Quick List - Top Compact Digital Cameras
Ricoh
Compact APS-C Powerhouse with Street Photography Precision and Creative Flexibility
Sony
Professional-Level Compact Camera with Exceptional Autofocus and Telephoto Performance
Canon
Advanced Hybrid Compact Designed for Vlogging, Streaming, and Creative Content
An art director and a freelance photographer who shoots portraits, food, events, and products. Loves taking photos be it digital or film.
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Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Before buying a camera, the first thing that you should check for is the image quality. Although, keep in mind that image quality isn’t limited to how many megapixels a camera has.
Image sensors serve as "electronic eyes." They come in either a full-frame or a crop sensor, with the full-frame having the size of a 35mm film camera (24mm x 36mm). As expected, crop sensors are smaller than the standard 35mm and result in photos with a tighter field of view.
Even though full-frame cameras are recommended, most compact digital cameras in the market typically carry a crop sensor. This is great for those on a budget or for those who are just starting out with photography since full-frame cameras are slightly more expensive.
For those who like taking bokeh (blur) shots or shooting at night or low light conditions, a camera with a lower f-stop or aperture is the one for you. This will result in more eye-pleasing pictures. Actually, if the maximum aperture of a compact camera is around f-stop f/2, then you'll be able to take photos similar to a DSLR.
The lower the f-stop, the more light can come into the sensor. This is why cameras with an aperture of f/1.8 to f/2.8 are recommended to get the best shots possible no matter what the lighting situation in your location is.
During the day, an ISO of 60-600 is enough but note that this depends on the daylight. For nighttime, 600 and above is usually used. The higher the ISO, the more light will be taken in but also the grainier the photo will be. Fortunately, cameras will larger image sensors can take pictures at higher ISOs without affecting their image quality.
This means that the higher the focal length, the more zoomed-in your pictures would look. This means that you need to get a compact digital camera with a lower focal length for those who like shooting landscapes or complete scenes.
As long as you don't plan on using your camera for shooting wildlife or sports, this is a great option for taking outfit pictures or pictures with your friends and family. This is also recommended for those who like taking still shots or for those who want to shoot detailed items.
Another option is a "bridge camera" that gives you almost the same quality and features as a DSLR while still having the convenience of a point-and-shoot camera. Some models even have focal lengths that range from wide-angle lenses to telephoto lenses, which means that they will work great with whatever subject you want to shoot.
Although this isn't really a focal length, if you like taking very close-up shots of flowers, insects, and food, look for digital cameras supporting macro photography. These cameras are able to focus on the subject even when the lens is only 1 cm away, and they can capture incredible details of small objectsーsome even at a microscopic level.
In saying that, the maximum distance that you can get close to a subject will be different per camera, so be sure to double-check, especially if you want to shoot extra small or extra detailed subjects such as fine brush strokes, feathers, or even snowflakes.
Taking photos of small children, pets, or fast-moving objects will be difficult if your camera can’t keep up. This is why you should look for compact digital cameras with Auto Focus (AF) tracking systems and fast shutter speeds to help you achieve the shot you want.
This is useful for those who want to shoot action pictures for sports or creative photoshoots, too, especially for beginners who are still learning the ropes with photography. This is also recommended for those who often like going on adventures or trips with family and friends.
In line with this, make sure that the camera has great battery life and shoot a minimum of 200 photos per charge. If you're planning on using it for a whole day of sightseeing or documentation, you may also want to bring a spare battery to ensure that your camera doesn't die in the middle of an amazing sunset.
To ensure their portability, most compact digital cameras don’t come with a viewfinder. Instead, they rely on the rear LCD screen for composition and framing, which means that it's important to have a good one to take beautiful photos. Choosing a camera with a 3-inch or larger screen or a touch panel will help you achieve this.
But for those who want a more genuine shooting experience, compact cameras with a viewfinder exist. The shooting process will be similar to using an SLR, and it has some advantages, too, such as being able to stabilize the device when it's up against your face and helping conserve battery by not using the LCD.
Electronic vibration reduction minimizes blur caused by camera shake, while optical image stabilization prolongs the shutter speed possible for handheld photography by reducing the likelihood of blur. As much as possible, choose the camera with the best image stabilization that fits your lifestyle and budget.
