Our methodology and why we trust it
When trying to find out on the Internet the best point-and-shoot cameras, it usually becomes very difficult to see clearly, because the different sources will tell a different story, reviews will often be different and sometimes they don’t even show the same trend.
The question is how to see through this huge amount of noise? Technical noise, of course, because the test protocols for photo cameras are different, and people’s preferences too, but also, and most importantly: marketing noise. This is by far the reason why you can’t rely on individual rankings and tests.
We tried a surprisingly simple method that proved to be really powerful. After listing the 10 Point-And-Shoot cameras (less than $1500) that scored the highest in three well-known photography websites, we calculated an average score for each of the cameras: the AOP SCORE.
—> Comparison Best Point-And-Shoot Cameras under $1500
We found our AOP SCORE has a very good correlation with a parameter that people tend not to joke about: money. Yes, our average score showed a consistent evolution with respect to the Amazon’s prices for these cameras.
Best Point-and-Shoot Cameras Under $1500
And the winner is…
Not surprisingly, the Fujifilm X100V with an APS-C sensor got the best quality for the price, with the best DxOMark (73, estimated), and also the best resolution of 26.1 MP. Also, the Fujifilm has better mechanics, and it is weather proof. Image quality, good construction, good reasons to take a final decision. But things are not that easy.
https://cameradecision.com/compare/Fujifilm-X100V-vs-Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-RX100-VII
Why would we consider the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 VII with a smaller digital sensor, less resolution (20MP) and only 100$ cheaper ? Well there are some very good reasons. First of all, the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 VII is equipped with a 24-200 zoom with image stabilization, while the Fujifilm X100V is only equipped with a 35mm fixed lenses without image stabilization. However, as the Fujifilm camera has interchangeable lenses, you can change the original fixed lens for any of the X-Pro 3 lens but check-out the prices : a X-Pro 3 55mm-200mm zoom would be around $600. So if you want your Fujifilm X100V to be as versatile as the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 VII, then you would have to spend $2000 and not $1400. Right, it is still much less than a full-frame point and shot photo camera, which will fly far above $3000. But if your wallet is not afraid of it, you may wonder why not to jump to a full frame instead of spending $2000 for a medium-size sensor… the best point-and-shoot cameras will have hard time trying to beat a regular full frame reflex photo camera…
https://cameradecision.com/compare/Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-RX100-VII-vs-Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-RX100-IV
Last but not least, if you want to save money then the much cheaper Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 IV would be an excellent choice for only $900. Compared with the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 VII you will not have a touch screen, you will have less focal length (200mm vs 70mm), but you will have a bigger aperture (1.8 for the RX100 IV vs 2.8 for the RX100 VII).
The final decision would depend actually on your situation and how often you will use the camera. If you are going to shoot on a daily basis, you travel a lot, and you can afford the price, you will need a very resistant camera, and the Fujifilm X100V may be your choice. If you are using your camera only during holidays and not very frequently, then the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100IV may be your best choice for only $900, unless you really want a touch screen and some more zoom capabilities, which will lead you to the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 VII.