Looking for the best compact camera you can buy right now? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve tested and rounded up the best compacts around for taking smartphone-beating snaps, whatever your budget or shooting style.
Because smartphones have evolved into impressive point-and-shoot cameras, compacts have similarly had to change, with many moving to the more premium end with larger sensors and long zooms. While we’ve focused mainly on these models, we’ve also included some older models that offer great value for novices or bargain hunters.
The compact cameras in this list have all been chosen because they offer a great blend of performance, features and portability. Many also have bonus skills that help set them apart from rivals and smartphones – whether that’s a waterproof shell, a long optical zoom range or a large sensor that produces results similar to DSLRs.
If you’re not restricted by budget, our current money-no-object pick is the Sony RX100 VII. Sure, it’s a lot more expensive than the already pricey RX100 VI, but the combination of an outstanding autofocus system and superb video quality make it impossible to ignore. If you want a specialist street photography compact, though, then the Fujifilm X100V is our current pick of the bunch.
In the market for something less expensive, or searching for a specific feature? Read the full list below for a range of compact camera recommendations. We’ve accounted for various tastes, expectations and budgets in creating this buying guide, so you should be able to find the ideal compact camera for you.
Best compact camera 2020 at a glance:
- Fujifilm X100V
- Panasonic Lumix ZS200 / TZ200
- Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV
- Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
- Panasonic Lumix LX100 II
- Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI
- Canon PowerShot G5X Mark II
- Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III
- Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV
- Panasonic ZS100 / TZ100
Best compact cameras
1. Fujifilm X100V
A special retro compact with plenty of performance
Sensor: 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS | Lens: 23mm, f/2 | Monitor: 3.0-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, 1.62m dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 11fps (mechanical), 30fps (electronic) | Movies: 4K | User level: Intermediate
Tilting touchscreen
Improved sensor and autofocus
4K video
Needs filter for full weather-sealing
Fixed focal length
The Fujifilm X100V takes what was already a special camera and fixes all of its weaknesses – it’s the perfect compact for the smartphone age.
The concept is the same as before: a stylish, pocketable design, large APS-C sensor, unique hybrid viewfinder and a fixed 23mm f/2 lens. All of those areas, though, have now been improved on the X100V, which brings a new tilting screen and improved autofocus performance.
Image quality has been improved, partly thanks to a redesigned lens, and low-light performance is better. Then there’s the higher resolution hybrid viewfinder – both optical and electronic – as well as support for 4K/30p video capture.
Sure, you need to add a filter for full weather-proofing and the cost will be prohibitive for some, but the X100V puts an impressive range of features into a polished, premium body, with throwback style that sets it apart from the crowd – yet still fits perfectly in your pocket.
Read our in-depth Fujifilm X100V review
2. Panasonic Lumix ZS200 / TZ200
The best travel zoom camera you can buy right now
Sensor: 1-inch type, 20.1MP | Lens: 25-360mm, f/3.3-6.4 | Monitor: 3.0-inch touchscreen, 1,240,000 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 10fps | Movies: 4K | User level: Beginner/Intermediate
Large 1.0-inch sensor
15x zoom range lens
Small electronic viewfinder
Fixed screen
Panasonic invented the travel-zoom camera genre – compact cameras that you can fit in a pocket but that have long zoom lenses built-in. Despite strong competition, the ZS range (known as TZ outside the US) has dominated sales, and that form has continued with the brilliant Lumix ZS200 (called TZ200 outside the US). As we first saw with the Lumix ZS100 / TZ100, Panasonic has been able to keep the camera body about the same size as earlier ZS-series cameras but squeeze a much larger 1-inch sensor into the camera to deliver much better image quality. The zoom lens isn’t quite so extensive as some, but the versatile 15x zoom should be more than enough for most people and still comfortably beats all smartphones. 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 Panasonic Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 review
3. Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV
Expensive, but highly capable and offering a huge focal range
Sensor: 1-inch CMOS, 20.2MP | Lens: 24-600mm, f/2.4-4 | Monitor: 3.0-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, 1.44m dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 24fps | Movies: 4K | User level: Intermediate/Expert
Superb sensor
High quality zoom lens
Expensive
Menu system could be better
If you’re looking for a powerful all-in-one bridge camera, then the RX10 IV from Sony remains the best one out there. You’ll pay a premium for that performance, but when you look at what else is out there for the same price, the RX10 IV is virtually in a league of its own. Featuring a huge 24-600mm f/2.4-4 zoom lens, the RX10 IV builds on the RX10 III with an overhauled AF system that now does justice to the rest of the camera, while the 1-inch, 20.1MP sensor is capable of achieving excellent levels of detail. Handling is very polished, feeling like a DSLR in the hand and complemented by a large and bright electronic viewfinder. That’s not forgetting the ability to capture video in 4K and shoot at up to 24fps. Impressive stuff.
