Compact cameras took a major hit when smartphones came to prominence, but many years later they’re making a comeback. And I’m all for it. Take the models that I’ve put together in this best compact cameras guide – they possess a wonderful mix of style, quality and camera phone-beating features. What’s even more important – they offer focused creativity.
I should know – I’ve personally tested the majority of the cameras in this list and TechRadar’s previous faves over the last 15 years, and indeed many of today’s best camera phones. There is still a compelling case for compact cameras – especially retro snappers like the Fujifilm X100VI; with its classic looks, clever hybrid viewfinder, sharp 40MP sensor and film simulations, it’s become the poster child for premium compacts in 2025.
There are also other models that shine in different ways and I’ve included my nine favorite compact cameras for different use cases and budgets below – every recommendation is based on in-depth testing in the kind of real-world scenarios you’re likely to encounter. Whether you need a powerful optical zoom, genuinely small pocketable body or full-frame quality, you’ll find the right pick below, with additional options which didn’t make the cut further below.
Timothy Coleman
I’m TechRadar’s Cameras Editor, with more than 15 years’ experience as a photographer and journalist under my belt. I’ve been lucky enough to test countless cameras – including many of the best compacts, and I know what makes a good compact camera. I can hear you asking ‘don’t people just use their phones?’ – it’s a question I get a lot – and to that I’d say compacts can still offer something more. That’s exactly why I bought a Ricoh GR IIIx instead of the latest iPhone back in 2022. So, if you’re looking for a dedicated camera with superior features and handling, the premium models in this list each offer something unique.
Why you can trust my judgement
Every compact camera in this guide has been thoroughly tested by me or one of TechRadar’s expert reviewers in real-world scenarios. Our dedicated team has decades of combined experience in both professional photography and technology journalism.
We test all types of compact camera, ranging from affordable point-and-shoots to film cameras and premium models with flagship features. Photo quality is a key area of focus (and video where relevant), but we also look at the overall user experience and the value offered by each model.
Why you can trust TechRadar
☑️ 100s of cameras reviewed
☑️ 15 years of product testing
☑️ Over 16,000 products reviewed in total
☑️ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech
Real-world tests are the most revealing way to understand the best compact cameras’ performance, quirks, and features. So, along with standardized tests for factors like ISO performance, we take every camera we test for a spin to see how it fares in real-world scenarios.
We’ll use it both handheld and on a tripod to get a sense of where its strengths lie, and test its startup speed. We also use a formatted UHS-1 card and shoot in both raw and JPEG (if available), testing its burst shooting and buffer performance.
For autofocusing, we use the different autofocus modes on hand in single point, area, and continuous modes. Naturally, we take a look at how accurate and reliable its metering is, how well it handles noise, and how well it minimizes things like fringing and distortion. Its video shooting skills are tested as well by shooting some test footage at different frame-rates and resolutions.
Of course, we also look at the camera’s design, handling, and user interface while getting a sense of what kind of photographer it’s most ideal for. Battery life is tested as well over the course of the day with the screen set to the default settings. Once the battery has reached zero, we’ll then count the number of shots to see how it compares to the camera’s CIPA rating.
Once all is said and done, we take all our data and everything we’ve learned about the compact camera and compare it to its price tag to see if it offer great value for your money.
Meet the team
Our team of reviewers has amassed many years of camera experience and testing, covering all of the latest and greatest cameras in the last 20 years, and can all appreciate the benefits of a dedicated camera like a digital compact versus simply using a smartphone.
Rod is an independent photographer and photography journalist with more than 30 years’ experience. He’s previously worked as Head of Testing for Future’s photography magazines, including Digital Camera, N-Photo, PhotoPlus, Professional Photography, Photography Week and Practical Photoshop, and as Reviews Editor on Digital Camera World.
Mark is TechRadar’s Senior news editor and has been a technology journalist since 2004. Formerly Trusted Reviews and TechRadar’s cameras editor, Mark has tested cameras over many years from all of the leading brands.
James Abbott is a professional photographer and freelance photography journalist. He contributes articles about photography, cameras and drones to a wide range of magazines and websites where he applies a wealth of experience to testing the latest photographic tech.
My top 3 picks
Use the overview below for an instant summary of the best compact cameras you can buy right now. When you find one that ticks your boxes, you can use the links beneath each entry to jump down to our full write-up.
