Over the past 20 years, I’ve used a wide variety of cameras, and compact cameras have always held a special place in my heart. Their convenience, portability, and stealthiness make them ideal for everything from street photography to capturing holiday moments without lugging around heavy gear.
In my experience, the best compact cameras are perfect companions for the best DSLR or the best mirrorless camera owners who occasionally want to travel light. These little powerhouses don’t compromise on features or image quality, yet they’re small enough to slip into a jacket pocket.
In this guide, I’ve focused on compact cameras with sensors large enough to deliver high-quality images. They also offer a blend of automatic and manual controls — features I’ve come to expect from using DSLRs and mirrorless cameras over the years. If you’re looking for something even simpler and more affordable, my guide to the best point-and-shoot cameras will help you find the right option.
One key thing about compact cameras is that their lenses are fixed. While this means you won’t have the flexibility of interchangeable lenses, it also eliminates the hassle of deciding which lenses to invest in or carry with you.
It’s this simplicity, combined with their versatility, that makes compact cameras such a joy to use. Whether you're out exploring a bustling city, capturing candid street shots, or snapping quick vacation memories, these cameras are reliable, lightweight companions that never feel like a burden.
As Ecommerce Editor for Digital Camera World, and having been a professional photographer for nearly two decades, I've seen and used a LOT of cameras, using compacts while on holiday or when I wanted to travel light. Now in my spare time, I use my trusted Leica M-E to shoot street photography, usually in black and white.
The Quick List
If you want the latest and greatest then there is no denying the new FujiFilm X100VI is the best overall compact on the market with 40MP stills and 6K video capabilities.
Aimed at vloggers, the Sony ZV-1 might just look like another variant from the RX100 range but in reality, it's so much more. If you've used one of the RX100s, the sensor and lens will probably be quite familiar.
One of our favorite compact street cameras ever, this is a powerful pocket-sized camera with built-in editing tools, an ND filter, 2GB of internal storage, and a choice of focal lengths.
The Leica D-Lux 8 is a sleek, compact camera with strong image quality, but limited controls, static touchscreen, and slower zoom might deter some users – but it is the most affordable way to get some iconic Leica style.
An update on the TG-6 does little to change the specs, just swapping Olympus for OM Systems on the front – but that doesn't stop this being the best waterproof camera out there.
This Canon PowerShot uses a big APS-C 24-megapixel sensor that allows it to maximize image quality, whilst still offering you a 3x zoom.
Best compact cameras in 2024
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Best compact camera overall
✅ You want a premium compact camera: The X100VI is the king of the hill when it comes to the narrowing field of compact cameras.
✅ You love retro-inspired cameras: I love the looks of the X100VI – it harks back to beautiful rangefinder film cameras from the last century.
❌ You want to shoot at different focal lengths: The X100VI is a fixed-lens camera, so you are stuck with the 23mm focal length.
❌ You want to shoot lots of video: The two-way tilting screen limits vlogging and recording from awkward angles.
The new Fujifilm X100VI may seem unchanged on the surface, but I find it hard to complain when the design is as breathtaking and well-crafted as ever. It's not just looks: the build quality is exceptional, and feels really good in the hand. Using the X100VI is still an absolute delight for me, especially with its hybrid viewfinder and manual dials that add a tactile element to my photography experience.
Thankfully, there are some noteworthy upgrades under the hood. With a new 40MP sensor, updated processor, and IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization), the X100VI's stills and video capabilities have received a significant boost. From the initial samples I've taken, the results have been nothing short of excellent.
Admittedly, the price of the X100VI is the highest yet, which does make it a tough decision, especially when there are cameras with better technology available for less. However, for me, the iconic design and enhanced features make it a compelling choice despite the price tag.
Read more: Fujifilm X100VI review
Best compact camera for YouTube
✅ You want great autofocus: With its super-responsive AF, this is the perfect camera for YouTube.
✅ You want compact: This mighty camera is near-pocketable, and perfect for vlogging on the go.
❌ You want full-frame: Its 1-inch sensor outperforms, but it doesn't offer that fantastic full-frame look.
❌ You want 16:9 review: For a YouTube camera, it would be great to view your video in 16:9 on the rear screen.
Aimed at vloggers, the Sony ZV-1 might just look like another variant from the RX100 range but in reality, it's so much more. If you've used one of the RX100s, the sensor and lens will probably be quite familiar.
Where this camera excels is the controls, rear screen, and body, making it perfect for YouTube. It too has the popular zoom range of 24-70mm with a variable aperture of f/1.8 - f/2.8 however, there is a big change in minimum focusing distance as you zoom which is annoying, especially if you're using it to record video.
