Best Pocket Video Camera For Mac

Best Pocket Video Camera For Mac Rating: 3,5/5 3358 votes

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  1. Best Pocket Video Camera
  2. Best Cameras For Making Videos
  3. Flip Video

From simple snappers for beginners to high-end powerhouses, here are the best compact and point-and-shoot cameras you can buy right now.

Compact cameras and the compact camera market have changed considerably over the last few years. Smartphones, with their ever-improving cameras, have decimated budget models and as a result camera manufacturers have concentrated on putting more advanced features into compact cameras to make them more attractive than ever before.

Top 5 compact cameras

Here's our pick of the 5 best compact cameras - click on the links below to go through to the full review for each

1.Fujifilm X100F
2.Panasonic Lumix ZS200 / TZ200
3.Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV
4.Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
5.Panasonic Lumix LX100 II

Compared to compact cameras of old, manufacturers are now tending to design models based around physically larger sensors than used to be the norm. The result of this change is that you're now going to get significantly better image quality than even the best smartphone. In some cases, the sensors in some high-end compact cameras can rival DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.

The wide variety of different compact cameras means there's a wealth of choice out there to pretty much suit all photographic needs and budgets.

There are small compact cameras that can slip in a pocket yet have huge zoom ranges, and large bridge cameras that look like DSLRs, but have a large, fixed zoom lens and lots of automated easy-to-use options (though don't expect DSLR-rivalling image quality).

That's not forgetting waterproof options and high-end models that are a great alternative to a DSLR or mirrorless camera should you want something a bit more portable.

If you need a bit more help figuring out what kind of camera you need, then your best place to start is by reading this article: What camera should I buy?

Otherwise, read on to find out our pick of the best compact cameras you can buy right now.

Great value option: Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV

Sensor: 1-inch type, 20.1MP Lens: 24-70mm, f/1.8-2.8 Monitor: 3.0-inch tilt-angle screen, 1,229K dots Viewfinder: EVF Continuous shooting: 16fps Movies: 4K User level: Intermediate

Great sensor for such a small camera
LCD not touch sensitive

Before we take a look at our pick of the compact cameras out there today, we wanted to highlight an older option that still packs a punch. The RX100 IV sits in the middle of the RX100 family, and while newer models beat it for burst shooting, autofocus and focal range, for most people this cheaper alternative would still serve them brilliantly. The 1-inch sensor at its heart captures lovely images and super-crisp 4K videos, and while the 24-70mm (35mm equivalent) lens range isn't quite as broad as on the RX100 VI and RX100 VII, the lens itself has a wider f/1.8-2.8 aperture. The 2.36 million-dot viewfinder cleverly hides away when not in use, while optical image stabilisation inside the lens keeps everything steady. You might want to pair it with a separate grip for better handling, but if you need a powerful compact to slip into your pocket – and you don't want to spend a fortune getting it – you'll find the RX100 IV delivers plenty.

  • Read our in-depth Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV review

Best compact cameras in 2019

1. Fujifilm X100F

The X100F is the perfect compact for the enthusiast photographer

Sensor: APS-C CMOS, 24.3MP Lens: 23mm f/2 Monitor: 3.0-inch, 1,040,000 dots Viewfinder: Hybrid optical/EVF Continuous shooting: 8fps Movies: 1080p User level: Expert

Beautiful design
1080p video

We admit that with its fixed-focal-length lens and bulky body, the X100F isn't going to be everyone's idea of compact camera fun. But as the fourth camera in a hugely popular series, Fujifilm has done a grand job to take the best bits from the previous triplet and elevate its performance once again – and the result is a mighty powerful camera. The 24MP APS-C sensor spits out detailed images with low noise and superb colours, while the manual dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, ISO and aperture connect you with the camera in a way that just doesn't happen on most other compacts. The hybrid electronic/optical viewfinder also gives you the freedom to adjust what it displays to better suit your environment. Our only reservations are that video is limited to Full HD recording, although that's not a deal-breaker for many photographers.

