While most cameras are capable of digital zoom, this in-camera post-processing can often interfere with your end result, leaving you with underwhelming resolution and picture quality. Canon IXUS 185 Camera … It isn't the newest model and, as a result, doesn't have the topnotch performance of its newer siblings. It’s expensive, yes, but also promises fantastic autofocus and class-leading video quality. If it's mainly video rather than stills that you're looking for from a compact camera, then the Sony ZV-1 is the best option around. Round up of today's best deals. It's the latest in a classic line, but it's starting to show its age, Sensor: APS-C | Megapixels: 24.2MP | Lens: 28mm f/2.8 (equiv) | Monitor: 3in fixed, 1,037,000 dots | Viewfinder: Optional | Continuous shooting: N/A | Max video resolution: 1080p | User level: Enthusiast/expert. Some also have stand-out skills which distinguish them from smartphones and standard compacts – from waterproof bodies and stabilizing gimbals to larger sensors and long zoom ranges. Sensor: Full-frame 47.3MP | Lens: 28mm f/1.7 | Monitor: 3.0-inch touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 20/10fps | Movies: 4K | User level: Intermediate/expert. There's a high-resolution, tiltable LCD touch screen and a host of handy creative modes, plus Wi-Fi with NFC, which makes it simple to shoot and share your stills and movies. Although technology is advancing at a rapid pace, shooting 4K video is still considered a luxury. The best waterproof cameras The best compact cameras Best budget action cameras under $100. • The best APS-C compact cameras The Canon G9 X Mark II is the best you'll find under $500. Panasonic Lumix DMC- … The lack of a viewfinder may be a deal-breaker if you're planning to shoot stills as well, but as a capable, portable video solution, the G7 X Mark III is outstanding. So why the lower ranking? The G7 X Mark III is also capable of livestreaming footage to your platform of choice … 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. Also bright and sharp is that 28mm f/1.7 lens, while 4K videos show plenty of detail. But in the world of multi-lens camera phones the wider appeal of this fixed lens compact will probably be limited. So whether you’re ready to upgrade from your smartphone or looking for a pocketable companion to compliment your DSLR, you’ll find your ideal compact camera in the buying guide below. So what is a 'compact camera'. Good luck! These are the best compact cameras when you want a pocket-sized camera that doesn't compromise on quality. If you've never done without a zoom before, it's not nearly as difficult as you think and can actually be incredibly productive for your photography, teaching you to think on your feet and move to get the best shots. This trend was very much kicked off by Fujifilm with the introduction of its X100 series of APS-C compact cameras with 35mm equivalent lenses, and these are represented by the latest X-100V in our list below. Even more expensive is the new Zeiss ZX1, which we first reported on back in 2018, but has only just reached the dealers' shelves. • The best waterproof cameras The best travel zoom camera you can buy right now, Sensor: 1-inch type, 20.1MP | Lens: 25-360mm, f/3.3-6.4 | Monitor: 3.0-inch touchscreen, 1,240,000 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 10fps | Movies: 4K | User level: Beginner/Intermediate. This larger sensor meant better quality images and better performance in low light situations, and the camera was named best invention of the year in 2012 by Time Magazine . £74.99 . Video quality is superb, while image quality is also stellar. But you do get a top-quality 24.2-megapixel sensor, a very good 28mm f/2.8 fixed focal length lens and a very attractively-designed little camera. There was a problem. Because, despite a few quirks, Ricoh managed to get a lot right, and it delivers something no other compact quite manages right now, namely the combination of an image-stabilized 24MP APS-C sensor inside a body that you can squeeze into your pocket. When money is no barrier and quality is everything, there's a camera for that. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX 15: Cheap Professional Photography Camera; 4. © And, while the X100V has since raised the bar even higher, it remains a remarkable piece of compact kit in 2020. Canon PowerShot G9 X MARK II Best Compact Camera (Editor’s Choice) 2. Digital Camera World is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. But if you're happy to sacrifice some of the latest autofocus features and a microphone jack, check out the RX100 VI (position 6), which offers most of its performance a little less cash. You lose the viewfinder of the X100V but you save A LOT of money, Sensor: APS-C | Megapixels: 24.2MP | Lens: 28mm f/2.8 (equiv) | Monitor: 3in fixed, 1,040,000 dots | Viewfinder: No | Continuous shooting: 6fps | Max video resolution: 4K | User level: Enthusiast. Rather than 3 or 4x optical … It's not the easiest to handle (although you can get an optional grip) and some may have preferred a tilting screen, but its build quality is