The SteadyShot active stabilization wasn't the best, but the autofocus is very impressive. It has a vari-angle, tilting rear screen that means it's perfect for recording yourself or taking selfies, and it comes with a mic-wind shield, which means its audio quality even with the built-in mic is still pretty good. Unlike the Sony RX100 cameras, it doesn't have a viewfinder, but it produces high-quality images, is even better at video, and, best of all, it'll cost you less.
Read more: Sony ZV-1 review
Best compact camera for street photography
✅ You love 40mm focal length: Niche to some, but adored by many, this captures what the eye seems.
✅ You want a big sensor in a small package: With its 24MP APS-C sensor in this small body, it’s a powerful tool.
❌ You want a viewfinder: If you want one, you’re going to have to buy it – an eye-level viewfinder costs extra.
❌ You're on a budget: With those features and the hype, it comes with a costly price tag.
The Ricoh GR IIIx is a street-savvy version of the Ricoh GR III with a better-suited 40mm lens instead of the original 28mm. It does have a few other benefits to it, including an optional 1.5x teleconverter lens, which can be attached to the fixed lens for a more zoomed-in view.
For an APS-C camera, it's incredibly compact, making it ideal for street or travel photography; and with a wide f/2.8 lens, super-fast eye AF, plus sensor-shift stabilization, it's great for portraits, too. It's pocket-sized but it's big on features, boasting 2GB internal storage and built-in NDs. It truly is a compact camera aimed at photographers who want to have total control.
Read more: Ricoh GR IIIx review
Best compact camera for iconic style
✅ You want a compact and stylish design: the D-Lux 8 combines a minimalist design with portability, making it ideal for photographers who want a high-quality camera that is easy to carry and use.
✅ You love the versatile aspect ratio switch: the camera features a unique aspect ratio switch on the lens, allowing quick changes between formats like 4:3, 16:9, and 1:1, which is especially useful for social media photography.
❌ You love to crop: With a 17MP sensor, the D-Lux 8 offers lower resolution compared to many modern cameras, limiting the ability to crop photos without losing detail.
❌ You want super fast zoom: The zoom function is slow and lacks a tactile manual zoom ring, which could be frustrating for users who need quick adjustments.
The Leica D-Lux 8 is a stylish, compact camera that combines a minimalist design with powerful features, making it a strong contender for photographers who value portability without sacrificing quality. This model is essentially an upgraded version of the D-Lux 7, sharing many of its internals with the Panasonic LX100 II. It features a 17MP sensor and a versatile zoom lens, providing excellent image quality that is more than adequate for everyday photography and social media use.
The camera's design is sleek and streamlined, with a reduced button layout influenced by the Leica Q3. However, this simplicity might be a double-edged sword; users who prefer labeled controls might find the need to memorize functions frustrating. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) has been updated to an OLED panel, offering a clear and comfortable shooting experience.
One of the D-Lux 8's unique features is its aspect ratio switch on the lens, allowing photographers to quickly change between formats like 4:3, 16:9, and 1:1. This is particularly useful for those who frequently post on platforms like Instagram, where visualizing the final crop is crucial.
However, the camera has its drawbacks. The touchscreen, while useful, is static and not as clear during focusing, which may cause some uncertainty when composing shots. Additionally, the 17MP resolution limits cropping potential, and the camera's zoom mechanism is somewhat sluggish. Despite attempts to replicate the iconic "Leica look," the D-Lux 8's images may not fully satisfy those seeking the distinctiveness associated with Leica's premium lenses.
Overall, the Leica D-Lux 8 is a strong choice for those looking for a compact camera that balances portability with Leica's renowned image quality, though it may not meet the needs of photographers seeking the latest technology or the iconic Leica aesthetic at a budget-friendly price.
Read more: Leica D-Lux 8 review
Best compact camera for all conditions
✅ You want GPS: With its built-in GPS, you can be sure to geotag your shots to remember all your fantastic holiday memories.
✅ You want a zoom function: With a 4x optical zoom, this is the perfect camera to take to the beach or the ocean and always get the shot.
❌ You want high-resolution stills: It’s only a 12MP sensor.
❌ You want something new: This is virtually identical to its predecessor, the Olympus Tough TG-6.
The Olympus TG-6 was my go-to waterproof compact camera, and now it's back as the OM System TG-7. I'm glad to see it's pretty much unchanged because that's exactly what I loved about it. It's still my top pick for a rugged waterproof camera.
One of my favorite features is the built-in microscope setting, which allows me to capture stunning close-up shots. Plus, the Field Sensor System is a neat addition, recording GPS coordinates and ambient temperature along with my photos.
With 4K video at 30fps and the option for Full HD video at 120fps for super-slow motion, the TG-7 is quite versatile. The generous 25-100mm optical zoom lens lets me get up close to the action.
I appreciate the improved chunky handgrip, which gives me a secure hold on the camera, and the internal zoom mechanism means the lens is always protected from knocks and bumps.
Overall, the TG-7 is straightforward yet sophisticated, making it hands down the best waterproof camera I've come across.
Read more: OM System Tough TG-7 review
Best compact camera for stills
✅ You want compact: For its sensor size, this is a compact camera that you can take everywhere with you.
✅ You want good image quality: With its 24MP APS-C sensor, it offers great image quality for the price.
❌ You want 4K: The highest video resolution on offer here is 1080p.
❌ You want a wide zoom range: It only offers a 24-72mm zoom range.
The Canon G1 X Mark III might be pretty pricy, but it's practically a DSLR in a compact body. It boasts an impressive 24-megapixel APS-C sensor – the same sensor you'll find in the Canon EOS 80D DSLR, making this compact a great stills-only option.
The lens has a versatile 24-72mm focal range and retracts into the camera to make it perfectly pocket-sized when you're not using it. Unfortunately, it doesn't have a fixed aperture, so at 24mm you can shoot as wide open as f/2.8, but at 72mm the aperture will drop down to f/5.6, which isn't great.
The G1 X Mark III can only shoot 1080p video, not 4K, but that doesn't bother me much, as it's not what I would buy it for. It can shoot at 7fps in continuous burst mode and has Wi-Fi connectivity for transferring images on the go.
I did like this flagship PowerShot a lot, and the only thing putting me off is that it's been out for a while but the price has barely shifted. Maybe that's because of how good it is!
Read more: Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III review
Best compact camera for megapixels
✅ You love 28mm focal length: The Q3 offers the only f/1.7 aperture lens in the whole Leica range, but it is also fixed to the body, so you have to love shooting at 28mm.
✅ You want to follow the trend: Thanks to a massive media spike in Leica, the Q3 has become 'on trend' – which is never a bad thing.
❌ You want to shoot other focal lengths: With its fixed 28mm lens that you can't change, your only option is to crop.
❌ You want an optical viewfinder: The Q3 features a high-res EVF without the optical VF of Leica M models.
Leica cameras are a bit like Marmite – you either love them or hate them. No matter where you stand, you can't deny they are incredible cameras that offer exceptional image quality. The new Leica Q3 features an impressive full-frame 60-megapixel sensor. It has a fixed 28mm f/1.7 lens, making it one of the fastest prime lenses available on a compact camera. This update to the Leica Q2 now also shoots 8K video.
The biggest downside of this camera is the thing that will put most people off – the price. It's an very expensive bit of kit and it would probably be higher on our list if it didn't cost an arm and a leg.
You could pick up one of the best mirrorless cameras and a lens for less, but sometimes the experience of using a Leica is worth the money. Other than the price, they're relatively hard to get hold of so if you have your heart set on one, you might have to hunt for one first.
Read more: Leica Q3 review
How to choose the best compact camera
You might imagine that one compact camera will be much like another, but there are three key features to take into account before you make a decision.
1) Prime vs zoom lenses:
With a compact camera is that the lens is non-interchangeable, so the one it comes with will have to do all the jobs you want the camera for. You may be happy with a single focal length prime lens, or you may prefer the extra scope of a zoom. The focal length range on these zoom cameras varies enormously - from 3x up to over 100x on a bridge camera.
2) Viewfinder:
If you find you use the rear screen on a camera most of the time, you may not need an eye-level viewfinder – and this does give you more scope with your camera selection. Some photographers, though, would be lost without a viewfinder.
3) Sensor size:
It is not just about megapixels: image quality also improves by using a larger sensor. Full-frame is the biggest size sensor found on compacts, but full-frame compacts are very expensive and have a fixed wide-angle lens. If you want a zoom, the biggest-sized sensor is APS-C which under half the size of full frame. But if you want a big zoom in a pocketable camera, then you will need a model with a 1in sensor (about a third of the size of an APS-C sensor). An MFT sensor is smaller than an APS-C sensor, but bigger than a 1in one.
How we test compact cameras
During our testing process, we take compact cameras out into the real world, snapping photos in various lighting situations to gauge their performance. With a collective experience encompassing hundreds of models, our reviewers compare the results against both current competitors and past iterations.
Our focus lies heavily on image quality, scrutinizing the details captured in each shot. Since compact cameras prioritize ease of use and portability, we also closely examine the ergonomics and handling of every model we evaluate.
Find out more about how we test products at Digital Camera World
