If you want to take better pictures than your smartphone can, then these compact cameras are the answer.
Compact cameras and the compact camera market have changed a lot over the last few years. Smartphones have decimated the entry-level range of point-and-shoot models that used to be popular and as a result manufacturers have concentrated on putting more advanced features into cameras to make them more attractive.
In addition to a move towards having physically larger sensors to boost image quality that can rival DSLRs in some cases, some compact cameras sport lenses long zoom ranges or wide maximum apertures. Wi-Fi connectivity is also now de rigueur on most compacts, so you can transfer shots quickly to a phone for sharing on Facebook etc.
Many enthusiast photographers used to be very sniffy about compact digital cameras, but there are now many that make a great alternative to a DSLR or mirrorless system camera. And those who are new to photography and thinking about stepping up from a smartphone have some pretty sophisticated choices as well.
There are small cameras that can slip in a pocket yet have huge zoom ranges, and large bridge cameras that look like DSLRs, but have a fixed lens and lots of automated easy-to-use options.
These cameras prove that you don’t have to buy a camera that takes interchangeable lenses to get great shots.
If you need a bit more help figuring out what kind of camera you need, then read this article: What camera should I buy?
Or if you already know what kind of camera you want, then check out our more specific compact camera guides:
Otherwise, keep reading to find out which are the best compact cameras on the market right now, and why.
1. Fujifilm X100F
THe X100F is the perfect compact for the enthusiast photographer
Sensor: APS-C CMOS, 24.3MP| Lens: 23mm f/2| Monitor: 3.0-inch, 1,040,000 dots| Viewfinder: Hybrid optical/EVF| Continuous shooting: 8fps| Movies: 1080p| User level: Expert
Beautiful design
Hybrid viewfinder
1080p video
Fixed focal length lens
It may be one of the more expensive options here and it’s not a compact for everyone, but if you’re after a high-quality camera, you’re not going to be disappointed with the X100F. Everything about it oozes class. Unlike a lot of compacts here, it has a fixed lens as opposed to a zoom, but this 35mm equivalent f/2.0 lens is paired with a DSLR-sized 24.3MP APS-C sensor that delivers cracking results. There’s also the tactile external controls and clever hybrid viewfinder – you have the option of electronic and optical views make it a joy to shoot with. You’ll need some photo knowledge to get the best from it, but the X100F is an exquisite camera.
Read the full review: Fujifilm X100F
2. Panasonic Lumix TZ100
Panasonic’s premium travel camera has a larger sensor than the rest of the range
Sensor: 1-inch type, 20.1MP| Lens: 25-250mm, f/2.8-5.9| Monitor: 3.0-inch touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots| Viewfinder: EVF| Continuous shooting: 10fps| Movies: 4K| User level: Beginner/Intermediate
1-inch type sensor
10x zoom range lens
Small electronic viewfinder
Fixed screen
Panasonic invented the travel-zoom camera genre – compact cameras that can fit in a pocket but that have long zoom lenses built-in. And the TZ range has continued to dominate sales despite strong competition. However, the compact camera has moved on and Panasonic needs to do more to attract buyers. Its response has been to keep the camera body about the same size as earlier TZ-series cameras but to squeeze a much larger 1-inch sensor into the TZ100. This enables the pixels to be about 2.4x bigger than they are in models like the TZ70 and this helps the TZ100 produce much higher quality images. The zoom lens isn’t quite so extensive, but you still get an electronic viewfinder that makes it easier to compose images in bright sunny conditions.
Read the full review: Panasonic Lumix TZ100
3. Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV
Expensive, but highly capable and offering a huge focal range
Sensor: 1-inch CMOS, 20.2MP| Lens: 24-600mm, f/2.4-4| Monitor: 3.0-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, 1.44m dots| Viewfinder: EVF| Continuous shooting: 24fps| Movies: 4K| User level: Intermediate/Expert
Superb sensor
High quality zoom lens
Expensive
Menu system could be better
If you’re looking for a powerful all-in-one bridge camera, then the RX10 IV from Sony is the best there is. You’ll pay a premium for that performance, but when you look at what else is out there for the same price, the RX10 IV is virtually in a league of its own. Featuring a huge 24-600mm f/2.4-4 zoom lens, the RX10 IV builds on the RX10 III with an overhauled AF system that now does justice to the rest of the camera, while the 1-inch, 20.1MP sensor is capable of achieving excellent levels of detail. Handling is very polished, feeling like a DSLR in the hand and complemented by a large and bright electronic viewfinder. That’s not forgetting the ability to capture video in 4K and shoot at up to 24fps. Impressive stuff.
Read our in-depth Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV review
4. Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
A pocket powerhouse of a compact camera
Sensor: 1-inch, 20.1MP| Lens: 28-84mm, f/2-4.9| Monitor: 3.0-inch touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots| Viewfinder: No| Continuous shooting: 8.2fps| Movie: 1080p| User level: Beginner/Intermediate
Compact size
Simple to use
Limited zoom range
No 4K video
While there’s now a decent selection of premium 1.0-inch sensor compact cameras to choose from, the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II sets itself apart thanks to its dinky proportions and streamlined controls. The highly pocketable dimensions do mean there are sacrifices to be made, with the PowerShot G9 X Mark II featuring a relatively short focal length zoom lens. However, if you’re looking for a neat compact camera that can produce vastly superior images to your smartphone, and has decent connectivity options and simple-to-use controls, the PowerShot G9 X Mark II is an excellent choice.
Read the full review: Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
5. Panasonic Lumix LX15
With some stiff competition, this is our pick of the 1-inch compacts
Sensor: 1-inch type, 20.1MP| Lens: 24-72mm, f/1.4-2.8| Monitor: 3.0-inch touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots| Viewfinder: No| Continuous shooting: 6fps| Movies: 4K| User level: Beginner/intermediate
Ultra-fast f/1.4 lens
Fast AF system
No viewfinder
Lack of proper grip
Panasonic’s muscled it’s way into the growing premium 1-inch compact sector with the brilliant Lumix LX15, and is the perfect balance of performance, features and price. First, the bad news – there’s no built-in EVF and the smooth finish doesn’t offer the best handgrip, but the 24-72mm lens is one of the fastest around with a maximum aperture of f/1.4. Add to that some polished handling with dual control rings and a touchscreen, snappy AF and 4K video capture, and you have one of the best compact cameras around.
Read the full review: Panasonic Lumix LX15
6. Sony Cyber-shot RX100 V
Sony’s super-high speed sensor tech is brilliant but pricey
Sensor: 1-inch, 20.1MP| Lens: 24-70mm, f/1.8-2.8| Monitor: 3.0-inch tilt-angle display, 1,228,800 dots| Viewfinder: EVF| Continuous shooting: 24fps| Movies: 4K| User level: Intermediate/expert
High-speed shooting and 4K
Built-in EVF
The tech makes it expensive
No touchscreen
Sony’s original RX100 was a landmark camera that fused a 1-inch sensor in a compact, metal body with the controls and image quality demanded by enthusiasts. The RX100 V goes a step further, though, with a ’stacked‘ sensor design for high-speed data capture. This means it can shoot 4K video, amazing 40x slow motion and still images at 24fps in continuous burst mode. That’s not forgetting the neat little built-in electronic viewfinder that its rivals lack. It’s a pricey option and does have its quirks, but if you’re looking for a versatile, pocket-sized compact with a quality zoom lens, you won’t be disappointed.
