Crazy for Compact Cameras

02/11/2025

Don't let spring get away without saving a bit of it.

Nothing heralds the coming of spring like fruit blossoms popping in the sun. Don't pass up the opportunity to capture nature's rebirth on your daily walks. Carrying a small camera is worth it.

Cherry trees show off on a neighborhood path.

02/10/2025

"I only had an ###XX camera..."

How many times have you read this phrase to start a photo caption? Firstly, starting a caption with an excuse does no one a favor. Especially you. Because the best camera is the one you carry. That's why nearly all photos today are shot on a phone. While a phone's camera has certain limitations, shooting WITHIN those limitations can result in award-winning images.

However, a proper camera, even a cheap compact camera, surpasses a phone's abilities and allows more creative control. More importantly, it's the user's vision and ex*****on that create remarkable photographs.

One of Japan's most loved photographers often shoots with an older, entry-level point-and-shoot. He never has to apologize for that either.

Daido Moriyama's work is now on display at the Photographers' Gallery, but did you know that he frequently just uses compact cameras?

02/07/2025

Another older little camera getting a second life.

Gen Z has discovered the Canon M100, a camera that got a lot of hate when it arrived eight years ago but I recommended anyway. The M100 exactly fits the way the kids used their phones but offers greater image quality and more creative control. Of course, it's nearly impossible to find one when four years ago, people couldn't give one away. Critics poo-poo'd its lack of a viewfinder and little ability to change settings. Heck, the kids don't need those and you may not want them either.

Perhaps you can find a copy from someone who hasn't realized what was once "dead" is alive again.

The underrated Canon EOS M100 has found a second life with Gen Zers and the "everyday carry" crowd

02/07/2025

Your kids deserve to shoot their own photos.
They really want to!

Back in the day when parents wanted to introduce their kids to photography, they handed them an older point-and-shoot. I know that my nephew enjoyed shooting photos. First, to see the magic of a moment in time captured forever, and later, to create a photo library to record memories and the people, places, and experiences he enjoyed. Children are naturally curious and love to handle and use tools of all sorts.

Today, however, most adults don't own a proper digital camera and parents are certainly reluctant to hand over their $900 phone and tell their child to "go for it." But no parent wants to deny their child's curiosity. So what can you do to encourage your inquisitive little ones?

My first answer, as always, is to check out the used market. While higher-end, used compact cameras have increased in price, there are amazing bargains on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, NextDoor, and other online sources. I find incredible bargains in flea markets and yard sales. Ignore megapixel counts and models with lots of buttons and k***s. The simpler, the better. In the market, I find point-and-shoot cameras for as little as $10. You'll most likely buy a battery as the original one probably no longer holds a charge.

Another option is to allow the child to use your old phone with its SIM card removed. They'll get to look "just like mom," and enjoy the larger monitor that you won't find on older compact cameras.

If you (and they) insist on something new and probably more colorful, look for models geared for younger hands but curious minds. Many models are easy to handle and ruggedized for the inevitable abuse they'll get. For example...

The new Photo Creator Pop Colour digital camera by Canal Toys offers young photographers a bespoke shooting experience and a whopping 32 megapixels!

02/05/2025

It's not just teens discovering the joy of shooting with a compact camera. One of your favorite singers finds he's loving his point-and-shoot. Does the steady re-emergence of little cameras affect how you capture your world?

Ed Sheeran is excited about photography again.

From strumming to snapping – Ed Sheeran is now documenting life through the lens of his new Sony compact camera

02/03/2025

Bikes and compact cameras are made for each other. Carrying a point-and-shoot is convenient and sometimes the only way I can feel comfortable capturing the best image I can but without the bulk of a larger camera.

What do you carry on bike rides?

01/29/2025

Some would say it's the opposite of a compact camera. The Nikon P1000 is a beast of a camera and, with its fixed zoom lens, is bigger than most of my pro DSLRs with a long zoom. Yet, as a bridge camera, the P1000 is still, at heart, a point-and-shoot only with a ridiculously long zooming range. Apparently, others don't think it's all that ridiculous since this seven-year-old model is selling used for more than its original price.

