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 GR IV review: a top smartphone alternative for everyday photography
The long-awaited Ricoh GR IV delivers several improvements over its six-year-old predecessor, including a new 26MP stabilized sensor and better battery life.
I held the Lomo MC-A — Lomography's first proper 35mm film camera, and it's a stunner
Lomography unveiled the Lomo MC-A in October 2025 — it's a proper 35mm film camera with glass 35mm f/2.8 lens, metal body, autofocus and exposure control.
The best compact camera for 2025: top choices to take anywhere
Updated Our best compact camera for 2025 guide will help you find the right pocket camera for you, whatever your budget.
I’ve shot over 1,000 photos with the Ricoh GR IV – here are my favorites
The Ricoh GR IV succeeds the GR III with a new 26MP and improved five-axis stabilization, better battery life and more internal storage. But are those upgrades enough?
Leica’s Q3 Monochrom costs thousands and only shoots black-and-white, but that’s only made me want one more
Leica has officially unveiled its latest fixed-lens compact camera, and it's a Monochrom edition of 2023's outstanding Q3.
Need a cheap camera gift idea? My top pick is a personalized Camp Snap retro compact
Camp Snap's fabulous digital reimagining of the single-use film camera is available in multiple colorways, and now you can even give yours a name – it's a neat gift idea for budding creatives.
Kodak Ektar H35N: adorably basic
Imagine the tech of a disposable film camera, but in a reusable design with a splash of style and a vertical format that gets you double the shots on a roll of film.
Leica’s rumored Q3 Monochrom sounds like my dream compact camera – here’s why
Leica's next rumored camera is a black-and-white only version of its premium fixed-lens Q3 compact, and it could make complete sense.
Kodak's trending Charmera keyring camera is a great gift idea – I'd preorder the 'blind box' now and hope it lands in time for the holidays
Kodak's Charmera digital keyring camera comes in a 'blind box' in any one of six colorways, and costs just $30 / £30, which makes it a great gift idea.
