10 Best Compact Zoom Cameras 2025 in the United States

The Sony RX100 VII is a powerful compact-zoom camera that balances impressive performance and portability. With its 20.1MP 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor, this camera delivers high-quality images and videos. The 24-200mm Zeiss Vario Sonnar T lens offers a versatile zoom range, suitable for various shooting scenarios, from wide-angle landscapes to detailed close-ups. The camera's image stabilization, both optical and digital, ensures sharp images and smooth videos, particularly useful for handheld shooting and vlogging.

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is a compact zoom camera that stands out for its impressive 40x optical zoom, letting you capture distant subjects easily—from wildlife to events—without needing extra lenses. It has a 20.3MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor which delivers sharp images with good detail, suitable for everyday photography and travel. Image stabilization is optical, helping to reduce blur when shooting handheld, especially at long zoom ranges. The autofocus system is automatic with 9 points and contrast detection, working well for most casual shooting though it might struggle a bit in very low light or fast action.

The Nikon COOLPIX P1100 is a robust option for those seeking a compact-zoom camera with impressive zoom capabilities. Its standout feature is the 125x optical zoom, enabling users to capture subjects from an ultra-telephoto range, equivalent to 24-3000mm, making it particularly appealing for wildlife and bird-watching enthusiasts. The Dual Detect Optical VR image stabilization is a strong point, aiding in reducing blurriness and maintaining image clarity even at extreme zooms. With a 16 MP sensor and 4K Ultra HD video capabilities, it delivers respectable image and video quality. The camera also offers versatility with features like RAW format support, selectable bird-watching mode, and a customizable control ring for manual adjustments.