How to choose the best Compact camera?

The compact camera has been designed as an "instant" camera for easy use.

Of course, if you want to be precise, compact cameras are also called bridge and mirrorless cameras.

But here I will focus on compact digital "point and shoot" cameras (ie point and click).

(If you want to review the differences between these terms, go to the complete guide to camera types)

Compact digital cameras have:

small size fixed lenses wide simple zoom menu automatic setting systems.
They are very popular among those who do not consider themselves an all-round photographer and do not even have the aspiration to become such, but are content to have a simple tool to capture some moments of daily life, family or holiday.

What is the best compact camera?

Most of the time it turns out to be your smartphone, right? In fact, the smartphone is always with you, and therefore it is always at your fingertips, on any occasion.

This is thanks to the ever-improving technology of our smartphone cameras.

All this has changed the market for compact cameras in recent years.

In 2010, sales of point and shoot cameras suffered a strong backlash, due precisely to the fact that smartphones have gradually replaced them. It was even thought that their time was over.

Instead, as a reaction to this situation, the models have been improved considerably and have become more performing. So much so that today, some models of compact cameras offer:

bigger sensors, more options than ever, more solid construction quality, and many other qualities that our smartphones can not have.
Undoubtedly this renewed interest in the compact camera can be attributed to an increase in users who are not satisfied with the smartphone camera, but who are not even interested in complex cameras such as SLRs or mirrorless cameras, with interchangeable lenses and lots of additional features.

For this type of users, who want to be able to take pictures in a simple way, the compact camera is the ideal choice, because it is accessible to all without requiring experience.

Why choose a compact camera
There are many good reasons to choose to buy a compact camera:

It has a small footprint, and you can always carry it with you. If you're not willing to take the bulk of a bigger and heavier camera, such as a SLR camera, the compact camera is yours. weighs little, so it is light, and it will not weigh you always have it behind. you do not have to change goals: this is also why you reduce space and weight when you take it with you. it's intuitive: you can use it without having in-depth knowledge about the use of cameras. This is why it is called "point and shoot". You can photograph "without thinking" makes good photos: if you're at the beginning, somewhere you have to start. A compact camera can help you get comfortable with the photo tool.
The choice of a compact camera is not easy, because the market offers many models. I'll give you an example: if two new SLR models come out every year for every big brand of digital cameras, a number of quadruple digital cameras proportionally goes out.

Imagine how wide the offer is.

So how can you choose the best compact camera?

Let's see together the main features to be taken into consideration.

Compact camera: features
Let's analyze together the main technical features to take into consideration to evaluate the best compact cameras:

Megapixel Sensor Focal length Zoom Aperture aperture Shooting mode Optional

1. Megapixel
When we talk about megapixels we talk about resolution. It is not worth the equation plus megapixel = nicer photos.

Resolution is important based on the use you want to make of your photo. If you look at your photography only on a computer monitor, megapixels are not as essential; this because even if you have the maximum possible number of megapixels available, you will meet the technical limit of your monitor!

We have to make a different speech if we talk about prints. This is because the number of megapixels defines the dimensions of an image; but it does not give any information about its quality.

The first feature that is emphasized when a compact camera is described is the megapixel it has. But remember this: already with 12 megapixel you will have the possibility to print excellent photos up to 30 × 40.

Among compact cameras of medium-low price range but with excellent features we can mention the Panasonic Lumix Dmc-SZ10, with its 16 mpx, at a very attractive price.

2. Sensor
A disadvantage of compact cameras is the small sensor.

As you know, the bigger the sensor, the more it can capture light, and return better quality photos. Therefore, with small sensors of compact cameras, there are problems with low light.

Obviously there is no race with SLR cameras, due to sensor size limits. But here we are talking about another type of camera.

The most common compact sensors are very small: they measure 1 / 2.3 "(where 1" = 1 inch = 25.4mm). So, to get an idea, consider that the smaller sensors of compact cameras measure: 6.160mm x 4.620mm.

There are also compact cameras with slightly larger sensors (1 / 1.7 "), which measure 7.6mm x 5.7mm.

The rule is that: the greater the sensor size, the higher the quality, and consequently the greater the cost !!

The Panasonic Lumix Dmc-TZ70 has a 1 / 2.3 "sensor.

Instead the Canon Powershoot G7 X MARK II has a 1 "sensor, therefore bigger. But we're talking about a compact high-end price camera.

3. Focal length
Since the compact camera has a unique lens that you can not change, it would be appropriate to opt for a focal length that allows you to wander from a wide-angle to a telephoto lens. Usually, most compact cameras on the market have lenses from 35 mm to 70-100 mm.

4. Zoom
There are compact cameras that have very high optical zoom, some even reach 40X.

For example the Canon Powershoot SX 720 HS.

5. Aperture opening
The rule always holds that if the lens has the ability to open the diaphragm as much as possible, the lens becomes bright.

Unfortunately, among the disadvantages of compact cameras I can not fail to emphasize that of depth of field, which prevents a good bokeh effect, and creates images a bit '"crushed".

6. Shooting modes
There are compact digital cameras that are completely automatic or semi-automatic.

Almost all of them have a menu with "predefined profiles", which are called shooting modes. Shooting modes identify the best shooting parameters based on the type of photo you want to shoot. Some examples: night, portrait, landscape, sports ...

Shooting modes are really useful for those approaching photography for the first time; worry-free set the compact digital camera.

If I can give you some advice: in my opinion it is better in any case to have more freedom of choice! So opt, if you can for a compact camera that allows you even a manual use, or at most semi-automatic. So you can decide when to use the shooting modes and when to approach a different use of the camera. So you can try to practice with the parameters of manual photography. And who knows! Maybe you'll want to develop your hobby by venturing with a SLR or mirrorless or bridge !!!

7. Optionals
When we talk about options, we can safely say that there is no limit!

You can have a compact digital camera that records HD video, with GPS, with wi-fi, with bluetooth, which resists water or shock.

Obviously more are the optionals, plus the price goes up.

The market offers compact digital cameras for all budgets and for all needs, from the ultra-simple and ultra-shock-resistant models (and therefore perfect for children), such as the Easypix Aqua W1024; top of the range models like the Nikon Coolpix AW130, which has 16 Mp, Iso 6400, and is also underwater up to 30 meters deep.

You will have to choose, according to your needs, which are absolutely essential for you.

I'll give you an example: if you are not interested in videos, it is useless to buy a compact digital camera that records them.

We give for acquired that it is better to choose a compact rather than a smartphone.

This is because compact cameras have:
sensor larger than the cameras of a smartphone you have the ability to shoot even in low light you can use the zoom without compromising the quality of the photos taken.
As the offer is really wide, and there is to be lost in the compact market, we have seen together what are the main features to consider when choosing the best compact camera.
If you want to sum up, when you look for your "point and shoot", I suggest you choose one that has at least:
10-12 megapixel optical stabilizer possibility of shooting even in manual mode, or at most in semi-automatic mode
In this way you will combine the right basic technical features to take good pictures of the other undeniable advantages that a compact camera can give you, namely:

simplicity of use little space without weight
Good choice! Best Digital Cameras