full manual compact camera

Sensor sizes do vary on compact cameras, but they tend on the whole to be smaller than those of DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. Think of these cameras approximately (very, very approximately) as an intermediate stage between beginners' point-and-shoots and professionals' DSLRs. We've split this guide to the best compact cameras into two sections. The first section is for zoom lens compacts. These are the most flexible and useful in day-to-day use, but they tend to have smaller sensors than prime compacts or other types of camera. A zoom lens also can't quite offer the image quality of a really good prime. That's why we've also included a section for cameras with a fixed focal length prime lens. With these cameras, what you lose in general-use flexibility, you gain in sensor size and image quality. If you've never done without a zoom before, it's not nearly as difficult as you think and can actually be incredibly productive for your photography, teaching you to think on your feet and move to get the best shots. We'd recommend giving it a try. With all that said, let's get to the list. Yes, it is pretty pricey for a compact camera, but it houses pretty much the same 24-megapixel APS-C sensor in its slimline body as you'll find in Canon's EOS 80D DSLR and its EOS M mirrorless cameras. This is matched up to a zoom lens that's even more amazing, because it covers a 24-72 equivalent focal range and can still retract into the camera body when you're not taking pictures. The G1 X Mark is pretty pricey, but right now it's pretty much in a class of its own for a premium compact camera with zoom. The G5 X Mark II offers a much broader range of specs, and it's also a little cheaper. If you really want a bigger sensor, keep reading, but the G5 X Mark II does give you a very rounded set of specs for a pocket camera.

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When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more These cameras can now stand up with DSLRs and mirrorless cameras in terms of their imaging potential, with larger sensors, sharper zoom lenses, better video capabilities and a whole lot more besides. Put simply, the term refers to a camera with a fixed lens attached to it. As you might imagine, this has its advantages and disadvantages: there's none of the fuss or expense of changing multiple lenses, but the focal length on the box is the only one you get. The lens on the front might be a high-quality prime designed for sharpness and fidelity, or a zoom to give the user maximum flexibility and versatility. Both approaches have their merits. As you might imagine, compact cameras are hugely popular with all sorts of different types of user. Amateur shooters and families love them for their convenience and affordability, while enthusiasts and experts can get a lot of value out of a self-contained package, especially if it has a high-quality sensor inside. Many compacts are also specifically designed with a retro charm, to evoke a sense of a bygone photographic era. This trend was very much kicked off by Fujifilm with the introduction of its X100 series of APS-C compacts with 35mm equivalent lenses, and these have been so successful that two of the latest models are included on this list. You may also find, scrolling through, that other cameras on this list give you a sense of a bygone era. We've focused on capable models for serious photographers and videographers on this list, so if what you actually need is a simple and inexpensive compact family camera, you might want to take a look at our guide to the best point and shoot cameras you can get right now. Be aware that these have smaller sensors than more expensive compacts, so the picture quality won't be as good.

If you don't need the RX100 VII's high-powered AF, pro-level 4K video features and super-fast continuous shooting, the RX100 III is ideal. A new control layout, a third-generation 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III sensor (with no low-pass filter), an expanded sensitivity range and improved AF might appear more evolution than revolution, but it’s the combination of these refinements that delivers a step-change in performance. The X100V has a new, sharper lens to do justice to the latest sensor and the tilting touchscreen on the back makes this camera much easier to use at awkward angles, without compromising its slimline design. The improved autofocus and 4K video capabilities bring this classic camera design right up to date. The only thing is. while the older X100F stays on sale, it's only two-thirds the price of the X100V, but it's more than two-thirds as good. For now, and until we can get a production sample of the Fujifilm X100V for review, we're putting it just below the X100F in our list. Read more: Fujifilm X100V hands on review Image 1 of 4 (Image credit: Leica) Image 2 of 4 (Image credit: Leica) Image 3 of 4 (Image credit: Leica) Image 4 of 4 (Image credit: Leica) 10. Fixed LCD panel No pop-up flash Leica cameras tend to divide opinions quite strongly. They are fearsomely expensive, built to traditional designs and standards that many consider dated or irrelevant, and rarely match modern rivals for features and technologies. But there's more to cameras than numbers on a spreadsheet, and everything about the Leica Q2 is superb, from its full frame image quality with its new 47 megapixel sensor, through to its Leica-made Summilux lens and its stripped, down minimalist design. Good luck! Read more: Leica Q2 hands on review Image 1 of 5 Image 2 of 5 Image 3 of 5 Image 4 of 5 Image 5 of 5 11.

