The Best Compact Point-and-Shoot Cameras for 2022
Great things come in small packages - including compact cameras. While camera technology has had an enormous impact on smartphone cameras, let's not forget the more traditional compact camera.
They, too, have made significant technological strides, particularly in sensor and image processing capabilities. If there was ever a time to invest in a compact camera, this is it - yes, even if you have a smartphone camera. We've put together a list of eight excellent compact cameras.
Why Use a Compact Camera?
Its name explains why many photographers keep one of these cameras handy: a "compact" camera. Unlike a DSLR, these cameras are fast and easy to use, don't have interchangeable lenses to fiddle with (or carry around), and have a smaller body. Advanced models with features like RAW file format focus tracking, and 4K video will appeal to the more serious photographer.
Our Favorite Compact Cameras in 2022:
Best overall: Sony ZV-1
Best for advanced users: Canon G1X Mark III
Best zoom range: Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ90
Best for compact 4K filming: Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
Best build quality: Sony A7C
Best for pocket-sized shooting: Sony Cyber-shot RX100 V
Best smartphone replacement: Fujifilm XF10
Best for street photography: Ricoh GRIII street edition
Best for travel: Panasonic Lumix LX100 II
1. Best overall: Sony ZV-1
Sensor: 1.0-type stacked CMOS
Lens: ZEISS 24-70mm
We feel that Sony's ZV-1 is an overall best pick. This camera gets it all right - from its still-image quality to its video quality. If you're a vlogger, this is definitely the compact camera for you! Features we love include:
Excellent quality autofocus
Clever tracking ability, including tracking people while recording video.
Its microphone wind protector
2. Best for advanced users: Canon G1X Mark III
Sensor: APS-C / 22.3 x 14.9 mm CMOS
Lens: f/2.8 - f/5.6 lens
The G1X Mark III is an excellent compact for experienced DLSR users needing an advanced compact camera. It cleverly uses the same crop sensor as the Canon 80D. You'll get lots for your money with this camera since it comes with some great features, but it's not inexpensive. Expect to pay hundreds more than a less compact.
3. Best zoom range: Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ90
Sensor: 1/2.3in OS sensor
Lens: f3.3 – 6.4 Leica lens
We think that the CD-TZ90 has one of the best zooms in the compact camera market, even though it's not a new camera line. It's also very well priced. Combine those two attributes, and you have a very attractive camera. And we should add that its zoom is fast!
4. Best for compact 4K filming: Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III
Sensor: 20.1MP, 1.0”-type sensor
Lens: f/1.8-2.8 4.2x 24 mm zoom lens
One of our favorite compact cameras, it's also a favorite of vloggers thanks to its terrific 4K video shooting. If you're already a Canon user, you'll find its ergonomics and layout familiar and easy-to-use. It's a relatively fast camera, and its built-in neutral-density filter provides outstanding image quality in various conditions. A vertical tilting rear screen will appeal to vloggers and selfie-takers.
5. Best build quality: Sony A7C
Sensor: 24.2 megapixels back-illuminated Exmor R sensor
Lens: E-mount lens
The Sony A7C packs a serious punch in a relatively small package. We think it rivals many DSLRs! While it's not the smallest compact camera on the market, it is Sony's smallest full-frame with interchangeable lenses. Its fast autofocus is impressive, and we like that you can easily change lenses. This camera is good for the person looking for something in between a starter compact and a bulkier DSLR. However, it's not for those on a tight budget, as it's not the cheapest compact available.
6. Best for pocket-sized shooting: Sony Cyber-shot RX100VA
Sensor: 1.0-type stacked Exmor RS CMOS 20.1MP sensor
Lens: Zeiss 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 large aperture lens
If you want a small body with a fairly large sensor, take a look at the Sony Cyber-Shot RX100V. This pocket-size camera is ideal for travel or the active photographer. This is the latest in a long line of Cyber-shot models, except this one has an enhanced 24FPS continuous shooting. That's not all, though! You'll also get extended support for 4K video capture, super slow-motion function, high-speed autofocus system. All in all, this Sony Cyber-shot is worth it.
7. Best smartphone replacement: Fujifilm XF10
Sensor: 24 MP APS-C sized sensor
Lens: 18.5 mm F2.8 Fujinon lens
Smartphone users looking for a quality compact camera to add to their gear, the XF10 is a good option, as long as shooting videos aren't crucial (more on that below). This is one of the least expensive but high-end compact cameras on the market. It's easy to take great images and just as easy to learn more about photography as you move up from using a smartphone. We especially like its ergonomic handling. It feels solid in hand. However, if shooting videos is important, you might want to look elsewhere. Its video quality isn't on par with other cameras on the market, like the Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III. If videos don't matter to you, this is a good option.
8. Best for street photography: Ricoh GRIII street edition
Sensor: APS-C-size CMOS image sensor
Lens: 18.3mm, f2.8 lens
We love the size of this limited edition Ricoh GR III and find it ideal for both travel and street photography. Basically, it's great for the photographer on the move! Its detachable viewfinder, 18.3mm, f2.8 lens, bespoke leather strap, orange lens ring, and two batteries only add to its appeal. This is a good, solid camera from a storied camera manufacturer, long associated with luxury cameras.
9. Best for travel: Panasonic Lumix LX100 II
Sensor: 1.33in 17-megapixel multi-aspect four-thirds sensor
Lens: Leica DC f1.7-f2.8 high-speed lens
Travel photographers, especially, will appreciate the updated Lumix LX100 II. It uses micro four-thirds sensor technology, slightly smaller than some of the crop sensors used in the most compact, bridge, or DSLR cameras. The camera's lens folds into the camera's body. As a result, what you get is superb. The folded lens allows you to easily tuck the camera away with no bulk. Slip it discreetly into a pocket, even! If you expect to use your compact on the go, this is a good buy.
Conclusion
As you might realize by now, there's a compact camera for everyone. Our favorite is the Sony ZV-1, an excellent overall camera. Ultimately, though, it comes down to your budget and your needs for a compact camera. If you have the opportunity to try out any of these cameras before purchasing one, it might make the decision easier for you.