full manual control compact camera

The Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II would make an excellent choice for those that don't want to take a bigger camera with them but also don't want to compromise on image quality or control. Focus is rapid and exposure is reliable, meaning that you can shoot confidently, and trust that you are going to get good results when you view the photos later. The screen and EVF are both very good, which means you can use these to confirm the quality of your shots while out and about. Colour reproduction was very good, and we were impressed by the results we got back from the camera, with the new sensor and lens combination delivering sharp detailed photos. There will be times when there just isn’t enough light, and the separate flash unit is another thing to forget or lose. There's a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), plus a 3inch vari-angle touch-screen. Noise performance and colour reproduction are excellent, with true DSLR image quality, and similar controls to those found on a Canon DSLR. If however, you are wanting to change lenses, then perhaps the Leica Q might not be the one for you. Overall, the camera makes full-frame photography more accessible with a Leica lens, without the expense of having to buy a Leica M rangefinder and lens, whilst also making it easy to use with autofocus and other beginner-friendly features such as auto and scene modes available. For the professional photographer or those that simply want to get back to the core controls of photography, there are a number of external controls giving direct access to aperture, focus, and shutter controls. This makes it a joy to use the camera. The Mark III features a new 24-70mm equivalent wide-angle lens and a built-in pop-up viewfinder. As well as improved auto-focus modes, the camera features a tilting screen that tilts to face you. The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III features a 1inch 20.2 megapixel backlit CMOS sensor that delivers impressive noise performance and excellent image quality.

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Plus, a number of these types of cameras now feature larger than normal sensors as well as manual controls. It doesn't cost you anything extra when you press our Amazon buttons but by using our Amazon Affiliate links when ordering anything online, you are supporting the site - thank you. If you are in the UK please use the 'Buy On Amazon UK' button. In fact, we were that impressed with the LX100, we gave it our 'Editor's Choice' award. The built-in electronic viewfinder is another useful feature, particularly if regularly shooting outdoors in bright sunny conditions. With a number of external controls, along with a compact and stylish metal body, the Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) is a pleasure to use and we were happy to 'Highly Recommend' it. Inside the X100F you'll find a 24.3Mp APS-C CMOS sensor and new features include an ISO dial built into the shutter speed dial (like the X-Pro2 ) and a focus joystick which allows you to change the focus point without taking your eye off the viewfinder. The 100F is actually the 4th generation of the X100, updating the X100T, and in the evolved version you'll also find the hybrid viewfinder that can switch between optical and electronic views. The Ricoh GR II may seem like a subtle update to the previous camera, however, the camera offers built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, bringing the camera more up to date. Improvements have been made in continuous shooting and the camera feels very rapid in use. For those that want a pocketable camera that can deliver high image quality, without the need for optical zoom, then the Ricoh GR II would make an ideal solution. For those who want a compact camera with a larger than normal 1inch sensor, and a longer zoom than most other serious compacts, then the G7 X Mark II certainly delivers high image quality and rapid speed. With Wi-Fi and NFC built-in, there is very little lacking from the G7 X Mark II, and it's easy to transfer images, as well as control the camera with your smartphone remotely.

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. 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.

The RX100 III takes the already impressive RX100 II image quality and gives an impressive new 24-70mm lens, that is brighter at the telephoto end, and for those that want an electronic viewfinder, the EVF in the RX100 III is excellent, larger than most, and very neatly tucks away keeping the camera compact and pocketable. It features the same control ring as the original G9 X around the lens but adds Bluetooth, a new image processor and faster continuous shooting. The camera also offers improved continuous shooting with an improvement in JPEG shooting, as well as a massive improvement in continuous raw shooting speed. Above all, the G9 X Mark II delivers great image quality and is a pleasure to use. It is capable of up to 30fps RAW shooting, and features a microphone socket for video recording. It features excellent colour reproduction, and an easy to use interface although you might find it a little soft towards the corners of the frame when shooting wide-angle. The Ricoh GR III has one main aim, and that's to be a compact camera with a high-quality lens, and high image quality, and it accomplishes this very well. To find the right memory card for your camera, have a look at our memory card guide. You can find all the latest camera reviews here. New to ePHOTOzine? Join Today! By using our service, you agree to our use of cookies. OK Learn more. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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. 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.

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. 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. 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.