Best Compact Cameras
Check out the best Compact Cameras, as rated by Digital Trends' expert reviewers.
You might think that compact camera is just another name for the point and shoot – but you’d be wrong. Digital imaging advancements mean that manufacturers can pack more and more high-end specs into tinier and tinier packages. For the most part, cameras in this category might not win any prizes for slipping discreetly into your pocket, but they will offer more impressive results (thanks to their larger, higher quality sensors) and far more manual control than their smaller counterparts.
Our best compact cameras list is continually updated as we review new products that enter the market.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX7
Sony’s pocket-sized DSC-TX7 shoots high quality video comparable to many camcorders, along with stunning 10-megapixel stills.
- Pros: Very high-quality 10MP stills, Takes AVCHD video…
- Cons: Expensive, Controls could be too small for some;…
- Buy online:
- Amazon.com $269.99
Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS
Looking for a tough cam? Then the TG-1 should be at the top of your list. It’s hard to justify many other comparably priced units which have fewer features and capabilities.
- Pros: Attachment lens options, Quick, easy-to-use…
- Cons: A better sensor and more manual controls are on…
- Buy online:
- Amazon.com $255.18
- Datavision $449.00
Canon PowerShot S100
Pocket shooters looking for more of a challenge or advanced photographers who want a capable point-and-shoot will be fans of the S100's capabilities.
- Pros: Slim, but fits well in the hands, Solid build…
- Cons: Price makes it a hard sell, Reduced battery life
- Buy online:
- Buydig.com $349.00
- Amazon.com $371.38
If you'd like something more general, check out our guide to the best digital cameras.
Canon PowerShot ELPH 510 HS
The Canon PowerShot 510 HS is a solid 12MP camera with a very useful 12x zoom. Image quality is very good and the movies are more than satisfactory.
- Pros: Good quality stills/videos, Nicely implemented…
- Cons: Definitely for static subjects, Relatively slow AF…
- Buy online:
- Datavision $258.00
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V
This is a very good go-everywhere camera for people who want a slick point-and-shoot that takes good photos and superior videos, but please don’t spend anywhere near list.
- Pros: Beautiful, clean design, High-quality…
- Cons: Few manual adjustments, Uses “micro” media…
- Buy online:
- Buy Now: Amazon...
Samsung WB150F
If you aren’t looking at professional-level compact performance, but want a point-and-shoot – particularly one that’s hitting the connected ground running – then look no further.
- Pros: Nice looking, sturdy body, Wi-Fi is easy to set…
- Cons: Can’t push ISO high, Doesn’t perform great in…
- Buy online:
- Amazon.com $109.99
Canon PowerShot D20
From the unconventional design to its remarkable lens, this rugged cam easily sits among the best in the bunch.
- Pros: Great in-camera interface, Sharp lens, Impressive…
- Cons: Moderately slow; not suitable for fast-action…
- Buy online:
- Amazon.com $279.00
- Dell Home $349.99
Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS
This is a camera for someone who finds they’ve outgrown their basic point-and-shoot and wants to start dipping their toe into manual settings.
- Pros: High-speed burst mode, Good-looking and super…
- Cons: Poor battery life, MicroSD only, Average low light…
- Buy online:
- Adorama $144.00
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-TX100V
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX100V is a very good camera packed with features, but be prepared to deal with a washed-out screen in the sun.
- Pros: 16.2-megapixel CMOS imager, Outstanding 1080p…
- Cons: Screen wipes out in strong sunshine, Background…
- Buy online:
- Amazon.com $199.00
Samsung Galaxy Camera EK-GC100
The Galaxy Camera is a bold step into a new world of connected cameras and is the first true camera to also double as an impressive Android device. We just wish it were a better point-and-shoot camera for the price. As is, it’s a great, though bulky Android device with a so-so camera at an expensive $500 price point.
- Pros: Incredibly fun to use, Features galore, The…
- Cons: The lens isn’t very sharp, Slow image processor…
- Buy online:
- Buy Now: Amazon...
