This experience-based guide to the best compact camera will save you time and money and help you take better pictures.
Thanks to the latest smartphones, you may question the need for a pocket camera or point and shoot.
However, I’m here to show you a compact camera selection that is much better than any phone camera.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
SONY RX 100 VII
Versatile, powerful and pocketable compact camera with great image quality, fast operation and incredible zoom range at a competitive price.
The best portable camera is more ergonomic, offers faster operation, longer battery life, and better low-light capabilities, often including dedicated flashes.
For many photographers, a compact camera with a viewfinder is much more enjoyable than any smartphone.
In this guide, we’ve chosen six small cameras that are portable enough to carry with you every day.
They’re all fixed-lens compact cameras that will help you take stunning photos and videos in all situations.
One thing to note: all the point-and-shoot cameras on this list are over $500, so spending less isn’t recommended.
That said, we’ve also included one budget compact camera in our recommendations.
12 Key Features to look for in compact digital cameras
Large Sensor: Captures more light, improving image quality.
Optical Zoom: Offers zoom without quality loss of digital zoom.
Image Stabilization: Reduces blur from hand movements.
Manual Controls: Provides creative freedom in settings.
RAW Capture: Retains maximum image data for editing.
Fast Autofocus: Ensures sharp images, especially in action shots.
High ISO Range: Better performance in low light.
High Quality Lens: Affects sharpness, clarity, and color.
Viewfinder: Helps compose shots in bright conditions.
Durable Build: Withstands wear and potential accidents.
Weather Resistance: Ideal for travel and all conditions.
Long Battery Life: Allows extended shooting sessions.
What is the Best Compact Camera in 2024?
1. Sony RX100 VII | Best Compact Camera for Travel (and Everyday Use)
Megapixels: 20Sensor Size: 1 inch (13.2mm x 8.8mm)Dimensions: 4.0 x 2.3 x 1.7 in. (102 x 58 x 43 mm) Weight: 10.7 oz (302 g)
Pros
Most versatile optical zoom range
Crazy fast Single Burst Mode (90fps!)
Excellent AF performance
Amazing slow-mo modes
Front-facing LCD screen
Pocketable & lightweight
Great image quality for 1-inch sensor
Lens ring for custom functions
Cons
Poor ergonomics
Expensive
Sub-par battery life
No external charger included
If you’re in a line-up of one of the most popular compact camera series of all time, you have a lot to live up to… fortunately, the Sony RX100 VII doesn’t disappoint.
I spent a few weeks shooting this powerful little point and shoot camera for a full Sony RX100 VII review and have decided to name it the top compact camera for travel.
First, let’s get the price out of the way – at over $1,200, the Sony RX100 VII (aka the Sony cyber-shot RX100 VII) is an investment.
Despite being expensive, I do actually think it’s good value for money. There’s just SO much packed into its svelte, pocketable body – you can slip it into your jeans’ front pocket!
Top of the list is the incredible zoom lens – a 24-200mm, wide to telephoto equivalent range that’ll leave your jaw on the floor. Check out the image below for what I mean.
It’s easy to see why this would be so great for travel photography, where you can’t always move to get closer to your subject.
I also love the fact that LCD displays the optical zoom focal length as you’re zooming, so you can set it to 35mm, for example, and leave it there if that’s your preference when shooting primes – this is what I found myself doing since I rarely shoot at 24mm.
Standing on the beach, I shot one image at 24mm on the RX100 VII, then the next at 200mm – incredible!
Auto Focus performance is incredible, as you can expect from a Sony cyber-shot camera.
There are a confusing amount of AF options and modes, but after you find the one you want and set up a button to control Eye AF, it’s pretty hard actually to miss a moment.
Taking photos of our fast-moving kids is a cinch – just point the Sony RX100 VII in their general direction, hold down the Eye AF button for one of the 357 phase and 425 contrast AF points to lock onto the nearest face, and fire away – at a frankly ridiculous 90fps, nothing can escape your shutter!
This is a huge step up from the Sony RX100 VI, which had 315 phase AF points, 25 contrast AF points and a maximum burst mode of 24fps.
I switched the mode from high to medium and found I was taking too many photos!
Sony’s Real Time Eye AF means the Sony RX100 VII is constantly tracking faces and eyes, even before you press the shutter button – it makes capturing a subject almost too easy…
Image quality is great, whether shooting JPEG or RAW format. The lens is sharp across its frame, and the dynamic range is decent, too – shooting at low ISOs and underexposing the image allows you to bring back a good amount of shadow data later in Lightroom.
In practice, shooting at ISO125 and brightening in the post was similar to having shot at ISO800~1600 and nailing the exposure.
High ISO performance is decent, with clean images up to 1600, then quickly degrading after 2000 – as is expected on a camera with a 1-inch CMOS sensor.
The zoom lens on the Sony RX100 VII extends to give between 24mm and 200mm of optical zoom range.
Start-up time is fast, as is the zoom speed. I also love the ability to set the lens ring up as a custom function – I had mine as exposure compensation, so shooting in Aperture Priority was intuitive and fun.
Speaking of aperture, the only slight disappointment is the variable aperture of f/2.8~4.5. The RX100V featured f/1.8~2.8, but the focal range was limited to a 24-70mm equivalent.
The Sony RX100 VII offers a tilting touchscreen, albeit a limited one. You can touch to change AF points, focus, and then shoot—this is a really handy feature for capturing candid travel moments, especially when combined with the tilting display. On the VI, the tilt is 90 degrees down and 180 degrees up, making it perfect for vlogging.
The VII also offers fast AF, a new 4K video HDR mode, 4-stop image stabilisation, Active Steady Shot for video recording and a larger buffer – 233 vs the V’s already impressive 150.
The shot below was one of about 30 in quick succession – my son was actually sprinting along the rope bridge, and the RX100 VII didn’t miss a beat with the focus.
