Looking for the best compact camera? We've put all the best laptop options to the test to bring you this list of the best models you can buy in 2021.
Whether you're looking for an affordable smartphone upgrade or a premium powerhouse that fits in your pocket, this buying guide
will help you find the best compact camera for you.
Smartphones have really put pressure on compact cameras in recent years. Dramatic improvements in mobile photography, including multi-lens shooting and improved low-light performance, mean smartphones can capture exceptional results in a variety of scenarios, while providing the convenience of a slim design. So,
Why would you buy a compact camera in 2021? While basic point-and-shoot cameras have all but disappeared from the market,
the best compact cameras still have advantages over smartphones. Larger sensors are an obvious advantage, while tilting touchscreens and physical controls make for a more tactile shooting experience than holding a mobile phone.
There are also models designed to meet specific niches., from super zoom waterproof compact cameras to fun and affordable instant print cameras.
The compact camera that's right for you will depend on your shooting style, budget, and expectations. If image quality is your number one requirement, something like the Fujifilm X100V should tick all the right boxes: its 26.1 MP APS-C sensor produces excellent photos,
as well as stellar 4K images. But its fixed focal length lens makes it less flexible than other compact cameras. If you want something more versatile, you're spoiled for choice in the buying guide below. The Panasonic ZS200 / TZ200, for example, is currently the best compact zoom camera for travel photography, thanks to its generous 15x zoom range, large one-inch sensor, and full manual control options. Or for those with a bigger budget, the Sony RX100 Mark VI promises high-speed performance to match its hefty price tag.
More than a vlogger? The Sony ZV-1 is the best compact vlogging camera you can buy right now, with unmatched autofocus, impressive video quality, and a host of useful recording features, including a tilting touchscreen, hot shoe, and a 3.5mm microphone port. Whatever your discipline or budget, there's a compact camera on the list below to suit every type of photographer.
From the latest versions to some more affordable options, we recommend a wide range of portable models, spanning a range of price ranges, all to help you find your perfect compact camera.
The best compact camera of 2021 at a glance:
- Fujifilm X100V
- Panasonic Lumix ZS200 / TZ200
- Sony zv-1
- Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III
- Panasonic Lumix LX100II
- Sony Cyber-shot RX100 EN
- Canon PowerShot G5X Mark II
- Canon PowerShot G1X Mark III
- Ricoh GRIII
- Fujifilm Instax Mini 11
- Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV
- Leica Q2 monochrome
- Fujifilm XF10
- polaroid go
The best compact cameras
(Image credit: future)
1.Fujifilm X100V
A special retro compact with a lot of performance.
Features:
- Sensor: 26,1 MP X-Trans CMOS
- Lens: 23mm, f / 2
- Monitor: 3-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, 1,62m dots
- Viewfinder: EVF
- Continuous shooting: 11 fps (mechanical), 30 fps (electronic)
- Movies: 4K
- User level: intermediate
THE BEST DEALS OF THE DAY
Reasons to buy
- Tilting touchscreen + Enhanced sensor and autofocus + 4K video
Reasons to avoid
- Filter required for perfect weather tightness -Fixed focal length.
The Fujifilm X100V takes what was already a special camera and corrects all its weaknesses - it's the perfect compact for the smartphone age. The concept is the same as before: a sleek pocket-sized design, a large APS-C sensor, a unique hybrid viewfinder, and a fixed 23mm f/2 lens. However, all of these areas have now been improved on the X100V, which brings a new tilting screen and improved autofocus performance. Image quality has been improved, in part thanks to a redesigned lens, and low-light performance is better. Then there's the highest resolution hybrid viewfinder, both optical and electronic,
along with support for 4K/30p video capture.
