Compact cameras

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.
Compact cameras can fit in your pocket, are portable and discreet, and that’s what makes them particularly popular for street and documentary photography. Some models, such as the Fujifilm X100V – which holds the top position in our best compact camera guide – have been enjoying a resurgence in 2023, which goes to show that there’s life in the compact camera market yet.
Latest about Compact Cameras

Sony's RX1R III is an impossibly small full-frame premium compact – here's how it compares to the Leica Q3
By Timothy Coleman published
The Sony RX1R III and Leica Q3 are two full-frame premium compact cameras with big prices tags. Here's how their specs compare

Finally! Sony revives its full-frame premium compact camera line after a 10-year hiatus, with the pricey new RX1R III
By Timothy Coleman published
Sony unveils the RX1R III, 10 years after the RX1R II, with its latest 61MP sensor, Bionz XR processor and AI autofocus skills.

Kodak's retro Super 8 camcorder is outrageously expensively, but I've found this super-cheap digital alternative
By Sam Kieldsen published
Heavily inspired by the original 8mm home movie cameras of the 1960s, Camp Snap’s digital camcorder finally has a release date.

The best compact cameras for 2025
By Timothy Coleman last updated
Updated Our best compact camera for 2025 guide will help you find the right pocket camera for you, whatever your budget.

Fujifilm X half review: who needs film?
By Timothy Coleman last updated
Fujifilm's X half is a digital reimagining of the half frame film camera, complete with vertical photos and a unique Film Roll mode.

Where to buy the Fujifilm X100VI: current delivery estimates and the best retailers
By Alex Whitelock last updated
Let's secure you a shiny new camera with our guide on where to buy the Fujifilm X100VI - including the latest shipping estimates.

OMG – Fujifilm’s film-roll mode is the outright cutest camera feature I’ve played with in years
By Timothy Coleman published
Fujifilm's X half retro compact is packed with fun and unique features, especially if you have a soft spot for analog photography.

This fun point-and-shoot camera is like a cross between a Fujifilm X100VI and Camp Snap – and it now has a confirmed price tag
By Sam Kieldsen last updated
Quick backers to this retro-styled throwback camera will be able to obtain it for a special early bird price.

Is the compact camera you want out of stock? Here are 3 of the best models I've tested this year, and they're all available now
By Timothy Coleman published
Compact cameras are trending and hard to find. And even though there's a conspicuous absence of some leading brands in this market, there are three top new models available now.

Fujifilm GFX100RF vs Fujifilm X100VI: can an APS-C camera topple a medium-format model?
By Andrew Williams published
The Fujifilm GFX100RF is a higher-end, larger-sensor camera than the X100VI, but the latter beats it at times by offering forgiving handheld shooting and more diverse video modes.
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