10 Best Compact Cameras 2025 in the United States

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is a robust compact camera that's ideal for casual photographers and travelers looking for versatility in a small package. One of its standout features is the impressive 40x optical zoom, allowing users to capture detailed shots from a distance, along with optical image stabilization that helps reduce blurriness in photos. With a 20.3-megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 image processor, it promises quality images and decent performance even in lower light conditions, thanks to an expanded ISO range up to 6400.

In terms of video capabilities, it supports 4K video recording and time-lapse movies, making it appealing for those interested in capturing high-resolution video. The built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity features also make it easy to share images directly to smartphones or social media, a great convenience for on-the-go photographers.

The 3-inch tilt-type LCD screen, which flips 180 degrees, is perfect for selfies and vlogging. Continuous shooting at speeds up to 10 fps is another plus for capturing fast-moving subjects. The compact design is lightweight and travel-friendly, prioritizing ease of use and compactness over pro-level capabilities.

The Canon PowerShot V1 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a compact camera that excels in video and content creation. It features a large 1.4-type full-frame CMOS sensor with an effective resolution of 23.9 megapixels, which helps deliver sharp and detailed still images. The built-in 16-50mm (35mm equivalent) zoom lens has a bright aperture range of f/2.8-4.5, making it versatile for wide-angle shots and some zoomed-in framing, though the optical zoom is moderate at 3.1x. Image stabilization is well covered with both optical and digital methods, helping to keep videos and photos steady, especially when shooting handheld.

Speaking of video, this camera shines with 4K recording and features like Canon Log 3 and 10-bit color depth, which are great for those wanting professional-level video quality and dynamic range. It also includes a cooling fan to allow longer shooting times without overheating, which is rare in compact cameras and beneficial for vloggers and live streamers. Connectivity through Wi-Fi makes sharing and controlling the camera remotely easy. The 3-inch LCD screen with a decent dot count is user-friendly but doesn’t support a touchscreen.

Battery life is average for a compact camera, powered by a single lithium-ion battery, and the camera’s compact and lightweight design (under 1 pound) makes it easy to carry around. On the downside, the zoom range is somewhat limited compared to some other compact cameras, and it uses a non-standard battery which might be less convenient for casual users. Also, the price and rank suggest it’s more niche, appealing mostly to serious content creators rather than casual photographers. If you prioritize video quality, portability, and advanced features like a cooling fan and Canon Log, the PowerShot V1 is a strong candidate, but if you want extensive zoom or simpler operation, other compact options might suit you better.

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is a solid choice if you're looking for a compact camera that balances portability with powerful zoom capabilities. Its 20.3-megapixel CMOS sensor provides good image quality for everyday photography, and the DIGIC 8 processor helps produce sharp photos with decent color accuracy. A standout feature is its impressive 40x optical zoom (equivalent to 24-960mm), letting you capture distant subjects without losing detail. The optical image stabilization is effective at reducing blur caused by camera shake, especially helpful when zoomed in or shooting handheld.

This camera also shines with video, offering 4K recording and 4K time-lapse options, which is quite advanced for a compact camera. The 3-inch tilting LCD screen is user-friendly, making it easier to shoot from different angles and take selfies. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth simplify sharing photos and remote control via smartphone apps.

Aperture ranges from f/3.3 to f/6.9, which is typical for zoom lenses on compact cameras but means it might struggle slightly in very low light compared to cameras with wider apertures. Battery life is average for this type of camera, enough for casual shooting but you might want spares for longer trips. The body is lightweight and sleek but not weather-sealed, so caution is needed around moisture or dust. Although it lacks an optical viewfinder, the bright and responsive LCD makes composing shots straightforward. The autofocus is basic with one focus point, sufficient for general use but not ideal for fast-moving subjects. This camera is well suited for travelers and casual photographers seeking a compact device with strong zoom and good video features, though it may not meet the needs of those requiring professional-level low light performance or ruggedness.