Straight-out-of-camera JPEGs are impressively sharp and vibrant | Sony RX100 VII @200mm f/4.5 1/200 ISO100
For some, having a 24-200mm zoom lens in your pocket will be reason enough to invest in the latest Sony RX100 VII model.
It really is incredible having such range at your disposal, and as long as you’re in decent light, shooting at 200mm (and f/4.5) yields some great bokeh. Image stabilization also helps a lot.
I’m not even a big fan of zoom lenses, preferring normally to ‘zoom with my feet, but I found myself constantly zooming in and out with this fun little Sony point and shoot camera, often just to see ‘how far I could see’!
It’s convenient being able to zoom in to 200mm on some distant action before your subject has noticed your presence, and having such range on a compact camera is a huge plus while traveling, since it’s not always possible to physically move closer.
How about the cons of the RX100 VII? Well, holding it is akin to holding a wet bar of soap…
Why on earth Sony would design such an incredible camera and make it have all the ergonomics of a pane of glass is beyond me! The first thing I’d recommend you do is purchase this grip – at least it’s cheap!
The dynamic range on the Sony RX100 VII is decent – original RAW pushed 3.5 stops (image noise is largely due to the heavily compressed gif file.)
Another annoying aspect related to ergonomics is the lack of a regular strap eyelet – there’s only a tiny hole for the included wrist strap, which seems pretty flimsy.
Then there’s the battery life, which is pretty poor at around 260 shots or 30 minutes of 4k video per charge. On the plus side, you can charge the camera via micro-USB, and spare batteries are affordable.
The camera doesn’t usually come with a dedicated charger either, but third-party options are cheap, too.
The pop-up LCD is good in bright sunlight, and I’m glad they included it, but I didn’t find myself using it much otherwise – it’s a little cramped, as is to be expected on a camera of this size.
Whether you’re a fan of video or not, the 960fps incredible High Frame Rate mode will leave your jaw on the floor and make you want to film everything to see how it looks when played back slowly.
A first for the RX100 series is the inclusion of a 3.5mm mic jack for those who are serious about video.
Combined with the eye-AF and the front-facing LCD (a vlogging essential), the RX100 is the best compact camera for videography. It’s also the best compact superzoom camera I’ve ever used.
Overall, the Sony RX100 VII is a helluva lot of pocket camera squeezed into something the size of a deck of playing cards. The zoom range is astounding, the auto-focus performance mind-boggling, and the frame rate is something that none of the other cameras on this list can match. A reliable point and shoot camera indeed.
If you’re looking for a feature-packed compact camera for travel with incredible stills and 4k video performance that’s so small that you can have it in your pocket every day and not even notice it’s there, look no further. This is it – the best point and shoot camera for your money in 2024.
2. Fujifilm X100VI | Best Fixed Lens Compact Camera
The Fujifilm X100 VI is a sleek and sophisticated powerhouse
Megapixels: 40.2Sensor Size: 23.5mm×15.6mm (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS 5 HRDimensions: (W) 128.0mm × (H) 75mm × (D) 55mm /(W) 5.04in × (H) 2.95in × (D) 2.17inWeight: 521g / 18.38oz
Pros
Whopping 40.2 MP X-Trans 5 Image Sensor
Awesome hybrid optical + electronic viewfinder
Excellent 23mm (35mm full frame equivalent) lens
Flagship Fuji X Processor 5
Fast and silent leaf shutter
Built-in ND filter
Weather sealed body
Sleek and stunning design
20 film simulations
Cons
Same NP-W126S battery
The lens is not weather-sealed
No UHS-II or dual card slot
Backorders and stock shortages
The X100 VI is the latest iteration in a long line of fixed-lens compact cameras developed by the Japanese company.
I know countless photographers who have owned or dreamed of owning a Fujifilm X100 compact digital mirrorless camera.
While the new and improved Fujifilm X100VI is a small digital camera, it packs in so much that it’s an absolute delight to shoot with.
It’s also one of the reasons why it’s considered the best digital camera on this list.
The Fuji X100 series of compact cameras has stuck with a time-honored tradition of retro styling, sharp optics, and impressive performance.
The X100V proved to be a significant generational leap over its predecessors and drew the attention and admiration of many photographers, as well as social media influencers.
The Fujifilm X100VI has a fixed 23mm f/2 Fujinon lens, EVF/OVF, and leaf shutter.
As we waited for the Fuji X100VI to drop, the big question on everyone’s lips was – will the next Fujifilm compact camera wow and woo us again?
It’s no surprise that the Fujifilm X100VI impresses and delights in almost every possible way.
In fact, Fuji must have a few sorcerers on staff to make optical wizardry possible with such a compact digital camera.
If you’re new to the world of Fujifilm and the X100 series, you’re in for a treat. It’s considered the best compact APSC camera of the year.
Let’s find out why this delightful fixed-lens camera is the talk of the town.
Fujifilm has been in the photography and imaging game since 1934.
The Tokyo giant manufactured high-quality analog film stock for photography and cinematography.
Photographers applaud Fujifilm cameras and lenses for their image quality.
Regardless of shooting in RAW or JPEG format, the image quality, color science, dynamic range, and contrast are exceptional.
The X100VI takes everything learned from the previous five generations and boots the output more than ever.
It features a fixed Fujinon 23mm f/2 II lens – the same high-quality and optically sharp lens as the X100 V.
The lens configuration consists of 8 elements in 6 groups, including 2 aspherical elements, which provide excellent background blur and subject separation.
What’s more, the fast and wide f/2 aperture is ideal for environmental portraits, food photography, and low-light settings.
If smartphone photography is your thing, this little compact camera will change your mind forever.
The fixed 23mm f/2 Fujifilm X100 VI lens features a manual aperture and focus ring.
