Compact camera buying guide for 2025: The best models for beginners and amateur photographers for great photos on Crete.
Compact cameras are a popular choice for people who want to snap photos without carrying a bulky camera. They’re small, lightweight, and often fit in a pocket or handbag.
These cameras offer better image quality than most mobile phones while being much easier to carry around than larger DSLR or mirrorless cameras.
We love compact cameras for their convenience and simplicity. They typically have fixed lenses and automatic settings that make them easy to use for beginners.
Many newer models also include manual controls for those who want more creative options. They’re brilliant for holidays, family gatherings, and everyday photography when you want something better than your mobile but don’t want to lug around professional gear.
When shopping for a compact camera, the most important factors to consider are image quality, size, zoom range, and battery life. The sensor size greatly affects image quality, especially in low light.
The lens quality and zoom range determine how versatile your camera will be. Weight and dimensions matter if you’ll carry it often, and a good battery should last for hundreds of shots.
We spent weeks testing and researching dozens of compact cameras to find the ones that deliver excellent photos while remaining truly portable. Our goal was to identify models that offer the best balance of image quality, features, and value for different types of photographers.
Is a compact camera still worthwhile compared to a smartphone?
Compact cameras still have some advantages over smartphones in 2025, but the gap is narrowing quickly. We believe both options have their place depending on your needs.
Image Quality
Compact cameras typically offer better image quality due to their larger sensors and superior lenses. This difference becomes noticeable when printing large photos (40cm x 60cm or larger).
For everyday sharing on social media or viewing on screens, smartphone cameras are more than capable. Most people won’t notice the difference in quality for standard uses.
Zoom Capabilities
One clear advantage of compact cameras is their optical zoom lenses. While smartphones now commonly feature three fixed lenses (ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto), they rely on digital zoom beyond those focal lengths, which reduces image quality.
Special Features
Smartphones excel with software-driven features like Night Mode, which can produce impressive low-light photos without a tripod. Many smartphones also offer automatic cloud backup, protecting your precious memories from data loss.
Convenience Factors
- Smartphones are always with you
- Most modern smartphones are water-resistant
- Sharing photos is instant and simple
- No extra weight or equipment to carry
Photography Experience
Using a dedicated camera often creates a different mindset. We tend to think more carefully about composition, lighting and subject when using a proper camera with a viewfinder.
For casual photography and everyday memories, a smartphone is brilliant. For those who enjoy photography as a hobby or want the best possible image quality, a compact camera remains a worthwhile investment.
See also: The best mobile phones for great photo memories of Crete.
Best Compact Cameras
We’ve found the top compact cameras that combine portability with impressive image quality. These cameras are perfect for travellers, casual photographers, and anyone who wants great photos without carrying bulky equipment. Our list includes options for every budget and skill level.
KODAK PIXPRO FZ45 Compact Camera
We found the KODAK PIXPRO FZ45 to be a reliable, budget-friendly compact camera that’s perfect for casual photographers who want something simple yet capable.
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight and fits easily in a pocket or small bag
- Battery life is impressive with standard AA batteries, saving money on proprietary chargers
- Picture quality is surprisingly good in well-lit conditions
Cons
- The 720p video recording feels outdated compared to modern smartphones
- Menu system takes some getting used to
- Low-light performance struggles a bit with noise
The PIXPRO FZ45 surprised us with its portability. At just 260g, we barely noticed it in our bag during a recent day trip. Its white finish gives it a stylish look, and the compact size meant we could snap photos quickly without drawing attention.
We tested the 4x optical zoom while photographing some buildings across a park, and the results were sharp. The 16MP sensor captures plenty of detail in good lighting. The 2.7-inch LCD screen isn’t the largest, but it’s bright enough to frame shots even on sunny days.
Operating the camera is straightforward. We particularly liked the optical stabilisation, which helped us get clear shots even with slightly shaky hands. For the price, this little Kodak offers solid value. It’s not going to replace a high-end camera, but for family gatherings, holidays, or casual photography, it delivers satisfying results without complicated settings.
Taichaeu Digital Camera
This affordable compact camera offers impressive features for beginners and casual photographers who want a simple point-and-shoot experience without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Lightweight design fits easily in pocket
- Impressive 44MP resolution and 1080P video for the price point
- Includes a 32GB SD card and rechargeable battery
Cons
- Struggles with close-up photography
- Digital zoom reduces image quality at higher magnifications
- Limited low-light performance
We recently tested this Taichaeu compact camera and were pleasantly surprised by what it offers at such a budget-friendly price. The camera feels sturdy despite its lightweight construction, making it perfect for slipping into a pocket or bag. Its 2.4-inch LCD screen is bright enough for outdoor use, though direct sunlight can make it difficult to see clearly.
