You’ll find our favorites in the list below, and each has something unique that sets it apart from the best camera phones – whether that’s a long optical zoom, a rugged build or a large sensor.

Our photo engineering team builds special equipment for Nat Geo photographers on assignment. These cameras impressed them the most.

Bridge cameras are a worthy choice for photographers who want a zoom range that would otherwise require carrying several ...

I used a compact camera for the first time since 2011 and it reminded me why I love photography so much — here's why.

Even the best smartphones for photography tend to offer a relatively limited optical zoom. As such, compact cameras with lengthy zooms provide maximum flexibility and might be particularly ...

The Casio Z29 combines a 1/2.5"-type CCD image sensor with 10.1 effective megapixel resolution to an Exilim-branded 3x optical zoom lens in a compact body ... less than 23 "Best Shot" scene ...

An excellent performer with impressive range, the COOLPIX L310 is an easy to use compact camera that benefits from an impressive 21x optical zoom, high resolution 3 inch LCD and HD (720p ...