Top 5 Best Compact Cameras of 2025

We frequently hear the question or statement, “Don’t most people just use their phones?” when discussing the top small cameras. There is a compelling argument for a dedicated camera, particularly those in this guide, even though the best camera phones can still deliver great results. In a way that is much more difficult with a phone, being creative with a dedicated camera can also be very beneficial to your mental health.

The compact cameras listed below aren’t your typical point-and-shoots; trust us, we’ve reviewed hundreds and hundreds of camera phones, accessories, and compact cameras since TechRadar’s 2008 launch. Each of them has smartphone-beating features that are specific to each kind of photographer, such as improved handling, a sharper lens, a large full-frame sensor, an enormous optical zoom range, or tools that are useful for vlogging.

If you are able to purchase one, we would recommend the Fujifilm X100VI over all other compact cameras that we have tested. Thanks to its alluring formula—a distinctive hybrid viewfinder, superb image quality, efficient stabilization, and a retro aesthetic—it has experienced viral success. If it’s not the right choice for you, our guide will assist you in locating a different small camera that fits your needs and price range. The results of our extensive reviews by real-world experts have been condensed, and the resulting list has been categorized by use-case.

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Last update on 2025-03-30 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Top 5 Best Compact Cameras of 2025

1.Fujifilm X100VI

Last update on 2025-03-30 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Photographers who want a fixed-lens camera with handling and image quality comparable to swappable-lens models have long favored the Fujifilm X100 series. With a retro-style exterior, physical dial controls, and a unique optical-electronic hybrid viewfinder, the most recent model, the X100VI , has all the same appeal as previous models. Under the hood, this model is improved over the outstanding X100V with in-body stabilization and a fantastic 40MP sensor that allows digital zoom.Earlier versions were always a joy to use, but these improvements add real utility and reinforce just how enjoyable it is to hold the camera and use it to make images. It easily earns our Editors’ Choice award for compact cameras and gets an even stronger endorsement than its predecessors, a rare five-star rating. The only real issue is availability: The X100VI is already on back order, so you’ll have to wait in line to get one.

The 1960s and 1970s rangefinder cameras served as the model for the X100VI. The camera’s exterior and handling are reminiscent of vintage fixed-lens rangefinders, such as those from the Canonet series, despite the fact that the entire interior is digital. The X100VI has a corner-positioned viewfinder and a permanently mounted prime lens with a moderately wide field of view, just like these vintage models. Fans of rangefinders who want something smaller than Fuji’s interchangeable-lens X-Pro3 or who don’t want to shell out top dollar for a Leica M11 will find this to be very appealing.

Despite having features that go beyond the basics and being designed for jacket pockets rather than jeans pockets, I still consider the X100VI to be a small point-and-shoot camera. At 2.9 by 5.0 by 2.2 inches (HWD) and weighing roughly 1.1 pounds, it’s still manageable to carry. Both an all-black and a two-tone, silver-and-black finish are available from Fuji. Although I’ve tried both, I believe the latter option is superior. Naturally, those who want a less obvious camera will probably favor the more covert black version.

The quality of the construction is excellent. To create a solid feel, Fuji uses aluminum for the top and bottom plates and wraps a leatherette around a magnesium alloy frame. The camera includes dust and splash protection, but it isn’t fully weather-sealed since the front of the lens is a potential ingress point. However, you can add the AR-X100 filter adapter and PRF-49 or another 49mm filter to plug the gap and make the camera fully dust- and drip-resistant.

One of my few grievances with the X100VI is that the filter and adapter ring are not included in the box. Additionally absent is a lens hood, which is a useful accessory given that the fixed 23mm F2 prime can exhibit some flare. Because the two must be used together, the AR-X100 filter adapter is included in the price of the LH-X100 hood. However, some aftermarket hoods attach straight to the X100VI’s integrated accessory thread.

