We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Compact Cameras 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera | 20.3MP CMOS Sensor, 40x Optical Zoom, 4K UHD Video, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth | Compact Point-and-Shoot Camera with Bag and 64GB Card

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is a strong choice for anyone seeking a compact camera that combines portability with powerful zoom capabilities. Its 20.3MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor and Canon’s DIGIC 8 processor work together to produce sharp, vibrant images suitable for day-to-day photography and travel. One of its standout features is the impressive 40x optical zoom lens (24-960mm equivalent), which allows you to capture everything from broad landscapes to distant details without sacrificing image quality. The lens aperture ranges from f/2.8 to f/5.6, which is fairly standard for this type of camera, though it may struggle a bit in very low light conditions compared to cameras with larger sensors or faster lenses. The optical image stabilization helps keep photos and 4K UHD videos steady, which is especially useful when shooting handheld at long zoom ranges.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,279
Megapixels
Build Quality and Design

Most important from
37 reviews

Megapixels
The camera delivers fantastic photos with settings that make pictures look professionally taken.
Build Quality and Design
The lightweight, easy-to-use design suits casual photographers seeking high resolution without complexity.
#2
9.1 score

Sony RX1R III Full-Frame Premium Compact Camera Optimized with 61 MP CMOS Sensor, ZEISS® Sonnar T* 35mm F2 Lens, BIONZ XR™ Processor and AI-Based Subject Recognition

The Sony RX1R III is a premium compact camera designed for photographers who want outstanding image quality in a small package. Its standout feature is the large 61MP full-frame sensor, which captures incredible detail and sharpness, making it ideal for those who value high-resolution photos. The fixed ZEISS 35mm f/2 lens is bright and sharp, perfect for portraits and street photography, though it doesn’t offer zoom flexibility since the camera has only a single focal length.

Rating
9.1
Sensor Size
Megapixels
Video Capabilities

Most important from
4 reviews

Sensor Size
Delivers outstanding image quality with a 61MP full-frame sensor packed into a remarkably compact and lightweight body.
Megapixels
Delivers outstanding image quality with a 61MP full-frame sensor packed into a remarkably compact and lightweight body.
Video Capabilities
While video capabilities are solid with 4K 30fps and Full HD 120fps, this camera is primarily tailored for still photography.
Build Quality and Design
Offers a unique combination of premium build, image quality, and compact size that justifies the investment for those who want top-tier photography in a pocketable form.
#3
8.5 score

Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera with 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor (DSCRX100M7)

The Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera is designed for those seeking high-quality photography in a compact size. It features a 20.1MP 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor, delivering excellent image quality. The Zeiss Vario Sonnar T lens with 24-200mm focal length and f/2.8-4.5 aperture offers a versatile zoom range suitable for various photography styles, from wide-angle landscapes to detailed close-ups. Its fast autofocus system, with 357 phase-detection and 425 contrast-detection points, ensures sharp images and is particularly beneficial for capturing moving subjects.

Rating
8.5
Megapixels
Zoom Range
Image Stabilization

Most important from
630 reviews

Megapixels
With its 24-200mm focal range and 20MP resolution, this camera provides remarkable versatility for various photography styles.
Zoom Range
The almost blackout-free shooting and 200mm zoom capabilities are a significant upgrade, maintaining extreme portability for travel.
Image Stabilization
This camera offers fantastic image stabilization, making it ideal for vlogging and capturing steady videos while walking.
Build Quality and Design
The build quality is top-notch, consistent with Sony's previous RX models, ensuring durability and reliability.

Top 10 Best Compact Cameras 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera | 20.3MP CMOS Sensor, 40x Optical Zoom, 4K UHD Video, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth | Compact Point-and-Shoot Camera with Bag and 64GB Card

Sensor Size: 1/2.3-inch
Megapixels: 20.3 MP
Zoom Range: 40x optical zoom (24-960mm equiv)
Aperture: f/2.8 to f/5.6
Image Stabilization: Optical 5-axis built-in stabilization
Video Capabilities: 4K UHD video at 30 FPS
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Battery Life: 1250 mAh battery
Build Quality and Design: Lightweight plastic, compact, no weather seal

Chosen by 1279 this week

Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera with 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor (DSCRX100M7)

Sensor Size: 1.0-type
Megapixels: 20.1 MP
Zoom Range: 24-200mm
Aperture: f/2.8-4.5
Image Stabilization: Optical, Digital
Video Capabilities: 4K
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Battery Life: 1240mAh

KODAK PIXPRO FZ55-BK 16MP CMOS Sensor Digital Camera 5X Optical Zoom 28mm Wide Angle 1080P Full HD Video 2.7" LCD Vlogging Camera (Black)

Sensor Size: 1/2.3-inch
Megapixels: 16 MP
Zoom Range: 5x optical, 28mm wide-angle
Aperture: F3.9-F6.3
Image Stabilization: Digital
Video Capabilities: 1080p Full HD
Connectivity: USB, HDMI
Battery Life: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Build Quality and Design: Lightweight, compact

