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Best Point-and-Shoot Cameras in Canada

Small enough to take everywhere. Capable enough to make the moment count.

Compact cameras are back for a reason

Today's best point-and-shoot cameras are not trying to replace every camera system. They solve a different problem: giving you a purpose-built photographic tool that fits in a jacket pocket or small bag. Compared with a phone, the right compact can offer a larger sensor, a brighter lens, a much longer optical zoom, physical controls, dependable handling, or rugged protection when your phone should stay safely away.

There is no one “best” compact for everyone. A travel photographer may value a 200mm or 960mm equivalent lens; a street photographer may prefer an APS-C sensor and one exceptional fixed focal length; a family headed to the lake may need a camera that is waterproof, shockproof, and ready for close-ups.

Quick picksOur top camerasCompare camerasBuying adviceFAQs

The short list

Best premium everyday camera

Fujifilm X100VI

APS-C image quality, a bright 23mm f/2 lens, a hybrid viewfinder, in-body stabilization, and Fujifilm Film Simulations in a beautifully portable body.

Best compact for creators

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III

A bright 24-100mm equivalent zoom, 1-inch stacked sensor, tilting touchscreen, 4K video, and a microphone input make it a proven all-rounder.

Best long-zoom travel camera

Canon PowerShot SX740 HS

A remarkable 24-960mm equivalent 40x optical zoom in a pocketable camera-the choice when distant subjects matter most.

Our favourite point-and-shoot cameras

Every camera below has a clear strength. The details matter: lens range and aperture affect what you can shoot; sensor size affects light gathering and depth of field; autofocus and controls affect how it feels in real use.

Premium compactFujifilm
X100VI

Fujifilm X100VI

Best premium point-and-shoot for everyday photography and travel

The X100VI is the compact camera for photographers who want the experience of using a camera as much as the finished image. Its 40.2MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor is far larger than the sensors used in typical pocket zooms, while the fixed 23mm f/2 lens provides a classic 35mm-equivalent field of view: wide enough for travel and environmental portraits, but natural for day-to-day storytelling.

It is not a zoom camera, and that is deliberate. The X100VI rewards getting close, composing with care, and choosing a perspective. The hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder, physical exposure controls, 6-stop in-body image stabilization, and 20 Film Simulation modes make it unusually engaging for candid photographs, city walks, food, family moments, and personal projects. It can also record 6.2K video, though its greatest appeal remains still photography.

Sensor40.2MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5 HR
Lens23mm f/2 (35mm equivalent)
Stabilization5-axis IBIS, up to 6 stops
ViewfinderHybrid optical / 3.69M-dot OLED EVF
Video6.2K/30p, 4K/60p
WeightApprox. 521g with battery/card
Why we recommend it
Exceptional image quality and colour, tactile controls, a discreet fixed-lens design, and a focal length that encourages strong visual storytelling.
Consider before buying
The lens does not zoom. It is a premium-priced compact, and it is best for photographers who enjoy a 35mm-equivalent perspective.
Creator compactCanon
PowerShot G7 X Mark III

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III

Best compact camera for creators, families, and everyday video

The PowerShot G7 X Mark III remains popular because it balances a bright zoom lens with a larger 1-inch stacked sensor in a genuinely small camera. Its 24-100mm equivalent f/1.8-2.8 lens is useful in almost every ordinary situation: a wide view for travel and group photos, a flattering short-telephoto setting for portraits, and a bright aperture for indoor scenes and subject separation.

For video creators, it combines a touchscreen that flips up 180°, 4K/30p recording, vertical-video support, and a 3.5mm microphone input. For stills, the sensor and DIGIC 8 processor enable up to 20 fps shooting. It is a more flexible choice than a fixed-lens compact for someone who wants one small camera to cover travel, family occasions, and social content.

