Best Compact Cameras For Raw Photography Enthusiasts

Compact cameras are a great alternative to DSLRs and smartphones, offering better image quality and more features than the latter, while being more portable and convenient than the former. When it comes to compact cameras that shoot RAW, there are several options to choose from, each with its own unique features and specifications.

One popular choice is the Fujifilm X100VI, which boasts a 40MP sensor, image stabilization, and a hybrid viewfinder. It also has fast autofocus and excellent image quality, making it a versatile camera for street and travel photography.

Another option is the Sony ZV-1, which is aimed at vloggers and content creators. It offers strong image quality, sharp 4K videos, and impressive autofocus capabilities.

For those looking for a more affordable option, the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II is a great choice, offering excellent value for money, a versatile 24-100mm lens, and a tilting LCD touchscreen.

Other notable mentions include the Ricoh GRIII, known for its impressive image stabilization and stealthy design, making it ideal for street photography, and the Leica Q3, which delivers exceptional image quality and build quality but comes with a hefty price tag.

Ultimately, the best compact camera for shooting RAW depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences. Each camera has its strengths and weaknesses, so it's essential to consider your requirements before making a decision.

Best compact camera for travel: The OM System OM-5 is a ruggedly dependable camera with a compact, weatherproof body that's compatible with a range of lenses

The OM System OM-5 is a ruggedly dependable camera with a compact, weatherproof body that's compatible with a range of lenses. It's a mid-range 20MP Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera mainly for stills, but with a decent set of video features as well. It's the first camera to fully embrace the new OM System name, but it's hardly a revolutionary new design. In fact, it appears to be an extremely close relative of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III, the model the OM-5 replaces.

The OM-5 is designed to stay with you but not get in the way of your experience. It is so compact that you can chuck it in your favourite bag or let it dangle unnoticeably on your shoulder until inspiration strikes. It will be ready for your story but won't be a tiresome load. The OM-5 features class-leading IP53 dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof design so you can keep telling that story, like your favourite pair of boots that just keep on going.

Best compact camera for video: The Sony ZV-1 is a powerful pocket option for shooting video, with a bright lens, superb autofocus and useful design features

The Sony ZV-1 is a compact camera that is ideal for vloggers and content creators. It has a bright lens, superb autofocus, and useful design features that make it a powerful pocket option for shooting video.

The ZV-1 has a 1-inch 20.1MP stacked back-illuminated Exmor RS CMOS sensor with DRAM, a large aperture 24-70mm F1.8-2.8 ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T lens, and a fast hybrid autofocus system with 315 phase-detection points. The camera also features a side flip-out 3.0" LCD screen that tilts up and down for easier selfie shots, and a product showcase setting that transitions focus from face to object. The automatic exposure tracks faces and ensures they are well-lit.

The ZV-1 has a built-in microphone with a forward-directional on-board mic and a detachable windshield, as well as a standard 3.5mm mic jack and a Multi Interface Shoe for more audio possibilities. It also has image stabilization to suppress shake while walking.

The camera has a range of pro video functions, including HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) and S-Log3/2, and optimized colour with enhanced skin-tone reproduction. It is capable of 4K HDR video and has a touchscreen display, as well as live video streaming and webcam functionality.

Best compact camera for beginners: The Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II is a well-rounded camera with a pocket-friendly form-factor and fantastic handling

The Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II is a compact camera with a 20.1MP 1" CMOS sensor and DIGIC 7 image processor, which offers a maximum ISO of 12800 in Program mode. It is capable of recording stills at up to 8 fps and can shoot Full HD 1080p60 video. The camera features a 4.2x zoom lens, providing a 24-100mm equivalent focal length range, and a fast f/1.8-f/2.8 maximum aperture. The lens is surrounded by a control ring that offers intuitive control over settings, and the camera has a large 3.0" 1.04m-dot tilting touchscreen LCD. The G7 X Mark II also features built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for wireless sharing and remote camera control from linked mobile devices.

The Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II is a well-rounded camera with a range of features that make it a good choice for beginners. Its compact form-factor and handling have received positive reviews, and its flip screen is particularly useful for vloggers. Its excellent video quality and user-friendly interface have also been praised, although some users have noted that the autofocus could be improved and the battery life is limited. Overall, the Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II offers great quality for its price and is a good choice for those seeking a compact and intuitive camera.

Best compact camera for professionals: The Sony RX1 RII is a unique Sony mirrorless camera that delivers exceptional image quality and tactile experience

The Sony RX1R II is a unique Sony mirrorless camera that delivers exceptional image quality and tactile experience. This compact camera packs a 42.4-megapixel 35mm full-frame sensor, so it's easy to shoot in better quality wherever you go. The RX1R II features a ZEISS Sonnar T* 35mm F2 lens, which delivers brilliantly clear images from its centre to the peripheral areas. The camera's Fast Hybrid AF system, with 399 phase-detection AF points, provides unconventionally speedy, accurate wide-area autofocus coverage and tracking performance. The RX1R II also features a retractable XGA OLED Tru-Finder, which offers a comfortable and stable eye-level composition with 0.74x magnification.

Best compact camera for street photography: The Ricoh GRIII is a unique compact that deserves much more attention than it’s been receiving

The Ricoh GR III is a compact camera that is highly regarded for street photography. It has a rich set of features that make it a compelling choice for photographers seeking a versatile and capable camera for their street photography needs.

One of the standout aspects of the Ricoh GR III is its compact size and discreet design. It is a truly pocketable camera that can comfortably fit in the front pocket of your jeans, making it convenient to carry everywhere you go. Its subtle and unassuming design ensures that it doesn't draw attention, allowing you to capture moments without intruding on the scene. This makes it an ideal tool for street photographers who want to remain inconspicuous and capture authentic moments.

The image quality produced by the Ricoh GR III is impressive. It features a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor and a fixed f/2.8 lens, resulting in sharp and vibrant images. The camera also offers excellent low-light performance, with a maximum ISO of 102400 and the ability to record 14-bit RAW images. The built-in image stabilization further enhances its low-light capabilities, allowing you to capture sharp images even in challenging lighting conditions.

Another advantage of the Ricoh GR III is its speed and responsiveness. It powers up quickly, ensuring you don't miss fleeting moments. The hybrid autofocus system combines contrast and phase detection for faster and more responsive autofocus operation. Additionally, the camera offers a snap focus feature, allowing you to set a predetermined focus distance for quick and discreet shooting.

The Ricoh GR III also includes built-in memory, providing approximately 40 RAW file storage capacity. This feature ensures that you can continue shooting even if you forget to insert an SD card, addressing a common issue faced by photographers. The camera also supports wireless connectivity, making it easy to transfer images to your smartphone or other mobile devices.

While the Ricoh GR III excels in many areas, there are a few aspects that could be improved. The video quality, for instance, has been criticized for its poor focus and low resolution. Additionally, the lack of a tilt screen may be a drawback for some photographers. Despite these shortcomings, the Ricoh GR III remains a highly capable and versatile camera for street photography, offering a unique blend of performance, image quality, and portability.

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