It combines a Micro Four Thirds sensor that's not much smaller than the ASP-C sensors in mode DSLRs, with a miniaturised lens assembly that powers down into a camera body slim enough to carry around anywhere. The LX100 II is a brand new version of the original LX100, which was, admittedly, starting to show its age. With an external shutter speed dial, lens aperture ring and aspect ratio switch, the LX100 II is a dream compact camera for enthusiasts and experts. It's small enough for your pocket but powerful enough for some serious photography. If you're planning on crafting a vlogging setup it makes sense to choose a zoom compact with strong video capabilities, and for fulfilling those criteria, we'd definitely recommend the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III Popular with YouTubers, this compact camera can shoot uncropped 4K video using the full width of its 1-inch sensor, and has a 3.5mm mic port to allow you to plug in an external microphone for superior sound quality (though the lack of a hotshoe means you have to think a little more about the best way to set it up). The lack of a viewfinder may be a deal-breaker if you're planning to shoot stills as well, but as a capable, portable video solution, the G7 X Mark III is outstanding. The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VII is mad on any number of levels. The plus points include its impressive 24-200mm zoom range in such a small camera, its pop-up electronic viewfinder in a camera that looks too small to have one, and its good-sized 1-inch 20.1MP sensor. It can also shoot 4K video, which is good, but then it all starts to get quite strange. This camera has a super-high-tech 357-point phase-detection autofocus system, a 20fps continuous shooting speed (up to 90fps in Single Burst mode), and 0.02sec AF response with Real-Time AF tracking. All this power is great, and deeply impressive, but it pushes up the price considerable and to some (well, us) might seem out of place on a camera like this.

Both are luxury models - so don't make our rundown of the cheapest full-frame cameras. Your other current option is Leica's sublime Q2, but even a fistful of platinum credit cards may not be enough to get your hands on one, as Leica only produces the Q2 in limited numbers. Alternatively, you can still get the now discontinued Leica Q Typ 116 if you want a slightly more affordable version of the Q2. These exclusive cameras may also stretch your definition of 'compact', with the Leica's 130 x 80 x 92mm dimensions being similar to some smaller mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. But if only the best compact camera will do, one of these pocket powerhouses is for you. Fixed LCD panel No pop-up flash The original Q's full-frame sensor was capable of gorgeous image quality, but its 24.2MP resolution was starting to look somewhat pedestrian. The Q2 rectifies this as its full-frame sensor now boasts a huge 47.3MP resolution. This not only beats the Sony RX1R II, it's enough to outdo most DSLRs and mirrorless system cameras. Another neat addition to the Q2 is it’s now dust and weather protected, with an IP52 rating. There’s a new minimum ISO 50 sensitivity, while max ISO remains a respectable 50,000. The top mechanical burst mode is still 10fps, but there’s now an electronic shutter option that delivers a blistering 20fps. Autofocus is claimed to be as fast as 0.15 seconds and we found it to be rapid and responsive in real-world use. It all comes together to produce stunning image quality with amazing detail. Real-world shots taken throughout the sensitivity range look fantastic at standard printing sizes, and also hold up well to scrutiny at 100%. Colours are beautifully saturated, too. All this does take its toll on battery life though - a second battery is a must. Other annoyances are a lack of optical image stabilization, and the 3-inch, 1,228k-dot screen isn't touch-sensitive.

