The best compact camera
Even as a professional photographer, I'm always looking for the best compact camera to take pictures every day.
I just love the convenience of having a camera in my pocket ready to capture a high quality image - maybe you're the same?
In one look:
Our top 5 picks for point-and-shoot cameras
Fujifilm X100V
Our top pick
Sony RX100 VII
Sony RX1R II
Canon G7 X Mark II
Ricoh GRIII
Like everyone else, I always take a few snapshots on my iPhone, but these are usually just "throwaway" images or things I want to quickly share on social media.
Despite the advances of
smartphone cameras
in recent years, a handful of compact cameras still have a definite edge over them when it comes to taking pictures.
Whether it's the ability to shoot in RAW, longer zooms, faster operation, better low-light capabilities, or simply better ergonomics, there are still plenty of good reasons to invest in a state-of-the-art compact digital camera here in 2021.
Contents
Best compact cameras in 2021
Top 6 compact cameras in 2021
1. Fujifilm X100V | Best Compact Digital Camera
2. Sony RX100 VII | Highly Recommended
3. Sony RX1R II | Best compact camera for professionals
4. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II | Best Budget Compact Camera
5. Ricoh GRIII | Best compact camera for street photography
6. Leica Q2 | Best Luxury Compact Camera
How We Choose The Best Compact Camera
Buyer's Guide Quick Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Last words
Picture
Product
Features
Fujifilm X100V
OUR #1 CHOICE
A sharp, fast new lens
Understated style
Highly customizable
The latest X-Trans IV sensor
See price →
Sony RX100 VII
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Incredible zoom range
Incredible autofocus
Excellent image quality
Incredible burst mode
See price →
Sony RX1R II
BEST FOR PREFOSSIONALS
Ultimate image quality
Large dynamic range
Excellent autofocus
Ideal in low light
See price →
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
BEST BUDGET
Versatile zoom range
Sturdy body
Good in low light
Excellent image quality
See price →
Ricoh GRIII
BEST FOR STREET PHOTOGRAPHY
pocket size
Versatile focal length
Good autofocus
Simple interface
See price →
Leica Q2
BEST LUXURY
Ultimate image quality
47.3 MP sensor
beautiful design
Best EVF/Screen
See price →
Whether you're going on vacation and need something smaller and lighter to document your memories, or just want something you can put in your jacket pocket on an outing, this is the
purchase guide
for you.
So what are the best compact cameras in 2021?
Fujifilm X100V
|
Best compact digital camera
See more reviews
editors Choice
Megapixels:
26.1
Sensor size:
23.5mm × 15.6mm (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS 4
Dimensions:
(W) 128.0mm × (H) 74.8mm × (D) 53.3mm / (W) 5.04in × (H) 2.94in × (D) 2.10in
Weight:
478g / 16.9oz
See again
Advantages
Impressive optical + electronic hybrid viewfinder
Sharp and fast lens
X-Trans IV sensor
Highly customizable
ND filter in the lens
Large tilting touchscreen
Compact and beautiful design
17 film simulations
The inconvenients
Poor adhesion
No dual card slot
Limited weather tightness
Check the current price
This little digital camera is the one that started my craze for fixed-lens compacts…and I guess that's true for a lot of photographers.
As with previous versions of the X100 series, the fixed 23mm f/2 X100V is an excellent travel lens, and thanks to a wide range of enhancements, its capabilities put it at the top of Fuji's flagship models.
In a market saturated with mediocre travel cameras, the Fujifilm X100V truly stands out.
For those of you who still haven't heard of this remarkable X-series camera, let's take a closer look at why it's my pick for the best compact camera in 2021.
The tilting LCD touchscreen is one of the many significant updates to the X100V.
Image quality should be at the top of the list when researching cameras. If the final image isn't noticeably better than a photo taken with your smartphone, there's no point in wasting your money on a dedicated camera.
Luckily, images from the Fujifilm X100V are nothing short of amazing, whether you're shooting RAW or JPEG.
I've shot many different cameras over my years as a photographer, but the ones that really resonate with me are those that produce images with something else - that 'X' factor (pun not intended !)
With the Fujifilm X100V, a combination of Fujifilm's legendary imaging expertise, the unique and new f/2 23mm version 2 (35mm equivalent) lens and the latest 26.1 X-Trans sensor megapixels delivers rich, high-contrast images with excellent skin tones.
The white balance on the Fujifilm X100V is actually even better than the $2,000+ professional DSLRs I used to shoot weddings.
When shot wide open at f/2, the bokeh is stunning, with subject separation normally only reserved for
cameras with much larger sensors
(and lenses) - this camera's sensor is APS-C, but you'd be forgiven for assuming you're
full frame shot
– the image quality is really
this
impressive.
Image quality as direct output from the camera to the
X100V
is actually so good that it's one of the few cameras I'm comfortable shooting with in just JPEGs.
With 17 Fuji Film Simulations, plus new Color Chrome and Color Blue Chrome effects, you can create punchy, high-contrast images that look like they were shot on your favorite Fujifilm film with a 35mm film camera.
Film simulations are all
way
better than any other small camera system on the market. Fujifilm's film expertise clearly came into play here, with film simulation that's simply unmatched...and a whole lot of fun.
JPEG straight out of camera with Pro Neg film simulation - built-in film look presets are amazing!
If you're tired of having to edit countless RAW images in front of your computer, the X100V is like a breath of fresh air – just take normal JPEGs or choose one of the film simulations… and the it's done!
Then you can share the images on social media from there, or add them to Lightroom CC to sync them and save them to your online catalog!
