Should You Buy a Compact Camera? 10 Reasons You Should Consider Before Spending Money

In recent years, the world of photography technology has witnessed a remarkable phenomenon: compact cameras are having a strong "revival season", and by 2025, this fever is almost exploding.

Names like Fujifilm X100VI continuously "sold out" within a few hours of going on sale. Not only stopping at fixed-lens cameras, models with a compact spirit but with the ability to change lenses like Fujifilm X-M5 or Sigma BF also quickly fell into a state of "globally sold out". At the same time, a series of cheap compact cameras from Kodak, Minolta or Yashica such as Kodak Pixpro FZ55, Minolta MND25 or Yashica City 100 are equally attractive.

Clearly, compact cameras are the new star of the imaging technology world in 2025. But does that mean everyone should own a compact camera? Trends, no matter how strong, are only temporary. Not everyone needs a camera, and not every investment is reasonable in every situation. So in this article, SaDesign will analyze with you the Top reasons to buy and not to buy a compact camera , to help you make the right choice: is this a worthwhile investment, or just an "impulse" that risks being forgotten after a few months?

1. 5 REASONS YOU SHOULD BUY A COMPACT CAMERA

1.1. Compact Camera – A World Beyond Phones

In the digital age, where every device is connected and people are constantly surrounded by notifications, updates, social networks and endless streams of messages – a compact camera is like the “silence” that everyone needs.

There was a time when people believed that the rapid development of mobile phone cameras would completely “kill” the compact camera line, just like how smartphones once eliminated MP3 players, alarm clocks, and handheld game consoles. However, what few people expected was that even the best phones were actually making photography lose its focus and originality.

Think back to the last time you raised your phone to take a photo. Was there a series of factors that interrupted your snap: you checked your new messages, got sucked into your Instagram notifications, and then conveniently scrolled through TikTok for 30 minutes?

With a compact camera, you cut that connection completely. No social media, no background apps, no interruptions from alarms or ads. You have only one tool in your hand: point – shoot – feel. It’s that quietness, simplicity and focus that makes the experience of compact camera photography so liberating and inspiring.

1.2. Affordable price – No need to hesitate too much

There’s no denying that professional cameras are expensive, especially mirrorless or DSLR models with interchangeable lenses. But on the other hand, compact cameras open up a whole other door.

With only 2-3 million VND, you can own a separate photography device with quite good quality. Models such as Kodak Pixpro FZ55, Minolta MND25 or Yashica City 100 are all typical examples of cheap compact cameras but still have full basic features.

In particular, your mentality also becomes much more comfortable: you do not have to watch every step when carrying the camera on a trip, do not worry about "dropping it and losing tens of millions", and do not hesitate to let your friends or children hold the camera. The feeling of owning a device that is "just right", without burden is the factor that helps you fully enjoy the joy of photography without hesitation.

1.3. Compact as the name suggests

It is no coincidence that compact cameras are called "compact", this is not just a fun name, but reflects the biggest advantage of this line of devices.

Did you know that the iPhone 16 Pro Max, one of the smartphones hailed as the "king of photography", weighs up to 227g and is quite large in size, making it inconvenient to put in your pocket?

Meanwhile, the Kodak Pixpro FZ55, a typical representative of compact cameras, weighs only about 106g and is about 3.6 inches long, half as light, much more compact, easy to put in a pocket, hang on a neck strap, or put in a mini handbag.

That compactness brings absolute mobility. You can always carry the camera with you anytime, anywhere without feeling cumbersome. This helps you be ready to capture beautiful moments when walking, sitting in a coffee shop, or on a windy afternoon by the lake. With a compact camera, the world is always within reach, right in your pocket.

1.4. Ease of use

If you've ever been overwhelmed by looking at a mirrorless camera interface with a series of buttons, dials, concepts of ISO, aperture, speed, WB, AF... then a compact camera is a great "antidote".

Designed according to the “point-and-shoot” principle – that is, aiming for quick, simple operations – compact cameras usually only require you to: open the camera – aim the frame – press the shutter.

You don’t need to learn photography techniques, you don’t need to adjust many parameters. The camera will automatically handle everything: focus, exposure, white balance… For beginners, general users or those who want a device to take beautiful photos without “worrying”, a compact camera is an ideal choice.

Not to mention, compact cameras don’t require additional accessories like gimbals, tripods, flash units, or interchangeable lenses. You just buy a camera, insert an SD card, and you’re done. Simple, compact, time-saving, and still get good enough quality images to preserve your memories.

1.5. The ideal start for street photography

Do you love street photography? Want to capture candid moments on the street, at the market corner, or when walking through an old coffee shop? A compact camera is a great way to start that journey.

With their small size and simple design, compact cameras do not make their subjects feel threatened or awkward. Many legendary photographers such as Daido Moriyama, famous for his haunting black and white photography, only use compact cameras to work. They choose small cameras not because of limitations, but because they allow them to blend into life without being “overwhelmed” by bulky equipment.

With a compact camera, you can secretly capture emotional moments on a street corner, capture the smile of a child eating ice cream or the silence of an old man selling lottery tickets, all naturally and without staging. And sometimes, it is these small things that create photos with strong vitality.