This feature is great for photographers whose portfolios are mainly on social media and those who do not want the hassle of backing up their pictures on their computers before sending them over to different people or posting them to different platforms.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Image Sensor Size | Aperture (F-Stop) | ISO Range | Focal Length | Lens Type | Shutter Speed Range | Autofocus Type | Camera Weight | Battery Life | Rear Display Type | Viewfinder Type | Image Stabilization | Wireless Connectivity | |||||
1 | Ricoh GR IIIx HDF | ![]() | Compact APS-C Powerhouse with Street Photography Precision and Creative Flexibility | APS-C (23.5 mm x 15.6 mm) | f/2.8 | 100 – 102400 ISO | 26.1 mm | Fixed Prime | Mechanical: 1/4000 sec to 60 sec, Electronic: 1 sec to 1/16000 sec | Hybrid | 257 g | 200 shots | Fixed LCD | Optical | Wi-Fi | ||
2 | Olympus Tough TG-7 | ![]() | Rugged Outdoor Camera with Cutting-Edge Macro Capabilities and 4K Video | 1/2.33" BSI-CMOS (6.17 x 4.55 mm) | f/2.0 - f/4.9 | 100 – 12800 ISO | 4.5 mm - 18 mm | Fixed zoom lens | Mechanical: 1/2 - 1/2000 sec | Contrast Detect | 249 g | 340 shots | Fixed LCD | Optical | Wi-Fi、Bluetooth | ||
3 | Sony CyberShot RX100 VII | ![]() | Professional-Level Compact Camera with Exceptional Autofocus and Telephoto Performance | 1.0 inch (13.2 x 8.8 mm) Stacked CMOS | f/2.8 – f/4.5 | Auto, 125 – 12800 ISO | 24 mm – 200 mm | ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T | Mechanical shutter: 1/2000 sec max | Hybrid | 302 g | 260 shots | Tilting LCD | Electronic | Optical | Wi-Fi、Bluetooth、NFC | |
4 | Canon PowerShot V1 Hybrid | ![]() | Advanced Hybrid Compact Designed for Vlogging, Streaming, and Creative Content | 1.4 inch CMOS | f/2.8 | Stills: 100 – 51200 ISO, Video: 100 – 25600 ISO | 8.2 mm – 25.6 mm | Wide-Angle | Mechanical: 1/2,000 sec, Electronic: 1/16,000 sec | Hybrid | 426 g | unknown | Articulating LCD | Optical | Wi-Fi、Bluetooth | ||
5 | Sony ZV1 Mark II | ![]() | Compact Superzoom Travel Camera with Intelligent Image Stabilization | 1.0 inch Stacked BSI CMOS | f/1.8 – f/4.0 | 100 – 12800 ISO | 6.9 mm – 17.6 mm | Wide-Angle | Still: 1/32000 sec to 1/4 sec , Video: 1/12800 sec to 1 sec | Hybrid | 292 g | 290 shots | Fixed LCD | Optical | Wi-Fi、Bluetooth | ||
6 | Leica Q3 | ![]() | Flagship Full-Frame Compact Camera with Ultra-High Resolution and Versatile Creative Control | Full-Frame BSI CMOS | f/1.7 | 50 – 100,000 ISO | 28 mm | Summilux ASPH Fixed Lens | Mechanical: 120 sec – 1/16,000 sec | Hybrid | 743 g | unknown | Tilting LCD | Electronic | Optical | Wi-Fi | |
7 | Panasonic LUMIX ZS99 | ![]() | Compact Travel Companion with Powerful 30x Zoom and 4K Video | 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS Sensor | f/3.3 – f/6.4 | 80 – 3200 ISO | 4.3 mm – 129 mm | Leica DC Vario-Elmar Zoom Lens | Mechanical: 1/2000 to 4 sec, Electronic: 1/16000 to 1 sec | Contrast Detect | 322 g | 280 shots | Tilting LCD | Optical | Wi-Fi、Bluetooth | ||
8 | Olympus Tough TG-6 | ![]() | Ultimate Rugged Camera for Extreme Adventures with Superior Macro and Underwater Features | 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS | f/2.0 – f/4.9 | Auto, 100 – 12800 ISO | 25 mm – 100 mm | Fixed Zoom Lens | Mechanical: 1/2000 sec | Contrast Detect | 253 g | 340 shots | Fixed LCD | Optical | Wi-Fi、Bluetooth, GPS | ||
9 | Leica D-Lux 8 | ![]() | Compact Elegance Meets Advanced Control in a Leica Classic | 4/3” CMOS Sensor | Lens: f/1.7 – f/2.8, Aperture range f/1.7 to f/16, Tele: f/2.8 to f/16 | Photo: Auto 100 ISO – 25,000 ISO; Video:100 ISO – 6400 ISO | 10.9 mm – 34 mm | Leica DC Vario-Summilux ASPH Fixed Zoom | Mechanical: 60 sec to 1/4000 sec; Electronic: 1 sec to 1/16,000 sec | Contrast Detect | 397 g | 350 shots | Fixed LCD | Electronic | Optical | Bluetooth | |
10 | Sony CyberShot HX99 | ![]() | Powerful Pocket Superzoom with 4K Video and Versatile Tilt Screen | 1/2.3 inch Exmor R CMOS Sensor | f/3.5 – f/6.4 | 80 – 3200 ISO | 4.3 mm – 129 mm | ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T Standard Zoom Lens | 30 sec to 1/2000 sec | Contrast Detect | 242 g | 250 shots | Fixed LCD | Electronic | Optical | Wi-Fi、Bluetooth |
Image Sensor Size | APS-C (23.5 mm x 15.6 mm) |
