Today's smartphones are world-class picture-making machines, so it's no surprise that many casual snappers and family photographers have traded in their basic pocket cameras. Point-and-shoot cameras aren't obsolete, though many made today target photo hobbyists and content creators. I have more than 14 years of experience covering cameras at PCMag, and I've tested hundreds of models in that time. I evaluate all aspects of a camera through a combination of studio and field testing to decide what's worth recommending. This list includes a wide variety of small cameras, from the best premium point-and-shoot I've ever used, the Fujifilm X100VI, to the cheap and delightful Camp Snap Pro. Read on to find the right compact camera, regardless of your skill level or budget.
Overview
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![Fujifilm X100VI]()
Best Compact Camera for Photo EnthusiastsFujifilm X100VI
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![Ricoh GR IV]()
Best Picture Quality in a Pocket CameraRicoh GR IV
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![Camp Snap Pro]()
Best Affordable Pocket CameraCamp Snap Pro
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![DJI Osmo Pocket 3]()
Best Pocket Video CameraDJI Osmo Pocket 3
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![Fujifilm Instax Mini 12]()
Best Analog Instant CameraFujifilm Instax Mini 12
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![Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS99]()
Best Pocket SuperzoomPanasonic Lumix DC-ZS99
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![Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII]()
Best Premium Long Zoom CameraSony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII
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![Kodak Ektar H35N]()
Best Starter Film CameraKodak Ektar H35N
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![Leica Q3]()
Best Full-Frame Compact CameraLeica Q3
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![OM System TG-7]()
Best Waterproof and Rugged CameraOM System TG-7
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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![Fujifilm X100VI]()
Best Compact Camera for Photo EnthusiastsFujifilm X100VI
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Fujifilm X100VI delivers a rare combination of style and substance. Its retro exterior calls back to rangefinder cameras from the manual focus film era, but there's plenty under the surface, too. A bright 35mm f/2 equivalent prime lens means you can stretch shutter speeds and get sharp photos in all kinds of light, while a stabilized 40MP sensor lets you crop in for a tighter view. An eye-level viewfinder (EVF) enables seamless switching between optical and electronic views, and the rear touch screen tilts to allow for shooting from more interesting angles. Thoughtful control dials round out the package, making it simple to set the exposure.
Who It's For
Shutterbugs: The X100 series is a long-running favorite among photo enthusiasts who seek a compact camera with picture quality that rivals that of a heavyweight mirrorless model. The X100VI adds sensor stabilization to the line, joining the iconic hybrid viewfinder, prime lens, and tactile controls.
Professional photographers: Pros who want a small camera for travel, personal use, or days when they simply want to pack light will appreciate the X100VI's image quality, hands-on controls, and compact design.
Fashionistas: If you're looking for a camera that doubles as a trendy fashion accessory, the X100VI is the perfect choice. Despite being equipped with modern technology, it resembles a vintage film camera, so you'll turn heads as you take pictures.
Specs & Configurations
35mm Equivalent (Wide) 35 Battery Type Fujifilm NP-W126S Connectivity Bluetooth Connectivity Microphone (2.5mm) Connectivity USB-C Connectivity Wi-Fi Dimensions 2.9 by 5.0 by 2.2 inches Display Resolution 1.62 Display Size 3.0 inches EVF Resolution 3.69 Flat Profile HDMI Output Yes Maximum ISO 51200 Memory Card Format SDXC (UHS-I) Memory Card Slots 1 Minimum ISO 64 Sensor Resolution 40 Sensor Size APS-C Sensor Type X-Trans BSI CMOS Stabilization 5-Axis IBIS Touch Screen Type Compact Video Resolution 6.2K Viewfinder Type Hybrid Weight 1.2 Learn More Fujifilm X100VI Review -
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![Ricoh GR IV]()
Best Picture Quality in a Pocket CameraRicoh GR IV
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Ricoh GR IV squeezes a 26MP APS-C image sensor into a tiny body that's small enough to slide into your shirt pocket and light enough to carry anywhere. Its fixed 28mm F2.8 prime lens is sharp and includes 5-axis sensor stabilization and a neutral density filter that work well together for long exposures without a tripod. It's the best version of the GR yet and is also available with a soft-focus HDF filter or a monochrome sensor.
