How compact cameras changed the way I do photography

The joy of going light, being nimble, and staying flexible

More than a decade ago, I bought a compact camera to document a road trip to Vancouver Island. Since then, and despite upgrading to bigger and “better” systems, I’ve always kept a small camera in my bag.

I love these little things, and I’ve made very good images with them over the years. I feared they were being underestimated these days, though, often dismissed as inferior tools for photography —usually by the very own manufacturers that make them, who’d love you to buy their more expensive products!—.

So a couple of days ago, I published a video on YouTube praising compact cameras, not knowing exactly what to expect; the response was overwhelming. It turns out this segment of cameras is far from dead, at least in the hears of many, many photographers, where it is still very much alive and well. As it should be, because they are amazing.

For me, a small camera expands the possibilities of photography. I can bring it with me no matter where I go, there’s little friction using it, and it’s less intrusive in environments where using big cameras could get you in trouble. It fulfills my vision of photography as a lifestyle, as a way to see the world, not just something we do a couple of times a year while on vacation.

I shared some of the images I made with tiny point-and-shoots on Instagram; every time I look at them, I am tempted to ditch my big and heavy cameras and go “compact only” — that’d make my life so much simpler. One day, maybe.

I’d love to hear from you. Do you have a compact camera that you still use? If not, did you use to have one you liked? Which one?

Thank you for reading,

Adrian