Compact cameras are a great combination of convenience and portability and can be a great way of taking incredible photos without the hassle of changing lenses that can come with a DSLR camera.
If you need a camera for a project that just turns on and works, then a compact camera might be the best option.
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With our list of the Best Compact Cameras in 2025, we also wanted to make it easier for you to choose the best one with some tips. So, if you’re ready, let’s start there.
10+ Best Compact Cameras in 2025 Overview
- Fujifilm X100F — Best compact low-light camera
- Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 VA —An amazing versatile camera
- Canon PowerShot SX740 HS —A camera with mega-zoom at a mini size
- Fujifilm XF10 — Best large camera in a compact camera’s body
- Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II — Best DSLR-style compact cameras
- Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TZ100 — Best compact camera for travel photography
- Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III — Best compact pro-grade camera
- Olympus Stylus Tough TG-5 — Best Adventure Camera
- Canon IXUS 285 HS — Compact camera with the best overall value
- Nikon Coolpix A10 — Best compact camera for days out with the family
- Leica M11 — Best rangefinder camera
- Leica Q2 — Best camera with a sharp sensor
What is the best compact cameras in 2025?
The Fujifilm X100F gets our pick for the best compact camera of 2025 due to is performance and overall value.
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How to Choose the Perfect Compact Camera
When it comes to choosing the right compact camera, it is hardly ever a one-size-fits-all and shouldn’t be. To help you pick the right camera, we wanted to offer some tips on how to choose the best option for you.
Intended Use
One of the first questions you should ask is what you intend to use the camera for. This can reduce the number of options out there for you to choose from and narrow it down. Knowing what you want to use it for will help you decide if you should be looking at a camera with a manual exposure control or one with auto-oriented control selections.
Lens
The lens the camera has can make a big difference in the camera you choose. If you’re looking to use a camera in either low light or shallow depth-of-field situations, then a lens with a wide aperture is the best option. Things can get confusing when there are cameras that use different size sensors and have different image-stabilization systems but a good rule of thumb is that better cameras will have lower aperture numbers.
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Viewfinder and screen
While the growing trend for all kinds of cameras is to have a viewfinder on the back of the camera, if you’re outside in bright conditions, you may want to consider a camera video a good viewfinder. These are usually electronic and can help you see what you’re shooting more clearly. The screen on the back is worth considering as well as cameras tend to come with different options. Some models have a fixed screen, while others will have a tilt-able screen that can make getting awkward angles much easier.
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10+ Best Compact Cameras in 2025
1. Fujifilm X100F
The best compact low-light camera
Type: Compact | Sensor: APS-C | Megapixels: 24.3MP | Screen: 3.0-inch, 1,040k | Viewfinder: OVF + 2,360k EVF | Lens (effective): 35mm f/2 | Continuous shooting speed: 8fps | Max video resolution: 1080p
Featuring a high-quality Fujinon prime lens, the X100F has an effective focal length of 35mm as well as a fast f/2 aperture rating. With its hybrid viewfinder, you have the option of having a traditional optical view or a high-res display which can let you preview the exposure settings effect. A brilliant option for street and low-light shootings, it is a great camera even without a zoom lens or 4K video capture.
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2. Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 VA
An amazing versatile camera
Type: Compact | Sensor: 1.0-type | Megapixels: 20.1MP | Screen: 3.0-inch, 1,229k, tilt | Viewfinder: Electronic, 2,359k | Lens (effective): 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 | Continuous shooting speed: 24fps | Max video resolution: 4k
While it’s not the newest model on the block, the RX100 VA is one of the best compact cameras available. With a large 1.0-type image sensor and a high-resolution electronic viewfinder and is still small enough to fit into a spare pocket. A fast shooting camera that delivers the excellent image quality and can achieve burst rates of up to 24fps, the RC100 V from Sony is a great compact camera option.
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3. Canon PowerShot SX740 HS
A camera with mega-zoom at a mini size
Type: Compact | Sensor: 1/2.3-inch | Megapixels: 20.3MP | Screen: 3.0-inch, 922k, tilt | Viewfinder: None | Lens (effective): 24-960mm f/3.3-6.9 | Continuous shooting speed: 10fps | Max video resolution: 4k
Small and slim enough to fit in your pocket, the PowerShot from Canon manages to fit an impressive 40x zoom lens into its compact design along with an effective range of 24-960mm. This means that you can shoot everything from large wide-angle coverage to ultra-telephoto reach with ease. The rear screen has a flip-over tilt facility and works well as an active shooter. The only downside is that there is no viewfinder and the LCD screen isn’t a touchscreen.
