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Tom’s Guide
Tom’s Guide
Technology
Ashley Thieme

Forget camera phones — here are my 3 favorite compact cameras that are great for any adventure

A pistachio green Fujifilm Instax Pal digital camera.

I’m always shouting about how important it is to capture memories with something other than your phone. Now, smartphones are capable of capturing everything with ease and have pretty good quality. But I think it’s nice to take away the distraction of a phone.

That’s why in the last couple of years compact camera sales have skyrocketed. In my mind, this is similar to the way vinyl has made a comeback for music listening. The world yearns for a detachment from phones.

Having one of the best cameras can make staying present simpler. Trust me, reaching for your compact camera instead of a phone makes such a difference. I’ve put together a quick list of my favorites for taking on the go to capture all of the memories.

Fujifilm Instax Pal

(Image credit: Future)

The Fujifilm Instax Pal is the definition of compact. Measuring just 1.74 x 1.69 x 1.66 inches and weighing only 1.44 ounces, it’s the smallest camera I have ever laid my eyes on. It’s shaped like a tiny Polaroid camera and is just adorable.

It fits in the palm of your hand, so there is no room for an LCD screen or viewfinder, but I think that makes it even better. You don’t have to spend time checking how the picture came out. You can just look at all the pictures you took later on.

(Image credit: Nikita Achanta / Future)

The camera is small, and so is the sensor, resulting in pictures with only 4.9MP resolution. However, you do have the option to shoot in either wide or square format, which can be switched via the companion app. The app also makes the pictures fun, allowing you to design little Polaroid-esque pictures with stickers.

Pentax WG-1000

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

The Pentax WG-1000 is a powerful compact camera that is capable of withstanding any condition or circumstance. Since this is a rugged camera, it has come with me everywhere, even in high winds and torrential rain up the side of a mountain.

The camera produces vivid colors, and its natural lighting performance is nothing short of impressive for its compact size and 16MP sensor. It is a point-and-shoot camera with good autofocus capabilities.

(Image credit: Ashley Thieme)
(Image credit: Ashley Thieme)
(Image credit: Ashley Thieme)
(Image credit: Ashley Thieme)

This camera may not get points for beauty, since it looks pretty military, but that’s what makes it fit for purpose and durable. It can even withstand being 15 meters underwater for up to an hour.

Fujifilm X-E5

(Image credit: Future)

I tested out the Fujifilm X-E5 back in June and instantly fell in love with it. It’s perfect for anyone who wants an easy-to-use camera that produces incredibly satisfying results.

It hosts a 40MP sensor but is still lightweight enough to take with you everywhere. The combination of five-axis image stabilization and autofocus upgrades means that perfect shots are almost guaranteed, regardless of the scenario or lighting conditions.

(Image credit: Ashley Thieme)
(Image credit: Ashley Thieme)
(Image credit: Ashley Thieme)
(Image credit: Ashley Thieme)
(Image credit: Future)

It even has an interchangeable lens to expand creative possibilities. Although it may be compact, the results are anything but small.

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