A significant upgrade over the X100V is the introduction of Fuji’s flagship image sensor and processor – essentially the brain and the eyes.
The new X Trans CMOS 5 HR image sensor boasts a 40.2MP image resolution, and the flagship X Processor 5 HR delivers insane performance.
Another new addition to the X100 series is the 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization, which delivers up to 6 stops of additional light.
That’s an impressive set of components packed within a compact camera that’s changed very little in size over the past 13 years.
Most importantly, the compact Fujifilm X100 VI delivers extensive RAW file data regardless of the lighting conditions.
40.2MP of image data captured by the sensor and processed by the X Processor 5 means you have many post-editing options available.
Shadows and highlights are easily pushed and pulled to achieve perfect image exposure.
If you’d rather stick to JPEG images (and plenty of photographers do), the quality and color reproduction won’t disappoint you.
As mentioned, Fujifilm has been in the game for decades and is renowned for applying color science to photography.
The X100VI features no less than 20 Fuji film simulations that replicate the look and mood of classic film stock.
You can set your X100VI to shoot JPEG images in any of the film simulations, and the resulting image will feature those color, tone, and contrast settings straight out of the camera.
Alternatively, shoot in RAW and then use the onboard image editing and RAW Conversion software to convert your RAW files to JPEG images with the same film simulation filters applied.
Some of the most appealing film simulations include Classic Chrome, Nostalgic Negative, and the black and white Acros.
The X100VI also features excellent white balance controls and color chrome and color chrome blue effects for added depth and intensity.
Good cameras come and go, but those with excellent image quality straight out of the camera are the ones that resonate the most.
It’s a common saying amongst photographers that nobody does JPEGs like Fuji.
Fortunately, the Fujifilm X100VI delivers exceptional JPEG image quality directly from the camera.
I typically shoot in RAW format only. However, the Fujifilm X100 VI is the only camera that entices me to shoot in JPEG format.
There’s a lot to love about the pure simplicity of using the impressive sensor, processor, and sharp lens to capture amazing shots.
Combined with the camera’s manual aperture ring, ISO, and shutter speed dials, you rely more on your photography skills in the moment than fixing a photo later in Lightroom.
The image quality is stunning, and you’d be forgiven for thinking that Fuji JPEG images are, in fact, highly edited RAW files.
Fujifilm X100VI Classic Chrome Film Simulation
The joy of photography should always be in the moment when you control your camera to capture a fleeting scene. It doesn’t come from sitting in front of a computer for hours and hours editing photos.
Smartphones have access to hundreds of filters and photo effects, but nothing beats the native look and appeal of Fuji film simulations.
While the Fujifilm X100VI looks like a retro film camera, it packs the latest and greatest technology the wizards at Fuji could conjure.
It’s never been easier to share your images directly from your camera to a computer or smartphone for editing, storing, and sharing.
The camera features Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, allowing you to remotely control it and transfer files directly to your smart device.
It’s the ultimate selfie device: set up the camera, get in your position, and use the Fuji Camera Remote App to set your camera and take the shot.
What’s also impressive is that the Fujifilm X100VI is the first Fuji X Series camera to feature native Frame.io Camera To Cloud connectivity.
As long as you have a Frame.io account, you can directly upload your images from the camera to a cloud service.
That way, your images are backed up, easily accessed, and can be shared later.
If you’ve seen a Fujifilm X100 compact camera out in the wild, you’ll have noticed the sleek and retro design styling.
Plenty of people have been mistaken in assuming that an X100 is a retro film camera.
Almost all Fuji X Series cameras are heavily influenced by old retro film cameras. The Fujifilm X-T5, XPro 3, and, of course, the X100 VI have more than a hint of retro styling.
When you pick up the X100VI, you’ll notice just how compact and sleek it is. Yet, at 521g (1.15lb), its magnesium alloy body still feels solid and robust.
The camera’s top plate is the business end, thanks to its manual dual ISO/Shutter Speed and Exposure Compensation command dials.
Those dials beg to be touched, and you’ll find satisfying clicks and resistance when changing settings.
Combined with the manual aperture ring around the 23mm f/2 lens, you have complete control of the exposure triangle.
While the compact camera features a small built-in flash, it also has a hot shoe for attaching flash units, microphones, and other shoe-mount accessories.
A standard feature with all Fujifilm X100 models is the impressive Hybrid Optical/Electronic Viewfinder.
Like rangefinder film cameras, it has an optical viewfinder, which allows you to see straight through the camera body to the scene before you.
However, the X100VI also features a toggle to change from an optical viewfinder to an electronic one with a 3.690K image resolution digital live view of your scene.
It’s a delight to work with and delivers a photographic experience like no other compact digital camera on the market.
The tilting touch screen angles for shooting from down low or up high.
The Fujifilm X100VI’s rear features a handful of buttons, a focus/menu toggle, and a bright LCD screen.
Unfortunately, the 3″ 1.620K Touch Tilt Screen hasn’t been upgraded from the previous generation.
Regardless, it delivers a bright and rich live view of your scene, allowing you to shoot from high to low.
Furthermore, the touch screen lets you set a focus point and shutter release with a tap.
To optimize comfort and security, the camera is wrapped in a textured leather-like grip.
The rear of the X100VI has a thumb rest, and the front features a curved grip for greater purchase.
It’s not a massive or overly ergonomic grip, but it works and keeps the camera sleek and minimal.
Overall, the compact form, slick design, manual controls, and exceptional output make the X100VI an absolute delight to shoot with.
I’d go so far as to say that the X100VI enhances the joy of photography and will teach you a lot about your photography style.
The compact shooter has a Fujifilm NP-W126S battery that can deliver up to 450 shots and a single UHS-I SD card slot.
While UHS-II would have accommodated faster file transfer, the buffer keeps pace with the faster processing speed and output.
