best camera for taking travel pictures

The best travel camera in 2024: compact and portable cameras to take anywhere

The best travel cameras are small, lightweight, easy to use and offer a range of features – here are the ones to look at

• The Quick List ↩
• Best overall
• Most versatile
• Best full frame
• Best action
• Best hybrid
• Best for size
• Best waterproof
• Best luxury
• Best for kids

Honorable mentions

Comparisons.

• How to choose
• How we test

The best travel cameras have to do one crucial thing – be better than your phone. Even though the best camera phones can produce great images, you just don't get the same quality as you would if shooting with one of the best point-and-shoots or best mirrorless cameras . Smartphones are restricted by smaller sensors offering lower still and video quality, reduced low light performance, and minimal control over depth of field (for those blurry backgrounds).

To be a top traveling companion, the best travel cameras need to combine compactness with image quality, advanced features with simple operation, and ideally – the ability to share your holiday photos and vacation videos quickly.

In this guide, I'll look at mirrorless cameras that offer the best image quality and more versatility than compact systems, but at the cost of increased size and weight. Compact cameras, perfect for keeping on you at all times, won't weigh you down, and are simple to use – although fixed lenses limit their versatility. And finally, action cameras that are robust cameras made for wild adventures!

Gareth is the Reviews Editor at Digital Camera World, and the person in charge of approving all the latest camera-related tech. He never misses an opportunity to travel, or an excuse to take photos while traveling, so is best placed to judge what are the best travel cameras for all sorts of different vacations and adventures.

The Quick List

Below are my top picks for the best travel camera to buy right now. If you want more information on each camera – you can find more comprehensive entries for each model further down the page .

Travel cameras should be small, light, and feature-packed. The Fujifilm X100VI ticks all of those boxes, with a diminutive size, but 40MP images and 6.2K video. And does all this while looking great, with some stunning retro charm. Although the fixed lens will be limiting to some.

Read more below ↓

Don't let its compact size fool you, the Sony a6700 is a pocket powerhouse. Best of all, you can use any of the huge selection of E-mount lenses to make this a versatile pick for everything from city breaks to safaris, although big lenses do throw the off the balance of the small body.

Despite aging a little, the Sony A7 III still offers some features that are competitive with new models like IBIS, auto-tracking, and 4K video. Best of all, the camera is incredibly well-priced, making it the best option for traveling with a pro camera without worrying too much about damaging expensive kit.

View the full list ⇩

The name GoPro is basically now synonymous with action cameras, and the latest GoPro Hero12 Black takes all the powerful features from the previous models and ups the image and video quality even further. However, the sensor still struggles a little in low light.

The Fujifilm X-S20 is a camera made for hybrid shooters, with great quality stills, but is set apart by its deceptively powerful video skills. This makes the X-S20 the perfect travel camera for any creator who is a versatile and lightweight camera that won't break the bank.

When picking the best travel camera, portability is essential. If you want to fit a whole photographic kit – that's a camera and several lenses into a bag, then the dinky but mighty Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is one of the best transportable camera systems you can get.

If you're planning on a coastal adventure then you need a camera that is fully waterproof and rugged enough to take on the most challenging adventures. This camera offers better stills than your average action cam, so if photos are your main priority – the Tough TG-7 is my top pick.

If you like to travel in style then you can't get much classier than a Leica camera. The Leica Q3 might be a lot pricier than anything else on this list, but the cool factor is unrivaled. Also, it takes pretty incredible photos and videos with a huge 60MP full-frame sensor in a compact body.

If you are looking for a camera to give to a budding young travel photographer then the Kodak Pixpro FZ55 offers a simple-to-use camera, but with enough features to get creative. And at close to $100, it won't break the bank if an accident should happen to the camera.

The best travel camera in 2024

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

Best travel camera overall

1. Fujifilm X100VI

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

✅ You want a pocketable camera: the Fujifilm X100VI is a very compact camera, the whole package of camera and lens are so small that you can easily slip this into a jacket or rucksack pocket. ✅ You want a camera that looks good: The X100VI is easily one of the best-looking cameras you can buy. The stunning retro looks of old-school film cameras are matched with superb build quality.

❌ You want a range of lenses: the lens is fixed on the X100VI, so you are stuck with the 23mm focal length, although its digital cropping modes give the illusion (but not performance) of more focal lengths ❌ You want a cheap travel camera: the X100VI has a premium price tag, and there are options that produce a similar image quality, if you don't mind a different style of camera that is.