near-faultless. We will reserve judgement on this camera, which is even more expensive than the desirable Leica Q2, until we've been able to get one in for testing! Our pick for the best budget compact zoom, Sensor: 1-inch type, 20.1MP | Lens: 24-70mm, f/1.8-2.8 | Monitor: 3.0-inch tilt-angle screen, 1,229K dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 16fps | Movies: 4K | User level: Intermediate. Published April 27, 2020 Published in Cameras. £88.20. It's partly to do with the size, as you would expect, but also to do with the camera design. There are two cameras not on this list. The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VII is mad on any number of levels. The RX100 VI goes several steps further, though, with a 'stacked' sensor design for high-speed data capture. The Canon G1 X Mark III is a great camera, but it has some limitations, notably its 3x zoom with its relatively modest maximum aperture and no 4K video. Best Compact Camera For Travel. Sony's premium compact offers better value than the Mark VII, Sensor: 1-inch, 20.1MP | Lens: 24-200mm, f/2.8-4.5 | Monitor: 3.0-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, 921,000 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 24fps | Movies: 4K | User level: Intermediate/expert. The G5 X Mark II offers a much broader range of specs, and it's also a little cheaper. This is matched up to a zoom lens that's even more amazing, because it covers a 24-72 equivalent focal range and can still retract into the camera body when you're not taking pictures. Many industry-leading companies have yet to apply the necessary technology to make this happen. 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. Got some cash to play with? If you're planning on crafting a vlogging setup it makes sense to choose a zoom compact with strong video capabilities, and this is where the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III scores. And although it offers little of the GoPro Hero 8 Black’s durability – especially around the hinge – it’s seriously smart. We had mixed feelings when we came to review the GR III, but it still deserves a mention here. It combines a Micro Four Thirds sensor that's not much smaller than the ASP-C sensors in mode DSLRs, with a miniaturised lens assembly that powers down into a camera body slim enough to carry around anywhere. Check out more buying guides » Buying guides. Keen photographers usually go for a DSLR or mirrorless camera, but they also want something that will slip in a pocket for those days when the big camera needs to stay at home. Future US, Inc. 11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor, A cheaper alternative to the Panasonic LX100 Mark II, Type: Compact | Sensor: 1in | Megapixels: 20.1MP | Lens: 24-72mm f/1.4-2.8 | LCD: 3in tilting, 1,040k dots | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 10fps | Max video resolution: 4K | User level: Intermediate/expert. • Best action cameras. The first section is for zoom lens compacts. The sensor and lens might be familiar, but the body, the controls, the audio and the rear screen are all new and different and optimised brilliantly for vlogging. Sure, you need to add a filter for full weather-proofing and the cost will be prohibitive for some, but the X100V puts an impressive range of features into a polished, premium body, with throwback style that sets it apart from the crowd – yet still fits perfectly in your pocket. Receive mail from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors? The new model has a 17-megapixel ‘multi-aspect’ sensor, which means you can use its native 4:3 aspect ratio, the 3:2 ratio used by most DSLRs and mirrorless models, or a 16:9 ‘wide’ format without losing lots of megapixels through cropping. The second coming of the G5 X is a serious step-change in styling and spec for the series. Photographs By Mark Thiessen. Using the stabilization tech first seen on DJI’s drones, its lens is mounted to a 3-axis gimbal that sits atop a pocketable wand. It's not Sony's latest model, but if you don't need the microphone jack and video autofocus skills of the Mark VII, then it does offer better value. 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. This is the best around, Sensor: 1-inch 20.1MP | Lens: 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 | Monitor: 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 921,600 dots | Viewfinder: None | Continuous shooting: 24fps | Movies: 4K/30p | User level: Beginner/Intermediate. Best cameras Under $500. The Fujifilm XF10 is less than half the price of the Fujifilm X100V above, but it's definitely more than half the camera. It's a shame there's no viewfinder or hot shoe, but then not everyone needs these. Compact cameras are a great solution for vloggers – as a self-contained, simple-to-use package that's light and easily portable. Just point it at a subject - whether it's a body, face or eye, and the camera will follow it around the scene seamlessly. TechRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Leica hasn't compromised on the spec sheet, with the 47.3MP sensor producing