Sensor20.1MP 1-inch stacked CMOS
Lens24-100mm equivalent, f/1.8-2.8
Shooting speedUp to 20 fps
Screen3-inch 180° tilting touchscreen
Video4K/30p; Full HD up to 120p
Audio3.5mm external microphone input
Why we recommend it
A bright, versatile zoom and creator-friendly feature set make it one of the most capable pocketable all-rounders.
Consider before buying
There is no built-in electronic viewfinder, weather sealing, or long telephoto reach; battery life is typical of a small compact.
Travel zoomCanon
PowerShot SX740 HS

Canon PowerShot SX740 HS

Best compact camera for travel, wildlife sightings, and distant details

When zoom reach is the priority, the SX740 HS is the camera to choose. Its 40x optical zoom covers an extraordinary 24-960mm equivalent range-wide enough for a landscape or architecture, then long enough to bring a distant mountain detail, animal, ship, or sports action into the frame. Crucially, that reach is optical; it is not simply a digital crop from the image.

The 20.3MP sensor and DIGIC 8 processor offer 4K video, 10 fps continuous shooting with focus locked on the first frame, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth sharing, and a 3-inch LCD that tilts 180° for selfies. The small 1/2.3-inch sensor means it is at its best in good light, but no phone gives you this kind of pocketable optical reach.

Sensor20.3MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS
Lens24-960mm equivalent, 40x optical zoom
StabilizationOptical image stabilization
Shooting speedUp to 10 fps with AF lock
Video4K/30p and 4K time-lapse
Screen3-inch LCD tilts 180°
Why we recommend it
Huge optical zoom in a compact body; exceptionally useful for trips where you cannot predict how far away the action will be.
Consider before buying
The lens is relatively slow at full zoom, and its smaller sensor is less suited to low-light scenes than 1-inch or APS-C compacts.
Pocket powerhouseSony
RX100 VII

Sony RX100 VII

Best premium pocket zoom for speed and autofocus

The RX100 VII is a remarkably dense piece of camera design. It pairs a 20.1MP 1-inch stacked sensor with a 24-200mm equivalent ZEISS zoom-an unusually useful range for a camera that can still fit in a pocket. Its autofocus system uses 357 phase-detection points and Sony's Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF, valuable for children, pets, events, and travel moments that do not pause for the camera.

It also includes a pop-up electronic viewfinder, a feature many compact-camera users appreciate in bright sun. Add blackout-free shooting at up to 20 fps and 4K video with full-pixel readout, and the RX100 VII becomes a serious choice for travellers who value speed and reach but do not want to carry a larger camera.

Sensor20.1MP 1-inch Exmor RS stacked BSI CMOS
Lens24-200mm equivalent, f/2.8-4.5
Autofocus357 phase-detect points; real-time tracking
Shooting speedUp to 20 fps, blackout-free
Viewfinder0.39-inch, 2.36M-dot pop-up OLED EVF
Video4K/30p with HLG and S-Log3
View the Sony RX100 VIISee product details
Street compactRicoh
GR IIIx

Ricoh GR IIIx

Best compact camera for street photography and a natural perspective

The Ricoh GR IIIx is a specialist camera in the best sense: it brings an APS-C sensor and a fixed 40mm-equivalent f/2.8 lens to a minimalist body that slips into a pocket. That 40mm angle of view is slightly tighter than the 28mm view of the original GR III and feels exceptionally natural for candid portraits, scenes on the street, food, details, and everyday life.

With 24.24MP resolution, 14-bit DNG RAW capture, 3-axis Shake Reduction, a responsive touchscreen, and a start-up time of approximately 0.8 seconds, it is designed for photographers who want to see and respond quickly. The GR IIIx does not have a built-in flash or a long zoom, and its video tools are modest. In return, it delivers excellent still-image quality with almost no carrying burden.