If you are looking for a camera for traveling, then one of the major things to look out for is something small and lightweight that can easily slip into a bag or a jacket pocket and won't be a drag to carry around for long periods – enter the Fujifilm X100VI .

The X100VI is a fixed-lens camera, which means that it has a single lens that can't be changed. The lens is 23mm, or equivalent to a 35mm length lens on on a full-frame camera, a perfect length for travel photography as it is wide enough to get in landscapes and street scenes, but narrow enough for portraits and family shots. While there are converters available for the X100V to change the length of the lens, I find these have an adverse effect on image quality, but the X100VI does have a trick to crop images when taking them to give the illusion of additional focal lengths, although at a reduced pixel count.

The X100V 40MP photos however are stunning and packed with detail. There is also human, animal, bird, and vehicle autofocus tracking, so you can snap away with confidence that your shots will be in focus. Finally, image stabilization helps cut out hand jitters in low light or shooting video, for more stable footage.

For those who want to share travel snaps as you go, you get access to Fujifilm 's awesome film simulations and custom recipes, which takes the work out of editing, and with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity and the Fujifilm X App, you can quickly share ready to post photos and video to social from your phone.

The X100XI form factor and tilt-only screen mean this is not the most ideal camera for video on this list, but you can get 6.2K (cropped), 4K, or HD video with slow motion reaching 240 frames per second. If you are more serious about video then check out the Fujifilm X-S20 below .

The X100VI's design will certainly catch a few eyes while traveling. The camera is lovely to hold, made with premium materials, and with a wonderful hybrid optical viewfinder that shows either the optical view or how it looks through the sensor with a flick of a button. However, one major downside for travel – the X100VI lens is not weather-sealed without an adapter, which comes at an additional cost.

Speaking of cost, this premium camera comes at a premium price, with some similar tech available for less in other models. But for the build quality and features, I think it does a lot to justify its higher price, but if you want the best compact camera, there is nothing better than this.

Read more: Fujifilm X100VI review

• Back to the top ⇪

The best travel camera for versatility

2. Sony a6700

✅ You want a compact and lightweight camera: the a6700 comes with Sony's top specs in its most portable body. ✅ You want a great hybrid camera for content creation: not just a great camera for stills, the a6700's 4K video with excellent tracking and stabilization offers a killer hybrid experience.

❌ You have big Sony lenses: while you can use any E-mount lens, the a6700 becomes very front-heavy with big lenses, but Sony has plenty of excellent smaller lens options. ❌ If price is an issue: the a6700 is a top camera but comes with a price to match. There is a lot of cheaper options if you can compromise on specs from Nikon, Canon, Fuji, and Sony cameras in its ZV line.

The Sony a6xxx series has always been a favorite among photographers who value portability and versatility, with Sony continuously managing to squeeze more impressive features into the range while maintaining its incredibly compact form factor. The latest addition, the a6700, is a step forward from its predecessor, the a6600, boasting upgraded autofocus and in-body image stabilization.

The camera retains the compact APS-C design, although the button layout has been improved, as well as the menu system making for a more enjoyable to use camera, although with a body as compact as this, the layout is still a little cramped. This is especially true when handling larger full-frame lenses with the a6700, which remains somewhat awkward, but if you opt for Sony's smaller enthusiast lenses, you'll find a better balance, but distinguishing between the two formats can be confusing.

Although this lens conundrum is also one of the camera's biggest strengths. The a6700 can take the huge range of E-mount lenses from Sony, or third parties like Sigma and Tamron – which makes this one of the most versatile cameras you can get. The a6700 paired with a compact lens can be small enough to slip into a pocket for city breaks or can be attached to the end of a big telephoto zoom for safaris.

For keen photographers, the a6700 is capable of some stunning images, and improved tracking, faster shooting speeds, and in-body image stabilization make it easier than ever to ensure you get top photos. For hybrid creators, the a6700 also has impressive 4K60p video capabilities, oversampled from 6K, although if video is more your thing that stills, the Sony ZV range like the ZV-E10 II , might be a better choice.

Although pricier than its predecessor and some competitors, the a6700 offers a lot of impressive features, although there are a lot of challengers from Nikon , Canon , Fuji, and Panasonic nipping at its heels if you can compromise on the a6700's compact design.

Read more: Sony a6700 review • Best lenses for Sony a6700

Best full frame on a budget

3. Sony A7 III

✅ You want full frame quality: full frame cameras can produce more focus separation and are better in low light, the A7 III is the most affordable step into full frame. ✅ You want a camera to use outside of traveling: the A7 III is a pro-level camera that is not just for travel, you can shoot brilliant photos all year round with a multitude of lenses available for different subjects.