The best compact for enthusiasts overall
A sharp street shooter, the X100VI takes Fujifilm’s TikTok-famous X100 series to new heights, with a 40MP sensor and image stabilization.
2. Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VII
The best pocket compact for features
With strong image quality, convenient zoom, sharp 4K videos and class-leading AF, the RX100 VII is one of the most capable compacts right now.
The best compact for video
A bright lens, superb autofocus and useful design features make the affordable Sony ZV-1 a powerful pocket option for shooting video.
Best by use-case
The best small compact camera
Responsive, pocketable and intuitive handle, the GR IIIx uses a versatile 40mm f/2.8 lens to produce sharp RAW stills.
5. Panasonic Lumix LX100 II
The best Panasonic compact for keen hobbyists
A brilliant compact for enthusiasts, the Lumix LX100 II offers excellent stills quality, responsive autofocus and good physical controls.
The best full-frame compact
The Leica Q3 is the most powerful, most enjoyable, most expensive compact camera. Price aside, it’s tactile and high quality.
7. Panasonic Lumix ZS99 / TZ99
The best compact camera with travel zoom
With 30x optical zoom and USB-C charging, the revised Lumix ZS99 / TZ99 is a versatile 20MP travel snapper.
Best for vlogging
This fantastic tool for solo vloggers is super-portable and super-stable thanks to its gimbal, plus it’s affordable.
The best compact film camera
A modern film camera with a neat design and nice handling, the Pentax 17 makes it enjoyable to shoot half-frame photos.
The best compact cameras in 2025
Why you can trust TechRadar
We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Below you’ll find full write-ups for each of the best compact cameras in our list. We’ve tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
The best compact camera for most people
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Fujifilm X100VI sample images
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Buy it if:
✅ You want a versatile everyday camera: A sharp sensor and image stabilization make the X100VI a flexible tool for shooting on a daily basis.
✅ You like a retro-modern hybrid: The X100V blends old-school looks with modern features, including a superb hybrid viewfinder.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want the best value overall: Its new skills are welcome, but the X100V offers many of the same core features for less – if you can find it in stock.
❌ You like to use different focal lengths: The fixed 23mm focal length is a calling card of the X100 series, but some will find it too limiting.
The Fujifilm X100V went viral for its retro design, pocket-friendly proportions, hybrid viewfinder and fixed 23mm f/2 lens. The X100VI takes the same concept and upgrades it again, boosting resolution to 40MP and adding in-body image stabilization for the first time. It also borrows the class-leading autofocus from the Fujifilm X-T5. In our review, we found results pin-sharp across the entire sensor, with the increased pixel count offering greater flexibility when cropping. Together with impressive subject tracking autofocus and effective stabilization, we think it’s an even more rounded compact for street shooting.
Our tests also revealed the X100VI to be a more capable filmmaking tool, courtesy of 6.2K 10-bit video support. The fixed focal length will still be a limiting factor for some, as will the single UHS-I SD card slot. You need an adapter for full weather-proofing, too. Given the sold-out demand for the X100V, it’s also unsurprising that Fujifilm has increased the price for its successor. But from our time living with the X100VI, we think it’s the pinnacle of the X100 series, and the best premium compact for everyday use.
Read our in-depth Fujifilm X100VI review
Best alternative…
- Fujifilm GFX100RF: Love the Fujifilm look and have a larger budget? The medium-format GFX100RF is the best quality compact available, period.
The best pocket compact with zoom
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Sony RX100 VII sample images
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Buy it if:
✅ You need a complete pocket camera: The RX100 VII is arguably the most rounded pocket camera for photo and video.
✅ You shoot action: Lens zoom is limited, but the performance is not with super fast autofocus and continuous shooting.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want excellent handling: Small it may well be, the RX100 VII isn’t the most ergonomic option available.
❌ You rely on a touch screen: The function of the touch screen is limited, with no support for menu navigation.
In many ways, the RX100 VII is still best compact around right now. Its autofocus system, we found, is comfortably ahead of any other pocket camera, tracking moving subjects with great reliability and making clever use of its Face and Eye AF, even in video mode. Video quality is superb, while image quality is also stellar. But all of this comes at a huge price, and for many people that could be a deal-breaker.