Sensor24.24MP APS-C CMOS
Lens26.1mm f/2.8 (40mm equivalent)
Stabilization3-axis sensor-shift Shake Reduction
Files14-bit DNG RAW and JPEG
Screen3-inch 1.037M-dot touchscreen
ConnectionWi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C
View the Ricoh GR IIIxExplore the GR IIIx HDF
Everyday travel zoomPanasonic
Lumix ZS99

Panasonic Lumix ZS99

Best compact for travellers who want serious zoom in a small package

The Lumix ZS99 is a modern travel compact centred on versatility. Its Leica DC Vario-Elmar 30x lens spans 24-720mm equivalent, which makes it well suited to a trip that shifts from sweeping city views to distant landmarks, wildlife, or a detail across the street. A 20.3MP sensor, 5-axis Hybrid O.I.S., tilting touchscreen, and USB-C charging make it a practical companion for long days away from home.

Panasonic's 4K Photo modes can extract high-resolution still frames from 4K bursts, while Post Focus gives you the option to choose a focus point after capture in compatible scenes. The ZS99 is a strong match for someone who wants more reach than a phone or premium fixed-lens compact can offer, without moving to interchangeable lenses.

Sensor20.3MP 1/2.3-inch high-sensitivity MOS
Lens24-720mm equivalent Leica 30x zoom
Stabilization5-axis Hybrid O.I.S.
Screen3-inch tilting 1.84M-dot touchscreen
Video4K/30p; HD up to 120 fps
ConnectivityUSB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0
View the Panasonic Lumix ZS99
Rugged compactOM SYSTEM
Tough TG-7

OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7

Best waterproof, rugged, and macro point-and-shoot camera

The Tough TG-7 is built for situations where most cameras would stay at home. It is waterproof to 15m/50 ft, shockproof to 2.1m/7 ft, crushproof to 100kgf/220 lbf, freezeproof to -10°C/14°F, dustproof, and designed to resist internal fogging. Those specifications make it an excellent camera for camping, paddling, skiing, the beach, work sites, family adventures, and underwater snapshots.

Its 25-100mm equivalent 4x zoom and 12MP BSI sensor are paired with a particularly capable close-up system. Microscope mode focuses as close as 1cm/0.39 in, while focus stacking and focus bracketing help reveal small details. Built-in GPS and field sensors can record where and how a photograph was taken. It is not designed for shallow depth of field, but it is a camera you can confidently use in places most others cannot go.

Sensor12MP 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS
Lens25-100mm equivalent, 4x optical zoom
WaterproofTo 15m / 50 ft (IPX8-rated)
ProtectionShock, crush, freeze, dust, anti-fog
Close focusMicroscope mode to 1cm / 0.39 in
Video4K/30p; Full HD up to 120 fps
View the OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7Explore the TG-7 underwater housing

Which compact camera is right for you?

Camera Best for Sensor Lens / equivalent view Our key takeaway
Fujifilm X100VI Premium everyday, travel, street 40.2MP APS-C 35mm f/2 fixed Exceptional image quality and a classic photography-first experience.
Canon G7 X Mark III Creators, family, social video 20.1MP 1-inch 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 The bright zoom is its superpower.
Canon SX740 HS Travel and distant subjects 20.3MP 1/2.3-inch 24-960mm, 40x Choose it when you need the longest reach in a small camera.
Sony RX100 VII Fast action, premium travel 20.1MP 1-inch 24-200mm f/2.8-4.5 A rare combination of speed, reach, and a pop-up EVF.
Ricoh GR IIIx Street and candid stills 24.24MP APS-C 40mm f/2.8 fixed Minimal, quick, and made for photographers who value a natural perspective.
Panasonic ZS99 General travel zoom 20.3MP 1/2.3-inch 24-720mm, 30x Lots of optical reach with modern travel-friendly features.
OM SYSTEM TG-7 Water, weather, macro 12MP 1/2.3-inch 25-100mm, 4x The one to take where ordinary cameras should not go.

How to choose a point-and-shoot camera

Are compact cameras better than smartphones?