When it comes to shooting RAW, it's good to know that RAW contains enough data to push/pull every available pixel and make the most of dynamic range.
It's important that any camera be "fun to use", and nowhere is that more apparent than with the
Fujifilm X100V
.
Aside from its gorgeous retro design just begging to be picked up, the manual dials and minimal layout encourage quick muscle memory - you quickly develop a kinship with this camera.
On top of that, it sparks a love of photography and the ability to control every aspect of your photographic experience. The optical + electronic hybrid viewfinder is truly unique and a lot of fun to use.
Being able to adjust the aperture using the lens ring is also a unique feature that will particularly appeal to rangefinder enthusiasts.
The silky tactile click-click of every button, dial and button on the Fujifilm X100V also adds to the overall experience - I like to customize the rear dial for exposure compensation and leave the rest to the camera (with auto ISO, auto WB and aperture priority taking care of everything).
I've owned previous models in the X100 series and will be the first to admit that the AF performance was terrible.
The Fujifilm X100V, however, now offers exceptionally fast autofocus performance combined with the coveted standard eye and face detection feature.
The improvement in this area has been dramatic and makes filming my fast moving kids as easy as cake.
Another cool update is the tilting LCD touchscreen, which lets you compose low-angle shots without bending down and take overhead shots with ease.
The tilting touchscreen implementation is excellent and much better than any other
Sony Cyber shot camera
that exists. You can flick through photos during playback, pinch/double tap to zoom, and even focus and take photos using one of the AF modes.
Using face/eye detection, there really is no need to use the new joystick AF point selector - just point the camera at your scene and let it recognize any person, or simply tap the screen where you want it to focus and/or shoot.
1/340f/2100 ISO | Direct out of camera, Pro Neg film simulation
150% crop: very impressive sharpness and detail thanks to the new 23mm f/2 lens.
A pet peeve for me is grip, or lack thereof - despite a textured front, the
Fujifilm X100V
may seem rather slippery...
I would have loved it if Fujifilm had taken a leaf out of Leica's book with their rubberized covers - the look would stay the same, but the camera would be much easier to grip with one hand.
Of course, to amp up the retro style and look, you can pair it with the Fujifilm Leather Case which provides significant extra grip - see my review on the
best fuji camera accessories
.
A key change in this model is the movie performance as it now supports 4k video at 30p. Although it's never a video camera, it has a surprisingly good output which is more than enough to capture your vacation.
In fact, it now records 4k video in DCI (4096 x 2160) and Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) resolution at 24 or 30 fps, with a bit rate of 200 megabits per second. It can even output a 4:2:2 10-bit video via HDMI into an external recorder!
Overall, however, the X100V is an amazing little camera that deserves serious consideration from every photographer.
All you have to do is choose between silver/black and all black…and that's quite a tough decision because both options look great!
Why should you buy
The Fujifilm X100V is a nostalgic and fun rangefinder with touch controls, a tilting touchscreen, beautiful image quality and a unique hybrid viewfinder that craves to be filmed.
Check latest price →
Sony RX100 VII
|
Highly recommended
See more reviews
editors Choice
Megapixels:
20
Sensor size:
1 inch (13.2mm x 8.8mm)
Dimensions:
4.0 x 2.3 x 1.7 inches (102 x 58 x 43mm)
Weight:
10.7 ounces (302g)
See again
Advantages
Most versatile optical zoom range
Super fast single burst mode (90 frames per second!)
Excellent AF performance
Incredible Slow Motion Modes
Front-facing LCD screen
Pocket and lightweight
Excellent image quality for a 1 inch sensor
Lens ring for custom functions
The inconvenients
Bad ergonomics
Expensive
Battery life less than normal
No external charger included
Check the current price
If you're part of one of the most popular compact camera series of all time, you've got plenty going for it… luckily, the Sony RX100 VII doesn't disappoint.
I spent a few weeks filming this mighty little camera for a full Sony RX100 VII review, and decided to name it the best compact camera of 2021, among so many other great products on offer.
First, let's put the price aside - the Sony RX100 VII (aka the Sony cyber-shot RX100 VII) is definitely an investment (check the latest price
here
).
Despite being expensive, I actually think it's
good value for money
.There's so much stuff packed into its slim, pocketable body - you can actually slip it into the front pocket of your jeans!
At the top of the list is the
amazing zoom lens
– a 24-200mm equivalent range, wide to telephoto that will leave your jaw on the floor. Check out the image below for what I mean.
I also like that the LCD displays the optical zoom focal length as you zoom, so you can set it to 35mm for example, and leave it there if that's your preference when shooting early ones - that's what I found myself doing since I rarely shoot 24mm.
Standing on the beach, I took one image at 24mm on the RX100 VII, then the next at 200mm – amazing!
Autofocus performance is amazing
, as you would expect from a Sony Cyber-shot camera.
There's a bewildering amount of AF options and modes, but after finding the one you want and setting up a button to control Eye AF, it's pretty hard to actually
Miss
a moment.
Snapping photos of our fast-moving kids is a cinch - just point the Sony RX100 VII in their general direction, hold down the Eye AF button for one of 357 phase AF points and 425 AF points of contrast to lock onto the nearest face, and shoot – at a frankly ridiculous 90fps,
nothing can escape your shutter
!This is a huge step up from the Sony RX100 VI which had 315 phase AF points, 25 contrast AF points and a maximum burst mode of 24 fps.
I actually flipped the mode from high to medium because I found I was taking too many photos!
Image quality is excellent
, whether in JPEG or RAW. The lens is sharp throughout its frame and the dynamic range is also decent - shooting at low ISOs and underexposing the image allows you to recover good amount of shadow data later in
Lightroom
.