Speaking of which, the X100 VI shoots a fast burst of 11fps when shooting with the mechanical leaf shutter.
If that’s not fast enough, it captures up to 20fps at a maximum 1/180,000 shutter speed with the electronic shutter.
The X100VI achieves an impressive 11fps continuous burst with the mechanical shutter.
Switching to the electronic shutter delivers 20fps and 1/180,000-second speed!
Regarding autofocus performance, the X100VI masters focus performance, face detection, and subject tracking.
Thanks to the powerful X Processor 5, its autofocus algorithm detects everything from birds, insects, and animals to cars, planes, and trains.
Even with subject tracking off, the Intelligent Hybrid AF (TTL contrast AF/TTL phase detection AF) system is incredibly fast and accurate.
Alternatively, tap the touch screen to select a focus point or set it so that a single tap focuses and takes the shot.
It’s the best focus performance of any past X100 and operates at flagship camera level in every setting.
Obviously, the Fujifilm X100VI is far more than a simple point-and-shoot camera. But wait, there’s more!
The Fujifilm X100 VI features 6.2K video recording at up to 30p.
Where the X100V offered a significant boost in video performance over past generations, the X100VI takes it to a whole new level!
The Fuji X100V compact camera shot high resolution 4K video at up to 24fps or 30fps.
Remember that 4K video boasts exceptional image clarity, resolution, and hyper-smooth realism.
The new Fujifilm X100VI draws on the power of the latest processor and sensor to deliver 6K video at up to 30P and 4K at up to 60P.
It’s hard to comprehend just how much is going on with the Fujifilm X100VI compact digital camera.
The engineering team at Fuji deserves all the applause and accolades, given the power and performance enhancements crammed into a compact camera body.
It’s pretty clearly one of the most essential compact cameras on the market today.
The little powerhouse makes for an ideal travel, street, and everyday camera, no matter your photography skills.
As with the launch of the X100V, the new and improved Fujifilm X100VI is hard to find in stock.
The global demand has overwhelmed Fujifilm, and lengthy back orders exist in almost every region. Get your hands on one if you can.
3. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II | Best Budget Compact Camera for Beginners
Megapixels: 20.1Sensor Size: 1 inch (13.2mm x 8.8mm)Dimensions: 4.2 x 2.4 x 1.7 in. (106 x 61 x 42 mm)Weight: 11.2 oz (318 g)
Pros
Excellent value for money
Great image quality
Fast lens (f/1.8)
Fast burst shooting
Great ergonomics
Great zoom (24-100mm equiv.)
Fast startup time
Built-in ND filter
Tilting LCD touchscreen
Responsive/fast handling
Cons
Sub-par battery life
No tracking in burst mode
Small buffer
Unreliable metering in some modes
Limited movie options (no 4k video)
The hugely popular Canon Powershot series attracts many photographers of all standards due mainly to the promise of great image quality, those fabled Canon colours, and useful features trickled down from their pro-line, all for attractive prices.
With the Canon Powershot G7X Mark II, Canon has made a big improvement over the first iteration, with a host of great features, and still managed to keep the price nice and low – that’s why it’s still our choice as the best budget compact camera of the year.
(There’s also the newer G7X Mark III, which is a great pocket camera but costs $200 more than the Mark II.)
The design remains largely unchanged from its predecessor, with the most notable addition (at least for me, with my large hands and clumsy fingers!) being the new grip, which is moulded, tactile and perfectly placed on the front and rear of the body.
The grip is a welcome addition due to the Canon G7X Mark II’s pocketable dimensions. It provides a comfortable shooting experience and a lot more security when held with one hand for long periods.
The LCD screen can now also be articulated downward by a full 45 degrees, allowing you to hold the camera above your head and compose for an interesting viewpoint.
The screen still faces the front and does so in one quick and simple action which you can perform with one hand. Face detection does a fine job for the all-important selfie!
The front-facing screen on the Canon GX7 II is a handy feature for selfies and vlogging and is easy to operate one-handed.
The touchscreen itself is a joy to use – responsive, fast and full-featured – far better than the crippled Sony touchscreen offering. Taping any menu item seems logical in 2024 and is an enjoyable way to navigate the camera.
Another nice feature of the Canon GX7 II is the lens control ring, which can be easily customised to control a range of functions, from the three components of the exposure triangle down to the aspect ratio or the zoom.
This allows for a practical and enjoyable shooting experience, with one hand controlling the shutter button and the other left to support the camera and adjust the lens ring.
Image quality is excellent, as we have come to expect from the world leader in camera imaging technology. The colour rendition is excellent, with skin tones having that warm, slightly reddish tone typical of Canon files.
The 20MP BSI CMOS sensor allows you to print decent-sized photos or crop in on shots during editing with minimal loss in quality.
When the light begins to drop, you have two options with the Canon G7X Mark II – use the pop-up flash or crank up that ISO dial (which is either within the menu or assigned to the lens ring).
I found that I could shoot up to around ISO800 comfortably, with noise creeping in after that – pretty much standard for a 1-inch sensor.
Thankfully, there’s still a decent amount of image data in the RAWs, so if you know what you’re doing with post-production, it’s pretty easy to salvage even a noisy image – the one below was taken at ISO10,000, but with a quick tweak in Lightroom using the ‘Texture’ slider, the black & white edit looks fine!
Even at high ISOs, the Canon G7XII can deliver RAWs with sufficient data | 1/1000s f/1.8 ISO10,000
Autofocus performance is good, with face-tracking working okay during testing. Don’t underestimate the importance of this feature – trying to chase a subject around the screen with a single AF point is a painful experience!
Burst mode is impressive, with Raw and JPEG shooting over 8fps with One-Shot AF or around 5 with Servo – everything most beginners would ever need.
There are a couple of caveats here, though – tracking doesn’t seem to work while using burst mode, and it takes a while for the buffer to clear, during which time the camera’s playback or settings mode is frozen.
