Tired of relying on your smartphone for photos? Want something with a wider range of features without reducing portability? Sounds like you’re in the market for the best compact camera. Alongside innovative tech, you’ll also get all-in-one lenses, boasting huge optical zooms that cover a wide range of focal lengths, from wide-angle up to super-telephoto - ideal for capturing landscapes, portraits and even wildlife. Compact cameras now have the power to rank among the best cameras around.
Related: The best cheap DSLR cameras with super high resolutions
Though the image sensor is often either the same size or slightly larger than camera phones, many compact digital cameras boast electronic viewfinders, tilting touchscreens and RAW file capture, allowing you more flexibility when editing your photos. You’ll be able to shoot in automatic modes, or even full manual in most cases, letting you take charge of your settings and get underway to creative photography techniques.
These best compact cameras come in a range of shapes and sizes, and some can even go underwater, making them great for travelling and adventures.
What is a compact camera?
A compact camera, also known as a point-and-shoot camera (P&S), is a camera specifically designed for easy use. Suitable for all experience levels, these devices usually have autofocus and automatic system to ease those technicalities (exposure, focus etc).
Best compact cameras
Description
Conforming to the typical idea of a compact camera, the TZ95 is actually a rather advanced pocket
Pros
- Tilting 3inch touch-screen
Cons
- Easy to cover flash accidentally
Description
A brilliant entry level for adventure shooters, this colourful compact is waterproof to 25m, and
Pros
- Value for money
Cons
- 4K only at 15p
Description
The TG-6 is designed to be crushproof up-to 100kg, boasts a 2.1m drop resistance and 15 metres of
Pros
- Lower resolution 12mp sensor (less noise)
Cons
- Panoramic mode could be improved
Description
This powerful compact allows you to directly stream to YouTube… with a Wi-Fi signal. Beyond that,
Pros
- 1-inch sensor
Cons
- 4K video not available in all modes
Description
The first 24.2MP APS-C sized sensor on our list, this camera boasts the same level of image
Pros
- Three control dials for exposure parameters
Cons
- Slow autofocus
Description
The X100F is a premium compact with a 24.3MP X-Trans III APS-C sensor, and top-flight image
Pros
- Excellent image quality in Raw and JPEG
Cons
- AF speed could be improved
What is the benefit of a compact camera?
There are many benefits of compact cameras. Not only are they small and compact as suggest in its name, but they are also super easy to use, quiet, and very straightforward to use with their automatic functions. They too have fixed lenses with built-in flashes. The quality of these features determines the cost and affordability of the best compact cameras.
Are compact cameras as good as DSLR?
Compacts can be as good as DSLRs depending on the purpose of your camera. If you want a straightforward point-and-shoot device that allows you to concentrate on your subject and framing without having to worry about minor technicalities, a compact camera is the way to go. Despite its size, in most cases, a compact will come out with the same picture quality as one taken on a DSLR.
What type of photography can a compact camera be used for?
Compact cameras can be used for almost every type of photography. This could include taking landscapes, portraits, and even underwater photos in most cases. However, compact cameras are not ideal for photography types such as astrophotography and night photography which require bigger sensor sizes and features for low light settings.
Kirk Schwarz is one of our resident tech experts. A tech-addicted photographer with more than a decade's experience, Kirk's used to putting new gear through extreme field-testing.
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