The Best Compact Cameras of 2022 (Part II)

In our previous article, we discussed the advantages of compact cameras over mobile phones, and recommended some cameras from Sony, Panasonic, and Fujifilm. This time, we'll take a look at the best compact cameras from Canon, Ricoh and Leica, specifically the Canon G7 X Mark III, the Ricoh GR III, and the Leica D-LUX 7.

Canon G7 X Mark III

The Canon G7 X Mark III is Canon's latest entry in the popular G7 X lineup, able to capture  20MP pictures with its 1.0-inch stacked CMOS Sensor. It's 4.2x optical zoom allows for versatile uses, from family photography to travel photography, and also allow 4K video recording for vlogging. Below are the G7 X III's specs:

• 20.1 Megapixels, 1.0-inch stacked CMOS (sensor aspect ratio: 3:2)
• 35mm film equivalent: 24–100mm focal range
• Macro: 2.0 in. – 1.6 ft. (5–50 cm) (W) focusing range
• Continuous Shooting up to 20 fps
• 4K 30p Video, FHD 120p Video
• 3.0-inch Touch Panel LCD Screen with Tilt Option of 180° for Selfies
• External Microphone Support, Clean HDMI Output

As of 2022, the Canon G7 X Mark III is available starting at $749. The previous version Canon G7 X Mark II is also still available, and the first generation Canon G7 X can still be purchased at a heavily discounted price.

• Get the Canon G7 X Mark III here
• Get the Canon G7 X Mark II here
• Get the Canon G7 X here 

Ricoh GR III

The Ricoh GR III is the smallest professional compact camera available, coming in at only 4.29 inches in size. Part of the compactness is due to its fixed lens (non-zoom lens) which provides an equivalent 28mm focal length. However, the GR is still able to fit an APS-C sized sensor, providing better image quality than most compact cameras. This larger sensor in its travel-friendly form factor makes it very popular with street photographers. Below are the Ricoh GR's specs:

• 18.3mm (Approx. 28mm in 35mm equivalent focal length), F2.8～F16
• Approx. 24.24 megapixels
• Sensor-shift shake reduction (SR)(3-axis) image stabilization
• Full HD (1920x1080, 60p/30p/24p) movie recording
• Face/Eye Detection
• Built in ND Filter (2EV)
• Additional 35mm & 50mm crop options
• Magnesium alloy body
• Ultrasonic wave sensor cleaning
• 2 GB of built-in memory

The Ricoh GR III comes in black only, but there is also the special Ricoh GRIII Street Edition which comes in a metallic gray body and a bright yellow ring cap. There is also the Ricoh GR IIIx recently released with a 40mm equivalent lens. 

• Get the Ricoh GR III here
• Get the Ricoh GRIII Street Edition here
• Get the Ricoh GR IIIx here

Leica D-LUX 7

The Leica D-LUX 7 offers Leica's famed rangefinder technology in a pocketable format. It has a variable Summilux with a 4/3 sensor, and captures 17MP images. This is a more affordable Leica than most of its offerings, so photographers can experience shooting with a Leica without breaking the bank. Below are the D-Lux's specs:

• 17 MP 4/3 inch sensor
• Vario-Summilux 24-75 mm f/1.7–2.8 ASPH. lens
• High-speed AF and burst shooting with "post focus" feature
• Integrated EVF - High resolution and eye sensor
• High-resolution touch display (1.24 MP)
• 4k pro-video recording
• Variable frame rate recording (24p/25p/30p)
• JPEG and RAW images
• ISO sensitivity up to 25600
• Integrated Bluetooth & Wifi for Leica FOTOS App
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The Leica D-LUX 7 is available in black and silver, and starts at around £1,325. The Leica C-LUX has a smaller 1-inch sensor, but still delivers good quality pictures. There is also the Leica Q2 that has a full frame sensor but has the pocketable form factor of a compact camera.

• Get the Leica D-LUX 7 here
• Get the Leica C-LUX here
• Get the Leica Q2 here

For compact camera recommendations from Sony, Fujifilm and Panasonic, see the previous article here.

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