5 Best High-End Compact Cameras: Fujifilm, Sony, Ricoh, Leica, and Canon
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Advice on Picking a New Camera
What to Know Before You BuyThe first thing to know is that nice cameras aren't cheap—most of our picks here cost around $1,000—and you usually get what you pay for. The second thing I want to impart is that these cameras require you to pay attention and put in a little effort while shooting. I'd bet that the first few times you use them, you'll be a little let down. The onus is on you to learn how to use your new camera in order to get the most from it. Although all these models have automatic modes that can be activated with a dial twist or a button press, you'll get the most from these devices if you take the time to look over the user manual, watch some instructional YouTube videos, and read some forums or websites on how to get the best results.
None of these cameras have built-in storage, so you'll need to buy an SD card, which thankfully are super cheap now. Grab a 64-GB card from a reputable store and never look back. I'd also recommend looking into other accessories. While some of these cameras are legitimately small, some are a bit bigger than a sling bag can fit, and not all of them include the nicest straps (whether you get a wrist strap or a full neck strap in the box), accessorizing can be a super fun experience. Unlike smartphones, all of these cameras have batteries you can remove yourself, so you can carry a spare for extended shoots or swap in a replacement cell years down the road once the original battery can’t hold a charge anymore. Some of these models let you charge the battery over USB, but not all of them have a USB-C port; they may have an older microUSB slot for in-camera charging from the wall or a battery bank.
Also, before you pick a camera, I'd recommend you think about what you shoot. The lenses on these cameras are not interchangeable, so you're stuck with the one the camera comes with. Most main phone lenses use a relatively wide 28-mm-equivalent focal length. If you shoot a lot of landscapes or architecture, this focal length is pretty nice. But if you want to get closer to your subjects, something like a 35- or 40-mm-equivalent lens may be a better choice. Just know that you won't be able to fit as much stuff in the frame without stepping farther back. Below, I'll use equivalent focal lengths to standardize across cameras and compare the lenses on each.
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Photograph: Fujifilm
Best All-Rounder
Fujifilm X100VWhile it's nigh impossible to buy at the time of this writing, the Fujifilm X100V lives up to the cacophonous online hype that surrounds it. Not only does it look like a retro rangefinder, it has a sharp, compact lens and delivers high-quality images. You can frame your shots either by using the tilting rear touchscreen or by peering through the unique hybrid optical viewfinder. What's a hybrid viewfinder, you ask? Well, this is a viewfinder that can either show you a true optical view of the scene (with some handy framing lines and the camera's settings drawn on top), or a purely digital image on a tiny screen inside the camera that gives you a preview of what the final image will look like. If you like an optical view, the hybrid finder can also switch to the digital screen momentarily to display the shot after you take it. This camera can even capture decent 4K video, although the lack of any kind of image stabilization means your videos will look shaky unless you use a tripod.
The 26-megapixel images have a lot of dynamic range, with extended light and dark tones. You'll also see some of Fuji's magic at work in the colors. Even on the standard color setting, images pop. That's not even mentioning the other “film simulation” modes Fujifilm offers, letting you shoot stylish, tasteful looks (ranging from vibrant colors to faded and muted tones, along with beautiful monochrome options) right from the jump. With a front filter and an adapter ring, the X100V becomes splash-proof, so it'll probably survive a light sprinkle but not a torrential downpour. In all, there's a reason the Fujifilm X100V has a widespread following among seasoned photographers and newcomers alike. It's just so fun to shoot, and the photos look fantastic.
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Photograph: Ricoh
Best For Everyday Picture-Taking
Ricoh GR IIIWant to join a cult? Don’t worry, this is a cult for camera owners—the long-time photographer-favorite Ricoh GR III has a well-deserved obsessive fan base. This GR has a lineage that goes back to the '90s, finding its way into the pockets of some famous film photographers. Today's digital GRs offer up simple ergonomics and high image quality in a pocketable package. While its basic black getup is not as flashy as the Fujifilm’s classic design, you can get a Ricoh GR in a few different editions that give it different looks. There is no viewfinder on this camera, but its simple rear touchscreen gets the job done well enough.
The biggest decision you'll need to make is which lens you want; the camera comes in two versions, each with a different piece of glass on the front. The standard Ricoh GR III is famous for its sharp, fast 28-mm-equivalent lens with a focusing distance that’s great for wider scenes and lets you get some macro shots. The GR IIIx, then, has a 40-mm-equivalent lens, which might be better for taking portraits of friends or getting closer to your subjects. Both cameras have 24-megapixel sensors and image stabilization systems that help keep shots sharper in low light. Ricoh also provides some appealing color profiles for your images, including some more artistic choices like harsh black-and-white, cross-processed photos, and a bleach bypass look. In terms of sheer image quality, the Ricoh GR is a powerful artistic tool. The fact that it’s so tiny and simple just adds to its appeal.
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Photograph: Sony
Best Basic Option
Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VAIf you're a parent trying to document your young ones’ lives, you'll know that it can be hard to keep up with the kids’ constant movement. That's why this Sony compact is a great pick—it has phenomenally fast autofocus and can shoot 24 shots per second for up to 233 frames. It can also quickly pick out humans in shots, zeroing in to keep the eyes in focus if possible. While its zoom lens is a 24-70-mm-equivalent that's good for both wide shots and close-up portraits, you probably won't be capturing the school play or basketball game with it unless you're in the front row.
Although it's physically small, the RX100 VA packs in more gizmos than Inspector Gadget. Its rear touchscreen can flip up and face forward, making selfies a snap, and if you're in a bright environment, you can pop up an itty bitty viewfinder. There's even a little flash to help illuminate dark scenes. Inside, its 1-inch, 20-megapixel sensor gives you better low-light performance than a phone camera, and the lens's fast f/1.8-2.8 aperture will let in plenty of light while making backgrounds tastefully blurred. You get a little bit of everything you might need in your day-to-day photography.
Alternate Pick: Another basic camera worth considering is the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II ($1,120). It has a great lens with a big sensor, and for snapshots it's a superior camera. Unfortunately it's been discontinued and is only available on the used market, but if you can get one, grab it.