In the age of the smartphone, it may sound ridiculous to own a separate device that does only one thing. But it shouldn’t. Especially in the case of cameras, there are real benefits — namely, that they do that one thing really, really well. If your goal is to take photos you might actually keep and not just scroll past, you need a discrete tool. Plus, insider tip: all those Instagram stars whose lives you dream about? They’re all using DSLRs and uploading to their phones after perfecting the shot. With that in mind, here are the best new compact cameras you should consider right now.
Leica CL
This newest entry-level model is for anyone who wants interchangeable lenses without the bulk and technical excessiveness of the brand’s bigger models. This is pure, unadulterated shooting — which is what Leica has always done best.
$2,800, EN.LEICA-CAMERA.COM
Fujifilm X-A5
Hasselblad X1D
This mirrorless camera is exceptionally light and capable. It features 24.2 megapixels, a powered zoom, and Bluetooth that lets you instantly send images, as well as 4K video, to your phone or computer. And call us vain, but we especially love the handsome leatherbody.
$750, FUJIFILM.CA
It may cost as much as a used car, but for a very specific group of dedicated shooters, it’s worth it: 50 megapixels, WiFi, HD video, and an incredibly impressive medium-format mirrorless setup. (If you don’t know what those words mean, skip this one.)
$11,700, HASSELBLAD.COM
Sony a7R III
One of the fastest, most precise cameras on the market, the a7R III boasts crazy-effective autofocus, a huge sensor, and 42.4 megapixels. Pros will buy this for the studio, but it’s small and accessible enough to take on your next holiday.
$3,200, SONY.CA
PHONE PLAN
If you’re going to use your phone to take photos, consider an upgrade. The Huawei Mate with the new Leica Dual Lens with, you can easily take beautiful shallow depth of field pictures, crystal clear low-light photographs and blur-free shots of objects on the move. With its 4K video and f/1.6 aperture, it takes some of the most stunning videos of any smart phone on the market. We don’t generally endorse selfies — but this may be the rare exception.
Price DHS 2,000 ( UAE)