Who It's For
Shutterbugs: The GR IV is aimed squarely at photo enthusiasts and pros who are looking for a small camera for days when they don't want to carry a heavy kit. Its picture quality is fantastic, its imaging engine makes it easy to get a stylized look out of camera and process Raw files right on the rear screen, and it puts manual control right at your fingertips.
Street photographers: The GR series is a long-running favorite of documentary street photographers because of its Snap Focus function, a mode that's unique to the line and fixes focus at a configurable preset distance so you can take images without any sort of autofocus delay in order to capture unexpected moments as they happen.
Specs & Configurations
35mm Equivalent (Wide) 28 Battery Type Ricoh DB-120 Connectivity Bluetooth Connectivity USB-C Connectivity Wi-Fi Dimensions 2.4 by 4.3 by 1.3 inches Display Resolution 1.04 Display Size 3 inches HDMI Output None Maximum ISO 204800 Memory Card Format Internal Memory Card Format microSDXC Memory Card Slots 1 Minimum ISO 100 Sensor Resolution 25.6 Sensor Size APS-C Sensor Type BSI CMOS Stabilization 5-Axis IBIS Touch Screen Type Compact Video Resolution 1080p Weight 9.2 Learn More Ricoh GR IV Review -
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![Camp Snap Pro]()
Best Affordable Pocket CameraCamp Snap Pro
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Camp Snap Pro wins big points for simplicity, and you can't disregard its asking price. The one-button digital camera frames shots using an old-school optical viewfinder and skips a rear display, so there's no temptation to spend your time looking through snapshots when you could be taking more. It includes a xenon flash that can light up a room and fill in shadows in backlit scenes, plus four configurable picture profiles so you can add some filtered flair to photos. It's a heck of a lot of fun to use, especially since you can create and load your own filters.
Who It's For
Kids: Camp Snap started out as a camera for kids to take to screen-free summer camps, but it is just as good a choice for school, home, or vacation. It's easy to use, and since it's so affordable, it's not a big deal if your child loses track of it.
Artsy photographers: You shouldn't expect stellar photos from a $99 camera, but the Camp Snap Pro makes the most of its tech and leans into a grungy, disposable-camera aesthetic. Shutterbugs and filter fans will love its customizable imaging engine, which lets you create up to four custom color profiles and switch between them with the filter dial, and its xenon flash is stronger than the LED light on the basic $70 Camp Snap.
Specs & Configurations
35mm Equivalent (Wide) 22.5 Battery Type Internal Connectivity USB-C Dimensions 3.0 by 5.0 by 1.5 inches Memory Card Format microSDXC Memory Card Slots 1 Sensor Resolution 16 Sensor Size Type 1/3 Sensor Type CMOS Type Compact Video Resolution None Viewfinder Type Optical Weight 5.1 Learn More Camp Snap Pro Review -
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![DJI Osmo Pocket 3]()
Best Pocket Video CameraDJI Osmo Pocket 3
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is among the best compact cameras for video and vlogging. It lives up to its name, boasting a compact form factor, and gimbal stabilization makes it ideal for handheld recording. A Type 1 sensor does a great job in all kinds of lighting, and we appreciate that the camera easily switches between widescreen and vertical aspect ratios.
Who It's For
Content creators: The Pocket 3 is the pocketable camera to use for vlogging. Its gimbal-stabilized camera delivers silky smooth footage, featuring a large sensor and bright lens that soften backgrounds when desired. Additionally, it is compatible with wireless microphones from DJI.
Specs & Configurations
35mm Equivalent (Wide) 20 Battery Type Internal Connectivity Bluetooth Connectivity USB-C Connectivity Wi-Fi Dimensions 5.6 by 1.6 by 1.2 inches Display Size 2 inches Flat Profile HDMI Output None Memory Card Format microSDXC Memory Card Slots 1 Sensor Size Type 1 Stabilization Gimbal Touch Screen Type Compact Video Resolution 4K Weight 6.4 Learn More DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Review -
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![Fujifilm Instax Mini 12]()
Best Analog Instant CameraFujifilm Instax Mini 12
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is the best low-cost instant camera available. It works with the Mini film format, snaps wallet-sized photos, provides the convenience of one-button operation, and even includes a mirror next to the lens, allowing you to get the angle right for your selfies. We love its price, and Mini film provides consistent, quality results. You can even get black-and-white film for the camera if you want to channel your inner Ansel Adams.