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4. Fujifilm XF10
The best large camera in a compact camera’s body
Type: Compact | Sensor: APS-C | Megapixels: 24.2MP | Screen: 3.0-inch, 1,040k touch | Viewfinder: None | Lens (effective): 28mm f/2.8 | Continuous shooting speed: 6fps | Max video resolution: 4k
With an APS-C format image sensor, the XF10 from Fujifilm is bigger than other compact cameras out there and the sensor is more likely to be found in a DSLR. What the sensor allows an impressive 24.2MP image size and even provides low image noise even when ISO settings are high. While low-light shooting is helped by the 28mm f/2.8 fixed lens, the XF10 falters in its lack of a viewfinder although other Fujifilm options that do have a viewfinder can cost up to twice as much.
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5. Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II
One of the best DSLR-style compact cameras
Type: Compact | Sensor: 1.0-type | Megapixels: 20MP | Screen: 3.0-inch, 1,240k, fully articulated touchscreen | Viewfinder: Electronic, 2,360k | Lens (effective): 25-400mm f/2.8-4 | Continuous shooting speed: 12fps | Max video resolution: 4K
Bridge cameras can be a great option for anyone considering a DSLR but not ready for the size that comes with one. The Lumix FZ1000 II is a great example of this with a 1-inch, 20MP sensor that comes with a 16x optical zoom lens inside a DSLR-style housing. Featuring a 5-axis hybrid stabilizer makes shooting in less-than-optimal lighting conditions much easier. A fully-articulated touchscreen and well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity are a bonus that makes this an easy choice.
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6. Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TZ100
The best compact camera for travel photography
Type: Compact | Sensor: 1.0-type | Megapixels: 20.1MP | Screen: 3.0-inch, 1,240k, touch | Viewfinder: Electronic, 1,166k | Lens (effective): 25-250mm f/2.8-5.9 | Continuous shooting speed: 10fps (4k 30fps) | Max video resolution: 4k
The TZ100 packs a larger 1.0-type sensor, a 3-inch touchscreen, an electronic viewfinder, a 10x optical zoom lens, and a useful array of shooting controls into its compact design. With excellent image quality, which it maintains at high ISO settings, the 25-250mm effective zoom range is still very capable for travel photography. Still and 4K UHD movie captures work well with the TZ100’s 5-axis hybrid stabilizer inside.
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7. Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III
The best compact pro-grade camera
Type: Compact | Sensor: APS-C | Megapixels: 24.2MP | Screen: 3.2-inch, 1,040k, pivot, touch | Viewfinder: Electronic, 2,360k | Lens (effective): 24-72mm f/2.8-5.6 | Continuous shooting speed: 9fps (7fps with AF) | Max video resolution: 1080p
Unlike many other compact cameras on the market that come with a prime lens, the G1 X Mark III comes with a zoom lens, although it only has a 3x range to maximize optical quality. Everything from wide-angle coverage to short telephoto images can be delivered with the G1. With an APS-C format image sensor along with a highly effective stabilization system that works for both stills and video capture, even though the video capture is only up to 1080p. Creative photographers will find the layout of dials and buttons as well as the placement of the viewfinder beneficial.
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8. Olympus Stylus Tough TG-5
The Best Adventure Camera
Type: Compact | Sensor: 1/2.3-inch | Megapixels: 12.0MP | Screen: 3.0-inch, 460k | Viewfinder: None | Lens (effective): 25-100mm f/2-4.9 | Continuous shooting speed: 20fps | Max video resolution: 4k
Waterproof up to 15 meters, the TG-5 is a tough little camera that’s shockproof up to a height of 2.1 meters, freezeproof down to -10 degrees Celsius, and even crushproof up to 220 pounds. This little camera can stand up to a lot. If you’re the outdoor adventure type, this could be the perfect camera for you. With built-in GPS, compass, manometer and temperature sensor, you can tag this data on to the photos you take as well as a variable macro system, which lets you capture close-ups in microscopic detail.
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9. Canon IXUS 285 HS
The compact camera with the best overall value
Type: Compact | Sensor: 1/2.3-inch | Megapixels: 20.2MP | Screen: 3.0-inch, 461k | Viewfinder: None | Lens (effective): 25-300mm f/3.6-7 | Continuous shooting speed: 2.5fps | Max video resolution: 1080p
Available in multiple colors, the IXUS from Canon has a stylish design that is easy to fit in a spare pocket and take with you just about anywhere. Easy to use, the affordable camera offers some useful features including a 12x optical zoom lens along with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC. The HS sensor from Canon helps retain good image quality at high ISO settings. While there is no viewfinder or touchscreen, the 3-inch LCD is bigger than many other cameras at the same price.