Of course,
you need to add a filter for full weather protection and the cost will be prohibitive for some, but the X100V packs an impressive array of features into a polished premium body, with a retro styling that sets it apart from the crowd - it still fits neatly in your pocket. Read our in-depth review of the Fujifilm X100V
(Image credit: future)
2.Panasonic Lumix ZS200/TZ200
The best travel zoom camera you can buy right now
Features:
- Sensor: 1-inch type, 20,1 MP
- Lens: 25-360mm, f / 3.3-6.4
- Monitor: 3-inch 1.240.000-dot touchscreen
- Viewfinder: EVF
- Continuous shooting: 10 fps
- Movies: 4K
- User level: beginner / intermediate
THE BEST DEALS OF THE DAY
Reasons to buy
- 1.0 inch large sensor + 15x zoom range lens
Reasons to avoid
- Small electronic viewfinder-Fixed screen
Panasonic invented the genre of travel zoom cameras: compact cameras that can be put in your pocket but have a long-lasting built-in zoom. Despite stiff competition, the ZS line (known as the TZ outside the US) dominated sales, and that shape continued with the brilliant Lumix ZS200 (called the TZ200 outside the US). As we first saw with the Lumix ZS100/TZ100, Panasonic was able to keep the camera body roughly the same size as previous ZS-series cameras, but inserts a much larger 1-inch sensor into the camera to provide quality. much better image. The zoom lens is not as wide as some,
but the versatile 15x zoom should be more than enough for most people and it still comfortably outperforms any smartphone. You get an (admittedly small) electronic viewfinder, but there's also 4K video and a great touchscreen interface. If you're looking for a neat all-in-one compact camera that delivers great images, this is it. Read our in-depth review of the Panasonic Lumix ZS200/TZ200
(Image credit: future)
3.Sony ZV-1
Do you need a compact video camera? It is the best in the area
Features:
- Sensor: 1 inch 20,1 MP
- Lens: 24-70mm f / 1.8-2.8
- Monitor: 3-inch 921.600-dot vari-angle touchscreen
- Visor: None
- Continuous shooting: 24 fps
- Movies: 4K / 30p
- User level: beginner / intermediate
THE BEST DEALS OF THE DAY
Reasons to buy
- Unmatched autofocus + 3,5mm hot shoe and mic port
Reasons to avoid
- Slightly limited touch screen: MicroUSB instead of USB-C
If you're primarily looking for video rather than stills from a compact camera, the Sony ZV-1 is your best bet. Not that it's not also very capable of taking still photos - after all, it has the same sensor and processor as Sony's latest RX100-series cameras - but the ZV-1's main strength is in its video powers.
These include cutting-edge autofocus powers, which allow you to fixate on people and moving objects in your frame, impressive video quality thanks to its 20,1 MP 1-inch sensor.
These are compatible with a 3,5mm microphone port to improve audio quality with an external microphone and a shoe to help mount the latter. Its bright 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 doesn't give you the same range as the RX100 VII, but it does ensure you get some nice background blur in photos and video - perfect if you're mainly shooting stills, portraits or vlogging. Read our in-depth review of the Sony ZV-1
(Image credit: future)
4.Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III
Perfect for vloggers who run on the go
Features:
- Sensor: 1 inch, 20,1 MP
- Lens: 24-100mm, f / 1.8-2.8
- Monitor: 3,0-inch 1.040.000-dot touchscreen
- Viewfinder: No
- Continuous shooting: 20 fps (30 fps burst mode)
- Movie: 4K
- User level: beginner / intermediate
THE BEST DEALS OF THE DAY
Reasons to buy
- Ultra-fast burst shooting + Excellent build and handling
Reasons to avoid
- Lenses can be a bit soft -No hot shoe
The G7X Mark II has turned out to be a hit and we are sure it will be a big hit with avid vloggers and photographers. With the new benefits of 4K recording, a microphone port and live streaming to YouTube, along with the built-in ND filter and tiltable LCD screen, it's arguably the most powerful compact for vlogging. But if you don't like videos, there's still plenty to satisfy you, from
shoot at 30fps at full resolution up to an ultra-sensitive touch screen, to in-camera Raw processing and the added convenience of USB charging. It is a pity that there is neither a sight nor a shoe, but not everyone needs them. Read our in-depth review of the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
5.Panasonic Lumix LX100 II
A compact gloss for the avid photographer
Features:
- Sensor: Micro Four Thirds, 17MP
- Lens: 24-75mm, f / 1.7-2.8
- Monitor: 3-inch 1.240.000-dot touchscreen
- Viewfinder: EVF
- Continuous shooting: 11 fps
- Movies: 4K
- User level: intermediate
THE BEST DEALS OF THE DAY
Reasons to buy
- Excellent image quality + Good body-mounted controls
Reasons to avoid
- Slow Zoom - Fixed Rear Screen
Compact cameras with sensors larger than 1-inch are generally limited to prime lenses, which is great for quality, but not so great for flexibility. But not the Panasonic LX100 II; manages to marry a 17MP Four Thirds sensor, the same size as those found in Panasonic's G-series mirrorless cameras, with a 24-75mm equivalent zoom lens in 35mm terms, which shows that sometimes both quality and flexibility can be achieved. The original LX100 was something of a storied camera to offer something similar, and this latest version takes over, with a snappy AF system, beefy body, sharp 4K video, and a useful electronic viewfinder among its highlights. Read our in-depth review of the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II
6. Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI
Sony's premium compact offers better value for money than the Mark VII
Features:
- Sensor: 1 inch, 20,1 MP
- Lens: 24-200mm, f / 2.8-4.5
- Monitor: 3-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, 921.000 dots
- Viewfinder: EVF
- Continuous shooting: 24 fps
- Movies: 4K
- User level: intermediate / expert
THE BEST DEALS OF THE DAY
Reasons to buy
- High-speed shooting and built-in 4K + EVF
Reasons to avoid
- Technology makes management problems more expensive
Sony's original RX100 was a landmark camera that combined a 1-inch sensor in a compact metal body with the controls and image quality that enthusiasts demand. The RX100 VI goes several steps beyond other pocket cameras.