The f/1.8~2.8 lens is ‘fast’ for a camera of these dimensions, allowing you to blur the background easily.
It should be remembered, however, that the maximum aperture of f/1.8 can only be used before zooming the lens (i.e. at 24mm) – this is the sacrifice with most zoom lenses found on small digital cameras, with the plus side being just how small the camera can be when the lens is retracted.
The Canon G7X Mark II is the smallest digital camera on the test and only marginally heavier than the next smallest option from Ricoh.
The Canon G7X Mark II is on par with the Ricoh GRIII as the most pocketable camera we tested.
Battery life is a large improvement from its predecessor, but at around 270 shots during testing per charge, the Canon G7X Mark II is still behind some of its competition.
Thankfully, spare batteries are relatively inexpensive, with numerous third-party options available.
Controlling the camera with the Canon Camera Connect App was painless and worked well for controlling the camera from a distance or simply transferring JPEGs to my iPhone.
You can also use the app to track your location while shooting, although this can quickly drain the battery.
Unfortunately, there’s no 4k video nor mic/headphone jacks, but 1080p video quality looks nice nevertheless.
Overall, I found the G7X Mark II enjoyable and intuitive to shoot, with the biggest pluses for me being its overall responsiveness and impressive image quality – it’s the best mid-range compact camera at this price. This also makes it one of the best point and shoot cameras, especially for beginners.
It’s the kind of camera that packs enough performance to warrant using it over your smartphone but still retains the dimensions to ensure it’s always in your pocket.
We’ve chosen it as the best budget point and shoot camera of the year.
4. Sony RX1R II | Best Full Frame Compact Camera for Professional Photographers
Megapixels: 42.4Sensor Size: Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm)Dimensions: 507 g (1.12 lb / 17.88 oz)Weight: 113 x 65 x 72 mm (4.45 x 2.56 x 2.83″)
Pros
Incredible image quality
Great dynamic range
Great ISO performance
Good ergonomics
Amazing detail (42.4MP!)
Excellent build quality
Tilting LCD
Good customisation options
Good macro feature
Full frame point and shoot
Cons
Poor battery life
Expensive
Sluggish performance
No touchscreen
No weather sealing
Released nearly 10 years ago, this is one of the few full-frame compact cameras (i.e., ones with a 35mm sensor).
As such, it’s a compact full-frame camera you can slip into a coat pocket that offers unrivalled image quality.
The best compact cameras for professional photographers usually need to have full frames, and although this is quite an ageing model, it’s still a great option.
The RX1R II offers beautifully creamy shallow depth of field, great dynamic range for expanded latitude when post-processing, great high ISO performance… basically amazing image quality that’s superior to 99% of other cameras in its size class.
You do pay a pretty price for the Sony RX1 RII, though. Squeezing a big sensor into a small camera body evidently still costs a lot for manufacturers, and due to the nature of the sensor size, the lens needs to be a certain size to accommodate – while small, this isn’t a camera for your jeans pocket.
You can buy a more feature-rich, versatile, full-frame interchangeable lens camera like the Sony a7III for the price of the RX1 RII and still have some change in your pocket for a new lens… so why would you invest in this premium point-and-shoot camera?
Our boys’ first surf lesson! | Note the beautiful bokeh when the Sony RX1R II is shot wide open | 1/500 f/2 ISO100
After spending a few weeks road testing the fixed lens Sony RX1 RII, it was clear to me that this is a unique compact camera.
Sure, you could buy something more versatile and with better value for money, but that would be missing the point.
The Sony RX1 RII is by far the most enjoyable, most involved, and most tactile Sony mirrorless camera I’ve ever used. It’s more like… dare I say it… a Fujifilm than a Sony!
Investing this much money into the RX1 RII is like trying to explain why to buy a Ferrari over a Tesla S – both get you from A to B really fast, but ask any Ferrari driver how it feels to drive. The same can be said for this camera.
(Incidentally, if the Sony RX1 RII is the Ferrari of full-frame compact cameras, the Leica Q2, which we discuss below, is the Rolls Royce…)
With a fixed 35mm Carl Zeiss Sonnar f/2 lens, this camera is arguably all you’d ever need as an everyday camera – this is why it’s the best camera for professional photographers, who are no doubt sick and tired of carrying multiple lenses with their ‘work’ mirrorless and DSLR cameras.
Beautiful focus falloff and 3D-like rendering from the amazing f/2 lens + 35mm sensor of the Sony RX1 RII | 1/125 f/2 ISO2000
100% crop shows incredible detail in the 42.4MP files
The Sony RX1 RII offers most of the functions of a high-end Sony camera that you’d expect – tilting LCD screen (though no touchscreen), good NFC and WiFi connectivity, decent electronic viewfinder (that retracts into the body when not in use), customisable dials/buttons and a dedicated exposure compensation dial.
Everything feels amazing – the build is great, and the manual controls are reassuringly solid-feeling.
The on/off switch is reminiscent of an old rangefinder camera and far more satisfying than pushing a button, which is the usual way to fire up most cameras.
Start-up time is a little sluggish, though, as is usability in general. Zooming in 1:1 is a painful experience, but then there are 42.4 Mega Pixels, so that’s understandable. Buttons feel slightly mushy and unresponsive at times, too.
Auto Focus is good and includes Sony’s enviable Eye AF, which is akin to black magic at finding your subject’s eye (though not nearly as good as the latest Sony a7/a9 series cameras).
Five fps is sub-par in 2024, but this definitely isn’t a camera designed for fast action.
I shot the Sony RX1 RII on auto white balance, and the skin tones looked great. I actually prefer the colours to other high-end Sony MILCs – this might be something to do with its amazing low pass filter, which helps deliver such stellar image quality.
