Entertainment

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

AnyFans 2025-09-20

By Ashley Thieme

Tom’s Guide

Newsletters

View Profile

Search Tom’s Guide

You may like

You always need two cameras in your backpack (and one of them should cost under $100) — here’s why

I’ve been taking this screen-free digital camera everywhere with me — here’s why I prefer it to my phone

Best cheap cameras in 2025

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.

Fujifilm Instax Pal: was $52 now $44 at Amazon
It’s cute, lightweight, and portable. The Fujifilm Instax Pal takes retro-looking pictures with the click of a button. Since it is so small, it is totally portable and can accompany you almost anywhere.

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.

Sign up to get the BEST of Tom’s Guide direct to your inbox.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
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 1 of 4

(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.

Pentax WG-1000: $224 at Amazon
The Pentax WG-1000 camera can withstand any conditions on your adventures. It is incredibly portable and can even be hooked to the outside of your backpack for easy access. You can get up to 300 shots on a single charge, and it has shooting modes for any situation, including underwater.

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 1 of 5

(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.

Fujifilm X-E5: $1,699 at Amazon
The Fujifilm X-E5 is a compact mirrorless camera that produces stunning still images and features powerful autofocus. It features tactile controls that allow for easy cycling through Fuji’s trademark film simulation effects, and its build quality ensures a secure hold.

Follow Tom’s Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!
More from Tom’s Guide

I think ugly shoes are the comfiest — and these are the 3 you need to buy
I had a Google Nest Mini and an Amazon Echo 3rd Gen while I was at college – and this smart speaker is the clear winner for your dorm
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Review: The Battery Life is Bananas

Ashley Thieme

Social Links Navigation
Staff writer, Reviews

Ashley is a staff writer on the the Reviews team at Tom’s Guide. She has a master’s degree in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and a BA in Journalism, Media and Sociology. She has written for titles including Women’s Health UK, writing health and wellness stories, and Virgin Radio UK, specializing in entertainment news and celebrity interviews. She has reported on a variety of topics including music, literature, motorsport, entertainment and health. She has previously reviewed live music events, books, and wellness products but discovering the top audio equipment on the market is what she does best. When she is not testing out the latest tech, you can find her either curled up with a cup of tea and a good fantasy novel or out hiking.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

You always need two cameras in your backpack (and one of them should cost under $100) — here’s why

I’ve been taking this screen-free digital camera everywhere with me — here’s why I prefer it to my phone

Best cheap cameras in 2025

I’ve reviewed countless instant cameras — and the Fujifilm Instax mini Evo is a must-have

Tom’s Guide Awards 2025: Our favorite mirrorless cameras, action cameras, drones and more

I just tested Kodak’s new compact camera — and it’s my favorite retro gadget of the year

Latest in Cameras & Photography

I’ve reviewed countless instant cameras — and the Fujifilm Instax mini Evo is a must-have

You always need two cameras in your backpack (and one of them should cost under $100) — here’s why

Canon is bringing back this 2016 camera because Kendall Jenner made it go viral — but I recommend this compact instead

I just tested Westcott’s 18-inch ring light for professional photographers — and it’s almost perfect

New to MPB? You can get 5% off across their entire range, including some of our favorite cameras, with this exclusive sitewide code

I test a lot of ring lights — here is the one feature that really matters

Latest in Features

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

Staying anonymous online — how Norton VPN can help you hide your IP address

Banish ‘bat wings’ and sculpt strong, toned arms — you just need this 15-minute standing Pilates workout

I’ve been testing Spotify Lossless for a week — 3 things I like, 2 things I don’t

People are ditching ChatGPT for Gemini 2.5 Pro — here’s why

No gym needed — trainer reveals this 10-minute dumbbell workout instead to build more sculpted, defined arms

Hot News_tariffs news_big country news_anyfans news

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

‘We Weren’t Scared’: A’ja Wilson Loses Streak As Skylar Diggins Declares Fearless Storm Mindset

Tony Bellew’s Jake Paul vs Tank Davis Prediction: ‘He’s Going to Sleep’

‘One Day In October’, Scripted Series About 2023 Attack, Set At HBO Max

Inside Shiv Thakare’s Star-Studded Birthday Bash with Digvijay Rathee, Akanksha Puri

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

You Might Also Like

‘We Weren’t Scared’: A’ja Wilson Loses Streak As Skylar Diggins Declares Fearless Storm Mindset

Tony Bellew’s Jake Paul vs Tank Davis Prediction: ‘He’s Going to Sleep’

‘One Day In October’, Scripted Series About 2023 Attack, Set At HBO Max

Inside Shiv Thakare’s Star-Studded Birthday Bash with Digvijay Rathee, Akanksha Puri