Compacts that can! TOP 5 Digital Compact Cameras

A small digital camera of the Canon IXUS series is included in the category of ultra-compact, whose representatives are distinguished by light weight (less than 200 g) and minimum case thickness (up to 3 cm).

Such a "baby" fits a 20-megapixel sensor with a typical 1/2.3" compact size. With its help, it is possible to get good photos and videos with a sufficient amount of light. In other cases, you should not count on an over-result, because the aperture of the object f/3.6-7.0 is absolutely not conducive to shooting in poor lighting conditions. This is especially felt at the long end (at a focal length of 300 mm when using optical magnification or 600 mm with digital zooming).

The coverage of a wide range of focal lengths thanks to the 12x optical zoom makes the model a universal solution for a wide variety of shooting types. It is convenient to photograph landscapes and portraits with it, as well as to take macro shots from a minimum distance of 1 cm. But for dynamic scenes, the camera is not very suitable — its rate of fire does not exceed 2.5 fps.

In the arsenal of the camera, wireless Wi-Fi and NFC modules have found refuge, which are used to transfer the footage to a smartphone or tablet. Another way to use them lies in the possibility of remote shutter release of the camera using a mobile gadget. However, it should be remembered that active wireless connections reduce the duration of operation on a single battery charge, which is already very small (about 180 frames).

Do not try to search the camera menu for manual settings and shooting in the "raw" RAW format — the camera simply does not support them. But Canon Digital IXUS 285 HS offers the user a whole range of shooting plot programs. Among them, the creative mode stands out in a special line. It involves shooting a series of pictures with different effects and framing, from which you can later choose the desired result.

 

High detail and correct colour reproduction, 5x optical zoom, all-protection, an abundance of sensors and wireless modules.

 

 

There is no RAW support, a bunch of control keys.

 

The "Die Hard" from Nikon is not afraid of water (it can withstand dives to a depth of 30 m for 1 hour), falls from a two-metre height and can work in the cold at ambient temperatures up to -10 °C.

The object of a compact camera has an atypical location — it is shifted closer to the place where the viewfinder is usually installed. The surface of the "eye" is additionally covered with a durable protective glass that protects the optics from scratches and other negative influences. The lens system provides a 5-fold optical approximation (24-120 mm in 35 mm equivalent) with a floating maximum aperture value (f/2.8-4.9).

You will have to be seen in the process of filming by means of a 3-inch screen with a resolution of 640x480 pixels. Unfortunately, it is non-sensory and non-rotating, but given the extreme affiliation of the model, this is even for the best. The display has excellent viewing angles and provides the ability to control accurate focus on sharpness, which occurs smartly in all situations (in conditions of lack of light, the autofocus backlight comes to the rescue).

The model is unlikely to appeal to adherents of manual parameter settings and deep post-processing of images, because it is more tailored to automatic modes of operation and does not support the RAW format. In general, the camera produces a detailed picture with natural colour reproduction up to the ISO 1600 value. And the optical image stabilization system helps her to achieve a clear result.

There was room for a whole galaxy of additional sensors and modules on board the compact. These include an electronic compass, barometer, altimeter, depth gauge, as well as wireless GPS, GLONASS, Wi-Fi and NFC. Data from all modules is saved in the EXIF of the snapshot. Among other things, geo-positioning allows you to save the route as a list of coordinates obtained at a preset interval. Nikon Coolpix AW130 is a real find for fans of extreme pastime, who prefer to leave the memory of their active outings in the form of photographs and videos.

The compact with the G9X model index fits comfortably in a small palm. But despite its miniature size (98x58x31 mm), it hides a remarkable potential.

The sensor of the camera has increased physical dimensions (1") in comparison with most representatives of the compact family. Matrices of this format absorb more light, giving a good result when shooting in low light conditions. Let's add here a 5-axis optical image stabilization system — and at the output we get excellent image quality without smudging and stirring from shaking hands both during photo and video shooting.

The built-in object, operating in the focal length range of 24-82 mm with a floating aperture of f/2.0-4.9, is completely hidden in the camera body in the off state. A 3-inch screen is provided for viewing on the back of the compact. Touch input allows you to set any shooting parameters by tapping on the display. The traditional push-button control with many keys for setting parameters is also present.

