Selects: Top 8 Tiny Cameras with Viewfinders

Whether you’re squeezing a camera into a carry-on bag or looking for something less conspicuous when you’re shooting on the street, a small one doesn’t have to mean a simple one. In fact, some of the most enjoyable cameras to shoot with are the ones that fit in your palm, especially if they’ve still got a proper viewfinder.

As travel-friendly and mirrorless designs have become more popular, more manufacturers have ditched the viewfinder altogether. But for many photographers, that little window into the world still makes all the difference: it blocks the glare, steadies your shot and keeps you in the moment. 

Between shoots and edits, Jakub has a soft spot for small cameras with big-camera character. He’s rounded up eight of his favourites. They’re small, capable and a joy to shoot with. 

I love cameras with viewfinders. There it is. It’s out. I like cameras with viewfinders. I was a bit disappointed when I learned that the Panasonic DC-S9 and Ricoh GR Digital IV didn’t have one, as they’d be perfect travel companions for me if they did. Read our Ricoh GR IV review for the full breakdown. Viewfinders aren’t crucial if you live in the UK, but if you visit somewhere where the sun actually comes out, they can be handy for travel photography. First of all, they let you see your photo when the back LCD isn’t bright enough. They also help you stabilise the camera, allowing you to be more present and reduce visual ‘noise’.

So, I got myself on the hunt for cameras that are small, travel-friendly and, most importantly, have a viewfinder. I didn’t want to sacrifice image quality, so I wanted a camera with a larger sensor and interchangeable lenses for that sweet spot in between. Extra points for style, obviously. 

I should warn you that some of the cameras on this list don’t have all the features I’ve mentioned, but I included them anyway. One: because I can, and two: because they sparked joy in me. If this list doesn’t quite hit the spot, we can help you find the best compact cameras for travel.

Panasonic G100

Ah, the unexpected love. Let’s start with a camera that took me completely by surprise, called by some the most hated Micro Four Thirds camera, the Panasonic DC-G100. When released, it was aimed at vloggers and content creators but it had quite unreliable video autofocus, a ten-minute 4K video recording limit, and a heavy crop in most video recording modes. So, the video side wasn’t great. But for photos on the go, it’s a little marvel.

It’s very compact, has a decent viewfinder, a 20-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor and really delivers if you’re not looking for tip-top video performance. I’ve used much worse cameras for filming in my life.

I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed using this little G100. It’s the perfect travel companion, packed with modern technology and a vast choice of lenses. I really, really like it. If you want an even better viewfinder, with an OLED panel and improved response time, the Panasonic DC-G100D is also a great choice.

Panasonic GM5

I knew I was going to love this one. A real legend from Panasonic. If the G100 was the most hated Micro Four Thirds camera, then we’ll call this one the best digital camera ever made. The Panasonic DMC-GM5. It’s mind-blowingly tiny and cute, with a 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor. 

Despite its size, Panasonic managed to fit an electronic viewfinder and several physical controls on the body. It’s an insane camera, and I love it. I bought this one with my own hard-earned money and I’m keeping it, which should tell you how much I like it.

Just bear in mind, this camera was released in 2014. Some of its features are dated, like continuous autofocus and ISO performance. The viewfinder is also pretty small, so it’s good for framing but not for precisely judging exposure or focus. Still, this camera has never failed me, and its fun factor is through the roof.

They’re quite rare now, but if you don’t insist on having a viewfinder, you can still get the Panasonic DMC-GM1. They’re easier to find, slightly cheaper and offer similar performance. They’re also adorable.

Sony RX1R II

Before I begin, please have your wallet ready. The Sony DSC-RX1R Mark II blew my mind. It’s the size of my hand, features a 42-megapixel full-frame sensor, a fixed 35mm f/2 lens, and, as an added bonus, a pop-up viewfinder. It’s the size of a Nikon 1 (more on that later) but has a full-frame sensor inside. It’s just perfect. Maybe if it had some nice film simulations and a slightly more retro design... more about that in the honourable mentions.

The size of the RX1R II is almost unbelievable. Just be prepared to wait until one’s available and to pay a premium for it.

In terms of image quality, the amount of detail, dynamic range and everything that comes from this camera is unreal. You can’t change the lens, but I liked it so much I had to include it. 

If you want to save money, go for the first iteration, the Sony RX1R, which doesn’t have a viewfinder but allows for an external one. If you don’t want to save money at all and you’d prefer to throw your wallet in a fire, there’s the Sony RX1R III with a 61-megapixel sensor.

Nikon 1 V1

Oh, the one-inch wonder. Here, on the opposite end of the sensor spectrum, is my next contender, the Nikon 1 V1. It has a 1-inch 10-megapixel sensor and uses Nikon 1 system lenses. Despite the tiny sensor, it’s surprisingly capable. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is perfectly usable, it delivers decent image quality, and I really like the simplified menu system. 

The V1’s sensor is about half the size of a Micro Four Thirds sensor, so you can still achieve a slightly shallower depth of field. 

Straight-out-of-camera JPEGs from the V1 are a bit uninspiring, but the RAW files are perfectly usable. You can still get great results if you work around its limitations. If you’re looking for something more modern, consider the Nikon 1 V3, which features an 18-megapixel sensor and a detachable viewfinder.

