Here are the best compact cameras to buy right now, from premium compacts to ultra zooms, to super cheap, for travel, holidays, and special moments.
Better photo quality, portability, more control over your shots, and ease of use, there are many good reasons to buy the best compact cameras rather than keep taking pictures with your smartphone.
The photographic results are definitely the first. In fact, in recent years, camera companies have begun to design compact cameras with larger sensor sizes and features closer to reflex and mirrorless cameras.
This allows you to use the camera with even manual controls, to have more satisfaction in creating the shots, and to also learn how to use the parameters of photography so that one day (if you want) you can switch to a more advanced model.
In this ranking, we compare compact cameras that cover all the categories described above and in all price ranges, to understand which are the best compact cameras to buy today.
Best Compact Camera 2022
Among the compact cameras, we can also include mirrorless and bridge cameras, cameras a little more advanced than point and shoot and with very interesting technical features: the first have interchangeable lenses in reflex style (even if without a mirror and optical viewfinder).
while the latter is equipped with a long-range zoom capable of covering various focal lengths (normal, wide-angle, telephoto) without changing lenses. For all the details of the case and to receive useful advice on which compact camera to buy, go ahead and read this guide.
Best Compact Camera | Comparison Table 2022
Image | Title | Buy | |
---|---|---|---|
Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III Digital 4K Vlogging Camera, Vertical 4K Video Support with Wi-Fi, NFC and 3.0-Inch Touch Tilt LCD, Black | Canon | Check Price | |
Sony RX100 III 20.1 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/1-inch Sensor and 24-70mm F1.8-2.8 ZEISS Zoom Lens (DSCRX100M3/B), 6in l x 4.65in w x 2.93in h, Black | Sony | Check Price | |
Ricoh GR III Digital Compact Camera, 24mp, 28mm F 2.8 Lens with Touch Screen LCD | Ricoh | Check Price | |
Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera with 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor (DSCRX100M7) | Sony | Check Price | |
Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Real-Time Eye Auto Focus, 4K Video, Flip Screen & 16-50mm Lens - E Mount Compatible Cameras - ILCE-6400L/B | Sony | Check Price | |
Sony HX400V Compact Digital Camera with 50x Optical Zoom, Black | Sony | Check Price | |
Panasonic LUMIX LX10 4K Digital Camera, 20.1 Megapixel 1-Inch Sensor, 3X LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX Lens, F1.4-2.8 Aperture, POWER O.I.S. Stabilization, 3-Inch LCD, DMC-LX10K (Black) | Panasonic | Check Price | |
Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS70K, 20.3 Megapixel, 4K Digital Camera, Touch Enabled 3-Inch 180 Degree Flip-front Display, 30X LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR Lens, WiFi (Black) | Panasonic | Check Price | |
Nikon COOLPIX A900 Digital Camera (Silver) | Nikon | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Compact Camera | 2022 Products Overview
1. Canon PowerShot G7X
- 20.1 Megapixel 1.0” stacked CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 Image processor.
- 4.2x optical zoom Lens (24-100mm f/1.8-2.8) with optical image Stabilizer.
- 4K 30P/ FHD 120P video.
- Turn your Canon camera into a high-quality webcam--Learn more: canon.us/livestream
- Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your Canon camera into a high-quality webcam, or do the same using a clean HDMI output.
2. Sony RX100 III 20.1 MP Premium Compact camera
- 209 MP 1-type Exmor R CMOS sensor ; Optical zoom:2.9x (Optical Zoom during movie recording)
- Operating temperature:32-104°F / 0-40°C.24-70mm equivalent F/18-28 lens
- Continuous shooting up to 10 FPS
- Pop-up electronic OLED viewfinder with 1,440,000 dots
- ISO 160-12800, expandable ISO 100, 125, and 25,600
- 30 inch tiltable TFT LCD with 1,229,000 dots. The charging time is approximately 230 min
- 1080 60p/24p HD video with full exposure control (MPEG-4/AVCHD)
- Raw/JPEG/ Raw+JPEG
- Steady-Shot image stabilization
- Rear control dial and customizable front control ring.Built-in WiFi and NFC for sharing and remote camera control
3. Ricoh GR III Digital Compact Camera
- 24 MP CMOS Sensor with accelerator unit helps achieve remarkable image quality; 3 Axis; 4 Stop Shake Reduction ensures sharp images even in lower light conditions; It is also compatible with multi tone 14 bit RAW image recording
- 3 inches Air gapless Capacitive Touch LCD Screen makes controlling the GR III event easier with complete menu control as well as focus and shutter release; It is confirmed that a USB connection can be established between the camera and the following OSs; Windows 10(FCU, CU) (32 bit, 64 bit), Windows 8.1(32 bit, 64bit), Windows 8(32 bit, 64 bit), or Windows 7(32 bit, 64 bit); Mac macOS 10.14 Mojave, macOS 10.13 High Sierra, macOS 10.12 Sierra, OS X 10.11 El Capitan, OS X 10.10 Yosemite
- The GR III features a hybrid AF system combining a contrast type AF mechanism, superior in focusing precision with a phase detection type AF mechanism assuring high speed focusing operation; Taking advantage of both mechanisms, it assures faster, more responsive auto focus operation
