Last updated on 2012-04-23, by Dupont

Top 5 Compact Cameras of 2012

Compact camera is the best choice for family usage for its powerful features in the small size. However it is never going to be easy to find the best compact camera for your needs, because the compact camera market is a very crowded place.

The right choice, of course, depends on what you want from your digital camera. Mostly it should be very good at photography, that’s the basic functions. Aside from the still photos, able to take high definition digital videos is something we all wanted. Of course if you want to edit your digital videos (mostly in mts or m2ts format) for better compatibility and video effects, you may need the professional video converter.

Whichever compact digital camera you might be looking for, we made this list of what we believe are the best compact digital cameras on market of 2012.

1. Fujifilm Finepix X10

Specs: 12MP CMOS sensor, 4x f/2-2.8 optical zoom, Manual zoom ring, 1080p HD video

Manual controls are easily accessible and pictures can be recorded in a raw image format. Even the zoom ring is operated manually, which is unusual for a compact camera and a large bright optical viewfinder is provided for those who prefer this to using the screen for composing images.

Add in 1080p HD video recording and you have a highly specified camera that justifies the high price tag.

2. Canon Powershot G1 X

Specs: Large 14.3MP CMOS sensor, 4x optical zoom, 1080p HD video, swivel LCD screen

In order to make the most of what the sensor can offer, Canon has equipped the G1 X with the latest DIGIC 5 processor, which promises better control over noise at high ISO sensitivities, faster operation and smoother 1080p video recording.

The 4x zoom lens provides an angle of view equivalent to a 28-122mm lens on a 35mm camera, and the usual array of direct controls found on G-series cameras should make manual operation a pleasure.

3. Ricoh GR Digital IV

Specs: 10MP CCD sensor, 28mm (equiv) f/1.9 lens, 1,230,000 dot 3-inch LCD screen

The GR Digital IV follows in Ricoh’s tradition of producing high quality compact cameras that are ideal for street photography. But it’s a pity that Ricoh hasn’t followed the trend of including HD video capability, the GRD IV will record video, but only at VGA (640 x480) resolution.

4. Nikon Coolpix P310

Specs: 16MP CMOS sensor, 4.2x zoom with a fast f/1.8 aperture, Full HD video, Optical VR

The Nikon Coolpix P310 builds on the features its popular predecessor sported with a higher resolution 16MP rear-illuminated CMOS sensor, which should enhance the camera’s ability to take images in low light. Couple this with a bright f/1.8 lens and you have a formidable, pocketable camera for taking pictures in a wide range of conditions.

5. Olympus XZ-1

Specs: 10MP CCD sensor, 4x optical zoom lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.8, 720p HD video

As well as being one of the most stylish high-end compact cameras on the market, the Olympus XZ-1 sports a larger than normal CCD sensor and a 4x zoom Zuiko lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.8, which both enable this camera to take excellent pictures in low light conditions. Add in the 720p HD video mode and the Olympus XZ-1 is well worthy of consideration.

In case we have missed the camera which you like and you think should be presented here, let us know your thoughts by dropping your own idea on the comment part.