It’s no secret that smartphones and their increasingly powerful cameras are eating away at the sales of traditional low-end compacts. As a result, camera manufacturers are creating compacts that offer radically different feature sets than their smartphone counterparts.
Optical zooms with fast glass, the ability to capture in Raw, large sensors (compared to those in smartphones), and even EVFs are finding their way into this class of camera. And while they may lack the dedicated controls of their bulkier enthusiast compact cousins, many of them offer comparable image quality in a sleeker package.
- Canon PowerShot G7 X
- Canon PowerShot S120
- Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II
- Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III
- Fujifilm XQ1
- Nikon Coolpix P340
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1
Note: We purposely excluded the Nikon Coolpix A, Ricoh GR, Sigma Quattro and Sony RX1R as they will be included in a separate roundup of single focal length compact cameras, to be published in the coming weeks.
In the following pages, you'll find what we liked and didn't like about each camera, and links to our test scenes and real-world galleries to give you a sense of how it performs in a variety of situations.
Canon PowerShot G7 X
As the megapixel war has shifted slightly to become a battle of the sensor sizes, more and more large-sensor compacts are entering the market and the Canon PowerShot G7 X is a good example of this emerging product type. Inside its reasonably compact body is a 20MP 1”-type BSI CMOS sensor - and just be clear, the sensor is 2.8x larger than those found in the Canon PowerShot S120 and the Nikon Coolpix P340.
“The G7 X's sensor/lens combination also brings in more light, allowing for better low light image quality than your typical compact camera.”
The G7 X also sports a 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 equivalent optical zoom with image stabilization. An ISO range of 125-12800 means the G7 X can hold its own in low light conditions. And a burst rate of 6.5fps means even the fastest action will be within your reach.
For brighter scenes, a built-in ND filter can help make use of a bright lens, and features like NFC and Wi-Fi connectivity mean this G7 X will place nice with smartphones and mobile devices.
The controls on the G7 X include a customizable click wheel around the lens barrel, a click dial on the back of the
The G7 X can record 1080p HD video at up to 60fps and offers a built-in stereo microphone on the top of the camera body. A 31-point AF system, built-in pop-up flash and variety of scene modes round out the list of features on this capable little compact. The G7 X is only let down by its poor battery life and relatively sluggish performance, especially in Raw mode.
What we like:
- Fast lens, big sensor
- Wi-Fi and NFC
- More zoom range than the competition
What we don't:
- Poor battery life
- No in-camera Raw processing
- Difficult to manual focus
Canon PowerShot S120
The PowerShot S120 is Canon's fifth-generation 'shirt pocket' enthusiast compact since it revived this camera class in 2009. It has a 12MP 1/1.7" BSI-CMOS sensor, 24-120mm equivalent F1.8-5.7 optically stabilized lens, and can record 1080p video at 60fps. This all comes in a small, slimline but solid-feeling body with, for the most part, refined operation.
"The S120 is fast and reliable in operation, with generally very good image quality"
Unlike most cameras of this size, the S120 augments its buttons and dials with a touchscreen, for easy selection of the focus point and changing of photographic settings. It still has a good complement of external controls though, including Canon's much-imitated round-lens control ring, and larger-than-average buttons for a small camera. Another useful addition is built-in Wi-Fi for transfer of images to a smartphone, computer, or wireless-enabled printer.
The S120 is fast and reliable in operation, with generally very good image quality. All of this adds up to a highly competent package in terms of all-round capability. It can't match the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 Mark III or the Canon G7 X, both of which sport a 1" 20MP sensor for outright image quality, but it's smaller and rather less
What we like:
- Fast operation
- Touchscreen control
- Built-in Wi-Fi
What we don't:
- Lens rather slow at telephoto
- High ISO image quality
- Aging model
Sony DSC-RX100 II
The Sony DSC-RX100 III may be out, but its predecessor, the RX100 II is still a very respectable camera, at a lesser price point. Compared to the original DSC-RX100, it promises better low light performance, faster AF, and the option to add a viewfinder/flash/remote trigger via the hotshoe mount. NFC-enabled, built-in Wi-Fi is also a nice addition to transfer images.
"The RX100 II's relatively large 1"-type sensor produces superbly detailed JPEGs"
The RX100 II's relatively large 1"-type sensor produces superbly detailed JPEGs, albeit with slightly underwhelming color. When comparing image quality to other compact-sized cameras, it's peerless. However when comparing to Micro Four Thirds and APS-C sensor cameras at its price point, the RX100 II starts to fall short in high ISO and dynamic range performance.
