Tech

The best compact cameras

Compact Camera – Buying Guide, Opinions and Comparison in 2022

Compact cameras are becoming very popular in the photography market due to their small size and great features that they have currently achieved thanks to technological advances, which is why they have become a great complement for professional photographers. Among the most important models, the Sony DSC-HX60 compact camera stands out, which offers a resolution of 20.4 megapixels and 30x optical zoom, ideal for photographing objects at long distances. On the other hand, if you are looking for a device with which you can send your photos via WiFi, we recommend the Canon PowerShot SX540 HS, which has a resolution of 20.3 megapixels.

Opinions on the best compact cameras

If you are interested in acquiring the best compact camera of the moment, it is very important that you take into account the most outstanding characteristics of each model. In addition, it is highly recommended to pay attention to its price and the investment you are going to make.

compact digital camera

SonyDSC-HX60

The Sony DSC-HX60 compact digital camera is considered by a large number of users to be the best compact camera on this list thanks to its optical quality, as well as being one of the cheapest models on the market.

Thanks to its Exmor R CMOS sensor with a resolution of 21.1 megapixels, you will obtain high-quality images with definition in the details. On the other hand, you will be able to photograph distant objects easily with its 30x optical and 486x digital zoom lens.

This equipment will give you the possibility of recording videos in FullHD 1080p at 30 frames per second, in addition to having an image stabilizer that will help you smooth the movement of the video.

If you are starting your search and still do not know which compact camera to buy, it is important that you take into account the positive and negative characteristics of each model.

Pros

Interface : This product incorporates an HDMI-type video output interface, so you can connect it to your HDTV without any problem.

WiFi : You can connect to a wireless network with this device thanks to its WiFi 802.11b and 802.11g connection.

Screen : It incorporates a practical 3-inch LCD screen with which you can observe the picture before taking the photo.

Memory : This model incorporates two SDXC memory card slots, so you can take many photos and videos.

Cons

Cover : The battery cover has a very soft latch that could be easily opened when removing the camera from the case.

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Kodak PixPro FZ-53

The compact digital camera that Kodak presents to us on this occasion is a very practical model, designed so that you always have the possibility of capturing a special moment at hand and doing it with good quality. It has a 16.5 MP lens, which is in addition to a 5x optical zoom.

On the other hand, it is worth mentioning its image stabilization technology, which prevents the consequences generated due to the vibrations of the hand when shooting. In addition, you can set the ISO range from 80 to 1600, for a better exposure according to the light conditions.

As for its ergonomics, its size of 2.29 x 9.14 x 5.64 cm and weight of only 104 grams are very convenient to store in any pocket. While, on the other hand, its buttons are well identified and easy to press. Also, don’t forget to mention its 2.7-inch LCD screen for convenient preview.

For those who are wondering which is the best compact camera at an affordable price, we recommend taking a look at this option.

Pros

Design: It is a camera with good ergonomics, small but easy to handle, and with the possibility of comfortably previewing the shots on its screen.

Image quality: Its 16 MP lens can capture images of good resolution. In addition, its stabilization technology helps prevent blurry photos.

Intuitive use: To exploit its full potential, you won’t have to study complicated instructions.

Cons

Amateurs: It is a basic model, which professional photographers will probably find insufficient.

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canon compact camera

Canon Powershot SX540 HS

The Canon Powershot SX540 HS compact camera stands out for being a versatile piece of equipment that offers great ease of use, as well as professional results. You can get closer to the details of the object to be photographed thanks to its 50x optical zoom, equivalent to a 24 to 1,200mm focal length, and it has the ZoomPlus system that reaches 100x.

You can easily record videos in Full HD size at 60 fps and in MP4 format for greater compatibility. In addition, your videos will be very fluid thanks to its 5-axis stabilizer system.

The resolution of this camera reaches 16.1 megapixels thanks to its CMOS sensor and it has a maximum sensitivity of 3,200 ISO. In addition, it has a Smart Auto function with 58 automatic scene modes.

Canon is considered by many users as the best compact camera brand thanks to its features, however, before choosing your equipment, we recommend you look at the following features.

Pros

Burst : You can take burst photos with a speed of up to 5.9 fps to create incredible sequences in timelapse or sporting events.

Screen : It incorporates a practical 3-inch LCD screen that will help you review the photos after taking them.

Portable : This equipment has dimensions of 9.2 x 12 x 8.1 cm and a weight of 440 grams, making it a completely portable camera.

Cons

Viewfinder: This equipment does not have a viewfinder to make the frame, so you must use the LCD screen for this.

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Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II

If you are looking for a compact Canon camera that you can easily carry in your pocket, but that at the same time provides great image quality, this model is the one for you. This equipment has a CMOS sensor 23.5 x 15.6 mm in size and with a resolution of up to 20.1 megapixels.