- The GR III provides wireless LAN functions for easy pairing with mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers; By installing the dedicated Image Sync application on a mobile device, the user can display a Live View image on the device’s monitor, release the shutter and send various commands from the device
- Full HD movie recording (1920 x 1080 pixels, 60 frame rate) in the H.264 recording format
- Compatible with Pentax AF 201, AF360 FGZ II and AF 540 FGZ II Flashes
4. Sony RX100 VII Instant Camera film
- 20. 1MP 1. 0 Type stacked CMOS sensor, Zeiss Vario Sonnar T* 24 200 millimeter F2. 8 F4. 5 large aperture high magnification zoom lens
- 0. 02 sec. High AF speed, 357 point focal plane Phase detection AF and 425 point contrast detection AF
- Up to 20 fps blackout free shooting, using up to 60 times/sec. Af/AE calculations.Dioptre Adjustment:-4.0 to +3.0 m-1
- Ai based real time tracking for stills and movies, and touch tracking. Real time eye AF for human (stills and movies), and for animal (stills only)
- 4K video with s log3 and Interval Shooting. Microphone jack and vertical position data recording. Active mode image stabilization in 4K video recording, and Movie Edit add on compatible
5. Sony Alpha a6400 Best compact camera for travel
- 20.1MP stacked back illuminated 1 Exmor RS CMOS sensor w/ DRAM, large aperture 24-70mm1 F1.8-2.8 ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T lens
- Enhanced subject capture: wide 425 Phase/ 425 contrast detection points over 84 percent of the sensor
- Fast and accurate: Up to 11Fps continuous shooting at 24.2 MP raw with crisp, clear natural colors
- Multiple movie functions: Make time lapse movies or slow/quick motion videos without post processing
- Tiltable LCD screen: customizable for vlogging, still photography or recording a professional film
- In the box: rechargeable battery (NP FW50) AC adaptor (ac uud12), shoulder strap, body cap, accessory shoe cap, eyepiece cup, micro USB cable. Metering Type: 1200 zone evaluative metering
6. Sony HX400V best budget camera for travelling
- Clear Image Zoom ZEISS Lens. Panorama (Recording): Intelligent Sweep Panorama (supports 360 format)
- 20.4MP Exmor R CMOS Sensor for superb low light images
- Keep your subject in focus with Lock-On AF. Screen type: 7.5cm (3.0 type)(4:3) / 921,600 dots / Xtra Fine / TFT LCD
- Simple connectivity to smartphones via Wi-Fi w/NFC3
- Map your images with GPS tagged photos.Focus Range (From the Front of the Lens):0.39 in - Infinity (W), 7.87 ft - Infinity (T)
- Enhance features w/ downloadable camera apps
- 4K quality still image output via HDMI2
- Motion Shot Video traces subject movement
7. Panasonic LUMIX LX10 Compact Digital Camera
- POINT-AND-SHOOT CAMERA: Large, 1-inch 20.1-megapixel MOS sensor plus 3X zoom LEICA DC VARIO-SU millimeter ILUX lens (24-72 millimeter) and POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) delivers brighter, more colorful photos with fewer image artifacts
- TILTING SELFIE DISPLAY: Rear touch-enabled 3-inch LCD display (1040K dots) tilts upward 180 degree for easy selfie photos
- 4K VIDEO CAPTURE: 4K QFHD video recording (3840 x 2160), plus exclusive LUMIX 4K photo and 4K Post Focus with internal Focus Stacking allows you to record photos up to 30fps and set your desired focus points after the photo has been taken
- LENS-MOUNTED CONTROL RING: Manual lens-mounted control ring brings DSLR-like exposure control to a compact point-and-shoot camera body
- USB CHARGING AND WI-FI CONNECTIVITY: Enjoy travel ready technologies like USB charging and Wi-Fi connectivity to your mobile device; micro-HDMI type D (3) and USB 2.0 micro-B provide additional connectivity to your favorite devices
8. Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS70K
- 20.3 Megapixel MOS sensor plus 30x Leica DC VARIO ELMAR lens (24 720mm), Plus 5 axis Hybrid O. I. S. (Optical image Stabilizer)
- 0.2 Inch 1,166k dot EVF (electronic view finder) with eye sensor for easier viewing under sunny outdoor conditions
- 4K QFHD video recording (3840x2160), Plus exclusive Lumix 4K PHOTO and 4K post focus with internal focus Stacking feature
- Lens barrel mounted control ring enables quick, intuitive operation of important functions
- Wi Fi plus a 180 Degree front Flip up touch feature enabled screen simplifies selfie photography, and framing for unusual perspectives.Recording file format:Motion Picture: AVCHD Progressive, AVCHD, MP4.Wifi:IEEE 802.11b/g/n
9. Nikon COOLPIX A900 Best compact travel zoom camera
- 20MP 1/2.3 BSI CMOS Sensor. Focal length : 4.3 to 151mm
- NIKKOR f/3.4-6.9 ED Lens. Temperature : 0 degree Celsius to 40 degree Celsius
- 24-840mm (35mm Equivalent)
- 35x Optical Zoom Lens, 70x Dynamic Zoom
- 3 921k-Dot Tilting LCD
How to Choose The Best Compact Camera in 2022 | Unrivaled Guide
Types of compact cameras
As I have just explained to you, there are different types of compact cameras, although the most famous are the point-and-shoots, which mainly allow you to point the subject and shoot without too many thoughts. For the more advanced users, there is also the mirrorless, with interchangeable lenses and deeper manual controls, and the bridges, larger and often equipped with long zooms. But there are also the advanced compacts, which offer the size of point-and-shoots and the controls of more complex cameras.
