Smartphone cameras may be improving, but they’re still not on the same level as a dedicated camera. While cameras can be bulky, the best compact cameras offer a small, portable, lightweight build, while packing a range of professional features into that small body. We chose the Fujifilm X100VI as our top pick for its in-body image stabilization, high-quality megapixel sensor and more.
The best compact camera you can buy right now is the Fujifilm X100VI.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailer
Compact cameras usually don’t have interchangeable lenses, but the best ones, like our premium pick, the Leica Q3, do feature high-quality lenses that can deliver a level of depth that smartphone cameras simply can’t offer. Some compact cameras like the GoPro Hero12 Black are great for amateurs who want to capture action shots, or professionals who want a second camera for situations in which a compact device is more appropriate than a big DSLR. Here are the best compact cameras you can buy right now.
Dimensions: 5.0 x 2.9 x 2.2 inches | Sensor size: APS-C | Image resolution: 40.2 megapixels | Video resolution: 6.2K at 30fps, 4K at 60fps, 1080p at 240 fps | Display: 3 inches | Memory card slots: SDXC UHS-I | Built-in flash: Yes
Best for: Those who simply want the best-quality images they can get in a compact and portable body.
Pros:
Classic design
High-resolution video capture with in-body stabilization
Tactile controls
Cons:
If you’re looking for the best compact camera you can find right now, the Fujifilm X100VI is a follow-up to the highly-popular X100V, boasting a similar high-quality and classic build, with tactile dials for a more natural feel. It keeps everything users loved about the previous-generation model, including the hybrid viewfinder and classic look.
There are tons of great upgrades, too. The X100VI has a new 40.2-megapixel sensor, along with an upgraded image processor. I also now offers in-body stabilization, helping make images look more crisp and videos look smoother. Speaking of video, the camera supports 6.2K video at 30fps, 4K video at 60fps, or 1080p video at 240fps. In other words, the camera is just as versatile when shooting video as it is at capturing photos. Sure, the camera is a little more expensive than some might like, but if you can afford it, it’s the best compact camera to get right now.
Dimensions: 4.4 x 2.5 x 1.7 inches | Sensor size: 1-inch | Image resolution: 20.1 megapixels | Video resolution: 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps | Display: 3 inches | Memory card slots: SDXC UHS-I | Built-in flash: Yes
Best for: Taking stellar images at a reasonable price.
Pros:
Reasonable price
10x zoom
Can capture 4K video
Cons:
Autofocus is a little slow
Fixed display
The Panasonic Lumix ZS100 captures much better images than your smartphone—but at a lower price than most top-end smartphones. The camera may not be as advanced as some of the more expensive options on this list, but it certainly gets the basics right, offering the ability to capture high-end images in a relatively compact body. The camera has a 1-inch sensor and can zoom to up to 10x, which is pretty impressive for a compact camera in this price range, and capture vibrant, detailed images.
Under the hood, the camera is relatively full-featured, too. It can capture 4K video at 30fps, or 1080p video at up to 60fps. While it’s not the best camera out there for videographers, it should do the trick for most basic video needs. It has solid image stabilization, though that stabilization isn’t as impressive when the camera is completely zoomed out. The autofocus is helpful, but it’s not as fast as on some other cameras, too. However, that seems like a small price to pay for a camera in this price range, and again, it still gets the basics right—like capturing detailed images with much more depth than you can get on a smartphone.
Dimensions: 4.9 x 2.6 x 1.9 inches | Sensor size: 1/2.3-inch | Image resolution: 12 megapixels | Video resolution: 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 120fps, 720p at 240fps, 360p at 480fps | Display: 3 inches | Memory card slots: SDXC UHS-I | Built-in flash: Yes
Best for: Adventurers who want a rugged camera that can survive a dunk in the water.
Pros:
Waterproof up to 15 meters (50 feet)
Fast aperture
Can capture stunning macro images
Cons:
Sensor is a little small
Video features are a little limited
Looking for a compact camera you can take on your adventures without fear of water damage? The OM System Tough TG-7 can be fully submerged in water up to 15 meters (50 feet). Not only will it survive being dropped in water, it’s also an excellent choice for those who explicitly want to take underwater images. Additionally, OM System notes that the camera is shockproof, able to survive drops of up to 2.1 meters. It’s a very versatile camera too; it can capture stunning macro images thanks to its four different macro modes as well as relatively detailed and vibrant landscape shots.
But those shots won’t necessarily be as detailed as some other cameras. The OM System Tough TG-7 has a relatively small 12-megapixel sensor, and while the shots are solid, they’re perhaps not as impressive as those taken by a camera with a higher-end sensor. Thankfully, the camera still avoids some issues that you might run into from other cameras in this price range. For example, there’s no distortion from wider shots, and dynamic range is quite good, too. And, again, it’s all in a body that can survive much more than the average compact camera.
Dimensions: 2.8 x 2.0 x 1.3 inches | Sensor size: 1/1.9 inch | Image resolution: 27 megapixels | Video resolution: 5.3K at 60fps, 4K at 120fps, 2.7K at 240fps | Display: 2.27-inch rear, 1.4-inch front | Memory card slots: MicroSD UHS-III | Built-in flash: No
Best for: Capturing high-quality video no matter what extreme activity you’re partaking in.
