The high end of compact cameras with built-in lenses—also known as System, Advanced, or "Posh" compacts—has never been more diverse than it is today. Here's a look at today's top models.
Advanced compact cameras been embraced by professionals as small carry-anywhere alternatives to their big rigs. Enthusiasts like the models that provide a DSLR-like shooting experience. While image quality may fall short of a DSLR's the convenience of a small, full-featured (in some cases, with prominent manual focus and exposure controls) all-in-one camera that you can slip into a jacket pocket or small bag and take anywhere
From gussied-up snapshot cameras to advanced tools designed for photojournalists and street photographers, the best cameras in this category can deliver speed and quality (although rarely both in the same camera) in a small, self-contained package. Even better: These cameras can all be expanded via flash, lens adapters, and/or optical or digital eye-level viewfinders to further enhance the shooting experience.
Along with self-contained compact cameras, there are now other sub-categories within the umbrella of "Advanced Compact":
MILCs: A new breed of category has risen that is taking the photo world by storm, the MILC. These advanced compact cameras have interchangeable lens systems as well as a range of flash and optical and electronic finders. Some have DSLR-sized sensors and will produce images that rival DSLRs in quality, while others take advantage of smaller sensor technology to go even more compact. With the rise of MILCs (Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Compacts), enthusiasts and pros have a lot of choices—so many that they now get their own "Best Right Now" guide. I encourage you to check out The Best MILCs Right Now so you can see the full range of advanced compact cameras that you can choose from. Read more about why we're calling them MILCs.
EVILs (Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable), a subset of MILCs, likewise lack a DSLR’s mirror reflex system of optical viewing but use interchangeable lenses—and in addition to having an LCD monitor, they offer a small eye-level electronic viewfinder monitor, showing the same information and scene as on the LCD screen; you can view it just as you would look through an optical viewfinder. These cameras are a bit larger than MILCs, but not by much, and certainly a lot smaller than the smallest DSLR on the market. Read about current EVILs in The Best EVF Cameras Right Now.
And now, on to the cameras!
Canon Powershot G12
Price: Approximately $450. Get current price
Overview: Canon overhauled G11, and the new G12 represents a tweaking, relatively speaking. In the G11, Canon took the gutsy, marketing-unfriendly step of reducing the pixel count to 10MP instead of the 14 MP found on its predecessor, the G10, and that resolution carries over to the G12. Fewer pixels mean there’s more room on the sensor and the individual pixels can be made larger, making the camera better able to record low-noise images in low-light situations. The camera is also said to be faster, with a reduced lag time. There are dials that control aperture and shutter speed that should be comfortable for traditionalists, as well as an optical viewfinder! The big news? Canon added 720p HD video to the G12!
The Juicy Details: 10MP CCD sensor, 720p HD video and stereo on-board mic, image stabilization (optical and digital), 28-140mm (35mm equiv) f/2.8-4.5 optical zoom lens, 2.8-inch flip-out LCD with 461k dots resolution, focus to under an inch in Macro mode. Shutter speed range 15-1/4000 sec, ISO range 80-3200, RAW and JPEG image files, HDR scene mode combines multiple shots, manual exposure controls.
The system: The TC-DC58C doubles the length of the telephoto end of the zoom to 420mm, while the WC-DC58B stretches the wide angle range to 26.3mm. The external lenses are attached via the lens adapter. Want a lot of flash power? Any Canon shoe-mount flash, such as the Speedlite 270EX TTL, will work on it, and you can even set it up for wireless off-camera flash operation via the Canon Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2!
DxOMark Test Results: Without software to fix the digital noise, the Canon G12 will produce acceptable amounts of digital noise up to ISO 200 when shooting RAW images. Color depth is very good, and the 11.2-stop dynamic range is also quite good for this category, although it deteriorates quickly above ISO 200. Measured ISO sensitivity is within 1/3 stop of indicated ISO at all speeds. If you're going to shoot at higher ISOs, shoot JPEG with noise reduction, or plan on applying noise reduction software in post-production if you shoot RAW with this camera.
Honorable mention: While the Canon Powershot S95 may not have the traditional camera-type controls of the G12, it does feature the same sensor, which has impressed us. Plus, it easily fits in a shirt pocket, something the G12 can't easily do. Furthermore, the S95 was recently voted one of the top two compact digital cameras of choice for pro shooters. The other one? The G12. With the S100 coming soon, the S95 can be had for under $340.
Fujifilm FinePix X100
Price: Approximately $1,200. Check for current price.
