Editing Digital camera (section)

=== [[Point and shoot camera|Compacts]] ===
[[File:Sony DSC-W170.jpg|thumb|left|The Sony DSC-W170 compact camera with lens assembly retracted]]
[[File:Disassembled digital camera.jpg|thumb|left|Disassembled compact digital camera]]
Compact cameras are intended to be portable (pocketable) and are particularly suitable for casual "[[snapshot (photography)|snapshots]]". Point-and-shoot cameras usually fall under this category.

Many incorporate a retractable lens assembly that provides optical zoom. In most models, an auto-actuating lens cover protects the lens from elements. Most ruggedized or [[#Weather-sealing and waterproofing|water-resistant]] models do not retract, and most with [[superzoom]] capability do not retract fully.

Compact cameras are usually designed to be [[Usability|easy to use]]. Almost all include an automatic mode, or "auto mode", which automatically makes all camera settings for the user. Some also have manual controls. Compact digital cameras typically contain a small sensor that trades-off picture quality for compactness and simplicity; images can usually only be stored using lossy compression (JPEG). Most have a built-in [[flash (photography)|flash]] usually of low power, sufficient for nearby subjects. A few high-end compact digital cameras have a [[hotshoe]] for connecting to an external flash. [[Live preview]] is almost always used to frame the photo on an integrated LCD. In addition to being able to take still photographs almost all compact cameras have the ability to record [[motion picture|video]].

Compacts often have [[Macro photography|macro]] capability and [[zoom lens]]es, but the zoom range (up to 30x) is generally enough for [[candid photography]] but less than is available on [[bridge camera]]s (more than 60x), or the interchangeable lenses of DSLR cameras available at a much higher cost.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18-300mm.htm |title=Nikon 18-300mm VR DX AF-S G ED NIKKOR, $1,000 |author=Ken Rockwell |access-date=January 27, 2014 |archive-date=February 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140217014908/http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18-300mm.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Autofocus]] systems in compact digital cameras generally are based on a contrast-detection methodology using the image data from the live preview feed of the main imager. Some compact digital cameras use a hybrid autofocus system similar to what is commonly available on DSLRs.

Typically, compact digital cameras incorporate a nearly silent [[leaf shutter]] into the lens but play a simulated camera sound for [[skeuomorph]]ic purposes.

For low cost and small size, these cameras typically use [[Image sensor format#Table of sensor formats and sizes|image sensor formats]] with a diagonal between 6 and 11&nbsp;mm, corresponding to a crop factor between 7 and 4. This gives them weaker low-light performance, greater [[depth of field]], generally closer focusing ability, and smaller components than cameras using larger sensors. Some cameras use a larger sensor including, at the high end, a pricey full-frame sensor compact camera, such as [[Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1]], but have capability near that of a DSLR.

A variety of additional features are available depending on the model of the camera. Such features include [[Geotagging|GPS]], compass, [[barometer]]s and [[altimeter]]s.<ref>[http://www.cameras.co.uk/specs/panasonic-dmc-ft3.cfm Panasonic DMC FT3 Specification] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102135418/http://www.cameras.co.uk/specs/panasonic-dmc-ft3.cfm |date=2015-01-02 }}. Cameras.co.uk. Retrieved on 2013-08-16.</ref>

Starting in 2010, some compact digital cameras can take 3D still photos.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/fujifilm-finepix-real-3d-w3-review/ | title=Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W3 review: Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W3 }}</ref> These 3D compact [[stereo camera]]s can capture 3D panoramic photos with dual lens or even a single lens for playback on a [[3D TV]].

In 2013, Sony released two add-on camera models without display, to be used with a smartphone or tablet, controlled by a [[mobile application]] via WiFi.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/09/04/sony-qx100-qx10-lens-cameras/ |title=Sony DSC-QX100 and QX10 lens cameras bring top-notch optics to any smartphone or tablet, we go hands-on (video) |date=September 4, 2013 |access-date=August 26, 2017 |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107024827/https://www.engadget.com/2013/09/04/sony-qx100-qx10-lens-cameras/ |url-status=live }}</ref>