The best compact cameras for every event

Take pictures with these point-and-shoot cameras that will last a lifetime.

Mature woman with long grey hair photographing in forest, Scandicci, Tuscany, Italy - stock photo

by Caitlin Casey |
Updated on

Finding the best compact cameras can help commemorate an occasion and take pictures that will last forever. Sometimes you don't need a big fancy action camera to take pictures of the best memories.

Kids of today might not ever get a compact camera of their own with all the new tech coming out on phones. Having a camera on us at all times still sometimes feels a little alien. However, if you'd like to treat your child or grandchild to a kid-friendly camera, why not? It'll help spark their creativity and may get them in touch with local wildlife on long walks with the camera, taking snaps.

Best compact cameras at a glance

Best compact camera: Kodak Pixapro FZ55 in Red - Buy now on Amazon UK
Budget compact camera: STUOGYUM Autofocus Compact Camera - Buy now on Amazon UK
Premium compact camera: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 - Buy now on John Lewis

Or, perhaps, consider an Instant camera for something super retro. Having said that, having a compact, digital camera for big events will help you treasure the memories for a long time. At Yours, we sure still love to use efficient, portable cameras. Being better quality than a phone camera but not as complex as a DSLR, a compact camera offers simplicity with photography in mind. They're our preference.

Depending on how expensive you want to go, you can go with compact (or point-and-shoot cameras) and still have loads of smart features to help you catch high-quality pictures. They'll help you feel like an expert photographer. Budget smartphones with touch screens, RAW capture, zoom, face recognition, waterproof versions and wireless connections can all be included depending on what you're looking for.

Best compact cameras

Remember before buying that most cameras will need a memory card inside them and also so that you can store your pictures and look at them forever. And, now onto the best compact cameras...

Best compact camera

Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 Best Compact Camera
Price: £129.88
Alternative retailers
B&H Photo Video$95.00View offer
BuyDig.com$104.99View offer
Macy's$109.99View offer
Adorama$119.95View offer

Discover the Kodak Pixapro FZ55 in Red. Slim and portable, it features a rechargeable battery, HD video capability, a wide-angle lens, and a range of creative shooting modes. Unleash your creativity and tell your story - grab some photo albums to save your memories... Simply, point and shoot.

Customer review: "Love this, it's light, easy to use, battery life (even at cold temperatures, used skiing) seems great. Basically turn on, which is reasonably quick, aim, zoom as required (up to *5 is optical) and shoot. I used to keep my phone out of harm's way if skiing, cycling, MTB etc. Also keeps the phone warm and battery full in the event of an emergency. The strap also keeps it safe if I drop it. If I'm being (very) critical: the on/off button is small, so not always easy with big gloves on, the charge port is micro USB rather than USB C and I'd like it to keep the 'burst *3' setting if I switch it off/on again."

Pros

  • Reputable brand for good quality camera
  • With a rechargeable lithium battery
  • Boasts HD video, 28mm wide angle lens

Cons

  • Some felt the details were lacklustre
Dimensions9.1 x 5.6 x 2.3 cm
Zoom5 x
Shooting ModesAuto, P, M, Face Beautifier, Movie, Panorama, SCN
Video1080p Full HD Video
AccessoriesRechargeable Li-ion Battery, USB Cable, AC Adapter, Wrist Strap, Quick Start Guide, Warranty Card, Service card
  • 5x Optical Zoom
  • 16MP CMOS Sensor
  • 1080p Full HD Video
  • Slim and Compact Design
  • 28mm Wide Angle Lens
  • 2.7" LCD
  • Rechargeable Li-ion Battery (LB-012)

Best compact camera for zoom

Next, the Agfa Photo Realishot DC8200 boasts simplicity with its compact design and intuitive controls. Featuring an 18MP sensor, Full HD video, a decent 8x optical zoom, and a 2.7" LCD screen. Plus, it's equipped with a Lithium battery, built-in flash, and electronic anti-shake for clear, detailed photos.

Pros

  • Shoot high-quality photos and full HD video
  • With an impressive 8 x zoom focus
  • Comes complete with 16GB memory card

Cons

  • Unsure of shooting modes
Dimensions25 x 60 x 25mm; 89 g
Zoom8 x
Shooting ModesUnspecified.
Video720p high-definition video
Accessories16GB SD card, bag
  • 18 megapixel
  • CMOS sensor
  • Full HD video recording
  • Optical zoom: 8x
  • 2.7" LCD screen
  • Electronic anti-shake

Best compact camera for portability

Best Compact Camera - Praktica Luxmedia BX-D18 Digital Camera
Price: £71.99 (was £89.99)

www.maplin.co.uk

The Praktica Luxmedia BX-D18 Digital Camera is designed with simplicity in mind, perfect for those of us who may not be tech-savvy. With an 18MP sensor, autofocus, and easy-to-use features like face detection and self-timer mode, capturing clear, detailed photos is effortless. Its compact, lightweight design ensures portability for on-the-go photography.