---|---|
Aperture (F-Stop) | f/2.8 |
ISO Range | 100 – 102400 ISO |
Focal Length | 26.1 mm |
Lens Type | Fixed Prime |
Shutter Speed Range | Mechanical: 1/4000 sec to 60 sec, Electronic: 1 sec to 1/16000 sec |
Autofocus Type | Hybrid |
Camera Weight | 257 g |
Battery Life | 200 shots |
Rear Display Type | Fixed LCD |
Viewfinder Type | |
Image Stabilization | Optical |
Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi |
Image Sensor Size | 1/2.33" BSI-CMOS (6.17 x 4.55 mm) |
---|---|
Aperture (F-Stop) | f/2.0 - f/4.9 |
ISO Range | 100 – 12800 ISO |
Focal Length | 4.5 mm - 18 mm |
Lens Type | Fixed zoom lens |
Shutter Speed Range | Mechanical: 1/2 - 1/2000 sec |
Autofocus Type | Contrast Detect |
Camera Weight | 249 g |
Battery Life | 340 shots |
Rear Display Type | Fixed LCD |
Viewfinder Type | |
Image Stabilization | Optical |
Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi、Bluetooth |
Image Sensor Size | 1.0 inch (13.2 x 8.8 mm) Stacked CMOS |
---|---|
Aperture (F-Stop) | f/2.8 – f/4.5 |
ISO Range | Auto, 125 – 12800 ISO |
Focal Length | 24 mm – 200 mm |
Lens Type | ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T |
Shutter Speed Range | Mechanical shutter: 1/2000 sec max |
Autofocus Type | Hybrid |
Camera Weight | 302 g |
Battery Life | 260 shots |
Rear Display Type | Tilting LCD |
Viewfinder Type | Electronic |
Image Stabilization | Optical |
Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi、Bluetooth、NFC |
Image Sensor Size | 1.4 inch CMOS |
---|---|
Aperture (F-Stop) | f/2.8 |
ISO Range | Stills: 100 – 51200 ISO, Video: 100 – 25600 ISO |
Focal Length | 8.2 mm – 25.6 mm |
Lens Type | Wide-Angle |
Shutter Speed Range | Mechanical: 1/2,000 sec, Electronic: 1/16,000 sec |
Autofocus Type | Hybrid |
Camera Weight | 426 g |
Battery Life | unknown |
Rear Display Type | Articulating LCD |
Viewfinder Type | |
Image Stabilization | Optical |
Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi、Bluetooth |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Users praise the ZV-1 Mark II for its excellent video quality, autofocus speed, and convenient zoom range for vlogging. The articulating screen and improved audio support are highlighted as key advantages. Some users wish for longer battery life, but overall it is highly regarded as a top pick for content creators who need portability and power."
Image Sensor Size | 1.0 inch Stacked BSI CMOS |
---|---|
Aperture (F-Stop) | f/1.8 – f/4.0 |
ISO Range | 100 – 12800 ISO |
Focal Length | 6.9 mm – 17.6 mm |
Lens Type | Wide-Angle |
Shutter Speed Range | Still: 1/32000 sec to 1/4 sec , Video: 1/12800 sec to 1 sec |
Autofocus Type | Hybrid |
Camera Weight | 292 g |
Battery Life | 290 shots |
Rear Display Type | Fixed LCD |
Viewfinder Type | |
Image Stabilization | Optical |
Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi、Bluetooth |
Image Sensor Size | Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
---|---|
Aperture (F-Stop) | f/1.7 |
ISO Range | 50 – 100,000 ISO |
Focal Length | 28 mm |
Lens Type | Summilux ASPH Fixed Lens |
Shutter Speed Range | Mechanical: 120 sec – 1/16,000 sec |
Autofocus Type | Hybrid |
Camera Weight | 743 g |
Battery Life | unknown |
Rear Display Type | Tilting LCD |
Viewfinder Type | Electronic |
Image Stabilization | Optical |
Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi |
Image Sensor Size | 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS Sensor |
---|---|
Aperture (F-Stop) | f/3.3 – f/6.4 |
ISO Range | 80 – 3200 ISO |
Focal Length | 4.3 mm – 129 mm |
Lens Type | Leica DC Vario-Elmar Zoom Lens |
Shutter Speed Range | Mechanical: 1/2000 to 4 sec, Electronic: 1/16000 to 1 sec |
Autofocus Type | Contrast Detect |
Camera Weight | 322 g |
Battery Life | 280 shots |
Rear Display Type | Tilting LCD |
Viewfinder Type | |
Image Stabilization | Optical |
Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi、Bluetooth |
Reviews mention:
Users love the toughness and reliability for outdoor and underwater shooting, praising the superb macro capabilities for capturing fine details. Image quality is good for its class, though some note noise in low light. The rugged design and multiple sensor functions make it a beloved adventure camera.