2. 5 REASONS NOT TO BUY A COMPACT CAMERA

2.1. You have a “top” smartphone and you know how to use it

The camera on modern smartphones is no longer an "accessory", but a truly powerful photography tool. Flagships like the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or Google Pixel 8 Pro are all equipped with large sensors, smart image processing algorithms, optical image stabilization, and even AI to support automatic framing and post-production.

If you are familiar with:

Taking photos with your phone is incredibly fast
Edit directly in apps like Lightroom Mobile, VSCO, Snapseed
Share instantly on Instagram, Facebook, Zalo in just seconds
… then carrying an additional compact camera can make you feel… annoyed. In particular, many people after buying a compact camera have admitted: they forgot it at home after a few test shots because the phone is more than enough, and many times more convenient.

In other words, if you already own a high-end smartphone and know how to get the most out of its photography capabilities, a compact camera doesn't make too much of a difference to justify regular use.

2.2. You are not interested in street photography

One of the outstanding strengths of compact cameras is their compact, unobtrusive size, making them very suitable for street photography, where the photographer's naturalness and "invisibility" are important.

However, if you don't intend to pursue street photography, that strength will quickly become a weakness.

For example:

Want to take artistic portraits with blurred backgrounds? Compact cameras usually have small sensors and small apertures, making it difficult to create beautiful bokeh effects like mirrorless or DSLR cameras.

Do you love nature photography, wildlife, and vast landscapes? Compact cameras do not have interchangeable lenses, have limited focal lengths, and are not flexible enough for you to “zoom to the horizon”.

Do you like night photography, long exposure or astronomy? Necessary manual features are almost absent in the popular compact line.

In short, if your goals go beyond simple everyday photos, a compact isn't going to be enough to last you long.

2.3. You want to learn photography systematically

If you've heard of the "exposure triangle" (ISO - Aperture - Shutter Speed) and are interested in experimenting with creative shooting styles and learning how to control light, a compact camera is not the ideal place to start.

Most of today's popular compact lines are designed to "click and shoot", meaning:

The machine automatically measures light, focuses, and determines parameters.
Doesn't allow you to manually adjust aperture, shutter speed or ISO
Many models don't even have an M (Manual) mode for you to practice your technique.

Of course, there are still some exceptions. Some high-end models like Fujifilm X100VI, Ricoh GR III support full manual adjustment, good image quality, deep learning experience. But with a high price of 50 - 60 million VND, you should consider investing in a mirrorless camera like Fujifilm X-T5, Sony A6700 or Canon EOS R50 to learn and expand later.

2.4. You need to shoot high quality video

While compact cameras have many advantages for still photography, they are often not the best choice for video, especially if you're doing professional or semi-professional content.

Some common disadvantages include:

Limited video quality (many cameras can only shoot Full HD, or 4K but with heavily cropped frames)
No ability to change lenses, so not flexible when needing wide angle, narrow angle, different focal lengths
Lack of microphone port, HDMI out, headphone jack, making it almost impossible to connect an external mic, separate monitor or livestream
Does not support professional color profiles such as S-Log, V-Log, F-Log for post-processing
Even a high-end compact like the Fujifilm X100VI, which is highly rated for its image quality when shooting video, is still criticized by users as "unfinished", lacking flexibility, and not worth the high price if your goal is video.

If you're a vlogger, YouTuber, or simply someone who enjoys capturing memorable moments on the go, a mirrorless camera or high-end smartphone is still a more efficient and flexible choice.

2.5. You want an investment that is truly “worth the money”

For the same investment, you should ask: “What will I get in the long run?”

Some compact cameras like Fujifilm X100VI, Leica Q3, or Sony RX100 VII have prices up to 50 - 80 million VND, equal to or higher than professional cameras. However:

You cannot change the lens
No ability to upgrade or expand the device ecosystem
Does not support as many different photo genres as a DSLR camera
Meanwhile, for the same amount of money, you can buy:

A high-end mid-range mirrorless like the Fujifilm X-T5, Sony A7C II, or Canon R7
A dedicated lens for portraits, landscapes, macro…
A professional accessory set including spare battery, tripod, microphone, flash…
This investment is more long-term, expands your creativity, and takes you further in your photography journey if you want to “level up” later.

Should I buy a compact camera?

There is no denying that compact cameras are having a spectacular “rebirth” in 2025, from high-end models like the Fujifilm X100VI to cheap compacts from Kodak or Yashica, all sold out. However, amidst this boom, owning a compact camera is not simply following the trend, but also requires careful consideration of your own needs, purposes, and photography journey.

If you’re looking for simplicity, portability, getting away from your smartphone and rediscovering the pure joy of photography, a compact is definitely the way to go. But if your goal is to learn serious techniques, shoot high-quality video, or develop a long-term career in a variety of genres, a compact may not be enough to accompany you in the future.

Hopefully, after reviewing with SaDesign the reasons why and why not to buy a compact camera, you have enough information to make the right decision, whether to buy a compact right away or to hold off to invest in a more suitable option. A camera is just a tool, but choosing the right tool will help you open new doors on your creative journey.