Pros

  • Simple and user-friendly design for non-tech-savvy
  • Compact and lightweight design for easy portability
  • HD video mode for capturing memories in high-quality

Cons

  • Memory cards sold separately
Dimensions2.5 x 5.7 x 9.5 cm
Zoom8 x
Shooting ModesUnspecified.
VideoFull HD video recording at 30fps
AccessoriesWrist strap
  • 18 megapixel
  • CMOS sensor
  • Full HD video recording at 30fps
  • Optical zoom: 8x
  • 2.7” wide
  • LCD screen
  • Image stabilisation

Budget compact camera

A budget option: STUOGYUM Autofocus Compact Camera has a 48MP sensor, 16x digital zoom, and a pause function for crisp images and videos. It doubles as a webcam with a 2.8" screen. It's compact and has two batteries included, so this camera is more than ideal for on-the-go shooting. This camera could even make the perfect gift for your loved one with a budding interest.

Customer review: "Handy compact & lightweight camera bought for partner for Christmas. Easy to use on auto setting along with a variety of different settings available. Great for a Novice learning about photography. Came with a Memory card and adaptor making it so easy to upload onto a laptop. Overall, great value for money."

Pros

  • High-res 48MP sensor and autofocus for sharp images
  • 16x digital zoom, pause function, and webcam capability
  • Compact and lightweight design with two included batteries

Cons

  • Memory card not included
Dimensions11.8 x 8.4 x 7.9 cm
Zoom16 x
Shooting ModesAuto Focus
Video1080P high-resolution video
AccessoriesBatteries
  • High-resolution 48MP sensor for detailed images.
  • The Autofocus function ensures sharpness and clarity.
  • Supports 1080P high-resolution video recording.
  • 16x digital zoom for capturing distant details.
  • The pause function allows for interruption-free video recording.
  • Doubles as a webcam for virtual meetings or streaming.
  • 2.8-inch IPS screen for easy previewing and playback.
  • Compact and lightweight design, smaller than a smartphone.
  • Includes two 700mAh batteries for extended shooting sessions.
  • Supports memory cards from 4GB to 128GB (sold separately).
  • Multifunctional features including face detection, smile capture, and beauty function.
  • Reliable after-sales support with quick response times.

Best compact camera for outdoors

Or, consider the Ricoh WG-6 Digital Camera in vibrant orange, perfect for outdoor adventures. With 20m underwater capability, a 20MP sensor, 4K video, and a versatile 5x optical zoom lens, captures stunning close-ups and sweeping landscapes. Plus, its durable construction withstands shocks and extreme temperatures. How cool is that?

Customer review: "Vеrу hарру wіth thе rеѕultѕ frоm thіѕ ruggеd саmеrа; І uѕuаllу ѕhооt mіrrоrlеѕѕ/DЅLR аnd wаntеd аn аltеrnаtіvе fоr kауаkіng, bоаtіng аnd оthеr соаѕtаl асtіvіtіеѕ. Нарру tо rесоmmеnd!"

Pros

  • Waterproof and built for outdoor adventures
  • 20MP sensor and 5x optical zoom lens for detailed photos
  • Includes 4K video recording, macro lights, and enhanced GPS

Cons

  • Only orange available
Dimensions11 x 6.5 x 3.3 cm; 246g
Zoom5 x
Shooting ModesАutо Рісturе, Рrоgrаm, НDR, Наndhеld Nіght Ѕnар, Моvіе, Ніgh Ѕрееd Моvіе, Dіgіtаl Місrоѕсоре, Lаndѕсаре, Flоwеr, Роrtrаіt, Undеrwаtеr, Undеrwаtеr Моvіе, Іntеrvаl Ѕhоt, Іntеrvаl Моvіе, Ѕurf & Ѕnоw, Кіdѕ, Реt, Ѕроrt, Nіght Ѕсеnе, Fіrеwоrkѕ, Dіgіtаl ЅR, Rероrt, Grееn, Dерth оf fіеld соmроѕіtіоn
Video4K-resolution movie recording
AccessoriesRechargeable Battery DB-110, USB Power Adapter, Power Plug, USB Cable, Hand Strap, Macro Stand
  • Неаvу-dutу соnѕtruсtіоn fоr undеrwаtеr ѕhооtіng dоwn tо 20m.
  • Ѕhосkрrооf uр tо 2.1m, аnd соld-rеѕіѕtаnt tо tеmреrаturеѕ аѕ lоw аѕ -10°С.
  • Ніgh-quаlіtу, hіgh-rеѕоlutіоn 20-mеgаріхеl іmаgеѕ.
  • 4К-rеѕоlutіоn mоvіе rесоrdіng fоr ехtеndеd ѕhооtіng оf hіgh-quаlіtу mоvіеѕ.
  • 5х орtісаl zооm lеnѕ wіth 28-140mm wіdе-аnglе соvеrаgе.
  • Ѕіх multі-аррlісаtіоn mаrсо lіghtѕ tо іllumіnаtе thе ѕubјесt fоr сlоѕе-uр ѕhооtіng.
  • 3.0-іnсh, wіdе-frаmе LСD mоnіtоr fоr wіdе-аnglе vіеwіng.
  • Еnhаnсеd GРЅ mоdulе tо rесоrd роѕіtіоn dаtа аnd trаvеl lоg dаtа оntо сарturеd іmаgеѕ.
  • 18 Ѕсеnе mоdеѕ tо ѕеlесt thе fіnіѕhіng tоuсh bеѕt ѕuіtеd tо thе ѕubјесt.
  • 12 dіgіtаl fіltеrѕ.