Who It's For
Kids and families: The Mini 12's gently curved lines, playful colorways, and simple one-button operation make it a good fit for kids who want to try out a real film camera. It's a hit for family events, parties, and weddings too.
Beginners: If you want to try your hand at instant photography, but don't know where to start, the Mini 12 is a good way to go. It doesn't cost much, is easy to use, and is a lot of fun.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Type AA Dimensions 4.8 by 4.2 by 2.7 inches Type Analog Viewfinder Type Optical Weight 10.3 Learn More Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Review -
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![Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS99]()
Best Pocket SuperzoomPanasonic Lumix DC-ZS99
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS99 outdoes smartphones in terms of zoom power. Its 30x zoom lens (24-720mm equivalent) covers a wide variety of scenes, ranging from landscapes to wildlife to macros, and is backed by snappy autofocus and a set of fun, yet tasteful, filtered looks. The lens covers nearly every situation, but is best used in sunlight. Even with that limitation, the ZS99 is one of the best pocket superzooms I've used, and will please fans of the camera style.
Who It's For
Family photographers: Before smartphones took over, cameras like the ZS99 were the de facto standard for family snapshots. The ZS99 will feel familiar in the hand to family historians who prefer using a compact camera over a phone, and will undoubtedly appreciate its zoom power, built-in flash, and speedy, reliable autofocus.
Wildlife watchers: The ZS99's 30x zoom lens covers a tight angle of view at its maximum focal length, so you can get good photos of birds and animals stopping by for a visit on your back patio, and can get photos of animals at the zoo or a national park that will put most smartphones to shame.
Specs & Configurations
35mm Equivalent (Telephoto) 720mm 35mm Equivalent (Wide) 24 Battery Type Panasonic DMW-BLG10 Connectivity Bluetooth Connectivity micro HDMI Connectivity USB-C Connectivity Wi-Fi Dimensions 2.7 by 4.4 by 1.7 inches Display Resolution 1.8 Display Size 3.0 inches HDMI Output Yes Maximum ISO 3200 Memory Card Format SDXC (UHS-I) Memory Card Slots 1 Minimum ISO 80 Optical Zoom 30 x Sensor Resolution 20 Sensor Size Type 1/2.3 Sensor Type BSI CMOS Stabilization Optical Touch Screen Type Compact Video Resolution 4K Weight 11 Learn More Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS99 Review -
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![Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII]()
Best Premium Long Zoom CameraSony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Sony RX100 VII is the ultimate travel camera. It slides into a pocket and pairs a 24-200mm zoom lens with a 20MP Type 1 image sensor. It also hides a pop-up electronic viewfinder in its frame. It's one of the most expensive compacts available, but you get top-flight picture quality and a killer lens for the money.
Who It's For
Shutterbugs: If you enjoy taking photos with a standalone camera, the RX100 VII is the pocket zoom to target. Its large sensor and bright zoom lens capture high-quality photos, and its eye-level viewfinder, tilting screen, and tactile controls are more suitable for photography than those of a smartphone.
Pros packing light: Working photographers who typically use a large interchangeable lens camera will appreciate having the RX100 VII in their pocket for quick trips out of the house, weekend getaways, and other occasions when they simply don't want to carry a full kit for photos.
Specs & Configurations
35mm Equivalent (Telephoto) 200 mm 35mm Equivalent (Wide) 24 Battery Type Sony NP-BX1 Connectivity Bluetooth Connectivity micro HDMI Connectivity micro USB Connectivity Microphone (3.5mm) Connectivity Wi-Fi Dimensions 2.3 by 4.0 by 1.7 inches Display Resolution 921600 Display Size 3 inches EVF Resolution 2.36 Flat Profile HDMI Output 4:2:2 8-bit Maximum ISO 25600 Memory Card Format Memory Stick Duo Memory Card Format SDXC (UHS-I) Memory Card Slots 1 Minimum ISO 64 Optical Zoom 8.3 x Sensor Resolution 20 Sensor Size 1" (13.2 x 8.8mm) Sensor Type BSI CMOS Stabilization Optical Touch Screen Type Compact Video Resolution 4K Viewfinder Magnification 0.59x Viewfinder Type EVF Weight 10.7 Learn More Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII Review Review -
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![Kodak Ektar H35N]()
Best Starter Film CameraKodak Ektar H35N
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Film photography is experiencing another renaissance, with a new generation of creators embracing film chemistry as a welcome alternative to digital capture. The Kodak Ektar H35N is an all-plastic film camera that comes with an impressive $65 sticker price and includes a bulb mode for long exposures, a lens with a glass element, and a built-in star filter that can be turned on or off as desired. The H35N's most notable feature is its half-frame capture—you get 72 shots on a roll of film, not 36, which is particularly beneficial when a roll of film costs as much as a takeout lunch.