❌ You don't want the expense of lenses: the cost of lenses can add up, especially ones for full-frame cameras, if you want to keep costs low, choose a fixed lens camera or an option with smaller cheaper lenses. ❌ You want a small camera: the A7 III isn't huge, but it also isn't small. With a lens attached, it is going to take up quite a bit of room in a bag, and won't be sliding in any pocket.

While the Sony A7 III might be the oldest Sony Alpha camera still being sold as new, even being replaced by a newer Sony A7 VI, it more than holds its own today. Any photographer looking for an excellent full-frame hybrid camera for traveling should seriously consider this camera as an option.

Why? Well, I don't think there is a better value full-frame camera out there, which when traveling can take some of the jeopardy out of damaging or losing your incredibly expensive kit.

It might be getting on a little, but the camera still has a very competitive 24.2MP back-illuminated image sensor, which delivers great tonal range and makes high ISO settings possible, which anyone who is shooting a lot in low light on their travels will really appreciate. A 5-axis image stabilization system also delivers less shake when shooting at night, or capturing video.

And if you are also looking to get some video footage on your travels then the A7III has very capable 4K video, although has been surpassed by a few other models on this list which would be more suitable if video is a priority.

The A7III has a speedy and accurate 696-point AF system, and while not the latest algorithms, the A7 III also has some solid human face and eye tracking, so you can take reliably focused photos of your friends, family, or any interesting denizens you meet out on your travels.

Whilst the A7III can be thrown a little off-balance with big pro lenses, Sony's lens range is extensive and there are many smaller primes to suit this camera perfectly for those who don't want to carry a lot while traveling. Or superzoom lenses like the Sony FE 24-240mm will empower you to capture everything from near to far.

Read more: Sony A7 III review • Best lenses for Sony A7 III

Best action camera for travel

4. GoPro Hero12 Black

✅ You need a camera that can survive the elements: if you are planning on getting wet, cold, or sandy then the GoPro can survive it all. ✅ You want a tiny camera for attaching to things: you can stick this to a helmet, handlebars, surfboards, you name it, there is a likely a mount for it.

❌ You want the best low-light performance: the GoPro's sensor isn't especially good in low-light ❌ You want to take a lot of photos: the GoPro's wide-angle lens takes interesting perspective photos, but they are quite limited

The Hero 12 Black brings back (almost) everything that was great about the Hero 11 Black and refines it. Offering more shooting options with log recording as well as a much better audio recording experience with new Bluetooth options as well as the ability to record from dual audio sources.

However, one omission that might disappoint some users is the GoPro Hero12 is the first hero in several generations to not include GPS, which could well be make or break depending on your passion for geo-tagging your images. If this does completely turn you off, then check out the Hero11 Black, for mostly the same hardware, plus GPS.

Ditching GPS however does extend the battery life of the Hero12 which is definitely welcome, and will save you from having to switch batteries in environments where it isn't always easy to do so.

Down to brass tax. When it comes to video, the colors and quality of GoPro's footage still put it out front compared to competitors – in good light that is. The Hero12 unfortunately suffers quite a lot in low light, with the smaller pixels in its 1/1.9-inch not up to its chief rival – the DJI Osmo Action 4. But while GoPro hasn't cracked lowlight video, for anyone who wants detail in bright environments, we'd still call the 12 Black the best action camera for video.

GoPros' HyperSmooth 6.0 image stabilization continues to be incredible at producing gimbal-like footage without the gimbal, and the AutoBoost feature seamlessly gets the steadiest footage at the widest crop. New HDR modes and well as Log recording also work well in bright environments to push details in the highs and shadows further.

Finally, photos are solid, again in good light, although the very wide angle lens of 156º limits how good this is as a photography camera, but in areas you wouldn't dare take a mirrorless or compact camera, it's perfect for getting a few snaps.

Read more: GoPro Hero 12 Black review • Best GoPro accessories

Best hybrid travel camera

5. Fujifilm X-S20

✅ You shoot video and photos: the Fujifilm X-S20 is the best of both worlds, with great-looking photos and awesome video skills too! ✅ You want to balance price and features: the X-S20 offers a lot for its price, and it is one of the best-value cameras around, you will struggle to find matching video specs at this price point.

❌ You don't really care about video: Fuji's X-T5, X-T50, and X100VI might suit photographers more than the X-S20 with higher megapixel counts for stills. ❌ You might need weather resistance: the X-S20 is not weather-sealed, so if you plan to get adventurous, a camera that can handle dust and water might be a better choice.

