In Various Scenarios：Best Compact Mirrorless Cameras 2024

Compact cameras are very popular. You can easily see in various rankings that no matter which brand the camera is, the more compact it is, the more talked about it is. 

Let's try to recall the camera models that have caused a sensation in recent years, Fujifilm 100vi, Ricoh GR3, Panasonic S9, etc. They are all cameras with compactness as one of their main selling points. Let’s take a look at the best compact mirrorless cameras for each usage scenario.

Best Compact Camera for Vlogging: Sony ZV-E10 II

Recommended lens: E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II

For vlogging, a camera that’s versatile and portable is essential, and the Sony ZV-E10 II is a standout choice. Paired with the E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II lens, this setup offers a wide-angle perspective perfect for capturing more of the scene, even in tight spaces. The lens's power zoom function is smooth and silent, ideal for video, while Optical SteadyShot (OSS) minimizes camera shake, ensuring your footage remains steady. This combination enhances the camera’s ability to deliver crisp, high-quality video, making it easy to stay in focus while you vlog on the go.

But in some scenes, only the lens and the camera are not enough. For example, when you are shooting a vlog unboxing video with a fixed camera position, you often need a desktop tripod to help you shoot. Another advantage of a compact camera is that you don’t need a very large tripod to keep the picture or photo stable.

Best Compact Camera for Beginners: Nikon Z30

Recommended lenses: NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR; NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR

The Nikon Z30, when combined with the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens, offers a great starting point for beginners. This lens is compact and versatile, providing a wide-to-normal zoom range that covers most everyday shooting scenarios. The Vibration Reduction (VR) feature helps maintain sharpness, even in low light or at slower shutter speeds. For those who want to explore further, the NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR lens extends the zoom range, allowing beginners to capture distant subjects, from wildlife to sports. Together, these lenses make the Z30 a powerful, yet accessible tool for learning photography.

Best Compact Camera for Travel: Fujifilm X-T50

Recommended lens: XF 70-300mm F4-5.6 R LM OIS WR

For travel photography, the Fujifilm X-T50 paired with the XF 70-300mm F4-5.6 R LM OIS WR lens provides a versatile solution. This lens covers an impressive zoom range, making it easy to capture a variety of scenes, from sweeping landscapes to distant subjects, all while maintaining a compact form factor. The optical image stabilization (OIS) ensures that photos remain sharp even at longer focal lengths or in low light conditions. Its weather-resistant construction adds an extra layer of protection, allowing you to shoot in various environments without worry. This combination is ideal for travelers seeking both flexibility and portability.

When traveling, especially when you go to a sunny island or beach for vacation, you will be eager to take pictures of the beautiful sunset. However, as an APS-C camera, the dynamic range of Fujifilm X-T50 may not be able to correctly expose the dark and bright parts of the sunset at the same time. At this time, you can buy a GND filter, which allows you to get accurate exposure of the dark and bright parts in one photo without complicated bracketing.

Best Compact Camera for Hiking: Olympus OM-5

Recommended lens: Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4.0 IS PRO Zoom Lens

When hiking, the Olympus OM-5, paired with the Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4.0 IS PRO Zoom Lens, offers a robust and versatile setup. This lens provides a broad zoom range that covers everything from wide landscapes to distant details, all with a constant F4 aperture for consistent exposure. Its advanced image stabilization works seamlessly with the OM-5, ensuring sharp images even in challenging conditions. The lens's weather-sealed design matches the camera’s durability, making it perfect for rugged adventures. Compact and powerful, this combination ensures you’re ready for whatever nature throws your way.

Best Compact Mirrorless Camera for Film Enthusiasts: Ricoh GR IIIx HDF

For film enthusiasts who appreciate the tactile experience and creative control of traditional photography, the Ricoh GR IIIx HDF stands out as an exceptional compact mirrorless camera. This model embodies the essence of classic street photography while incorporating modern digital conveniences. Its fixed 40mm equivalent lens offers a perspective similar to that of classic film cameras, making it perfect for those who value the authenticity of composition and the timeless look of their images.

The Ricoh GR IIIx HDF’s minimalist design, coupled with intuitive manual controls, echoes the simplicity of film cameras, allowing photographers to focus purely on their creative vision. The high-resolution sensor delivers excellent image quality, capturing the subtleties of light and shadow that film enthusiasts appreciate. Compact enough to carry everywhere, this camera is ideal for those who want to experience the aesthetics of film photography in a digital format, making it a perfect companion for capturing candid moments, street scenes, and everyday life.