In practice, shooting at ISO125 and brightening in post was similar to shooting at ISO800~1600 and nailing exposure.
High ISO performance is decent, with sharp images up to 1600, then degrading rapidly after 2000 - as you'd expect from a camera with a 1-inch CMOS sensor.
The zoom lens of the Sony RX100 VII extends to provide an optical zoom range of between 24mm and 200mm.
The start up time is fast as is the zoom speed I also like the ability to set the lens ring as a custom function - I had mine as exposure compensation so the shot aperture priority was intuitive and fun.
Speaking of aperture, the only slight disappointment is the variable aperture of f/2.8~4.5. The RX100V featured f/1.8~2.8, but the focal range was limited to a 24-70mm equivalent.
The
Sony RX100 VII
offers a tilting touchscreen, albeit a limited one. You can touch to change AF points, focus, then shoot - is a really handy feature for capturing candid moments, especially when combined with the tilting display. On the VI, the tilt is 90 degrees down and 180 degrees up, making it perfect for vlogging.
The VII also offers fast autofocus, a new 4K video HDR mode, 4-stop image stabilization, Active Steady Shot for video recording and a larger buffer – 233 compared to the V's already impressive 150. .
The photo below was one of about 30 in quick succession – my son was actually sprinting along the rope bridge, and the RX100 VII didn't miss a beat with focus.
Straight-out-of-camera JPEGs are impressively sharp and vivid |Sony RX100 VII @200mm f/4.5 1/200 ISO100
For some, having a 24-200mm zoom lens in your pocket will be reason enough to invest in the latest Sony RX100 VII model.
It's truly amazing to have such a reach at your disposal, and as long as you're in decent light, shooting at 200mm (and f/4.5) results in excellent bokeh.
Image stabilization
also helps a lot too.
I'm not even a big fan of zooms, normally preferring to 'zoom in with my feet', but I found myself constantly zooming in and out with this fun little camera, often just to see 'how far I could see'!
What about the downsides of the RX100 VII? Well, holding it is like holding a damp bar of soap…
Why on earth Sony would design such an amazing camera and give it all the ergonomics of glass is beyond me! The first thing I recommend you do is
buy this handle
– at least it's cheap.
The Sony RX100 VII's dynamic range is decent – the original RAW pushed 3.5 stops (picture noise is largely due to the heavily compressed gif file.)
Another annoying ergonomics-related aspect is the lack of a regular strap eyelet - there's only the small hole for the included wrist strap, which feels quite flimsy.
Then there's the battery life, which is pretty mediocre with around 260 shots or 30 minutes of 4k video per charge. On the plus side, you can charge the camera via micro-USB, and the Replacement batteries are affordable.
Unusually, the camera also doesn't come with a dedicated charger, but third-party options are also cheap.
The pop-up LCD screen is good in direct sunlight and I'm glad they included it, but I didn't find myself using it much otherwise - it's a bit cramped, as can be to be expected on a camera of this size.
Whether you're a fan of video or not, the 960fps
amazing high frame rate
the mode will leave your jaw on the floor and make you want to film everything to see what it looks like when played back in slow motion.
A first for the RX100 series is the inclusion of a 3.5mm mic jack for those serious about video.
All in all, the Sony RX100 VII is a heck of a bundle of cameras squeezed into something the size of a deck of playing cards. The zoom range is astonishing, the autofocus performance stunning, and the frame rate that no other compact camera can match.
If you're looking for a feature-rich camera with amazing stills and 4k video performance that's so small you can have it in your pocket every day without even noticing it, look no further. This is it. .
Why should you buy
The Sony RX100 VII is a powerful, feature-rich and versatile pocket camera with a truly remarkable optical zoom lens, 4k video and stunning shooting performance. Hard to beat.
Check latest price →
Sony RX1R II
|
Best compact camera for professionals
See more reviews
editors Choice
Megapixels:
42.4
Sensor size:
Full size (35.9 x 24mm)
Dimensions:
507g (1.12lbs / 17.88oz)
Weight:
113 x 65 x 72mm (4.45 x 2.56 x 2.83")
Advantages
Incredible image quality
Large dynamic range
Excellent ISO performance
Good ergonomics
Amazing detail (42.4 MP!)
Excellent build quality
Tiltable LCD
Good customization options
Good macro function
beautiful bokeh
The inconvenients
Bad battery life
Expensive
Poor performance
No touch screen
No weather sealing
Check the current price
Released in October 2015, it is one of the few full-frame compact cameras in existence (i.e. those with a 35mm sensor).
As such, it's a camera you can slip into a coat pocket that offers
unparalleled image quality
– beautifully creamy shallow depth of field, high dynamic range for extended latitude in post-processing, excellent high ISO performance… fundamentally stunning image quality better than 99% of other cameras in its size class .
However, you are paying a handsome price for the Sony RX1 RII. Packing a big sensor into a small camera body is obviously still expensive for manufacturers, and due to the nature of the
sensor size
, the lens has to be a certain size to fit - although small, it's not a camera for your jeans pocket.
You can buy a more feature rich and versatile version
full frame interchangeable lens camera
like the Sony a7III for the price of the RX1 RII, and you still have change in your pocket for a new lens… so why would you invest in this one?
Harry and Leo's first surf lesson!|Note the beautiful bokeh when the Sony RX1R II is shot wide open |1/500 f/2100 ISO
After spending a few weeks road testing the Sony RX1 RII, it was clear to me that this was a very unique camera. Of course, you could buy something more versatile and a better value for money, but that would be missing the point.