The appeal to camera enthusiasts is boosted by the addition of the Multi-Interface hot shoe (which allows use of external flashes and an electronic viewfinder), and a rear LCD screen that now tilts up and down. Sadly it retains the RX100's clickless wheel, and an interface that can leave the user feeling rather disconnected from the shooting
For anyone simply looking for the best image quality from a compact, the RX100 II is worth considering, along with the RX100 III, but the experience of shooting with the camera can be vague, thanks to the lack of feedback from the controls - which is the only thing stopping us declaring the RX100 II a classic.
What we like:
- Large sensor in small body
- Useful lens range
- Expandability
What we don't:
- Unengaging shooting experience
- JPEG color can be underwhelming
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 Mark III
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 Mark III is an enthusiast-level, pocketable compact with a 1-inch 20.1MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor. It is the only large-sensor compact on the market to also contain a pop-up OLED viewfinder that completely retracts into the camera body.
The RX100 Mark III is the third iteration of Sony’s premium pocket cam and the only one to contain any sort of viewfinder. Unlike its predecessors, it offers a 24-70mm equivalent zoom range with a sliding maximum aperture of f/1.8-2.8. The previous two RX100s offered zoom ranges of 28-100mm with a maximum aperture of f/1.8-4.9. So the Mark III sacrifices zoom reach for a wider starting point and overall faster lens - a solid trade-off in our opinion.
“[The RX100 Mark III’s lens] is of one of the most consistently sharp built-in zooms, both across the frame and through the zoom range.”
The viewfinder offers 1440k dot resolution, while the 3.0-inch LCD offers 1229k dots. ISOs range from 80 to 12800. The camera is also capable of an impressive maximum framerate of 10fps. On the video side, it can capture 1080p HD video at 60, 30 and 24fps and offers a built-in stereo mic.
From a design standpoint, the RX100 Mark III is quite small and will easily slide into your pocket. The front of the camera features a zoom rocker switch, as well as a customizable click wheel around the lens. The top of the camera offers a mode dial, shutter button, on/off switch and pop-up flash toggle. The back offers a dedicated movie record button and click wheel, in addition to a variety of other buttons, many of which can be customized.
Other notable features include built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, which will work with Sony’s Play Memories app, the ability to flip the LCD 180 degrees above the camera for the perfect selfie, and a built-in ND filter for better bright-light control.
This camera is best suited to anyone looking for a pocket camera with strong image quality, a solid set of features, a fast, versatile zoom lens and a built-in viewfinder.
What we like:
- Solid image quality
- Large sensor and fast lens
- Built-in ND filter
What we don't:
- Zoom range is limited, compared to competition
- Clickless, slightly laggy control dials
- Hesitant lowlight AF
Fujifilm XQ1
The Fujifilm XQ1 is a small camera that hides plenty of features inside its unassuming metal shell. Most importantly it has Fujifilm's 2/3" X-Trans CMOS II sensor, which incorporates phase detection for fast autofocus, and is larger than those found in most other cameras in this class (aside from Sony's RX100 series).
"The XQ1 is strikingly fast, even in low light."
The XQ1 is strikingly fast, even in low light, but its tiny rear buttons and clickless lens control dial make it a rather unengaging camera to shoot with – changing settings can sometimes feel like a battle against the camera.
The lens is pretty good at the long end, but relatively weak at wide angle, where images don’t stand up too well to close examination. But in typical Fujifilm fashion, the JPEG color rendition is lovely, white balance generally well-judged (although tending towards the cool side), and high ISO image quality is pretty impressive. The in-camera RAW converter also lets you tweak your photos after they're shot – unusual in this class of camera.
Overall, if you tend to look at your pictures rather than the pixels they’re made up from, you’ll probably be more than happy with the results the XQ1 delivers.
What we like:
- Extremely fast focusing
- Attractive out-of-camera images
- E-Fn controls work well
What we don't:
- Lens is slow at telephoto
- Small rear buttons
- Clickless lens dial
Nikon Coolpix P340
The Nikon Coolpix P340 is a modest update the the Coolpix P330 enthusiast compact, a direct competitor to the Canon PowerShot S120. Advancements come in the form of Wi-Fi connectivity, which comes in lieu of the GPS found in the P330, a slightly lighter body design, the addition of tactile clicks when turning the ring around the lens barrel and improved battery life (though only slightly).
