• Home
  • blog
  • Compact digital camera recommended ranking.Announced the top 3 cameras that focus on image quality and videos

Compact digital camera recommended ranking.Announced the top 3 cameras that focus on image quality and videos

The quality is magnitude!

Even if you do your best with a smartphone camera, you will definitely lose to a full -fledged camera.If you zoom, the image quality will be disturbed, and the photos taken in a dark place may not be somewhat sloppy.In such a case, you can rely on a compact digital camera.It is small and convenient to carry, even though it has a larger sensor than a general smartphone.In addition, Wirecutter carefully selected products that are well -established with good operability.


Compact camera Recommended 1st place: High speed, low budget "Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10"

High -speed auto focus and convenient touch screen are attractive.Despite the feeling of size that can be put in a jacket or jeans pocket, you can expect 4K videos as well as digital SLR.

The "Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10", which is good at adopting a lot of light with a 24-72mm zoom lens, should be easy to handle with a good touch screen and button.High -speed autofocus is an advantage, and if you use the innovative functions of still image mode such as 4K shooting, post -focus, you will not miss the best shot in an instant.

Compact camera Recommended 2nd place: "Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 VI" for video shooting

Click here if you are particular about videos.Still images are the same quality as the first place.Viewfinder (peep window) is convenient.

The quality of still images is "Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 VI (DSC-RX100M6)", which is equivalent to the first-place product, but has a slightly higher price.I am also good at shooting 4K videos.Recommended for VLOG shooting for HDMI output.It features a 24-200mm zoom lens.The open F value is small.If you give up some background blur or shoot in a dark place, you can use it as a travel camera.

Compact camera Recommended 3rd place: "Sony ZV-1" for video main

You can take a video neatly and easily.Still images are equivalent to the first and second place products.

"Sony ZV-1" is recommended if the main is a video, but if it is difficult to abandon the quality of still images.In addition to the first -place product, the lens adopts a lot of light, the sensor is large and the image quality is top class.Plenty of elements that are useful for video shooting, such as a microphone input, a touch screen LCD that can rotate on the front.Regarding still images, there is no flash and pop -up viewfinder in the second place product.

Who is a compact camera recommended for?

It is true that the camera performance of the smartphone has been good recently, but the smartphone camera is still limited compared to authentic SLRs and mirrorless cameras.Especially for those who like to take pictures and videos, compact cameras that are easier to take photos are more convenient than smartphones.

Image quality: The image sensor is larger than the smartphone, and the image quality is improved accordingly.In particular, shooting in dark places, such as indoors and after sunset, should be easy to understand.

Operability: Many compact cameras have a touch screen, so it should be easy for beginners to handle, such as changing basic settings and focus sets.

High -speed autofocus: The focus speed of the smartphone is faster than before, but it is still more unusual than a full -fledged camera with an auto -focus system.In order to capture intense movement subjects such as sports, children, pets, compact cameras are more reliable than smartphones.

Portable: One of the charms of compact cameras is that you can put it in your jeans or shirts without worrying about the weight, whether it is larger than your smartphone.It uses a large sensor and a wide -scale diameter zoom lens to incorporate a lot of light, and provides a lot of compact size that can be made into a single -lens reflex camera or a mirrorless camera with a compact size.

Most compact cameras than smartphones: Most compact cameras can zoom tripled without reducing image quality.Elements such as rotating screens that are convenient for self -portrait and EVF (electronic viewfinder) are also attractive.

Increasing the quality of the video: Compared to the latest flagship smartphone, you can take a clear video with less noise.In particular, video distributors such as YouTuber should be useful for 4K recording, non -compressed HDMI output, and screens that can rotate on the front.

Of course, the image quality of SLRs and mirrorless cameras is even better, and human engineering and physical controls are attractive, but the difference is still heavy.A compact camera is that the neck and shoulders are not heavy and can be expected to be more quality than smartphones in the size of the pocket.

Compact camera Recommended 1st place: "Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10"

"Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10" can take stunning photos even in dark places.A touch screen that can be operated intuitively, a 180 -degree rotating screen that is convenient for self -portrait, a 4K video distribution, and a high -speed autofocus, such as this price, is attractive.