Investing so much money in the RX1 RII is like trying to explain why buying a Ferrari rather than a Tesla S - both get you from A to B very quickly, but ask any driver Ferrari how it's going.
feels
drive. The same can be said for this camera.
(By the way, if the Sony RX1 RII is the Ferrari of full-size compacts, the Leica Q2 that we will talk about soon is the Rolls Royce…)
With a Carl Zeiss Sonnar 35mm f/2 fixed lens, this camera is probably all you'd need as an everyday camera or something for traveling - my only hesitation in recommending it as a camera
camera for your next vacation
is the price, of course – you wouldn't want to lose this one by the pool...
Superb focus reduction and 3D-like rendering thanks to the Sony RX1 RII's incredible f/2 lens + 35mm sensor |1/125f/2 ISO2000
100% crop displays incredible detail in 42.4MP files
The Sony RX1 RII offers most of the high-end Sony camera features you'd expect - tilting LCD screen (but no touchscreen), good WiFi/NFC connectivity, decent electronic viewfinder (which retracts into the body when not in use), customizable dials/buttons and a dedicated exposure compensation dial.
Everything looks amazing
- the build is excellent, and the dials and switches are reassuringly solid. -feeling The on/off switch is reminiscent of an old rangefinder, and far more satisfying than pressing a button, which is the usual way to turn on most cameras.
Startup time is a little slow though, as is overall usability. Zooming in to 1:1 is a painful experience, but then there's 42.4 megapixels, so that's understandable. Buttons feel a little soft at times and also do not respond.
Autofocus is good and includes Sony's enviable Eye AF, which is akin to black magic for finding your subject's eye (although not as good as the latest Sony a7 series cameras). /a9).
5 fps is below par in 2021, but it's definitely not a camera designed for fast action.
I pulled the
Sony RX1 RII
on auto white balance, and skin tones looked great. In fact, I prefer the colors to Sony's other high-end MILCs - this could be due to its amazing low-pass filter, which helps deliver quality such an exceptional image.
I like being able to control the aperture on the lens ring like a rangefinder, and the macro mode is located the same way. The lens overall feels good – the movement of the rings is reassuring and fun to use.
The Sony RX1 RII doesn't make much sense on paper, or when you're trying to explain it to your peers after you've splurged so much on something when there are plenty of better value options out there… but it does. is always a
endearing camera
which will bring you joy every time you pick it up, not to mention every time you view the beautiful high resolution files
on your computer screen
.
In summary, I would confidently recommend the Sony RX1 RII to any professional photographer regardless of what brand they usually shoot with. It's a Sony camera like no other Sony camera - truly unique in the range.
Why should you buy
The Sony RX1R II offers the best image quality from a full-frame sensor housed in a camera of this size. Unrivaled low-light capabilities and dynamic range make it a clear choice for pros.
Check latest price →
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
|
Best budget compact camera
See more reviews
editors Choice
Megapixels:
20.1
Sensor size:
1 inch (13.2mm x 8.8mm)
Dimensions:
4.2 x 2.4 x 1.7 inches (106 x 61 x 42mm)
Weight:
11.2 ounces (318g)
Advantages
Excellent value
Excellent image quality
Fast lens (f/1.8)
Fast Burst Shooting
Great ergonomics
Large zoom (24-100mm equiv.)
Quick start time
Built-in ND filter
Tilting LCD touch screen
Responsive/quick handling
The inconvenients
Battery life less than normal
No tracking in burst mode
small buffer
Unreliable measurement in some modes
Limited movie options (no 4k video)
Check the current price
The hugely popular Canon Powershot series appeals to many photographers of all standards, primarily due to the promise of excellent image quality, those legendary Canon colors and useful features from their pro range, all at affordable prices. attractive.
With the Canon Powershot G7X Mark II, Canon has made a big improvement over the first iteration, with a host of great features, and still managed to keep the price nice and low -
check here if you can still get it under $500
.
The design remains largely unchanged from its predecessor, with the most notable addition (at least to me, with my big hands and clumsy fingers!), being the new grip, which is molded, tactile and perfectly placed. front and back of the body.
Due to the pocket dimensions of the Canon G7X Mark II, the grip is a welcome addition and allows for a comfortable shooting experience, not to mention much more safety when holding it with one hand for long periods of time.
The LCD can now also be hinged down 45 degrees, allowing you to hold the camera above your head and compose for an interesting vantage point.
The screen always faces forward and does so in one quick and easy action that you can perform with one hand. Face detection does a good job of the all-important selfie!
The Canon GX7 II's front display is a convenient feature for selfies and vlogging, and easy to use with one hand.
The touchscreen itself is a joy to use - responsive, fast and comprehensive - far better than Sony's crippled touchscreen offering. Being able to press any menu item feels logical in 2021 and is a nice way to navigate the camera.
Another interesting feature of
Canon GX7 II
is the lens control ring, which can be easily customized to control a range of functions, from the 3 components of the exposure triangle, to aspect ratio or zoom.
This allows for a convenient and enjoyable shooting experience, with one hand controlling the shutter button and the other left to support the camera and adjust the lens ring.
Image quality is excellent, as we've come to expect from the world leader in camera imaging technology. Color rendition is excellent, with skin tones having that warm, slightly reddish tone typical of Canon files.
The 20MP BSI CMOS sensor lets you print decent sized photos or crop photos while editing with minimal quality loss.
When the light starts to dim, you have two options with the Canon G7X Mark II – use the pop-up flash or crank up that ISO dial (which is either in the menu or assigned to the lens ring).
I found I could shoot comfortably up to around ISO 800, with some noise creeping in after that – about standard for a 1-inch sensor.