Still, we can’t avoid including it in this guide, as it’s one of the best options around. If your budget allows, then you won’t find a more powerful compact than the Mark VII. But if you’re happy to sacrifice some of the latest autofocus features and a microphone jack, check out the RX100 VI, which offers most of its performance but costs a little less.
Read our in-depth Sony RX100 Mark VII review
Best alternative…
- Panasonic Lumix LX100 II: situated a few entries below, the LX100 II is another high-quality compact with versatile standard zoom lens.
The best compact video camera
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Sony ZV-1 sample images
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Buy it if:
✅ You want a powerful vlogging camera: The Sony ZV-1 is the best compact camera for YouTubers right now, shooting smartphone-beating 4K video.
✅ You want a compact you can grow with: Sony has made the ZV-1 simpler for beginners to use, but it’s also jam-packed with pro features.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You mainly want to shoot stills: While it’s no slouch for stills, the lack of a viewfinder and moderate zoom range will limit some photographers.
❌ You need an all-weather action camera: The ZV-1 is packed with features, but one that’s missing is weather-proofing.
If it’s mainly video rather than stills that you’re looking for from a compact camera, then the Sony ZV-1 is the one of the best options around. Not that it isn’t also very capable at shooting still photos – it has the same sensor and processor as Sony‘s latest RX100 series cameras, after all – but the ZV-1’s main strength are its video powers. That includes its class-leading autofocus powers, which helps it tenaciously lock onto people and moving objects in your frame. During testing, we found it to do an excellent job of keeping moving subjects in focus and tracking our eyes across most of the frame. Of course, the video quality from its 20.1MP 1-inch sensor is nothing short of impressive as well.
These are backed up by a 3.5mm mic port for boosting audio quality with an external microphone, and a hotshoe to help mount the latter. Its bright 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 doesn’t give you the same reach as the RX100 VII, but it does ensure that you get lovely background blur in both stills and videos – perfect if you mainly shoot portraits or vlogs. Sony has since released the ZV-1 II, but for us the successor was a puzzling update that in real world use offered little extra than the ZV-1 to justify its pricier tag.
Read our in-depth Sony ZV-1 review
Best alternative…
- Canon Powershot V1: the PowerShot V1 is a powerful upgrade of the trendy G7X Mark III, with larger 1.4-inch sensor, versatile 3.1x zoom, and Canon’s best autofocus performance in a PowerShot to date. It takes decent 22MP stills, too.
The best small compact camera
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Ricoh GR IIIx sample images
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Buy it if:
✅ You want to develop your creative eye: With a fixed focal length lens, exposure tools and a wide range of in-camera edits, the GR III X encourages creativity.
✅ You want a fun pocket camera: Small enough to slip in the pocket, quick to use and intuitive to handle, the GR IIIx is point-and-shoot happiness.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want a versatile camera: The GR IIIx is as niche as they come. Fixed lens, fixed focal length, modest video specs. This is aimed at a certain type of photographer.
❌ You shoot video a lot: Tech-wise, the GR IIx is way behind today’s smartphones for video recording, being limited to Full HD resolution and mono in-camera audio.
If you’re an avid street photographer there’s no doubt you’ll have heard of the Ricoh GR – a superb series of compact cameras that are famous for their sharp, fixed focal length lens and large APS-C sensor. The Ricoh GRIIIx is the latest model and features a 40mm f2.8 lens versus the standard GR III’s wider 28mm f2.8 option, which may make it a more versatile option depending on your proclivities. Personally, we’d prefer the X’s 40mm for portraiture while the GR III’s 28MM is ideally suited to landscape.
From our review, we think the GRIII X is a superb everyday carry camera, with new features like the Snap Focus system making it an intuitive camera for capturing decisive moments. A host of excellent customization options make it a great choice for experienced tinkerers with in-camera raw editing and easy sharing via the wireless smartphone connection. We would have liked better battery life and a tilt-screen, but such omissions are understandable given the compact body. We think this is the best GR iteration yet if you’re on the hunt for superb image quality, snappy performance, and intuitive handling in a pocket-friendly body.
Read our in-depth Ricoh GR IIIx review
Best alternative…
- Ricoh GR III: If the 40mm lens of the GR IIIX is too tight, the original GR III offers a wider 28mm perspective. The two cameras are otherwise practically identical. Note, the GR IV is now on the scene, but my review isn’t complete yet – for noe, here’s my Ricoh GR IV hands-on.
