Best Small Camera Cases In 2023

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If you’re shopping for the best small camera case, then you want a case geared towards protecting your investment from cosmetic damage like scratches on the camera body, as well as preventing dust and grime from getting into delicate areas. Additionally, if you know that you want to shoot outdoors, your camera case needs to protect your camera from the elements.

Along with ensuring that the case you pick is within your budget, you also have the option of showcasing your style. Some cases are utilitarian, while other models are fashionable and intended to work as an accessory. Conversely, if you like the idea of traveling light, you might want to prioritize a camera case that offers additional storage for accessories like extra battery packs, memory cards, a couple of lenses, or even to store personal items like a phone or keys.

Keep reading our best small camera case buying guide to learn more. And if you’re in the market for the best digital camera, we’ve got you covered.

Top Small Digital Camera Cases

Ltgem Eva CS217 Digital Camera Case

Award: TOP PICK

WHY WE LIKE IT: This camera case has a 360-degree zipper that simplifies opening and closing. The case is shockproof and water-resistant, protecting digital cameras against impacts and the elements.

Pros

Excellent water-resistant material
Shockproof construction
Integrated carrying strap

Cons

Very small for some digital cameras

The Ltgem Eva CS217 digital camera case features precise dimensions to fit Kodak PRINTOMATIC digital instant cameras. It measures 5.6” L x 4.3” W x 2.2” H, so it’s ideal for several other medium-sized digital cameras from other brands. Made of a high-quality Eva material, this camera case is water-resistant, so it’s ideal for use in outdoor and indoor settings. However, this case is too small for some digital cameras.

This digital camera case comes with a carrying strap, so users can secure it to their wrists. The hand strap is detachable, so it can be removed whenever needed. The case has a shockproof design that will protect the camera against rough handling. It has an inner zipper pocket for tucking away small accessories. This camera case also has a 360-degree zipper that facilitates smooth opening and closing.

Comecase Digital Camera Case

Award: HONORABLE MENTION

WHY WE LIKE IT: This camera carrying case has a two-layer shock-resistant exterior that cushions the camera against impacts. It has a soft interior lining and a mesh pocket to accommodate small accessories.

Pros

Tough two-layer exterior
Interior mesh pocket
Soft interior liner

Cons

A bit too big for compact cameras

The Comecase digital camera case has a versatile design, which is compatible with a wide variety of digital cameras. Measuring 4.9” L x 3.5” W x 2.2” H, this case accommodates a typical digital camera in addition to a small charger and USB cable. It has a shock-resistant design to cushion the camera against minor falls and impacts. With a smooth interior lining, this case protects the stored device against scratches. However, this case is a bit too large for compact digital cameras.

A multi-layer shell on this camera case resists breaking and fraying. The slim-fitting construction holds the camera firmly, preventing wriggling. It also features a mesh pocket for holding cables and other small accessories. This digital camera comes in brilliant blue, red, and black colors that will add a touch of elegance to the camera gear. Although designed for AbergBest 21MP camera cameras, this device also fits a wide variety of Sony, Canon, and Kodak models.

Leayjeen Case-1 Digital Camera Case

Award: BEST FOR CHILDREN’S CAMERAS

WHY WE LIKE IT: This camera case comes in adorable colors that will appeal to children. It has universal dimensions that are suitable for cameras from various brands.

Pros

Adorable design
Sturdy zipper
Universal dimensions

Cons

Doesn’t come with a carrying strap

The Leayjeen Case-1 digital camera case is available in a variety of adorable colors that will appeal to kids. Buyers can choose from dark blue, deep pink, black, and gold powder options. This camera case is compatible with a wide variety of kids’ digital cameras. It has a high-quality zipper that moves seamlessly to simplify opening and closing. It has a water-resistant design suitable for travel. However, this model doesn’t have a carrying strap.

An included fixed elastic band enables connecting the camera to a lanyard or belt hook. The case is designed for cameras that measure 4.3” L x 2.95” W x 2.16” H and smaller cameras. The case has an internal mesh pocket for securing cables and clothes and small camera accessories. An interior strap secures the camera against wriggling for safety. This camera bag has a sturdy shell that protects the camera from dings and scratches.

Aupet 3192704 Digital Camera Bag

Award: BEST APPEARANCE

WHY WE LIKE IT: This camera case has a charming lilac color scheme with an adorable pattern that will make a lasting impression. It’s made of water-resistant materials for wide-ranging use.