Canon PowerShot V1, Hybrid Camera, Built-in Ultra-Wide-Angle Zoom Lens, 4K Video, Vlogging, Live Streaming, Content Creation, Compact Design

Sensor Size: Full Frame (35mm)
Megapixels: 23.9 MP
Zoom Range: 16-50mm, 3.1x optical zoom
Aperture: f/2.8-4.5
Image Stabilization: Optical and Digital
Video Capabilities: 4K, Canon Log 3, 10-bit color
Connectivity: Wi-Fi
Battery Life: Single lithium-ion battery
Build Quality and Design: Compact, lightweight, cooling fan

Fujifilm X100VI Digital Camera - Black

Megapixels: 40.2MP
Zoom Range: 1x optical, 1.4x and 2x digital
Aperture: f/2
Image Stabilization: Sensor-shift, up to 6 stops
Build Quality and Design: Solid, stylish, premium design

Leica Q3 Digital Camera 19080 *OPEN BOX*

Sensor Size: Full Frame (35mm)
Megapixels: 60 MP
Zoom Range: Digital zoom up to 90mm
Aperture: f/1.7
Image Stabilization: Digital
Video Capabilities: 8K 30p, 4K 60p, Full HD 120p
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB
Build Quality and Design: Water resistant, premium, 5 lbs, compact

Leica Q2 Monochrom Full Frame Compact Digital Camera

Sensor Size: Full Frame (35mm)
Megapixels: 47.3 MP
Zoom Range: 1x Optical, 2.7x Digital
Aperture: f/1.7
Image Stabilization: Optical
Video Capabilities: 4K at 24p, 30p, 120p
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Battery Life: Approx. 350 shots
Build Quality and Design: Robust, premium, heavier than compact

Sony ZV-1F Vlog Camera for Content Creators and Vloggers White

Sensor Size: 1-inch
Zoom Range: up to 30mm
Aperture: F2
Image Stabilization: Digital
Video Capabilities: MP4
Battery Life: 1 AA battery required
Build Quality and Design: light and compact
How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Buying Guide for the Best Compact Cameras

Choosing the right compact camera can be a fun and rewarding experience. Compact cameras are great for those who want a portable and easy-to-use device that still offers good image quality. When selecting a compact camera, it's important to consider several key specifications that will affect your overall experience and the quality of your photos. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and find the best camera for your needs.
Sensor SizeThe sensor size in a camera determines how much light it can capture, which directly affects image quality. Larger sensors generally produce better images, especially in low light conditions. Compact cameras typically have smaller sensors, but some models offer larger sensors for improved performance. If you plan to take photos in various lighting conditions or want higher image quality, look for a camera with a larger sensor.
MegapixelsMegapixels refer to the resolution of the camera's sensor, indicating how many millions of pixels the camera can capture. More megapixels can mean more detail in your photos, but it's not the only factor that determines image quality. For most users, a camera with 12-20 megapixels is sufficient. If you plan to print large photos or crop images frequently, you might want a camera with higher megapixels.
Zoom RangeThe zoom range of a camera indicates how much you can magnify your subject. Optical zoom is more important than digital zoom, as it uses the camera's lens to bring the subject closer without losing image quality. A higher optical zoom range is useful for capturing distant subjects, such as wildlife or sports events. Consider your typical photography needs to decide if you need a camera with a long zoom range.
ApertureAperture refers to the size of the lens opening that allows light to enter the camera. It is expressed as an f-number (e.g., f/2.8). A lower f-number means a larger aperture, which allows more light to reach the sensor and is better for low-light photography. If you plan to take photos in dim environments or want to achieve a blurred background effect, look for a camera with a larger aperture (lower f-number).
Image StabilizationImage stabilization helps reduce blur caused by camera shake, especially in low light or when using a long zoom. There are two types: optical and digital. Optical stabilization is generally more effective as it physically adjusts the lens or sensor to counteract movement. If you often shoot in low light or at long zoom ranges, a camera with good image stabilization will help you get sharper images.
Video CapabilitiesMany compact cameras offer video recording features, with varying resolutions and frame rates. Common resolutions include Full HD (1080p) and 4K. Higher resolutions provide better video quality but also require more storage space. If you plan to use your camera for video recording, consider the resolution and frame rate options, as well as any additional features like slow motion or time-lapse.
ConnectivityConnectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC allow you to easily transfer photos and videos to other devices or share them online. Some cameras also offer GPS for geotagging your photos. If you want to quickly share your images on social media or back them up to the cloud, look for a camera with good connectivity features.
Battery LifeBattery life is an important consideration, especially if you plan to use your camera for extended periods or while traveling. Battery life is usually measured in the number of shots per charge. Look for a camera with a battery life that suits your usage patterns. If you take a lot of photos in one go, a longer battery life will be beneficial.
Build Quality and DesignThe build quality and design of a camera affect its durability and ease of use. Consider factors like the materials used, weather sealing, and the overall ergonomics of the camera. A well-built camera will last longer and be more comfortable to use. If you plan to take your camera on outdoor adventures, look for a model with robust build quality and weather resistance.

FAQ