Pros:
Durable build
Lots of video capture options
Supports a huge range of accessories
Cons:
Battery life could be better
GoPro has long been the king of the action camera, and the GoPro Hero12 Black is the latest in its long line of high-end options. The camera boasts a ton of options for those who want to capture action on the go, including the ability to capture 5.3K video at 60fps, or 4K video at a hefty 120fps. If you downgrade to a still detailed 2.7K resolution, you can capture video at a huge 240fps, which is great for those super slow-motion shots. And, it has a screen on both the front and the back, so you’ll be able to see the action if you want to capture video of yourself.
Of course, the GoPro Hero12 Black is a little different than other cameras on this list, so talking about image quality is a little different too. You won’t get the same level of depth from this camera as you will other options, but it would be a little difficult to expect that. And, the Hero12 Black still boasts a compact body that can survive anything the average user can throw at it, and while it may take a little time getting used to the menu system, once you do, you’ll love what’s on offer here.
What our writers say: Forbes Vetted contributor Prakhar Khanna takes this camera with him during his adventures and says, “While the processor remains the same, the addition of 8:7 aspect ratio, GP-Log, ability to add up to four Bluetooth headphones and software features for better post-editing give more room for creative freedom with the Hero 12 Black. At $350, the GoPro Hero 12 Black is an easy recommendation, thanks to a plethora of new features that allow you to be more creative.”
Dimensions: 4.2 x 2.4 x 1.7 inches | Sensor size: 1 inch | Image resolution: 20 megapixels | Video resolution: 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 120fps | Display: 3 inches | Memory card slots: SDXC | Built-in flash: No
Best for: Videographers who want to capture high-end video with a compact device.
Pros:
Reasonable price
Side-slipping screen for self-video
Video quality is excellent
Cons:
4K video is only up to 30fps
Video stabilization could be better
If video is your priority, then the Sony ZV-1 is the best compact camera for your needs. It can capture stunning still shots, but its video quality is where it really shines. You can capture 4K video at 30fps or 1080p at 120fps, which on its own doesn’t sound that great—but it also has a flip-out camera that you can use to see the shot when you’re recording yourself. Video quality here in general is excellent, and the camera has a 3.5mm microphone port and a hot shoe to allow you to more easily set up external microphones.
While the resolution and frame rate may not be as high as some professional videographers might like, the video quality is bright and vibrant and stabilization is quite good. Again, some might want a more expensive camera that can capture higher-frame rate video at higher resolutions, but everyone else who wants a great camera for video should buy the Sony ZV-1.
Dimensions: 5.1 x 3.2 x 3.6 inches | Sensor size: Full frame | Image resolution: 60 megapixels | Video resolution: 8K at 30fps, 4K at 60fps, 1080p at 120fps | Display: 3 inches | Memory card slots: SDXC UHS-II | Built-in flash: No
Best for: Anyone who wants the best compact camera, and sees money as no object.
Pros:
Stunningly high-resolution sensor
Excellent video features
Images look instantly classic
Cons:
All of the cameras on this list is great—but if money is truly no object, and you want the best of the best, the Leica Q3 is the one you should consider. It’s not expensive for no reason; the image quality is stunning, it has a massive 60-megapixel sensor and it has simple, easy-to-navigate controls. It’s great at video, too. It can record video at a massive 8K resolution, or 1080p at 120fps.
Images produced by this camera offer that classic, stunning Leica quality, and they’re captured quickly and accurately with an improved autofocus over previous-generation models. So what’s the downside? It’s multiple times more expensive than any other option on this list, so you’ll have to be prepared to pay for this quality.
This guide was written by Christian de Looper, who has over a decade’s worth of experience testing and writing about cameras and consumer technology. He also has a music technology degree.
All picks in this guide were approved by Rebecca Isaacs, Forbes Vetted’s tech editor, a consumer technology expert who has years of experience writing about and covering all the latest gadgets.
The world of tech and camera equipment moves fast, so we make every effort to keep our content accurate and up-to-date. This article was last updated in May 2024.
How We Chose The Best Compact Cameras
In building this list of the best compact cameras, we leveraged our own expertise and years of experience covering the camera and wider consumer technology industries, as well as reviews from users.
We identified the different categories and brands of compact cameras, and narrowed our list down to the top products that are consistently recommended in those categories.
Factors we considered included things like image quality, video features, portability and when relevant, water-resistance.
We also pored over reviews from real buyers to make sure others’ experience aligned without own. We didn’t include any options that weren’t top-rated by reviewers.
What Is The Best Compact Camera Available Now?
There are a number of compact cameras out there right now, however the best for most people is the Fujfilm X100VI, thanks to its stunning image quality, classic build and huge selection of features. However, if money is no object, then the Leica Q3 is also worth considering.
What Brand Makes The Best Compact Cameras?
Quite a few brands make compact cameras, and there’s no single best compact camera brand. That said, all the companies you would expect make excellent compact cameras. Fujifilm, Sony, Leica and Panasonic Lumix all have decades of experience building compact cameras, and you can’t really go wrong with any of them.