Image Sensor Size | 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS |
---|---|
Aperture (F-Stop) | f/2.0 – f/4.9 |
ISO Range | Auto, 100 – 12800 ISO |
Focal Length | 25 mm – 100 mm |
Lens Type | Fixed Zoom Lens |
Shutter Speed Range | Mechanical: 1/2000 sec |
Autofocus Type | Contrast Detect |
Camera Weight | 253 g |
Battery Life | 340 shots |
Rear Display Type | Fixed LCD |
Viewfinder Type | |
Image Stabilization | Optical |
Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi、Bluetooth, GPS |
Reviews mention:
Users appreciate the Leica D-Lux 8’s blend of classic Leica controls with modern digital features. The lens is praised for its sharpness and fast aperture, while the sensor provides excellent image quality. Some users mention the camera’s size and weight as higher than typical compacts but accept it for the premium build and capabilities.Image Sensor Size | 4/3” CMOS Sensor |
---|---|
Aperture (F-Stop) | Lens: f/1.7 – f/2.8, Aperture range f/1.7 to f/16, Tele: f/2.8 to f/16 |
ISO Range | Photo: Auto 100 ISO – 25,000 ISO; Video:100 ISO – 6400 ISO |
Focal Length | 10.9 mm – 34 mm |
Lens Type | Leica DC Vario-Summilux ASPH Fixed Zoom |
Shutter Speed Range | Mechanical: 60 sec to 1/4000 sec; Electronic: 1 sec to 1/16,000 sec |
Autofocus Type | Contrast Detect |
Camera Weight | 397 g |
Battery Life | 350 shots |
Rear Display Type | Fixed LCD |
Viewfinder Type | Electronic |
Image Stabilization | Optical |
Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth |
Image Sensor Size | 1/2.3 inch Exmor R CMOS Sensor |
---|---|
Aperture (F-Stop) | f/3.5 – f/6.4 |
ISO Range | 80 – 3200 ISO |
Focal Length | 4.3 mm – 129 mm |
Lens Type | ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T Standard Zoom Lens |
Shutter Speed Range | 30 sec to 1/2000 sec |
Autofocus Type | Contrast Detect |
Camera Weight | 242 g |
Battery Life | 250 shots |
Rear Display Type | Fixed LCD |
Viewfinder Type | Electronic |
Image Stabilization | Optical |
Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi、Bluetooth |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
If you're looking to maximize bang for your buck, there is no beating the Canon IXUS 190. It's a great, affordable compact camera loaded with features that allows it to punch well above its weight. It's slim, portable, and easy to use, perfect for beginners looking to embark on their photography journey.
Its Program mode allows you to considerably take the reins by letting you control ISO, metering, and exposure. This is great for when you're learning what different settings do to your shot. The IXUS 190 also has different creative filters that you can tinker with to augment and elevate your shots.
A compact digital camera, by its very nature, is smaller and lighter than a DSLR. It also gives you less control over camera settings such as aperture, ISO, shutter speed, etc. However, this also makes them easier and more convenient to use than DSLRs as you simply need to point and shoot— straightforward with no frills at all.
Conversely, a DSLR gives you absolute control over all aspects of your camera. DSLR lenses can also be swapped according to your needs, whereas compact camera lenses are unchangeable. DSLRs also use a prism-and-mirror system, while compact cameras are mirrorless, making them lighter and easier to carry around.
Based on our findings, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 trumps all else in low-light photography. Its advanced specs and wide range of features enable you to take shots regardless of how bright or dark your setting is. Its native noise reduction system also handles high ISO levels exceptionally, producing clean and crisp shots every time.
Since working from home is now more common than ever, it's important to have a great array of gadgets to help you cope with your work or school demands. Check out our other articles below for the best products to help you out.
Re-editor: Joaquin Umlas
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Ricoh|GR IIIx HDF
No. 2: Olympus|Tough TG-7
No. 3: Sony|CyberShot RX100 VII
No. 4: Canon|PowerShot V1 Hybrid
No. 5: Sony|ZV1 Mark II
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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