The 5 Best Compact Cameras - Fall 2023 Reviews

The Sony RX100 VII is one of the best compact cameras we've tested. With a highly portable design, a wide zoom range, and plenty of extra features, the RX100 VII checks all the boxes for a portable zoom camera. Unlike most compact cameras, the RX100 VII uses a larger 1-inch sensor, so image quality is good, and its stacked design minimizes rolling shutter effect and makes the camera's blazing-fast 20 fps burst rate possible.

While it doesn't have the longest zoom range, its 24-200mm full-frame equivalent focal length is versatile enough for a wide range of photos. That aside, the camera's packed with thoughtful design touches, like a small pop-up viewfinder and a pop-up flash—all while easily fitting into a coat pocket. However, that portability does come at the cost of a short battery life, but that's a problem with compact cameras in general. Though it isn't cheap, the RX100 VII is one of the best point-and-shoots you can get, thanks to its sheer portability-to-performance ratio.

If image quality is your top priority, the RICOH GR III will not disappoint. It's one of the most compact cameras on this list and the only one with a larger APS-C sensor. You'll get excellent image quality, more dynamic range, and better low-light performance. The camera's minimalist design is perfect for travel or street photography, though you won't get a whole lot of frills—no viewfinder, a fixed screen, and no 4k video capability.

Unlike the Sony RX100 VII, this camera uses a fixed focal length prime lens. Its 28mm equivalent focal length gives you a lot of coverage to capture street scenes or landscapes. However, if you prefer a tighter field of view, you can also opt for the RICOH GR IIIx, which has a 40mm equivalent lens instead. If you're looking for a highly portable, discreet camera that captures beautiful images, this is it.

If a high-end option like the Sony RX100 VII is out of your price range, a mid-range camera like the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II delivers solid image quality and plenty of features at a lower price point. It's a well-built camera with some of the best ergonomics of any point-and-shoot we've tested, with a surprisingly comfortable handgrip and thumb rest. Just like the Sony, it has a little pop-up viewfinder that helps when shooting on sunny days, along with a tilting screen that you can use for low-angle shots. Though it can't match the RICOH GR III's image quality, it uses a 1-inch sensor for better-than-average image quality.

The built-in lens is quite good, too. It can open up to a fairly wide aperture, and its 5x zoom capability is versatile, although it doesn't have as much range as the lens on the RX100 VII. Still, you get extra features like image stabilization and a built-in ND filter to help you shoot at slower shutter speeds in bright lighting. That said, the autofocus on this camera can be sluggish and unreliable, and like most compact cameras, battery life is limited. Still, if you're looking for a versatile point-and-shoot that won't cost you a fortune, the G5 X is a great choice.

Once you dip into the budget territory, worthwhile options are fewer and farther between. Thanks to the Panasonic LUMIX ZS80, you're not out of luck. It has a smaller sensor than any of our previous picks, but the lens can extend to a max full-frame equivalent focal length of 720mm, giving you a ton of zoom range to shoot everything from close-ups to landscapes to far-away subjects.

As far as image quality is concerned, you're getting what you pay for. Out-of-camera photos lack the clarity and sharpness of some of the more expensive models above that use larger sensors. However, the image quality is still decent and suitable for casual or family photography. While many cheaper point-and-shoots forego a viewfinder, this one includes a small EVF, which can help with framing and composition. It also has a solid battery life for a point-and-shoot. So, while it doesn't feel as premium as other options, there's still much to like about this camera for those on a tighter budget.

Compact cameras can be a good choice for vlogging, thanks to their ease of use and portability, and the Sony ZV-1 is among the best we've tested. While the Sony ZV-1 II has replaced it, which has a wider-angle lens, the lower price and optical stabilization of the original ZV-1 make it our top pick. The camera's designed specifically for vloggers—it's the only camera on this list with a fully articulated screen for self-recording. It even has a specialized 'Product Showcase' mode that prioritizes any objects held up in the frame.

The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is also a popular point-and-shoot camera for vlogging. Unlike the ZV-1, it has a built-in livestreaming feature that lets you stream directly to YouTube, though you need a certain amount of subscribers to take advantage of it. Both cameras struggle with battery performance, but the ZV-1's articulated screen and fantastic autofocus give it an edge for vlogging and light video work.