Not everyone likes the modern digital and mirror chambers with several interchangeable lenses. Some are interested in more compact and easy-to-use devices, which can also be made great pictures.
Today, the so-called "soap is" can replace any smartphone, and more cumbersome mirror cameras are used mainly by professional photographers. But the compact electronic devices are only growing interest. Most of such cameras are particularly cheaper than $ 300, remove at about the same level as the average smartphone. But among the variety of available models, you can find enough interesting options. Especially if you know where to look for them.
Next, we consider the best compact cameras among those available on the market today. But before we proceed directly to the list, it is worth answering several important questions:
- 1 What is a compact camera?
- 2 Benefits of compact cameras
- 3 How to choose a compact chamber?
- 4 SONY RX100 VII
- 5 Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV
- 6 Ricoh GR III
- 7 Leica Q (TYP 116)
- 8 SONY RX1R II
- 9 Canon PowerShot G9x Mark II
- 10 Fujifilm XF10
- 11 Olympus TOUGH TG-6
- 12 FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI 90 NEO Classic
- 13 Panasonic Lumix ZS80
What is a compact camera?
Compact Camera is a camera, first of all designed for convenience of use: You just need to simply bring the device to the desired object and click the shutter button. It can be both simple fully automatic devices and larger options with a variety of shooting and settings modes. In addition, some can be equipped with super sound lenses, but all models combine that the lens is non-removable, in contrast to mirror or mirror-free chambers. This type of camera was the most popular during the previous decade, but the appearance of high-performance smartphones, in fact, usurped the dominance of traditional compact cameras.
However, many stand-alone cameras, especially advanced models that we will talk about, offer something that your smartphone cannot be offered: larger sensors, optical zoom lenses, and also Mechanical diaphragms and shutters that give high quality images.
In addition, some models, for example, the RX10 series from SONY, can be used as a movie camera! Yes, modern smartphones are ideal for everyday shooting and are able to make beautiful images and videos, but advanced compact cameras do our best for users who want to get more control over their cameras.
The advantages of compact cameras
The question is brewing: So why buy a compact camera at all, if today the camera is built into each smartphone? Over the past decade, cheap models really moved to the background, since the phone cameras have become much better, and due to the disappearance of budgetary compact cameras, manufacturers switched to more expensive models.
Specialized CDs usually have two big advantages compared to the smartphone: zoom lens and / or larger sensor. Despite the fact that phones with three or more lenses are now appearing, a compact camera can be equipped with a 30-fold zoom and still fit into the user's pocket!
Advanced cameras also have larger sensors than in the phone, which means better image quality, greater control over depth of field (allowing you to blur the background when saving the sharpness of the object) and clearer Images in low light conditions. Many models are equipped with a single-inch sensor, and some manufacturers are able to "squeeze" a sensor from a mirror chamber into a compact form factor (Ricoh GR III of this example). Such devices as Olympus TOUGH TG-6 are still equipped with a smaller sensor, however, they often offer additional functions with which the phone simply cannot compare (for example, waterproof and macro mode).
How to choose a compact chamber?
To properly choose, you need to know exactly what functions you need. For example, if you need a viewfinder, the search area will significantly decrease. The same applies to the manual exposure and shooting modes in format RAW, frame frequencies per second and the ability of the camera to squeeze photos and landscapes. Drawing up a brief list of these basic functions is the best way to find what you need. Of course, it is worth considering the price (for many users it is at all determining).
For example, the Sony RX camera, which we will talk below are equipped with everything that you may need a photographer, but you do not need all these frills to make a good picture. However, it is also not necessary to be limited to cheap models.
Output One: If you spend a small study, you can find a medium-level camera that will easily provide what you need.
SONY RX100 VII
The RX100 series is popular both among professional photographers and amateurs. Sony RX100 VII is a compact device with excellent picture quality. An ideal option for those who have no opportunity to constantly carry cumbersome professional equipment. The main drawback of the camera is a high price, about 30,000 rubles. But the model is definitely worth its money.
RX100 VII has all the necessary qualities for shooting excellent videos and photos. This is a resolution of 20.1 megapixel, 1-inch CMOS sensor Exmor RS, zoom lens 24-200 mm, ultrafast autofocus (0.02 seconds), improved image stabilizer, electronic viewfinder, touch screen, support 4K permissions, HDR and much more.
SONY CYBER-SHOT RX10 IV
Another camera from Sony, which, unlike the previous one, does not fit into the pocket. The RX10 series is the "compatriot" RX100, and Mark IV - so far the last model of the series having a super sound. The camera was created on the basis of a similar 20 megapixel 1-inch "multilayer" sensor as RX100, and offers the same performance, including serial shooting (24 frames per second), support 4K video, 0.03- Secret autofocus. If the RX100 is the best compact camera that will fit in your pocket, the RX10 is the best compact camera that does not fit in your pocket: it is more functional, but less portable.