Luckily, there's still a decent amount of image data in RAWs, so if you know what you're doing with post-production, it's fairly easy to recover even a noisy image - the one below was taken at ISO 10,000, but with a
quick adjust in Lightroom
using the 'Texture' slider, the black and white editing looks good!
Even at high ISOs, the Canon G7XII can deliver RAW with enough data |1/1000s f/1.8 ISO 10,000
Autofocus performance is good, with face tracking working well during testing. Don't underestimate the importance of this feature: trying to track a subject around the screen with a single AF point is an experience. painful!
Burst mode is impressive, shooting Raw and JPEGs at over 8 fps with One Shot AF, or around 5 with Servo.
Quelques mises en garde ici, cependant - le suivi ne semble pas fonctionner lors de l'utilisation du mode rafale, et il faut un certain temps pour que la mémoire tampon s'efface, pendant laquelle le mode de lecture ou de paramètres de l'appareil photo est gelé.
L'objectif f/1.8~2.8 est "rapide" pour un appareil photo de ces dimensions, vous permettant de flouter l'arrière-plan relativement facilement.
Il ne faut pas oublier, cependant, que l'ouverture maximale de f/1.8 ne peut être utilisée qu'avant de zoomer l'objectif (c'est-à-dire à 24 mm) - c'est le sacrifice avec la plupart des zooms que l'on trouve sur les petits appareils photo numériques, le côté positif étant à quel point petit l'appareil photo peut être lorsque l'objectif est rétracté - le
Canon G7X Mark II
est le plus petit appareil photo du test, et à peine plus lourd que la prochaine plus petite option de Ricoh.
Le Canon G7X Mark II est à égalité avec le Ricoh GRIII en tant que plus compact des appareils photo que nous avons testés.
En ce qui concerne la durée de vie de la batterie, il y a une grande amélioration par rapport à son prédécesseur, mais avec environ 270 prises de vue par charge lors des tests, le Canon G7X Mark II reste derrière certains de ses concurrents.
Heureusement, les batteries de rechange sont relativement peu coûteuses, avec de nombreuses options tierces disponibles.
Le contrôle de l'appareil photo avec l'application Canon Camera Connect était indolore et fonctionnait bien pour contrôler l'appareil photo à distance ou simplement pour transférer des fichiers JPEG sur mon iPhone.
Vous pouvez également utiliser l'application pour suivre votre position pendant la prise de vue, bien que cela puisse rapidement vider la batterie.
Malheureusement, il n'y a pas de vidéo 4k, ni de prise micro/casque, mais la qualité vidéo 1080p est néanmoins agréable.
Dans l'ensemble, j'ai trouvé le G7X Mark II agréable et intuitif à photographier, les plus gros avantages pour moi étant sa réactivité globale et la qualité d'image impressionnante.
C'est le genre d'appareil photo qui offre suffisamment de performances pour justifier de l'utiliser sur votre smartphone tout en conservant les dimensions pour s'assurer qu'il est toujours dans votre poche.
Ici, en 2021, nous avons la chance de pouvoir obtenir un
excellent appareil photo pour moins de 500 $
.Si vous avez un budget serré, voici votre réponse.
Pourquoi devriez-vous acheter
Le Canon G7X Mark II offre la plupart des fonctionnalités des appareils photo les plus chers à une fraction du coût.C'est un moyen abordable d'obtenir des images de grande qualité avec ce look d'arrière-plan flou tant convoité.
Vérifier le dernier prix →
Ricoh GRIII
|
Meilleur appareil photo compact pour la photographie de rue
See more reviews
editors Choice
Mégapixels:
24
Sensor size:
APS-C (23,6 x 15,6 mm)
Dimensions:
4,29 x 2,44 x 1,3" (127 x 75 x 52 mm)
Weight:
257 g (0,57 lb/9,07 oz)
Advantages
Excellent image quality
Excellente stabilisation d'image
Taille vraiment poche
Light as a feather
Design minimaliste
Modes de mise au point uniques
Good value for money
Bonne prise en main/ergonomie
Large touchscreen
The inconvenients
AF par faible luminosité
Mauvaise autonomie de la batterie
Écran réfléchissant
Pas de viseur
Options de film limitées (pas de vidéo 4k)
Vérifiez le prix actuel
Je suis un peu désolé pour la division photographie de Ricoh.Bien que Ricoh soit une grande entreprise prospère, leurs appareils photo sont encore relativement inconnus… du moins pour les non-initiés.
J'ai passé quelques semaines à filmer avec le Ricoh GRIII, et j'ai trouvé que c'était un
expérience extrêmement agréable
… ma femme en est tombée amoureuse aussi.
Il y a quelques années, j'ai essayé une génération précédente de cet appareil photo.J'ai été assez impressionné par la qualité d'image qui sort de ce petit compact mais la lenteur de la mise au point automatique agaçait un peu trop pour investir dedans.Le Ricoh GRIII Ricoh est bien amélioré et les choses sont beaucoup plus vives.
En parlant de "snap", il existe une option de mise au point sur le GRIII (et d'autres Ricoh) appelée "Snap Focus", qui oblige essentiellement l'appareil photo à se concentrer immédiatement sur une distance spécifiée, augmentant par incréments de 50 cm de 1 m à 5 m, puis à l'infini.
Vous pouvez configurer l'appareil photo pour qu'il « s'accroche » à la distance focale prédéfinie lorsque vous appuyez à fond sur le déclencheur (par opposition à une demi-pression, ce qui engagerait la mise au point normale).
