Forget camera phones — here are my 3 favorite compact cameras that are great for any adventure

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A pistachio green Fujifilm Instax Pal digital camera
(Image credit: Future)

I’m always shouting about how important it is to capture memories with something other than your phone. Now, smartphones are capable of capturing everything with ease and have pretty good quality. But I think it’s nice to take away the distraction of a phone.

That’s why in the last couple of years compact camera sales have skyrocketed. In my mind, this is similar to the way vinyl has made a comeback for music listening. The world yearns for a detachment from phones.

Having one of the best cameras can make staying present simpler. Trust me, reaching for your compact camera instead of a phone makes such a difference. I’ve put together a quick list of my favorites for taking on the go to capture all of the memories.

Fujifilm Instax Pal

A pistachio green Fujifilm Instax Pal digital camera

(Image credit: Future)

The Fujifilm Instax Pal is the definition of compact. Measuring just 1.74 x 1.69 x 1.66 inches and weighing only 1.44 ounces, it’s the smallest camera I have ever laid my eyes on. It’s shaped like a tiny Polaroid camera and is just adorable.

It fits in the palm of your hand, so there is no room for an LCD screen or viewfinder, but I think that makes it even better. You don’t have to spend time checking how the picture came out. You can just look at all the pictures you took later on.

A compilation of photos taken on a Fujifilm Instax Pal digital camera

(Image credit: Nikita Achanta / Future)

The camera is small, and so is the sensor, resulting in pictures with only 4.9MP resolution. However, you do have the option to shoot in either wide or square format, which can be switched via the companion app. The app also makes the pictures fun, allowing you to design little Polaroid-esque pictures with stickers.

Fujifilm Instax Pal
Fujifilm Instax Pal: was $52 now $44 at Amazon

It’s cute, lightweight, and portable. The Fujifilm Instax Pal takes retro-looking pictures with the click of a button. Since it is so small, it is totally portable and can accompany you almost anywhere.

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Pentax WG-1000

Image of the Pentax WG-1000 taken in front of a blue background

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

The Pentax WG-1000 is a powerful compact camera that is capable of withstanding any condition or circumstance. Since this is a rugged camera, it has come with me everywhere, even in high winds and torrential rain up the side of a mountain.

The camera produces vivid colors, and its natural lighting performance is nothing short of impressive for its compact size and 16MP sensor. It is a point-and-shoot camera with good autofocus capabilities.

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Image of a butterfly on a statue demonstrating contrast capabilities of the Pentax WG-1000.
(Image credit: Ashley Thieme)

This camera may not get points for beauty, since it looks pretty military, but that’s what makes it fit for purpose and durable. It can even withstand being 15 meters underwater for up to an hour.

Pentax WG-1000
Pentax WG-1000: $224 at Amazon

The Pentax WG-1000 camera can withstand any conditions on your adventures. It is incredibly portable and can even be hooked to the outside of your backpack for easy access. You can get up to 300 shots on a single charge, and it has shooting modes for any situation, including underwater.

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Fujifilm X-E5

Fujifilm X-E5 in hand against a blue background

(Image credit: Future)

I tested out the Fujifilm X-E5 back in June and instantly fell in love with it. It’s perfect for anyone who wants an easy-to-use camera that produces incredibly satisfying results.

It hosts a 40MP sensor but is still lightweight enough to take with you everywhere. The combination of five-axis image stabilization and autofocus upgrades means that perfect shots are almost guaranteed, regardless of the scenario or lighting conditions.

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Images taken using the Fujifilm X-E5
(Image credit: Ashley Thieme)

It even has an interchangeable lens to expand creative possibilities. Although it may be compact, the results are anything but small.

Fujifilm X-E5
Fujifilm X-E5: $1,699 at Amazon

The Fujifilm X-E5 is a compact mirrorless camera that produces stunning still images and features powerful autofocus. It features tactile controls that allow for easy cycling through Fuji’s trademark film simulation effects, and its build quality ensures a secure hold.

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Ashley Thieme
Ashley Thieme
Staff writer, Reviews

Ashley is a staff writer on the the Reviews team at Tom’s Guide. She has a master’s degree in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and a BA in Journalism, Media and Sociology. She has written for titles including Women’s Health UK, writing health and wellness stories, and Virgin Radio UK, specializing in entertainment news and celebrity interviews. She has reported on a variety of topics including music, literature, motorsport, entertainment and health. She has previously reviewed live music events, books, and wellness products but discovering the top audio equipment on the market is what she does best. When she is not testing out the latest tech, you can find her either curled up with a cup of tea and a good fantasy novel or out hiking.

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