Overview: Few posh compacts have generated as much buzz as the Fujifilm X100. Built to appeal to serious enthusiasts with its retro rangefinder-like look and solid construction, and an all-new APS-sized sensor that, according to our review, delivers stunning results. It may look like a classic rangefinder camera but its unique hybrid viewfinder lets you switch from an optical Bright Frame format to a high-resolution electronic viewfinder. It's a camera that's built for unobtrusive candid photography that delivers excellent image quality in low light.
The Juicy Details: 12.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor, 23mm f/2 Fujinon lens with 9-blade rounded aperture, focuses to about 6 inches. Cast-magnesium alloy and metal construction, dual optical/1.4MP electronic finder, ISO range 100-12,800, built-in 3-stop ND filter, shutter speeds 30-1/4000 second, 720p HD Video. DxO Test results show outstanding image quality at ISO 1000.
The System: Accepts 49mm filters via Adapter Ring or Lens hood/thread adapter. Accepts Fujifilm EF-42 TTL flash via hot shoe.
DxOMark Test Results: According to DxOMark's tests of X100 RAW images, the camera can produce acceptable-quality images at up to ISO 1600, but at all other ISOs it seems to do quite well. While it falls about half a stop short of the APS sensor camera-leading performances of the Nikon D7000 and Pentax K5, the X100 delivered the one of the best image sensor quality performances for a non-DSLR digital camera.
Honorable Mention: If the X100 is too pricey for your pocketbook, consider the Fujifilm X10, which is coming later this month. Featuring a 12MP sensor, fast (f/2-2.8) 4x zoom lens, optical finder, and traditionalist-friendly knobs and dials, at $600 the X10 may be an affordable compromise walk-around camera.
Leica X-1
Price: Approximately $2,000 Get current price.
Overview: That sticker price isn’t a misprint but based on our review field tests, the Leica X1 delivers quality that may justify its cost. Simply, the 24mm f/2.8 ASPH lens (36mm view on a 35mm camera), coupled with the outstanding 12.2MP APS-sized sensor, produces shots that our reviewer, Jason Schneider, as well as many others, say are among the sharpest they’ve seen at high resolution. Actually, what Schneider says is "The Leica X1 is a unique digital compact camera that combines the beloved traditional Leica form factor with a lens, sensor, and image processing capable of delivering astounding image quality." Read the entire review.
The Juicy Details: The camera claims its APS CMOS sensor can capture an ISO range of 100-3200 and we were impressed with image quality all the way through this range, making this camera well suited for low-light shooting. The Leica Elmarit 24mm f/2.8 lens has 8 elements in 6 groups and 1 aspherical lens, and an aperture range up to f/16 in 1/3-stop increments. Shutter speeds range from 30-1/2000 second. A pop-up flash can capture first and second curtain flash, slow sync flash and other standard flash settings. The aluminum and magnesium body is more rugged than most compact cameras.
The System: Leica X-1 Bright Line 36mm viewfinder lets you shoot at eye level, and the X-1 Hand Grip improves the camera’s holdability. The SF-24D TTL flash boosts the camera’s guide number to 65 at ISO 100. A series of elegant ever-ready cases are also available.
Nikon P7100
Price: Approximately $495. Check for current price.
Overview: A full-featured, self-contained premium compact camera, the P7100 is designed to appeal to traditionalists and DSLR owners who want a small, near-pocket-sized alternative to their big rigs. The P7100 offers several tweaks over its predecessor, the still-available P7000, which represented a major overhaul over its predecessor, the P6000, with redesigned controls and a look that echoes classic rangefinder cameras. The P7100 is up to date with a new flip-out LCD monitor, slightly better image quality, full HD video recording capability (it even has an external microphone jack, a first for a camera in this range), and a hot shoe providing access to the entire lineup of Nikon strobes.
The Juicy Details: 28-200mm (35mm equivalent) f/2.8-5.6 lens, 3-inch, flip-out 921k dot LCD monitor, optical viewfinder, 1/1.7-inch, 10MP CCD sensor, ISO range 100-6400, boostable to 12,800. RAW NRW file capture, macro focus to within and inch, horizon indicator, vibration reduction, subject tracking, in-camera image editing, auto scene selector, subject tracking, face-priority AF, 18 scene modes, 720p HD video at 24 fps, external microphone jack.
The System: Hot shoe holds any Nikon flash . Also, the WC-E75A wide-angle converter lens turns the maximum angle of coverage to aroud 24mm (you need the UR-22 adapter ring to connect it to the camera).
Bargain alert: The older P7000 is still an excellent camera, and a great buy at under $400. Read our review.
DxOMark Test Results: The P7100 delivered slightly better image quality than its official competitor, the Canon G12 even though their sensor sizes are the same.You can expect excellent image quality at ISO 100 and very good quality at ISO 200, digital noise becomes apparent at ISO 400 and above.