masses of detail and keeping noise impressive low, while the 3.68 million dot electronic viewfinder is bright and sharp. The G1 X Mark III might look pretty pricey, but it's actually not that dear compared to other APS-C compact cameras, and right now it's pretty much in a class of its own for a premium compact camera with zoom. If you really want a bigger sensor, keep reading, but the G5 X Mark II does give you a very rounded set of specs for a pocket camera. That port can also be used with a whole range of sold-separately accessories, such as the handy Control Wheel and Wireless Module. It doesn't have the viewfinder of the RX100 VII, above, or the longer zoom range, but the quality of its still images is just as good, it's even better at video and it's a lot cheaper. At the top of the heap, you'll find the $900 Canon G5 … Read more: Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III review, If you like the Canon G1 X III quality but not the price, get this, Type: Compact | Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds | Megapixels: 17MP | Lens: 24-75mm, f/1.7-2.8 (equiv.) Why's that? For video, our top choice is the Sony ZV-1. In our opinion, the Sony RX100 VII is the best overall compact camera you can buy – t hat said, the RX100 VI remains a fantastic option if you don’t need … | LCD: 3in fixed, 1,24 million dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 11fps | Max video resolution: 4K | User level: Enthusiast/expert. Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer, Today's best Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II deals, We check over 130 million products every day for the best prices. If all you need is a small, affordable pocket camera for casual snapping, check out our guide to the best point and shoot cameras instead. Here are three further options. Looking for the best compact camera you can buy? Best camera 2020: 10 of the best cameras you can buy right now, Where to buy PS5: restock tracker to find PS5 on sale during Cyber Monday, Where to buy Xbox Series X: the latest restock updates for Cyber Monday, New Arm-based gaming PC set to take on Intel and AMD rigs, FIFA 21 on PS5 sounds way more fun than the Xbox Series X version, 5 amazing Black Friday gaming accessory deals from Currys PC World, Apple’s M1 chip embarrasses Microsoft’s Surface Pro X by running Windows 10 on ARM much faster, Antivirus alone is no longer enough to keep your devices protected. The Best Point-and-Shoot Cameras for 2020 Unwilling to haul a heavy SLR or mirrorless camera? | LCD: 3in vari-angle touchscreen, 1.04 million dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 7fps | Max video resolution: Full HD | User level: Enthusiast/expert. In this buying guide we’ve rounded up all the current interchangeable lens cameras costing under $1000 and recommended the best. The Q2 is a thing of beauty, and right now it's arguably the best compact camera around. None of the above take your fancy? The X100V has a new, sharper lens than previous X100 models, in order to do full justice to the latest sensor, and the tilting touchscreen on the back makes this camera much easier to use at awkward angles, without compromising its slimline design. However, its specs and its performance are now looking a little behind the curve compared to its latest rivals. The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III is a rare example of an APS-C compact camera with a zoom lens, but with a maximum aperture of f/2.8-5.6 its lens doesn't have the light-gathering power of the f/2 prime lens on the Fujifilm X100V. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, It’s a nice looking camera and feels comfortable in the hands, so it’s good that it also delivers superb image quality. If you are after the best color reproduction in a Micro Four Thirds camera, then the GX8 is the best Micro Four Thirds compact camera for you. … You will receive a verification email shortly. The fixed 28mm-equivalent lens won't be to everyone's taste, and the battery life is also disappointing, but for those who need to travel light and take great images, this is a very capable alternative to an interchangeable-lens camera. Read our in-depth Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI review, A bit pricey, but still an excellent all-rounder for enthusiasts, Sensor: 1-inch CMOS, 20.1MP | Lens: 24-120mm f/1.8-2.8 | Monitor: 3.0-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, approx. Since this was new, people did shower love to the Panasonic Lumix DC-zs100, this was the premium compact camera (also known as a pocket camera). Here are the best compact cameras for 2021 National Geographic’s expert photo engineer shares his picks for capturing your next great journey, whether it’s abroad or in your backyard. Leica cameras tend to divide opinions quite strongly. This is a beautiful-sized APS-C compact, ideal for carrying around in the pocket, and for discrete street photography. More for your money Best Bargains. It's true that the maximum aperture does drop off considerably as you zoom in, from f/2.8 right down to f/5.6, but you get this