’t consider themselves photographers but want an easy to use camera for vacations, parties, reunions and other events.

Most point and shoots have flash units built in. Although flash can be hard to use, it’s the only convenient way to take pictures in most indoor settings. Many cameras have the flash set on top of a long arm, often doubling as a lens cover, to reduce red eye effect.

Camera Types

The lowest end point and shoots are similar to disposable cameras that can be reloaded. These cameras have focus free lenses, with fixed apertures. They may have a light meter. Most have a wheel or lever for advancing the film and cocking the shutter, and a crank for returning the film to the canister for unloading. Because of the fixed apertures, models with flash have no why of controlling the exposure from the flash. Therefore flash pictures have to be taken with the subject within a narrow range of distance from the camera.

Higher end models use auto-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 lowest end models.

High-end models are likely to have zoom lenses, better focus and exposure systems, larger apertures and sharper lenses. They may have a special lamps or pre-flash systems designed to reduce red eye in flash pictures of people.

Film Types

Most film based Point and shoots use 35mm, although this style is particularly popular with cameras that use 110 and Advanced Photo System films.

Digital cameras of this type are becoming increasingly popular and will probably totally dominate the segment in the future. Not including digital backs, the first digital cameras were of this type, with Digital SLRs coming later. The non-interchangeable lenses used in point and shoots allow the coverage of the lens to be matched to the size of the sensor, an advantage given the non-standardization of digital sensor sizes.