Read our in-depth Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV review
4. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
Perfect for vloggers shooting on the fly
Sensor: 1-inch, 20.1MP | Lens: 24-100mm, f/1.8-2.8 | Monitor: 3.0-inch touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots | Viewfinder: No | Continuous shooting: 20fps (30fps in Raw Burst mode) | Movie: 4K | User level: Beginner/Intermediate
Super-fast burst shooting
Great build and handling
Lens can be a little soft
No hot shoe
The G7X Mark II proved to be a smash and we’re confident that this will be just a great a hit with vloggers and enthusiast photographers. With the new advantages of 4K shooting, a mic port and live streaming to YouTube joining the previously seen built-in ND filter and flip up LCD screen, this is arguably the strongest compact right now for vlogging. But if you’ve no interest in video there’s still plenty to keep you happy, from 30fps shooting at full resolution to a super-sensitive touchscreen, in-camera Raw processing and the added convenience of USB charging. It’s a shame there’s no viewfinder or hot shoe, but then not everyone needs these.
Read our in-depth Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III review
5. Panasonic Lumix LX100 II
A brilliant compact for the enthusiast photographer
Sensor: Micro Four Thirds, 17MP | Lens: 24-75mm, f/1.7-2.8 | Monitor: 3.0-inch touchscreen, 1,240,000 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 11fps | Movies: 4K | User level: Intermediate
Excellent image quality
Good body-mounted controls
Sluggish zooming
Fixed rear screen
Compact cameras with sensors larger than 1-inch in size are typically limited to fixed-focal-length lenses, which is great for quality but less so for flexibility. But not the Panasonic LX100 II; it manages to marry a 17MP Four Thirds sensor – the same size as those found inside Panasonic’s G-series mirrorless cameras – with a zoom lens equivalent to 24-75mm in 35mm terms, proving that sometimes you can get quality and flexibility at once. The original LX100 was something of a landmark camera for offering something similar, and this latest iteration takes the baton, with a nippy AF system, robust body, clear 4K videos and a useful electronic viewfinder among its highlights.
Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix LX100 II review
6. Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI
Sony’s premium compact offers better value than the Mark VII
Sensor: 1-inch, 20.1MP | Lens: 24-200mm, f/2.8-4.5 | Monitor: 3.0-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, 921,000 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 24fps | Movies: 4K | User level: Intermediate/expert
High-speed shooting and 4K
Built-in EVF
The tech makes it expensive
Handling issues
Sony’s original RX100 was a landmark camera that fused a 1-inch sensor in a compact, metal body with the controls and image quality demanded by enthusiasts. The RX100 VI goes several steps further, though, with a ‘stacked’ sensor design for high-speed data capture. It’s not Sony’s latest model, but if you don’t need the microphone jack and video autofocus skills of the Mark VII, then it does offer better value. That sensor means it shoot 4K video, amazing 40x slow motion and still images at 24fps in continuous burst mode. That’s not forgetting the neat little built-in electronic viewfinder that its rivals lack, while this sixth generation model packs an impressive 24-200mm zoom lens. It’s a pricey option and does have its quirks, but if you’re looking for a versatile, pocket-sized compact with a quality zoom lens, you won’t be disappointed.
