Why point-and-shoot cameras are still relevant

Here’s reasons to take one like the Fujifilm FinePix XP140 on your next adventure

You might think point-and-shoot cameras are going the way of the fax machine and dodo bird, but don’t write them off just yet.

Smartphones have become the default for shooting photos and videos. Phones give even some of the latest digital SLR cameras a run for their money in terms of photo quality. And they’re convenient, always at your fingertips to capture that Instagram moment.

You’re probably wondering why you even need one as smartphones have become the default gadget for selfies, taking pictures and even shooting videos. Built-in cameras in phones like the iPhone XS and Google Pixel 3 are now better than ever in terms of picture quality and high-definition video giving even some of the latest Digital SLR cameras a run for their money.

They’re convenient, always in your pocket or purse and at your fingertips ready to capture that Instagram moment which in an instant can be shared with family and friends and even posted on other Social Media.

Suspend judgement for a moment. Reasons for considering a point-and-shoot go beyond the Swiss-Army knife concept that a smartphone can do it all. Obvious ones include saving your phone’s precious battery life, reducing wear and tear on your phone and avoiding using up valuable storage space that you never seem to have enough of.

Others might appreciate the feel of real buttons, a physical shutter, a real viewfinder and the flexibility to adjust settings exactly the way you want.

While higher-end smartphones have decent lenses, the rest of the camera apparatus is mostly average. Photo quality is not as sharp, particularly in low light conditions.

**The FujiFilm FinePix XP140 has a large viewfinder and has a water-proof, shock-proof and freeze-proof body**

Those who take distance photos may also prefer a point-and-shoot because of a camera’s real optical zoom, which offers true lens adjustment. It gives you the same number of pixels in your frame as you zoom in. In contrast, the digital zoom found on most phones makes things appear closer by simply making the pixels larger. So as you zoom in, there are fewer pixels in a frame. The result is a grainier photo or video- particularly in low light.

Opting for a standalone camera also allows you to unplug and disconnect from the world for just a little while. Maybe you need time to reflect or focus on your craft – maybe writing or preparing for that next sales pitch. Or maybe you just don’t want to take that $1500+ device to the beach with all your precious data on board. Why would you when you can carry a suitable camera that if you lose or break you’d only be out a couple of hundred dollars?

These aren’t your parents’ Kodak Instamatic. Digital point and shoot cameras have evolved.

The compact new Fujifilm FinePix XP140, for instance, has a massive 16.4 mega-pixel sensor. That means you can even print a huge poster from a photo. You can record ultra-high-definition video. It also has a high quality Fujinon 28-mm wide-angle lens with 5X true optical zoom.

The FinePix XP140 has the smarts to detect the main subject in a scene and the automatically optimize the camera setting so the picture comes out just right. It also makes for better portrait shots by focusing on the eyes and the self-timer mode automatically releases the shutter when it detects a smiling face.

It also has a stabilization feature that reduces blur from camera shake. And it has a time-lapse feature so you can capture a series of pictures over time – like watching a sunset..

The remote shoot feature allows you to place the camera in a tree and and move away before using your phone to activate the camera. It’s a great feature for wildlife photography.

The FinePix XP140 is also dust proof, shock proof, freeze proof (down to -10C) and water proof (down to 25 metres).

Besides coming in five cool colours, the camera features the latest Bluetooth technology to transfer files to your smartphone, computer or printer without a cable.

It retails in Canada for only $239.99 at places like London Drugs, Best Buy and Amazon.

Don’t leave home without one.

Greg Gazin, also known as the Gadget Guy and Gadget Greg, is a syndicated veteran tech columnist, communication, leadership and technology speaker, facilitator, blogger, podcaster and author. Reach him @gadgetgreg or at GadgetGuy.ca.