with compact DSLR and mirrorless kit lenses anyway. Read our in-depth Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III review, A brilliant compact for the enthusiast photographer, Sensor: Micro Four Thirds, 17MP | Lens: 24-75mm, f/1.7-2.8 | Monitor: 3.0-inch touchscreen, 1,240,000 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 11fps | Movies: 4K | User level: Intermediate. The zoom range is a bit modest at 24-72mm, but there's nothing else quite like it. Receive news and offers from our other brands? There's also a built-in electronic viewfinder and refined touchscreen interface. The zoom lens isn't quite so extensive as some, but the versatile 15x zoom should be more than enough for most people and still comfortably beats all smartphones. Amazon. We'd recommend giving it a try! Amazon. Our buying guide features a number of more affordable recommendations, including a handful of older models, as well as a few compacts specifically suited to certain shooting styles, including vlogging. You don't get Fujifilm's fancy hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder here, so all your shots have to be composed on the fixed rear screen, and you don't get the bigger camera's traditional exposure controls. The 20-megapixel sensor captures detailed pictures and videos, while Wi-Fi functionality enables easy photo-sharing. Best compact camera 2020: premium compacts for pro-level photography T3's roundup of the best compact cameras to buy this year, with models from Sony, Panasonic, Canon and … Read our in-depth Canon Powershot G5X Mark II review, A unique compact, thanks to an APS-C sensor and zoom lens, Sensor: APS-C CMOS, 24.2MP | Lens: 24-72mm, f/2.8-5.6 | Monitor: 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 7fps | Movies: 1080p | User level: Intermediate/expert. Thank you for signing up to Digital Camera World. These are the most flexible and useful in day-to-day use, but they tend to have smaller sensors than prime compacts or other types of camera and/or lenses with a more restricted maximum aperture. • The best full-frame compact cameras These include class-leading autofocus powers, which helps it tenaciously lock onto people and moving objects in your frame, and impressive video quality from its 20.1MP 1-inch sensor. All this power is great, and deeply impressive, but it pushes up the price considerable and to some (well, us) might seem out of place on a camera like this. But Panasonic has really hit the sweet spot with the Panasonic LX100 II. The camera features image stabilization so that your shots will be crisp and clear even if you're walking and shooting. A special retro compact with plenty of performance, Sensor: 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS | Lens: 23mm, f/2 | Monitor: 3.0-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, 1.62m dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 11fps (mechanical), 30fps (electronic) | Movies: 4K | User level: Intermediate. But, you also want the camera to be useful for all your other photographic endeavors. The Sony RX1R II is a full frame compact with a 35mm f/2 prime lens that's several years old now, no longer widely available and still fearsomely expensive. Yes, it is pretty pricey for a compact camera, but it houses pretty much the same 24-megapixel APS-C sensor in its slimline body as you'll find in Canon's EOS 80D DSLR and its EOS M mirrorless cameras. The Panasonic LX15, which goes by the name LX10 in North America, doesn't have a viewfinder, and it also has a 1-inch 20-megapixel sensor rather than the larger Micro Four Thirds sensor in the Lumix LX100 II, so that's two reasons why it's a little further down our list. It’s versatile, too: the universal port can be used to connect a smartphone, which makes it easy to transfer files, as well as unlocking more settings and an expansive live preview through the app. If your budget isn't limited at all, then you won't find a more powerful compact than the Mark VII. Nevertheless, the best compact cameras continue to outclass mobile devices, delivering greater versatility and superior picture quality – particularly if you’re planning to print your photos. Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix LX100 II review, A smart stabilized camera for silky smooth compact video, Sensor: 12MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS | Lens: 26mm, f/2 | Monitor: 1-inch touchscreen | Viewfinder: No | Continuous shooting: N/A | Movies: 4K/60p | User level: Beginner/intermediate. The 2.36 million-dot viewfinder cleverly hides away when not in use, while optical image stabilization inside the lens keeps everything steady. We were expecting Fujifilm to put its latest 26.1-megapixel sensor into the new X100V, but the company has done a lot more besides. Usually. With an external shutter speed dial, lens aperture ring and aspect ratio switch, the LX100 II is a dream compact camera for enthusiasts and experts. Even if the price doesn't bother you, though, there is another hurdle – finding a retailer that has one in stock. In fact, this camera is so slim you can easily slide it into a jacket pocket and it's this, as well as the relatively low price, that makes it so appealing for quality conscious photographers who don't want to speed a lot of money. 