I love being able to control the aperture on the lens ring like a rangefinder, and the macro mode is similarly located. The lens, in general, just feels great – the movement of the rings is reassuring and fun to operate.
I’d go as far to say that this is the first Sony I’ve ever used that doesn’t feel like a mini-computer, and for that, I love it! It feels like an old-fashioned camera body, despite housing some incredible, modern technology.
As for high ISO, since this compact camera has a full frame sensor, it performs much better than any APS-C (or smaller) sensor camera.
Is it the best point and shoot camera for night photography? Well, in this list, it’s up there with the Leica Q and can be shot comfortably at ISO800 with minimal noise.
The Sony RX1 RII doesn’t make much sense on paper, nor when you try and explain it to your peers after splurging so much on something when there are many better value options… but it’s still an endearing compact full frame camera that will bring you joy every time you pick it up, not to mention whenever you view the gorgeous high-resolution files on your computer screen.
In summary, I’d confidently recommend the Sony RX1 RII to any professional photographer, no matter what brand they usually shoot with. It’s a Sony camera like no other Sony camera – truly unique in the lineup.
Alternative compact camera for professionals:
5. Ricoh GRIII | Best Compact Camera for Street Photography
Megapixels: 24Sensor Size: APS-C (23.6 x 15.6 mm)Dimensions: 4.29 x 2.44 x 1.3″ (127 x 75 x 52 mm)Weight: 257 g (0.57 lb / 9.07 oz)
Pros
Great image quality
Great image stabilisation
Pocket digital camera
Feather light
Minimalist design
Unique focus modes
Good value for money
Great grip/ergonomics
Great touchscreen
Cons
Sub-par low-light AF
Poor battery life
Reflective screen
No viewfinder
Limited movie options (no 4k video)
I feel a little bit sorry for Ricoh’s photography division. Despite Ricoh being a large, successful company, their cameras are still relatively unheard of… at least, to the uninitiated.
Ask any street photographer worth their salt to name two camera brands synonymous with capturing some up-close pavement action, and their answers will include one expensive German brand… and Ricoh. Not Ricoh in general, either, but the Ricoh GR series.
I spent a few weeks shooting with the Ricoh GRIII, and found it a hugely pleasurable experience… my wife fell in love with this point and shoot digital camera too.
A few years ago, I tried a previous generation of this camera. I was quite impressed by the image quality coming out of this little compact, but the sluggish auto-focus annoyed me a bit too much to invest in it. The Ricoh GRIII Ricoh is much improved and things are much snappier.
Speaking of ‘snap’, there’s a focus option on the GRIII (and other Ricohs) called ‘Snap Focus’, which basically forces the camera to immediately focus on a specified distance, increasing in 50cm increments from 1m to 5m, then to infinity.
You can set up the camera to ‘snap’ to the pre-defined focal distance when you fully press the shutter (as opposed to half-pressing it, which would engage the regular focusing).
This is one feature that makes the Ricoh GRIII so well-suited to street photography. Sure, you can ‘zone focus’ using any camera, but with this one, you essentially have a zone-focusing system and a regular auto-focusing system in one shutter button – ingenious!
The autofocus isn’t the only improvement over the GRII. The Ricoh GRIII boosts just about every critical feature. The sensor is now up to 24MP, the lens is much sharper and has macro capabilities, and the battery life is much improved. There’s even image stabilisation and a touchscreen.
The 3-axis sensor stabilisation is a welcome addition – in practice, I could blur motion without using a tripod with shots as slow as 1/2 second. See Kai Wong’s video above for an example of how this could be used in the street.
The touchscreen on the Ricoh GRIII is snappy and responsive, with that all-important tap-to-focus-and-shoot function, allowing for the most inconspicuous photos – perfect for incognito street photography.
I keep mentioning how this is the best small digital camera for street photography, but the reality is, that I didn’t actually get to test it out on ‘the street’!
Living as I do next to a beach, all I had to practice on were my kids… but it’s safe to say that if the Ricoh GRIII can capture them when they’re running around, pedestrians would be a cinch!
Image quality is fantastic for a compact of this size, especially the Jpegs. I shot in Vivid with the contrast increased for some additional punch.
Still, there are plenty of nice-looking B&W filters to choose from, too – another nod to classic street portraiture, with plenty of contrasty, gritty B&W options!
I love the JPEG colours straight out of the Ricoh GRIII on Vivid setting | 1/400 f/2.8 ISO200
Raw image quality is also quite impressive, with a decent amount of dynamic range from the GRIII’s new APS-C sensor. It’s definitely a step up from the GRII, as the eight additional megapixels make the images sharper and give you additional cropping ability.
The lens width remains the same – 18.3mm (28mm equivalent), and I’m happy about that. A 28mm focal length is fun and easy to shoot. It gives you a unique perspective that immerses the viewer into the shot without overdoing it and becoming too wide or adding in too much distortion.
Thanks to the additional megapixels, you can always crop into the image in post-production.
As for the design and ergonomics, I love that the Ricoh GRIII is the most ‘stealth’ camera I’ve ever seen. The exterior has minimal branding, the rubberized grip conforms perfectly to the hand, and the buttons blend nicely into the camera body.
Sony really should take a leaf out of Ricoh’s book there to avoid more slippery camera offerings!
The Ricoh GRIII is truly pocketable and so light you’ll barely notice it there – it’s the best small camera for photography at this price point.
It’s not easy to be one of the smallest and lightest digital cameras out there while maintaining excellent ergonomics, but the Ricoh GRIII manages to pull it off.
It’s grippy enough to be used one-handed all day long and can slide inside a shirt pocket. Yes, you read that right, shirt pocket. This is truly a miniature marvel and the best pocket camera if you value size over everything else.
So what don’t I like about it? Well, the battery life could be better (I got 280 shots per charge), and I wish the touchscreen flipped… but that would probably ruin the overall design.
