No matter how good our smartphone cameras claim to be, they always seem to let us down at the worst of times. Whether it’s trying to take that great picture of a sunset on holiday or capture that hilarious moment at a family gathering, sometimes we can’t just rely on them.
Enter the compact camera, a small lightweight camera with inbuilt flash that allows users to take casual photos in a simple manner.
If you think we’re talking about those bulky cameras you had back in the 2000s where photos looked so blurry before you even began to contemplate using the zoom button, then think again as compact cameras have come a long way since then and now come with a whole host of features that your smartphone camera could only dream of being able to do.
What to consider when buying a compact camera
With thousands of compact cameras on the market and most of them coming with a hefty price tag, it can seem overwhelming to know which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve got some top tips on things to look out for when shopping around.
Most importantly, you want to consider what you will be using a compact camera for. If you’re looking to take a few family snaps on holiday then a simple, cheap model with flash may do the job.
In contrast, if you’re big into your amatuer photography and looking for the state of the art compact camera, you may want to ensure your camera has features such as 4K video, lengthy optical zoom and microphone socket (particularly handy for all the vloggers out there).
You should also consider other factors such as size of camera and durability, particularly for those who love their outdoor or water based activities as some compact cameras are designed to survive the elements, whilst others less so.
If you’re worried about how stylish a compact camera looks then fear not as many designs have moved past the ‘only your dad would carry one of these around’ era and come in a range of cool colours and shapes.
Bearing all this in mind we’ve rounded up the best compact cameras on the market from fashionable snappers to state of the art gadgets.
Best compact cameras at a glance:
- Best for great zoom feature: Canon SX740 HS - £524.94, Amazon
- Best for content creation: Sony Vlog camera ZV-1 - £579, Amazon
- Best for modern retro: Polaroid Go Instant Camera - £68.65, Amazon
- Best for ergonomics: Fujifilm X100V Digital Camera - £1,599, Jessops
- Best for travellers: OLYMPUS Tough TG-7 Waterproof Camera - £464.49, Amazon
- Best for cool shots: Polaroid Now+ i‑Type Instant Camera - £99.98, Amazon
- Best for quality and price: Sony W830 Compact Camera - £239, Amazon
- Best for vintage photos: Vintage Canon Sure Shot - £123.90, Etsy
- Best for an all-rounder for vloggers: Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III - £1,359, Amazon
- Best for nostalgic 00s shots: Casio Exilim EX Z90 - £126.58, eBay
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Canon SX740 HS
Best for: Great zoom feature
If you’re looking to take pictures and videos which require zoom then this camera is ideal as it comes with an incredible 40x optical zoom. It also has an amazing 4K movie resolution meaning no more fuzzy videos.
As one of the smaller cameras we reviewed, this is a great buy for those who are planning on taking their camera on holiday as it fits perfectly into a pocket so you don’t need to sacrifice on luggage space. The flip forward screen makes it is easy and simple to use.
Buy now £524.94, Amazon
Sony Vlog camera ZV-1
If content creation is your thing and you love documenting the latest TikTok trend but want to take your filming to the next stage sans a smartphone camera, little else rivals the Sony Vlog camera.
Featuring a selfie-friendly LCD screen, a recording lamp and a body grip, this camera is perfect for taking videos and photos wherever you are.
When it comes to videoing or taking pictures of people, there’s a Soft Skin Effect that optimises natural skin tones and brightness. Coupled with the real-time Eye AF technology that tracks people’s eyes, even in 4k videos, this camera is top notch.
We particularly liked the 3-capsule microphone attached to the camera which reduces background wind noise making your voice clearer - perfect for those outdoor vlogs. The ZV-1 is also compatible with Sony’s Bluetooth shooting grips which makes recording even easier.
Buy now £579.00, Amazon
Polaroid Go Instant Camera
This iconic camera with its signature retro look is far from retro in terms of its features. We love the addition of a selfie mirror, LED film counter display, a self-timer and a micro USB charger to keep it running. As one of the smallest compact cameras on the market (designed to be used with just one hand), it’s the perfect starter instant camera and is designed for on-the-go movement as it fits easily into most pockets.
If you’re looking to buy the Polaroid Go, look out for deals which include sets of film so you can start taking pictures instantly.
Buy now £68.65, Amazon
Fujifilm X100V Digital Camera
As one of the higher-priced cameras on our list, you would expect this option from Fujifilm to do a lot, and it does. The X100V is the fifth camera in the X100 series and has been redesigned to be far more ergonomic and weather-resistant whilst still maintaining its classic retro look.
