The 6 Best Cameras That Can (Easily) Fit in Your Pocket

ProsEasy digital point and shootVintage filter switchCan upload directly to your phoneConsLacks serious options like a screenCan't shoot videoIf you’re looking to have fun capturing one especially crazy week (wedding, cruise, etc.), Camp Snap’s vintage digital cameras are millennial nostalgia bait. They are gimmicky, but you sign up for the gimmick and the cameras deliver. That’s the whole deal.The CS-Pro is the latest model, updated with higher fidelity picture, a built-in flash, and an analogue dial that lets you apply different digital filters. Save time editing later and take that nostalgic photo now. This will make sure you can do it quickly, without ever leaving the moment. Just take it out of your pocket, snap, and put it back. At 100 bucks, if the camera gets lost or fucked up, it’s really no big loss.ProsCompatible with all standard 35mm film The film "look" that digital filters can't recreatePhysical toggles for focus, Who ever said film had to be more complicated and expensive than digital? When shooting a feature film, sure, but casually at home you can just get this Kodak film camera and go. It’s light, it’s chic, and it fits in most pockets. Controls are simple, but satisfying, with a physical toggle to switch between two focus depths of field, as well as a double exposure button to get stack multiple images into a frame for maximum artistic impact.And you don’t need to plop a filter on to give the image character—that all depends on what type of film roll you use. It’s compatible with all standard 35mm film rolls . If you don’t already have preferences, we recommend starting with something Kodak like Gold 200 or ColorPlus 200. For 10 bucks extra you can get it bundled with a small starting pack of Ultramax 400.Dimensions 4.6" x 2.4" x 1.4"Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowPros30x zoom lens is impressive for such a tiny cameraBack touchscreen that flips upCaptures 4K video at 30fps and 1080p HD video at 120fpsConsBluetooth features are unreliableMixed performance in low lightEven after all the advances of the past 15 years of smartphones, the one thing that gives away phone camera footage is the shitty zoom. If you’ve been to a stadium show or a football game in recent months, you’re still seeing the limits of what phone zoom can do in unforgiving lighting. If you want something that can do extreme zoom with absolute clarity, and won’t break the bank, you’re looking at one of the best options.The Lumix ZS99 is equipped with a Leica 30x zoom lens and a touchscreen on the back that can flip up and face the subject. That way you can always frame photos and see what you’re about to capture, no matter where the camera is at. This is useful if you’re using this camera plus a tripod for video capture. Not a bad idea considering its 4K and high frame-rate video capture capabilities. Across the board, it’s a top performer and it’s damn small to boot.Built-in Bluetooth promises an easy-transfer option, but in reality there are easier ways that don’t require downloading an app—especially since this camera is USB-C friendly.Dimensions4.41" x 2.67" x 1.70"ProsTakes exceptional photos in all lighting situationsRetractable viewfinder and flashFits a high zoom lens in thereConsWe're getting into real camera prices nowEven at the $1,500 level it’s hard to choose just one best. So here’s two. First, we have an RX100 from Sony. It’s a super compact body that fits a lot of retractable segments that turn it into a beast once you get going. Most notable is the large Zeiss lens that somehow magically fits inside this thin, pocket-friendly camera. The viewfinder and flash can also pop out. The touchscreen on the back can slide up and around for selfies and front-facing video.It helps you take great photos, but more importantly this camera allows you to have fun doing it. In photography, fun is the first step. Learning what you’re doing comes next. This camera is a tool that can guide any budding photographer through both stages of the process.Dimensions 4" x 2.29" x 1.68"Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsThe best quality camera in the smallest body possibleManual controls that feel goodGreat image stabilization ConsNot the most newbie friendlyFlash sold separately You can’t really fit a better combination of sensors and lenses into a smaller, lighter package than this and make something that works for human hands. The manual controls are comfortable, but touch controls are fair game too, and all of it is at the expensive of giving the photographer as many options as possible to get the perfect shot.The downside is that compared to the Panasonic and Sony options, the GR IV isn’t as newbie friendly. That’s not to say it’s an especially complex camera, but it’s the one that people who have experience with cameras will be able to get the most out of. If you can’t, you may find yourself frustrated that the camera isn’t performing quite as promised. Our only real gripe is that that you also have to buy the flash attachment.Dimensions4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3"ProsErgonomic grip that's easy to mountHigh frame rate slow moFace and object tracking for smoother action shotsConsNot a great photo cameraBattery life lasts only about 2 hours The first two cameras on this list shoot photos but not video. This DJI vlogging camera is for shooting dedicated video. It can take photos, but chances are the phone in your pocket right now is a better tool for that. No, this handheld rig is optimized for multi-axis stabilization to get the clearest, blur-free high definition video no matter where or what you’re shooting.It’s not just purely for content creators. The high fidelity, high frame rate video capture is beloved by action sports fans—anyone who skis, skateboards, or snowboards and wants to immortalize themself shredding. And while we still wish the battery life was better than the roughly two to three hours you get here (less in extreme cold or heat), it’s vastly improved from where these devices were merely a few years ago.Dimensions 5.5" x 1.6" x 1.3"