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3 of the best compact cameras for travel that have large sensors for improved image quality

Sony makes some of the best small cameras for photographers on the go. (Image source: Sony)
Sony makes some of the best small cameras for photographers on the go. (Image source: Sony)
It's becoming increasingly difficult to justify buying a small point-and-shoot camera, given the performance that manufacturers are packing into compact Micro Four Thirds and APS-C bodies. Here are 3 underrated compact cameras with large sensors that deliver on image quality, despite their pocket-friendly footprint.

1. Panasonic Lumix GX85

One of the biggest strengths of Micro Four Thirds cameras is the ability to pack a lot into a small package. The Panasonic Lumix GX85 embodies this idea almost perfectly. The GX85 is a 16 MP interchangeable lens camera with five-axis in-body image stabilisation, 4K video, and a neat electronic viewfinder. The 2x crop factor of the M4/3 sensor also means that zoom lenses take up less space — a 150 mm M4/3 lens has the same field of view and magnification as a 300 mm full-fram lens.

It's not going to deliver the best image quality of any camera out there, and the small M4/3 sensor does start to suffer in tougher lighting conditions, but it offers a good balance of compactness and quality. The wide selection of affordable lenses in the M4/3 ecosystem makes the GX85 compact camera an attractive option for those looking for something more powerful than an iPhone, but virtually unnoticeable in a jacket pocket or backpack.

Buy the Panasonic LUMIX GX85 4K Camera with 12-32mm and 45-150mm Lens Bundle on Amazon.

2. Sony Alpha ZV-E10

Sony's RX100 lineup has long been praised for its impressive image and video quality and compact form factor. The Alpha ZV-E10 builds on this strength by upgrading the sensor and expanding lens options.

The Alpha ZV-E10 uses a 24.2 MP APS-C CMOS sensor and Sony E mount for interchangeable lenses. This means that the ZV-E10 is slightly larger than the likes of the Sony RX100 or ZV-1, but it also means you have a lot more light gathering capability and flexibility from interchangeable lenses.

The ZV-E10 compact camera is aimed at video creators and vloggers, but it's just as capable at taking photos thanks to a fast phase-detect autofocus system and quality sensor. An articulating touch screen, reasonably-sized grip, and long battery life also help make it a pleasant camera to use.

Buy the Sony ZV-E10 and 16-50 mm lens bundle on Amazon.

3. Ricoh GR III

Ricoh isn't a big name when it comes to consumer camera gear, but the GR III is superb camera for hobbyists looking for a simpler shooting experience. The GR III is a compact camera originally pitched for street photography fanatics. In the GR III, you'll find a 24 MP APS-C sensor behind a fixed 28 mm (42 mm full-frame equivalent) f/2.8 lens.

The Ricoh GR III was well received at launch for its dependable dynamic range, sharp lens, and good colour reproduction. The tight f/2.8 aperture means that low-light performance suffers slightly, and the lens is a 28 mm prime, meaning it has no zoom capabilities to speak of.

Despite its small body, though, the GR III features three-axis image stabilisation, making it a good choice for photographers who want to take snapshots of important moments instead of fiddling around swapping lenses and choosing the right shutter speed. The Ricoh GR III is available on sites like Amazon for around US$950.

The Ricoh GR III packs a lot of power into a small body. (Image source: Ricoh)
The Ricoh GR III packs a lot of power into a small body. (Image source: Ricoh)
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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2023 05 > 3 of the best compact cameras for travel that have large sensors for improved image quality
Julian van der Merwe, 2023-05-10 (Update: 2024-08-15)