Buying guide: Best big sensor compact

Buying guide: Best big sensor compact ,

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Compact cameras come in all types and sizes, from pocket-sized point and shoot models through SLR-sized superzooms right to the top end of the market – high-end compacts.

These offer the photographic controls of a 'proper' camera like a DSLR, but in a camera small enough to slide into a jacket pocket.

In the past this has brought a serious compromise. Small cameras always came with small sensors. At best, you might get a 1/1.7-inch sensor or a 2/3-inch sensor, just a small step up from the tiny sensors in point and shoot models – and a long, long way from the much bigger sensors in compact system cameras and digital SLRs.

But that's changed. Camera makers are finding ways to shoehorn bigger sensors, and the bigger lenses that come with them, into pocket-sized bodies. Bigger sensors mean better definition, better defocusing effects, higher ISOs and less noise, so these high-end compacts can now compete with DSLRs not just for photographic controls, but for quality too.

Panasonic LX100

Panasonic LX100

The newest camera in this list, the LX100, combines everything that is great about the Micro Four Thirds range but with a fixed, zoom lens.

There are plenty of control options, including a traditional aperture ring and shutter speed dial which can both be set to auto when you want to concentrate on composition.

An excellent inbuilt viewfinder makes this feel closer to DSLR shooting than some of the other compacts in the group, and the view inside is clear and bright. It includes a sensor for automatically detecting when the camera is lifted to your eye.

There's also inbuilt Wi-Fi for remote shooting and quick sharing of your images, and the only downside here is that the screen isn't touch sensitive, which is an unusual move for Panasonic.

There's no room on the body for an inbuilt flash, either, but one is supplied in the box – you just have to remember to take it with you.

Overall, though, these are small objections, because the sensor size, design and superb images created by the LX100 make it a dream for enthusiasts.

See our full Panasonic LX100 review.

Sony RX1R

Sony RX1R

The RX1R might be the most expensive camera in the group, but it's also the only one with a full-frame sensor.

Its traditional controls will be appreciated by enthusiasts, while the fixed length 35mm f/2 Carl Zeiss lens is ideal for street photography, but also works well as an all-purpose optic.

Colours are vibrant, while noise is controlled well in low light, and the lack of anti-aliasing filter means that detail is resolved exceptionally well, too.

On the downside, there's no inbuilt Wi-Fi, no touchscreen display and battery life is somewhat lacking, sometimes lasting just a couple of hours – you'd be well advised to invest in a spare. It's also the most cumbersome camera in this group – you'll have trouble fitting it into a jacket pocket.

Nevertheless, the combination of a full-frame sensor and that Carl Zeiss lens means the image is quite superb. This is not a camera for the masses, but if you match the RX1R's audience, you won't be disappointed.

See our full Sony RX1R review.

Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II

Canon G1 X Mark II

For years the G1 X was considered the king of the premium compact, and Canon's G1 X Mark II has addressed some problems with its predecessor to produce a still very capable offering.

You get a large sensor, which is almost as big as APS-C and a flexible 5x optical zoom. Offering f/2.0 at the wide angle and falling to f/3.9 at the telephoto end, it's not quite as bright as the Panasonic's zoom lens, though (f/1.7-2.8).

The Canon features a Digic 6 processor which delivers excellent noise control, and images are characterised by that pleasing Canon warmth the company is known for. It also features a responsive touchscreen and inbuilt Wi-Fi.

The Canon combines super quick processing and fast focusing with great image quality but, unfortunately it's also the heaviest, if not the largest, of these cameras – it's not really pocketable.

Read our full Canon G1 X Mark II review.

Nikon Coolpix A

Nikon CoolPix A

Nikon fans looking for a pocketable alternative to their DSLR should find plenty to like in the Coolpix A, which has an APS-C sized sensor and fixed 28mm f/2.8 lens.

There's also no anti-aliasing filter in front of the sensor, which should mean sharper fine detail, and the images produced by this camera are great – they almost match those of an equivalent DSLR and lens combination, though there is evidence of corner shading in some cases.

Unfortunately, there's no touch sensitive screen, nor inbuilt Wi-Fi, and focusing can be a little slow at times. If you're a Nikon user though, you'll be at home with the menu system.

The CoolPix A's controls are sensibly arranged, so it's easy and quick, but the corner shading issue does suggest Nikon has pushed technology a little too far in cramming an APS-C sized sensor inside such a small body.

Nevertheless, the CoolPix A is an enjoyable camera to use and can produce excellent images, and its small size makes it a good pocketable option.

See our full Nikon CoolPix A review.

Ricoh GR

Ricoh GR

The pocket friendly Ricoh GR is also the most wallet friendly here, having been around for some time now.

Inside you'll find an APS-C sized sensor, and like the Nikon Coolpix A, a fixed length 28mm f/2.8 lens.

It's also missing an anti-aliasing filter to help it deliver excellent detail reproduction, while colours are natural and exposures are good. Noise is well controlled, but it's advisable to shoot in raw format to get the most from the camera.

There are negatives, though. There's no inbuilt Wi-Fi, the screen isn't touch sensitive and you could argue that those cameras with a zoom lens will offer more flexibility – though many people who buy this kind of camera prefer the simplicity and discipline of a fixed focal length lens.

All in all, the Ricoh GR is a perfectly pocketable DSLR alternative, which gives you all the manual control you need. The display can be a little hard to see in very bright light, or from awkward angles, but the great customisation options plus sharp, high quality images still make this a good all-rounder.

See our full Ricoh GR review.

Fuji X100S

Fuji X100S

Along with its APS-C X Trans CMOS sensor, the X100S features a fixed focal length 35mm equivalent f/2 lens and a range of traditional controls that enthusiasts will appreciate and which help to give the Fuji a gorgeous retro look.

It'a also fitted with an excellent hybrid viewfinder which gives you the choice between optical and electronic viewing – generally speaking we prefer the electronic version.

A quick and accurate focusing system, along with excellent image quality make this a great choice for many. There's no inbuilt Wi-Fi though, and while the screen is good, it isn't touch sensitive. Fuji's other X cameras have inbuilt Wi-Fi, so it's a shame not to have it here.

Nevertheless, a robust build and beautiful design make the X100S a thing to behold. As long as you can live with the fixed focal length lens, you'll love this gorgeous, retro-inspired camera and its fantastic controls and manual operation.

See our full Fuji X100S review.

Not sure if any of these are the right camera for you? See our exclusive Techradar digital camera guides: