These are the best compact cameras you can get right now, and we’ve tried them all. Get big camera quality in your pocket!

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The best small cameras are ideal for DSLR or mirrorless camera users who occasionally wish to travel light as a “second” camera. They are small enough to fit into a jacket pocket, yet they don’t sacrifice much in terms of features or image quality. They are the ones that we think are the best.

In this guide, we have selected small cameras that, despite their small size, manage to produce high-quality photographs thanks to their sensors and the combination of manual and automatic features that experts and enthusiasts alike expect from a DSLR or mirrorless camera. Our list of the top point-and-shoot cameras also includes options for those looking for something more affordable and straightforward.

The primary characteristic of ‘compact’ cameras is the non-interchangeability of the lenses. Because the lens is integrated, you don’t need to consider which lenses to pack and which ones to invest in.

THE QUICK LIST

• BEST OVERALL: Fujifilm X100VI
• BEST FOR YOUTUBE: Sony ZV-1
• BEST FOR STREETS: Ricoh GR IIIx
• BEST HYBRID: Panasonic Lumix LX100 II
• BEST WATERPROOF: OM System Tough TG-7

Best compact cameras in 2024

Why you can trust Trusty Picked
 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you

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1. Fujifilm X100VI

Best overall compact camera

Specifications

Sensor: X-Trans CMOS 5 HR

Megapixels: 40.2MP

Lens: Fujinon 23mm f/2 II

Screen: 3in tilting LCD, 1,620k dots

Viewfinder: 3.69M-dot OLED EVF / OVF Hybrid

Continuous shooting: 11fps (manual shutter), 20fps (electronic shutter)

Max video resolution: 6.2K30p, 4K60p, HD240p, 4:2:2 10-bit, F-Log, F-Log2

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

Although the appearance of the new Fujifilm X100VI may appear to be unaltered, the stunning and expertly made design makes it difficult to identify any faults with it. It feels pretty excellent in the hand and has outstanding build quality, so it’s not just about appearances. I still find using the X100VI to be a complete joy, especially with its manual knobs and hybrid viewfinder that enhance my photography experience with a tactile element.

Fortunately, there are a few notable internal improvements. The X100VI has improved stills and video capabilities with a 40MP sensor, an upgraded CPU, and IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization). I’ve collected few samples already, and the results have been really good.

It’s true that the X100VI is the most expensive camera to date, which makes choosing difficult, particularly considering that other cameras with superior technology can be had for less money. Nevertheless, even with the price tag, I find the iconic style and improved functionality to be enticing.

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2. Sony ZV-1

Best for YouTube

Specifications

Sensor: 1in

Megapixels: 20.1MP

Lens: 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8

Screen: 3in vari-angle touchscreen, 921k dots

Viewfinder: None – screen only

Continuous shooting: 24fps

Max video resolution: 4K

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

The Sony ZV-1, targeted for vloggers, may appear to be just another RX100 model, but it’s much more than that. The sensor and lens of the RX100 should be very recognizable to you if you’ve used one.

The controls, rear screen, and body of this camera are excellent, which makes it ideal for YouTube. With a variable aperture of f/1.8 to f/2.8, it also offers the well-known 24-70mm zoom range. However, a significant shift in the minimum focusing distance occurs as you zoom, which is inconvenient, particularly while recording video.

The autofocus is astonishing, however the SteadyShot active stabilization wasn’t the finest. With its vari-angle, tilting rear screen, it’s ideal for taking selfies and recording oneself. Additionally, it features a mic-wind shield, so the audio quality is still rather decent even with the built-in microphone. It lacks a viewfinder, unlike the Sony RX100 cameras, yet it still takes excellent photos, performs even better in videos, and is more affordable.

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3. Ricoh GR IIIx

The best compact camera for street photographers

Specifications

Sensor: APS-C

Megapixels: 24.2MP

Lens: 40mm f/2.8 (equiv)

Screen: 3-inch fixed touchscreen LCD

Viewfinder: Optional

Continuous shooting: Yes – max rate not specified

Max video resolution: 1080p

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

With a more appropriate 40mm lens rather than the original 28mm, the Ricoh GR IIIx is a streetwise take on the Ricoh GR III. It does have some additional advantages, such as the ability to attach an optional 1.5x teleconverter lens to the fixed lens for a closer-up look.

