Under the strong impact of smartphones, ordinary portable cameras have almost withdrawn from the market, which we will discuss in this article. However, there is still one category holding its ground: professional portable cameras.
These cameras aim to combine a "pocket-sized" body with a large sensor, thereby delivering superior image quality and response speed. They are ideal for users seeking a more compact backup body or hoping to travel light. It's worth noting that all the professional portable cameras selected this time can record images in RAW format and are equipped with advanced video shooting functions, not to mention that they all feature bright and high-quality fixed-focus lenses. Below is our guide to the best professional portable cameras available today.
The Leica Q3 and Q3 43 are the epitome of professional portable cameras. Launched in April 2023 and September 2024 respectively, they are the third generation of Leica's full-frame portable digital cameras. They are equipped with the same high-resolution (60-megapixel) sensor as the Leica M11, paired with the new Maestro IV processor. The main difference between the two models lies in their lenses: the classic Q3 is fitted with a 28mm f/1.7 ASPH Summilux fixed lens, while the Q3 43 features a new 43mm f/2 APO-Summicron ASPH lens, which is particularly suitable for street photography and reportage. In actual use, both cameras deliver extremely high image quality, whether during the day or at night, and Leica fans will find the brand's unique imaging style here. Their "digital zoom" function is commendable, offering equivalent focal lengths of 50mm, 75mm, and 90mm (the Q3 is converted based on 35mm, while the Q3 43 is converted to 120mm), which can go beyond the "native" focal lengths of 28mm or 43mm. However, starting from 75mm, the image quality will drop significantly. The response speed of the autofocus is also impressive, as it can accurately detect the eyes of the subject. The body can also meet the needs of video creators, as it can internally record 8K UHD and DCI format videos at 30fps with 4:2:0 color sampling. In addition, the body design is ergonomic with rounded lines, and it is equipped with a dual-hinge screen and a comfortable viewfinder. To top it off, it supports wireless charging when paired with a compatible handle and base (sold separately). These two Leica cameras are highly favored by the editorial team, with prices of 6,250 Euros (Q3) and 6,750 Euros (Q3 43) respectively.
The Fujifilm X100VI is a recognized professional portable camera, featuring excellent image quality, hybrid viewing functions, and a retro appearance. Its optical/electronic hybrid viewfinder is excellent, combining the advantages of both viewing methods, and it is particularly practical as it displays a magnified view of the focus area in the corner of the screen. In actual shooting, the X100VI delivers excellent image quality, thanks to its 40-megapixel APS-C format X-Trans CMOS 5 sensor and Fujinon 23mm f/2 fixed lens, which offer high sharpness and rich image details. Not to mention its ISO performance, which remains usable even when increased to 12,800. It's worth noting that its 40-megapixel sensor is directly derived from the X-H2 and X-T5, with a resolution increase of over 50%. Combined with the camera's 1.4x and 2x digital zoom modes, it provides more cropping space. In addition, there are replaceable focal length converters that can convert the 23mm (equivalent to 35mm full-frame) lens to an equivalent of 28mm or 50mm. In terms of ergonomics, the body is equipped with a small grip, providing a good holding feel. For us, the Fujifilm X100VI is the portable camera that best blends tradition and modernity, suitable for scenarios such as reportage or street photography. Its starting price is 1,799 Euros, which is not cheap, but it can bring joy to photography—provided you can buy it.
The Ricoh GR III is an APS-C format professional portable camera with distinctive features in many aspects. It has an extremely compact body (10.9×6.2×3.3 cm, weighing 257 grams) and is equipped with an equivalent 28mm f/2.8 fixed lens and a 26-megapixel APS-C format sensor. Paired with the GR Engine 6 processor, this camera responds quickly and uses a hybrid autofocus system (combining phase detection and contrast detection) for faster focusing speed. The sensor stabilization function added to the third-generation model is also commendable, as Ricoh claims it can provide up to 4 stops of shutter compensation. The small grip of the Ricoh GR III offers an excellent holding feel, and it is also equipped with a practical touchscreen. Such configurations enable it to deliver excellent image quality, and even when the ISO is increased to 6,400, the image quality does not drop significantly. Ultimately, this small portable camera can easily become a street photographer's right-hand man, helping them capture the "decisive moment" with ease. Its starting price is 1,013 Euros. It's worth noting that Ricoh has also launched the GR IIIx, equipped with an equivalent 40mm lens, priced at 1,099 Euros.
In this professional portable camera buying guide, the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III is unique. It is the only portable camera equipped with an APS-C format sensor and a zoom lens (equivalent to 24-72mm), which can meet the needs of photographers who want to travel light without sacrificing versatility and image quality. Its 24.2-megapixel sensor and full-pixel dual-core autofocus system make it perform outstandingly, and even when the ISO is increased to 6,400, it can still take high-quality images. It's worth mentioning that its optical image stabilization function allows for clear images when shooting handheld at a shutter speed as low as 1/4 second. The camera has multiple shooting modes, one of which can achieve handheld night shooting by fusing 4 images. In terms of video, it can record full HD videos at 60fps. In addition, its design is similar to a small mirrorless camera, with a small ergonomic grip and a flip-out screen, providing a good holding feel. However, its battery life is slightly insufficient. The second-hand price of the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III is approximately 935 Euros. Although it is not affordable for everyone, it still has value for travel or daily photographers, so it is fully worthy of being included in our professional portable camera buying guide.
The Sony ZV-1 II is designed specifically for video creators and bloggers, combining portability (292 grams) and image quality advantages, making it very suitable for users who want to create content for YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. This camera is equipped with a 1-inch 20.1-megapixel sensor, paired with an 18-50mm f/1.8-4 zoom lens. Its autofocus system can intelligently detect and track the subject, whether taking photos or videos, whether it's a portrait or an animal, it can accurately capture. More importantly, the body has intelligent video modes: one-click bokeh effect, "product showcase" mode, etc. The ZV-1 II can record 4K UHD videos at 30fps and supports slow-motion mode up to 120fps. It is also equipped with a three-capsule multi-directional microphone, which can select the sound recording direction (omnidirectional, forward, or backward). Although the body is not equipped with an electronic viewfinder, it has an accessory hot shoe. In addition, it can take 20-megapixel photos, supporting JPEG and RAW formats, with a continuous shooting speed of 24 frames per second. The lightweight, versatile, and thoughtfully designed Sony ZV-1 II can attract beginners and professional content creators with its many advantages, priced at 999 Euros. For users who are more focused on photography, Sony has also launched the RX100 Va. This camera, launched in 2018, is equipped with a 24-70mm zoom lens and has excellent image quality, but the price of 849 Euros is relatively high for such an old model.
This concludes our professional portable camera buying guide. It should be noted that these guides are not exhaustive, and some excellent models may not be included because we only selected products that are the most outstanding or attractive in terms of performance/quality/price ratio.