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.Â
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.Â
Latest about Compact Cameras
Kodak Ektar H35N: adorably basic
Imagine the tech of a disposable film camera, but in a reusable design with a splash of style and a vertical format that gets you double the shots on a roll of film.
Leica’s rumored Q3 Monochrom sounds like my dream compact camera – here’s why
Leica's next rumored camera is a black-and-white only version of its premium fixed-lens Q3 compact, and it could make complete sense.
Kodak's trending Charmera keyring camera is a great gift idea – I'd preorder the 'blind box' now and hope it lands in time for the holidays
Kodak's Charmera digital keyring camera comes in a 'blind box' in any one of six colorways, and costs just $30 / £30, which makes it a great gift idea.
Kodak PixPro C1 review: cheap and cheerful?
Kodak's PixPro C1 looks great and costs just $99 / £79 – but I'm still not sure I'd buy one
It's far from perfect, but Lomography's cheap Lomourette compact camera is packed with grainy lo-fi analog charm
A cheap half-frame film camera capable of surprisingly attractive stills, the Lomography Lomourette is a plaything for analog imperfectionists.
Ricoh announces two GR IV variants, including a long-awaited first in the series for monochrome fans
Ricoh has announced the development of the GR IV Monochrome and GR IV HDF, which promise to give compact camera users even more creative flexibility
This new point-and-shoot film compact with autofocus reminds me of my classic Olympus Mju – and I’m totally in for the pre-orders
The Analogue aF-1 has all the ingredients to be a film camera hit
The Ricoh GR III is my favorite compact camera – and Realme's just announced an exciting smartphone equivalent
Realme is launching the GT 8 Pro smartphone on October 14, powered by Ricoh GR, and I can't wait.
