Best Compact Camera with ViewFinder of 2024

This blog post explores the enduring appeal of compact viewfinder cameras, despite their rising prices. It highlights their exceptional image and video quality, lightweight design, and portability, making them a great alternative to bulkier camera models. The post reviews several top models, each catering to both beginners and experienced photographers with unique features.

Contrary to popular belief, compact viewfinder cameras are far from obsolete. However, finding them at an affordable price has become increasingly challenging.

Many of these compact cameras surpass typical point-and-shoots, offering incredible image and video quality while being more space-efficient and lightweight than their larger, more expensive counterparts.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most sought-after compact viewfinder cameras available today.

1. Fujifilm X100V

My top pick for a camera with an electronic viewfinder (EVF) is the Fujifilm X100V, an impressive digital camera with a built-in viewfinder. Like all models in Fuji’s X100 series, the X100V features a viewfinder, and this latest version is the best yet.

One standout feature of the X100V is its hybrid optical (OVF) and electronic (EVF) viewfinder. This unique system lets you switch between the two, offering two distinct shooting experiences. The OVF gives you a classic, old-school feel, allowing you to shoot directly through the viewfinder. On the other hand, the EVF shows you a real-time preview of your shot, similar to modern DSLR or mirrorless cameras.

However, the X100V is much more than just a viewfinder. It’s a high-performance camera wrapped in a sleek, stylish body. Inspired by vintage rangefinder cameras, its minimalist design includes manual control dials for shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation, seamlessly integrated into the overall form.

The camera also boasts a redesigned 23mm lens (35mm full-frame equivalent), a versatile focal length for everyday photography. With its beloved aperture ring and a fast f/2 aperture, the lens excels in low-light conditions and produces beautiful bokeh. It’s also incredibly sharp, delivering fantastic contrast and vibrant colors.

2. Leica Q2

The Leica Q2 is a high-end compact camera with a hefty price tag, designed for those looking to indulge in premium photography gear. As you’d expect from Leica, the Q2 delivers exceptional quality in both design and performance.

This full-frame camera is built around a 47.3-megapixel CMOS sensor and comes with a built-in 28mm Summilux f/1.7 lens, meaning the lens is not interchangeable. Some argue that the lens alone justifies the price, as it would cost nearly as much as the Q2 if purchased separately. Essentially, you’re getting either the body or the lens for “free.”

The lens is incredibly sharp with a versatile focal length for general photography. Combined with Leica’s renowned color rendering and outstanding image quality, the Q2 offers an impressive package for serious photographers.

As a compact camera, durability is key, and the Leica Q2 doesn’t disappoint. It’s fully weather-sealed, and its metal body is built to withstand everyday wear and tear. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is bright, spacious, and refreshes quickly, ensuring a smooth shooting experience.

Beyond toughness, the Leica Q2 also stands out for its beauty. It features an ergonomic design with sleek, flowing lines and meticulous attention to detail, from the precisely machined lens cap and hood to the macro ring on the lens that reveals an adjusted focus scale.

While the newer Leica Q3 is now available, it comes at an even higher price point. For those looking for a more affordable option, a used Q2 offers similar luxury for less.

Overall, the Leica Q series isn’t for the budget-conscious, but if you’re after something truly special and have the means, the Q2 is unmatched in its class.

3. Sony RX100 VII

Sony’s RX100 series has long been a highly regarded player in the compact camera market. Like its predecessors (up to the RX100 III), it features a convenient pop-up viewfinder on top, perfect for shooting in bright conditions.

The RX100 comes equipped with a Zeiss lens offering a focal length of 24-200mm and an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/4.5. While it may not excel in low-light environments, it provides plenty of versatility and range for most shooting scenarios.

What truly sets the RX100 apart, however, are its advanced video capabilities. With excellent autofocus and tracking (similar to the high-performing Sony a9), the RX100 allows for blackout-free shooting at up to 20 fps. It also includes Active SteadyShot for impressive image stabilization.

The camera’s sleek design and ease of use make it a perfect choice for everyday carry, easily fitting in your pocket. The pop-up viewfinder is a rare and distinctive feature in compact cameras, especially those of this size, making it stand out from other point-and-shoot models.

Overall, the RX100 remains one of the best compact cameras for those seeking a blend of portability, video performance, and a unique viewfinder.

4. Sony Alpha 7C

Shooting with a full-frame camera in a compact body is a real treat. You get all the premium features of a much larger, more expensive camera, complete with the feel of using one thanks to the viewfinder—only in a lighter, more enjoyable package.

So, what does this camera offer?

It boasts a huge ISO range, allowing you to shoot at over 200,000 ISO, making it exceptional in low-light conditions. Its 24-megapixel sensor and lightning-fast real-time tracking and eye autofocus ensure sharp, precise shots.

The camera also features an incredibly fast shutter, capable of capturing 115 RAW images at 10 fps, and a fully articulating rear screen for getting those tricky low- or high-angle shots that the viewfinder can’t cover.

Its video capabilities are impressive as well. Paired with one of the excellent lenses available for the Sony a7C, you can shoot in 4K at up to 30fps, and capture slow-motion footage at 120fps when dropping to 1080p. Combined with Sony’s autofocus and built-in image stabilization, your footage will be crisp and steady.

While the electronic viewfinder (EVF) performs well, it’s unfortunately too small for comfortable long-term use. Shooting with the rear LCD is much more enjoyable.

Overall, the Sony a7C is an excellent all-round compact camera for street or travel photographers seeking professional-quality images or video. It’s small enough to fit in a bag, yet packed with features and specs typically found in larger models.

At the time of writing, the only other semi-pocketable full-frame option is the Sony RX1R, but it’s outdated and overpriced in comparison.

5. Sony RX100 III

The RX100 III delivers impressive image quality for such a compact camera, and it comes equipped with a fast lens.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III is small enough to slip into a pocket, yet it packs a high-quality 20 MP sensor. While it’s not the latest model in the RX100 series, it still offers excellent value for its price.

With an ISO range of 125-12,800 (and up to 25,600 in multi-frame noise reduction mode), the RX100 III performs well in low-light conditions, thanks in part to its large maximum aperture throughout the zoom range.

You can shoot images in JPEG, RAW, or both formats at the same time. For those who want more control, the camera offers advanced manual modes like Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, and full Manual mode, but it also has features for less experienced users.

The RX100 III includes 5-axis image stabilization and a manual-focus assist feature, plus a zebra highlight clipping warning to help avoid overexposed shots. Video enthusiasts will appreciate the 4K output, along with Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for easy sharing.

The camera’s electronic viewfinder is collapsible, but extending it is a two-step process that some might find inconvenient.

Conclusion

The best compact cameras with a viewfinder combine portability, advanced features, and high-quality performance, making them ideal for photographers who want a reliable, all-in-one solution without the bulk of larger models. Viewfinders, whether optical (OVF) or electronic (EVF), are essential for shooting in bright conditions or achieving a more immersive shooting experience.

These cameras, like the Fujifilm X100V, Sony RX100 series, and Leica Q2, offer the perfect balance of image quality, manual controls, and convenience. With features like fast autofocus, advanced video capabilities, and premium lenses, they cater to both enthusiasts and professionals.

Whether you’re into street photography, travel, or casual shooting, these cameras pack the power of larger systems into a compact, easy-to-carry design, making them versatile for a variety of settings.

Ultimately, compact cameras with viewfinders are a smart choice for those seeking quality without sacrificing portability.