Learn aboutCamera sizes

Short Description

The size property refers to the overall size of the digital camera - height, length and width. We break up camera size into eight different groups using the total volume (HxLxW). The size of a camera is an important consideration when choosing and comparing what camera to buy. A small portable camera will provide a different experince to a large and heavy full frame DSLR. When looking at the size you'll need to consider how you'll be using, storing and transporting the camera. Do you want the camera to fit into your pocket or will you be carrying along a large camera bag with a lens collection. Typically the smaller the camera gets the less zoom range it will have. That being said travel zoom cameras pack a lot of zoom into a small package and are a great compromise.

Ultra Compact Cameras

Ultra compact digital cameras are the smallest class. Only digicams are available as ultra compacts. We classify a ultra compact as a camera that uses up to 100k cubic milimeters of space - imagine a credit card sized camera. Because ultra compact cameras are so tiny they tend to sacrifice some features for the smaller package size. Typically zoom is sacrificed with these compacts as it get hard to fit all the lens glass in such a small package.

Best Ultra Compact Cameras

Here is an overview of some of the smallest and best overall ultra compact digicams.

Highest Zoom Ultra Compact Cameras

Here is an overview of the smallest cameras with at least 5X optical zoom.

Super Compact Cameras

Super compact is the second smallest class of digital cameras. Only digicams are available as super compacts. We classify a super compact as a camera that uses between 100-125k cubic milimeters of space. This puts them approximately 25% larger than the ultra compacts. The credit card size example is mostly relevant - just think of this class as slightly larger. These cameras tend to offer slightly more zoom than ultra compacts but are still somewhat limited in this regard.

Best Super Compact Cameras

Here is an overview of some of the smallest and best overall super compact digicams.

Compact Cameras

Compact is the third smallest class of digital cameras. This is the size you would typically associate with a digicam. This is a size where you can get a huge array of cameras from very compact SLR quality shooters to high zoom compact digicams. We define compact cameras as those which have between 125k-250k cubic milimeters, making them up to twice as large as the super compacts and up to three times as large as the smallest ultra compacts. With the additional body size you get the array of of options including DSLR style image sensors in a tiny package. Most users will find what they're looking for in a package this size and need not look further.

Best Compact Cameras

Here is an overview of some of the smallest and best overall compact digicams.

Big Zoom Compact Cameras

Here is an overview of compact cameras with at least 10X optical zoom. These cameras represent very versatile digicams in a small package.

small list of top ultra compacts with zoom of at least 5X

Mid-size Cameras

Mid-size is the third smallest class of digital cameras. This is the size you would typically associate with a larger digicam, definetely not compact, but much smaller than a SLR. We define mid-size digital cameras as those which have between 250-450k cubic milimeters, making them between 2-4x larger than the range of compact cameras and almost 5X larger than the smallest cameras available. With the increased size you open a whole new world of camera options including SLR style interchangable lens four-thirds cameras, superzoom compacts, even full frame sensor rangefinders. Many of the pro digicams with larger sensors, raw shooting and other advanced features find themselves in this size class also. If you're looking for pro features and SLR style performance in a much smaller package this is the best place to look.

Pro Digicams

Here is an overview of some of the best overall midsize pro digicams.

Large Sensor Midsize Digital Cameras

Here is an overview of the mid-size cameras with very large sensors. These cameras represent the state of the art in terms of pro features in asmall package.

Standard Size Cameras

Standard is the fourth largest class of digital cameras. This class introduces more very compact SLRs as well as some super-zoom digital-cameras. We define standard size digital cameras as those which have between 450-650k cubic milimeters, making them about between 50-200% larger than a mid-size digital camera. If you're looking for a super-zoom, small SLR or larger camera on purpose this may be a category to look in. Many of the features of the camera in this class can be found in smaller packages so be certain the increase in size is worth it.

Best Standard Size Cameras

Here is an overview of some of the overall best overall standard sized cameras.

Prosumer Cameras

Prosumer is the third largest size class of digital cameras. This class is primarily made up of entry level SLRs and Super-zoom Digicams. We define standard size digital cameras as those which have between 650k-1000k cubic milimeters, making them about between 50-200% larger than a standard size digital camera and up to 12X larger than the smallest of digital cameras. These are not small cameras by any stretch, they are large, generally prosumer geared digicams and SLRs. If you're looking for professional fetures at entry-level pricing this is the class you're likely to find yourself in.

Top SLRs

The following is an overview of the best SLRs in the prosumer size segment.

Top Digicams

Here is an overview of some of the overall best overall prosumer size digicams.

Professional Size

Professional is the second largest size class of digital cameras. This class is primarily made up of semi-pro DSLRs. We define standard size digital cameras as those which have between 1000k-1350k cubic milimeters, making them about between 50-200% larger than a prosumer size digital camera and up to 17X larger than the smallest of digital cameras. These are large cameras and that is exactly what many pro shooter want - the weight and size can be advantages and are typical of better build quality and optics. If you're looking for a semi-professional or professional DSLR the professional size is a good place to start.

Top Professional Size Cameras

The following is an overview of the best SLRs in the professional size segment.

Large Size

Large is the largest size class of digital cameras. This class is primarily made up of professional DSLRs. We define standard size digital cameras as those which have between 1350k-3000k cubic milimeters, making them about between 400-300% larger than a professional size digital camera. These are very large, typically heavy pro grade cameras. For professionals the large size are part of the appeal, permitting two handed shooting and a level of steadiness, build grade and handling that result from the larger more durable bodies. If you're looking for a professional DSLR the large size is a good place to start.

Top Large Cameras

The following is an overview of the best SLRs in the large size segment.

Discussion