We have all heard about DSLR’s and just how great they are. But, the truth is that not all of us are photography enthusiasts looking for professional accuracy and excellence. To the contrary, most of us use our cameras exclusively on vacations or some other rare occasions. For all such people, a simple compact point and shoot camera is the ideal option as it is portable and not too expensive. Unlike a DSLR which has several complicated settings, a compact camera is extremely easy to use and it delivers on the performance front. For the common man out there who clicks photos once in a while, a compact point and shoot camera is the perfect choice.

As opposed to a DSLR, shopping for a compact camera is a relatively easy affair. There are a few basic rules that you need to know, firstly, megapixel don’t matter as much as you think they do. Instead, it is the lens that really matters, so, look for the kind of lens used, the focal length etc. Finally, consider other features like display resolution, low light performance, image stabilization and video quality. Based on all these criteria, we have put together a list of the best compact digital cameras:

1. Canon Power Shot SX260 HS – This Canon Power Shot camera comes with a 20x25mm ultra wide lens, backside illuminated CMOS sensor and Digic 5 image processor. Simply put, these are the some of the most advanced features in the world of compact digital cameras. This 12 megapixel camera boasts of excellent image quality and image stabilization. Additionally, it has a long zoom lens and it offers a variety of shooting modes. The Canon Power Shot SX260 HS is one of the best point and shoot cameras, one that should please both the amateur and the professional photographer.

2. Nikon Coolpix S9100 – The Nikon Coolpix S9100 has much in common with the Canon Power Shot SX260 HS. Both of these 12 megapixel cameras come with CMOS sensor and long zoom lenses. The Nikon Coolpix S9100 takes excellent photos even in low light thanks to its 18x zoom optical lens. For a camera that can easily fit into your pocket, the S9100 offers many automated modes. All you have to do is click a single button and you can have sharp and crisp photos under any conditions.

3. Sony Cyber Shot DSC-HX30V- This 18 megapixel camera is an absolute favorite among consumers with its high quality lens and performance. It has a significantly wide lens with improved auto focus speed and image stabilization. Additionally, it comes with built in Wi-Fi, improved GPS and Sony’s Clear Image Zoom, all of which make it a force to reckon with.

Besides these, there are several variants which are equally promising. Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20, Sony Cyber DSC-RX100, Canon Power Shot 92 and Fujifim Finepix Z800EXR come highly recommended. The truth is that there is very little separating all of these models and one just has to rely on personal choice as the last resort.