10 Best Compact Digital Cameras
Is a compact camera an absolute must for you when shopping for a new digital camera? If so then you’ve come to the right place. This list only contains models with compact measurements and weigh less than 12 ounces. However, make sure you check the dimensions because some units are still larger than others, so if you want one that can fit in your pants pocket then look for a slimmer model that is as thin as possible.
Despite their compact size, some these cameras can still take amazing quality photos and some have superzoom capability which might be needed in certain situations. If you have other specific needs in a camera you can check out our other lists like cheap / under $100, superzoom, or waterproof.
Below we review our top 10 best compact digital cameras. Below those compact camera reviews we also have a spec comparison chart of each model so you can easily compare one camera versus another.
9.2
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII
Sensor: 1 inch | Dimensions: 4.0 x 2.3 x 1.7 inches
We selected the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII as the best compact digital camera. It is expensive, but you won’t find a more capable pocket camera on the market. It offers an 8x zoom, excellent image quality, and the best 4K video you will find in a compact camera. The biggest improvement on the RX100 VII is the autofocus and image stabilization in video mode. It also has 20 fps continuous shooting.
The one slight negative is that the small max aperture of the lens limits the camera’s use in dim lighting.
Overall the RX100 VII is perfect for anyone who wants a compact point and shoot camera with a decent zoom and wants superior video quality.
9
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
Sensor: 1 inch | Dimensions: 4.2 x 2.4 x 1.7 inches
The Canon PowerShot G7X II is an amazing camera for the price. It received a Best Buy award for advanced compact point-and-shoot cameras from the leading consumer magazine and is one of the highest rated models on Amazon.
Outstanding image quality is achieved thanks to a 20 MP 1″ CMOS sensor, DIGIC 7 image processor, and 24-100mm equivalent 4.2x optical zoom f/1.8-2.8 lens. Low light image quality is also excellent and the PowerShot G7X II has fast performance even when shooting RAW files in burst mode.
The HD video quality is also excellent, however it does not take 4K video. The battery life is just average. Also there is no viewfinder and the continuous AutoFocus can struggle with fast objects.
We highly recommend the Canon PowerShot G7X II for anyone looking for an outstanding point-and-shoot.
9
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV
Sensor: 1 inch | Dimensions: 4.0 x 2.3 x 1.6 inches
The RX100-series from Sony has set the standard for premium compact cameras and while slightly older, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV is no exception. It has amazing quality 4K video with up to 960 fps for super slow motion videos. Users should be aware though that you are limited to just 5 minutes of 4K video at a time.
The photo quality is superior to almost all other point-and-shoot cameras thanks to its 20.1 MP 1″ stacked CMOS sensor and Zeiss F1.8-F2.8 lens. Other nice features include 1/32000 shutter, fast autofocus, 16 fps burst shooting, viewfinder, and articulating screen.
The main con for the DSC-RX100 IV is the 2.92x optical zoom which is a bit limiting in certain situations. The battery life is also just average.
8.9
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III
Sensor: 1 inch | Dimensions: 4.0 x 2.3 x 1.6 inches
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III is the oldest of Sony’s RX100-series to make our list, primarily because it will save you a lot of money over the newest version. The image quality is still really good, just a touch below the newer version, however the main difference is that it cannot take 4K video, just HD.
You should buy the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III if you want a Sony RX100-series camera, but can’t quite afford the more expensive, newer models.
8.8
Canon Powershot G5 X Mark II
Sensor: 1 inch | Dimensions: 4.4 x 2.4 x 1.8 inches
The Canon PowerShot G5 X II is a solid pocket camera for photographers, but it does not have the best video quality. It has a very good image quality and excellent performance, although the autofocus can struggle a bit with action shots.
Overall the Canon PowerShot G5 X II is one compact camera that any enthusiast photographer should consider.
8.8
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10
Sensor: 1 inch | Dimensions: 4.2 x 2.4 x 1.7 inches
Regularly priced at $698, you can find it on sale for $498 which means the best compact camera under $500 is the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II. It was also awarded as a Best Buy by the leading consumer magazine. The photo quality if really good, while the video quality will rival the top models on this list. It can shoot at 7 fps continuous shooting with autofocus.
On the downside the ergonomics aren’t the best on the G9 X Mark II and there is no viewfinder. The 3x zoom might limit some users as well.
Overall the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II is a great value for the price and we would recommend it to anyone looking for a more affordable compact point and shoot camera.
8.7
Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80
Sensor: 1/2.3 inch | Dimensions: 4.4 x 2.7 x 1.6 inches
If you want a compact camera with a superzoom lens then the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 might just be for you. The 30x zoom is one of the highest you will find on a pocket-sized camera, however the 1/2.3″ sensor will limit the overall image quality compared to the other 1″ sensor cameras on this list.
Other features include a 3″ touchscreen LCD that can flip up by 180 degrees as well as a small electronic viewfinder. The ZS80 can also shoot bursts at 5 fps and record 4K video.