Pros

Handy carrying band
Alluring purple color with a butterfly design
Purse-like design supports versatile use

Cons

Relatively soft

The Aupet 3192704 digital camera bag stands out because of its distinctive purple palette. This case has a distinctive butterfly design that adds a touch of elegance. Featuring a purse-like design, this camera bag can also be used as a money pouch. It has a soft neoprene material, which is lightweight, so the case won’t add significantly to the weight of the camera. However, this device has a relatively soft shell that offers little protection against impacts. This isn’t good, because it can’t protect your Meifigno Selfie Phone Camera ring light.

This Aupet camera case has a smooth interior cloth lining to prevent scratching the camera. A double zipper design opens wide to simplify extracting the camera and stored accessories. This case is machine-washable for simple maintenance. It measures 4.7” L x 3.1” W x 1.2” H. The digital camera bag comes with a handy strap for hassle-free transportation and storage. It’s waterproof, so it protects the camera against the elements.

Phetium Digital Camera Case

Award: BEST FIT

WHY WE LIKE IT: This case has a form fitting design that contours around select Instax cameras. It has a flip top cover that allows users to expose the lens, flash, and controls without completely removing the case.

Pros

Innovative flip cover
Top-grade PU leather construction
Removable strap

Cons

Limited compatibility

The Phetium digital camera case was specially designed for select Instax Mini cameras. It has a form-fitting design that protects the camera from damage during transit. Featuring an adjustable strap, this camera case allows users to secure it to the hand, belt, or wall hook for secure transport and storage. The strap is removable, allowing users to get it out of the way and replace it if needed. However, this case doesn’t fit most other cameras apart from the Instax Mini 11.

This Phetium digital camera case has a flip-style cover to simplify closing and opening. The case partially opens to free up the lens, ports, and controls without removing the camera from the casing. With a smooth interior surface, this case won’t scratch or otherwise damage the camera and accessories. This model has a PU leather material that offers lasting durability. It has a side pocket at the rear for carrying photos.

WGear WG011840 Digital Camera Case

Award: BEST PROTECTION

WHY WE LIKE IT: This camera case has a tough PEVA shell to protect the camera against impacts and squishing in a backpack. It has an interior mesh pocket for accommodating cables and chargers.

Pros

Tough water-resistant and shock-resistant PEVA construction
Interior mesh pocket
Gorgeous peach color scheme

Cons

Won’t accommodate large chargers

The WGear WG011840 digital camera case is a versatile carry bag designed for AbergBest 21MP cameras. However, this case also fits a variety of digital cameras from Canon, Kodak, Lecran, and Sony. It has a tough outside casing to protect the camera against shocks. Featuring a pleasant peach color scheme, the case adds a touch of refinement to the camera. However, this case is not big enough to accommodate large chargers.

A weather-resistant PEVA shell that protects the camera against the elements. The case is lightweight, so it’s easy to carry around. Featuring an interior mesh pocket, this case carries chargers and cables. It was designed for cameras that don’t exceed 4.3” L x 3.1” W x 1.65” H. This camera case features a sturdy zipper that allows users to open the case fully for fast access to the camera.

Beginners Guide to Small Camera Cases

What is a Small Camera Case?

A small camera case is a product that provides extra protection for compact cameras. Often lumped in with the general camera bags category, they are usually designed to mold to the shape of your camera. Some camera cases may have a more structured design to provide additional padding or be made of softer materials like silicone for a slimmer appearance.

Small Camera Cases vs Other Camera Bags

The biggest difference between small camera cases and other camera cases is usually the size. A small camera case is intended to be used with a compact or point-and-shoot camera. But as we mentioned earlier, compact camera pouches are often lumped into the camera bag category, although they’re very different.

A camera bag often has additional compartments, internal pockets, and adjustable dividers for photography accessories like extra lenses or even a mini collapsible tripod. These are often ideal for people with more professional or prosumer cameras such as DSLRs or mirrorless cameras which are more likely to have accessories.

In contrast, a compact camera case usually has just enough room for the camera, especially slip-on molded silicone cases. Because camera bags are roomier and designed for transporting more than just your camera, they tend to be more expensive than compact camera cases.

How Small Camera Cases Work

Small camera cases are a simple, functional solution for protecting your camera’s exterior and the lens. The two most common options for small cases are focused on either a fitted case or a more structured case for enhanced protection.

For slip-on cases made from silicone or similar materials, these are intended to stay on your camera both while in use or not. You’ll usually have molded cutouts so that you still have access to key functions like the shutter, lens adjustments, menu controls, the battery, connectivity ports, and for the flash to be activated. Note, though, that these types of cases typically won’t offer a universal fit. For best results, ensure that the case you want is compatible with the brand and model of your specific camera.