The transfer of the footage and remote control of the shutter release can be carried out by connecting mobile gadgets (smartphone, tablet, etc.) to the camera via wireless Wi-Fi and NFC networks. Their activity must be monitored in order not to be left at the most inopportune moment without a battery charge — the Canon PowerShot G9X battery with a capacity of 1250 mAh is enough for 200-220 shots, after which energy reserves need to be replenished.

46 filter variations and 17 preset shooting modes are designed to minimize the post-processing of the footage and make the pictures more attractive. Well, full manual control of the filming process allows you to put aside the bulky DSLR and use an exceptionally compact in everyday cases. If someone lacks the capabilities of the model, we recommend paying attention to the top-end prosumer from the same series in the person of Canon PowerShot G5X , additionally equipped with a viewfinder, a hot shoe and a more luminous object (f/1.8-2.8).

Reference. Prosumer is an advanced camera aimed at meeting the needs of photo enthusiasts. This class of cameras includes compact cameras with wider capabilities in comparison with digital "soap dishes", but at the same time less advanced characteristics compared to DSLRs and mirrorless.

The premium compact from Fujifilm is actually a stripped-down version of a top-end camera with a fixed object Fujifilm FinePix X100T . The younger model lost the viewfinder in its design (it can be installed in a hot shoe), slightly decreased in size and got a touch-sensitive rotary display.

A large APS-C matrix is installed in the heart of the camera, and a high-power fix (f/2.8) with a focal length of 28 mm (35 mm equivalent) is used as an object. Both of these components are completely not peculiar to compact cameras and rather share a camera with more advanced DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.

A hybrid autofocus system is hidden inside the model housing, which includes 77 phase and 44 contrast sensors. It is brought to sharpness quickly and accurately, but in the process of work it makes noise, which interferes with the video shooting. However, video recording has never been the forte of Fuji cameras and it is also not facilitated by the lack of an optical image stabilizer.

It is almost impossible to find fault with the image quality even in conditions of shooting at elevated ISO values (up to 12800 units). The picture can be safely called razor sharp, highly detailed and contrasting. Nevertheless, this matrix is used in all top cameras of the Japanese manufacturer, except for the most advanced Fujifilm X-Pro2 kit .

With the ergonomics of the compact, not everything is so rosy — some controls (buttons for changing ISO and starting video recording) are in inconvenient places, and the functionality of the touch screen does not allow you to change the shooting parameters. But by tapping on the display, you can set the focus point and scroll through the footage.

The model is clearly not aimed at the general public. It will appeal more to adherents of the genre of street photography and fans of retro design. With small dimensions and battery life at the level of 300-350 frames, the camera will be the optimal solution for every day, which will have to sacrifice the possibility of optical zooming or changing optics.

In its segment, the brainchild of Sony occupies the position of the undisputed leader, second only to its own heir, which is Sony RX100 V .

The camera has everything you need for photo and video shooting at advanced amateur or semi-professional levels. This is a high-power object from Zeiss (f/1.8-2.8) with a set of universal focal lengths of 24-70 mm, and a performant BIONZ X processor that provides a rate of fire of up to an impressive 16 fps, and a built-in high-resolution viewfinder (1024x768 pixels), and many other equally interesting things.

The controls on the camera body have a visual resemblance to the 6-thousandth series of Sony mirrorless cameras. A multi-selector combined with a second control ring is particularly convenient. Only touch input capabilities were not delivered, because the 3-inch screen of the model does not support tap control. But the branded "chip" of the RX line is located in its usual place — it is a customized ring around the base of the object (responsible for changing the aperture or zooming to choose from).

The progressive "filling" does everything so that the camera owner gets an excellent result. And this applies not only to photography, but also to video recording. Compact is able to write stabilized videos in a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels (4K format), however, with a duration limited to 5 minutes. But in FullHD, the video sequence can be recorded at a record speed of up to 960 fps — when it is reduced to a cinematic 24 fps, it is possible to achieve a 40-fold slowdown in the frame.

Many rightfully consider Sony RX100 IV a unique product. After all, only a few manufacturers of photographic equipment were able to be worthy of the release of such a camera (the closest alternatives to the camera can be called Fujifilm FinePix X100T and Panasonic DMC-LX15 ). Naturally, such a solution costs a lot of money, but when it comes to a miniature compact with the habits of a serious pro, there is no better option.