Most of us already carry a small, pocketable camera on all of our rides—our smartphones. Whereas new telephone cameras are advancing, you presumably can nonetheless income from an exact digital camera to appropriately seize a panorama or fast-moving motion pictures, considerably in poor lighting circumstances. The excellent news is: you don’t have to lug spherical a cumbersome DSLR camera on the bike to get extreme picture high quality. Moreover often known as point-and-shoots or journey cameras, these compacts are all good alternatives for getting crisp pictures and flicks right out of your jersey pocket.
Try fast reviews beneath of our top-five compact cameras, or scroll deeper for useful trying to find information and full reviews of these fashions plus fully totally different high-ranking alternatives.
Bicycling’s Choose
Fujifilm X100F
Whole Educated Rating: 88/100
An aesthetic compact for pictures followers greatest used for high-quality stills.
Greatest Enormous Sensor
Panasonic Lumix LX100
Whole Educated Rating: 88/100
An inexpensive, premium compact with class-leading {{photograph}} and video high quality.
Greatest Video
Sony CyberShot RX100 IV
Whole Educated Rating: 87/100
A sophisticated, pocketable compact with spectacular 4K video capabilities.
Greatest Waterproof
Olympus Extremely efficient TG-5
Whole Educated Rating: 80/100
Don’t fear about recording on rocky trails or in poor native climate with this sturdy compact.
Greatest Funds
Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS
Whole Educated Rating: 80/100
A wise funds compact with quick effectivity in auto mode.
Uncover the Appropriate Compact Digital Digital camera
Loads of of our favourite on-the-bike photographers have helpful compact point-and-shoots for taking superior using pictures. Nonetheless compacts can vary from low value fashions solely supposed for use in auto mode to premium ones with sturdy, identical to an skilled DSLR. When searching for a balanced compact, biking photographer Mae Elizabeth Gurene suggests, “You need a camera that makes taking pictures simple, and nonetheless permits handbook modifications.”
Top of the range selections to hunt for embrace quick start-up and autofocus, excessive zoom, giant sensors, 4k video, and viewfinders. Nonetheless, for positive compacts with the biggest sensors and viewfinders an identical to the Panasonic Lumix LX100 furthermore are liable to sacrifice just some of their pocketability. Inside the meantime, the smallest and most inexpensive alternatives like Canon’s PowerShot ELPH 360 HS have fewer handbook controls for additional superior photographers. When in the hunt for a camera that’s acceptable collectively collectively together with your rides, furthermore ponder if its battery life will make it by a protracted day, if it has a rugged or waterproof assemble to outlive on the path, and if it contains Wi-Fi connectivity to share your pictures immediately.
How We Rated Them
We researched 14 expert sources and 4,400 shopper reviews to choose the very best 10 compact digital cameras of the yr. To hunt out out our Whole Educated Rating, we calculate the scores from trusted publications resembling Tech Radar, CNET, Digital Traits, Digital Digital camera World, and Digital Images Review, and convert them to a 100-point scale to make it easier in order to weigh the simplest alternatives. Our Shopper Rating represents the proportion of consumers who rated the product not decrease than 4 out of 5 stars on retail internet sites like Amazon, Greatest Purchase, and Adorama.
Bicycling’s Choose
Fujifilm X100F
Whole Educated Rating: 88/100 | Shopper Rating: 92% give it 4 stars or greater
An aesthetic compact for pictures followers greatest used for high-quality stills.
24.3 MP | 8 FPS | Video: 1080p | Battery Life: 390 pictures
Dimensions (WxHxD): 5 x 3 x 2 in | Weight: 469 g | Current: 3 in
X100F
- Retro design
- Hybrid viewfinder
Quite a lot of the biking photographers we featured lately shoot with the Fujifilm X100T on account of it matches correct proper right into a jersey pocket and produces high-quality pictures that rival a DSLR. The up to date Fujifilm X100F mannequin presents the equal elementary design and controls with improved autofocus and movie high quality. Amazon patrons thought the X100F was an ideal improve to the earlier mannequin. One talked about it’s “an extra feature-rich, versatile, higher-resolution camera than the X100T.”
