By Tom’s Guide Staff,Daniel Grotta
If you’re like many people, the convenient, always-available camera embedded in your iPhone, Galaxy S4 or favorite brand of smartphone is the only device you ever need to snap and share photos with friends and family. So why would you consider buying a stand-alone compact camera when your smartphone does it all?
Because, photographically speaking, smartphones don’t do it all. For instance, most phones don’t come equipped with optical-zoom lenses, so they’re useless if you’re shooting hungry lions or just your kids playing soccer or baseball. Also, good point-and-shoots will also easily beat most smartphones in low light, whether you’re shooting with or without a flash. These four point-and-shoot cameras take your photography a notch above smartphone cameras while still being easily pocketable.