Who It's For
Beginners and students: Younger photographers who've never tried a film camera should think about the H35N as a starter model. It provides simple one-button operation, gets twice as many photos per roll of film as a normal 35mm film camera, and it's in your pocket.
Shutterbugs: If you enjoy taking photos as a hobby and are looking to break out of the digital rut, the Ektar H35N is worth considering. Its simple operation lets you concentrate on staying in the moment rather than fiddling with settings, and it's a heck of a lot of fun to use.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Type AAA Dimensions 2.4 by 4.3 by 1.5 inches Type Analog Viewfinder Type Optical Weight 3.9 Learn More Kodak Ektar H35N Review -
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![Leica Q3]()
Best Full-Frame Compact CameraLeica Q3
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Leica Q3 is about as luxe as it gets. The fixed-lens beauty features 28mm F1.7 optics and a 60MP full-frame sensor, along with a high-gloss black metal body with IP52 weather protection. Add a quality EVF, good macro capabilities, and 8K video, and you might find a reason to drop nearly six grand on a camera.
Who It's For
Pros and shutterbugs: The Q3's sky-high price puts the camera out of reach of casual snapshooters, but pros and serious photo hobbyists with money to spend will appreciate its gorgeous lens and full-frame sensor, tactile controls, and svelte sizing.
Travel photographers: A lightweight, versatile 28mm F1.7 lens and IP52 weather sealing make the Q3 an ideal camera for travel.
Specs & Configurations
35mm Equivalent (Wide) 28 Battery Type Leica BP-SCL6 Connectivity Bluetooth Connectivity micro HDMI Connectivity USB-C Connectivity Wi-Fi Dimensions 3.2 by 5.1 by 3.6 inches Display Resolution 1.84 Display Size 3.0 inches EVF Resolution 5.8 Flat Profile HDMI Output 4:2:2 10-bit Maximum ISO 100000 Memory Card Format SDXC (UHS-II) Memory Card Slots 1 Minimum ISO 50 Sensor Resolution 60 Sensor Size Full-Frame Sensor Type BSI CMOS Stabilization Optical Touch Screen Type Compact Video Resolution 8K Viewfinder Magnification 0.76x Viewfinder Type EVF Weight 1.6 Learn More Leica Q3 Review -
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![OM System TG-7]()
Best Waterproof and Rugged CameraOM System TG-7
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
There are only a few waterproof point-and-shoot cameras on sale these days, but the Olympus Tough TG series has been a regular favorite, even when the field was crowded. The TG-7 continues the tradition with a useful 24-100mm f/2.0-4.9 zoom lens that performs well for underwater, low-light, and macro photography. The camera is practically indestructible and can go as deep as 50 feet underwater.
Who It's For
Outdoor enthusiasts: The TG-7 is practically indestructible, waterproof, and freezeproof. If you spend time in nature taking landscape, macro, and underwater photos, it's a good camera to have in your pocket.
Vacationers: If your vacation plans include a dip in the ocean, the TG-7 is a good camera to take. You won't have to worry about getting it wet, and you can even use it to try and get pictures of coral and fish if you plan on snorkeling.