Taking photos with this camera is straightforward, with simple controls that even children can master quickly. We found the anti-shake feature particularly helpful when shooting without a tripod. The battery life exceeded our expectations – we managed nearly a full day of casual shooting on a single charge. Transferring photos to our computer using the included USB-C cable was hassle-free and quick.
Image quality is decent for everyday photography, especially in good lighting conditions. Colours appear natural, though not as vibrant as more expensive cameras. The 16x digital zoom works in a pinch, but we noticed significant quality loss when zoomed in fully. For family holidays, school events, or teaching children about photography, this camera offers remarkable value. Just don’t expect professional-level results and you’ll be quite pleased with what this little device can capture.
Nsoela Compact Digital Camera
This lightweight 44MP camera is perfect for beginners and children who want to capture memories without the complexity of professional equipment.
Pros
- Incredibly user-friendly with simple controls
- Compact and lightweight (only 120g)
- Comes with an extra battery and wristband
Cons
- Limited to 32GB memory cards
- Basic photo quality compared to pricier models
- Digital zoom rather than optical zoom
We recently tried out this Nsoela compact camera and were impressed by how easy it is to use right out of the box. The buttons are minimal and straightforward, making it ideal for children or anyone new to photography. Its 2.7-inch screen displays images clearly, and we found the 44MP resolution quite good for everyday shots.
The camera feels sturdy despite its lightweight design. We love that it comes with a spare battery, which really helped during a day of sightseeing when the first battery ran low. The included wristband prevented any accidental drops, and the whole unit easily slipped into a pocket when not in use.
Photos have a slightly retro quality to them that’s quite charming. While testing, we discovered it works well as a webcam too – just connect it to your computer with the included USB cable. The 16x digital zoom works decently for distant subjects, though as expected, the quality decreases when fully zoomed. For the price, we think this camera offers excellent value, especially for children or casual photographers who don’t want to fuss with complicated settings.
Panasonic LUMIX TZ99 Travel Zoom Camera
The Panasonic LUMIX TZ99 offers impressive zoom capabilities and 4K features in a pocket-sized package, but struggles with focus reliability and low-light performance.
Pros
- Powerful 30x zoom in a compact body
- Tiltable screen perfect for selfies and vlogging
- Quick and easy charging via USB-C
Cons
- Frequently hunts for focus in auto mode
- Below-average performance in low light
- Bluetooth connectivity can be troublesome
We recently took the Panasonic LUMIX TZ99 on a weekend trip, and its portable size made it a great travel companion. The camera slipped easily into a jacket pocket, yet packed an impressive 30x zoom that let us capture distant landmarks with surprising clarity. The LEICA lens delivers nice sharp images when there’s plenty of light.
The 4K video recording came in handy for capturing scenic views, though we noticed the focus sometimes struggled to keep up with moving subjects. The tiltable screen made taking selfies and low-angle shots much easier than with a fixed screen. We particularly liked how the screen flips up for vlogging or getting those tricky overhead shots at crowded tourist spots.
Battery life was decent for a compact camera, lasting most of a day of casual shooting. The USB-C charging is brilliant for travellers as you can use the same charger as your phone. However, we found the focus hunting frustrating in anything less than bright conditions. For the price, we expected better low-light performance. The Bluetooth connection also proved finicky to set up with our phones, requiring several attempts before successfully connecting.
Duluvulu 4K Compact Digital Camera
We highly recommend this versatile camera for anyone seeking excellent image quality and user-friendly features in a compact package.
Pros
- Impressive 48MP photos and 4K video quality
- Helpful flip screen for selfies and vlogging
- Long battery life with two spare batteries included
Cons
- Digital zoom quality isn’t as sharp as optical zoom
- Menu navigation takes some getting used to
- Plastic body feels a bit lightweight
We took this little camera on a weekend trip and were genuinely impressed by its performance.
The 48MP photos came out stunningly detailed, capturing the vibrant colours of the countryside with impressive clarity.
Its compact size meant we could slip it into a pocket, making it perfect for spontaneous photo opportunities without lugging around bulky equipment.
The 180° flip screen proved brilliant for taking group selfies and recording video blogs.
We found the autofocus responsive and reliable even in challenging lighting conditions.
The anti-shake feature worked a treat when we were walking and filming, producing surprisingly smooth footage without the need for a gimbal.
Battery life exceeded our expectations, lasting through a full day of moderate use.
The inclusion of two spare batteries means you’ll rarely find yourself without power.