Read our in-depth Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI review
7. Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II
A bit pricey, but still an excellent all-rounder for enthusiasts
Sensor: 1-inch CMOS, 20.1MP | Lens: 24-120mm f/1.8-2.8 | Monitor: 3.0-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, approx. 1.04 million dots | Viewfinder: 0.39-inch EVF, 2.36 million dots | Continuous shooting: 20fps (8fps with AF); 30fps in raw burst mode | Movies: 4K (UHD) | User level: Intermediate
Good handling for a small body
Clear, useful EVF
A little pricey compared to rivals
Battery could be better
The second coming of the G5 X is a serious step-change in styling and spec for the series. Gone is the DSLR-style shell in favor of a streamlined body that’s still a pleasure to grip but far easier to slip into a pocket. Inside, a new 20.1MP stacked CMOS sensor, driven by Canon’s DIGIC 8 engine, is able to capture uncropped 4K footage, while a fresh 24-100mm lens offers a generous focal range and a relatively wide maximum aperture. Well-rounded and wonderful to use, the G5 X Mark II delivers reliably good image quality, brisk focussing and a strong feature set. Battery life could be better and the lens can be a little soft at longer focal lengths, but the Mark II remains a very capable all-rounder that’s untroubled by almost all scenes. So why the lower ranking? It needs to come down in price.
Read our in-depth Canon Powershot G5X Mark II review
8. Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III
A unique compact, thanks to an APS-C sensor and zoom lens
Sensor: APS-C CMOS, 24.2MP | Lens: 24-72mm, f/2.8-5.6 | Monitor: 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 7fps | Movies: 1080p | User level: Intermediate/expert
Big sensor, small body
Refined touchscreen controls
Limited zoom range
Only 1080p video capture
Keen photographers usually go for a DSLR or mirrorless camera, but they also want something that will slip in a pocket for those days when the big camera needs to stay at home. Usually, that means putting up with a smaller sensor – but not this time. Somehow, Canon has shoehorned a DSLR-sized APS-C sensor into a compact camera body. There’s also a built-in electronic viewfinder and refined touchscreen interface. The zoom range is a bit modest at 24-72mm, but there’s nothing else quite like it.
Read our in-depth Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III review
9. Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV
Our pick for the best budget compact zoom
Sensor: 1-inch type, 20.1MP | Lens: 24-70mm, f/1.8-2.8 | Monitor: 3.0-inch tilt-angle screen, 1,229K dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 16fps | Movies: 4K | User level: Intermediate
Great sensor for such a small camera
Viewfinder cleverly concealed
LCD not touch sensitive
Not ergonomically designed
It’s tempting for list this model higher up just for the value for money it offers. It isn’t the newest model and, as a result, doesn’t have the topnotch performance of its newer siblings. The RX100 IV sits in the middle of the RX100 family, and while newer models beat it for burst shooting, autofocus and focal range, for most people this cheaper alternative would still serve them brilliantly. The 1-inch sensor at its heart captures lovely images and super-crisp 4K videos, and while the 24-70mm (35mm equivalent) lens range isn’t quite as broad as on the RX100 VI and RX100 VII, the lens itself has a wider f/1.8-2.8 aperture. The 2.36 million-dot viewfinder cleverly hides away when not in use, while optical image stabilization inside the lens keeps everything steady. You might want to pair it with a separate grip for better handling, but if you need a powerful compact to slip into your pocket – and you don’t want to spend a fortune getting it – you’ll find the RX100 IV delivers plenty.