  • Read our in-depth Fujifilm X100F review

2. Panasonic Lumix ZS200 / TZ200

The best travel zoom camera you can buy right now

Sensor: 1-inch type, 20.1MP Lens: 25-360mm, f/3.3-6.4 Monitor: 3.0-inch touchscreen, 1,240,000 dots Viewfinder: EVF Continuous shooting: 10fps Movies: 4K User level: Beginner/Intermediate

Large 1.0-inch sensor
Best Pocket Video Camera For Mac
Small electronic viewfinder

Panasonic invented the travel-zoom camera genre - compact cameras that you can fit in a pocket but that have long zoom lenses built-in. Despite strong competition, the ZS range (known as TZ outside the US) has continued to dominate sales, and it looks set to continue this with the brilliant Lumix ZS200 (called TZ200 outside the US). As we first saw with the Lumix ZS100 / TZ100, Panasonic has been able to keep the camera body about the same size as earlier ZS-series cameras but squeeze a much larger 1-inch sensor into the camera to deliver much better image quality. The zoom lens isn't quite so extensive as some, but the versatile 15x zoom should be more than enough for most users, while you also get (an admittedly small) electronic viewfinder, 4K video and a great touchscreen interface. If you're looking for a neat all-in-one compact camera that delivers great images, this is it.

  • Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 review

3. Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV

Expensive, but highly capable and offering a huge focal range

Sensor: 1-inch CMOS, 20.2MP Lens: 24-600mm, f/2.4-4 Monitor: 3.0-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, 1.44m dots Viewfinder: EVF Continuous shooting: 24fps Movies: 4K User level: Intermediate/Expert

Superb sensor
Expensive

If you're looking for a powerful all-in-one bridge camera, then the RX10 IV from Sony is the best there is. You'll pay a premium for that performance, but when you look at what else is out there for the same price, the RX10 IV is virtually in a league of its own. Featuring a huge 24-600mm f/2.4-4 zoom lens, the RX10 IV builds on the RX10 III with an overhauled AF system that now does justice to the rest of the camera, while the 1-inch, 20.1MP sensor is capable of achieving excellent levels of detail. Handling is very polished, feeling like a DSLR in the hand and complemented by a large and bright electronic viewfinder. That's not forgetting the ability to capture video in 4K and shoot at up to 24fps. Impressive stuff.

  • Read our in-depth Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV review

4. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III

Perfect for vloggers shooting on the fly

Sensor: 1-inch, 20.1MP Lens: 24-100mm, f/1.8-2.8 Monitor: 3.0-inch touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots Viewfinder: No Continuous shooting: 20fps (30fps in Raw Burst mode) Movie: 4K User level: Beginner/Intermediate

Super-fast burst shooting
Lens can be a little soft

We're just putting the finishing touches to our review of the PowerShot G7 X Mark III, and we're confident that this will be just a great a hit with vloggers as previous G7 X models proved to be. With the new advantages of 4K shooting, a mic port and live streaming to YouTube joining the previously seen built-in ND filter and flip up LCD screen, this is arguably the strongest compact right now for vlogging. But if you've no interest in video there's still plenty to keep you happy, from 30fps shooting at full resolution to a super-sensitive touchscreen, in-camera raw processing and the added convenience of USB charging. It's a shame there's no viewfinder or hot shoe, but then not everyone needs these.

  • Find out more about theCanon PowerShot G7 X Mark III

5. Panasonic Lumix LX100 II

A brilliant compact for the enthusiast photographer

Sensor: Micro Four Thirds, 17MP Lens: 24-75mm, f/1.7-2.8 Monitor: 3.0-inch touchscreen, 1,240,000 dots Viewfinder: EVF Continuous shooting: 11fps Movies: 4K User level: Intermediate

Excellent image quality
Sluggish zooming

Compact cameras with sensors larger than 1-inch in size are typically limited to fixed-focal-length lenses, which is great for quality but less so for flexibility. But not the Panasonic LX100 II; it manages to marry a 17MP Four Thirds sensor – the same size as those found inside Panasonic's G-series mirrorless cameras – with a zoom lens equivalent to 24-75mm in 35mm terms, proving that sometimes you can get quality and flexibility at once. The original LX100 was something of a landmark camera for offering something similar, and this latest iteration takes the baton, with a nippy AF system, robust body, clear 4K videos and a useful electronic viewfinder among its highlights.

  • Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix LX100 II review

6. Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI

Sony's super-high speed sensor tech is brilliant but pricey

Sensor: 1-inch, 20.1MP Lens: 24-200mm, f/2.8-4.5 Monitor: 3.0-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, 921,000 dots Viewfinder: EVF Continuous shooting: 24fps Movies: 4K User level: Intermediate/expert

High-speed shooting and 4K
The tech makes it expensive

Sony's original RX100 was a landmark camera that fused a 1-inch sensor in a compact, metal body with the controls and image quality demanded by enthusiasts. The RX100 VI goes several steps further, though, with a 'stacked' sensor design for high-speed data capture. This means it can shoot 4K video, amazing 40x slow motion and still images at 24fps in continuous burst mode. That's not forgetting the neat little built-in electronic viewfinder that its rivals lack, while this sixth generation model now packs an impressive 24-200mm zoom lens. It's a pricey option and does have its quirks, but if you're looking for a versatile, pocket-sized compact with a quality zoom lens, you won't be disappointed.

  • Read our in-depth Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI review

7. Panasonic Lumix FZ2000 / FZ2500

The FZ2000 / FZ2500 combines a bridge camera zoom with a big 1-inch sensor

Sensor: 1-inch, 20.1MP Lens: 24-480mm, f/2.8-4.5 Monitor: 3.0-inch articulating display, 1,040,000 dots Viewfinder: EVF Continuous shooting: 12fps Movies: 4K User level: Intermediate

1-inch sensor
Comparatively large

This trend towards bigger sensors shows up in the Panasonic Lumix FZ2000 (known as the FZ2500 in the US). Bridge cameras are very popular because they offer a colossal zoom range at a modest cost. To design a big zoom, though, the makers have to use a tiny sensor – and here Panasonic took the wise choice to sacrifice zoom range for better quality. The Panasonic FZ2000 uses a 1-inch sensor, and while the zoom tops out at 480mm equivalent, which is relatively short for a bridge camera, that's still plenty for all but the most extreme everyday use. We love the FZ2000 because it delivers both image quality and zoom range - if you're looking for something a bit cheaper, the older FZ1000 is still available.

  • Read our in-depthPanasonic Lumix FZ2000 / FZ2500 review

8. Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III

A unique compact, thanks to an APS-C sensor and zoom lens

Sensor: APS-C CMOS, 24.2MP Lens: 24-72mm, f/2.8-5.6 Monitor: 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots Viewfinder: EVF Continuous shooting: 7fps Movies: 1080p User level: Intermediate/expert

Big sensor, small body
Limited zoom range

Keen photographers usually go for a DSLR or mirrorless camera, but they also want something that will slip in a pocket for those days when the big camera needs to stay at home. Usually, that means putting up with a smaller sensor – but not this time. Somehow, Canon has shoehorned a DSLR-sized APS-C sensor into a compact camera body. There's also a built-in electronic viewfinder and refined touchscreen interface. The zoom range is a bit modest at 24-72mm, but there's nothing else quite like it.

  • Read our in-depth Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III review

9. Olympus Tough TG-5

The best waterproof compact you can buy

Sensor: 1/2.3-inch CMOS, 12.2MP Lens: 25-100mm, f/2-4.9 Monitor: 3.0-inch display, 460,000 dots Viewfinder: No Continuous shooting: 20fps Movies: 4K User level: Beginner

Rugged credentials

Best Pocket Video Camera

Average battery life

Waterproof down to 15m, the Tough TG-5 is also crushproof to 100kg and drop-proof from 2.1m. It can even be used in temperatures as low as -10°C. If you want a rugged, go-anywhere camera, this is it. Olympus has taken the unusual step of actually dropping the pixel count from 16MP on the TG-4 to 12MP on the TG-5 for a better high ISO performance. Add in raw file support and this makes image quality that bit better than its predecessor, while it can shoot 4K video at 30p or high speed footage at 120p in Full HD. Our pick of the waterproof bunch of compacts. The recently announced TG-6 offers a small scattering of benefits, although the TG-5 is still very much available and a camera we continue to rate if you need something as rugged as it is capable.