The new features of this camera include a Colour Chrome lens which helps increase contrast in pictures automatically and an auto-focus which helps capture fast-moving objects without the blur.
Buy now £1599.00, Jessops
OLYMPUS Tough TG-7 Waterproof Camera
Best for: Travellers
If you’re looking to capture your latest moves on the slope or that treacherous dive into the sea then this camera is your best friend as we found it to be the sturdiest of the cameras we reviewed.
The TG-7 boasts qualities such as being waterproof to 15 metres, shockproof, freezeproof to -10 degrees, dustproof and an anti-fog coating meaning it is perfect for every adventure. It also ensures your pictures are high quality even if the light quality is low.
Buy now £464.49, Amazon
Polaroid Now+ i‑Type Instant Camera
Best for: Cool shots
Polaroid’s latest camera is the Now+ which comes in a range of stylish colours from mint green to orange. If you’re not a photographer by nature, this camera is ideal as its auto-focus two lens system automatically decides which lens is best for the picture.
In terms of getting that arty shot, the camera features built in double exposure so you are able to capture two frames in one picture. If you’re looking to switch up the colour of your pictures then the included 5 lens filters, ranging in colours include red vignette and starburst, will do just that.
Buy now £99.98, Amazon
Sony W830 Compact Camera
Best for: quality and price
The quality-to-price ratio of the Sont W830 is almost unheard of. Expect ultra-high-definition photos and video clips from this pocket-sized wonder, which is equipped with a 20.1MP sensor, ZEISS lens with 8x optical zoom, fast autofocus, and Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation.
Intelligent Auto ensures that your camera settings immediately adjust to your shooting conditions, which ensures perfect exposure every time, and you can even edit or retouch images on the camera itself thanks to the ‘Beauty Effects’ setting.
Whether you’re shooting 360-degree panoramas or ultra-zoomed videos, the camera remains compatible with iMovie and Final Cut Pro for all your editing needs.
Buy now £239.00, Amazon
Vintage Canon Sure Shot
Best for: vintage photos
If you’re looking for your photos to have that retro 90s look about them then this vintage Canon camera is on hand. Featuring an automatic 35mm point and shoot, three times zoom capabilities, automatic flash and self timer, this camera is guaranteed to take the coolest of photos.
We also like the three point Smart Autofocus system embedded in the camera which provides crisp shots and reduces blurriness even if the subject is far away or not centred. In fact, with this compact camera you can have your subject as near as two feet to the camera or as far back as you like.
Buy now £123.90, Etsy
Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III
Best for: an all-rounder for vloggers
The G7X Mark III may feel a bit pricey based on its looks, but it’s a superb all-rounder with video features that will make it attractive to serious vloggers as well as those who want a good quality record of a holiday or event.
The sensor is a one-inch design, using stacked CMOS tech, and resolves 20MP, enough for an excellent quality print up to about A2 in size. This, combined with the same Digic 8 processor found in some of Canon’s best DSLR cameras, means you can shoot images at a maximum speed of 30fps (though this locks the focus - 8.3FPS is the top speed with AF, which is still a pretty good number).
Video tops out at 4K/30fps, and videographers will be interested to know there’s a 3.5mm socket for connecting an external mic. Connect to Wi-Fi, and you can stream directly to YouTube, or turn it into a webcam for use with your PC. The lens is fast, with a maximum aperture varying from f/1.8 to f/2.8 as it zooms from a full-frame equivalent of 24-100mm, and the flip-up touchscreen on the back makes selfies and vlogging easier. There’s no optical viewfinder, however.
Buy now £1359.00, Amazon
Casio Exilim EX Z90
Best for: nostalgic 00s shots
If you’re looking to craft a photoshoot which looks as though it’s been shot on film yet captured with the precision and ease of a digital camera, look no further than the Casio Exilim EX Z90. Originally launched in January 2011, the Exilim remains available via secondhand sellers in a variety of contemporary hues – though the stardust gold option happens to be our personal favourite.
This compact camera is equipped with an array of autofocus modes, including autofocus monitor, multi-point autofocus and even auto-focus sport. Whichever mode you operate in, the super-fast shutter speed makes this digital point-and-shoot ideal for action-packed shoots. It has a focal length of 35-105mm, a max aperture of between f./3.1-5.9, a max resolution of 4,000 x 3,000 and is additionally rechargeable by USB.
Buy now £126.58, eBay