Specs & Configurations
35mm Equivalent (Telephoto) 100 mm 35mm Equivalent (Wide) 25 Battery Type Olympus LI-92B Connectivity Bluetooth Connectivity GPS Connectivity micro HDMI Connectivity USB-C Connectivity Wi-Fi Dimensions 2.6 by 4.5 by 1.3 inches Display Resolution 1.04 Display Size 3.0 inches HDMI Output Yes Maximum ISO 12800 Maximum Waterproof Depth 50 Memory Card Format SDXC (UHS-I) Memory Card Slots 1 Minimum ISO 100 Optical Zoom 4 x Sensor Resolution 12 Sensor Size Type 1/2.3 Sensor Type BSI CMOS Stabilization Optical Type Compact Video Resolution 4K Viewfinder Type None Weight 8.8 Learn More OM System TG-7 Review -
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Our Pick | |||||||||||||
Rating |
5.0 Exemplary |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
3.5 Good |
5.0 Exemplary |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
Best For | Best Compact Camera for Photo Enthusiasts | Best Picture Quality in a Pocket Camera | Best Affordable Pocket Camera | Best Pocket Video Camera | Best Analog Instant Camera | Best Pocket Superzoom | Best Premium Long Zoom Camera | Best Starter Film Camera | Best Full-Frame Compact Camera | Best Waterproof and Rugged Camera | Best Compact Camera for Photo Enthusiasts | Best Picture Quality in a Pocket Camera | Best Affordable Pocket Camera |
Dimensions | 2.9 by 5.0 by 2.2 inches | 2.4 by 4.3 by 1.3 inches | 3.0 by 5.0 by 1.5 inches | 5.6 by 1.6 by 1.2 inches | 4.8 by 4.2 by 2.7 inches | 2.7 by 4.4 by 1.7 inches | 2.3 by 4.0 by 1.7 inches | 2.4 by 4.3 by 1.5 inches | 3.2 by 5.1 by 3.6 inches | 2.6 by 4.5 by 1.3 inches | 2.9 by 5.0 by 2.2 inches | 2.4 by 4.3 by 1.3 inches | 3.0 by 5.0 by 1.5 inches |
Weight | 1.2 | 9.2 | 5.1 | 6.4 | 10.3 | 11 | 10.7 | 3.9 | 1.6 | 8.8 | 1.2 | 9.2 | 5.1 |
Type | Compact | Compact | Compact | Compact | Analog | Compact | Compact | Analog | Compact | Compact | Compact | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Resolution | 40 | 25.6 | 16 | 20 | 20 | 60 | 12 | 40 | 25.6 | 16 | |||
Sensor Type | X-Trans BSI CMOS | BSI CMOS | CMOS | BSI CMOS | BSI CMOS | BSI CMOS | BSI CMOS | X-Trans BSI CMOS | BSI CMOS | CMOS | |||
Sensor Size | APS-C | APS-C | Type 1/3 | Type 1 | Type 1/2.3 | 1" (13.2 x 8.8mm) | Full-Frame | Type 1/2.3 | APS-C | APS-C | Type 1/3 | ||
Lens Mount | |||||||||||||
Memory Card Slots | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||
Memory Card Format | SDXC (UHS-I) | microSDXC, Internal | microSDXC | microSDXC | SDXC (UHS-I) | SDXC (UHS-I), Memory Stick Duo | SDXC (UHS-II) | SDXC (UHS-I) | SDXC (UHS-I) | microSDXC, Internal | microSDXC | ||
Battery Type | Fujifilm NP-W126S | Ricoh DB-120 | Internal | Internal | AA | Panasonic DMW-BLG10 | Sony NP-BX1 | AAA | Leica BP-SCL6 | Olympus LI-92B | Fujifilm NP-W126S | Ricoh DB-120 | Internal |
Minimum ISO | 64 | 100 | 80 | 64 | 50 | 100 | 64 | 100 | |||||
Maximum ISO | 51200 | 204800 | 3200 | 25600 | 100000 | 12800 | 51200 | 204800 | |||||
35mm Equivalent (Wide) | 35 | 28 | 22.5 | 20 | 24 | 24 | 28 | 25 | 35 | 28 | 22.5 | ||
35mm Equivalent (Telephoto) | 720mm | 200 mm | 100 mm | ||||||||||
Optical Zoom | 30 x | 8.3 x | 4 x | ||||||||||
Stabilization | 5-Axis IBIS | 5-Axis IBIS | Gimbal | Optical | Optical | Optical | Optical | 5-Axis IBIS | 5-Axis IBIS | ||||
Display Size | 3.0 inches | 3 inches | 2 inches | 3.0 inches | 3 inches | 3.0 inches | 3.0 inches | 3.0 inches | 3 inches | ||||
Display Resolution | 1.62 | 1.04 | 1.8 | 921600 | 1.84 | 1.04 | 1.62 | 1.04 | |||||
Touch Screen | |||||||||||||
Viewfinder Type | Hybrid | Optical | Optical | EVF | Optical | EVF | None | Hybrid | Optical | ||||
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.59x | 0.76x | |||||||||||
EVF Resolution | 3.69 | 2.36 | 5.8 | 3.69 | |||||||||
Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C, Microphone (2.5mm) | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | USB-C | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | micro HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Microphone (3.5mm), micro USB, micro HDMI | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C, micro HDMI | Bluetooth, GPS, USB-C, Wi-Fi, micro HDMI | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C, Microphone (2.5mm) | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | USB-C | ||
Maximum Waterproof Depth | 50 | ||||||||||||
Video Resolution | 6.2K | 1080p | None | 4K | 4K | 4K | 8K | 4K | 6.2K | 1080p | None | ||
HDMI Output | None | None | 4:2:2 8-bit | 4:2:2 10-bit | None | ||||||||
Flat Profile |
Buying Guide: The Best Point-and-Shoot Cameras for 2026
What Kind of Compact Cameras Are Available Today?