8.6
Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
Sensor: 1 inch | Dimensions: 3.9 x 2.3 x 1.2 inches
While it does not offer as many extra features as some other compact cameras, the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II is an ultra compact camera that makes a great choice for casual shooters or beginning photographers. It is the thinnest and lightest camera we have seen with a 1″ sensor.
The photo quality of the G9 X Mark II is really good, but maybe not in the excellent range. It is only capable of HD video, not 4K, and there is no viewfinder.
8.6
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100
Sensor: 1 inch | Dimensions: 4.4 x 2.5 x 1.7 inches
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 is another quality travel camera for both photos and video with a 10x zoom lens which is much more than any model on this list with a 1″ sensor. It provides very good image quality.
It can shoot in Ultra HD 4K video plus 4K photo – which lets you grab an image from video – and 4K post focus – which lets you change the focus later. Other quality features include fast autofocus, good high ISO performance, and RAW format.
The DMC-ZS100 is slightly larger than other compacts with dimensions of 4.4″ x 2.5″ x 1.7″. It has a small electronic viewfinder, pop up flash, and does not have a tilting display.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 is not perfect in any one area, but as a whole this is a solid compact point-and-shoot that will work for anybody. We highly recommend it for those of you who want a camera with a 1″ sensor and at least a 10x zoom.
8.4
Canon PowerShot SX740 HS
Sensor: 1/2.3 inch | Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.5 x 1.6 inches
The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is the cheapest compact camera on our list, while also having the highest zoom lens at 40x. With a 1/2.3 inch sesnor the image quality will not compare to most of the models on this list.
Some other nice features include Canon’s DIGIC 8 processor, 3″ LCD that can flip upward 180 degrees, and 4K/30p video.
If you want a cheap compact camera we should also mention the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS which sells for right around $250. It is very similar to the SX740 HS, but only has a 25x zoom and shoots HD video, not 4K.
Best Compact Digital Camera Comparison Chart
Rank | Rating | Compact Camera | Best Price | MegaPixels | Optical Zoom |
Sensor | Max Aperture | Shutter Speed | Max ISO | Video Resolution | Wi-Fi | Weight (oz) | Dimensions (in) W” x H” x D” |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 9.2 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII | $1,198.00 | 20.1 | 8 | 1 inch | f 2.8 | 30 – 1/32000 | 25600 | 4K 3840 x 2160 (30p, 25p, 24p) | Yes | 10.7 | 4.0 x 2.3 x 1.7 |
2 | 9.0 | Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II | $649.00 | 20.2 | 4.2 | 1 inch | f 1.8-2.8 | 15 – 1/2000 | 12800 | HD 1920 x 1080 (60p, 30p, 24p) | Yes | 11.2 | 4.2 x 2.4 x 1.7 |
3 | 9.0 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV | $898.00 | 20.1 | 2.92 | 1 inch | f 1.8-2.8 | 30 – 1/32000 | 25600 | 4K 3840 x 2160 (30p, 25p, 24p) | Yes | 10.4 | 4.0 x 2.3 x 1.6 |
4 | 8.9 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III | $598.00 | 20.2 | 2.92 | 1 inch | f 1.8 | 30 – 1/2000 | 25600 | HD 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 24p) | Yes | 10.1 | 4.0 x 2.3 x 1.6 |
5 | 8.8 | Canon Powershot G5 X Mark II | $899.00 | 20.2 | 5 | 1 inch | f 1.8 | 30 – 1/25600 | 25600 | 4K 3840 x 2160 @ 30p | Yes | 12 | 4.4 x 2.4 x 1.8 |
6 | 8.8 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10 | $497.99 | 20.1 | 3 | 1 inch | f 1.4 | 60 – 1/16000 | 25600 | 4K 3840 x 2160 (30p, 24p) | Yes | 10.9 | 4.2 x 2.4 x 1.7 |
7 | 8.7 | Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 | $447.99 | 20.3 | 30 | 1/2.3 inch | f 3.3 | 30 – 1/16000 | 6400 | 4K 3840 x 2160 (30p, 25p) | Yes | 11.5 | 4.4 x 2.7 x 1.6 |
8 | 8.6 | Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II | $429.00 | 20.2 | 3 | 1 inch | f 2.0 | 30 – 1/2000 | 12800 | HD 1920 x 1080 (60p, 30p, 24p) | Yes | 7.3 | 3.9 x 2.3 x 1.2 |
9 | 8.6 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 | $447.99 | 20.1 | 10 | 1 inch | f 2.8-5.9 | 60 – 1/16000 | 25600 | 4K 3840 x 2160 (30p, 24p) | Yes | 10.9 | 4.4 x 2.5 x 1.7 |
10 | 8.4 | Canon PowerShot SX740 HS | $399.00 | 20.3 | 40 | 1/2.3 inch | f 3.3 | 15 – 1/3200 | 3200 | 4K 3840 x 2160 (30p) | Yes | 10.5 | 4.3 x 2.5 x 1.6 |
11 | 8.3 | Canon PowerShot SX620 HS | $249.00 | 20.2 | 25 | 1/2.3 inch | f 3.2-6 | 15 – 1/2000 | 3200 | HD 1920 x 1080 (30p) | Yes | 6.4 | 3.8 x 2.2 x 1.1 |
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