The Top 6 Compact Cameras of 2024, Reviewed and Tested

Best Overall

As a travel photographer, I often carry a heavy camera setup with various lenses. The new Sony ZV-E10 II provides a refreshing change with its lightweight design, weighing under one pound. It's highly adaptable, allowing for a mix of e-mount lenses. The camera includes a 16-50mm lens, which I found perfect for capturing landscapes, portraits, and even wildlife. 

The camera allows shooting in both automatic and manual modes, as well as in JPEG or RAW formats, which I value as a more experienced photographer. The video quality is impressive at 4K, with a capability of up to 60fps, making it an excellent option for photographers, vloggers, and all types of content creators. It excels in low-light environments, like capturing flat lays in restaurants. Additionally, this camera boasts strong battery life, which is essential for day-long explorations around the globe.

Specifications: 13.3 ounces | 4.63 x 2.75 x 2.25 inches | APS-C Exmor R CMOS Sensor | Interchangeable e-mount lenses (16-50mm included) | 26 megapixels | 4K/60p and HD/120p video modes

Top Choice for Video

This waterproof camera is perfect for solo travelers and outdoor video shoots. Its durability and ease of use mean you can film while at the beach, skiing, or partaking in various outdoor activities. “My favorite feature is the ‘me mode,’ which employs an invisible selfie stick to capture footage from unique angles,” says Senior Commerce Editor Lydia Price. “It’s also lightweight and extremely sturdy. I’ve never had to worry about damaging it while filming around rocky areas or racing down a ski slope.” For adventure videos, we also appreciate the camera's FlowState Stabilization and Horizon Lock, ensuring smooth footage that’s enjoyable to watch repeatedly.

Specifications: 6.3 ounces | ‎0.91 x 1.81 x 4.49 inches | CMOS Sensor | Fixed wide-angle lens | 26 megapixels | Five shutter options

Top Choice for Underwater Use

Capturing photos and videos while snorkeling, rafting, and tubing is an exciting way to document your adventures, but not every camera can handle underwater conditions. “I've damaged many phones on outdoor excursions like hiking and rafting,” notes Associate Commerce Editor Anna Popp. “That's why I appreciate the robust build of this camera, especially its waterproof feature.”

Sharing your photos and videos to smartphones is a breeze with the intuitive Quik app. We also love how this compact device fits neatly in your pocket, allowing for quick shots. Plus, figuring out various angles and widths is simple thanks to the helpful manual for novice photographers.

Specifications: 5.4 ounces | Fixed wide-angle lens | 27 megapixels | Shutter speeds ranging from 1/8 to 30 seconds in photo mode, and 1/480 to 1/30 seconds in video mode

Top Customizable Option

We adore the Ricoh GR III Digital Camera for its extensive customization features. “It’s compact and lightweight, offering a variety of filter effects and personalization options,” notes T+L’s Senior Manager for Studio Operations, Kevin Orellana. With an array of features like film simulation, macro, and interval composite modes, you can adapt your shots to reflect your unique style. It's perfect for photographers of all levels and will help you capture stunning images while on the go.

Specifications: 9.07 ounces | 4.3 x 2.4 x 1.3 inches | APS-C CMOS sensor | 28mm fixed lens f/2.8 | 24 megapixels | Fixed Touchscreen LCD | 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/29.97/59.94 fps | Full HD 1080/60p Video Recording

Top Smartphone Compatible

Commerce Updates Writer, Asia London Palomba, is a fan of the Fujifilm X-T30 II, particularly its diverse built-in filters. With 18 Film Simulation options like sepia and monochrome, you can infuse your photos with a touch of vintage charm reminiscent of Fujifilm's legendary analog film and processing.

Transferring photos to your smartphone or computer is effortless with wireless and Bluetooth capabilities. The Fujifilm Camera Remote App allows you to quickly manage settings, control exposure, or take selfies with a remote shutter release. Plus, it compresses images to 3MB for easier transferring without hogging memory.

Specifications: 13.3 ounces | 4.7 x 3.3 x 1.8 inches | APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 with primary color filter | 15-45mm or 18-55mm lens | 26.1 megapixels | 0.39 inch OLED color viewfinder | Up to 30 fps for 29 Frames (JPEG) / 17 Frames (Raw)

Top Micro Camera

This distinctive camera is roughly the size of a credit card, making it fit effortlessly into nearly any pocket or even some travel wallets. “I appreciate that this 18MP digital camera captures film-like images without the expense of developing film,” says Associate Editorial Director Morgan Ashley Parker. “My favorite is the black-and-white filter; it was enjoyable to browse through the options at various times of the day.”

Although there’s no screen for immediate photo review, that’s part of the charm. At the end of the day, you can transfer your images to your computer using a USB-C cable or a memory card reader. There’s no built-in flash, but you can buy a Ring of Light to attach to the lens for night photography. It also has a slower reaction time compared to conventional digital cameras or smartphones, requiring you to keep your hand steady for a bit longer (similar to a film camera). Plus, with various cases available, including this fiberglass version, changing the look of your camera is as simple as changing outfits.

Specifications: 65 grams | 68 x 105 x 14 millimeters | 28mm lens | 18 megapixels | 1/30 max shutter

Other Compact Cameras We Appreciate

This camera didn’t quite make our final selection, but it’s an excellent drone choice due to its portability and may suit some travelers' needs. 