  • Read our in-depthOlympus Tough TG-5 review

10. Panasonic ZS100 / TZ100

A superzoom at a super price

Sensor: 1-inch type, 20.1MP Lens: 25-250mm, f/2.8-5.9 Monitor: 3.0-inch touchscreen, 1,040K dots Viewfinder: EVF Continuous shooting: 10fps Movies: 4K User level: Beginner/Intermediate

Large sensor considering the lens
Screen fixed in place

The ZS100 may have been refreshed by the ZS200 (position 2) but don't let that put you off; this is still a fine camera, and its last-gen status means it's at a better price than ever. Part of its charm is that fact that it partners a large 1-inch sensor with a 10x optical zoom lens, which provides better image and video quality than other superzoom compacts, but with the flexibility of a broad zoom lens – not something many cameras can claim. Other niceties include a built-in EVF, very good quality 4K video and Wi-Fi, along with image capture in raw.

  • Read our in-depthPanasonic ZS100 review

Also consider..

Best Pocket Video Camera For Mac

None of the above take your fancy? Got some cash to play with? Here are two further options.

Leica Q2

Expensive? Yes. Brilliant? Hell yes.

Sensor: Full-frame 47.3MP Lens: 28mm f/1.7 Monitor: 3.0-inch touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots Viewfinder: EVF Continuous shooting: 20/10fps Movies: 4K User level: Intermediate/expert

Stellar images
Video specs could be better

The Q2 is a thing of beauty, and right now it's arguably the best compact camera around. It's not for everyone – not least because it costs a small fortune – but if you genuinely want the best compact you'll be hard pushed to find a finer one than the Q2. Leica hasn't compromised on the spec sheet, with the 47.3MP sensor producing masses of detail and keeping noise impressive low, while the 3.68 million dot electronic viewfinder is bright and sharp. Also bright and sharp is that 28mm f/1.7 lens, while 4K videos show plenty of detail. It's not the easiest to handle (although you can get an optional grip) and some may have preferred a tilting screen, but its build quality is near-faultless. If you're pining for such a camera in your life but can't quite find the funds, consider the previous Q1 model, which offers a slightly stripped-down feature set by comparison for a hell of a lot less.

Ricoh GR III

Also fairly niche, but great at what it does nonetheless

Sensor: APS-C 24.2MP Lens: 28mm f/2.8 (35mm-equivalent) Monitor: 3.0-inch touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots Viewfinder: No Continuous shooting: 4fps Movies: Full HD User level: Intermediate

Tiny, rugged body
Video quality is poor

We had mixed feelings when we came to review the GR III, but it still deserves a mention here. Why's that? Because, despite a few quirks, Ricoh managed to get a lot right, and it delivers something no other compact quite manages right now, namely the combination of an image-stabilized 24MP APS-C sensor inside a body that you can squeeze into your pocket. Other advantages include a high-performing lens, fast operation, a revamped menu system and understated styling to help keep you discreet when you're out shooting. The fixed 28mm-equivalent lens won't be to everyone's taste, and the battery life is also disappointing, but for those who need to travel light and take great images, this is a very capable alternative to an interchangeable-lens camera.

  • Read our in-depthRicoh GR III review
Best Overall

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500

The DSC-WX500 takes great pictures and has a robust mobile app.

Best Under $100

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800

Our favorite camera under $100 takes very good pictures for the price.

Best Instant Camera

Polaroid Snap

The cute Polaroid Snap is a breeze to use, and you get prints instantly.

As smartphone cameras get better and better, point-and-shoot compact cameras are becoming a tougher sell, but there's still a few good reasons to pick one up. A decent compact camera is a great way to introduce your kids to photography. Not only will it help them learn the fundamentals, but provide them with an optical zoom lens, a better flash, and better image stabilization than you'll get on a smartphone. Plus, most point-and-shoots are fairly inexpensive, making it less of an investment—and worry—should they drop it.

Our favorite compact point-and-shoot camera is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500, which has a wide focal range, flip-up LCD, and a bevy of other features, such as Wi-Fi and image stabilization. Our favorite budget model is the Sony DSC-W800, which costs less than $100, yet also takes reasonably good pictures for the price.
If you're looking for a rugged point-and-shoot camera, consider the Olympus Tough TG-5, which is waterproof to 50 feet and has lots of options for capturing great low-light shots.

Instant cameras offer some retro fun too: Our favorite is the Polaroid Snap ($99), which not only prints out a physical photo, but saves a digital version of your shot on a memory card. But there are some other instant models to consider as well. We tested 11 instant cameras, and ranked them from best to worst.
Make sure you check out all of our top picks for DSLRs, mirrorless cameras and more on our best cameras page.

