Best Compact Digital Cameras

Are you looking for the best compact camera that will fit in your pocket? We invited our friends from Geefts – the gifts for geeks bible – to recommend the hottest compact digital cameras on the market now.

Fujifilm X100 12.3 MP Digital Camera

In amongst a flurry of of major camera announcements at Photokina 2010, one model stole the show – Fujifilm’s retro-looking, large sensor, fixed lens compact: the X100 ($1199). With its APS-C CMOS sensor and fast 23mm F2 lens giving a classic 35mm equivalent moderate wideangle view, this rangefinder-styled camera has traditional control dials plus an innovative ‘hybrid’ viewfinder that combines a large, bright optical finder with a high-resolution electronic display. We’ve been itching to get our hands on the X100 ever since it was announced, and Fujifilm has kindly lent us a prototype model for a first look. Click through to read more at dpreview.com.

Leica D-LUX5 10.1 MP Compact Digital Camera

The D-Lux 5 ($799) is a true Leica, not only in terms of its elegant design but also in its superior optical performance: the result are images of excellent quality. This versatile compact camera featuring a fast Leica Summicron zoom lens with focal-lengths from 24 to 90mm (35mm equivalent), is the perfect camera for a broad spectrum of photgraphic situations: from macro and wide angle architecture to landscape, from reportage to portrait and available-light photography. Manual setting options and an extensive range of accessories provide even greater creative freedom. With such versatile performance in such a compact package, the D-Lux 5 is the perfect companion whenever you seek inspiration – in Berlin or anywhere else in the world.

Fujifilm X10 12 MP EXR CMOS Digital Camera

The Fujifilm X10 ($599.95) digital camera feature a new larger 2/3-inch 12-megapixel EXR CMOS sensor and a bright, high-definition Fujinon F2.0 wide-angle to F2.8 telephoto, 4x manual zoom lens (28-112mm) with a proprietary Super EBC (Electron Beam Coating) that produces superb image quality from edge to edge.

Kodak PlayFull Dual Video and 12 MP Camera

The Kodak Dual Camera ($199.95) gives you the best of both worlds. Features high-speed video, a mic jack, and a built-in flash for optimal performance in any environment. The Kodak Dual Camera offers the potent combination of an impressive 1080p @ 60 fps HD video camera and a fully featured 12 MP BSI CMOS digital camera in one streamlined device. Sharing it all is simple. Just press Kodak’s Share button to tag to Facebook, Email, YouTube, and more.

Pentax K-01 16MP APS-C CMOS Compact System Camera

The new Pentax K-01 ($899) is another bold effort from the manufacturer that is known for pushing camera size, color, durability, and now, design, to the limit. The contemporary, timeless K-01 houses a full array of advanced functions and user-friendly features in a camera body with remarkable form and function.

Nikon COOLPIX P510 Digital Camera

For the outdoor photographer, the COOLPIX P510 ($429) puts you where you need to be. Bring your subjects up close and personal, with an incredible zoom range of 24-1,000mm. Spontaneous action is captured sharp and clear with optical VR Image Stabilization and amazingly fast autofocus. Every image and Full HD (1080p) movie dazzles when produced by the advanced 16.1 MP CMOS sensor.

Superheadz CLAP Digital Camera

Slightly larger than a flash drive, the Clap from SuperHeadz is one of the most portable digital cameras in the market. Don’t let the small size fool you though as the Clap takes extremely stylized – “faint, fluent, and soft” – pictures. It’s super easy to operate, and transporting photos is also a breeze – no need for messy cables, just remove the cap and connect it directly to your computer’s usb port (doing so also charges the built-in battery). The Clap ($49.95) is also well designed, with a clean, minimalist body that comes in a variety of colors. And lastly, it shoots video!

Minimox Digi Cam

The Minimox Double Exposure Digi Cam ($100) is a pocket-sized camera measuring 1.5 x 2 x 1 inches and weighing no more than a roll of film, allowing it to easily squeeze into a spare pocket or even hang on a keychain. While it’s designed for double exposures with “super-saturated colors and wicked vignetting,” it can take single exposure shots and videos, too, so you can use it like a regular low-res point-and-shoot.

Nikon 1 J1 10.1 MP HD Digital Camera System

Highly compact and portable, the Nikon 1 J1 ($599) goes everywhere you go. Moments from your amazing world are captured using a highly responsive autofocus and super fast shooting speed. In one touch you can work in Full HD (1080p) movie record mode. A camera so versatile you can even snap photos while recording movies. Unleash your creativity with Nikon 1—offering a balance of high performance, advanced features, portability and a newly designed interchangeable lens system.

Olympus PEN E-PL1 Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera

The E-PL1 ($312) is essentially a simplified and cut-down version of the company’s E-P2 Micro Four Thirds camera. The 12MP camera adopts many features from its big brothers and adds a built-in flash and an interactive point-and-shoot mode. But has all this economizing blunted the ‘Digital Pen’? Find out in our review.

Canon PowerShot S100 12.1 MP Digital Camera

The PowerShot S100 ($405) is a sophisticated pocket-friendly point-and-shoot digital camera that has the power advanced users and enthusiasts need to create standout images. As with other PowerShot cameras, the compact PowerShot S100 incorporates all of the advanced Canon technologies that make capturing superb photos and video as easy as pressing a button.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 10.1 MP Digital Camera

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 ($354) is a unique compact digital camera offering photo enthusiasts the ideal way for capturing professional-quality photos and High Definition (HD) video. With an ultra-bright F2.0 ultra-wide-angle 24mm Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens, the Lumix LX5 minimizes image distortion, resulting in stunning, true-to-life images with outstanding resolution and detail.