RX10 IV is equipped with a massive lens 24-600 mm (in the full-frame equivalent). This camera can shoot literally everything: from open landscapes to close-ups of wildlife, and high autofocus speed means that the camera is capable of imprinted even sport and quick actions. We were impressed not only by speed, but also the quality of serial pictures. Yes, it is this functionality that eventually increased the size of the chamber to the "mirror", but the lens with the same zoom should be much larger.
Naturally, RX10 IV can shoot excellent 4K video with high frame rate, and combined with universal zoom opens a lot of creative traveler capabilities. The main minus of the camera is its price, as it costs more than some models with interchangeable entry-level lenses.
Ricoh GR III
Ricoh GR cameras exist on the market for more than 20 years. First of all, the compact devices of this series are known for high quality pictures and ease of control. They harmoniously combine modern characteristics with the traditional philosophy of GR.
Ricoh GR III is a high-end chamber with a 24.2-megapixel sensor APS-C, with a powerful processor GR ENGINE 6 and 28 mm lens F / 2, eight. Other features: 3-inch touch screen, magnesium case, hybrid autofocus system and video recording ability to be resolved in 1080p. Ricoh GR III fixed lens due to which the camera is slightly less universal compared to competitors. But this does not prevent her from doing great pictures.
Leica Q (TYP 116)
First of all, Leica is famous for excellent lenses that actively use many third-party manufacturers of photographic equipment and mobile devices. However, the company produces its own cameras. They boast compact dimensions, a unique design in retro style, and most importantly - excellent picture quality. Leica Q (TYP 116) is a premium-class device, therefore it has an appropriate price (from 250,000 rubles and higher).
The chamber comes with a 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, 28 mm lens F / 1.7 and autofocus system with contrast detection. In addition, the device supports video recording in 1080p format at 60 fps (frames per second).
SONY RX1R II
Sony RX1 was a very universal camera. In many ways, because it is one of the first to offer a full-frame sensor with relatively small size of the hull. It was for this reason that she was released as an improved compact model. Sony RX1R II is a new version of many cameras already familiar, everything is also limited to the magnificent 35 mm lens F / 2.
If we talk about "stuffing", then it is worth noting the full screen sensor Exmor R CMOS highlighted 42.4MP, a quick hybrid autofocus, a retractable electronic viewfinder, a 3-inch display located at an angle Wi-Fi and NFC.
Canon PowerShot G9x Mark II
Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II is one of the most attractive models in our ranking of the best compact cameras. This is the nearest Sony RX100 competitor, which we mentioned a little earlier. Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II boasts a 20-megapixel 1-inch sensor, three-time optical zoom (equivalent 28-84 mm), a 3-inch screen and shooting speed of 8.2 frames per second. What is most importantly, Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II has more accessible compared to the camera from the SONY price, about 30,000 rubles.
Fujifilm XF10
Fujifilm XF10 is another budget compact camera with a magnificent design. At the moment, its cost varies in the area of 35,000 rubles, which makes it quite affordable for the average consumer. The camera is equipped with a 24.2-sensor APS-C, 18.5 mm lens F / 2.8, 3-inch touch screen and Bluetooth support connections. Despite its relatively low price, Fujifilm XF10 is capable of doing quite good pictures.
OLYMPUS TOUGH TG-6
Olympus Tough TG-6 - a compact camera that will accurately like those engaged in extreme sports. It is dust and waterproof (when immersed to a depth of 50 m), impact-resistant and heat-resistant device with anti-fog protection. The body is hidden 12-megapixel 1 / 2.3-inch sensor, 4.5-18 mm lens F / 2.0 and 3-inch screen. The main difference between Olympus Tough TG-6 from other budget cameras on our list - impact resistance and increased protection against moisture.
FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI 90 NEO Classic
Shooting with instantaneous printing is a fascinating and very creative approach to photography. You do not get the quality or performance of a digital camera, which is why you can safely focus on the experience itself. Fujifilm Instax MINI 90 has the perfect combination of style, functions, size and price, given that most Instax Mini cameras have the same image quality, since all models use the same film inside.
Instax MINI 90 is made in classic design in a very convenient body. There are several functions in the chamber that are not characteristic of cameras with instant printing, including manual setting, various shooting modes, as well as macro. Modern supplements include a battery and a small screen to display its charge and settings of the modes.
In the camera, Instax mini film is used, which is not too expensive, but because of this, literally every picture taken has a certain cost (do not forget about it). There are some great instant cameras on the market, but the Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 offers the best combination of features, size, and price.
Panasonic Lumix ZS80
Panasonic Lumix ZS80 is another compact yet budget camera in our rating. The model is available at an average price of 50,000 rubles and at the same time is able to take really impressive pictures. The camera boasts a quality Leica lens with a 30x zoom (24-720mm equivalent), 3-inch sensor and a resolution of 20.3 MP. In addition, the Panasonic Lumix ZS80 can record 4K video at 30 FPS, as well as capture images at 10 frames per second.