10. I've spent $3,900 on Cyber Monday (so far), GuruShots: winning photographs from the Artistic Still Life contest, Take your photos to the next level with Luminar AI’s Templates, The best dash cam in 2020: constant protection for you and your vehicle, The best instant cameras in 2020 – from best instax to best Polaroid cameras. Some might dismiss the ZV-1 as yet another Sony RX100 variant, but it’s much more than that. Despite strong competition, the ZS range (known as TZ outside the US) has dominated sales, and that form has continued with the brilliant Lumix ZS200 (called TZ200 outside the US). As well as opening up a brand new artistic avenue to explore, these useful all-in-one shooters can help breathe new life into an Instagram feed, provide the tools for vlogging or travel snaps, and a whole lot more besides. The 1-inch sensor at its heart captures lovely images and super-crisp 4K videos, and while the 24-70mm (35mm equivalent) lens range isn't quite as broad as on the RX100 VI and RX100 VII, the lens itself has a wider f/1.8-2.8 aperture. Where the RX100 VII really stands out is its autofocus system, which is the most advanced of any compact on the market. Read more: Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III review, Fujifilm's classic rangefinder-style X100V has a real heritage feel, Sensor: APS-C | Megapixels: 24.3MP | Lens: 23mm f/2 | Monitor: 3in fixed, 1,620,000 dots | Viewfinder: Hybrid optical/EVF | Continuous shooting: 11fps | Max video resolution: 4K UHD | User level: Expert. If you want to get up close and personal, Panasonic's compact Lumix ZS100 gives you way more zoom than the competition. This camera has a super-high-tech 357-point phase-detection autofocus system, a 20fps continuous shooting speed (up to 90fps in Single Burst mode), and 0.02sec AF response with Real-Time AF tracking. Reduced Price. What specific things should you be looking for? If you're pining for such a camera in your life but can't quite find the funds, consider the previous Q1 model, which offers a slightly stripped-down feature set by comparison for a hell of a lot less. The best compact camera pictures compared Canon Powershot G9 MKII. The smaller sensor and lack of a built-in EVF might put some people off, and the smooth finish to the body doesn't make for the firmest handgrip, but the responsive touchscreen is terrific, the  dual control rings provide a very pleasing user experience, and the 24-72mm has one of the fastest zoom lenses around, courtesy of its f/1.4 to f/2.8 aperture range. Sony has adapted its RX100 design to make a brilliant vlogging camera, Type: Compact | Sensor: 1in | Megapixels: 20.1MP | Lens: 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 | Screen: 3in vari-angle touchscreen, 921k dots | Max video resolution: 4K | Mic port: Yes | User level: Enthusiast. Read our in-depth Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV review. Best cameras … The Sony RX100 III and Canon G7 X Mark III are good mid-range luxury options. It's small enough for your pocket but powerful enough for some serious photography. A tilting EVF and the ability to shoot at 10fps serves to sweeten the deal. For those looking for the best possible image quality in a pocket-friendly body, Sony is the best candidate here. You do have to accept a smaller sensor – a still-decent 1-inch 20MP sensor rather than the 24MP APS-C sensor in the G1 X Mark II, but the payback is a longer 5x zoom with a much faster f/1.8-2.8 maximum aperture, 4K video, a super-fast burst mode and a body genuinely small enough to slip into a trouser pocket. Best Compact Camera For Professional Photography | Comparison Table; Best Compact Camera For Professional Photography | Reviews. That said, every photographer’s requirements are different. Gone is the DSLR-style shell in favor of a streamlined body that’s still a pleasure to grip but far easier to slip into a pocket. 1. Nifty camera controls make panning a cinch, while features such as motion time-lapses and active face tracking enhance creativity and usability. They are ideal for photographers who want a second, take-anywhere camera without compromising on quality. Read our in-depth Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III review, Since superseded, this is still an exceptional street shooter, Sensor: 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS | Lens: 23mm, f/2 | Monitor: 3.0-inch, 1.04m dots | Viewfinder: EVF, 2.36m dots | Continuous shooting: 8fps | Movies: 1080p | User level: Intermediate. Many of the best compact cameras have retro styling and controls, to evoke a sense of a bygone photographic era. If you can live without a zoom (and much of your money), get this, Type: Compact | Sensor size: Full frame | Megapixels: 47MP | Lens: 28mm, f/1.7 | LCD: 3in fixed touchscreen, 1.04 million dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 10fps | Max video resolution: Full HD | User level: Enthusiast/Expert.