In fact, this camera is so slim you can easily slide it into a jacket pocket and it's this, as well as the relatively low price, that makes it so appealing for quality conscious photographers who don't want to speed a lot of money. Image 1 of 4 (Image credit: Ricoh) Image 2 of 4 (Image credit: Ricoh) Image 3 of 4 (Image credit: Ricoh) Image 4 of 4 (Image credit: Ricoh) 12. However, its specs and its performance are now looking a little behind the curve compared to its latest rivals. GR fans, or GRists as Ricoh call them, will love this update of an iconic camera. But in the world of multi-lens camera phones the wider appeal of this fixed lens compact will probably be limited. This is a beautiful-sized APS-C compact, ideal for carrying around in the pocket, and for discrete street photography. But this is sold at a luxury price that is no longer justified by the the build quality or the feature set. Read more: Ricoh GR III review Read more: The best full-frame compact cameras The best APS-C compact cameras The best travel cameras The 10 best action cameras The best digital cameras The best cheap camera deals The best beginner cameras The best point-and-shoot cameras The best waterproof cameras The best cameras for kids The best pink cameras Round up of today's best deals Canon Refurbished PowerShot.You will receive a verification email shortly. Please refresh the page and try again. You can unsubscribe at any time and we'll never share your details without your permission. Visit our corporate site. New York. Learn more You go full-frame, of course. Full-frame compact cameras offer the ultimate combination of unbeatable image quality wrapped up in a camera small enough to carry in a jacket pocket. It all sounds too good to be true, and sadly for most of us, it probably is. Few people demand such specialized compact cameras, so just two manufacturers make full-frame compacts: Sony, and Leica.

The new sensor even manages to generate slightly cleaner images with less image noise when compared to the GR II throughout the sensitivity scale. It’s a pity there’s no built-in viewfinder or flash though, and the all-plastic body, though very solid and in-keeping with the long-established GR aesthetic, lacks a premium feel. An additional Digital Teleconverter feature also allows focal lengths equivalent to 35mm and 50mm to be used too, albeit at the expense of sensor resolution. The XF10's build is more comparable with the plasticy Ricoh GR III than the premium X100F, but at just 279g ready to shoot, the XF10 is almost half the weight of its Fujifilm sibling. It’s also significantly smaller at just 112.5 x 64.4 x 41mm, though that's still not quite as compact as the ultra-portable GR III. Read more: The best travel cameras The 10 best action cameras The best digital cameras The best cheap camera deals The best beginner cameras The best point-and-shoot cameras The best waterproof cameras The best cameras for kids The best pink cameras Round up of today's best deals Canon Refurbished PowerShot.You will receive a verification email shortly. Please refresh the page and try again. You can unsubscribe at any time and we'll never share your details without your permission. Visit our corporate site. New York. Learn more The X100V has a new, sharper lens to do justice to the latest sensor and the tilting touchscreen on the back makes this camera much easier to use at awkward angles, without compromising its slimline design. The improved autofocus and 4K video capabilities bring this classic camera design right up to date. Unlike other X-series cameras, it doesn’t take interchangeable lenses. The X100V is the fifth version of this design, and has Fujifilm’s latest 26.1-megapixel X-Trans processor, a new and superior lens and a new tilting touchscreen.

There are some ergonomic enhancements too, but fundamentally this is the same design that has developed a cult following amongst enthusiast and pro photographers. It's clearly set to be one of the best Fujifilm cameras for fans of the brand, and certainly one of the best compact cameras for enthusiasts. The fixed focal length lens limits it a little as a travel camera, but its slim body certainly makes it portable enough. It even has an external ISO dial to go with them. You can’t change lenses on this camera, but you can use Fujifilm’s optional WCL-X100 II wide conversion lens to get a 28mm equivalent focal length, or the TCL-X100 II tele-conversion lens for 50mm equivalent. It’s also possible to attach an optional AR-X100 adapter ring and the PRF-49 protection filter to make the camera weather-resistant. We’re told that the camera is largely weather-resistant already, and it’s just the lens needs the extra protection. (Fujifilm says that making the lens weather resistant too would have made it too bulky for this camera’s slim design.) Inside, the X100V now has Fujifilm’s latest 26.1-megapixel APS-C X-Trans 4 back-illuminated sensor. This has a modest 2-megapixel increase in resolution over the previous model, but the chief advantage is a big improvement to the autofocus system, faster processing speeds and the 4K video capabilities. And for more advanced filmmaking, it can record 10-bit 4:2:2 quality video to an external recorder via its HDMI port. It’s no smaller in width or height than the average mirrorless camera, but much, much slimmer. It’s well made, too. Close up, the differences from previous models become obvious. This sounds like a small point, but will be exciting news to the many fans of the X100 series cameras. There’s no D-pad on this camera, but there is a small joystick for AF point selection and menu navigation. The Q button the X100V is surprisingly small, and located on the far right side of the body where your thumb rests.