The X100F can be costly for a compact camera, nevertheless it’s the simplest compact for followers in accordance with specialists resembling Tech Radar, CNET, and PCMag. Naming it the simplest compact for stills beneath $1,500, CNET wrote that it’s greatest for people “who prize the expertise of handbook pictures as heaps because of the images.” It’s not designed as an motion camera, nonetheless for everytime you merely can’t resist stopping midride for a up-close portrait or panorama shot, the X100F is little question among the premium compact alternatives.
Greatest Enormous Sensor
Panasonic Lumix LX100
Whole Educated Rating: 88/100 | Shopper Rating: 86% give it 4 stars or greater
An inexpensive, premium compact with class-leading {{photograph}} and video high quality.
12.8 MP | 40 FPS | Video: 4k | Battery Life: 350 pictures
Dimensions (WxHxD): 4.5 x 2.6 x 2.2 in | Weight: 393 g | Current: 3 in
Lumix LX100
- Good {{photograph}} and video high quality, even in low delicate
- Enormous sensor and viewfinder
- Sluggish to start out up
- Too giant for small pockets
Panasonic’s Lumix LX sequence is assumed for its giant four-thirds sensor that creates superior pictures in quite a lot of lighting circumstances in contrast with fully totally different compacts. Digital Images Review gave the Lumix LX100 its Gold Award when it was first launched in 2014, stating that its lens, controls, and movie high quality “lead us to declare the LX100 as the very best compact cameras thus far.”
Its steel physique and controls make it really actually really feel sturdy and firm to carry. One reviewer on B&H {{Photograph}} Video wrote that the Lumix LX100 “has a well-made {{{and professional}}} really actually really feel to it with good logical controls and a simple to make the most of and customizable menu.” Nonetheless, the collapsible lens nonetheless juts out a bit from its steel physique, making this mannequin rather a lot a lot much less useful for small jersey pockets in contrast with the Sony CyberShot and Canon PowerShot.
For an fairly extra premium likelihood, ponder the up to date Panasonic Lumix LX100 II with Bluetooth and a touch-sensitive monitor.
Greatest Video
Sony CyberShot RX100 IV
Whole Educated Rating: 87/100 | Shopper Rating: 84% give it 4 stars or greater
A sophisticated, pocketable compact with spectacular 4K video capabilities.
20.1 MP | 16 FPS | Video: 4k | Battery Life: 280 pictures
Dimensions (WxHxD): 4 x 2.29 x 1.61 in | Weight: 298 g | Current: 2.95 in
Cyber-Shot RX100 IV
- Excessive-res viewfinder
- Good slow-motion video
- No touchscreen
- Poor battery life
The RX100 IV mannequin of Sony’s CyberShot presents the simplest steadiness of superior {{photograph}} and video high quality, dimension, and price ticket. Although it lacks a touchscreen, it encompasses a tilting present show and pop-up electrical viewfinder. CNET wrote that it’s “a delightful numerous if you happen to’re searching for a complicated compact with class-leading video capabilities,” resembling sluggish movement.
There are cheaper compacts for high-quality stills, nonetheless the CyberShot is the one possibility for cyclists who wish to seize methods and jumps on video. One Greatest Purchase purchaser admitted that “sure, it’s costly,” nevertheless it’s a cultured compact that “will seize pro-level pictures right out of your pocket.”
Greatest Waterproof
Olympus Extremely efficient TG-5
Whole Educated Rating: 80/100 | Shopper Rating: 76% give it 4 stars or greater
Don’t fear about recording on rocky trails or in poor native climate with this sturdy compact.
12 MP | 20 FPS | Video: 4k | Battery Life: 340 pictures
Dimensions (WxHxD): 4.4 x 2.6 x 1.3 in | Weight: 250 g | Current: 3 in
Extremely efficient TG-5
- Sharp, speedy pictures
- Sturdy and travel-proof
- Prices greater than fully totally different compacts
In a position to survive 50-foot dives, 7-foot falls, and below-freezing temperatures, the TG-5 is definitely sturdy sufficient to handle rocky path rides. Wirecutter chosen Olympus’s TG-5 as the simplest waterproof camera for {{photograph}} followers, and Tech Radar named it “the simplest rugged, waterproof compact you should purchase.” Nonetheless don’t be fooled by its rugged exterior: It’d nonetheless produce sharp, stunning pictures.