Premium compact camera

Lastly, for those of you wanting to dedicate a little more time to photography, consider the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100: a compact powerhouse capturing images at super-fast speeds with exceptional autofocus. Features include continuous shooting up to 24 frames per second, 4K recording, Zeiss optics, and a tilting OLED screen for versatile shooting options.

Customer review: "I already have the Sony A6000, and a Sony A7iii………but in certain situations, I wanted to travel light. I already had a little compact from another manufacturer, it was getting a little old and dare I say 'well used' so I decided on the RX1005A. I have to be careful on what I buy due to only having one arm, but this little Sony is great. After using my 2 other Cameras, I had no issues with its menu system. It's great just to put it in your pocket and go. It has some great features, but more than that... the final photos are fantastic."

Pros

  • Locks onto subjects in 0.05 seconds for sharp focus
  • Records 4K Ultra HD footage and captures 24 frames per second
  • Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens ensures crisp images

Cons

  • Potentially limited battery life
DimensionsH5.81 x W10.16 x D4.1 cm
Zoom11 x
Shooting ModesAUTO (Intelligent Auto / Superior Auto), Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Speed Priority, Manual Exposure, MR (Memory Recall) 1,2,3, M1, M2, M3, M4, Movie Mode, HFR Mode, Panorama, Scene Selection
Video4K HD
AccessoriesRechargeable Battery Pack NP-BX1, AC Adaptor, Micro USB Cable, Wrist Strap, Strap Adapter, Instruction Manual
  • Super-fast autofocus locks onto moving subjects in just 0.05 seconds.
  • Capture up to 24 frames per second with AF/AE tracking.
  • Equipped with an f/1.8-2.8 Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens with 24-70mm zoom range for versatile shooting, from portraits to macro shots.
  • Advanced image processing powered by the high-speed BIONZ X processor and 20.1MP Exmor RS CMOS sensor, resulting in natural detail, rich tonal gradations, and low noise.
  • Record stunningly clear 4K Ultra HD footage and capture 17MP still images while recording movies.
  • Super slow-motion recording at up to 960 fps (40x normal frame rate) for capturing fast-moving action.
  • Bright and retractable electronic viewfinder (EVF) with high resolution equivalent to 2359k dots and ZEISS T coating for clear visibility.
  • 3-inch tiltable LCD screen for easy framing and selfies, with high and low positions for shooting flexibility.

FAQs

Should I buy a compact camera?

Fitting into a purse or pocket, compact cameras are completely portable and offer high-quality pics for the best occasions. Whether you're going out for an evening or hosting a family party, everyone can use these easy cameras.
Some features are most common in compact cameras, though. This will help you to decide whether or not a compact camera is what you're looking for.
Autofocus: Many point-and-shoot cameras have a quick automatic focus, doing the hard work for you. If you don't understand how to use complex focus or just want an easy option to snap your muse easily, this is a great tool for quick pics. Consider a wildlife digital camera if you're keen to take this outside.
Flash: You'll want a built-in flash in your camera if you're planning to use this camera on a variety of occasions. This helps to keep your image bright and get the best picture
Zoom: Cameras nowadays can even have superzoom options, meaning you can take lots of high-quality pics from afar. Perfect if you're a wildlife watcher.
Waterproof: You can even get your hands on waterproof compact cameras, meaning you can jump into the deep end, go snorkelling and hang out with no worries of water damage.

Are compact cameras better than phones?

Compact cameras have much better features in general than your smartphones under £500, allowing you to get a lot more creative with certain elements such as exposure
Looking for a little more functionality out of your camera? Why not pick up a superb budget tablet?

Can digital cameras record video?

Not all of them, but generally speaking most modern compact cameras do record video.

Are compact cameras worth it?

All-in-all, compact cameras are the perfect bit of kit for holidays, they're instant, they've got plenty of battery, and they've got tonnes of features you can have fun with to take some great photos.

Caitlin Casey was a Senior Beauty & Fashion Products Writer for Bauer Media Group. She covers shopping, women’s lifestyle, popular culture as well as all things trending.

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