It incorporates a practical 3-inch folding LCD touch screen that you can use to frame your photo. In addition, thanks to its great compatibility, it allows you to insert SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards.

With this Canon camera, you will be able to take Full HD 1080p high-definition videos at 60 fps and, thanks to its HS System lighting system that allows you to take photos and videos with a maximum sensitivity of 12,800 ISO, low-light photos will no longer be a problem. trouble.

If you are looking for the best compact camera of 2022, you need to take care of all the most important features of each equipment, as well as its special functions.

Pros

Connection: Thanks to its Active NFC connection system, you can share your photos and videos wirelessly with any mobile device.

Portability : You will be able to easily carry this camera in your pockets thanks to its dimensions of 4.22 x 10.55 x 6.09 cm and a weight of 320 grams.

Format : Record your videos in H.264, MPEG4, MP4, JPEG and RAW formats, which will allow you to easily play them on your TV or computer.

Cons

Microphone : This equipment does not have an external audio input, so your videos will be recorded with ambient audio.

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Sony compact camera

sony rx100

This compact Sony camera has an Exmor R 1.0 CMOS image sensor with a resolution of 20.1 megapixels, which will provide you with great image quality and a high level of detail in each of your photographs.

Take pictures from a long distance without having to get close thanks to the ZEISS Vario-Sonnar lens with 3.6x optical zoom, and with the video mode this camera will be able to record movies in Full HD 1080p at 50 fps. In addition, with its 3-inch LCD screen you can make the necessary adjustments and frame the photo.

You can also take photos and videos in low light thanks to its wide sensitivity range that goes from 125 to 6,400 ISO. On the other hand, if you like to control your camera the old-fashioned way, this model allows you to focus and adjust the iris manually.

Before you rush off to the camera store, make sure you know all the relevant aspects of the equipment. Next, we summarize the positive and negative characteristics of this equipment.

Pros

Dial : This product integrates a practical selection dial that allows you to change the photo mode quickly.

Materials . This compact camera is made of lightweight steel, making it strong and durable.

Portability : This camera has dimensions of 3.59 x 10.16 x 5.81 cm and weighs approximately 240 grams.

Cons

ISO Range : For night photography it may not give the best results, as its ISO range goes up to 3,200.

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SonyDSC H300

This Sony compact camera stands out mainly for its fully electronic image stabilizer system, which will allow you to achieve much more fluid videos with higher quality. This equipment is considered the best value for money compact camera, so it is among the cheapest on this list.

Thanks to its Super HAD CCD sensor with 20.1 megapixels, you will be able to take high-quality photos with sizes up to 5,152 x 3,864 pixels. On the other hand, with its 35x optical and 93x digital zoom lens, you can take photographic captures of objects that are far from you.

It is a compact camera with dimensions of 9.17 x 12.75 x 8.9 cm and weighs approximately 495 grams, so you can easily take it anywhere.

If you are looking for the best quality compact camera at an affordable price, we recommend you look at the following positive and negative characteristics of this model.

Pros

Sensor : It incorporates a CCD optical sensor with a resolution of 20.1 megapixels, with which you will get photographs with great detail.

ISO : This model has a sensitivity range from 80 to 3,200 ISO, which will help you a lot when taking pictures in low light.

Batteries : The package where this equipment is presented includes the necessary batteries to work.

Cons

Weight : It cannot be considered a very light equipment, so it can be a disadvantage compared to other compact camera models.

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nikon compact camera

Nikon Coolpix A1000

A Nikon compact camera, such as the Coolpix A1000, may be the best choice if you are demanding on the quality of your photos, but want something portable and lightweight. To mention something, it records video in 4K quality, at 30 fps, and has a convenient 3-inch folding screen, so you can view the scene to be photographed from the most comfortable angle. In addition, its touch controls make the user experience more pleasant.

Regarding its connectivity, it comes prepared with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, so you can quickly transfer the photos to the device of your choice. In the same way, it will be easy to edit your photos and exploit their full potential, since it supports RAW format.

Among other functions, it has burst shooting of up to 60 fps and the stability of the zoom allows a smooth adaptation, so that nothing is left out of the shot.

With its many attractive attributes, it’s no wonder this model is considered among the best compact cameras of 2022. Read more about this device.

Pros

Connectivity: Its connection, through the Snap Bridge application, makes it simpler to share photos instantly.

Focus speed: Its sensors and technology allow quick adjustments to be made to achieve sharp shots.

Stabilizer: It has a high-performance vibration reducer, which also contributes to the clarity of photos.

Manual settings: Allows you to control the shutter opening, to customize the shots and create special effects.

Cons

Price: Its cost, compared to other compact cameras, may seem high. However, it is a camera that meets the expectations of professional photographers.

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Compact flip screen camera

Nikon Coolpix A900

If you are looking for a compact camera with a flip screen, this model could interest you. This Nikon camera incorporates a 20.3 megapixel CMOS image sensor, special for taking pictures in low light, helping you get much brighter and full of life images.

It incorporates a lens with high-quality Nikkor technology and a vibration reduction system that will give you the possibility of recording videos with impressive fluidity. In addition, with video recording you can get movies in 4K UHD at 3840 x 2160 with 30 fps.

Thanks to its SmartBridge connection system, you can easily connect with your mobile phone or tablet to share your favorite images. In addition, it has a Time-Lapse function that will allow you to get videos of up to 10 seconds.

You should always keep an eye on the main features of each team before making your choice. Later we present the most relevant characteristics of this model.

Pros

Resolution : This compact camera has a 20.3 megapixel CMOS sensor that will allow you to get images with much more detail.

Sensitivity : The ISO sensitivity range of this model goes from 80 to 3,200 ISO, allowing you to get brilliant photos under poor lighting conditions.

Screen : It incorporates a practical TFT LCD screen with an anti-glare system that will allow you to view the screen comfortably in broad daylight.

Cons

Focus : Under certain lighting conditions it can be a bit tricky to get the focus right.

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olympus compact camera

Olympus Pen E-PL9

This is an Olympus compact camera that stands out mainly for its beautiful and elegant retro design. In addition, this team incorporates a 16 megapixel CMOS sensor that provides a wide dynamic range thanks to the powerful TruePic VIII image processor.

This model is equipped with an M. Zuiko Digital ED lens with a focal length of 14 to 42mm. On the other hand, you will get images with a nice blur or Bokeh effect. In addition, to control the equipment settings, you have a practical and easy-to-use LCD touch screen.

The sensitivity range of this camera goes from 100 to 25,600 ISO. On the other hand, it incorporates a Bluetooth connectivity system that you can use to easily share images with your mobile devices.

Always study very well all the relevant functions and characteristics of each model, so that your choice is the most in line with your real needs.

Pros

ISO : Thanks to its wide sensitivity range that goes from 100 to 25,600 ISO, you can get bright images even in places with low lighting.

Screen : It incorporates a practical 3-inch LCD touch screen that will give you the possibility to make your adjustments easily and comfortably.

Video : You can record videos in 4K quality with this equipment, allowing you to save your favorite moments with all possible quality.

Cons

Viewfinder: The absence of the viewfinder forces the user to use the 3-inch screen to compose the image.

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advanced compact camera

Panasonic Lumix DC-TX90

If what you are looking for in an advanced compact camera, then you should consider this practical but powerful model. This compact camera incorporates a 20.3 megapixel effective resolution MOS image sensor.

It incorporates a Leica DC lens objective with a focal length of 24 to 720 mm with 4x digital zoom. On the other hand, thanks to its sensitivity range that goes from 80 to 6,400 ISO, you will get well-lit images at almost all times.

Its dimensions are 5.43 x 4.92 x 3.1 cm and it weighs approximately 320 grams, making it an ideal camera to carry in your pocket. You can easily make 4K video recordings and, thanks to its WiFi connectivity, you can easily share your photos.

Knowing all the positive and negative characteristics of each model is the right way to make the best purchase decision. Next, we summarize the most important characteristics of this product.

Pros

Video : Get to record videos with a quality of 4K that will allow you to obtain images with a great level of detail.

Screen: Thanks to its folding screen, you can take several photographic captures from almost any angle.

Lens : Your lens has an aperture ranging from f3.3 to f6.4 and its focal length is 24 to 720mm.

Cons

Automatic : The automatic mode of this model does not give the best results, so it is recommended to use manual.

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Guide to buying a compact camera

Faced with a market full of professional reflex cameras, instant cameras and even mobile phones with spectacular cameras, the first thing you should ask yourself is if you really need a compact camera. These models are indicated to take to your trips and walks. In addition, many professional photographers are beginning to find in compact cameras a solution to the need for quality photos without having to carry cumbersome and heavy professional equipment everywhere. In this sense, we have decided to make this guide to buy the best compact camera and help you in your decision making.

Shopping guide

Sensor type and characteristics

In any comparison of compact cameras, the sensor is the first feature that you should look at and analyze, before making your choice. The sensor is the most important piece inside a digital camera, since it is the element that is responsible for capturing and recording the light information of the scene and then processing it and transforming it into the visual image that the camera shows us.

Obviously, the better the quality of the sensor, the higher the price of the camera, so if money plays a determining role in your choice, we suggest you pay attention to all the characteristics of the equipment in order to choose a good compact camera. and economic.

