What is the Best Affordable Compact Camera?
- Best Affordable Compact Camera Overview
- Fujifilm X100F APS-C
- Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RXR Mark II Full Frame
- Leica Q2 Full Frame
- Other Best Affordable Compact Camera Options
- Best Affordable Compact Camera Wrap Up
Sometimes we want to use a better, more versatile and adjustable camera than our smartphone but not carry around our regular camera rig. A compact camera from one of the major manufacturers will probably fill our wants and needs.
Since good photography equipment can carry a bigger price tag than some other hobbies, being affordable is a great quality to consider when shopping. I like to look at used camera equipment to stretch out my equipment dollars. This applies to a compact camera or any other type of gear.
Used or preowned cameras and lenses are an excellent way to save money when shopping for your next camera, lens, or flash. Used doesn’t mean old, either. Like cars and trucks, many items are up for sale as used gear are still in current production.
The online platform MPB is my “go-to” place for pre-owned photography gear. I like them because they are owned and run by photographers, they offer a 7-day exchange and 6-month warranty on what they sell, and I can also trade in or sell to them my own stuff that I don’t need or want anymore for even more savings.
What is the best affordable compact camera you can get right now at MPB? Let’s have a look!
Table of Contents:
Best Affordable Compact Camera Overview
There are a lot of models out there that could be in the running for your choice of the best affordable compact camera. Some have smaller sensors than what we have in our primary cameras, but the best affordable compact cameras will usually have a larger sensor than the run-of-mill point & shoot-style camera.
What I’m looking for as the best affordable compact camera will have three things in common: a large sensor, manual control capability, and a truly compact size.
Many of the best affordable compact cameras will have sensors ranging from the 1”-Type and up to 4/3rds, APS-C, and Full Frame formats. Anything smaller than the 1”-Type, I don’t consider to be in the running since Apple iPhones and several Android smartphones have amazing small sensor cameras built-in, so why bother?
Manual exposure controls and focus are on my must-have list of features for the best affordable compact camera because I often use the compact camera as a serious photographic tool instead of merely taking snapshots. Capturing RAW files and having the ability to change settings away from automation gives me the control I desire.
Finally, I want the camera actually to be compact. If not saving me in size and weight, I may as well just take out my regular camera gear. Having the automation for simply enjoying taking snapshots (yes, I sometimes take snapshots) is also nice.
With my criteria nailed down, let's see what I can find on my favorite money-saving online platform MPB in the way of the best affordable compact camera models.
Fujifilm X100F APS-C
Fuji has made very high-quality compact cameras in multiple film formats since I’ve been in photography. Their digital cameras have carried on that tradition.
The Fujifilm X100 F camera is one of the best affordable compact cameras due to that same Fuji quality and a 24.3MP APS-C format sensor. A 23mm f/2.0 lens is mated to the camera and is a stellar performer. You can use the swift AF or manually focus with the outer ring.
It uses a hybrid optical and electronic viewfinder, which is versatile for all shooting styles. Video is limited to 1080p, but it retains all the quality you want from the lens and sensor.
Though compact, the Fujifilm X100F has soft heft due to the mostly metal constriction used throughout the camera body. It’s a high-quality photography tool that can also be used as a relaxing and just-take-pictures-type of camera.
I found several on MPB in Good, Excellent, and Like New condition ranging in price from $1149 to $1369.
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX1R Mark II Full Frame
The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX1R mk II is an amazing model and definitely counts as one of my favorite choices for the best affordable compact camera.
Sony really knows what they’re doing concerning compact, high-quality cameras. It uses a Full Frame format 42.4MP sensor, which provides amazing image resolution. It’s paired with an ultra-high quality Zeiss 35mm f/2.0 lens.
This camera pretty much qualifies as a professional camera with a robust build quality and a superb lens and sensor combination. It has full automation and full manual control of exposure and focus, so you control every aspect of the image capture or just use it as a grab-and-go camera.
Sony has an edge regarding video as a company, and it shows in this camera, recording 4K video and excellent sound. It even has an HDMI port for adding this camera to a high-end video recording setup.
In Good to Excellent condition, I found this camera at MPB from $1759 to $2199.
Leica Q2 Full Frame
I know what you’re about to say. A Leica in a list of best affordable compact cameras? Well, hear me out. A Leica Q2 can be found on MPB in Good, Excellent, and Like New condition for between $3739 to $4519.
Have a look at this YouTube video from Kyle Meshna for an honest opinion after six months of using a Leica Q2:
If you’re already shooting Leica, you’re aware of their pricing structure and of the reasons for Leica gear to have higher prices. This Leica Q2 has a built-in lens, so you’re paying about what either a body or a lens is going for with their M System cameras. That makes this camera affordable as a Leica.
A 47.3MP Full Frame sensor, 28mm f/1.7 Summilux lens, rugged build, weather seals, lightning-swift AF, auto exposure, 4K video, and full manual control of exposure and focus makes this one of the best cameras, period. These and many other features land it firmly on my list of the best affordable compact cameras.
Other Best Affordable Compact Camera Options
There are some other great options for the best affordable compact camera if you apply some different criteria. The Nikon Coolpix P100 and Sony Cyber-Shot RX-10 mk III are Super Zoom cameras with amazingly long telephoto reach.
Or something else at MPB might strike your fancy. An MFT system with interchangeable lenses could be the right choice for your shooting style.
Best Affordable Compact Camera Wrap Up
You have my list of what could be your choice as the best affordable compact camera. I have some particular criteria, but we all share the desire to take great photos and get camera gear without breaking our bank book.
Look at everything MPB has to offer and shop confidently because of their accurate condition descriptions, 6-month warranty, and the ability to save even more money by selling or trading in your own camera gear.
