10 Best Compact Zoom Cameras 2026 in the United States

The Sony RX100 VII is a powerful compact-zoom camera that balances impressive performance and portability. With its 20.1MP 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor, this camera delivers high-quality images and videos. The 24-200mm Zeiss Vario Sonnar T lens offers a versatile zoom range, suitable for various shooting scenarios, from wide-angle landscapes to detailed close-ups. The camera's image stabilization, both optical and digital, ensures sharp images and smooth videos, particularly useful for handheld shooting and vlogging.

Its autofocus system is exceptional, with 357-point phase detection and 425-point contrast detection, making it extremely fast and accurate, even in challenging conditions. Moreover, the real-time eye AF for humans and animals enhances portrait photography, ensuring sharp focus on subjects' eyes. Video enthusiasts will appreciate the 4K video recording capabilities, complete with S-Log3 for expanded dynamic range and a microphone jack for improved audio quality.

The compact size and lightweight design (275 grams) make it highly portable, ideal for travel and everyday use. However, the battery life, rated at 1240 mAh, might be a limitation for extended shooting sessions, so carrying extra batteries is advisable. Additionally, while the camera is packed with advanced features, its extensive settings and professional-grade capabilities may present a learning curve for beginners. Connectivity options, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, offer easy sharing and remote control, enhancing the user experience. The RX100 VII stands out in the compact-zoom category as a versatile and high-performing option, suitable for both amateur photographers looking to upgrade and professionals needing a portable yet powerful camera.

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is a compact-zoom camera that offers an impressive 40x optical zoom (24-960mm equivalent), making it ideal for capturing everything from wide landscapes to distant subjects. Its 20.3-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor delivers sharp, colorful photos suitable for casual travel and everyday photography. Thanks to Canon’s DIGIC 8 processor, images maintain good quality even in lower light, though the smaller sensor size means it may struggle compared to larger sensor cameras in very dim settings.

Video enthusiasts will appreciate the ability to shoot smooth 4K UHD footage at 30 frames per second, supported by built-in 5-axis optical image stabilization that helps reduce blur and shake while recording handheld. The autofocus system is hybrid and reasonably quick, suitable for beginners and casual users capturing a variety of scenes. Connectivity via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth makes transferring photos and videos to smartphones or social media easy, enhancing convenience on the go. The camera has a 3-inch LCD screen, but no viewfinder, which might be a consideration for some users.

Battery life and weight (about 2.7 pounds including accessories) are average for this class—it’s travel-friendly but not the lightest option. While it doesn’t include a built-in flash, it supports automatic exposure and a good ISO range (100-6400), which helps in various lighting conditions. This camera suits beginners or travelers wanting a powerful zoom and 4K video in a pocketable design without complexity. For those seeking more advanced low-light performance or a larger sensor, other options may be preferable.

The Panasonic LUMIX ZS99 is a highly versatile compact camera ideal for travel and concerts, thanks to its impressive 30x optical zoom with a 24-720mm LEICA lens. This allows you to capture detailed shots from both wide angles and long distances. With a 20.3-megapixel sensor, the camera produces high-quality images, and its 4K video capability offers sharp, vibrant video recording at 30 frames per second, making it suitable for capturing both stills and videos.

The 5-axis optical image stabilization reduces blurriness, even when using the zoom at its maximum range, which is a significant advantage for handheld shooting. The 1,840k-dot tiltable touchscreen and universal USB Type-C charging are very user-friendly features, enhancing the camera's usability on the go. Additionally, built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi make sharing your photos and videos quick and straightforward, which is perfect for travelers who want to post updates instantly.

However, there are some drawbacks. The 1/2.3-inch sensor size is relatively small, which might affect performance in low-light conditions. The camera does not have a built-in flash, which could be limiting in darker environments. The absence of water resistance means you'll need to be cautious in wet conditions. Battery life may also be a concern as it relies on a single lithium-ion battery. Despite these drawbacks, the Panasonic LUMIX ZS99 stands out with its powerful zoom, 4K capabilities, and compact design, making it a solid choice for amateur photographers seeking a travel-friendly camera.