Compact Cameras with The Best Lenses

Over the years of using lots of cameras some have stood out to me as having incredible lenses. Lenses that make you double take an wonder, "they really just put this piece of glass on a fixed lens camera?" It seems so easy to just put a whatever lens on these cameras and hope no one cares. But these camera/lenses are different.

This list is just based on my experience and the cameras I've used. I'm curious what other good ones you've used. Maybe I'll give one a whirl myself :)

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[dhruvemital]

one thing you've sort of forgotten to mention is that almost all of these are cameras more than 10 years old with single/low double digit MP counts, yet they're all super usable. I wish people would just go out with their old bodies and shoot instead of jumping on the MP bandwagon

[weezintrumpeteer]

I'd like to add the Zeiss Sonnar 35mm f/2 lens on the front of the RX1 and RX1rII. It is stunning, and is generally known as one of the best lenses ever put on a fixed lens camera. Highly recommended.

[Abesteroni]

Glad to see Ricoh GR still living large on the throne of fixed lens pro compacts, it's outlived pretty much all of its competitors and holds value in a way only its most capable competition ever could. And I concur, the 18.3/2.8 GR lens is absolutely one of the best lenses I've ever used. BTW! Since I've gotten about a year and a half worth of some amazing images with that custom converted 49mm Sony VCL-ECF1 fisheye adapter I mentioned a while back on your Instagram, its a good time to ask if you're down to review it!

[Dwyanest]

Thumbnail doing its proper job at its best.

[thissidetowardscreen]

Excellent overview of lens on bridge cameras. Not having to carry extra lens around and switching them is great. Just wished more camera companies would put better lens in those cameras, but with super zooms it it hard to get a bright lens. Thanks for sharing!

[gedav]

Great video! For me it is the original Leica Q from 2015. The 28mm f1.7 makes stunning images and they still use the same lens on the newer versions of the Q. I love shooting with it because I don’t have to constantly switch lenses which have become a bad habit on my Nikon dslr.

[bilkon]

Some of my favorites: Lumix LX100, Leica X1, Fuji X100. If I had to choose just one it'll be the Leica. Not just sharpness but overall rendering & colours.

[i]

2:30 That's a Foveon sensor quality right there!

[sarahsmith-cxmy]

If you’ve never owned a Leica Digilux 2, James, I think you should try to score one. The lens on that thing… oh my. That camera would be right up your street. Not so easy to find but very reasonably priced if you can source one.

[handsomeforlaw]

Totally agree with you on the GR, I have the first one, it's my everyday carry, and the lens and camera combo is beyond perfection!

[erwinc.]

On the less affordable side, the Leica Q's lens is incredible, the fact that it's still stellar after 2 resolution bumps is a testament to its quality.

The Zeiss ZX1's lens is probably one of the best 35mm lenses out there period, designed to work on that body and that body only, shame that the ZX1 is an expensive disappointment in itself.

[colognerider]

Love your calm manner and content of your videos. Makes me feel good and relaxed. Thank you

[kovre]

Ricoh GR IIIx, a superb lens.
I was very undecided about the purchase because I feared it was an internet legend but I changed my mind, exceptional lens

[yesteryearcameras]

Couldn't agree more! Great video! The R1 for example with a modern sensor and system, but the same lens would be a dream camera 😉

[tekito]

Honestly, I believe you just take really good shots, regardless of the camera. You just need the bare minimum of a good camera, but all it takes to get a great photo is the composer/photographer themselves.

[karloskarb]

Half of the enjoyment of this channel is just a beautiful voice.

[somephotovideos]

I’m picking up the Ricoh GR on Monday from a local camera repair shop. For $80! Can’t wait to see the images it makes and, of course, make a video about it. Might have to keep my eye out for that Canon PowerShot🤘

[patrickjclarke]

Great video! I think out of all my fixed lens digitals it’s a VERY close race between the Sigma DP1M, DP2M and the Ricoh GR. Since the DP1 and GR are both 28, they are more easily compared, and both are SO good, but that Foveon gives the DP1 an edge in overall perceptual quality. The DP2M might beat them both out tho. That focal length is much easier to produce a well-corrected lens and I think that’s where it edges out the 28mm equiv’s on the others. For what it’s worth, my Sony RX10 mkIV has a spectacular lens for it’s coverage, another great Zeiss/Sony collab.

[JessicaNeidingHaverly]

Love this. Olympus made a big deal about creating this lens at the same plant they were making the dslr lenses. Awesome video. Will be checking with my father in law canon fanboy if he has that Pro1.

[christianwolff]

Watching your videos finally pushed me over the edge to get myself a nice, compact mirrorless camera.

I’ve got a Canon 600D that gets little to no use as I find it a bit bulky and conspicuous, so I’ve traded it in for a used Canon M100 with the 22mm f/2 lens. The idea of it being a “dead system” made no difference to me as the lens I want already exists, and the lack of popularity makes it pretty cheap to get into. I’m excited for it to arrive this week and actually get out there and take photos for once!