C'est l'une des caractéristiques qui rendent le Ricoh GRIII si bien adapté à la photographie de rue.Bien sûr, vous pouvez effectuer une "mise au point par zone" à l'aide de n'importe quel appareil photo, mais avec celui-ci, vous disposez essentiellement d'un système de mise au point par zone et d'un système de mise au point automatique standard dans un seul déclencheur - ingénieux!
L'autofocus n'est pas la seule amélioration par rapport au GRII.Le Ricoh GRIII améliore à peu près toutes les fonctionnalités critiques.Le capteur est maintenant jusqu'à 24MP, l'objectif beaucoup plus net et maintenant avec des capacités macro, et la durée de vie de la batterie est bien améliorée.Il y a même une stabilisation d'image et un écran tactile.
La stabilisation du capteur à 3 axes est un ajout bienvenu - dans la pratique, j'ai pu flouter le mouvement sans utiliser de trépied avec des prises de vue aussi lentes que 1/2 seconde.Voir la vidéo de Kai Wong ci-dessus pour un exemple de la façon dont cela pourrait être utilisé dans la rue.
L'écran tactile sur le
Ricoh GRIII
is
vif et réactif
, avec cette fonction très importante de mise au point et de prise de vue, permettant le plus
photos discrètes
– parfait pour la photographie de rue incognito.
Je n'arrête pas de dire qu'il s'agit du meilleur petit appareil photo numérique pour la photographie de rue, mais la réalité est que je n'ai pas pu le tester dans «la rue»!
Vivant comme je le fais à côté d'une plage, je n'avais à m'entraîner que sur mes enfants… mais on peut dire que si le Ricoh GRIII peut les capturer lorsqu'ils courent, les piétons seraient un jeu d'enfant !
La qualité de l'image est
fantastic
pour un compact de cette taille, en particulier les Jpegs.J'ai tourné en Vivid avec un contraste accru pour un peu plus de punch, mais il y a aussi beaucoup de jolis filtres N&B parmi lesquels choisir – un autre clin d'œil au portrait de rue classique, avec de nombreuses options N&B contrastées et granuleuses !
J'adore les couleurs JPEG tout droit sorties du Ricoh GRIII sur le réglage Vivid |1/400 f/2.8 ISO200
La qualité d'image brute est également assez impressionnante, avec un
quantité décente de plage dynamique
du nouveau capteur APS-C du GRIII. It's definitely a step up from the GRII, as the 8 additional megapixels not only make the images sharper, they give you additional cropping ability as well.
The lens width remains the same – 18.3mm (28mm equivalent), and I'm happy about that.UNE
28mm focal length is fun and easy to shoot.
It gives you a unique perspective that immerses the viewer into the shot, without overdoing it and becoming too wide or adding in too much distortion.
You can always crop into the image in post, thanks to the additional mega pixels too.
As for the design and ergonomics, I love that the
Ricoh GRIII
est le
most 'stealth' camera
I've ever come across. The exterior has minimal branding, the rubberized grip conforms perfectly to the hand, and the buttons blend nicely into the camera body.
Sony really should take a leaf out of Ricoh's book there, to avoid more slippery camera offerings!
The Ricoh GRIII is truly pocketable, and so light you'll barely notice it there.
It's not easy to be one of the
smallest and lightest digital cameras
out there while maintaining
excellent ergonomics
, but the Ricoh GRIII manages to pull it off.
It's grippy enough to be used one-handed all day long and can slide inside a shirt pocket. Yes, you read that right,
shirt
poached. This is truly a
miniature marvel of a camera
.
So what don't I like about it? Well, the battery life could be better (I got 280 shots per charge), and I do wish the touchscreen flipped… but then again, that would probably ruin the overall design.
It's also not the best at focusing in low light, and the LCD, despite being beautifully sharp, tends to reflect a lot in bright sunlight – since there's no viewfinder, this can sometimes be annoying.
Also, the camera seems to take a split-second to render images on the LCD during playback – it's barely perceptible at first, but once you see it, it's hard not to notice it again.
All in all, though, I'm struggling to find bigger reasons not to love this camera. Trust me, the Ricoh GRIII is a truly unique compact that deserves a lot more attention than it's been receiving. It's well worth checking it out!
Why You Should Buy
The Ricoh GRIII is small, discreet and simple to use. This fun pocket shooter with a versatile fixed lens has earned itself a cult following among street photographers, and for good reason.
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Leica Q2
|
Best Luxury Compact Camera
See More Reviews
editors Choice
Megapixels:
20.1
Sensor Size:
1 inch (13.2mm x 8.8mm)
Dimensions:
5.12 x 3.15 x 3.62 in. (130 x 80 x 92 mm)
Weight:
25.33 oz (718 g)
Advantages
Outstanding image quality
Outstanding build quality
Great ergonomics
Good macro performance
Minimalist design
Weather sealed
Gorgeous electronic Viewfinder/Screen
Ingenious gripped facade
X factor
The inconvenients
bulky
Expensive
Continuous AF issues
No USB charging
Check current price
Sooo, we're reaching the end of the article, and have I really left the best until last?!
I was in two minds about whether to include the Leica Q2 in this list – not because of its price (we'll come to that in a minute), but because it's not exactly 'compact' in its dimensions. It does, however, have a fixed lens, so let's run with it…
First off some good news – if you've got 5 grand to spare, you'll still have enough change for a cappuccino after purchasing the Leica Q2! (Check out the latest price
here
if you dare.)
Jokes aside, after shooting solidly with the Q2 for a week, I've now had a taste of that delicious Leica Koolaid, and have decided that this camera-come-work-of-art is actually worth the money. Yep, I know – crazy, right?! 🤑
The Leica Q2 is simply beautiful from every angle – an example of minimalism without compromising function.
