Cheap point-and-shoots are outselling large-sensor compact cameras in Japan – and one name is a clear winner

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The compact camera's viral success has brought a revival of the once-decimated category – but it's not just the oversized sensors that can outperform a smartphone that have seen a resurgence in sales. The best-selling cameras in Japan across several major retailers, including Amazon, are dominated by budget point-and-shoot cameras.

The data comes from BCN+R , a Japanese research firm that tracks sales across more than 2,300 stores, which recently shared the best-selling compact cameras for September 2026.

The list is dominated by budget point-and-shoots. Four out of 10 carry the Kodak name, but are built by JK Imaging and license the Kodak name.

None of the cameras on the list carry a sensor larger than 1/2.3-inch.

BCN+R's best-selling compact cameras for September 2026

1. Kodak PixPro ZF55 (black)

2. Kodak PixPro C1 (black)

3. Kodak PixPro C1 (brown)

4. Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo (Brown)

5. Kodak PixPro WPZ2

6. Canon PowerShot SX740 HS

7. Canon IXY 650 M / PowerShot ELPH 360 / IXUS 280 (silver)

8. Panasonic Lumix TZ99

9. Kenko Tokina KC-AF11

10. Canon IXY 650 M / PowerShot ELPH 360 / IXUS 280 (black)

While none of the cameras on the list use a larger sensor, BCN+R's rankings differ from those of dedicated photo retailers in Japan like Yodobashi , who regularly include larger-sensor compacts like the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III , Ricoh GR IV , Fujifilm X100VI , and Sony RX10 V .

That makes sense considering the sources – serious photographers may be more likely to use a dedicated photography shop, while someone looking for a compact camera to spend less time on a smartphone may be more likely to visit larger retailers like Amazon and big box stores.

The list dominated by cheap point-and-shoots points to a broader trend – and that's that photographers aren't the only ones buying cameras. Before the smartphone, families owned a camera to capture memories, even among those not serious about photography as a hobby. The rise of the smartphone put a major hit on that camera market, but now the point-and-shoot is returning, even among buyers who prioritize price over sensor size. Digital minimalists are looking for a camera without the distractions of smartphones, sparking a rise in screen-free compact cameras .

BCN+R also ranks weekly sales, and looking at that narrower time frame hints at which cameras may be rising up those ranks. In addition to the cameras that are already on the monthly list, the short-term list includes the waterproof OM System Tough TG-7 and the vlog-focused Sony ZV-1F .

One newly launched compact camera has risen up on the weekly rankings as well: The Instax Pal 2 . The Pal 2 is a tiny 3 oz / 87g digicam with retro dials and a tiny screen placed at the top. The Pal 2 has been particularly popular in the US, where it ranks at the top of B&H's top trending cameras .

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