It has a clear image quality, is not too sharp and is not too bright, unlike other products.The zoom (24-72mm) is wider than the camera of the smartphone, and even if you shoot with a close -up, it will be a smooth image with a blur in the background.Leica lenses can be taken sharply at any focal length, and 3cm close -up (close to "Sony RX100 VI" or "Canon G9 X Mark II") is possible.The optical type image stabilization should be a clever shot even with a slow shutter.

The contrast and saturation are modest compared to other companies' cameras, so you may want to process images when posting to SNS such as Instagram.It is outstanding with those who are better to play with images manually and as they like, rather than left to the automatic adjustment function of the camera.However, if it is easier for the camera to do it, you can set a style (vivid that expresses the color vividly, monochrome that can be expressed in a single color, etc.), so don't worry.Also, if you want to process all the image, it is a good idea to shoot in RAW mode and use software such as Adobe Lightroom.It takes time, but it can be said to be a method that makes the most of the camera.

Although it is not the smallest industry, the size is compact.After turning off the power, the lens comes out about 1 cm (with a small hand grip on the side).

It is easy to play with the settings.The diameter ring (see the GIF above) has a click stop that can directly control the F value when shooting in the aperture priority mode or manual mode.There is a dial that rotates smoothly on the front, and a customizable control wheel at the top of the camera, all of which can be tampered with camera settings.There is a cross button around the back, where exposure, white balance, drive mode/self -timer, focus mode, etc. can be set.There are also buttons for functions such as Panasonic's unique 4K photo mode and post -focus.

The customizable quick menu can be accessed up to 11 frequently used settings such as ISO, and tap and scroll the sub menu in the main menu system to find frequently used options.increase.These operations are not so difficult for those who have used a smartphone, so you don't have to worry.

The most useful touch screen is when autofocus.If the AF system is in single/multi -point mode, just tap the position of focus.For example, Sony's "RX100 IV" or "RX100" model does not have a touch screen.It is still a considerable difference that you can match the position of focus just by tapping.This is as convenient when shooting a video.The movement to match the new focus is visually comfortable, and it is a part where Panasonic engineers are particular about.

It uses Panasonic DFD (Depth from Defocus) technology, and if the subject is out of the focus, precisely predicts how much it is, and in a place where the light is sufficient (the focus is not determined, the conventional system is not determined.It will make high -speed focus possible).Furthermore, when using tracking AF, it is also useful for the subject to match the focus position when the subject approaches or moves away.

If you use Panasonic's 4K photo mode, you can shoot a short 4K video when you press the shutter button to make a continuous shooting of still images (30 FPS burst).In addition, the pre -plate can leave a few seconds frames before and after pressing the shutter.Both are good mechanisms to capture the best shots of instant.

In addition, if you use post -focus mode, you can shoot a short 4K video from any position, and you can determine the position of focus after shooting.This function is easy to finish well when the subject is stationary, and can be applied to the moving subject if it is shot in a bright place.

4K30fps or 1080p60fps (or 120fps if you turn off image stabilization or autofocus) is possible.With all assists on, both resolutions are 24mm, 4K, 36mm, 1080P30mm, and static images are equivalent.If you turn off the assist, the angle of view will expand, but you will not get a full 24mm wide angle.These crops not only narrow the angle of view, but also affects the performance in the dark.But don't forget that this can happen to any camera.

The shooting of 4K videos is up to 15 minutes at a time to get heat.By the way, the second place "Sony RX100 VI" is the same quality, and the shooting is up to 5 minutes.Non -compressed live HDMI video output is not supported.HDMI can only be used to play the video that has already been shot, and if you are distributing live on Twitch and YouTube, the second place "Sony RX100 VI" is more suitable.

You can also connect to Panasonic Image App (iOS / Android), smartphone or tablet via Wi-Fi.The app setup is relatively easy, and once the connection is completed, you can use the app to change the shooting settings, adjust the focus position, shoot, and transfer images (RAW, JPEG).You can share the videos taken with social media in the MP4 format, but you need to be careful because AVCHD videos cannot be transferred to smartphones or tablets.

There are two major differences when compared to the second place "Sony RX100 VI".One is that there is no electronic viewfinder (useful when shooting in a place where the sunshine hits, when it is difficult to see the screen or dark).The other is inconvenient when you want to shoot overhead, such as concerts and crowds, because the touch screen does not tilt.However, the interface of the touch screen is comfortable.The second place "SONY RX100 VI" has a high price, so you can get a high video performance, but if not, the first place "Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10" is recommended.

Regarding the battery life, you can shoot 260 shots in one charge, but compared to the second place "Sony RX100 VI", 50 shots are reduced (however, if SONY is used EVF, the battery will decrease faster).Of course, it depends on how much video you actually took, what shooting mode you used, and how much the camera was turned on and off.In general, if you shoot for a few hours, you don't have to worry about charging, but if you use it all day for sightseeing, it may be better to consider a spare battery or USB charger.Hmm.

While the diameter ring is convenient, it is a little complicated.If you zoom in, the open F value will be small, so it will not match the dial (for example, the ring is f/1 in 72mm zoom..4 but F/2.8).However, this is the only thing that is worrisome with the wide squeezing settings.F/ 2.You don't have to worry about 8 or later.

Another weak point is that it is not a built -in ND (neutral density) filter.With this, it would have been possible to shoot large diameter in the bright sun and expose very long exposure (convenient for shooting the starry sky).Instead, an electronic shutter with up to 1/16,000 seconds (F/1 in a bright place).4 Shooting is possible).However, note that rolling shutter phenomena will occur if you try to capture fast -moving subjects with an electronic shutter.

Other concerns are relatively minor, for example, if the grip is made of rubber, it should be more stable, or if you can launch a camera in playback mode without the need to extend the lens, the battery life has increased.。

Compact camera Recommended 2nd place: "Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 VI"

The "Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 VI" is a specification that is more than general needs (higher-speed burst (continuous shooting) shooting, many shots that can be taken for each burst, high-speed and reliable auto focus, longer lenses, etc.).However, those who want to take full -scale photos and videos should be useful.The point is that there is an EVF (electronic viewfinder).

The quality of still images is wonderful (with the first place product).The zoom range is long and ideal as a travel camera.In the default settings, you can see that the contrast and saturation are higher than the first place (of course, adjusted according to your preference).

First of all, Sony's pop -up EVF (electronic viewfinder).Because it tilts 40 degrees, you can shoot from overhead.This is a big difference from the first place "Panasonic LX10".

Take a 4K video with a maximum of 30 frames/sec, bit rate 100Mbps.It features many formats and codecs such as XAVC S.The video is finished in a sharp video with both 4K and 1080p.The beauty of XAVC S videos is top-class, but you need a specific type of memory card called SDXC UHS-II (storage 64 GB ~).In the Wirecutter survey, "Sandisk Extreme Pro SDXC UHS-II" is recommended.The performance is perfect, but the price is high.

The crops of the 4K video are quite modest compared to "LUMIX DMC-LX10", so you should look at the wide-angle video shooting without worrying much.In the "LX10", you can shoot 1080p 120fps images with double slow motion, while "RX100 VI" is 32 times slow motion and up to 960 fps (but one shoot is up to 2 seconds, the resolution drops).Using the HDMI port can output non -compressed live 4K videos, so it is also recommended for video distributors such as YouTube and Twitch.

You can connect to your smartphone wirelessly with the iOS / Android app (iOS / Android).Photos and videos are transferred to smartphones, and camera remote operation is possible.RAW images, AVCHD videos, and high -bit rate XAVC S videos cannot be sent, but sufficient JPEG and low -bit rate videos are supported to share on Instagram or Facebook.

Compact camera Recommended 3rd place: "SONY ZV-1"

If you want to emphasize the quality of still images, the main shooting is the video, but the "SONY ZV-1" is recommended.The size of the sensor is 2.5cm, the lens is equipped with an optical image stabilization function, which is almost the same specifications as "LUMIX DMC-LX10".You can incorporate more light than the second place "Sony RX100 VI", and you should rely on autofocus in dark places.The zoom range is shorter than "Sony RX100 VI".Overall, it has a variety of functions for shooting videos with higher quality than the first and second place.

In addition to the first -place product, the lens adopts a lot of light, and the sensor is large and the industry's top -class image quality is attractive.Full of elements that are useful for video shooting, such as a microphone input, a touch screen LCD that rotates on the front.Regarding the shooting of still images, it is regrettable that there is no flash and pop -up viewfinder in the second place product.

If you use another microphone for video shooting, there is a standard mini microphone output.This is an element that is not found in "LUMIX DMC-LX10".At the top of the "SONY ZV-1", there is a multi-interface shoe, multi-terminal, and a wind screen that is convenient for accessories.

In addition to the video shooting button at the top, you can easily start and stop shooting even from a narrow place.Unlike the first place "Panasonic LX10", the camera setting cannot be operated from the touch screen, but there is a way to go to the quick menu from the menu, FN button, and search for items to adjust the camera operation from the cross button.

The images and videos taken with the "Sony ZV-1" are wonderful, and the quality is almost the same as "Sony RX100 VI".Because the sensor and image processing are similar, it is indistinguishable if you shoot with the same settings.

On the other hand, if there is a part you care about, there is no viewfinder.This is a part that people who want to take a full -fledged photo should spend a little money, but if not, it is a little saving.The other is the battery life.It is enough to shoot still images, but it may be better to consider a spare battery or USB charger when shooting a lot of videos.

You can connect to your smartphone wirelessly with the iOS / Android app (iOS / Android).Photos and videos are transferred to smartphones, and camera remote operation is possible.It is enough to use it casually, but there may be places where you are particularly worried about rugs with live view shooting functions every day (it is explained in detail in this video).

Other recommended compact cameras

For those who like the second-place "Sony RX100 VI" design and viewfinder and are not particular about the 4K videos and zoom range, we also recommend "Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 III".The zoom is 24–70mm, but the open F value is wide F/1.8-2.You can expect to blur in the background with 8, or,..On the other hand, it may be more expensive than "Panasonic LX10", which has a large opening diameter lens with a focal length of the same degree and can also shoot 4K videos.

If you are not so particular about carrying, "Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100" and "DC-LX100 II" are all very large microfoursers sensors.There is an electronic viewfinder, and the manual operation is substantial.However, the sensor and lens are large, and the camera body is easy to bulky.Note that it is not a pocket size.If there is still no problem, it is a more affordable and reliable camera for an old model.

"Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III" is equipped with an APS-C sensor with a single-lens reflex class.The image quality is better than "Panasonic LX10", but it is heavy and hard to fit in pockets.It is regrettable that the price is high and the lens aperture is narrow.

"Canon PowerShot G5 X" is equipped with the same sensor as the first place "Panasonic LX10", as well as the farther telephoto zoom, a full movable back screen, and an organic EL viewfinder.However, it is difficult to shoot with a large size and can shoot with a single charging, with a small number of shots, and that RAW shooting is less than one frame per second.

The "Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II" has become smaller with a pop -up EVF, which has become smaller, making it possible to shoot up to 20 mm long zoom and up to 20 frames/seconds.However, only 230 pieces can be taken by charging one time, and it is worrisome that the autofocus is unstable, and the video is not clear even in 4K videos.

"Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II" features a long zoom lens as the original "G5 X".However, 4K videos cannot be shot, and EVF is not installed.

"Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III" has been reduced at high speed compared to the previous model, and has a 4K video shooting function of 30 frames per second.Equipped with an external microphone terminal, it is also recommended for VLOG and full -fledged video shooting, but does not have EVF.

The "Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200" is a great image quality, but I was worried about the fact that the zoom lens was not smooth and the narrow aperture range.The difficulty of EVF is not good, and the touch screen cannot be rotated forward.It may be suitable when there are many shooting in places where light is not bothered, and zoom is more focused than ease of carrying.However, for many people, one of the models introduced in the first to third place should be easier to use.

"RICOH GR II" and "GR III" are equipped with a large APS-C sensor and a wide-angle (equivalent to 28mm) lenses, but it is attractive.The image quality is good, but I'm worried about the focal length fixed, and the screen and EVF are not movable.While there are touch screens and 4K video functions, I can't expect much of the video finish.If anything, it seems to be an old school still image main camera.

"FUJIFILM X100V" is equipped with a fixed (35mm) lens and APS-C sensor.Large, heavy, and expensive.Like RICOH, it is a niche camera suitable for still images of a specific style.

The display price is as of the writing.Please check the sales page as it may change.

© 2021 Wirecutter, Inc.A New York Times Company.