The 6 Best Compact Cameras - Summer 2024 Reviews

The long-awaited Fujifilm X100VI is the best compact camera we've tested. It isn't the most portable fixed-lens camera, but it makes up for that by being one of the most full-featured point-and-shoots on the market. With a high-resolution APS-C sensor, in-body image stabilization (IBIS), and a bright 35mm-equivalent f/2 lens, this premium model captures stunning image quality, with plenty of detail and dynamic range. Another standout is its hybrid viewfinder, which lets you toggle between an optical rangefinder and an electronic viewfinder.

That said, the X100VI doesn't come cheap, and even if it's within your budget, it's so in demand that stock is hard to come by. If you don't want to wait on a back-ordered product or you're simply looking for something cheaper, read on to find out more about some of our other compact picks below.

The RICOH GR III is the most pocketable camera on this list and the only option on our list aside from the Fujifilm X100VI that features a larger APS-C sensor. That larger sensor provides excellent image quality, more dynamic range, and generally better noise handling in low light than most compact cameras, although it's a lower-resolution sensor than the one on the Fujifilm. The GR III also has a much more minimalist design, which makes it ideal for discreet street photos. On the flip side, the camera doesn't have many frills—no viewfinder or 4k video capability and a fixed screen that limits your shooting angles.

Whereas the X100VI has a 35mm equivalent focal length, the RICOH's built-in lens has a slightly wider 28mm equivalent focal length and an f/2.8 aperture, giving you a tad less leeway in low light. If you prefer a tighter field of view, opt for the RICOH GR IIIx—while it's a little pricier, its lens has a 40mm equivalent focal length that offers a more "standard" field of view. There are also HDF variants of both models, which trade the built-in ND filter for a 'Highlight Diffusion Filter' that creates soft, dreamy highlights. Ultimately, if you're looking for a camera that can capture images of the same caliber as the Fuji X100VI, but you want a more minimalist camera that'll actually fit into your pocket, you can't go wrong with the GR III or the GR IIIx.

If you'd prefer a camera with a zoom lens, the Sony RX100 VII is the best compact option we've tested. The tried-and-true formula of the RX100 series consists of a highly portable design, a relatively wide zoom range, and more extra features than you can shake a stick at. Unlike your average compact camera, the RX100 VII uses a larger 1-inch type sensor, so image quality is great for its class, though not quite as impressive as the cameras mentioned above. The sensor's stacked design also allows for quick 20 fps burst shooting while reducing rolling shutter distortion, making it one of the most advanced point-and-shoots on the market.

Although the RX100 VII doesn't have the longest zoom range, its 24-200 mm full-frame equivalent lens has enough range to give you some flexibility with framing. The camera's also packed with thoughtful design touches, like a small pop-up viewfinder and a pop-up flash—all while easily fitting into a coat pocket or small bag. That portability does come at the cost of a short battery life, but most compact cameras struggle in that arena, so it comes with the territory. And if you want to save some money, you can still find older models in the RX100 series on the used market for less.

If the Sony RX100 VII is out of your price range, a mid-range option like the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III delivers great image quality and features at a lower price point. It's a fairly well-built camera with good ergonomics, including a small grip and thumb rest that provide a more secure hold. It also has a flip-up screen for selfies and vlogs, and like the Sony, it uses a 1-inch sensor that captures better-than-average image quality for cameras of this size.

The built-in lens is quite good, too—it has a fairly wide max aperture, and its 24-100mm equivalent focal length is quite versatile, although it doesn't have as much zoom range as the RX100 VII. You also get extra features like optical and digital image stabilization and a built-in three-stop ND filter to help you shoot at slower shutter speeds in bright lighting. However, the autofocus on this camera can be sluggish and unreliable, and like most compact cameras, its battery life is limited. Still, if you're looking for a versatile point-and-shoot, the G7 X is a great choice at this price point.

Once you dip into budget territory, worthwhile options are fewer and farther between, but the Canon PowerShot SX740 is a solid choice that won't cost you too much. Of course, if you really want to save money, the best option is to simply stick with your smartphone camera, which is already waiting for you in your back pocket. But if you're craving the feel of a camera in your hands or you need the zoom range that a point-and-shoot can provide, the SX740 is a good choice at a relatively low price point.

Though it has a smaller sensor than our previous picks, its built-in lens can extend to a max full-frame equivalent focal length of 960mm, giving you an incredibly wide zoom range to shoot everything from landscape shots to close-ups of faraway subjects. Its image quality is nothing to write home about, but it's more than suitable for casual or family photography, and the camera's tilt-up screen makes it easy to take selfies or shoot at waist level. Ultimately, this point-and-shoot will serve you well if you need something very compact with a ton of zoom at a reasonable price.

Compact cameras can be a good fit for vlogging, thanks to their ease of use and portability, and the Sony ZV-1 is among the best we've tested for vloggers. In fact, it's the only option here with a fully articulated screen fit for self-recording. It even has a specialized 'Product Showcase' mode for product and beauty vloggers, prioritizing focus on any objects held up in the frame. Its 1-inch sensor captures good video quality, too, with excellent autofocus and a fair selection of frame rates, including a high-speed recording mode in 1080p.

It's worth mentioning that the Sony ZV-1 II has since replaced the original ZV-1. The ZV-1 II uses a wider-angle lens with a wider field of view (FOV) that, on its face, is better suited to handheld vlogging. However, the new model no longer features optical stabilization, and its digital stabilization feature crops in some of that wider FOV. Therefore, the original ZV-1 is still our top pick, especially since it costs less.