Compact Camera with Big Sensor

Photo enthusiasts know that the size of a camera's sensor is just as important (if not more important) than the number of megapixels advertised by the manufacturer. The size of the sensor makes a huge difference in the quality of photos. That's why a compact camera with a big sensor is your best bet if you want to shoot high-quality images. This page includes compact cameras (both the truly compact ones that can fit in a pocket, as well as larger and Four Thirds models) with large sensors for the best photo quality. Take a look at the size, price and features of these cameras and see which one is right for you.

(Image of Sony DSC-RX100 provided by Amazon)

• "...the PowerShot G1 X offers a level of image quality previously only possible with a Canon DSLR" - dpreview

The 14.3 MP CMOS sensor in the G1 X is smaller than those found in DSLRs, but is significantly larger than those found in most compacts and even in some Four Thirds models. With the large sensor and Canon's DIGIC 5 Image Processor, the G1 X is capable of outstanding low-light performance up to ISO 12800. The G1X can record either 14-bit RAW or JPEG files, as well as full 1080p HD video with stereo sound.

• "...possibly the best pocket camera of all time" - PCWorld

There are a variety of reasons PC World said the RX100 could possibly be "the best pocket camera of all time," and those reasons start with the sensor. This new compact camera from Sony has a 20 MP CMOS sensor that's bigger than the sensor in most other compacts, particularly those that are actually small enough to fit in a pocket. The popular Canon S100, for instance, has a sensor that measures just 7.6 x 5.7 mm, compared to the RX100's sensor, which measures 13.2 x 8.8mm. If you want a truly pocket-sized compact camera with big sensor, this is the camera you've been waiting for.

This camera also sports a 3.6x Carl Zeiss lens, 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD display, and full 1080p HD video with dual record, and can shoot full resolution images at 10 fps. It can also capture both RAW and JPEG files.

• "If you have the bucks and you want the best photo quality possible, the Fujifilm FinePix X100 delivers." - CNET

If you want a compact with a large sensor, the Fuji X100 certainly meets the requirements. But if you want this camera with a DSLR-size sensor, you're going to pay a DSLR-like price. The camera features a fixed focal length f2 lens (sorry, zoom fans), a 2.8-inch LCD viewer, the ability to shoot RAW And JPEG files and 720p HD video capability.

• "Sony's emphasis on speed remains a constant, bumping the NEX-5N's shutter lag time to just 20 milliseconds" - Popular Photography magazine

The Sony NEX-5 is the smallest interchangeable lens digital still camera that offers an APS-C-size sensor. It's not "compact" in the same sense as the Sony RX100, but this model packs a 16.1 MP Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor that rivals the sensor size in a DSLR while having a much smaller body size. The Sony NEX-5N also features full 1080p HD video, a 3-inch touch screen LCD, a super-fast 20 millisecond shutter lag, 10 fps continuous shooting and 11 picture effect modes.

The PEN E-P3 features a large 17.3 x 13mm 12.3 MP Live MOS sensor in a compact body. That, combined with three modes of image stabilization, 1080 60i HD video, interchangeable lenses, 3-inch touch screen and 10 in-camera art filters make this a versatile compact camera for users who want to move up from the traditional point-and-shoot.

Compact cameras can be divided into small models that can fit in a pocket and bulkier models that are smaller than a DSLR, but not quite small enough to fit in the pocket of your jacket or pants. New technology is making it easier to put bigger sensors in smaller bodies.

(Image source: Wikipedia)

What's the Best Travel Camera?
What's the best travel camera? It's one that's light and compact enough to fit in a pocket or carry-on, rugged enough you won't need to worry about it gettin...

Compact Cameras with RAW Format
Serious photographers know that shooting uncompressed RAW files can offer many advantages over compressed JPG files. But until recently, RAW support was only...

7 Cameras with Time Lapse Function
Are you looking for cameras with time lapse function? A camera with a built-in interval timer makes it much easier to capture time lapse photos because it wi...

Waterproof Cameras With GPS
There are many reasons to select waterproof cameras with GPS. In addition to being able to geotag your photos, they're typically rugged cameras that can with...

Digital Cameras with Geotagging Functions
Have you ever been on vacation and taken a photo, only to get home and forget where the image was taken? Or have you ever spent hours adding geo tags to your...

Most Popular DSLRs
What are the most popular DSLRs today? As new camera models come out, the list of bestselling digital SLRs changes, too. This page updates the most popular D...