The sensor of a digital camera can be of various types such as CMOS, MOS or CCD and each one has its individual characteristics, in addition to the resolution of the sensor that will determine the quality and level of detail of the photograph. On the other hand, the resolution of the camera will determine the maximum size with which you can print the photograph, so the higher the resolution, the greater the impression that you can make of a certain image.

It is important to carefully understand the dynamic range of the sensor, which determines the entire tonal range that the sensor is capable of perceiving and capturing the image in front of the lens.

ISO sensitivity

In every digital camera there is a sensitivity range, which is directly controlled by the image sensor, but which you can adjust according to your lighting needs at the time. That sensitivity range varies from camera model to camera model, so it’s a good idea to choose a camera with a wide sensitivity range. However, it is important to know how ISO sensitivity works before choosing your new compact camera.

ISO sensitivity is a logarithmic number that always increases by multiplying by 2, which means that sensitivity is commonly presented in its fixed numbers that have already been determined as a photographic constant, so you can get compact cameras with sensitivity of 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1,600, 3,200, 6,400, etc.

Note that the lower number represents a sensor that is very insensitive to light. On the contrary, the higher the number, the greater the sensitivity of the sensor. However, keep in mind that the higher the sensitivity, the higher the level of “digital noise” or “grains” in the resulting image, which greatly lowers the quality of the photograph.

Video recording and stabilization

Currently, almost all digital cameras allow you to record video in different sizes, the most common being FullHD video recording. However, lately, 4K and 8K video has become very fashionable, so we suggest you pay attention to the recording quality of the equipment you are going to choose. The video recording size is another factor that depends directly on the sensor.

Being able to record video is one thing, but having good quality videos, stabilized and fluid, without showing the sudden movements that we normally make when recording while holding the camera in our hands makes the difference between a quality shot and one that doesn’t work. For this reason, we recommend that you take care that the camera has some stabilization system that allows you to obtain videos with better quality and completely fluid movements.

compact camera price

Logically, we should ask ourselves how much the equipment costs before making our choice, so that we can choose the compact camera that best suits our budget. It is important that you take into account the use that you are going to give the camera, so that you do not choose a model with functions that you do not need or are not going to use. It is important that you take a good look at the special functions offered by each model and buy the camera that suits your needs.

Frequently asked questions

Q1: How to use a compact camera?

Compact cameras often have both automatic and manual operation, allowing you to manually control aperture values, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity. However, the manual mode is indicated for users with a little experience. If you are new to photography, feel free to use the camera in automatic mode. In this case, after making sure you have the battery fully charged and inserted into the equipment, proceed to turn it on and make the frame or composition you want to photograph and then press the shutter button. The camera will take care of focusing and adjusting the correct values ​​to expose the photograph correctly and without the need to have prior knowledge of photography.

Q2: How to use compact camera as a webcam?

First of all, you should check that the camera model you have allows it to be configured as a webcam. If your model does, use the program installation disk that allows you to use the computer as a webcam. Connect the camera to the computer using a USB cable and, if you have previously installed the necessary drivers for its operation, it should recognize the camera automatically. If your camera needs external power to work, you’ll need to make sure you have it plugged into a wall outlet. This way you will avoid consuming your battery. However, there are devices that charge directly with the same USB cable. Using a compact camera as a webcam will allow you to make video calls with better image quality than traditional models.

Q3: Which is better, compact camera or SLR?

To determine which is better between these two teams, the most important thing is to know for what purpose you need the digital camera. SLR cameras are the most suitable for professional photographers, who are looking for a team that, although much more corpulent and cumbersome, offers a greater number of compatible accessories such as studio flashes, special lenses and even a cinematographic team, with results of much higher quality due to larger sensors and dynamic range. On the other hand, compact cameras are ideal for different occasions such as trips and family outings, where using an SLR equipment can take away time from enjoyment. For this reason, many manufacturers have been improving the performance of compact cameras.

Q4: How to clean the lens of a compact camera?

To clean the lens of a compact camera and, in general, any type of photographic lens, the most important thing is not to use any material to do it, since there are cloths that have small hard particles that scratch the lens. To clean it you will need to use an antistatic cloth, similar to the ones that are given away when you buy glasses, completely dry. If in your case, the lens is kept by the camera protector when you turn it off, you must first turn it on, so that the lens is uncovered.

Q5: How to take night photos with compact camera?

To take night photos, you will need to control the ISO sensitivity and increase it to a point that you like, taking care not to show too much grain or digital noise caused by high ISO. Next, make sure to open the diaphragm as wide as the lens will allow and slow down the shutter speed to the point where the photo is not blurred or blurred. On the other hand, if you don’t know very well how to use a camera in manual mode, there are cameras that have special functions to take night photos.

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