You do however get an electronic viewfinder which retracts into the camera body, and there’s a hybrid autofocusing system with 399 phase-detection autofocus points and 25 contract detect points, boosting focusing speeds by 30% compared to the original RX1R. Its superb engineering and simple controls are hard not to fall in love with. The key thing that makes this an inferior model to the newer Q2 is the resolution.Read more: The best travel cameras The 10 best action cameras The best digital cameras The best cheap camera deals The best beginner cameras The best point-and-shoot cameras The best waterproof cameras The best cameras for kids The best pink cameras Round up of today's best deals Leica Q2 Digital Camera.You will receive a verification email shortly. Please refresh the page and try again. You can unsubscribe at any time and we'll never share your details without your permission. Visit our corporate site. New York. Learn more The best way to achieve this is to fit a big image sensor, and there's a decent selection of cameras packing large APS-C-sized sensors that can outgun even the best camera phone for image quality. With an APS-C compact, you're essentially getting DSLR image quality from a camera that can fit in a jacket pocket. APS-C compact cameras are almost the perfect blend of performance and practicality - only a full-frame compact camera can produce better image quality. However, there are a couple of potential drawbacks to consider before you buy. A bigger sensor traditionally requires a larger lens, so to minimize bulk, most APS-C compacts have a fixed focal length lens, although Canon has managed to equip its APS-C G1 X Mark III with a 3x zoom lens. APS-C sensors are relatively thirsty, which isn't a problem when they're powered by a beefy DSLR battery, but a compact camera only has space for a compact battery, resulting in a short battery life of around 200-250 shots.

There’s just room for a zoom ring around the lens, although this does operate electronically and with an annoying lag. Otherwise the camera handles well and build quality is solid. There’s a generous sculpted grip on the front and rear, while both the 2,360k-dot OLED EVF and 3-inch, 1,040k-dot vari-angle screen are a pleasure to use, with the latter being touch-sensitive. Canon’s excellent 49-point Dual Pixel AF is DSLR-fast and accurate, and the speed continues with up to 9fps burst shooting. As you’d expect for an APS-C sensor, image quality is high, with great detail reproduction and dynamic range in good light. Low light shots are just as impressive due to well-controlled noise, while the lens is sharp and distortion-free. Then there’s the superb hybrid viewfinder that can be switched between an optical finder and a 2,360k-dot EVF, giving you the best of both worlds. Fujifilm’s 24.3MP APS-C X-trans III sensor puts in a good performance, producing impressively clean ISO 6400 shots while maintaining similar detail levels to the other APS-C cameras on test. Fujifilm’s dynamic range expansion modes are effective too, especially for retaining delicate highlight detail. The X100F’s 325-point AF speed has been criticised, but it's snappy enough in 91-point mode. More annoying is the 35mm-equivalent fixed focal length lens which, while sharp and fast, gives a frustratingly narrow field of view, although a 28mm converter is an option. This is also a surprisingly bulky camera given its fixed focal length lens, especially next to a camera like the Ricoh GR III, which packs the same sized sensor. Even so, few other cameras give such a rewarding shooting experience. The sculpted front grip makes it feel secure in the hand, and there’s a full complement of rear panel buttons, as well as multi-function front and rear control wheels. The GR III’s 24.2MP sensor is a healthy upgrade on the 16.2MP resolution offered by the old GR II.

