kompaktkamera

A kompaktkamera (compact camera) is a small, portable camera designed to fit in a pocket or small bag, with an integrated fixed lens and minimal setup requirements. In many markets the term describes compact digital cameras marketed as easy-to-use “point-and-shoot” devices, though the concept also has roots in the film era. A kompaktkamera emphasizes simplicity: automatic exposure and focus, scene modes, and straightforward operation. Most models include a built-in flash and a non-interchangeable zoom lens. Sensor sizes are typically small on entry models, around 1/2.3 inch, while premium compacts use larger sensors such as 1 inch or Four Thirds to improve image quality and low-light performance.

Key trade-offs of kompaktkamera design include limited manual control compared with interchangeable-lens cameras, shorter zoom ranges, and a smaller overall sensor area that affects noise performance at higher ISO settings. Nevertheless, many compacts offer semi-automatic or manual options, RAW image capture, and optical or electronic image stabilization to enhance versatility.

Historically, kompaktkamera gained popularity in the late 1990s and 2000s as an easy alternative to bulkier DSLRs and mirrorless systems. Growth slowed in the 2010s due to the rise of smartphones, but manufacturers continued to offer premium compact lines to preserve higher image quality in a pocketable form. Common examples include Canon PowerShot, Sony RX100, and Panasonic Lumix LX-series. The term now serves to distinguish these small, fixed-lens cameras from cameras with interchangeable lenses and from smartphones.