Read our in-depth Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV review
10. Panasonic ZS100 / TZ100
A superzoom at a super price
Sensor: 1-inch type, 20.1MP | Lens: 25-250mm, f/2.8-5.9 | Monitor: 3.0-inch touchscreen, 1,040K dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 10fps | Movies: 4K | User level: Beginner/Intermediate
Large sensor considering the lens
Built-in EVF
Screen fixed in place
Now updated by the ZS200
The ZS100 may have been refreshed by the ZS200 (see above) but don’t let that put you off; this is still a fine camera, and its last-gen status means it’s at a better price than ever. Part of its charm is that fact that it partners a large 1-inch sensor with a 10x optical zoom lens, which provides better image and video quality than other superzoom compacts, but with the flexibility of a broad zoom lens – not something many cameras can claim. Other niceties include a built-in EVF, very good quality 4K video and Wi-Fi, along with image capture in raw.
Read our in-depth Panasonic ZS100 review
Honorary mentions
None of the above take your fancy? Got some cash to play with? Here are three further options.
Sony RX100 VII
The most powerful compact camera around – but it comes at a price
Sensor: 1-inch, 20.1MP | Lens: 24-200mm, f/2.8-4.5 | Monitor: 3.0-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, 921,000 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 20fps | Movies: 4K | User level: Intermediate/expert
Sterling autofocus system
Lovely videos
Handling not ideal
Expensive
In many ways, the RX100 VII is best compact around right now. Its autofocus system is comfortably ahead of any other pocket camera, tracking moving subjects with great reliability and making clever use of its Face and Eye AF, even in video mode. Video quality is superb, while image quality is also stellar. But all of this comes at a huge price, and for many people it’s just a little too steep for the camera to be included in the main list. Still, we can’t avoid mentioning it as it’s one of the best options around. If your budget isn’t limited at all, then you won’t find a more powerful compact than the Mark VII. But if you’re happy to sacrifice some of the latest autofocus features and a microphone jack, check out the RX100 VI (position 6), which offers most of its performance a little less cash.
Read more about the Sony RX100 VII
Leica Q2
Expensive? Yes. Brilliant? Hell yes.
Sensor: Full-frame 47.3MP | Lens: 28mm f/1.7 | Monitor: 3.0-inch touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 20/10fps | Movies: 4K | User level: Intermediate/expert
Stellar images
Rock-solid build
Video specs could be better
Far, FAR from cheap
The Q2 is a thing of beauty, and right now it’s arguably the best compact camera around. It’s not for everyone – not least because it costs a small fortune – but if you genuinely want the best compact you’ll be hard pushed to find a finer one than the Q2. Leica hasn’t compromised on the spec sheet, with the 47.3MP sensor producing masses of detail and keeping noise impressive low, while the 3.68 million dot electronic viewfinder is bright and sharp. Also bright and sharp is that 28mm f/1.7 lens, while 4K videos show plenty of detail. It’s not the easiest to handle (although you can get an optional grip) and some may have preferred a tilting screen, but its build quality is near-faultless. If you’re pining for such a camera in your life but can’t quite find the funds, consider the previous Q1 model, which offers a slightly stripped-down feature set by comparison for a hell of a lot less.
Ricoh GR III
Also fairly niche, but great at what it does nonetheless
Sensor: APS-C 24.2MP | Lens: 28mm f/2.8 (35mm-equivalent) | Monitor: 3.0-inch touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots | Viewfinder: No | Continuous shooting: 4fps | Movies: Full HD | User level: Intermediate
Tiny, rugged body
Great sensor and sharp lens
Video quality is poor
So is battery life
We had mixed feelings when we came to review the GR III, but it still deserves a mention here. Why’s that? Because, despite a few quirks, Ricoh managed to get a lot right, and it delivers something no other compact quite manages right now, namely the combination of an image-stabilized 24MP APS-C sensor inside a body that you can squeeze into your pocket. Other advantages include a high-performing lens, fast operation, a revamped menu system and understated styling to help keep you discreet when you’re out shooting. The fixed 28mm-equivalent lens won’t be to everyone’s taste, and the battery life is also disappointing, but for those who need to travel light and take great images, this is a very capable alternative to an interchangeable-lens camera.
Read our in-depth Ricoh GR III review