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
Godox's cheap 'transparent viewfinder camera' doubles up a light meter — I'm buying!
I love the idea of a pocketable light meter that's also a camera, and at this price... I'm tempted.
This overlooked Canon camera is my top pick for your next city break
Looking for a travel compact camera which actually fits in your pocket? I think the Canon PowerShot V1 has been slept on.
Camp Snap 2 review: slimmer, quicker and more creative, for the same low price
With faster shooting and new filters, the Camp Snap 2 is basically the first camera again, but better. It'll sell like gangbusters.
Kodak PixPro WPZ2 review: rugged, affordable and surprisingly capable
One of the most affordable rugged cameras around, the Kodak PixPro WPZ2 is a 16MP point-and-shoot that's waterproof to 15m.
Kodak Charmera returns in new Millennium Edition that's pure Y2K nostalgia
The Kodak Charmera returns in a new Millennium edition, with six new colorways equipped with additional Y2K-inspired photo filters and frames, for the same low price.
Forget the Kodak Charmera — this miniature digital camera is a lo-fi bargain
Canal Toys' Photo Creator series of cameras includes the Mini Digital Camera series 3, and it's a lo-fi bargain!
Panasonic Lumix L10 vs Fujifilm X100VI: which premium compact camera is best for you?
Does the Lumix L10 exceed the X100VI as the ultimate everyday camera?
I took over 1,000 photos with the Lumix L10 — here are my favorites
I've been snapping away with the Panasonic Lumix L10 for weeks — here are some of the best photos I've taken which really show what the premium compact camera is capable of.
