
Sensors will be smaller, usually less than 1-Inch, video resolution will often be capped at lower resolutions, and you'll lack autofocus, face detection and image stabilisation tech that makes automatic shooting easier. You'll be dispensing with some features at this price.So make sure you check our reviews before you buy - particularly as we've also tested some cameras that pull off a decent performance. At this price point, we've tested some of the worst cameras we've seen - including a few dreaded Don't Buys.
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Interested in a size step-up? Read our guide on how to buy the best DSLR or mirrorless camera to find a heavy-hitting camera with a swappable lense. A compact camera offers its advantages elsewhere, such as in transportability and ease of use. If image quality is your only priority when it comes to buying a camera, you'll get more of your money's worth by shopping for a camera built just for that purpose. Even the cheapest DSLR/mirrorless cameras use APS-C and Micro Four Thirds sensor formats that are only found in pricey compacts. And the opposite is true too: expensive cameras can disappoint, struggling to achieve results comparable to budget compacts despite the higher cost.īudget DSLR/mirrorless cameras can give you better image quality than compacts of the same price - or even a little more. Others manage to squeeze cheaper hardware for surprising results. Some models have had their market price devalued because they're old, but they were good at release and they're still good now. It's best not to think of compact cameras as cheaper than any other digital camera - we actually find that mid-range compact cameras cost around the same as a budget DSLR or mirrorless model. How much do I need to pay for a good compact camera?Ĭompact cameras range from £100 to over £1,000 - though most are priced at around the £400 to £500 mark. Mirrorless cameras have become the dominant camera type over the last decade, meaning interchangeable lens cameras are lighter than ever and compact cameras have lost some of this advantage.If you want genuine portability, a phone is superior, and yet if you want customisation and quality, a DSLR or mirrorless is a better bet. Since phone cameras became very good - which they are at the high-end - the purpose of compact cameras has come under question.This harms their versatility and prevents you from getting specialist lenses such as macro and telephoto ones. If you need a hardy camera that can survive whatever extreme circumstances you throw at it, then our guide to the best action cameras will help you find something durable and high-quality. If you need a camera for extreme weather or underwater shooting, you'll want to buy one of these. They're the only camera type that comes in tough, rugged or waterproof varieties.These cameras are small - they and easily fit into your hand and pocket.Compact cameras are designed with ease of use as a priority, making them great for inexperienced users or those who want to stick to automatic settings.They're the lightest dedicated camera you can buy, excluding GoPros and wearable camera tech.Whether a compact, rather than a bridge, DSLR or mirrorless, camera is the right choice for you will depend on what you need from your camera. If you’re not yet a member, you can get instant access by joining Which?. Only logged-in Which? members can view our recommendations in the table below. If you're looking for a compact camera that's proven itself in our test lab, then read our digital camera reviews and filter for compact cameras only.


And tell you how much you can expect to pay for a good one. We've shared the features and the hallmarks of quality to look out for if you're on the hunt for a compact camera, whether you're looking for a holiday camera or something that can give you professional-level photos. Some even come with features you'd expect among DSLR and mirrorless high-ends, like 4K video and image stabilisation.

The best compact cameras give you control of your shot while packing in hardware that helps to deliver crystal clear stills and video - without compromising on good handling and lightness. Compact cameras, sometimes called point-and-shoots, provide the quality you expect from a digital camera without any of the bulk of a high-end DSLR or mirrorless model.
