From simple snappers for beginners to high-end powerhouses, here are the best compact cameras you can buy right now.





Compact cameras and the compact camera market have changed considerably over the last few years. Smartphones, with their ever-improving cameras, have decimated budget models and as a result camera manufacturers have concentrated on putting more advanced features into compact cameras to make them more attractive than ever before.





Compared to compact cameras of old, manufacturers are now tending to design models based around physically larger sensors than used to be the norm. The result of this change is that you're now going to get significantly better image quality than even the best smartphone. In some cases, the sensors in some high-end compact cameras can rival DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.





The wide variety of different compact cameras means there's a wealth of choice out there to pretty much suit all photographic needs and budgets. There are small compact cameras that can slip in a pocket yet have huge zoom ranges, and large bridge cameras that look like DSLRs, but have a large, fixed zoom lens and lots of automated easy-to-use options (though don't expect DSLR-rivalling image quality). That's not forgetting waterproof options and high-end models that are a great alternative to a DSLR or mirrorless camera should you want something a bit more portable.





Great value option: Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III









Sensor:

1-inch type, 20.1MP |

Lens:

24-70mm, f/1.8-2.8 |

Monitor:

3.0-inch tilt-angle screen, 1,229K dots |

Viewfinder:

EVF |

Continuous shooting:

10fps |

Movies:

4K |

User level:

Beginner/Intermediate





Before we take a look at our pick of the compact cameras out there today, we wanted to highlight a great value option. Sony's latest camera in its RX100 line, the RX100 VI , is one of our favourite compact cameras right now, but there's no getting away from the fact that it's a pricey option. The good news is that all of the previous generation models are still available at much more tempting prices. Sitting in the middle of this is the RX100 III and while it might not offer some of the latest features it's still a great compact at a bargain price. The large 1.0-inch sensor delivers excellent levels of detail, with the broad and fast range of the zoom lens making it a versatile travelling companion. There's also a built-in pop-up viewfinder and a tilting screen (though its not touch-sensitive). Take into account the sleek, premium finish and it all adds up to a great compact camera at a great price.





Fujifilm X100F









Sensor: APS-C CMOS, 24.3MP | Lens: 23mm f/2 | Monitor: 3.0-inch, 1,040,000 dots | Viewfinder: Hybrid optical/EVF | Continuous shooting: 8fps | Movies: 1080p | User level: Expert





It may be one of the more expensive options here and it's not a compact for everyone, but if you're after a high-quality camera, you're not going to be disappointed with the fabulous X100F. Everything about it oozes class. Unlike a lot of compacts here, it has a fixed lens as opposed to a zoom, but this 35mm equivalent f/2.0 lens is paired with a DSLR-sized 24.3MP APS-C sensor that delivers cracking results. There's also the tactile external controls and clever hybrid viewfinder - you have the option of electronic and optical views make it a joy to shoot with. You'll need some photo knowledge to get the best from it, but the X100F is an exquisite camera that you'll cherish if you take the plunge.





Panasonic Lumix ZS200 / TZ200









Sensor: 1-inch type, 20.1MP | Lens: 25-360mm, f/3.3-6.4 | Monitor: 3.0-inch touchscreen, 1,240,000 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 10fps | Movies: 4K | User level: Beginner/Intermediate