Latest News & Updates (August 2019)

  • Nikon's new rugged point-and-shoot, the Coolpix W150, is waterproof to 33 feet, and can be dropped from heights of up to 6 feet. It has a 13.2MP sensor, 3X optical zoom, and can work with Nikon's Snapbridge app, so you can wirelessly transfer photos to your smartphone. The Coolpix W150 will be available in September for $169.
  • Sony's new RX100 VII ($1,200), the latest in its line of premium compact cameras, features a new 1-inch 20.1MP sensor, the latest Bionz X image processor, 357-point phase detection and 425-point contrast detection points, 24-200mm F2.8 – F4.5 lens, and can shoot 4K HDR video, as well as up to 20 fps when shooting still images. The camera will ship in August.
  • The Olympus Tough TG-6, the successor to the TG-5, is now on sale for $449. The camera has the same resolution and processor as before—as well as the same 50-meter waterproofing—but has improved functionality for its Microscope mode.
  • Ricoh's GR III ($899), the latest version of its advanced compact camera for street photographers, is now available. The GR III has a 24.2MP APS-C sensor, 3-axis image stabilization, and an 18.3mm f/2.8 lens. Check out our hands-on with the Ricoh GR III.

Best Overall

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500

SPECIFICATIONS

Megapixels: 18.2 Focal Length Equivalent: 24-720mm ISO: 80-12,800 Video (Max): 1080p/60 fps Shooting Speed: 10 fps Screen: 3 inches/921,600 dots/Tilting Size and Weight: 4.1 x 2.4 x 1.4 inches/7.4 ounces Wireless: Wi-Fi Battery Life (CIPA): 360 photos

Reasons to Buy
Compact
Variety of mobile apps
Built-in image stabilization
Reasons to Avoid
LCD difficult to see in bright sunlight

This camera takes great photos in a variety of situations, thanks in part to Sony's image stabilization, which really kicks in when you want to take clear pictures with limited light. A wide range of PlayMemories apps let you make adjustments and add effects to images on the fly, and built-in Wi-Fi allows you to easily transfer them to your smartphone.

Best Budget Point-and-shoot

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800

SPECIFICATIONS

Resolution: 20.1 MP Optical Zoom: 5x Focal Length: 26 - 130mm (35mm equiv.) Video (Max): 720p (1280p x 720p) Size: 2.1 x 2 x 0.9 inches Weight: 3.5 ounces

Reasons to Buy
Portable
Reasons to Avoid

This camera is a compact 2.1 x 2 x 0.9 inches, and weighs 3.5 ounces. It has a 5x zoom, and shoots 20-MP photos that had strong color and detail in bright conditions. However, quality drops as things get dark, and the camera's flash is easily covered by your finger.

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Still, the DSC-W800 is our favorite camera under $100, and is a good option for younger kids interested in photography.

Best Cameras For Making Videos

Best Instant Camera

Best for Kids

SPECIFICATIONS

Megapixels: 10 MP Focal Length Equivalent: n/a ISO: n/a Video (Max): n/a Shooting Speed: n/a Screen: none Size and Weight: 6.6 x 6 x 1.9 inches, 14.1 ounces Wireless: none Battery Life (CIPA): n/a

Reasons to Buy
Creates digital files and instant prints
Reasons to Avoid
Weak flash

This fun and inexpensive shooter has a built-in Eink printer, giving your kids a measure of instant gratification once they press the shutter. The Snap also saves files digitally, so you can look back on your memories years after the print has faded. Using this camera is a cinch; just pop up the viewfinder, and the camera turns on.

