The Resurgence of Compact Cameras: Why They're Making a Comeback in 2025

The State of Compact Cameras in 2025

When the smartphone camera was first introduced, it changed the world of photography and the camera market. The compact camera, once a staple in every photographer’s gear bag, almost went extinct as everyone started taking more photos with their phones. Now, years later, there seems to be a trend of ditching the phone camera and picking up a point-and-shoot. Why is this? Let’s break it down and dive into some of the best compact camera options on the market.

Why Are Compact Cameras Trending?

There are a few reasons why compact cameras are making a comeback, but the main one is simple: they aren't smartphones. People have been taking photos with phones for years now, and as phone cameras have gotten better, the photos have started to feel sterile. A photo taken on a recent iPhone or any modern smartphone is almost too perfect. From the over-sharpening and fake background blur to the heavy HDR, photos taken with a phone just don’t feel natural anymore.

Compact cameras, on the other hand, provide a much different look. With larger sensors, better lenses, and even on-camera flashes to get that nostalgic feel, compact cameras can offer an image quality that’s distinct from the often overly processed photos on smartphones.

Shot on the Fuji X10v with on camera flash

The second reason I feel compact cameras are gaining popularity is that they aren't connected. When using your phone as a camera, you're constantly distracted by notifications, apps, social media, and more. This distraction takes away from the shooting experience. There's also something about the feel of a camera in your hand that puts you in the right mindset for taking photos in a way that a phone simply can’t replicate. I’ve even got a video going into more detail on that on my YouTube channel.

Types of Compact Cameras

There are two different categories of these smaller cameras: compact cameras and a subcategory, point-and-shoots. Compact cameras tend to be smaller than traditional DSLR or mirrorless cameras like the Fuji X100 and Sony A7C series. Point-and-shoots, while even more pocketable, often come with more sacrifices. Good examples of point-and-shoot cameras include the Sony RX100 series, the Ricoh GRIII, and the very popular Canon G7X Mark III.

Will We See More Compact Cameras in the Future?

When compact cameras died out, many people didn’t think they would make a resurgence. The same could be said about film cameras when digital cameras took over. But manufacturers like Pentax with the Pentax 17 and Mint with the Rollei 35 AF have started to change that by releasing film cameras in 2024.

I hope, and suspect, that we may soon see manufacturers reviving their compact cameras in the next year or two.

We’ve already started to see new digital compact cameras hit the market, including both compact and point-and-shoot models. Point-and-shoot cameras like the Leica D-Lux 8 and Lumix ZS99 were released in 2024. While these are essentially rereleases of previous models with slight updates like the addition of a USB-C port, it's a step in the right direction. If these small updates generate sales, it will likely encourage manufacturers to continue supporting the point-and-shoot space.

The general compact camera space has already seen a bit of a boom. While not as small as point-and-shoot cameras, models like the Fuji X-M5, X100V/VI, Lumix S8, and Sony A7C series have really taken off. These cameras tend to offer much better performance than point-and-shoots at the cost of a slightly larger form factor. Cameras like these are perfect for professionals and passionate hobbyists looking for a camera they can carry every day. Personally, I’ve been daily carrying the Fuji X100V for over two years now, and I absolutely love it. I strongly believe this market will continue to grow. The X100VI is a massive success, the A7CII is very popular, and the Lumix S9, while controversial, offers great value.

What Compact Camera Should You Get?

Picking the right camera isn’t easy; it's a very personal decision that depends on how you want to use the camera. Here are some options broken down by use case to help you decide:

iPhone Replacements

These cameras are perfect for people who just want something to replace their phone camera. Cameras from the Sony RX100 lineup are great for this. There are many models to choose from, so do some research to find the one that fits your needs. The very popular Canon G7X series also fits into this category. There are also vintage point-and-shoots from the early 2000s, called "Digicams," that offer a unique retro vibe for your photos.

High-End Point-and-Shoot

These are for photographers who want a small camera to keep in their pocket when not using their larger, more feature-packed camera body. This category overlaps somewhat with the previous one, particularly the RX100 series. My personal choice in this category would be the Ricoh GRIII HD. If you’ve watched my video review, you’ll know I didn’t love the camera, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great option. The GRIII series produces excellent image quality while still fitting in your pocket.

Compact Cameras

This is honestly my favorite category because the cameras here are so amazing. As I mentioned earlier, the Fuji X100V/VI are both fantastic. They offer incredible performance in a compact, user-friendly design, and are super fun to use. If you're looking for a similar experience at a cheaper price, the Fuji X-M5 offers incredible value. Other options worth considering are the Lumix S9 and the Sony A7C/CII/CR, all of which are solid choices.

Conclusion

The compact camera market is alive and well in 2025, with more options for every type of photographer. Whether you're looking for a small camera to replace your smartphone or a high-end option for everyday carry, there are plenty of choices to fit your needs. While the resurgence of compact cameras might have seemed unlikely a few years ago, it's clear that they're here to stay. With manufacturers continuing to innovate and update models, the compact camera will continue to be a viable and exciting option for those who want something different from their smartphone.