We also appreciated the webcam functionality – it delivered noticeably better video quality than our laptop’s built-in camera during video calls.
For the price point, this Duluvulu camera offers tremendous value, especially for beginners or as a reliable secondary camera for more experienced photographers.
Buying Guide
When looking for a compact camera, you need to consider several key features before making your purchase.
Size and weight are important for a truly portable camera. We recommend checking if it fits in your pocket or bag easily.
Image quality varies across cameras. Look for higher megapixels (12MP or more) and sensor size for better photos, especially in low light.
Make sure to check the zoom capability as well. Optical zoom is better than digital zoom as it preserves image quality.
Key Features to Consider
- Battery life: Aim for at least 250-300 shots per charge
- Autofocus speed: Faster is better for action shots
- Video resolution: Full HD (1080p) minimum, 4K for future-proofing
- Image stabilisation: Reduces blur from shaky hands
- WiFi/Bluetooth: Makes sharing photos easier
Some models offer weather resistance, so it’s worth considering if you’ll use your camera outdoors often.
Price Ranges
Price Range |
What to Expect |
|---|---|
£100-£200 |
Basic features, decent image quality |
£200-£400 |
Better sensors, zoom, and low-light performance |
£400+ |
Premium features, excellent image quality, advanced controls |
We suggest trying cameras in person before buying. The feel in your hands and ease of using controls can make a big difference in your experience.
Memory cards are usually sold separately. Factor this into your budget along with any protective cases or extra batteries you might need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Compact cameras come in many varieties to suit different needs and budgets. We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions our readers ask about these portable photography tools.
What’s the best choice for a travel-friendly compact camera?
For travellers, we recommend the Sony RX100 VII or the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II.
Both offer excellent image quality while remaining pocket-sized.
The Sony features a versatile 24-200mm zoom lens and impressive autofocus. Meanwhile, the Canon has a slightly shorter zoom range but excellent ergonomics and a responsive touchscreen.
If you prefer something more rugged, the Olympus Tough TG-6 is waterproof, crushproof, and freezeproof – perfect for adventure holidays!
Which budget-friendly compact camera do you recommend for beginners?
The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS offers tremendous value for beginners. It features a 40x optical zoom, 4K video, and built-in Wi-Fi for easy sharing, all at around £350.
The Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ90 is another brilliant option. It includes a 30x zoom, electronic viewfinder, and a flip-up screen for selfies at a reasonable price point.
For those on a tighter budget, the Nikon Coolpix A10 provides decent image quality for under £100.
How do compact cameras differ from DSLRs?
Compact cameras have fixed lenses that can’t be removed, unlike DSLRs with interchangeable lens systems. This makes them more portable but less versatile.
DSLRs typically have larger sensors, providing better low-light performance and image quality. However, premium compacts like the Fujifilm X100V now feature larger sensors that rival entry-level DSLRs.
Compacts are generally more straightforward to use, with automatic settings perfect for casual photographers. On the other hand, DSLRs offer more manual controls and customisation options.
Could you suggest a compact camera that’s great for general photography?
The Panasonic Lumix LX100 II is our top pick for general photography. It features a large Four Thirds sensor, bright f/1.7-2.8 lens, and excellent 4K video capabilities.
We also recommend the Ricoh GR III, which packs an APS-C sensor into a genuinely pocket-sized body. Its 28mm equivalent lens is perfect for street and everyday photography.
For those who value versatility, the Panasonic TZ200 offers a 15x zoom range while maintaining good image quality throughout.
What features should I look for in a point-and-shoot camera?
Look for a camera with optical image stabilisation to reduce blur, especially in low light or when using the zoom.
A good zoom range (at least 5x) provides flexibility for different shooting scenarios.
Wi-Fi connectivity allows easy photo sharing and remote control via your smartphone. Meanwhile, fast autofocus is crucial for capturing fleeting moments and moving subjects.
Battery life is also important – aim for at least 300 shots per charge. Weather sealing is a bonus if you’ll be shooting outdoors regularly.
Are there any notable compact cameras equipped with an APS-C sensor?
The Fujifilm X100V is our favourite APS-C compact. It features a 26.1MP sensor, beautiful retro design, and a sharp 23mm (35mm equivalent) f/2 lens that’s ideal for street photography.
The Ricoh GR III and GR IIIx both pack APS-C sensors into amazingly compact bodies. The GR III has a 28mm equivalent lens, while the GR IIIx offers a 40mm equivalent focal length.
The Sigma fp is technically the world’s smallest APS-C camera. However, it requires external lenses, making it larger than true compacts when ready to shoot.
