Compact Cameras

Canon has a broad range of compacts. Its IXUS cameras are highly affordable, made for first-time users and those who just need a simple camera that works.

Move up the scale a little and you start to see more advanced prosumer compact cameras, such as the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III. This camera packs in an APS-C sensor, which is larger than you’ll generally find in a compact, and allows it to shoot in more challenging low-light situations.

Canon has also released some specialist compact cameras like the PowerShot Zoom, which is a tiny device with an 800mm effective focal range – amazing for wildlife spotting.

Compatible with all X100V accessories, the Fujifilm X100VI features a gigantic 40MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor, X-Processor 5 and a new low base ISO of 125. This model takes what the world of photography loved about its predecessor and elevates it to the next level. In addition, this iteration is equipped with 6-stop IBIS, AI subject detection and the latest AF algorithm and offers 6.2K30P and 4K60P video recording.

The premium Leica brand is known for quality, and so it goes for the firm’s compact cameras. The Leica Q2 and Leica Q2 Monochrom are some of the few compact cameras with full-frame sensors, and offer absolutely outstanding image quality in a sublime handling experience. The Leica D-Lux 7 and Leica V-LUX 5, meanwhile, use smaller sensors but still provide an exemplary shooting experience with that unbeatable Leica feel.

Panasonic Lumix makes two main types of compact cameras. Its bridge-style cameras, including the Lumix FZ82 and Lumix FZ2000, are built like DSLRs and have big zoom lenses for all-purpose shooting. The smaller Lumix TZ cameras, such as the Lumix TZ200, are travel zoom cameras, pocket sized and perfect for taking everywhere.

Many Panasonic Lumix compacts use 1-inch sensors, which offers a significant quality upgrade over a smartphone while still allowing the camera bodies to be small and portable.

Sony also offers both bridge cameras and smaller compacts. One of the stars of its stable is the Sony RX100 VII, a fabulous pocket-sized compact that features a high-resolution 1-inch sensor and a pop-up electronic viewfinder. This series has been so enduringly popular that its six previous iterations are still widely available at knock-down prices.

The Sony compacts range is very broad, also including ultra-affordable point-and-shoots like the Sony WX500, and premium prosumer bridge cameras like the Sony RX10 IV.

Ricoh’s GR cameras are also fantastic for street photographers. Sleek and discreet, the Ricoh GR III pairs a fixed 28mm equivalent lens with a superb 24.24MP APS-C sensor – and if you want a longer focal length, there’s also the Ricoh GR IIIx, which provides the same setup with a 40mm equivalent lens.

Ricoh also produces a series of hardy waterproof compacts – the Ricoh WG cameras. These little wonders can take a pounding, a dropping and a dunking and still keep on snapping great pictures. The Ricoh WG-6 is a great one for intrepid explorers – it also has a macro ring light and can shoot 4K video.