The best Panasonic compact for keen hobbyists
Panasonic LX100 II sample images
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Buy it if:
✅ You want a Micro Four Thirds sensor: The sensor is larger than the 1-inch ones used in most other compacts and produces lovely photos.
✅ You want excellent handling: A sensible size, decent grip, EVF and solid build all combine for a lovely shooting experience.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want a new camera: The LX100 II is a fantastic camera but it was launched all the way back in 2018 and feels a little dated with its fixed screen and clunky UX. It’s also discontinued now. Want this tech in a new camera? Check out the Leica D-Lux 8.
❌ You want a speedy shooter: The zoom action is a touch pedestrian; both the zoom lever around the shutter release button and the multi-function control ring respond slowly.
Compact cameras with sensors larger than 1-inch in size are typically limited to fixed-focal-length lenses, which is great for quality but less so for flexibility. But not the Panasonic LX100 II; it manages to marry a 17MP Four Thirds sensor – the same size as those found inside Panasonic’s G-series mirrorless cameras – with a zoom lens equivalent to 24-75mm in 35mm terms, proving that sometimes you can get quality and flexibility at once.
We found its Leica-badged lens to be very impressive, capturing very good levels of detail that’s worthy of pricier APS-C cameras, and its exposure metering system more than reliable. Our tests also show that it handles noise pretty well and produces natural-looking images with faithful colors. The original LX100 was something of a landmark camera for offering something similar, and this latest iteration takes the baton, with a nippy AF system, robust body, clear 4K videos and a useful electronic viewfinder among its highlights.
The only caveat here is that the LX100 II is discontinued, so your buying options are either secondhand or a lucky find at an independent retailer. If you want pretty much the same tech but in a camera that’s available new, check out the pricier Leica D-Lux 8.
Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix LX100 II review
Best alternative…
- Leica D-Lux 8: essentially the same camera but in Leica clothing, the D-Lux 8 is a recent release, but packs a lot of the same tech as the older D-Lux 7.
The best full-frame compact camera
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Leica Q3 sample images
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Buy it if:
✅ You like manual control and a tactile experience: The robust dials and shutter button offer the tactile experience that we’d like to see more of.
✅ You want the best-quality everyday camera: With a super-sharp lens and full-frame sensor, no compact camera can better the Leica Q3 on stills.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want to push a camera hard: The Q3 has some seriously impressive features, but they work best when in moderate, everyday use.
❌ You’re after great value: There’s no real rival to the Q3, and it does represent reasonable value for a Leica, but $5,995 / £5,300 / AU$9,790 is a lot of anyone’s money.
Compact cameras can be cost-effective alternatives to interchangeable lens cameras but that doesn’t mean there aren’t superb high-end options. Take the stunning Leica Q3: a full-frame monster that comes complete with the exceptional Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH fixed lens. Calling the Leica Q3 compact may be a slight stretch – it’s around the same size as the Panasonic Lumix S5 II with a pancake lens – but it is the full package if you’re looking for superlative image quality and almost unparalleled build quality.
It’s this latter point that allows the Leica Q3 to stand out from the competition and smartphones. Put simply, the Leica Q3 offers a premium tactile shooting experience that even the best camera phones can’t hope to match. And, price aside, the Leica Q3 is an excellent performer. Unlike the well-known M-series rangefinders from the brand, the Q3 is fully autofocus capable, which makes it an excellent everyday carry for the well-heeled. Sure, the autofocus performance doesn’t quite match the best systems on the market right now but the Leica Q3 is the brand’s easiest to use camera yet – and one that scores full marks on style points.
Read our in-depth Leica Q3 review
Best alternative…
- Sony RX1R III: With the same 61MP sensor, Sony’s RX1R III has a 35mm f/2 lens, incredible autofocus and a more compact design, but a lot of the RX1R II’s features remain, which was disappointing. If you like the sound of an even tighter lens to the Q3’s, there’s also the Leica Q3 43.
The best optical zoom compact camera
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Panasonic Lumix ZS99 / TZ99 sample images
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Buy it if:
✅ You need a versatile zoom: No other pocket camera in this guide can compete with the ZS99 / TZ99’s versatile 30x optical zoom.
✅ You want an affordable snapper: Affordable and truly compact cameras from leading brands are a rarity – the Lumix ZS99 / TZ99 is an exception.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want top tier image quality: The sacrifice for that versatile 30x zoom is outright image quality.
