10 Best Compact Digital Cameras 2026 in the United States

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is a compact digital camera designed for users looking for a versatile point-and-shoot option with strong zoom capabilities. It features a 20.3-megapixel CMOS sensor that delivers good image quality for everyday photography. Its standout strength is the powerful 40x optical zoom, allowing you to capture distant subjects clearly, which is well supported by optical image stabilization to reduce blur from hand shake. This makes it especially handy for travel or wildlife shots. The camera records video in 4K resolution and even offers 4K time-lapse, which adds creative options beyond standard Full HD. Connectivity is modern with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making it easy to transfer photos to your phone or control the camera remotely. Battery life is reasonable for this type of compact camera, and the size and weight are light enough for comfortable, all-day use.

The sensor size is on the smaller side compared to larger cameras, which might affect image quality in low-light conditions. The camera does not have an optical viewfinder, relying instead on a 3-inch tilting LCD screen, which works well but can be challenging in very bright sunlight. While autofocus is fast and accurate for most scenes, it uses a single autofocus point which may limit focus flexibility in complex shots. The maximum aperture range is somewhat narrow (f/3.3 to f/6.9), so it won’t perform as well in very dim settings or produce strong background blur.

This camera suits casual photographers or travelers who want a compact device with excellent zoom and solid video features, but those needing advanced low-light performance or professional controls might find it limited.

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 is a solid choice if you want a compact camera that's easy to carry and versatile for everyday photography. It features a 1/2.3-inch 20.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, which delivers good image quality and color, especially in well-lit conditions. The 12x optical zoom lets you get closer to subjects without losing detail, and the optical image stabilization helps reduce blurriness from shaky hands. Its lens aperture ranges from f/3.6 to f/7.0, which is typical for compact cameras but might struggle a bit in very low light compared to larger lenses. The 3-inch LCD screen is bright and easy to view from different angles, but the camera lacks an electronic viewfinder, which some users may miss when shooting in bright sunlight.

Controls are straightforward, with automatic autofocus and various shooting modes, making it friendly for beginners or casual shooters. Wireless features like built-in Wi-Fi and NFC are handy for quickly sharing photos to smartphones or tablets. On the downside, the battery life is relatively short at under an hour per charge, so you might want to carry a spare battery for longer outings. Video recording supports HD 720p, which is decent but not Full HD or 4K.

The camera is lightweight and pocketable, great for travel or daily use, but it’s not designed for professional-level shooting or extreme conditions since it’s not water-resistant. The PowerShot ELPH 360 suits someone looking for a compact, easy-to-use camera with good zoom and wireless sharing, but it may fall short if you need longer battery life, advanced video features, or better low-light performance.

The Sony RX100 VII is a high-end compact digital camera featuring a 20.1 MP 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor, which ensures excellent image quality. The Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mm lens offers a versatile zoom range, suitable for wide shots and telephoto images. The camera excels in autofocus performance with its 0.02 sec AF speed and 357-point phase-detection system, making it great for capturing fast-moving subjects.

Real-time tracking and eye AF (for humans in both stills and movies, and for animals in stills) further enhance its usability for varied shooting scenarios. Video recording capabilities are robust, with 4K video, S-log3, and active image stabilization, making it a strong choice for videographers. The inclusion of a microphone jack adds to its appeal for video recording. Connectivity options include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, ensuring easy transfer of images and remote control capabilities.

The battery life, with a 1240 mAh capacity, is decent but may require carrying a spare for extended shooting periods. The camera's compact size and weight (275 grams) make it portable and convenient for travel or everyday use. Some users might find the price on the higher side and the small size may make it less comfortable for users with larger hands. The combination of high-quality imaging, great autofocus, and video capabilities makes the RX100 VII ideal for enthusiasts and professionals looking for a compact yet powerful camera.