The trends in the development of compact photographic technique, outlined a couple of years ago, perhaps, finally formed into a concrete strategy. Of course, manufacturers actively search new perspective solutions in this segment of photographic technique but all the same the main efforts are concentrated on the improvement and development of older types of compacts. But the main means to achieve a fundamentally higher technical level was the development of large, by the standards of cameras with built-in optics, sensor formats.
Canon PowerShot G7 X
Fujifilm XQ1
Nikon Coolpix P7800
Olympus Stylus 1
Lumix DMC-FZ1000
Pentax MX-1
Nikon Coolpix P340
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10
The vast majority of models in the format selection are of different varieties of the senior class, but you can also find representatives of other classes. For example, the Fujifilm XQ1 is a purely amateur compact that appeals to people who just want high-quality pictures rather than to those who are into photography as a creative process. Panasonic FZ1000 is 100% ultra-zoom but thanks to its powerful electronics, one-inch sensor and wide range of functions it can compete with any compact camera.
If you look closely at the heroes of this review, you will find that the photo manufacturers currently offer quality solutions for almost any task. Varied combinations of features lead to both specialized and versatile cameras. And pick up a suitable compact device can, perhaps, any photographer. The price range of the current models is also extremely wide. Against the background of the difficult economic situation to buy a camera that would not make any compromises, would not limit the user in the choice of scenes and shooting conditions, with a large margin of quality, it seems more reasonable to look for the most affordable offer. In addition, most of the presented cameras by virtue of their technical advance will not soon become outdated, which means that investment in them after a while surely pays off.
I read your review on compact photo equipment offering big format for small sizes, and I found it interesting. Could you please explain more about the size reduction and how it affects the overall quality and performance of the equipment? Do you think compromising on size has any significant drawbacks?