Olympus XZ-1
Price: Approximately $500 Check for current price.
Overview: In January 2011, Olympus surprised many by announcing its first system compact, the XZ-1, and they’ve clearly been studying the competition: Pocketable with a pop-out lens, it bears a striking resemblance to the Canon S95, but with the addition of an accessory port that could accommodate a microphone, flash or electronic viewfinder. A ring around the lens operates focus and other features, and a 10MP sensor that’s about the same size as the Panasonic Lumix LX5’s lurks inside. The remarkably fast f/1.8 zoom lens offers the widest aperture in its class, while in-camera creative Art Filters are borrowed from Olympus’s MILCs and DSLRs.
The Juicy Details: 10MP 1/1.63-inch CCD, 4x optical zoom lens with f/1.8-2.5 maximum aperture range, 702P HD video, Accessory port, In-Camera Art Filters (Pop Art, Soft Focus, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Diorama and Dramatic Tone), sensor-shift image stabilization, live guide control, in-camera panorama, Live View with AF tracking, Face Detection. Available in Black or White.
The System: Olympus SEMA-1 Microphone adapter set, VF-2 live-view electronic viewfinder, Olympus wireless, shoe-mounted flash system, PT-050 underwater housing waterproof to 130 feet (coming soon).
DxOMark Test Results: While the XZ-1 will produce very good results at ISO 100, lab results show that digital noise will begin to show at ISO 200 and become much apparent at higher speeds. At ISO 1600 and higher, tests show images to be virtually unusable.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5
Price: Approximately $370. Check for current price.
Overview: Panasonic's premium compact camera, the DMC-LX5 is designed to appeal to street photographers with its compact design, fast-reacting shutter release, and easy-to-change manual exposure and focus controls, but is also able to handle subdued light without flash thanks to its wide-aperture zoom lens. The camera's modest pixel count and larger-than average for a compact camera sensor produce better-quality images. It replaces the popular LX3, offering an improved grip and compatibility with a much-needed electronic viewfinder. Available in Black or White.
The Juicy Details: Redesigned 1/1.63-inch 10MP sensor with improved dynamic range and sensitivity, clickable control wheel replaces LX3 joystick navigation tool; 24-90mm Leica DC Vario-Summicron f/2-3.3 lens, 720p HD video in AVCHD Lite, 3-inch, 460k dot LED. 3:2, 4:3, 16:9 or 1:1 aspect ratios, ISO range 100-12,800.
The System: Hot shoe/data port compatible with Panasonic FL220, FL360 and FL500 shoe-mount flash. Live View EVF finder DMW-LVF1, Optical Viewfinder DMW-VF1, Wide Conversion Lens DMW-LWA52, Conversion Lens Adapter DMW-LA6, ND Filter DMW-LND52, PL Filter DMW-LPL52.
DxOMark Test Results: When shooting RAW, at ISO 100, the LX5 delivers excellent image quality with noise reduction turned off. By ISO 200 some noise starts to be come apparent and by ISO 400 noise increases. Despite the larger pixel size, image quality results are limted by the small sensor size. However, the camera's logical control layout and responsive focus and shutter may compensate for its low-light limitations.
Sigma DP-2s
Price: approximately $640
Overview: This posh compact camera boasts an APS (DSLR)-sized, 14-megapixel Foveon X3 direct-image sensor and a 40mm (equivalent) fixed focal-length lens (The DP-1s ($500 SGDP1S) sports a wider 28mm equivalent lens, but is otherwise the same. The larger sensor means the individual pixels can be larger, producing higher-quality overall image quality and, according to our field tests, image quality is very impressive even at higher ISO settings. These newer models, which recently replaced the original DP1 and DP2, boast an improvement in focusing speed and less lag time, which is a good thing if you’re looking for a small, unobtrusive, high-quality camera that’s fairly fast. Add an optical viewfinder (approx. $150) and you're ready to hit the streets. For more, read Product Review: Sigma DP-2s.
The Juicy Details: 24.4mm (41mm 35mm equivalent) lens, native RAW support as well as JPEG, Evaluative, centerweighted and spot metering, Auto, Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual exposure modes; no special "scene" modes here. ISO sensitivity 100-800. A hot shoe handles the EF-140 DG flash or the optional VF-21 viewfinder 2.5-inch LCD, QVGA video, 9-point AF, pop-up flash on both models. Specs for the DP1s are virtually the same.
The System: Hood Adapter HA-11 or 21 blocks out extraneous light, accepts 46mm filters such as the AML-1 Close-Up Lens, which is dedicated for the DP series cameras. Viewfinder VF-21 optical view, mounts on hot shoe—as does the External shoe-mount Flash EF-140.