Point-and-shoot
The compact point-and-shoot also called point-and-shoot in the United States, is for those who do not have a great passion for photography and manual controls, but are simply looking for a reliable device to take the highlights of their holidays or their own life. They use a lens that cannot be replaced and is often characterized by a very low list price. The peculiarity of a compact point-and-shoot is the body of reduced size and weight, a feature that is often paid for with a shooting quality that is not exceptional in the dark.
In recent times, advanced compact cameras are also becoming increasingly popular, which combine good image quality with the small size typical of compact cameras. They cost more but are incredibly comfortable to use.
Bridge cameras
The bridge cameras are a middle ground between the compact and SLR. They are larger than the former and smaller than the latter, and in terms of quality, they are closer to compact cameras than reflex cameras. However, they have advantages: the lens, not interchangeable, usually has a long-range zoom, and the overall weight is still less than that of a reflex. They are the right choice for those who need a zoom capable of covering many focal lengths, but also for those who do not want to compromise too many in terms of portability.
Mirrorless
The mirrorless is now the best compromise in terms of quality and size. They have a compact body, but the lens is always interchangeable and more or less protruding. The shooting quality of a mirrorless camera is in many cases comparable to that of reflex cameras and some more modern models are in some ways superior to their bigger sisters also in terms of shooting quality, as well as pure speed. DSLRs often have a higher number of controls along the body, which is why many professionals continue to prefer them, however, mirrorless cameras are capable of defending themselves in many situations.
Action cam
Among compact cameras, even super-compact, are increasingly spreading action cam. These are small video cameras that can be introduced into any environment and even worn with special accessories, hooked to vehicles and racing cars, even underwater. The most famous action cameras are the GoPro, but now there are many producers who churn out in quantities and in all price ranges.
Technical features
Before throwing yourself on the choice of your new compact camera, I’ll explain some definitions that you absolutely must know in order not to grope in the dark in front of the list of technical specifications of each model available on the market.
Sensor
The sensor is a chip that transforms the optical image captured by the lens into digital format, with the result being ultimately processed by the image processor. It consists of pixels that capture light and color information to form the complete image. It is usually believed that the larger the number of pixels, the better the image quality, however, the statement that the sensor size is more important is more true.. In the compact point-and-shoot and in the bridges the sensors are generally small, while in the mirrorless it is also possible to find APS-C sensors (typical of mid-range reflex cameras, with dimensions of about 23 x 15 mm) or Full Frame sensors (typical of high-end reflex cameras, with dimensions of about 24 x 36 mm).
Megapixel
The total number of pixels found in a sensor is defined in Megapixels (which counts the total million pixels of the sensor). A higher value is not always synonymous with higher shooting quality, with 12 or 16 Megapixels already representing optimal values for many circumstances even for prints in the most popular formats. The final quality depends more on the combination of sensor (technology used, amplitude) and objective (lens quality).
ISO
The ISO value indicates the sensitivity level of the sensor to light. Setting a higher value on the camera results in brighter shots in low light, but with lower quality sensors you risk increasing noise (noise and artifacts in the image). Each camera behaves differently as ISO sensitivity increases, so to check the aptitude of the model of interest it is good to do an online search on specialized sites.
Lens and zoom
Nearly all cameras, including compact, have a lens with optical zoom. Each lens supports one or more focal lengths, where focal length refers to the distance between the sensor surface and the center of the objective lens when its focus is set to infinity. The 50mm lenses are called normal, the smaller than normal wide-angle lenses, the upper telephoto lenses. The zooms are lenses that have interchangeable focal lengths, either by means of a button or by means of a ring on the same lens (especially on mirrorless). There is no need to give too much weight to digital zooms since they do not add detail to the images but are made through software “tricks”. The optical ones, on the other hand, really offer added value.
Video recording
Most, if not all, cameras can record video. The standard for recording video in Full HD, which represents a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels, while the latest models can also go up to 4K Ultra HD. Videos can be recorded at 30 fps (frames per second) or even at 50 or 60 fps for smoother and more solid animations. Some models, especially action cameras, also support 120, 240, and more frames per second, useful for recording slow-motion videos.
Connections
In addition to wired connections, such as HDMI, Mini-HDMI, or slots for SD, microSD, and external microphones, most modern compact cameras can also support wireless connections, such as Wi-Fi, NFC, to connect to devices such as smartphones, computers, and tablets. for file sharing. Furthermore, some models can geolocate photos (i.e. insert information on the location of the shot in the metadata) through the integrated GPS module.
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