I've shot with this camera having borrowed one from a friend. Yes, it's a monster. But it is amazingly simple to use and much easier to handle than I thought. While not for everyone, I can't imagine anyone using it would need any more ability than it can deliver. A 125X zoom! It's not going to fit in your pocket but you may sew bigger pockets on your pants to own this big "compact."

A point-and-shoot like no other...

There's never been another camera quite like the Nikon Coolpix P1000, but since its discontinuation, prices have blasted into the stratosphere

01/18/2025

While the Canon GX7 and its variants are now the hottest camera for "influencers" and "creatives," many consider the Sony RX100 MkVII a better tool for them. Regardless, I'm encouraged that a ten-year-old, compact camera is making a comeback

I'll be testing and comparing both cameras in a side-by-side shootout. Which one do you think will be my favorite?

Popular creators say the old-school Canon G7 X is the secret to crisp Instagram pictures. Our camera experts explain the hype.

01/16/2025

Well, this is interesting

No one is saying that small, proper cameras are back but you can't deny the numbers. In Japan, where the demise of compact cameras never fully developed, small camera sales made a big and unexpected jump in sales. Do you think something similar will happen in the U.S.?

The latest data from Japanese trade body BCN Retail shows that camera sales went through the roof in December

01/04/2025

Look to the past for the best deals.

These days, the collective impulse of influencers and "creatives" is to get the Fujifilm X100 MkVI. If you can find one, it's sold at its MSRP if not more - north of $2,000. It's the Mercedes G Wagon of the trendy cameras. Rather than being regarded on its merit, it's more of a symbol that the user has "made it." Not that the Mercedes isn't a capable performer, it is. But few buy the vehicle for its ability to tear up on the Rubicon Trail. Likewise, the Fuji is more about the user than it is about what it does. Think: folks who still shoot with a Leica rangefinder.

Having gotten that out of the way, here's my next point - today's coveted camera model is next year's has-been bargain. There will probably be a MkVII and after that, the MKVIII. Even if Fuji releases models with a new name and new features, nothing will diminish the competence of the MkVI. No newer camera ever reduced the ability of any current or past camera. It's why I've always recommended that shooters save money by exploring the cameras of yesteryear.

I shot professionally for years and remember buying a new camera only to meet the requirements of a client. For myself, I only buy used. I'm sure I get the same thrill using a second-hand camera for the first time as I would using one right off the camera store's shelf. (Do they still have camera stores?) Understanding the specs of older models and, nearly as important, handling them, I am happy when I finally get a camera I wanted for years and knowing I saved money - usually LOTS of money.

If there's one point I want to emphasize in this post is: When you're lusting after the latest camera, look at the camera's previous one or two versions. You may discover that the new camera includes a feature or two you can live without. One example is rather buying the latest Sony RX100 model (the Mark VII), consider a used Mark VI and save at least $400. Both will deliver the same picture quality with the same amount of ease. If you want to save even more, look at the MkV while getting a faster lens albeit with less zoom range. BTW, there are shooters who prefer the MkV BECAUSE of the faster lens and its performance in low light settings.

By looking to the past, you may discover this whole photography habit is more affordable than you originally thought.

The Sony RX100 MkV is a great example of an older compact camera with great features at a much discounted cost from its original pricing. There are many other examples as well. Shoot lots!

01/03/2025

A New Year and a new name!
But I'm still offering advice and news on cameras.

I am considering changing the name of this page to better reflect the nature of my posts. Originally, I created this page as a non-commercial extension of my photo and video business. I gave advice including how to market businesses and brands using visual media.

Following my retirement, my page focused on all types of cameras. These days, you may have noticed that I've been all about small, "non-professional" (whatever that means) but still useful or at least fun and quirky cameras. Therefore, a name-change is warranted.

I hope you don't mind the change. I also hope you share this page with others who still have or are considering using real cameras that are easy and fun to use and produce images beyond what a phone can produce.

My best wishes and big thanks to those who follow this page. I still keep my promise to answer your questions about photography and cameras and hope the joy of shooting photos continue into the New Year!


Taken with a point-and-shoot of course!

