In the age of the smartphone, compact cameras have had to evolve in order to survive. No longer are they simple point-and-shoots or versatile travel-zooms, but rather they are often premium devices with large sensors and sharp lenses or even bigger zoom ranges, ultimately giving superior image quality or greater versatility than your average smartphone camera.
The world’s best compacts can cost as much as, if not more than, the latest flagship smartphones, but don't be put off by their high prices. In 2022, our Cameras editor bought a compact camera instead of the latest iPhone, because cameras handle better for photography and help focus your creativity in a way that a smartphone cannot with all of its additional distractions.
Latest about Compact Cameras
Ricoh announces two GR IV variants, including a long-awaited first in the series for monochrome fans
Ricoh has announced the development of the GR IV Monochrome and GR IV HDF, which promise to give compact camera users even more creative flexibility
This new point-and-shoot film compact with autofocus reminds me of my classic Olympus Mju – and I’m totally in for the pre-orders
The Analogue aF-1 has all the ingredients to be a film camera hit
The Ricoh GR III is my favorite compact camera – and Realme's just announced an exciting smartphone equivalent
Realme is launching the GT 8 Pro smartphone on October 14, powered by Ricoh GR, and I can't wait.
The best compact cameras for 2025
Updated Our best compact camera for 2025 guide will help you find the right pocket camera for you, whatever your budget.
Looking for a vlogging camera? Canon's compact PowerShot V1 is down to its lowest price yet on Amazon
The PowerShot V1 is Canon's comeback into the compact camera business and it's now just AU$1,049 – a fantastic price for beginner content creators.
Canon revives its trending point-and-shoot compact – but it's a pricier downgrade that belongs in 2016
Canon launches the PowerShot Elph 360 HS A (known as Ixus 285 HS A outside the US), a refresh of a point-and-shoot from 2016 with 20MP stills and 12x optical zoom.
Thank you Ricoh for the new GR IV premium compact, but I'm going to stick with my GR III for now – here's why
Minor update, mega price hike
Ricoh GR IV preorders are live – here are 3 upgrades to expect from the X100VI alternative, according to the first sample images
The newly announced Ricoh GR IV appears to be a modest upgrade of the GR III, but the first unboxing videos and reviews suggest there's more to be excited about.