It’s also not the best at focusing in low light, and the LCD, despite being beautifully sharp, tends to reflect a lot in bright sunlight – since there’s no viewfinder, this can sometimes be annoying. There’s also no pop-up flash, but no one needs one of those for street photography anyway.
Also, the camera seems to take a split second to render images on the LCD during playback – it’s barely perceptible at first, but once you see it, it’s hard not to notice it again.
All in all, though, I’m struggling to find bigger reasons not to love this camera. Trust me; the Ricoh GRIII is a unique compact that deserves much more attention than it’s been receiving.
It’s well worth checking out; if you have a bigger budget, look more at the newer GR IIIx – the best small digital camera in this price range.
6. Leica Q3 | Best Premium Full Frame Compact Camera
Megapixels: 60MPSensor Size: Full-Frame (36mm x 24mm)Dimensions: 130 x 80.3 x 92.6mm (5.12″ x 3.16″ x 3.65″)Weight: 743g (1.64lb)
Pros
Tripple resolution full-frame sensor
Outstanding image quality
Exceptional build quality and materials
High-resolution LCD and OVG
28mm ƒ1.7 Summilux stabilized lens
Close-focusing mode (focusing up to 17cm)
Minimalist design
Weather sealed
8k at 30fps and 4k at 60fps video
It’s a Leica!
Cons
It’s a Leica that’s super expensive
Heavy for handheld shooting
Leica is synonymous with precision engineering, premium optics, exceptional image quality, and wallet-busting debt.
For us photographers, Leica means all those things, plus knowing that you’ve reached the pinnacle of camera design, engineering, and performance.
Leica has been in the precision optics game since the second half of the 19th Century!
Its founder, Ernst Leitz, designed and engineered microscopes, optical glass, and other optical elements.
At the start of the last century, Leica developed a prototype compact 35mm camera that used cinematic film. It later evolved into the first consumer-ready compact 35mm film camera, the Leica I.
Today, we enjoy the best compact cameras on the market, thanks to over 150 years of dedicated development of the highest-quality optics and cameras.
While Leica cameras are not always considered compact, there’s no denying the sleek and minimal form factor of a fixed lens camera like the Leica Q3.
Where the Leica Q2 surprised and delighted compact camera enthusiasts, for Leica purists, and those with cash to spare, the Leica Q3 delivers absolute joy.
However, to own a Leica camera, you must embrace a new level of sophistication and possibly sell an organ or two!
The Leica Q3 features a minimalist design and ergonomic considerations.
Before we discuss the Leica Q3’s optical prowess, let’s take a step back and admire its industrial design purity.
The Leica Q3 is one of the most modern, minimal-looking compact cameras, yet it retains references to its retro heritage.
Its build quality is next level thanks to its magnesium die-cast alloy body, premium leather wrapping, and level IP52 weather sealing.
Let’s take a tour around this work of art that just begs to be picked up and feel the heft.
Like I said, it’s a very minimal design. The only feature at the front of the camera is the fixed Leica Summilux 28 f/1.7 ASPH.
This dreamy piece of optical purity features a manual aperture ring and focus ring for ultimate control.
The rest of the front is bare except for the finely textured leather wrap, which delivers grip and comfort.
Oh, and we can’t forget the bright red Leica dot with its logo – it’s there to impress your photography friends.
That wrap doesn’t extend to the back of the camera for the thumb to rest upon.
Instead, the Leica Q3 features a thumb-sized indent perfectly placed to provide a secure and comfortable shooting experience.
A welcome improvement over the previous generations is the placement of buttons on the rear of the camera body.
All buttons are now on the right side of the LCD, meaning that one-handed operation and button access are a dream.
The buttons are precisely recessed into the body to prevent accidental pressing and a tactile experience.
Leica and tactile are synonymous. As are Leica and optics.
Large and bright EVF and LCD deliver exceptional resolution.
Speaking of optics, the large and exceptionally bright 0.79x magnification OLED Electronic View Finder (EVF) punches out a stunning 5.76M dots of resolution.
As for the tilting touch screen, it boasts a bright and crisp 1.8 million dots of image resolution.
Street photographers and hipsters love compact cameras like the Leica Q3, as the upward and downward tilting screen allows discreet shooting from the hip.
The all-black Leica Q3’s minimal top plate design is reminiscent of retro rangefinder models.
PS. You can also opt for a customized Leica Q3 with brightly colored leather wraps – at a cost!
50% of the top plate is vacant – just cold, smooth black magnesium.
In the center is a hot shoe precisely covered with a matching black hot shoe insert.
To the right, a manual Shutter Speed dial, customizable command dial, and On/Off toggle are located. The threaded shutter release button sits within the On/Off toggle.
While the shutter speed dial is raised, the custom command dial sits flush against the top plate with the back exposed, and it can be easily controlled with the thumb.
It’s precise, meticulous, stunning, and slick!
The left side of the Leica Q3 features a flap to hide the USB-C port and mini HDMI port. On the bottom, a doorway grants access to the battery and memory card slot.
I’ve drooled over the aesthetics and feel of the Leica Q3 enough! It’s time to talk performance.
Leica Q3 | 1/500s, f/2, ISO100
The Leica Q3 jumped from the 50.4MP full-frame CMOS sensor of the Q2 to a staggering 60.3MP image sensor.
Its back-illuminated design (BSI) significantly improves low-light shooting and noise performance and delivers faster read-out speeds.
Another neat feature of the Q3 is its Tripple Resolution Technology.
As found in the flagship Leica M11, the Q3 sensor lets you choose 60.3MP, 36MP, or 18MP resolution while still utilizing the entire sensor area for optimal exposure and color reproduction.
To match the significant sensor boost, the Q3 is powered by the Leica Maestro IV processor compared to the Maestro II in the Q2.
It also houses a single UHS-II SDXC memory card for effective buffering and file transfer in video and still images.