Nearly all the other specifications of the P340 are identical to its predecessor, like 10fps burst shooting, 1080p HD video capture with stereo sound and Lens-Shift Vibration Reduction.
"We think the inclusion of Wi-Fi over GPS was a smart move on Nikon’s part."
We were reasonably impressed with the image quality of the P330, its 1/1.7” 12.2MP BSI CMOS sensor holds its own in lower-light conditions, especially when capturing JPEGs. And its 24-120mm equivalent f/1.8-5.6 lens offers a decent zoom range and is nearly identical to that of the Canon S120, the only difference being the Canon’s maximum aperture range of f/1.8-5.7.
Control dials are plentiful, with one around the lens barrel, one on top by the zoom toggle/shutter and a third dial located on the back. Unfortunately, no quick menu option makes changing certain settings on the fly a bit of a challenge.
All-in-all, the P340 is not radically different than the P330. We think the inclusion of Wi-Fi over GPS was a smart move on Nikon’s part. This camera is as pocketable as they come, offers ample control dials, an adequate zoom range and won’t let you down in low-light. Not a bad companion to your smartphone.
What we like:
- Good low light quality
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Ample dials
What we don't:
- No quick access to many features
- No GPS
- Sluggish RAW write times
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1
The 1/1.7" sensor Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1 is a credible competitor in the enthusiast compact sector. Aside from the Sony RX100 Mark III, it is the only small-bodied, Raw-capable compact to include an electronic viewfinder, and it offers an impressive 28-200mm equivalent lens range (albeit with a less impressive f/2-5.9 aperture range).
"The LF1 is an interesting addition to this class - it offers the longest lens in the group and one of the only viewfinders, and we've been impressed by the images."
The LF1's image quality is good, with much better color response that we're used to from Panasonic. JPEGs can occasionally feature slightly abrupt highlight clipping and flat contrast, but are generally very nice.
The electronic viewfinder isn't quite the benefit it sounds like it should be. It's extremely small and low resolution, and has no eye sensor to activate it, so you're constantly having to manually switch it on, only to be reminded how small it is.
The LF1 is an interesting addition to this class - it offers the longest lens in the group and one of the only viewfinders, and we've been impressed by the images it can create.
What we like:
- Compact size
- Useful zoom range
- Wi-Fi
What we don't:
- Viewfinder is disappointingly small
- No sensor to switch to EVF
- No control over flash output
Best high-end pocketable compact - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III
In our opinion the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 Mark III is - at this point in time - the best pocket camera available. The Canon PowerShot G7 X is a strong competitor, but is also Canon’s first crack at pocket cam with a 1” sensor, and it's not quite good enough yet either optically, or in terms of overall performance. With the RX100, RX100 II and now the RX100 III, Sony has had three opportunities to perfect the concept. Specifically, we feel that the RX100 Mark III offers advantages in its superior battery life, added options/features for video shooters, better image quality, and its built-in EVF.
Honorable Mention: Canon PowerShot G7 X
The Canon G7 X is a capable camera. Just because the RX100 Mark III took the top spot doesn’t mean the G7 X should be disregarded. It has a leg up on the Sony in terms of zoom range, offering a 24-100mm equivalent, compared to the 24-70mm equivalent lens on the RX100 Mark III. Its image quality is decent, though not as good as the Sony’s. It's overall performance is also somewhat sluggish and we'd appreciate better battery life. That being said, we are incredibly excited to see what Canon engineers do with the second iteration of this compact.
Best affordable high-end pocketable compact - Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1 is not the newest high-end compact around, nor does it offer the biggest sensor, or the cheapest price tag. That being said, it is still an incredibly capable compact with a built-in electronic viewfinder for under $300. That is less than half the price of the Sony RX100 Mark III, the only other high-end pocket camera to sport an EVF. The Canon S120, Nikon P340 and Panasonic LF1 all offer similar-sized sensors and fairly comparable image quality to the LF1 (the Fujifilm does have a slightly larger sensor than the rest), but the Panasonic also leaps ahead of the pack in its massive zoom range, a 28-200mm equivalent. The other compacts all max out at 120mm or less. For these reasons, we have chosen it as our best budget pocket camera.
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