It’s not that easy to find by touch, but it’s likely you’ll soon get used to its position. You also have to hunt around to find the focus mode switch, which is in an unusual position on the left side of the body. The hybrid viewfinder is quite fascinating. In OVF mode, however, the magnification switches to show a wider view of the scene with bright framing guides a little way in from the edges. Otherwise, the X100V is very much like its predecessors to use. The external exposure dials encourage you to pay much more attention to shutter speeds and apertures (and their creative potential), and the slim body makes it a perfect everyday take-anywhere camera. The new lens does actually focus very close indeed, so that although it’s not a true 1:1 macro lens, it can still capture shots of small objects. It is a lot snappier, though it still doesn’t quite have the speed and silky smoothness of Fujifilm’s best X-mount lenses. Indeed, in real world use, even if it lacks the finesse of some X-mount lenses it is fast and, more to the point, doesn’t seem to miss a shot or 'hunt' for focus. The colors are excellent, and despite having more megapixels than most of its APS-C rivals, the X100V maintains good image quality right across the ISO range. Our sample images received only slight editing, except where indicated. Video The Fujifilm X100V and its fixed prime lens might not be the obvious choice for a video camera, but the video quality is really nice. The 200Mbps bitrate is very decent from what is essentially a small point and click camera. You can even shoot in DCI 4K at 17:9, which is what we used for our sample video below. There are a few annoyances for video shooters. First, there's just a single UHS-I card slot, and changing both the memory card and the battery means you have to unmount the camera from any tripod or gimbal plate. This is a factor because this camera has neither in-body nor in-lens stabilization, making a tripod or gimbal a pretty important accessory.

It was a bit of a disappointment, too, to find that the in-build ND filter appears to work only for stills photography and not for video. That's a shame because we were hoping to get some nice shallow focus footage with this camera. For static shots, the autofocus is very fast and reliable, but with anything moving it does struggle a bit. Lab data We compared the X100V to rival fixed lens APS-C compact cameras including the Canon G1 X Mark III and Ricoh GR III. But for the same money as the X100V there's no shortage of capable compact system cameras available, which in the case of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 III can be fitted with an equally svelte lens. Resolution: (Image credit: Future) With its 26.1MP sensor, it's no surprise that the X100V can resolve more fine detail than the 24.2MP Ricoh GR III and Canon G1 X III. But it should be noted that the X100V manages to maintain excellent image clarity right to the top of its ISO 12800 sensitivity scale, rendering even this high sensitivity completely usable in real world shooting. Dynamic range: (Image credit: Future) Fujifilm's X-Trans sensors have traditionally delivered wide dynamic range, and the X100V's X-Trans 4 sensor is no exception. It performs almost identically to the Ricoh GR III up to ISO 1600, but pulls ahead at higher sensitivities, with almost 12 stops of dynamic range at ISO 3200 - hugely impressive for its class. Signal to noise ratio: (Image credit: Future) Our signal to noise test measures image clarity, specifically the ratio of the actual image 'data' you want to capture, versus the image noise that you don't want, but will inevitably be visible when shooting at higher ISO sensitivities. The higher the score at a given ISO sensitivity, the better. The X100V can't quite match the clarity of the G1 X Mark III's images at low sensitivities.