❌ You’d value a viewfinder: Paasonic did away with the viewfinder from the discontinued model that the Lumix ZS99 / TZ99 replaces, which is a real shame.
I’ll be straight up from the off – the Lumix ZS99 / TZ99 was a disappointing upgrade of 2019’s discontinued Lumix ZS80 / TZ95 which it replaces. Not only are there no real upgrades besides USB-C charging, but it is arguably a downgrade following the removal of the handy built-in viewfinder. However, the fact it still features in my best compact camera guide proves just how little competition there is in 2025 – no other leading brand is making sub $500 / £500 compact cameras, especially one with a powerful 30x optical zoom and useful touchscreen which can flip up 180 degrees for easy selfies.
Yes, there’s plenty going for the 4K video 20MP stills-shooting ZS99 (known as the TZ99 outside of the US), not least of which that 30x zoom which can pick out tiny distant details, making it the ideal travel camera for everything from city breaks to safaris. That said, with such great versatility comes compromises – don’t expect the same image quality as some other premium compacts in this guide, even the RX100 VII. Credit to Panasonic though – it’s back in the compact camera game with one of the most affordable options available.
Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix ZS99 / TZ99 review
Best alternative…
- Panasonic Lumix TZ200: the TZ200 has half the optical zoom range at 15x, but a larger 1.0-inch sensor for better image quality. However, it has been discontinued, so chances are that secondhand is your only option.
Best vlogging compact camera
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DJI Osmo Pocket 3 sample images
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Buy it if:
✅ You shoot handheld solo vlogs: The three-axis gimbal offers unmatched stabilization, while ActiveTrack works like a virtual cameraman.
✅ You value portability: True to its name, the Pocket 3 is a pocket-friendly solution for shooting steady vlogs wherever you go.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You shoot a lot of photos, too: Low light image quality is improved over the Pocket 2, but resolution is much lower.
❌ You’re happy with your smartphone: If you prefer shooting with your phone, a gimbal mount like the DJI OM 5 might make more sense.
We were already big fans of the DJI Osmo Pocket 2, yet its successor takes quality and convenience for vlogging to a whole new level. It equals the video quality of larger models like the Sony ZV-1, yet still has an incredibly compact form factor. The improvement in video and image quality, now up to 4K 120p, is enough to pick the Pocket 3 over your smartphone for vlogging, as is the super smooth footage achieved thanks to the three-axis gimbal. It’s also a massively convenient device, comfortably slipping into a pocket, with decent audio quality and compatibility with remote mics.
There’s also a new trick up the Pocket 3’s sleeve: multi-aspect video recording. Taking a leaf out the GoPro Hero 12 Black playbook, the Pocket 3’s 1-inch sensor is squarer than your traditional 16:9 aspect, so you don’t unnecessarily lose detail when switching between horizontal and vertical formats. The rear LCD screen touchscreen even rotates to instantly switch between those formats. Little wonder that the Pocket 3 is now our top recommendation for most vloggers.
Read our in-depth DJI Pocket 3 review
Best alternative…
- Canon PowerShot V10: costing even less, the Powershot V10 is purpose-built to make content creation as easy as possible. However, despite its refreshing design, the tech inside is both dated and limited, and there aren’t too many reasons to pick it over your smartphone unless you really want a different user experience.
The best film compact camera
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Pentax 17 sample images
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Buy it if:
✅ You want the joy of analog: From the vertical viewfinder to the satisfying crank, the Pentax 17 is a lovely film camera to shoot with.
✅ You want value from your film: By shooting half-frame stills, the Pentax 17 doubles the number of images you get from a roll.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want a premium build: While the handling is nice and the design is neat, the Pentax 17 also feels a bit cheap for the price tag.
❌ You want an affordable film camera: If you want analog on a budget, you’ll find sensible second-hand options for a lot less.
A compact film camera might seem outdated, but analog is all the rage right now. Designed for the smartphone generation, we think the Pentax 17 is the best film camera you can buy. In our review, we found that it gives all the joy of analog photography: from the optical viewfinder to the lovely, tactile film crank, this is a really fun camera to shoot with. It’s neatly packaged, with dimensions that make it an easy thing to travel with, while the point-and-shoot setup makes it easy to capture sharp stills on film.
