There are a few compact cameras worth considering if you’re in the market for something small that offers great image quality and functionality. In this article, I will mention the seven most important features to consider before buying a compact digital camera. Along with this, you’ll also find a few of my personal recommendations.
Features to Look for in a Compact Digital Camera
Pocketable
First and foremost, a compact camera should be just that – compact. It should fit comfortably in your jacket or pant pocket.
Good Zoom Capability
Whenever I ask people in the market looking to purchase a camera, perhaps the most important feature mentioned is zoom capability. A compact camera that offers a modest 2x or 3x zoom does not provide significantly more reachability than a smartphone camera. I suggest one with at least 4-5 X zoom. Please remember that, in general, greater reach does mean a slightly larger camera and a lens that is not quite as bright (narrower aperture). However, most consumers are willing to make that trade.
Face or Eye Detection
Capable face/eye detection is crucial on a compact camera. When you pull out your camera to capture a fleeting moment, you want a camera that can quickly and accurately detect a human subject to autofocus on. Also, if you lend the camera to someone on the street to take a picture of you, chances are he/she will simply point the camera in your direction and press the shutter button. Face/eye detection vastly increases the chances that the subject will be in best focus.
Different Scene Modes
Having various scene modes on a camera allows the user to quickly set the optimal settings without having to fiddle with aperture, ISO, and shutter speed values. For example, let’s say you wanted to make a portrait at night or capture fireworks. Many good compact cameras have s a scene mode setting just for such occasions.
4K Video
Many of us are “hybrid” shooters and want a tool that can capture photos just as well as videos. Almost all modern compact digital camera can capture 1080p video. However, I recommend finding one that can also capture 4K footage. This will offer much greater detail and allow you to crop the video and still maintain excellent sharpness.
In-Camera Charging
One downside to a very small camera is a very small battery. I recommend carrying at least one spare. However, equally important, is the ability to charge the battery in-camera. I hate carrying around a separate charger just for a camera battery. When traveling light, it’s very important not to have to rely on any external chargers. If available, try to find a camera that allows for charging over a USB-C port, which is often quicker to charge and is more robust than a micro-USB port.
Articulating or Flip Up/Down Screen
A large part of the creative process is making vlogs and capturing selfies. An articulating screen, or a screen that at least flips up or down makes this process much easier. A screen that is mobile also allows you to easily shoot overhead and capture footage from unconventional angles and perspectives.
Specific Recommendations
Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VII
This is the crème de la crème of the compact cameras, but also the most expensive on this list. It checks off all the boxes I’ve listed above. The more notable features are listed below:
- 1 MP stocked CMOS sensor (1”)
- 24-200mm equivalent f/2.8-4.5 zoom lens
- LCD screen that flips up 180° and down 90°
- 4K video
- Industry-leading face and eye Autofocus
- Wi-Fi + Bluetooth + NFC wireless connectivity
- Weight (including card and battery) – 302 g
Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II
This is an excellent, compact camera that offer 5X optical zoom. Its lens doesn’t have quite the reach of the Sony above but is brighter. In addition, the Sony offers phase-detection auto focus while the Canon has contrast-detection autofocus. The more notable features are listed below:
- 1 MP stacked CMOS sensor (1”)
- 24-120mm equivalent f/1.8-2.8 zoom lens
- LCD screen that flips up 180° and down 90°
- 4K video
- Wi-Fi + Bluetooth wireless connectivity
- Weight (including card and battery) – 340 g
Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80
This is the most economical of the three cameras I’m recommending. While it uses a smaller 1/2.3” back side illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor, it does offer a substantial 24-720mm zoom range. The more notable features are listed below:
- 20 MP BSI-CMOS sensor (1/2.3”)
- 24-720mm equivalent f/3.3-6.4 zoom lens
- LCD touchscreen that flips up 180°
- 4K video
- Wi-Fi + Bluetooth wireless connectivity
- Weight (including card and battery) – 327 g