Olympus PEN E-PL8

Speaking of detachable viewfinders, here’s a DIY travel camera I didn’t expect to like but did: the Olympus PEN E-PL8. Why this one rather than more recent models, you ask? Because it’s the last in the PEN E-PL series that can take an external viewfinder. It’s a pretty, slightly retro-looking camera and it’s great value for money.

I know I’m breaking my own rule here by adding a detachable viewfinder, but the beauty is that you can have the PEN E-PL8 as a tiny, travel-friendly camera or make it less pocketable but with an electronic viewfinder. There are two versions of the viewfinder: the Olympus VF-4, which is larger but of excellent quality and features an eye sensor, and the smaller Olympus VF-3, which lacks the sensor but complements the camera body nicely. Who doesn’t like a bit of freedom of choice?

The E-PL8 has a 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds stabilised sensor, a tilting screen and creates great photos in most scenarios. 

You should know, however, that it was released in 2016, so autofocus and high ISO performance may not meet today’s standards.

Sony A6300

Now, on to a camera that has all the performance but perhaps a lower fun factor: the Sony A6300. If you ask me, it’s boringly perfect. Sony, give me some quirks! 

The A6300 is compact, has an APS-C 24-megapixel sensor, amazing autofocus and a vast selection of lenses, from travel-friendly zooms to unusual primes. 

Pair this technical marvel with a lens you can experiment with. For me, it’s the way to go. I went with the 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS IISony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II lens.

I chose the A6300 for its feature-to-cost ratio, but you can always go up or down the A6000 line for more or fewer features. Points for Sony again.

Canon M50 Mark II

Next is a camera that is quite similar to the G100, and that’s the Canon EOS M50 II. It’s fairly small, has a decent viewfinder and performs similar tasks to the G100 but with a larger APS-C sensor and those much-loved Canon colours. It’s also similar in that it has decent video specs, but again, they’re somewhat impaired. There’s no sensor stabilisation, and 4K only with a heavy crop.

Like the G100, it’s an excellent travel-friendly stills camera with some video options. For stills, it’s a great compact piece of gear and it’s ideal for street photography. It uses the discontinued Canon EF-M mount, which has pros and cons: lenses are now more affordable, but the native range is limited. You can, however, adapt EF lenses pretty easily.

On a personal note, I somehow enjoyed the G100 more. I’m not sure why. If you’re already in the Canon ecosystem, especially if you have EF lenses, then I’d definitely go for the Canon. MPB's Amy Moore has the original Canon EOS M50, released in 2018, and she loves it. It’s only got one lens but she's had it in her cupboard for years, and she says she still reaches for it all the time.

Sigma fp L

Let’s finish in the territory of inexplicable fun and rule-breaking. Introducing the Sigma FP-L. “But it doesn’t have a viewfinder!” I hear you say. It's fortunate you can attach the external Sigma EVF-11 electronic viewfinder, then, isn't it? Claimed to be the smallest full-frame digital camera ever made, the Sigma fp L still packs a 60-megapixel sensor, phase-detect autofocus, and can even record RAW video, if that’s what you really want in a travel camera.

The Sigma EVF-11 viewfinder makes it less compact but gives you flexibility. Like the Olympus E-PL8, you can use it minimally without a viewfinder and with a small lens, such as the 18–40mm, or attach the electronic viewfinder and even a professional L-mount lens. I’ve mostly used it with the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN L Fit and loved it.

What I adore most about this camera is the mind-blowing image quality, with loads of color modes and aspect ratios. You can even use the 21:9 ratio and turn it into a digital Hasselblad XPan, producing ready-to-publish JPEGs straight out of the camera. We've also got some digital alternatives to the Hasselblad XPan, if you're that way inclined.

Of course, like any Sigma camera, it has quirks. The biggest downside is its slowness. Even with a fast SD card, each photo takes a few seconds to process. So, it’s better for mindful landscape work but it’s certainly not what you’d reach for for fast-paced travel shots.

An Honourable Mention

The whole reason we explored this range of tiny cameras was to give you a few alternatives to the incredibly popular Fujifilm X100VI. We have also reviewed the X100VI, of course. If you prefer that type of camera, we also have some suggestions for alternatives to the Fujifilm X100V and X100VI.

Which Tiny Camera Is for You? 

So, which would I choose? If I could only afford one camera and needed it for occasional commercial work, I’d go for the Sony A6300. If I already had a ‘main’ camera, I’d pick the Panasonic GM5. I own a Sony A7 III and still take the little Panasonic everywhere. It’s just so fun and adorable.

If you’re looking for something a bit less “cool” but still high in fun factor and much better value, go for the Panasonic G100 or Canon EOS M50. If money weren’t a consideration, I’d buy the Sony RX1R II. It’s smart, and its full-frame sensor renders beautiful images. It’s so small for what it can do. Scrap all of what I just said. I’d buy all of them. I really enjoyed using every single camera I’ve mentioned, and not one disappointed me with its image quality.

Read more camera gear guides on the MPB content hub.