From our in-depth tests, we do think the plastic body could feel tougher, given the high price tag. If you’re happy shooting with a second-hand film camera, you’ll find better build quality and value elsewhere. That said, we still think this is a fantastic compact film camera that makes it simple to enjoy analog photography. Thanks to the half-frame format, you get twice as many exposures from a single roll, and its vertical prints are Instagram-ready.
Read our in-depth Pentax 17 review
Best alternative…
- Kodak Ektar H35N: at around 1/10th of the price, the simple H35N is a much cheap half-frame film camera alternative.
Also consider
We’ve reviewed a whole range of compact cameras, which means there are plenty more that almost made it into this list. Here are a few honorable mentions to consider, some of which I’ve aligned to their obvious rivals in the dedicated entries above.
Best travel zoom – Panasonic Lumix TZ200: A travel zoom camera with a versatile 15x optical zoom range, a 1.0-inch sensor and a whole lot of features, we rate the TZ200 as the best point-and-shoot camera you can buy. It produces great image quality for its size, surpassing most smartphones. However, it has been discontinued, so you might find it a challenge to buy new.
Best alternative premium – Leica Q3 43: Like the Leica Q3 above, the Q3 43 is an ultra-premium compact with incredible build quality and gorgeous handling. What’s different about it is the 43mm focal length, which offers a natural field of view to mimic the human eye. Stills are pin-sharp, as you’d expect for the price.
Best Canon – Canon Powershot V1: Forget the trending PowerShot G7X Mark III, the PowerShot V1 is a powerful upgrade with large 1.4-inch sensor, versatile 3.1x zoom, and Canon‘s best autofocus performance in a PowerShot to date. It takes decent 22MP stills, too.
Best cheap Leica – Leica D-Lux 8: The D-Lux 8 is a modest refresh of the D-Lux 7, packing a lot of the same tech as the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II. These cameras are still a capable today, but we wished there were more meaningful upgrades in the new D-Lux 8. That said, it’s still a lovely premium compact that, for a Leica, isn’t bad value.
Best tough – OM System Tough TG-7: If you want a family camera that can survive a bit of rough and tumble, we highly rate the TG-7. Stills quality is beaten by most smartphones, but its compact yet durable build makes it a really practical camera that’s easy for anyone to shoot with.
Best wide angle pocket camera – Ricoh GR III: If the 40mm lens of the GR IIIX (in the top entries) is too zoomed in, the original GR III offers a wider 28mm perspective. The two cameras are otherwise practically identical.
Best all-rounder – Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II: A well-built compact that’s ideal for everyday shooting, the G5 X Mark II handles well and offers a solid set of specs. Its 24-120mm f/1.8-2.8 lens covers a useful range and image quality is impressive. It was relatively expensive at launch and you’ll have to hunt around for one online now.
Best premium – Fujifilm GFX100RF: Taking image quality to new heights, the GFX100RF packs a 100MP 44x33mm sensor – that’s larger than full-frame – pin sharp f/4 lens, plus a raft of neat features including an aspect ratio dial. If the limited maximum aperture isn’t a dealbreaker, this could be the ultimate every day carry.
Best digital compact for film fans – Fujifilm X-half: If you’re after a healthy dose of photogeaphy fun, the charming X-half could be the ticket. It’s inspired by half-frame film cameras, adorning a unique twin screens; one vertical, the other mimicking a film cannister window, while the film roll mode is a love letter to film. Don’t take it too seriously and the X-half could be your favorite camera purchase this year.
Upcoming compact cameras
While new compact cameras don’t arrive as frequently as they once did, there are signs that the category is enjoying a quiet revival. The runaway popularity of models like the Fujifilm X100VI has reignited interest in premium compacts which some brands are starting to captialize on.
Take the long-awaited Ricoh GR IV which was announced recently – it upgrades the GR III with new sensor, improved autofocus and revised lens. It is already featuring in top seller lists despite being a pricier successor with modest updates. We hope to complete an in-depth review soon.
We’ve also had a hands-on with the pricey RX1R III – a powerful 60MP full-frame shooter with fixed 35mm f/2 lens. It doesn’t quite live up to the Leica Q3, but it is a fair bit smaller.
The recent Fujifilm X-half and GXF100RF were two polar opposites, being a fun half-frame inspired compact and serious medium-format snapper respectively. Canon revived its PowerShot range with the V1 vlogging camera too.