Compact cameras come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from pocketable models with zoom lenses to premium fixed-lens entries from Fujifilm and Leica. We cover the high-end options further down, but if you're after a superzoom for wildlife photos, check out our picks for the best bridge cameras. Bridge cameras are larger and won't fit in your pocket, but they offer far more zoom power than smartphones.
The once-thriving pocket camera market is pretty much quiet today. At one point, I went as far as to call it dead, but to quote Mark Twain, my report was an exaggeration. After all, up-and-coming brand Camp Snap decided to jump in with its eponymous $70 digital snapshooter, and Canon's premium PowerShot G7 X Mark III is so popular on TikTok that it's on constant backorder. Although there may be fewer compact models produced today than in years past, a healthy variety of forms and functions remains.
You can still get a pocket-friendly big zoom camera; Panasonic's Lumix DC-ZS99 is the best I've used in recent memory and is included in my picks, but it's not the only option available. Fujifilm makes a few off-kilter cameras, including the film-inspired X Half and Instax Evo Mini, which prints digital pictures onto instant film.
Canon offers a diverse line, including quirky options like the PowerShot Zoom monocular and V10 vlogging camera, as well as the large-sensor V1. Sony also caters to the vlogging crowd with its ZV series, and has one pricey RX100 left in production, the $1,600 RX100 VII. Nikon is essentially out of the small camera market at this point.
OM System and Ricoh are still around, though; both manufacturers make waterproof compacts that are suitable for use underwater or on construction sites. Ricoh also produces a line of Theta 360-degree cameras, popular for use in real estate, as well as the Pentax 17 film camera and the APS-C sensor GR series, which I'll discuss in the next section.
Large Sensors Come With Large Price Tags
For picture quality comparable with that of flagship smartphones, look for a model with a Type 1 (also known as 1-inch class) image sensor at a minimum. These cameras typically have shorter zoom lenses; the Sony ZV-1 has a 24-70mm lens, while the ZV-1 Mark II uses an 18-50mm lens, with brighter apertures that can soften backgrounds, but start at a price north of $500. Even Sony's budget ZV1F costs $550, and as mentioned, its long zoom (24-200mm) RX100 VII is now at $1,600.
I've not yet tested it, but Canon's PowerShot V1, priced at $980, undercuts some Sony models. It utilizes a zoom lens and features an even larger Type 1.4 sensor, which is nearly as large as the sensor in a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera.
There are also small cameras with APS-C and full-frame image sensors. Ricoh's GR III series is a long-running favorite, but it is now between models. The GR III is discontinued and replaced by the GR IV. The GR IIIx, a variation with a standard-angle lens, is still in production.
Our top-rated compact is the Fuji X100VI, the latest entry in the popular X100 line. Unfortunately for potential buyers, the X100VI has proven to be so popular that it has a long waiting list. If you want one now, you'll end up spending far more than its $1,800 retail price. If you can't wait, check out our list of digital compacts worth buying used to find a quality alternative.
If you're a luxury shopper, consider opting for a full-frame or larger format. The Leica Q3, Q3 43, Q2 Monochrom, and the Sony RX1R III represent the current crop of fixed-lens cameras with full-format image sensors. The Fujifilm GFX100RF takes it a step further by incorporating a medium-format chip into a slim, carry-friendly body. All of these cameras are expensive, ranging from $5,100 for the RX1R III to $7,380 for the Q3 43, but enthusiasts who can afford them are sure to enjoy the experience and capture stunning photos along the way.
Beyond the Confines of Your Pocket
If you're looking for something more capable than a pocket camera, consider our overall favorites from across all camera categories or opt for a mirrorless camera with swappable lenses to document your life.