Point-and-shoots used to be the king of budget cameras. But, most of today’s compact cameras are designed to elevate image quality over a smartphone – and the price has increased accordingly. The most popular compact cameras in 2025 are the options that offer a high-end imaging experience in a pocketable size. In many cases, the trendiest compact cameras can cost more than many entry-level mirrorless cameras.
I’m not saying that you shouldn’t buy a compact camera. While there are some small mirrorless systems, the point-and-shoot is still smaller and a good choice when space is at a premium. But if you are shopping for a compact camera because point-and-shoots are cheaper than interchangeable-lens cameras, well, then I’m here to dispel that myth.