However, image quality differences in this test are more noticeable at higher ISOs, where the Fujifilm delivers images with less noise than those from rival cameras, though the differences are subtle. The improved autofocus and 4K video capabilities bring this classic camera design right up to date.You will receive a verification email shortly. Please refresh the page and try again. You can unsubscribe at any time and we'll never share your details without your permission. Visit our corporate site. New York. Learn more What separates the Panasonic Lumix ZS200 (known as the Lumix TZ200 outside of the US, except in Australia where it's called the Lumix TZ220) from other travel zoom compacts that cost half the price is the sensor at the heart of the camera. It's a 1.0-inch sensor with a resolution of 20.1MP, and that surface area is about four times the size of the sensors in most other travel zoom compacts. This means image quality is much better, with much greater detail. There's also raw capture to help achieve the best quality results from your images, while the handy control wheel round the lens offers quick adjustment for a range of settings. It's the most expensive travel camera out there right now, but there's no other camera out there that offers a 15x optical zoom and 1.0-inch sensor in a compact body. Image 1 of 7 Image 2 of 7 Image 3 of 7 Image 4 of 7 Image 5 of 7 Image 6 of 7 Image 7 of 7 Who’s it for and should I buy it. The large 1.0-inch sensor delivers great results, while the 15x zoom range means you should be able to shoot anything from landscapes and architecture to tight portraits and details. It's easy to use, but there are also plenty of manual controls should you want to get a bit more creative, while the compact metal body shouldn't weigh you down. It delivers similar image quality, the 10x zoom still offers plenty of versatility and it's that bit more affordable.

With such a large 15x zoom comes the risk of camera shake ruining shots, so Panasonic's Power OIS stabilization system is on hand to counteract unwanted movement for stills photography, and there's five-axis hybrid OIS stabilization for video. The camera also features a new eco30fps mode, which reduces the Live View refresh rate and which should see the camera good for around 370 shots (if you're using the rear LCD) per charge. The battery can be charged via AC or USB, although if you're not going to be near a power supply for a while, you might want to invest in a second battery. Finally, there's a Bluetooth Low Energy connection to enable a consistent connection with a smartphone or tablet with minimum power consumption, alongside the usual Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows for quick transfer of images. In fact, it's only 1mm wider at 112mm, 1mm thicker at 45mm and 2mm taller at 66mm; that's pretty impressive considering the 15x zoom and 1-inch sensor it packs into its body. While it's probably a bit too big to slip into a jeans pocket comfortably (although you could probably cram it in at a push), it'll hardly take up any space in a day bag, while the smooth metal exterior finish gives it a premium and durable feel. There's a dedicated mode dial on the top (there are a selection of automated modes, along with more advanced program, aperture priority, shutter priority and manual options), and there's an additional dial that offers control over different functions depending on the shooting mode you're in; if you're working in aperture priority mode, for example, you can use it to alter the aperture, while it can also be used for toggling exposure compensation. The control ring around the lens facilitates quick adjustments to a variety of settings, depending on the mode you're in. For instance, if you're in aperture priority mode its default setting is to control the lens aperture.

If you prefer, though, you can set it to control other settings, including zoom, exposure compensation and white balance. At lower sensitivities images (both JPEG and raw) handle noise well, but inevitably the quality of JPEGs in particular suffers as you boost the ISO. If you're shooting JPEGs, be prepared for images to display signs of detail smoothing as the camera tries to reduce the effects of noise. This can cause cameras to struggle, either producing images that are too dark or too light, as the sensor doesn't have the dynamic range to cope with the wide tonal range. Lens performance is good considering that Panasonic has managed to squeeze a 15x optic into such a compact body. Sharpness does suffer a little at the long end of the range, but vignetting and distortions are well controlled at the wider end. The 10x optical zoom isn't quite as broad but it still offers a decent reach, while image quality is very good. There's also a brilliant pop-up EVF. Pricey but brilliant. While there are plenty of other compacts out there that offer this, they have smaller sensors.You will receive a verification email shortly. Please refresh the page and try again. You can unsubscribe at any time and we'll never share your details without your permission. Visit our corporate site. New York. Learn more If you want something which can deliver more than your smartphone, but still doesn’t up too much real estate in your bag, then you’ve come to the right place. Here we round up a bunch of cameras that can deliver something that your smartphone can’t quite muster. Whether that’s a larger sensor, manual control for creative freedom or a zoom lens to get you closer to your subject, there’s a range of good options here. Perhaps you’re also looking for something which is good for video work or vlogging, as well as something that will suit travel and day trips. Our “best of the best” recommendation comes in the shape of the Sony RX100 VII.