For truly amazing Instagram photos, a point-and-shoot camera is a must

Show off your world with this small yet powerful camera. It allows you to get creative with your photos using dials to change shutter speed, ISO, or the focus. 

The standard focal length is 35mm, like the standard iPhone focal length. But you can crop photos extensively and still get a detailed, precise picture. Conversion lenses are available to help zoom in, priced at around $350.

FUJIFILM goes back to its roots with this camera, providing 15 film simulation options. Deepen the photos with the classic chrome filter or bring colors to life with a vivid setting.

This well-reviewed camera captures images in less than a second, making tedious family photos as quick as possible and snapping even difficult action shots.

It’s the small details that set this camera apart. 

“Wasn't sure I liked this camera when I first got it. But went out one night and took pictures of the moon and they looked like a professional took them from space! I got so many comments about the awesomeness of the pictures! Did MUCH better than my digital SLR which doesn't have the zoom capability that this has. Also took a picture of a sunflower from over a friend's shoulder while I was sitting on a chair on her patio using the zoom function (the sunflower was at least 50 yards away) and it came out crisp and clear and every hair on the stems and leaves showed in perfect focus. It was an awesome picture too! This camera can't take the place of my digital SLR, but it has its place in my camera repertoire that is matched by nothing else. This is my first Canon product (I was a diehard Nikon user) and I like its ease of use. I am a hobby photographer and I'm very glad I invested in this camera.”

If affordability is a top priority, the Canon PowerShot SX530 should be your next purchase. It connects to WiFi and delivers high-quality photos.

The main drawbacks are an average number of megapixels, meaning your images won’t retain their quality when enlarged, and poor functionality in low-light situations. The ISO still beats an iPhone, but it’ll still leave you turning on the flash.

Amazon customer Mary Hight says:

“I received this product to try as a Sony Ambassador and have been blown away. I spend a lot of my time outside and on the road, and am excited to continue working this camera into my process. As an outdoor and travel photographer, it is often important for me to be discreet when shooting. I have also always felt awkward vlogging with a big camera–– this one definitely makes that less of an issue. It's easy to add to your kit because of the small size, even on a grip. The flip screen is such a great option to have on a camera of this size. I also have to mention that the camera is waterproof and dust proof, for anyone with a more adventurous style of traveling/creating. Overall this camera is a powerhouse and an excellent investment for anyone looking to add something new to their tool kit. I don't even know what could compete with it right now.”

This camera pairs well with wanderlust. If kayaking, hiking, and pine tree sleeves are your thing, then you should upgrade your GoPro to the Sony RX0 II.

It measures 2.38" x 1.63" x 1.19", or a little more than the size of half a stick of butter. It can be dunked in water and dropped from six and a half feet, making it your next adventure buddy.

Purchase the video-stabilizing camera grip for vlogging masterpieces. The screen rotates 180 degrees, so selfie mode is as quick as flipping the screen. The camera includes a microphone jack, so you can connect an external microphone for crystal-clear sound. (If vlogs are your thing, check out our 10 favorite cameras for vlogging.)

Reviews on Sony’s website complain that the camera can overheat or run out of battery quickly with continuous video, but the crowd is overall pleased.

Amazon customer Erin says:

The old-school styling on this model makes point-and-shoot cameras cool again. It’s not going to function like a DSLR, but it gives you the quality phones can’t quite beat.

This camera has a setting for every occasion. Switch on portrait mode for smooth skin and bokeh backgrounds or test out landscape to capture your travels. You can even geotag your location into the file.

The size fits in your back pocket. It’s like your mom’s old camera amplified to modern expectations.

The 60x optical zoom and 120x Dynamic Fine zoom on the Nikon Coolpix B600 is impressive for any price range, but it happens to be under $330. It also looks like a DSLR from afar, if that's something that's important to you. The camera is also lightweight with good grip, which makes it easy for travel.

Flip between 19 scene modes and 36 filters and quickly upload photos to your phone with WiFi connectivity. The Coolpix B600 can also fix red eyes and soften skin, so no FaceTune required.

“Picked up this camera last-minute for the increased zoom (my other point n shoot is a ZS100) to take to a concert. Ended up recording ~70 minutes of video at 1080P and the results are fantastic. I had i.zoom turned on and enjoyed fairly stable close-up zooms of various members of the band from half way across a 30,000 seat arena. Audio and Video are clear and distortion free. I'm AMAZED. As for photography, it's decent, about the best you'll get out of a sensor this size. The ZS100 definitely takes sharper pics, but that's expected out of a sensor 4x the size. Out of the two cameras, I find myself reaching for the ZS70 more than the 100, both are fine examples of 2017 technology packed in a point n shoot case. Would HIGHLY recommend.”

Panasonic enters the scene with an awesome mid-range camera. Small details like the 180-degree rotating touch screen are meticulously planned. And it’s one of the few cameras at this price range to combine high-quality photos with 4k video.

The lens barrel has a ring to twist to perfectly focus the image, giving the feel of a DSLR without the bulk. The camera can fit in the palm of your hand and in your not-at-all-tacky traveler’s fanny pack.

The shutter speed can stretch to 30 seconds, perfect for photographing the night sky (just have it propped up or on a tripod, please).

Amazon customer Rick says:

“I bought my last Nikon camera ten years ago. I bought this one because I wanted better moon photos. When I extended the lens all the way to 3000 mm on my original tripod, the tripod almost went face-first onto the ground. (I fixed that problem with a new Manfrotto tripod.) Once you have the right tripod, or you have extremely steady hands, your moon pictures will be the envy of the neighborhood. The next morning, if you want to take close-up pictures of your flowers, you'll use this camera in macro mode at 1 centimeter away. Purists will say you could have a bigger sensor, or more lens control, or blah blah blah. Tell them to go jump in the lake. This is a "bridge camera;" it delivers superb pictures up close, and it delivers mind-blowing moon pictures, all without stopping to change lenses. P.S.: I also record training videos with this camera. Did I mention it can record at 1080 resolution and in 4K resolution? I added an Audio-Technica shotgun mike to the accessory shoe on the camera, to record my granddaughter's orchestra concerts. Stop reading, and buy your own Nikon Coolpix P1000. You'll be glad you did.”

The zoom on this camera goes beyond creepy-paparazzi level. Nikon advertises it as so good you can see the craters on the moon, and reviewers on Nikon’s site confirmed this capability. The shutter speed can slow to a full minute, making these night shots possible.

Reviewers seem to love to get out in nature with this camera and its super-zoom lens. It’s a great tool for birding and detailed shots of plants, but it’s not a compact travel companion. It will certainly beat your iPhone, but it’s not as portable.

The screen flips around to give you the best selfie of your life and is Bluetooth-enabled to send those pictures straight to Facebook.

Amazon customer Mike Goss says: