Best digital compact cameras June 2026
A digital compact camera offers powerful features in a pocket-friendly size, making it a perfect companion for travel and everyday photography. This guide helps you compare the best models on the market, looking at everything from zoom range to video capabilities, so you can find the right camera for your needs and budget.
Last updated: 23 June 2026
Digital Compact Cameras: Top 5
1
Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Lite Edition
from £529.992 stores
from £529.99
2 stores
2
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
from £550.009 stores
from £550.00
9 stores
3
Sony CyberShot DSC-RX100 VII
from £900.0011 stores
from £900.00
11 stores
4
Canon PowerShot SX740 HS
from £180.004 stores
from £180.00
4 stores
5
Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ99
from £427.8611 stores
from £427.86
11 stores
This 'Lite Edition' of the popular travel zoom camera packs an impressive 40x optical zoom and 4K video into a compact body. It's a fantastic choice for travelers who want to capture distant subjects and appreciate the flexibility of shooting in RAW format.
Pros
Massive 40x optical zoom
Records video in 4K resolution
Supports RAW file format
Lightweight and compact at 299g
Cons
Small 1/2.3" sensor
Lacks a touchscreen
No microphone input
The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a premium compact camera designed with vloggers and content creators in mind. It combines a large 1-inch sensor and a bright lens with key video features like 4K recording and an external microphone jack.
Pros
Large 1" sensor for high image quality
Bright f/1.8-2.8 lens for low light
External microphone input
4K video recording
Articulating touchscreen
Cons
Limited 4.2x optical zoom
Early models had reported autofocus issues
No built-in viewfinder
The Sony RX100 VII is a pocket-sized powerhouse that offers an incredible combination of features for demanding photographers. It pairs a large 1-inch sensor with a versatile 24-200mm zoom lens, a pop-up viewfinder, and professional-level video capabilities.
Pros
Large 1" sensor and versatile 8x zoom
Pop-up electronic viewfinder (EVF)
External microphone input for video
Excellent high-speed video options
Features NFC for quick pairing
Cons
Less bright lens than some competitors
Can be complex for beginners
Higher price point
The standard Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is a classic travel zoom camera, offering a massive 40x zoom to capture subjects near and far. It's a straightforward, effective choice for travelers who prefer shooting in JPEG and want a simple yet powerful point-and-shoot experience.
Pros
Powerful 40x optical zoom
Records video in 4K
Articulated screen for flexible angles
Features PictBridge for direct printing
Cons
Does not support RAW file format
Small 1/2.3" sensor limits low-light quality
No touchscreen
Released in 2024, the Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ99 is a modern, feature-rich travel camera. It balances a powerful 30x zoom with desirable features like an electronic viewfinder, a touchscreen, and RAW support, making it a very capable all-in-one package.
Pros
Versatile 30x optical zoom
Includes a touchscreen and an EVF
Supports RAW file format
Records 4K video
Cons
Small 1/2.3" sensor
No external microphone input
Heavier than some competitors
Compare specifications
| Optical zoom | 40 x | 4.2 x | 8 x | 40 x | 30 x |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Image sensor format | 1/2.3" | 1" | 1" | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
| Design (format) | Compact | Compact | Compact | Compact | Compact |
| Release year | 2018 | 2019 | 2019 | 2018 | 2024 |
How we built the list
The ranking is updated monthly and is based on data we collect from our own platform. Products that rank highly are popular with our users while also maintaining high quality according to editorial expert reviews. Specifically, we take into account how many users follow a product through price alerts or lists, how it is rated by experts and users, as well as how much traffic it generates to stores and how well it is represented in stores. No products are paid placements — the ranking is governed solely by data.
