The Best Compact Cameras of 2022 (Part I)

Compact Cameras offer a great alternative for those who don't want a big DSLR or mirrorless camera, but also want better image quality over phone cameras. These smaller cameras can fit into a small pouch (or even a coat pocket), and provides better control over photography settings compared to smartphones. The Sony RX100 VII, Panasonic Lumix LX 100 II, and Fujifilm X100V are some of the best compact cameras for 2022.

Sony RX100 VII

The Sony RX 100 VII is the 7th generation compact camera offered by Sony for professional photographers. Although quite compact, it has a 24-200mm equivalent zoom lens with image stabilization, and has the larger 1-inch stacked CMOS image sensor, providing for better 20MP images and video overall.

Sony has also been able to incorporate its industry-leading autofocus system, including new Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF. The autofocus works well for photo and for video, especially with its High-resolution 4K HDR (HLG) recording and stable AF. Below are the RX100 VII's specs:

• ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 24–200 mm2 F2.8–4.5 high-resolution zoom lens
• 1.0-type (13.2 mm x 8.8 mm) Exmor RS® CMOS sensor, aspect ratio 3:2
• Approx. 20.1 Megapixels
• 0.02-second3 AF, 357 focal-plane phase-detection and 425 contrast-detection AF points
• Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF (including AF for animals and pets)
• Up to 20fps Blackout-free Shooting with AF/AE tracking
• 4K HDR (HLG) recording, mic input, 180-degree flip touchscreen

The Sony RX100 VII starts ate $1298, but the Sony RX100 VI and RX100 V, although a few years older, are still quite capable cameras and still available.

• Get the Sony RX100 VII here
• Get the Sony RX100 VI here
• Get the Sony RX100 V here

Panasonic Lumix LX 100 II

The Panasonic Lumix LX 100 II has a Four Thirds sensor that creates stunning 17MP images. Panasonic partnered with Leica to offer a Leica F1.7-2.8 zoom lens, with an equivalent  24-75 mm focal length.

The Lumix LX 100 has programmable buttons and remote recording with Bluetooth 4.2 / Wi-Fi, and has an electronic viewfinder EVF for rangefinder enthusiasts. Below are the Lumix's specs:

• Large Four Thirds sensor - 17 MP [4: 3 aspect] high-sensitivity multi-aspect Four Thirds MOS sensor. 4: 3, 3: 2, 16: 9, 1: 1 multi-aspect modes taken from 21. 77 Megapixel total count
• Leica DC vario-summilux lens - 24-75mm lens [F1. 7-2. 8], with power optical image Stabilizer (O. I. S. ) to effectively compensate for hand shake, minimizing Blur during zoom shooting
• 4K video & 4K PHOTO - Panasonic's exclusive 4K PHOTO technology uses 30 frames per second in high resolution 4K Ultra HD video to extract them as photos. You'll never miss that moment again
• Macro shooting - macro photography at 3cm at wide-angle and 30cm at telephoto. Photographs of flowers, plants and more reveal the fine details nearly invisible to the naked eye
• Camera body viewfinder and display: Compact digital camera with electronic viewfinder EVF [2, 764k-dot], and large 3-inch touch sensitive monitor [1240k-dot]

The Panasonic Lumix LX 100 II is available in black with optional accessories. The older brother Lumix LX 100 can still be found in stores, as well as the Panasonic Lumix ZS200 (although this is offered with a 1-inch sensor).

• Get the Panasonic Lumix LX 100 II here
• Get the Panasonic Lumix LX 100 here 
• Get the Panasonic Lumix ZS200 here

Fujifilm X100V

The Fujifilm X100V is aimed at photographers into street photography, but has made its way to professional applications, including wedding photography. Although it only has a fixed lens (i.e. not a zoom lens), its 35mm equivalent lens delivers exceptional sharpness across the frame. In addition, the X100V has an 26MP APS-C sensor, which means it has a larger sensor compared to other compact cameras.

One feature in Fujifilm cameras not available to other cameras is the Film Simulations which mimic old photography film types. This is fun and at the same time allows professionals to deliver photos straight out of the camera without any editing needed. Below are the Fujifilm X100V' specs:

• 26.1 millions pixels
• 23.5mm×15.6mm (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS 4 with primary color filter
• Hybrid viewfinder
• Approx. 11fps continuous shooting
• 17 Film Simulations ( PROVIA/Standard, Velvia/Vivid, ASTIA/Soft, Classic Chrome, PRO Neg.Hi, PRO Neg.Std, Black & White, Black & White+Ye Filter, Black & White+R Filter, Black & White+G Filter, Sepia, ACROS, ACROS+Ye Filter, ACROS+R Filter, ACROS+G Filter, ETERNA/Cinema, Classic Neg), Monochromatic Color
• Grain Effect
• Color chrome effect
• [DCI 4K (4096×2160)] 29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p, 200Mbps/100Mbps, up to approx. 10min

The Fujifilm X100V comes in either black or silver. The previous generation Fujifilm X100F is also still available, as well as the more affordable Fujifilm XF10.

• Get the Fujifilm X100V here
• Get the Fujifilm X100F here
• Ger the Fujifilm XF10 here

Continue to the next part of the Best Compact Cameras of 2022 to see recommendations from Canon, Ricoh, and Leica.

To see related articles on camera gear, check out these posts:

• The Best Camera Phones of 2022
• The Best Compact Cameras of 2022
• The Best Beginner Cameras of 2022

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