HoverAir: This drone is user-friendly, even for novices, and compact enough to fit in carry-on bags or backpacks. However, due to its light weight, caution is advised in windy conditions, and many locations have restrictions on drone use (so verify before you travel).

Our Evaluation Process

Our skilled travelers and photographers received their cameras and promptly assessed all settings, buttons, and unique features of each model. Prior to embarking on actual trips, they practiced using their cameras to familiarize themselves with all its functions.

Our testers carefully packed their cameras into the provided cases or added camera bags to ensure they reached their destinations safely and ready for adventure. During their travels, our photographers used the cameras just as they typically would while sightseeing and exploring. Upon returning home, they easily transferred their photos to their phones or computers, noting how straightforward the process was. We assessed each camera based on its user-friendliness, image quality, durability, and portability.

Tips for Purchasing a Compact Camera

Understand Your Skill Level

If you’re a novice or even an intermediate photographer, opting for an intuitive compact camera is advisable to avoid fumbling with settings and missing important shots. There’s no point in investing in a high-end, complex camera for your vacation if you won’t utilize its key features. Often, a mid-range compact camera is both easy to use and transport while still delivering excellent results.

That said, if you’re a more experienced photographer, look for options that combine the capabilities of professional models with the simplicity of a basic compact camera, allowing you to get the most out of it without carrying something bulky. Moreover, if you’re eager to expand your photography skills, it’s beneficial to choose a camera that will help you achieve your goals while giving you time to familiarize yourself with it before your trip.

Grasp the Specifications

When selecting a compact camera (or any camera, for that matter), it's crucial to understand the specifications to identify what features you need in your ideal model. For example, if you're aiming to capture wildlife, prioritize zoom capabilities; conversely, if you're primarily sharing images on social media, you won’t require as many megapixels as someone intending to print large photographs. Here’s a brief overview of camera specifications:

Sensor Size: The sensor in your camera is the rectangle that captures the image from your lens, determining how much light and detail you can record. The primary choices are cropped or full-frame sensors, with full-frame options featuring larger sensors for superior image quality. Cropped sensors provide a tighter frame, magnifying the lens’s focal length by a factor of 1.5x to 2x. For instance, a 70-millimeter lens would appear as 105 millimeters with a 1.5x crop factor. Common cropped sensor sizes include APS-C and micro four thirds (1.6x and 1.5x).

Investing in a full-frame (35mm) camera has its perks, although it typically comes with a higher price. You’ll enjoy sharper images with finer details and reduced noise. Additionally, full-frame sensors excel in low-light conditions, making them ideal for astrophotography. For landscape shots, the wider field of view is also a significant benefit. If you aspire to pursue professional photography, sell prints, or create custom photo gifts, a full-frame sensor is your best bet for achieving the highest quality images.

Megapixels: This term refers to the total number of pixels on the camera sensor, with "mega" meaning "millions." Generally, anything above 12 megapixels is sufficient for most uses. However, if you plan to print large versions of your images for personal or professional reasons, a higher megapixel count is advantageous. Most cropped sensor cameras offer between 20 and 24 megapixels, while full-frame models usually range from 40 to 50 megapixels.

Shutter Speed: This controls how long your camera's sensor is exposed to incoming light. Quick shutter speeds, like fractions of a second, are ideal for freezing fast-moving subjects, while slower speeds are used to capture flowing water or the stars at night, allowing the sensor to gather light for an extended period. When choosing a camera, look for one with a broad range of shutter speeds for maximum flexibility, typically from 1/4000 to 30 seconds. Some models offer a "Bulb" mode for exposures longer than 30 seconds, perfect for night sky photography.

Video Capabilities: The highest video quality available on most cameras is 4K, delivering exceptional clarity. However, many cameras also support full HD video at 1080p or 720p. If high-quality video is a priority for you, opting for a camera with 4K capability is advisable.

Zoom: Depending on how much magnification you require, zoom capability should be a key feature. Some compact cameras offer zoom levels exceeding 200mm, making them perfect for capturing detailed shots of wildlife.

Remember to get a sturdy carrying case

Given that compact cameras are small and easy to transport, you don’t need to overthink your choice of carrying case. For this camera size, I prefer camera cubes, which provide padded protection and weather resistance, and fit easily in various bags, from backpacks to totes.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How should you pack a compact camera?

  When packing any camera, ensure it’s secured in a cushioned space that protects it from rain, dust, dirt, and potential impacts during travel. The advantage of compact cameras is their lightweight and slim design, often allowing you to use just a small case or padded pocket for transport. I always recommend keeping all my camera gear (big or small) in my carry-on bag for added security instead of a checked bag.

• What is the ideal resolution for a compact camera?

  A larger sensor combined with more megapixels results in higher resolution, yielding more detail in images. Resolution is measured in PPI (pixels per inch) and DPI (dots per inch), with higher values producing sharper, more vibrant, and defined photos. Typically, around 300 DPI is optimal for printing. The ideal megapixel count varies based on usage, but anything from 12 to 48 megapixels should suffice. For point-and-shoot cameras, sensor sizes generally range from 1.5” or less, so if you want to maximize resolution, aim for a sensor of 1” or larger.

Why Trust Dinogo

Lauren Breedlove, a professional travel photographer, has drawn from her own experiences finding the right compact cameras for her journeys, alongside T+L testing insights, to recommend products in this article. Her expertise includes understanding camera performance in a variety of shooting conditions across the globe.

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