12/21/2024

A reason why I don't shoot weddings...

11/13/2024

Even MORE about affordable, compact cameras

I'm encouraged as I see more people, usually, younger people, clutching compact cameras rather than their phones as they explore places. While they may be driven by popular social media trends, I expect that many of them are discovering what experienced photographers have known for some time - real cameras, small cameras, and cheap cameras are fun AND deliver more than what a phone can.

As someone who has used all types of cameras from unwieldy 4X5 film cameras to medium format to hefty, high resolution professional full-frame bodies and lenses, I find myself holding my old compact cameras more and more. And for the same reason as the kids do.

Before you spend a grand on your next phone just because you believe it'll somehow make you shoot better photos, why not cheap-out and consider some oldies but goodies.

Who doesn't love a pocket camera from Lumix? The GX1 comes in as one of the most affordable street photography cameras with an interchangeable lens mount. Wh...

11/06/2024

Continuing with my advocacy of compact cameras...

I believe, I'm convinced, that all the generations following the Baby Boomers have nearly totally missed out on the benefits of compact cameras. I say nearly because of the few who continue to shoot on the oldie goldies because it's a trend that will probably pass too quickly.

Anyway. I'm not naive enough to be that even when the kids discover just how great and useful proper compact camera are, there will be no resurgence in sales in that segment of cameras. Phones have made their play and they're rightly winning. Still in the world's most dedicated camera people country, compacts still make a compelling argument.

But a guy can dream

BCN Retail data suggests buyers in Japan are resurrecting the ailing compact camera market against a backdrop of rising interchangeable lens prices

10/24/2024

Are compact cameras really making a comeback or is their popularity a passing trend?

Earlier this month, I posted an article on compact point-and-shoots and their sudden rise in use on social media used by millennials and younger kids. It's not untypical to see the increasing use of proper cameras for photos and videos on social media and also, photos of young adults using proper cameras. No one expects a significant re-emergence of actual cameras. Nevertheless, it's curious that people are discovering what long-time photographers have known for decades: Shooting with a proper camera not only results in superior images but is fun at the same time.

I recently read that the camera market in Japan, unlike in other modern countries, is still very much alive. The trend is toward small mirrorless cameras, of course. There is only one DSLR in the top-50 most popular cameras sold there. (It's the Nikon D7500 that is being discontinued.) DSLRs, while capable of professional results and have the greatest image quality to price ratio, are dead.

Another surprise, at least to me, was that an Olympus-branded camera remains in the top-50. Olympus as a company sold to JIP six years ago which produces cameras and lenses as OMDS. A year ago, you could buy the six-year-old E-P7 for less than $500 used. Today, you're lucky to find one in good shape for $600. While a great travel and everyday carry camera (I'm a big fan of Olympus) the E-P7 is one of several compact cameras gaining popularity among young bloggers and are helping to raise the price of them on the used market.

BTW, I owned an E-P5 for a short time as well as an E-PL7. I sold both to my students who borrowed them and couldn't let them go.

Verdict: 4.5 stars There's a lot to find fault with in the E-P7's specs. It has an MFT sensor, it has no viewfinder, it doesn't even have phase detect AF and it's expensive for what you get. What changes your mind is using it. It's pocket sized but handles brilliantly, its 14-42mm kit lens is compac...

10/07/2024

In an earlier post, I mentioned the sudden popularity of using older point and shoot cameras by millennials and others. Social media have revved up the market for these decade old or so cameras. Cameras I saw going for $20 a couple years ago are now fetching more than $100 today. I'm not sure if the rise of compact cameras is a trend or a sign that people truly want to see makers bring back the cameras we took for granted years ago.

Followers of this and my DB Photo Tours page have already seen several photos I've shot with years-old point and shoots. When used within their intended range and purpose, they can produce compelling images. Forget the sensor type and what some say is obsolete tech. In this video, Robin Wong shoots with a 12-year-old compact that used to sell for about $20. Have a look at some of the results and ask yourself why you wouldn't want to use one.

Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjUwaonD9QVeDzEdSqwrGmA/joinThere is a resurgence of CCD compact cameras in general...