In contrast, a more structured case with hard sides usually isn’t meant to be kept on your camera when it’s in use. Instead, this type of small camera case is designed to protect your camera between uses — such as when you’re traveling or if you want to keep your camera in your bag but don’t want it to get damaged from jostling or banging into other items. These models may also have a zippered pocket for small storage needs. But similar to slip-on cases, these too are usually designed for specific cameras.

Why You Should Buy a Small Camera Case

Even though most compact cameras are significantly cheaper than their bigger DSLR and mirrorless siblings, like the best Sony digital cameras, you still want to do your best to protect your investment. The last thing you want is for your camera lens to get scratched in your bag or for the viewing screen to get cracked.

Are Small Camera Cases Worth Buying?

You Don’t Want to Damage Your Camera: The most obvious reason to buy a camera case is to prevent damage from occurring. A good case can protect your camera from cosmetic damage, but it can also prevent your lens, viewfinder, or other critical components from being damaged.
You Have a Small Camera: While you can use a traditional camera bag, many of them are far too large to make sense for a compact camera. A small camera case can keep your camera secure and ensure that it’s not jostling around.
You Want a Place to Store Your Camera: Along with protecting your camera when you’re in transit, a camera case can be a smart investment if you don’t use your camera frequently. It can help to prevent dust from settling into critical components.

Why Small Camera Cases May Not Be for You

You Own a Larger Camera: Even the most compact DSLR or the best Polaroid digital camera won’t fit in a truly small camera case. If you own a more robust camera, you’ll be better served with a more traditional camera bag.
You Don’t Own a Camera: Similarly, if you don’t own a camera, you won’t need a camera case.
You Own an Older Camera That’s Incompatible with Most Modern Cases: Smaller camera cases usually aren’t camera agnostic. In other words, they’re designed to work with specific camera models. But if you have an older or more obscure camera, it might be hard to find a compatible case.

How Long Will Small Camera Cases Last?

Camera cases are one of those product categories where the initial upfront financial investment is worth the long years of use you’ll get from it. Most camera cases are made from very durable materials intended to stand up to whatever your life or travels throw its way.

Depending on the camera case you select, some brands offer limited or lifetime warranties. While policies can differ across manufacturers, this usually means that if the case breaks or becomes damaged within a specified time frame, and the purchaser can prove that the problem occurred through no fault of their own, the brand will replace the case.

How to Choose the Best Small Camera Cases

So, you’ve gone through the trouble of reading reviews and comparing cameras before settling on the one you want. Now it’s time to take the next step and take a little care in picking the right small camera case to keep your camera protected. Your budget shouldn’t be the only factor guiding your purchasing decision.

Small Camera Cases Key Factors to Consider

1. Is the case compatible with your camera?

Unlike camera bags, camera cases are usually designed to work with a specific brand and model of camera. And in some cases, it can only work with one model. Before spending money on a case, make sure that the manufacturer explicitly states that it’s compatible with your camera.

2. Do you want a soft or hard small camera case?

There are pros and cons to both options. A soft or slip-on camera case made from silicone can allow you to use the camera even when the case is on it. You’ll still have quick access to all of the controls, and usually, it’s made from a material that still gives you a good grip. However, while a soft case may protect your camera from minor scratches, it usually won’t do much to protect its components if you drop your camera on the ground. Keep in mind that if it does get damaged, you’ll need to know how to repair a digital camera and lens.

Conversely, a hardshell case provides better protection, usually thanks to the added padding in the exterior. But, you usually can’t keep your camera in the case when in use, as this type of case usually covers the lens completely or doesn’t allow for it to extend when the camera is turned on.

3. Is it waterproof?

This isn’t a requirement for all camera owners. But if you’re going to be shooting outdoors frequently or in nature where you might get caught in the rain or spending time around water, a waterproof case is a smart idea. While this will usually be limited to more expensive cases, you’ll get peace of mind in exchange as most compact or point-and-shoot cameras aren’t waterproof.

4. How durable is the case?

The last thing you want is a case that falls apart after only a few months of use. Look for cases made with reinforced seams or materials that don’t crack and break easily.

5. Do you want extra storage?

Storage solutions for a truly small camera case are going to be limited. Slip-on cases don’t offer extra storage because they’re meant to act as a second skin for your camera. But for hardshell cases, you might be able to find options that have an extra pocket, which is ideal for accessories like extra battery packs, SD cards, or fine digital camera USB charging cables.

6. Does it come with a strap?

This also isn’t a requirement but can be a nice feature if you don’t want to walk around with your camera in your hand indefinitely. Sometimes you can find cases where the strap is detachable. You’ll need to choose between a shoulder strap or a waist strap.

Best Small Camera Cases In 2023 <-- 6 Compact Cases For Compact Cameras