Best Premium Compact Cameras 2024

Premium compact cameras are designed for optimum picture quality in a small package. To get the best picture quality possible they use larger sensors than you find in most compact cameras. The larger the sensor the better the picture quality, but unfortunately the large sensor limits the potential zoom range. So the trade-off is better image quality and better low light performance in exchange for less zoom flexibility. So the cameras in this category will have shorter than average zoom range capability.

If you want maximum zoom range in a pocket sized camera, the size of the sensor needs to be minimized which in turn compromises image quality a bit. If this is a trade-off that sounds good to you, see the Best Compact Superzoom Cameras in the list below. The picture quality on those cameras can be quite good, just not quite as stellar as you can get from the Premium Compact Cameras listed here.

  1. 1
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100  camera
    Best Price Amazon $448.00
    • 3.6× optical zoom
    • Weight: 8.5 oz
    • 20.2 megapixels
    • 1080p 60fps video
    • Battery Life: 330 Shots
  2. 2
    Canon PowerShot G7 X  camera
    Best Price Amazon $528.00
    • 4.2× optical zoom
    • Weight: 10.7 oz
    • 20.2 megapixels
    • 720p 30fps video
    • Battery Life: 210 Shots
  3. 3
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III  camera
    Best Price Amazon $648.00
    • 2.9× optical zoom
    • Weight: 10.2 oz
    • 20.1 megapixels
    • 1080p 60fps video
    • Battery Life: 320 Shots
  4. 4
    Canon PowerShot S120  camera
    Best Price Adorama $379.00
    • 5× optical zoom
    • Weight: 7.7 oz
    • 12.1 megapixels
    • 1080p 60fps video
    • Battery Life: 300 Shots
  5. 5
    FujiFilm X30  camera
    Best Price Adorama $499.00
    • 4× optical zoom
    • Weight: 14.9 oz
    • 12.0 megapixels
    • 1080p 60fps video
    • Battery Life: 470 Shots

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