There are many third-party hoods available because the X100VI uses the same accessories as earlier models. Additionally, the new camera uses the same add-on grips and baseplates as the Mark V, despite being slightly thicker than the X100V due to a design change that accommodates the in-camera image stabilization system. I had no trouble using the little built-in grip, but if you like more body depth, you might want to add one. The SmallRig add-on, which also functions as an Arca-Swiss baseplate, costs about. Although I haven’t used this specific grip, I’ve found that other SmallRig accessories are effective.

2.RICOH GR III

Last update on 2025-03-30 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Ricoh frequently releases its seasoned GR III small camera in various finishes, but the $1,069.95 GR III HDF replaces the in-lens neutral density (ND) filter with a Highlight Diffusion Filter (HDF), going beyond the aesthetic modifications of the Diary, Urban, and other limited run editions. Other than that, it’s the same fantastic pocket camera as before: It combines an efficient hybrid phase-contrast autofocus system with a sharp, wide-angle lens and a stabilized APS-C image sensor. Thanks to its excellent image quality and understated design, the GR III series is still particularly well-suited for photojournalists and documentarians.

Ricoh’s third-generation GR series includes the GR III HDF, as the name would imply. Although the GR III differs slightly from its predecessors in terms of body style and price, they are all similar in terms of concept and execution. You can carry a GR camera in your pocket and use it with just one hand. Furthermore, it produces images with the same clarity and color depth as many entry-level interchangeable lens cameras (ILCs) thanks to its APS-C sensor.

The GR III HDF weighs only 9.1 ounces and has dimensions of 2.4 by 4.3 by 1.3 inches (HWD). Compared to the iPhone 15, it has a smaller design (5.81 by 2.81 by 0.31 inches), and the camera is manageable to fit in a normal pocket. When compared to peers with larger sensors, it is unquestionably the smallest camera. The Fujifilm X100VI (2.9 by 5.0 by 2.2 inches, 1.1 pounds) and Leica D-Lux 8 (2.7 by 4.7 by 2.4 inches, 14.0 ounces) are a size larger. However, unlike those options, the GR III HDF lacks an electronic viewfinder (EVF).

Ricoh may introduce other color options, similar to what it has done with the standard GR III, but the HDF is only available in black. Because of its magnesium alloy chassis and exterior, the GR III feels like a serious camera despite its diminutive size. However, there is no weather protection, and the lens lacks a manual focus ring and a built-in filter thread. In contrast to the Leica Q3, which is weather-sealed, the X100VI is fully protected from the elements if you buy a protective filter and the required mounting adapter.

3.Sony RX100 VII

Last update on 2025-03-30 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Some people just like the feel of a dedicated camera in their hands, or they want a little more zoom power than what a multi-lens iPhone offers. However, smartphone cameras are still improving due to advances in image processing, or computational photography.

With a lens that matches a full-frame 24-200mm in terms of coverage, the RX100 VII has a lot of zoom power. Though it only captures roughly half the light, it is longer than the 24-70mm design used in some other models in the series, such as the RX100 VA. The Canon G5 X Mark II, which has a 24-120mm f/1.8-2.8 zoom, is a comparable camera with a little zoom and a brighter lens.

The RX100 VII weighs 10.7 ounces and measures 2.3 by 4.0 by 1.7 inches (HWD), making it not the lightest or slimmest compact available. However, its weight is a result of intricate optics and a construction that uses more metal than plastic, and it fits easily into jacket pockets. Although it lacks a visible handgrip of any kind, photographers who would like one can purchase grips from third parties or first parties.

It’s still important to use caution because the camera isn’t waterproof or durable. Dust and splash protection are provided by Sony’s larger bridge-style RX10 series, but if you want a device with an image sensor larger than your smartphone, there aren’t many truly rugged options. Sealife offers the DC2000, a 1-inch waterproof model, but it lacks a zoom lens and has incredibly basic features.

Even though Sony continues to produce RX100s year after year, the company hasn’t made many changes to the basic layout and design of the controls since the series’ inception. Consult our RX100 buying guide to learn more about the variations among each model.

A freely rotating control ring surrounds the lens; it can be set up for a number of purposes, but I prefer to use it for EV compensation. With the rest of the controls on the back, to the right of the tilting display, it is joined by the standard zoom rocker switch, shutter release, Mode dial, and On/Off button on top.

