In the age of the smartphone, compact cameras have had to evolve in order to survive. No longer are they simple point-and-shoots or versatile travel-zooms, but rather they are often premium devices with large sensors and sharp lenses or even bigger zoom ranges, ultimately giving superior image quality or greater versatility than your average smartphone camera.
The world’s best compacts can cost as much as, if not more than, the latest flagship smartphones, but don't be put off by their high prices. In 2022, our Cameras editor bought a compact camera instead of the latest iPhone, because cameras handle better for photography and help focus your creativity in a way that a smartphone cannot with all of its additional distractions.
Latest about Compact Cameras
The best compact camera: top choices to take anywhere
Updated Our best compact camera guide will help you find the right pocket camera for you, whatever your budget.
I was ready to buy the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome, but the deal is off – here's why
Ricoh unveils its first black-and-white only camera in its GR series of premium digital compacts – the GR IV Monochrome, which is otherwise essentially identical to the GR IV
Kodak Charmera review: the viral keychain digital camera is so bad, that I actually love it
Kodak, the prominent producer of cheap compact cameras, goes even smaller and cheaper with the Charmera keychain camera
Leica Q3 Monochrom review: a top digital camera for black-and-white photography purists
Leica's third premium compact Q3 model – the new Q3 Monochrom – follows the original Q3 and the Q3 43, ditching the sensor's color array filter in favor of optimized black and white-only images.
Ricoh GR IV review: a top smartphone alternative for everyday photography
The long-awaited Ricoh GR IV delivers several improvements over its six-year-old predecessor, including a new 26MP stabilized sensor and better battery life.
I held the Lomo MC-A — Lomography's first proper 35mm film camera, and it's a stunner
Lomography unveiled the Lomo MC-A in October 2025 — it's a proper 35mm film camera with glass 35mm f/2.8 lens, metal body, autofocus and exposure control.
I’ve shot over 1,000 photos with the Ricoh GR IV – here are my favorites
The Ricoh GR IV succeeds the GR III with a new 26MP and improved five-axis stabilization, better battery life and more internal storage. But are those upgrades enough?
Leica’s Q3 Monochrom costs thousands and only shoots black-and-white, but that’s only made me want one more
Leica has officially unveiled its latest fixed-lens compact camera, and it's a Monochrom edition of 2023's outstanding Q3.
