How to Buy a Point-and-Shoot Digital Camera

By far the largest segment of the digital camera market, point-and-shoot models are compact, easy to use, and typically take great pictures with minimal effort. You simply press the shutter button, and the camera automatically adjusts shutter speed, aperture, focus, and light sensitivity to capture a clear image with optimal color. Unlike digital SLRs, which offer larger image sensors, more manual control and interchangeable lenses, point-and-shoot cameras can slip into a pocket, and are often hundreds of dollars less expensive than their D-SLR counterparts.