Each informal and skilled prospects appreciated utilizing this straightforward point-and-shoot camera on the seashore, underwater, and for many numerous outdoors adventures. One Amazon purchaser talked about, “It is an excellent camera! Works unbelievable underwater and on land. Very attribute wealthy and straightforward to make the most of.”
Greatest Funds
Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS
Whole Educated Rating: 80/100 | Shopper Rating: 91% give it 4 stars or greater
A wise funds compact with quick effectivity in auto mode.
20.2 MP | 30 FPS | Video: 1080p | Battery Life: 265 pictures
Dimensions (WxHxD): 3.9 x 2.3 x .9 in | Weight: 147 g | Current: 3 in
PowerShot ELPH 360 HS
- Speedy start-up and autofocus
- Slim and lightweight physique
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Low battery life
- Mounted, non-touch present show
Although there are additional spectacular PowerShots and fully totally different compacts, the ELPH 360 HS is the simplest funds mannequin on account of it trades a premium exterior and handbook controls for a small, simple, and low cost design. It’d nonetheless seize vibrant and sharp pictures, even in pretty low lighting circumstances. Its start-up time and autofocus system are furthermore quick, and likewise you gained’t have to fiddle with superior controls, so that you just simply’re rather a lot a lot much less further liable to miss a wildlife or motion shot on the path.
Wirecutter listed the PowerShot ELPH 360 HS as the simplest low value compact, noting that it’s “sufficiently small to go in every single place with you, slipping correct proper right into a bag or your pants pocket, nonetheless the buttons are nonetheless large ample for grownup fingers.” Greatest Purchase reviewers furthermore beloved utilizing it as a journey camera in auto mode. “I actually like with the ability to carry this little man spherical my neck or tucked into only a bit gadget bag on the bike,” talked about one bicycle proprietor.
Completely totally different Excessive-Rating Choices to Consider
Leica D-Lux
Whole Educated Rating: 85/100 | Shopper Rating: 91% give it 4 stars or greater
Another choice to Panasonic’s Lumix LX100 with Leica’s elementary design.
12.8 MP | 30 FPS | Video: 4k | Battery Life: 300 pictures
Dimensions (WxHxD): 4.6 x 2.6 x 2.4 in | Weight: 405 g | Current: 3 in
D-Lux (Sort 109)
- Enormous sensor
- Good digital viewfinder
- Mounted present show with out contact sensitivity
- No entrance grip
The Leica D-Lux shares the equal giant sensor and top quality lens because of the Panasonic Lumix LX100, nonetheless primarily differs in its clear, rounded design and rectangular administration buttons. Some Amazon reviewers did advocate trying to find the non-obligatory grip or case on account of the camera lacks a entrance grip. Every methodology, the D-Lux offers skilled dealing with and effectivity.
Although the practically an equal Panasonic Lumix LX100 prices fairly a lot much less, Tech Radar concludes that the Leica D-Lux continues to be likelihood for photographers “who’re searching for a smaller, high-quality fully totally different” to giant DSLRs. Much like the Lumix LX100, the D-Lux is appropriate for educated photographers who need a compact with quite a lot of handbook controls and high-image high quality.
Canon PowerShot G7 Mark II
Whole Educated Rating: 82/100 | Shopper Rating: 94% give it 4 stars or greater
Improve out of your iPhone camera or older compact with Canon’s premium point-and-shoot.
20.1 MP | 8 FPS | Video: 1080p | Battery Life: 265 pictures
Dimensions (WxHxD): 4.15 x 2.4 x 1.65 in | Weight: 319 g | Current: 3 in
PowerShot G7 X Mark II
- Tilting LCD touchscreen
- Top of the range pictures in all lighting
- No viewfinder
- Non permanent battery life
- Lacks 4k video
The Canon PowerShot G7 Mark II presents good value for a premium compact with its spectacular picture high quality and handbook controls, although it lacks 4k video. Wired chosen it as its favourite point-and-shoot, writing, “It’s not exhausting to see why this versatile, transportable camera is price its $700 price ticket.”