So where does that leave us with potential other compact cameras? Well, it could be a quiet time on new releases from the leading brands, but we’re hoping for some surprises and of course will update this guide with the latest news stories of what’s coming up.
How to choose the best compact camera for you
How to choose the best compact camera
When it comes to selecting a compact camera, there are several factors to consider. As the name suggests, all compact cameras promise portability, but there’s more to keep in mind than form factor alone. All of the cameras in our list above offer some combination of versatility, handling, features and image quality. Which specific aspects matter most will depend on what and how you like to shoot. If you can’t find a compact the ticks your key boxes, you might be better off using your smartphone’s camera.
Sensor size
One of the key things to think about is sensor size. All of the best compact cameras should represent a step up from your smartphone. Micro Four Thirds and APS-C options, such as the Fujifilm X100V, are now as prevalent as 1-inch models.
Lens
If you plan on using your compact camera for travel, you should take a closer look at its lens and zoom capabilities. To be worthy of your attention, the latter should offer at least 10x optical zoom, if not more. If you plan on using your camera for street photography or candid portraits, a fixed lens might work better for you. Or if night-time shots are your thing, look for a compact with good noise handling and high ISO capabilities.
Design
Whatever your subject of choice, pay attention to how a camera handles. This is something we cover in our reviews. Most compacts have an electronic viewfinder, but a small number use an optical one instead. Most also feature a touchscreen interface, which makes it more straightforward to upgrade from a smartphone, although not every display can tilt. You should also think about whether manual controls matter to you.
Price
Some features you might not need, but a few – such image stabilization or face/eye tracking – could prove to be useful bonuses. Of course, price is a factor as well, so if the models above are too pricey new, check out their second-hand availability. Our guide on how to buy a second-hand DSLR or mirrorless camera may be aimed at larger models, but much of the same advice applies to premium compact cameras.
Is a compact camera better than a smartphone?
It’s widely accepted that the best camera is the one you have with you, and this will often be the smartphone in your pocket – especially if you’re looking to capture quick, sharp images for sharing on social media. And while the best camera phone options are better than ever, the top compact cameras remain a cut above their mobile rivals when it comes to image quality and the overall shooting experience.
Sensor size
Larger sensors are an obvious bonus: the sensor inside a premium compact will, in general, be bigger than the one in your average smartphone. This means you’ll get more detail and better low-light performance, which will be evident if you choose to print out your images. It helps that most compact cameras also benefit from high-quality optics.
Zoom range
Only a handful of smartphones offer the versatility of an optical zoom. While zoom range varies by model, most of the best compact cameras feature this as standard. Even with huge improvements to the quality of digital zoom technology, it can rarely compete with the quality of optical zoom when it comes to preserving detail.
Dedicated design
Many compact cameras also have physical advantages over smartphones. While both types of device are designed to be pocket-friendly, the best compacts feature dedicated buttons and dials that offer greater creative control. Similarly, many of the best compact options feature a small but useful grip that gives them an ergonomic edge over smartphones when it comes to handling. Tilting touchscreens and dedicated electronic viewfinders are also handy for framing, while certain compacts ship with niche features, such as stabilizing gimbals and waterproof bodies.
Do photographers use compact cameras?
Given their performance and relative portability, most photographers now favor one of the best mirrorless cameras as their primary camera. These models are not much bigger than a premium compact, with many numbering among the best travel cameras, yet they also offer the flexibility of interchangeable lenses.
That being said, many photographers still choose to travel with a premium compact as a second camera. While they might not compete outright with the images captured by top mirrorless models, a reliable compact camera can be a useful tool to keep within easy reach, in case a photo-worthy scene unfolds before you.
This is particularly true for street and travel photographers. A compact is less conspicuous than a professional full-frame camera, making it easier to shoot comfortably in public. The smaller proportions also mean you’re more likely to take it with you whenever you head out, without needing a bulky kit bag.
The same is true for photographers who want to travel light and leave their main camera at home. You’ll rarely see an image from a compact adorning billboard, but the best models can produce images plenty sharp enough for digital assignments and prize-winning pics. That’s especially true if you pick a compact that focuses on a specific niche, such as the Fujifilm X100V with its fixed 23mm f/2 lens – ideal for street and low-light photography.
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