They are better at different things. A premium compact with a larger sensor and bright lens can give you more natural depth of field, more control over exposure, and cleaner results in challenging light. A travel zoom can frame subjects your phone cannot reach optically. A rugged camera can work underwater and in rain, snow, sand, or rough conditions.

Your phone remains excellent for convenience and sharing. A compact camera earns its space when its lens, sensor, controls, or toughness lets you make a photograph that would otherwise be difficult or impossible.

Choose by lens before megapixels

Start with what you see yourself photographing. For everyday storytelling, a fixed 28mm, 35mm, or 40mm-equivalent lens can be more satisfying than a zoom. For travel, 100-200mm equivalent is useful; 720mm or 960mm can transform distant subjects. For indoor family moments and portraits, a bright f/1.8-2.8 zoom is often more valuable than extra reach.

Megapixels matter for cropping and print size, but sensor size, lens quality, autofocus, and how readily you will carry the camera make the bigger difference day to day.

Our simple decision guide

Choose the X100VI or GR IIIx if:
You want the best still-image quality in a compact and enjoy working with one fixed perspective. Choose the X100VI for a 35mm viewfinder-led experience; choose the GR IIIx for a more discreet 40mm street camera.
Choose the G7 X III, RX100 VII, SX740 HS, or ZS99 if:
You want a zoom. The G7 X III favours brightness and creators; RX100 VII adds 200mm reach and sophisticated autofocus; SX740 HS and ZS99 prioritize extreme travel reach.
Choose the TG-7 if: Water, weather, impact resistance, close-up photography, and carefree use are more important than a large sensor or a fast portrait lens.

Accessories worth adding

Essential

A spare battery

Small compacts are designed to stay small, so batteries are often modest. A charged spare is one of the easiest ways to protect a travel day or event.

Protection

A fitted case or wrist strap

A compact camera is useful because it is easy to carry. Keep it accessible and protected with a case that suits the way you travel.

Image making

A fast SD card

Choose a dependable card with enough capacity for your shooting style-particularly for 4K video, high-speed bursts, and long trips.

Accessories vary by camera. Confirm compatibility on the individual Camera Canada product page or speak with our team before ordering.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best point-and-shoot camera for travel?

It depends on the kind of travel. The Canon SX740 HS and Panasonic ZS99 are excellent when a long zoom is the main priority. The Sony RX100 VII offers a more premium 1-inch sensor, 24-200mm equivalent lens, and fast autofocus. The Fujifilm X100VI is a superb travel companion for photographers who prefer a fixed 35mm-equivalent lens and APS-C image quality.

What is the best compact camera for social media and vlogging?

The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a strong option because it combines a bright 24-100mm equivalent lens, a flip-up touchscreen, 4K recording, vertical-video support, and a microphone input. The best choice still depends on whether you need a zoom, an external microphone, or a more photography-led camera.

Why are the Fujifilm X100VI and Canon G7 X Mark III hard to find?

These premium compacts have attracted demand that can exceed the quantities available in individual shipments. Camera Canada's product pages show the current order status. A preorder can record your place in line, but availability timing is dependent on manufacturer supply and allocation.

Do I need to pay when I place a reservation?

For the reservation messaging on the X100VI, G7 X Mark III, and SX740 HS in this guide: no credit card information or payment is requested at the time of reservation. Camera Canada will contact you when stock arrives, and payment is collected only when the product ships. Please confirm the current terms on the product page or with our team when placing your order.

Is a 1-inch sensor better than a 1/2.3-inch sensor?

All else equal, a larger sensor generally captures more light and can offer more control over background blur. But lens range and camera purpose still matter. A 1/2.3-inch travel zoom may capture a distant subject that a 1-inch compact cannot frame; a rugged compact may be the only camera you can use underwater.

Find the compact camera you will actually take with you

Availability changes quickly, and the right choice depends on how you shoot. Browse our current point-and-shoot selection or connect with the Camera Canada team for personal guidance.

Shop cameras at Camera Canada