The coldness and heft of the solid metal body, the reassuringly solid feedback of the dials and buttons, the ingenious rubber grip that blends into the facade, even the curiously addictive electronic shutter sound… all this adds up to an experience that's
unlike any other camera
I've ever used.
The Leica Q2 really is a
design masterpiece
and something that begs to be fondled – and that's even before you've turned it on.
Other unique design details include a diopter adjustment dial which retracts when not in use; lens measurements that appear and disappear with macro mode; a perfectly-sized thumb-grip indent; a solid-metal memory card door; a contrasting silver battery release lever… even the way that the battery has no cover and needs to be tapped to be released – this is master craftsmanship that you simply can't find elsewhere.
I don't think I've written so many paragraphs on how a camera looks and feels before, so I'll move on… how does the Q2 perform when you actually switch it on?!
Leica Q2 SOOC JPEG (Max Contrast, Saturation & Sharpness) | 1/400 f/1.7 ISO100
100% crop – the level of detail when viewed on a large monitor is incredible.
Well, as you'd expect from a 47.3MP full-frame sensor combined with a 28mm f/1.7 Summilux stabilised lens, the
image quality is nothing short of mind-blowing
.
In the image above when viewed on my 27″ monitor, I could zoom in
even further than 100%
and make out the faces of all the people in the reflection of the sunglasses, with everything remaining sharp.
Shot wide open, images have a
3D-like quality
, with a razor sharp focal point which recedes quickly but smoothly to buttery soft bokeh.
Stopped down, the lens continues its reign of
tack sharpness
, although it's way too tempting to try and shoot this thing wide open all day long – I found myself taking photos of random objects, just to see how amazing they'd look at f/1.7!
It even adds 4K video (UHD and Cine4K) recording to its arsenal of features, with plenty of frame rate options across 4K and 1080p.
Macro mode is easily accessed with a firm twist and satisfying click of the lens ring, as is manual mode, which is engaged in a similar way, with focusing aided via peaking and magnification – every movement on the camera seems meaningful and engaging. It all adds up to a
thoroughly enjoyable handling experience
.
It's wrong to try and compare the Sony RX1 RII with the Leica Q2, just because they're both small-ish full frame cameras. They're completely different beasts.
'X factor' image quality aside, the
Leica Q2
is a
reassuringly powerful
camera to shoot with. 10fps may not sound so impressive next to the other cameras in this article, but considering the Maestro II image processor is pushing such enormous 47.3MP files around, this is no mean feat.
Auto focus is apparently better than the original Q, but it definitely can't keep up with the Sonys of this world. Whether you'll be wanting this camera to shoot fast moving action, though, is unlikely.
I also found continuous AF to constantly 'flutter' back and forth (annoying, but apparently all digital Leicas do this until the subject actually moves), and in really low light, the AF occasionally struggled to lock on to subjects.
High ISO performance is acceptable for a full frame sensor – not amazing, but no slouch either. I'd be comfortable shooting it up to ISO3200, and any higher than that, I'm not too bothered about the noise creeping in, since the files look great with a sneaky black and white edit.
Dynamic range is fine too – nothing outstanding for a full frame sensor, but enough latitude to underexpose by 4 stops and return a clean file at lower ISOs.
RAWs out of the Leica Q2 are so beautiful I found myself not even needing to edit them | 1/60 f/1.7 ISO1600
The LCD touchscreen is amazing – sharp and responsive with a matte finish – I wish all cameras offered this. The EVF is similarly excellent – one of the best I've used. Startup time is great too.
One unique feature with the Leica Q2 is the in-camera frame cropping options, which allows you to shoot with a 35mm, 50mm and 75mm frame 'outline', which results in 30, 14,7 and 6.6MP images respectively.
In Lightroom, you're left with two of each image – the original 28mm version and the in-camera cropped version.
If you shot a whole succession of in-camera crops, it could get rather annoying during post-production with all the 'duplicates', but I guess this feature is intended for the 'odd shot', rather than regular use.
I also found it a little odd trying to compose with the cropped frame outline within the original 28mm viewfinder – I definitely prefer the
APS-C crop mode
implementation on other mirrorless cameras, which zooms the actual viewfinder display.
I also wasn't a fan of the placement of the rear dial, which seemed a bit too close to the edge of the camera for my liking. I'm sure I'd get used to it, though.
The Leica Q2 features a well-engineered, practical design, even on the bottom – clockwise from top: memory card cover, battery release lever, door-less battery, manual focus ring/macro mode ring.
I was, however, a big fan of the placement of the macro mode dial, and how you engage manual focus via an indented knob on the lens ring – this combined with focus peaking and viewfinder magnification makes manual focusing
simple and a lot of fun
.
To conclude, I've decided to call the Leica Q2 the
best luxury compact camera
de l'année. It really is in a class of its own, literally
nothing like the other cameras on this list
– for better or worse, you simply can't compare it.
Why don't I recommend it as the best compact camera for professionals? Well, even though pros will be looking for the best image quality out of a camera of this size, I think they'd also be looking for a slight size/weight saving on their main 'workhorse' body… and the Leica Q2 is of comparable dimensions to most full frame MILCs.
Then, of course, there's the question of whether the average pro would be comfortable carrying a camera that's probably
more expensive
than their main camera, just as an everydayer/holiday camera. I know I wouldn't, despite thoroughly enjoying my time with the Q2.
In summary: yes, it is expensive, but to some, it's definitely a price worth paying.
