Digital Cameras Are Back, And These Are The Ones You Should Get
It's time to dig through your drawers again and get the point-and-shoot cameras out
There was a time not too long ago when your digital camera lived at the bottom of a forgotten drawer, wedged somewhere between tangled AUX cables and a Nokia charger. But in true Y2K fashion, it’s back—and cooler than ever. Yes, point-and-shoots are trending again. You don’t need a digital camera in 2025. But then again, you don’t need vinyl records, mechanical watches, or that old denim jacket you refuse to throw away. You want them because they feel good. Call it rebellion or call it nostalgia—either way, digital cameras are having their comeback moment.
Maybe it’s the thrill of snapping without overthinking. Maybe it’s the fact that no one’s asking you to Airdrop 30 files immediately. Maybe it’s just nice to not use your phone for once. Whatever the reason, if you’re ready to step away from the iPhone and into a simpler, sharper, more tactile world—these are the best compact cameras to get your hands on right now.
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
A longtime favourite of vloggers and casual shooters alike, the G7 X Mark III is small, sleek, and built for people who want good photos and great video without needing a degree in photography. The 1-inch sensor and fast lens deliver crisp shots with lovely background blur, while the 4K video and flip-up screen make it perfect for both travel diaries and late-night monologues. Throw it in your tote or stuff it in your fanny park, it’s low maintenance and high delivery.
Sony ZV-1
Technically aimed at vloggers, but secretly loved by everyone, the ZV-1 is one of the easiest cameras to just pick up and shoot with. It’s light, compact, and comes loaded with smart features—like fast eye-tracking, background blur with one button, and a fully articulating screen that flips out for selfies. The built-in mic is surprisingly good, and the footage it shoots feels much more polished than it should for something this small.
Sony RX100 VII
If you’re looking for a compact camera that behaves like it’s a DSLR in disguise, this is it. This camera squeezes an impressive 24-200mm zoom lens into a pocketable body and has Sony’s signature lightning-fast autofocus and video quality. The camera is sharp and versatile and won’t overwhelm you if you’re a beginner and just needs a camera for Friday night outs. Whether you’re shooting candids in dim light or filming cinematic 4K on holiday, this one has you covered—and then some.
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Ricoh GR III
The GR III is compact enough to live in your jacket pocket, but inside, it packs a large APS-C sensor and a sharp fixed lens. If you care about image quality, minimalism, and manual control, but you also want the ease of point-and-shoot, then it’s built for you. It’s really good photography with an old-school feel. It’s not for everyone—but if you get it, you get it.
Fujifilm X100VI
Well, this one shoots good and looks good too. This is the camera everyone either has or wants. And it makes sense—between the hybrid viewfinder, film simulations, and absurdly good sensor, it’s basically an art toy for grown-ups. And with its retro design, tactile dials, and Fujifilm’s iconic film simulations, it delivers a fantastic shooting experience. It’s expensive, sure, but it’s definitely worth it. The only catch is that it’s often sold out.
Canon PowerShot SX740 HS
If you want something that just works—and zooms like crazy—this is a solid pick. It doesn’t have the fancy sensors or creamy bokeh of the others on this list, but it has 40x zoom, decent stabilisation, and a sensor that holds up surprisingly well in good light. Think tourist camera, but evolved. It’s practical, reliable, and very “dad on vacation,” but in the best way.
Panasonic Lumix LX15 (LX10)
This is one of those cameras people forget about—and then fall in love with. It’s compact, shoots beautifully in low light thanks to its bright f/1.4 lens, and offers just enough manual control to feel like you’re involved. The colours are rich, the bokeh is satisfying, and it’s weirdly fun to shoot with. It’s basically a travel-friendly camera with just the right amount of nerdy edge.