Its extremely small size for an APS-C camera makes it perfect for street or travel photography. Additionally, its wide f/2.8 lens, fast eye AF, and sensor-shift stabilization make it an excellent choice for portraiture. Despite being tiny, it packs a lot of functionality, including integrated NDs and 2GB of internal storage. It is indeed a small camera designed for photographers who desire complete control.

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4. Panasonic Lumix LX100 II

Best compact camera for stills and video

Specifications

Sensor: Micro Four Thirds

Megapixels: 17MP

Lens: 24-75mm, f/1.7-2.8 (equiv.)

Screen: 3in fixed, 1,240k dots

Viewfinder: EVF

Continuous shooting: 11fps

Max video resolution: 4K

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

The challenge has always been creating a small camera that can fit huge sensors. But let me tell you, the LX100 II from Panasonic is really good. Its pocket-sized design perfectly combines excellent still images with video capabilities.

Its Micro Four Thirds sensor, which is nearly as big as the APS-C sensors seen in many DSLRs, is what makes it unique. Nevertheless, Panasonic has managed to reduce the size of the lens component such that it fits tightly inside the camera body. How such a small design was managed without compromising functionality is just amazing.

The original LX100 was beginning to show its age; the LX100 II offers a modern spin on it. With its innovative 17-megapixel’multi-aspect’ sensor, you may capture images in a variety of aspect ratios without sacrificing quality. Not to mention the aspect ratio switch, lens aperture ring, and external shutter speed dial—these features truly add to the enjoyment of shooting with this camera. I promise it will revolutionize the game.

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5. OM System Tough TG-7

Best waterproof camera overall

Specifications

Sensor: 1/2.33in

Megapixels: 12MP

Lens: 25-100mm (equiv.) f/2.0-4.9

Screen: 3in, 1,040k dots

Viewfinder: None – screen only

Continuous shooting: 20fps (Pro Capture, 10fps)

Max video resolution: 4K

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

My preferred waterproof small camera was the Olympus TG-6, which is now being offered again as the OM System TG-7. I’m relieved to find that it hasn’t changed much because that’s precisely what I liked about it. It remains my first choice for a tough, water-resistant camera.

The built-in microscope option is one of my favorite features since it lets me take beautiful close-up pictures. In addition, the Field Sensor System is a useful addition that captures my images together with GPS locations and the surrounding temperature.

The TG-7 is quite flexible, offering both super-slow motion at 120 frames per second in Full HD and 30 frames per second in 4K. I can go right up close to the action because to the big 25-100mm optical zoom lens.

I like how the internal zoom mechanism protects the lens from bumps and knocks, and the increased chunky handgrip provides me a firm grip on the camera.

All things considered, the TG-7 is simple yet elegant, making it the best waterproof camera I’ve found.

How to choose the best compact camera

One may assume that all tiny cameras are similar to one another, but before you buy, you need consider three important factors.

1) Prime vs zoom lenses:

The one that comes with a small camera will have to fulfill all the tasks you want it to perform because the lens is not replaceable. A prime lens with a single focal length can suffice for you, or you might want the added versatility of a zoom. These zoom cameras have a very wide focal length range; on a bridge camera, it can vary from 3x to over 100x.

2) Viewfinder:

You might not require an eye-level viewfinder if you find that you utilize a camera’s rear screen the most of the time. This does provide you more options when it comes to choosing a camera. However, some photographers couldn’t function without a viewfinder.

3) Sensor size:

Using a larger sensor also results in better image quality, so it’s not only about megapixels. Compacts with full-frame sensors have the largest size sensors available, however they come with a fixed wide-angle lens and are quite costly. The largest sensor size available for a zoom is APS-C, which is less than half the size of full frame. However, you will need a model with a 1in sensor (about one-third the size of an APS-C sensor) if you want a large zoom in a portable camera. A 1in sensor is larger than an MFT sensor, but smaller than an APS-C sensor.

How we test compact cameras

We test tiny cameras by going out into the real world and taking pictures in different lighting conditions to see how well they perform. Our evaluators have reviewed hundreds of models between them, so they compare the results to both previous iterations and competition.

We examine the nuances that are recorded in every shot, placing a strong emphasis on image quality. Since portability and convenience of use are the top priorities for tiny cameras, we also pay special attention to each model’s ergonomics and handling.