This camera has beauty and brains!
The combination of the 60.3MP sensor, Maestro IV processor, and the Leica Summilux 28 f/1.7 ASPH produces sublime image quality.
Photographers often say there’s nothing like the color produced by Fuji cameras, and they also say there’s nothing like the rendering and clarity of Leica images.
The Leica Summilux 28 f/1.7 ASPH epitomizes Leica’s heritage with a silky smooth focus rotation and tactile aperture ring.
It sits perfectly balanced with the remainder of the Leica Q3 camera body – it’s bigger than most compacts, but it still feels compact.
Internally, the Summilux 28 achieves optical purity thanks to its configuration, including 11 lenses in 9 segments plus 3 aspherical lens surfaces.
Wide open at f/1.7, the lens produces excellent subject separation and gorgeous background bokeh.
Even at narrower apertures, background blur is creamy and non-distracting for foreground subjects.
Leica Q3 | 1/100s f/2.8 ISO100
Another great feature of the Leica Sumilux lens is the ability to switch to a dedicated macro focusing range and get in as close as 6.7″ (17cm).
While the Leica Q doesn’t feature in-body image stabilization, such as sensor shift, the lens does provide optical image stabilization for slow-speed shooting.
Plus, the Q3 processor and lens join forces to deliver a digital zoom of approximately 1.25x (equivalent to 35 mm), 1.8x (equivalent to 50 mm), 2.7x (equivalent to 75 mm), or 3.2x (equivalent to 90 mm).
Let’s face it: there’s a lot you can achieve with 60.3MP full-frame RAW image files in post-production workflows – but your computer storage will need an upgrade.
Edge-to-edge sharpness is assured, and no signs of distortion or aberration exist.
As for the Q3’s autofocus performance, Leica has that well and truly covered.
It boasts a triple-threat hybrid focusing system relying on contrast sections, phase detection, and depth from focus (DFD) autofocus.
It’s ultra-quick and reliable, and the subject detection and tracking keep up with erratic and fast-moving subjects.
While the Leica Q3 already sounds like a performance beast, there’s still plenty more to love about it.
The compact camera is ideal for everyday carry and delivers 8K video capture in UHD or DCI ratios up to 30p (H.265). 8K! I don’t even have a 4K television!
It captures 4:2:0 10-bit true color with internal recording or recorded to an external monitor for 8-bit rendering.
A compact camera as sleek and modern as the Q3 must have essential connectivity options.
Fortunately, the Leica sports state-of-the-art connectivity, including WiFi 2.4 & 5GHx and Bluetooth 5.0.
It enables fast and effortless wireless image transfer from the Q3 to the Leica FOTOS mobile app.
The app is also responsible for downloading Leica’s Looks filter presets to the Q3.
The Q3 pairs with the Leica HG-DC1 Wireless Charging Grip that wirelessly connects to the ultra-stylish desktop Leica Drop XL Wireless Charger.
Leica Q3 | 1/800s f/2 ISO100
There’s no denying that the Leica Q3 is possibly the penultimate compact camera – it’s undoubtedly classed well above its peers in almost every way.
So much so that I’d recommend getting a premium camera bag like this one to store and carry it.
Not to mention the vast leaps in performance from the Q2!
If it were the same price as the Fujifilm X100VI or the Ricoh GRIII, it would be easy to make a buying decision.
The reality is that the Leica Q3 is over three times the cost of the X100VI and seven times the cost of the GRIII!
In fact, you could buy all of the first five cameras in this guide for the cost of a single Q3.
The big question is, “Does the Leica Q3 deliver more than three X100VI cameras?” Truthfully, it doesn’t.
However, this finely machined compact camera achieves everything with quintessential Leica consideration, design, and engineering.
It represents over 150 years of toil to achieve something so refined that it is as much art as it is a utilitarian device.
It’s a Leica!
What is the Best Compact Camera for Video?
Here’s a list of compact cameras that are best for videography:
Sony RX100 VII:
4K UHD Video Recording
S-Log3/S-Gamut3 Picture Profile
External Microphone Input
Best small camera with 4K video
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III:
4K UHD Video Recording
Dual Pixel CMOS AF
External Microphone Input
Panasonic Lumix ZS200 (TZ200):
4K UHD Video Recording
5-axis Hybrid Image Stabilization
External Microphone Input
Sony Cyber-shot HX400V:
Full HD 1080p Video Recording
Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization
External Microphone Input
Canon PowerShot SX740 HS:
4K UHD Video Recording
5-axis Image Stabilization
External Microphone Input
Features such as a rotating LCD screen, external mic input, long battery life, 4k video recording, fast autofocus performance, and image stabilization are all useful for videography and filmmaking.
Best Compact Cameras: Final Recommendations
I thoroughly enjoyed my time shooting all the cameras used in this guide.
There’s something about having a small camera for photography that’s compact enough to have on you every day that I find endearing – I love the feeling of having a capable device to capture all of life’s precious moments.
Some folks may be looking for a compact digital SLR camera, and while some entry-level models may qualify as ‘small’, they’re still much less compact than the models in this guide.
Buying a compact camera is an investment, but rightfully so – without spending appropriately, you’ll only be left with something as good as, or potentially worse at, capturing an image than your smartphone.
All the cameras in this guide are able to produce stellar images. A larger sensor will yield more pleasing bokeh and low-light performance, but the flip side is usually a larger camera body.
Decide what’s most important for you – do you need something pocketable with lightning-fast auto-focus? Or are you able to neglect those features in favour of the absolute best image quality and bokeh that can rival a much larger camera?
I must admit, I’m stuck in the middle… so I will probably purchase a couple! How about you? Leave us your thoughts in the comments.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
SONY RX 100 VII
Versatile, powerful and pocketable compact camera with great image quality, fast operation and incredible zoom range at a competitive price.