Best Waterproof Camera

Best Rugged Compact Camera

SPECIFICATIONS

Megapixels: 20MP Focal Length Equivalent: 21-105mm f/2-4.9 ISO: 125-6400 Video (Max): 4K/30 fps Shooting Speed: 5 fps Screen: 3-inch/460,000 dots Size and Weight: 4.4 x 2.6 x 1.3 inches, 8.7 ounces Wireless: Wi-Fi, GPS Battery Life (CIPA): 380 shots

Reasons to Buy
Menus, dials and controls offer multiple access points to settings
Can capture slow-motion video at HD resolution
Reasons to Avoid
Menu structure is somewhat confusing
Zoom mechanism produces noise during video capture

The successor to one of our current top picks, Olympus' new Tough TG-5 features a redesigned 12-MP sensor, f/2.0 lens, Olympus' latest TruPic VIII image processor and a 4X optical zoom. The TG-5 also sports what Olympus calls a Field Sensor System, which tracks your movement, temperature and location, so that you can see your stats later, or embed that info directly into your footage. And because this camera is part of Olympus' Tough line, you get some serious durability that includes water-resistance up to 50 feet, shock-resistance up to 7 feet, and operating temperatures that extend down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit.

Four things not to do when using a compact camera

It’s easy to want to jump right in and start shooting photos or video when you’re at an event, or you’re with family and friends. But before you get started, here are a few things not to do when using your digital point-and-shoot:

Don’t Lower Image Resolution: When you’re shooting photos, be sure to set your camera to capture the best quality images (without interpolating them). Avoid down-sizing them in order to save space. Memory cards are pretty inexpensive, so either buy a new card, or clear the images and videos you have on your existing card.

Don’t Use Digital Zoom: Most digital cameras include two types of zoom, optical and digital. In most cases, though, it’s best to go into the camera settings and disable the digital zoom, since this type degrades image quality on photos and video.

Don’t Compress Your Photos: Some cameras still allow you to create smaller-sized images by increasing the photo compression. But this will often introduce artifacts and aberrations into the image. So, try and use the least amount of impression.

Don’t Use a very high ISO: In most cases, it’s best to avoid the highest ISO settings (typically, anything higher than ISO 3200) on a point-and-shoot, since it will generally create grainy, noisy images or video clips. But if you do happen to use a very high ISO setting during a photo shoot, don’t forget to set your camera to a lower ISO setting or Auto ISO after the shoot or before the next one.

What features are you paying for in a compact point-and-shoot?

While many consumers choose to shoot most of their photos and videos on smartphones, some still like the convenience and quality you can get with a stand-alone point-and-shoot digital camera. But with so many changes taking place in the camera market, what features are you getting in the models that are available?

Not surprisingly, the better features—like longer optical-zoom lenses or in-camera image stabilization--are found in the pricier models, but competition is still keeping prices lower than in years past. In fact, a point-and-shoot that costs more than $300 will most likely be classified as a bridge camera or a rugged-and-waterproof camera.

Use the following list as a guide of what features you’ll begin to see at particular price points. Note that almost all point-and-shoots at this time have between 16 and 20 megapixel sensors:

  • $50 or less: No optical zoom (fixed-focal length); 4x digital zoom; built-in flash; 1.8-inch LCD; runs on AA or AAA batteries; 720p HD video
  • $75: 3x-5x optical zoom; 2.7-inch LCD; 28mm wide-angle lens; small selection of scene modes, such as panorama, beach, and sunset modes;
  • $120: 8x optical zoom; 24mm wide-angle lens; smart auto mode (automatically determines the proper mode for the scene); digital or electronic image stabilization; larger selection of scene modes; includes help features or in-camera tips.
  • $160: 10x optical zoom; built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity; optical image stabilization; improved low-light performance.
  • $200: 12x optical zoom; stylish camera-body designs; 1080p full HD video; 3200 ISO; burst mode at 7 frames-per-second.
  • $250: 25x optical zoom; RAW still-photos.
  • $300: 30x optical zoom; Touchscreen and/or swiveling LCD; very good performance in low light; manual settings; burst mode of 10 frames per second; Top ISO of 12,800 ISO.

How we test compact cameras

We test the cameras under similar conditions for each model to get a comparative overview of their capabilities. For some of the testing, we left the cameras on their default settings. Then, to get a sense of exposure accuracy, we shot the cameras on Auto or Program Auto and, when possible, one of the semi-manual modes (aperture-priority and/or shutter-priority modes) using various ISO settings depending on the conditions. At the same time, we took note of the cameras' speed and overall performance.

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Most of our test shots were outdoors, which also gave us the opportunity to see how well LCDs performed under bright sunlight. In addition to shooting some quick video clips, we tried to check out at least one of each camera's special creative options.

Flip Video

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