4.Sony ZV-1

Last update on 2025-03-30 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Designed specifically for vloggers, the Sony ZV-1 is the company’s first small camera. It has many of the same technologies as the RX100 family, such as the imaging engine from the RX100 VII and the lens from the RX100 VA. However, those models are stills-only, whereas the ZV-1 has a flip-forward LCD, a top-notch internal microphone, and a more video-friendly design. Although the lens is a bit too tight for walk-and-talk footage and the battery life isn’t great, it’s a decent camera for vloggers.The ZV-1 is a small camera, just 2.4 by 4.2 by 1.7 inches (HWD) and 10.4 ounces. Its lens doesn’t completely retract into the body—it juts out a little bit—but it’s compact enough for most pockets.

Sony has opted for a composite material for the body, a departure from the metal exterior used by the RX100 series. It’s a fine change if you ask me—the body feels solid and the finish is likely to hold up better over time. There’s still a bit of metal around the lens, giving it a little extra protection.

Additionally, the ZV-1 has a small handgrip, which the RX100 family did not have. Sadly, it’s not a very good grip. Although I did like it for vlogs and selfies, it actually makes the camera harder to hold in most situations.

The GP-VPT2BT Wireless Shooting Grip is something I advise including. The add-on connects to the ZV-1 via Bluetooth and fastens to the camera tripod socket. It functions as both a tabletop tripod and a grip for a handheld pistol.

Using the ZV-1 with the grip attached is more comfortable. Basic controls are also included, such as a zoom rocker, a customizable C1, and buttons to take pictures and record and pause videos.Adding the grip certainly keeps the ZV-1 out of pockets, but the package is still small enough to stow in a small bag. It’s worth it, though, if you plan on doing a lot of handheld video recording.

The ZV-1 has more control buttons and options than you find on the grip itself. The top plate houses the On/Off, Mode, Record, and C1 buttons, as well as the shutter release and zoom rocker. The hot shoe and built-in mic are also up top—if you use the included windscreen to protect the mic, the On/Off button is visually obscured, but still accessible.

The rear is dominated by the swing-out LCD. It doubles as a power control, hepful if you’re using the windscreen and having trouble finding the On/Off button by feel. When the LCD is closed the screen is protected and the camera is powered off—swivel it around so it’s showing, or swing it out to the side, and the camera turns on automatically.

5.Canon PowerShot SX740

Last update on 2025-03-30 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The more recent DIGIC 8 processing engine is the first, enhancing video quality from Full HD to 4K. This has also made it possible to improve image stabilization a bit and increase burst shooting from the SX730’s 5.9 frames per second to a much faster 10 frames per second.

The SX740’s more efficient processing engine undoubtedly contributes to its slightly longer battery life. Additionally, the menu system is significantly better than the SX730 and more akin to those found on EOS DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.

Otherwise, the PowerShot SX740 HS offers much of what we saw on the previous model, including a respectable combination of 20.3MP sensor, a 3-inch flip-up LCD screen, and the option of manual control over shooting settings. The centerpiece, however, is the 40x optical zoom lens, which covers an exhaustive range of 24-960mm in 35mm terms.

The body appears to be a mixture of metal and polycarbonate, which gives it a more solid feel than many other compacts. Despite its small size, Canon has done well to include many physical controls while keeping them large enough to be comfortable to operate – not something every compact of this kind can boast.

All buttons press positively into the body, and the dial on the back of the camera turns easily too. The LCD screen moves with ease, although it’s a shame that a good proportion of the screen doesn’t actually display the image, and that it’s not touch-sensitive, which is somewhat out of line with our expectations for a compact in 2019. The lack of a viewfinder is also a pity, particularly for a camera that’s likely to be used for the most part outdoors, where visibility of the LCD screen can suffer. 

The SX740’s autofocusing system is nice and snappy, and generally does a good job regardless of where you are in the focal range. It even does well at the telephoto end, which is traditionally something of a weak point on such cameras, although this does in part depend on the contrast of the subject being shot.