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10. Nikon Coolpix A10
The best compact camera for days out with the family
Type: Compact | Sensor: 1/2.3-inch | Megapixels: 16.1MP | Screen: 2.7-inch, 230k | Viewfinder: None | Lens (effective): 26-130mm f/3.2-6.5 | Continuous shooting speed: 1.2fps | Max video resolution: 720p
If you spend a good amount of money on a camera, you’re pretty likely to be careful with it and that could limit the fun you have using the camera. The A10 from Nikon is simple to use and comes with a 5x optical zoom lens, built-in flash along with a 16.1 MP image sensor. While it doesn’t come with a viewfinder and the LCD screen isn’t something a professional photographer may use, but the A10 is a camera is everyone can enjoy.
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11. Leica M11
Type: Compact | Sensor: BSI CMOS | Megapixels: 18 MP | Screen: 3.0 inches | Viewfinder: optional corrective lenses available: -3 to +3 DPT | Lens (effective): | Continuous shooting speed: 6fps | Max video resolution: 1080p
The Leica M11 is the real Leica rangefinder. Although it looks the same as the Leica M10, the feature in the present camera is a step towards the development of the M-system. This camera features the new BSI CMOS sensor with a higher resolution. The M11 accommodates 60 megapixels.
The top plate of the Leica M11 is black, scratch-proof, and made up of high-quality aluminum.
If you are an existing Leica user, you may notice the new construction of the base plate. You don’t need to unscrew the base plate to replace the memory card or the battery. This is because the battery is a part of the base plate.
The Leica M11 houses the USB-C connection which allows the camera to copy files to a computer or a smartphone. This camera also comes with a lightning cable that you can connect to transfer files to Apple devices that run on iOS. The light meter on the sensor is a multi-segment meter and you can use it with the shutter open. You shouldn’t switch off this camera after every shot as the Leica M11 takes some time during startup. The only advantage would be that the battery lasts for a long time due to the lack of an electronic viewfinder.
The Leica M11 is a camera that is great for photography. The classic operation with an aperture ring available on the lens and the shutter button on the camera is an intuitive one. This camera also comes with a separate cable for Apple devices. It is expensive but it works well.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Good optical Viewfinder | ➖ Expensive |
| ➕ 60 MP sensor | |
| ➕ USB-C connection | |
| ➕ Improved screen |
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12. Leica Q2
Type: Compact | Sensor: 47.3MP full-frame sensor | Megapixels: 3.68MP OLED EVF with 0.76x magnification | Screen: 3.0 inches | Viewfinder: | Lens (effective): 50.4/47.3 million pixels (total/effective) | Continuous shooting speed: 8fps | Max video resolution: 1080p
The Leica Q2 is a fixed lens, full-frame camera. It has a new 47.3 MP sensor and a sharp and stabilized Summilux lens. The Q2 comes with features like the addition of weather-sealing, better battery life, a new processor, and a much-improved EVF. The pixel count of this camera is also double.
The biggest change in the Leica Q2 camera is its sensor. The resolution of the camera is almost double that of its previous version making it one of the high-resolution cameras racing ahead of the professional DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.
The Leica Q is one of the best-selling Leica cameras. The Q2 version of the camera replaces its previous version and it makes a point to the fact that Leica wants to upgrade the camera without changing the basic concept.
There is a specialty for the photos taken on such cameras, as photographers take pictures in a sharp manner with the aperture wide open. Almost each and every scene was taken in these cameras are crystal clear, and rendered with rich color themes. The character of the photos taken in Leica cameras makes it almost impossible to take a bad photo. The everyday photos of such cameras are rich and vivid. It is like a timeless moment carefully composed and captured in loving detail. It shoots gorgeous 4k video at the rate of 24 or 30 FPS.
The Leica Q2 is more expensive, but if you want luxury cameras this is the one for you.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Excellant image quality | ➖ Expensive |
| ➕ Great range of AutoFocus and Manual Focus | |
| ➕ Rich look |
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Best Compact Cameras in 2025 Summary
Choosing the best compact camera for your project shouldn’t be one of the hardest decisions you have to make and with our list of the Best Compact Cameras for Designers & Creatives, we hope we’ve made the process of choosing your next camera that much easier.
Do you have a compact camera that you can’t get enough of? Let us know in the comments below!!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best camera with low light?
Fujifilm X100F is the best camera with low light.
Why should I choose Canon PowerShot SX740 HS?
The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS has Megapixel 20.3 MP, 4k video resolution
It is also known for in continuous shooting (10fps). Some of these features can be considered for buying Canon PowerShot SX740 HS.
Which is the best compact camera with a DSLR style?
Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II is the best compact camera with DSLR style.
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