Why You Should Buy
The Leica Q2 features a robust body housing an exquisite full frame sensor, offering unrivaled image quality and huge levels of detail, all with the alluring Leica X factor. If you can afford it, don't think twice.
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Each and every camera on this list is one I can imagine the average person taking out every day with them.
They're not the cheapest prices on the market (although the best budget compact camera is included in this list). Conversely, they're not all priced solely for those with deep pockets.
They can also teach you the fundamentals of photography and offer full manual control, as well as viewfinders for aiding composition... all without being too tricky to use.
Basically, these cameras are perfect for anyone looking for something small, yet superior to a smartphone, for recording all their precious memories.
Some of my selections (and omissions) may surprise you. Let me explain why I've come to these decisions by way of clarifying what this review is actually about.
The definition of 'compact camera' is admittedly rather obscure – I've taken it to mean:
any camera you can fit comfortably in your jacket pocket that has a fixed lens.
There are many mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (MILC's) that fit the bill as being compact, but this is highly dependent on the lens you choose to attach to the camera body.
Aside from size, the other factors I took into consideration with the recommendations were:
Le rapport qualité prix
– if you want a cheap camera, you're better off sticking to your smartphone to be honest, since the quality of the final image will usually be similar. You'll need to invest a little more to get better results, but the cameras below still represent excellent bang for your buck.
Image quality
– obviously IQ needs to be head and shoulders above the best smartphone cameras, most notably in low light.
Ease of use
– for those used to a smartphone for image capture, the best pocket cameras need to be as simple to use, but still offer expanded functionality when the need arises.
Feature
– the cameras need to have useful functions that are not offered by smartphones, or be able to perform functions better than smartphones.
Fun factor
– slightly vague I admit, but all the top cameras in this review are inherently
amusant
to use – if they're not, we may as well stick to our trusty smartphones!
Camera age
– when cameras are vying for pocket space with smartphones, it's important that they offer all the most up to date technology in order to compete. Usually, this means the latest model.
As for the humble
point and shoot camera
, I've reserved these simpler, less feature-rich and generally more affordable products for another article altogether.
Needless to say, the cameras investigated here are for those of you who are ready to invest in a tool capable of producing professional-grade images and last several years.
6 cameras were shortlisted – my Fujifilm X100V is missing from the photo since my wife stole it for the day!
If you don't have time to read all the full reviews below, here's a quick summary to help you decide which camera is best for your pocket… both figuratively and literally!
📸
Only got $500 to spend?
Get the
Canon G7X Mark II
. Fast auto focus, impressive zoom range, and a nice fast lens for low-light photography and to blur the background.
📸
Need a full frame sensor (and have a bigger budget)?
Get the
Sony RX1R II
– for image quality and flexibility in editing, nothing else compares… except the
Leica Q2
.
📸
Need the best in class AF & zoom range?
Get the
Sony RX100 VII
, with its mind-blowing eye AF and frankly ludicrous 24-200mm zoom lens.
📸
Want those beautiful Fujifilm tones?
Get my favourite, the
Fujifilm X100V
. Gorgeous JPEGs straight out of the camera, or RAWs with impressive dynamic range… all in an exquisite retro body.
📸
Want the smallest camera that doesn't compromise on quality?
Get the cult-classic
Ricoh GRIII
, with its versatile 28mm f/2.8 lens, ideal for street and documentary photography.
📸
Money ain't no object?
Quel chanceux êtes-vous! Get the
Leica Q2
, and be the envy of every other photographer with a pulse! The ultimate way to capture a photo.
Even though your definition of 'compact' may be different to mine, you can be sure to amazing quality images out of all these cameras, coupled with a fun shooting experience that'll leave a smile on your face.
Don't fool yourself into thinking your smartphone is good enough – get a proper camera that you can carry with you everyday, without a second thought.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which compact camera is best?
Our top pick right now is the Fujifilm X100V. Excellent image quality, fun film simulations, unique hybrid viewfinder, reliable auto-focus and drop dead good-looks round out this impressive point and shoot.
What is the best compact digital camera for travelling?
The Sony RX100 VII earns our vote for its amazing autofocus, superior zoom range, and ultra-fast burst shooting mode. As an all-round camera for travel, it's hard to beat.
What is the best compact camera for low light?
The Sony RX1 RII's frame sensor offers unrivaled low light capabilities and dynamic range. If you're going to be shooting in low light situations, but still want a lightweight camera that slips easily into your pocket, this is an excellent option.
Is it worth buying a compact camera?
With the ever-increasing quality of smartphone cameras, you may be tempted to write off compact cameras as unnecessary. But they can certainly be worth the investment if you want a pocketable device that offers more features, more flexibility, and superior images to what can be delivered by a smartphone.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time shooting all the cameras used in this guide. There's something about having a camera that's small/light enough to have on you every day that I find endearing – I love the feeling of having a capable device to
capture all of life's precious moments
.
Buying a compact camera is an investment, but rightfully so – without spending appropriately, you'll only be left with something that's as good as, or potentially
worse
at capturing an image than your smartphone.
All the cameras in this guide are able to produce stellar images. A larger sensor will yield more pleasing bokeh and low light performance, but the flip side is usually a larger camera body too.
Decide what's most important for you
– do you need something pocketable with lightning fast auto-focus? Or are you able to neglect those features in favour of the absolute best image quality and bokeh that can rival a much larger camera?
I have to admit, I'm stuck in the middle… so will probably end up purchasing a couple!Et toi? Leave us your thoughts in the comments.
Disclaimer: All recommendations are impartial and based on user experience, with no bias to the products or the brand. The products in this post may contain affiliate links.
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