Specialists and prospects actually useful its giant 1-inch sensor, good low-light pictures, Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, and quick autofocus. One Amazon purchaser helpful, “must you wish to take a great deal of good pictures merely and with out the difficulty of lugging loads of gear spherical, look into this camera!”
Ricoh GR II
Whole Educated Rating: 81/100 | Shopper Rating: 89% give it 4 stars or greater
A light-weight-weight, large-sensor compact greatest for landscapes and freeway pictures.
16.2 MP | 30 FPS | Video: 1080p | Battery Life: 320 pictures
Dimensions (WxHxD): 4.6 x 2.5 x 1.4 in | Weight: 251 g | Current: 3 in
GR II
- Enormous APS-C sensor with compact and lightweight physique
- No 4k video or built-in picture stabilization
- Troublesome Wi-Fi connection
The Ricoh GR II is additional pocketable than fully totally different compacts with equally giant sensors, making it an ideal choice to take with you on the bike. PC Journal gave the GR II its Editor’s Totally different award, claiming that it’s “a modest substitute to many a photographer’s favourite pocket camera.”
On B&H {{Photograph}} Video, loads of reviewers appreciated utilizing the Ricoh in its place of huge DSLRs for out of doors pictures whereas mountaineering or mountain biking. One wrote that the “broad angle is so helpful open air” and that it might actually “take pictures shortly with out slowing anybody down.” Its wide-angle lens excels additional with landscapes than portraits or motion pictures of your group experience. Although it has common taking footage modes, its JPG seize is slower than others at 4 frames per second. Fanatic or pastime photographers can save pictures as each RAW or JPEG. Nonetheless, specialists and prospects furthermore report connectivity components with the Wi-Fi system.
Panasonic Lumix LX10
Whole Educated Rating: 84/100 | Shopper Rating: 77% give it 4 stars or greater
A well-balanced compact with good auto and handbook controls for stills or video.
20.1 MP | 30 FPS | Video: 4k | Battery Life: 260 pictures
Dimensions (WxHxD): 4.2 x 2.4 x 1.7 in | Weight: 310 g | Current: 3 in
Lumix LX10
$699.99
$497.99 (29% off)
- Quick, proper autofocus system
- Good, common video
- Low battery life
- No digital viewfinder
This Panasonic Lumix with a 1-inch sensor selections quick autofocus, stabilized 4k video, and a flip-up touchscreen, nonetheless lacks an digital viewfinder and helpful grips. Digital Images Review wrote, “Its value stage, broad stills and video efficiency, and likable dealing with most likely make the LX10 a well-balanced camera.”
Photographers will revenue from the Panasonic Lumix LX10 throughout the event that they want a compact that can do all of it—from handbook to automated controls and nonetheless pictures to movies. One reviewer on Adorama talked about, “Do you must’re a smartphone shopper searching for a camera that takes bigger pics, the LX10 is an environment friendly likelihood.”
Nikon Coolpix A900
Whole Educated Rating: 80/100 | Shopper Rating: 73% give it 4 stars or greater
A sturdy little compact with extended zoom that’s useful for touring.
20 MP | 30 FPS | Video: 4k | Battery Life: 270 pictures
Dimensions (WxHxD): 4.5 x 2.7 x 1.6 in | Weight: 298 g | Current: 3 in
Coolpix A900
- Tilting LCD present show
- Spectacular 35X optical zoom lens
- No viewfinder
- Lacks picture sharpness
Gadget Review complimented the Nikon Coolpix A900’s “good selections in a comparatively skinny camera,” and New York Journal often known as the Nikon Coolpix A900 the “greatest everyday-use digital camera,” on account of it’s “easy to make the most of,” “sturdy sufficient to be tossed in your purse, backpack, or glove space,” and “takes good pictures, too.” The titling LCD present show, wi-fi Wi-Fi connectivity, and 4k video are all bonuses on the Coolpix’s value stage.
Prospects appreciated this compact’s rubber grip and lightweight weight, making it easy to convey alongside on adventures. One Greatest Purchase purchaser who acquired this Coolpix for a go to abroad wrote, “I needed one issue easy sufficient for a novice to make the most of and one issue that will not be too cumbersome or fragile. This met all my needs and took nice pictures.”
