Compact cameras return to their golden age: Top names in September 2025 rankings

Compact cameras, also known as travel cameras, point-and-shoot cameras, were once symbols of a golden age in the world of photography in the early 2000s. At that time, owning a compact camera that could capture every real moment was the dream of many people. Although today, smartphones have grown strongly with large sensors, AI image processing capabilities and a series of magical night photography and portrait photography tools, it seems that people still crave a specialized device, something that can bring the feeling of "real shooting" and "real holding" that phones cannot replace.

In recent years, the world has witnessed an interesting trend: compact cameras are gradually "reviving" . Devices that were thought to have been forgotten have now reappeared on the streets of Tokyo, Seoul or Paris in the hands of photographers, travel bloggers and young people who love film photography.

According to the latest report from Capa Camera Web , the list of best-selling compact cameras at Yodobashi Camera (Japan's leading electronics retail chain ) clearly reflects this. The biggest surprise is that the Ricoh brand, with its famous GR series, continues to lead the rankings, surpassing a series of famous competitors such as Sony, Canon or Fujifilm. What makes users love compact cameras so much and what are the most sought-after names in September 2025? Let's find out in the article below.

1. Top selling compact cameras in September 2025

Yodobashi Camera's sales rankings show a diverse picture of the compact camera market, where major brands are competing fiercely to regain lost market share. Below is a list of the 10 best-selling compact cameras in September 2025 :

1. Ricoh GR IV

2. Canon PowerShot SX740 HS

3. Sony ZV-1 II

4. Panasonic TZ99

5. Fujifilm X Half

6. Sony RX1R III

7. Ricoh GR IIIx

8. Kodak Pixpro C1

9. Fujifilm X100VI

10. Leica D-Lux 8

Interestingly, this list includes both "living legends" like the Canon SX740 HS : a model launched in 2018 but still in the top sales, and "newbies" with a modern AI feel like the Fujifilm X Half .

That shows that the compact market is not only a race of new technology, but also a place where users seek emotions and practical convenience. A good camera does not necessarily have to have a powerful configuration, but needs to bring a genuine photography experience.

After years of being “crushed” by smartphones, this segment is now witnessing a strong revival. Especially in models with large sensors such as APS-C or full-frame, when their image quality far surpasses mobile phones in terms of detail, ability to handle bright/dark areas, and image quality.

2. Ricoh for fans

Topping the chart is the Ricoh GR IV , a camera that is a favorite among street photographers. Although it doesn't bring too many changes compared to its predecessor, the GR III, Ricoh still proves the enduring appeal of a camera line with a clear identity.

The Ricoh GR has long been considered the “weapon” of street photographers who love the “capture the moment” style. Its minimalist design, sturdy alloy frame, fast start-up speed and extremely sensitive focusing ability make the GR the perfect tool for capturing everyday moments.

The GR IV 's notable point is its ability to process natural images, with extremely high detail and realistic colors. Ricoh does not follow the trend of AI color correction like smartphones, but maintains the spirit of "real photography": the photo is as it is, respecting the light and real moments.

In addition, Ricoh also refined the 24MP APS-C sensor, increasing the ability to reproduce shadow details and significantly improving sharpness at the edges of the image. Some photographers in Japan shared that they hardly needed much post-processing when shooting with the GR IV.

Although many people think that the Ricoh GR IV does not have a major breakthrough in technology, its stability, durability and familiar grip make it the number one choice for many people. Ricoh is exploiting its loyal customer base very well, while inspiring the younger generation.

3. Large sensor trend

In the past, when talking about compact cameras, people often thought of small sensor devices, hand-held size, suitable for traveling or taking family photos. However, changes in the market are gradually changing the definition of "compact".

The cameras on the September 2025 best-seller list clearly show this trend. There are 3 models using APS-C sensors (Ricoh GR IV, Ricoh GR IIIx, Fujifilm X100VI), 1 full-frame model (Sony RX1R III) and 1 Four Thirds sensor model (Leica D-Lux 8). This reflects the priority of image quality over size.

As high-end smartphones have reached the physical limits of small sensors, users are starting to find the joy of shooting with cameras with larger sensors, capable of handling light and natural depth of field. A photo taken with a GR IV or RX1R III can immediately show the "camera quality".

This also explains why models like the Fujifilm X100VI or Sony RX1R III are always sought after, despite their high prices. They bring the feeling of “real creation”, not dependent on algorithms. The photographer is allowed to make mistakes, to adjust manually, to feel each click and that is what creates the spiritual value of photography.

4. The attraction of video recording ability

Besides photography, video recording has become an indispensable part of today's user needs. Not only photographers, but also content creators, vloggers, TikTokers or YouTubers are looking for compact, easy-to-carry devices that still ensure professional image quality.

That’s why models like the Sony ZV-1 II and Canon PowerShot SX740 HS continue to be bestsellers. Sony’s ZV series was born for vloggers, with a flip-front screen, dual directional microphones, and extremely stable 4K recording. Meanwhile, Canon’s SX740 HS scores points with its “Story Recording” mode , a feature that allows you to shoot short clips of about 10 seconds designed specifically for social media users like TikTok, Instagram Reels, or Douyin.

This feature is extremely convenient: you just need to shoot, the camera will automatically process the light, color and save the clips ready for quick editing on the phone. This is clear evidence that camera manufacturers are quickly adapting to the era of short content.

Not only that, many new compact models also integrate AI to support framing, face tracking and smart image stabilization , making video recording smoother than ever. For travel vloggers, this is the perfect "mobile weapon": more compact than a mirrorless camera, but with image quality superior to smartphones.

In fact, the “Compact for Video Creation” trend is opening up a whole new segment. Cameras like the Sony ZV-1 II or Fujifilm X Half are not just cameras, but personal content creation tools, bridging the gap between professionals and ordinary users.

5. The enduring vitality of old models

Amidst the constant race for technology, it is surprising that the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS , a model that has been released for more than 5 years, is still a bestseller. This shows that not all users are looking for the latest technology.

The SX740 HS has the appeal of a “good enough” device with a powerful optical zoom, solid image quality, an easy-to-use interface, and a very competitive price. For many casual users or tourists, this is a reasonable choice: no need to learn too much technique, no need to worry about complicated settings, just turn on the camera and shoot.

This also reflects a general psychological trend: users are increasingly tired of smartphones. Although phones are convenient, sometimes their “too smart” makes taking photos lose the spontaneity. A compact camera gives the feeling of being creative, holding, and hearing the real shutter sound.

The compact camera market in 2025 is entering a very interesting phase. Although there has not been a revolutionary breakthrough, the return of quality models, along with the need for authentic user experiences, is helping this segment to strongly revive. Ricoh, Sony, Fujifilm or Canon, each brand is trying to tell its own story, but in the end, they all aim for one thing in common: bringing photography back to its true meaning. It can be said that when a brand finds the "golden formula" to balance performance, size and price, the compact camera market can completely explode again, opening a new prosperous period for personal photography.