Point and shoot digital cameras

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 (black)

Point and Shoot cameras are simple to use — just aim the camera and push the button! Focus, exposure and even flash decisions are all made automatically by the camera. Many have choices of settings for various situations: sports events, outdoor photos, bright sunlight, etc. Special features sometimes include optical and/or digital zoom, movie mode with built-in microphone, and image stabilization.

Most models also have a pre-focus feature which is activated by pressing the shutter button halfway. Point and Shoots also usually have an LCD viewfinder (which is a small screen on the back side of the camera that shows the user the scene they are taking the picture of) in addition to the optical viewfinder found on regular film cameras. They are powered by either AA batteries or a rechargeable lithium battery. Most also have built-in timers for taking picures of yourself!

• 2007-02-08   Breaking the Myth of Megapixels   New York Times 
  • "The actual lesson, then, is this: 'For the nonprofessional, five or six megapixels is plenty, even if you intend to make poster-size prints.'"

• 2007-05-22   Point-and-shoot camera    
  • A point-and-shoot camera, also called a compact camera, is a still camera designed primarily for simple operation.