When I tested the Fujifilm X-S20 I was just so impressed at the amount of features that Fujifilm had managed to squeeze into its petite body – it's not just a great stills camera, it is also one of the best video cameras available, and the cherry on top, it is really well priced! For anyone looking for a hybrid camera to shoot a mix of photos and video, I think this is the best hybrid camera for any traveler right now.

Fujifilm chose not to update the X-Trans IV sensor from the X-S10, but this sensor despite its age still holds up very well today when it comes to stills. The X-S20 is also able to use Fujifilm's excellent film simulations and programmable film recipes to create ready-to-use images straight from the camera, which makes any regular social media posting that much easier. The new X-Processor 5 also brings brand new subject recognition and tracking autofocus, making taking photos on the fly quicker and more reliable.

Despite its compact size, the X-S20 is a deceptively powerful video camera. The new processor combined with the modest resolution sensor means the X-S20 is capable of 6K video using the entire sensor (open-gate). The camera is also capable of numerous codecs and F-Log for getting in-depth with color grading. The subject recognition and tracking also carry through into videos and there are dedicated vlogging video features too.

Some might prefer the classic retro style like the X-T5 or X-T30 II, but with fewer manual dials, the X-S20 is a more user-friendly camera, with a more useful fully articulating screen than any of the X-T range. The camera is small, but handling is great with enough of a comfortable grip for long days, and the camera pairs really well with Fujifilm's small zoom and prime lenses, making traveling light with a kitted-out X-S20 a little easier. While the price is a little higher than the X-S10 that preceded it, I think the price bump is justified as this is one capable camera for traveling.

Read more: Fujifilm X-S20 review & best lenses for Fujfilm X-S20

Best travel camera for size

6. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

✅ You want a small system: the whole OM Micro Four Thirds system is tiny, with small cameras and lenses, so you can take a lot more gear to cover more subjects. ✅ You want a good-looking camera: with a cool vintage style based on Olympus's OM film cameras, the E-M10 IV looks as good as the footage it shoots.

❌ You shoot a lot in low light: the Micro Four Thirds sensor in the E-M10 IV doesn't handle low light as well as larger sensors, not good for frequent nighttime shooters. ❌ You won't use the retro dials: if you are looking for just fast auto controls then the dials on the top of the E-M10 IV will be largely redundant for your needs.

When picking the best travel camera, we're focusing on portability, and the dinky but mighty Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is one of the best portable cameras around if you are looking for a whole system including lenses that can easily slip into a bag. The best Olympus lenses include positively tiny optics that can go a long way for travel photography, helping you keep your kit and weight size down. So if you are the type of carry-on-only travel photographer but with big photography ambitions then this is for you.

Not only does it have an incredibly lightweight body, but the camera will look great on your travels too, with a cool retro design that harks back to Olympus's long pedigree in film cameras. The camera has tactile dial-led controls for anyone who wants to get creative with manual photography, although don't let that fool you into thinking the camera is complicated, as there are lots of automatic modes and helpful features built into the camera.

The OM-D E-M10 Mark IV uses the smaller but still powerful Micro Four Thirds sensor. This has some slight disadvantages in terms of low-light capabilities, so if you like to go out a lot at night when you travel, then a larger sensor might be better for you.

But Micro Four Thirds does have one big advantage, it effectively doubles the focal length of any lens mounted to the camera; so a 50mm will behave like a 100mm, so if you are about to head off on safari, then this could make all the difference to getting up close to wildlife. Its snappy burst shooting, its accurate autofocus, and its impressive 4K video will also all assist you with creating amazing content. It's a terrific all-around camera.

Read more: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV review & Best Olympus lenses

Best waterproof compact travel camera

7. OM System Tough TG-7

✅ You want a rugged adventure camera: the TG-7 can certainly withstand some serious adventuring with a rugged water/dust/freeze/drop-proof build. ✅ You want a photography-first adventure camera: the TG-7 puts photography first and foremost, offering a better experience than smaller fiddly action cameras.

❌ You want to strap the camera to things: while action cameras have numerous accessories to strap to your sports equipment, there is far less for the bigger TG-7. ❌ You only care about video: if you are just looking for the best rugged video camera for travel, then action cameras have you covered (see below).

Following the acquisition of Olympus's camera division, the OM System TG-7 is essentially an update to the much-loved Olympus Tough TG-6 under a new brand name. Although that camera has long been the top-regarded travel compact for adventurers who are as invested in photos as video. Action cameras might be smaller and just as hardy, but can't compete with the TG-7 for photography experience.

The TG-7 is ready for any travel adventure and is water-proof, dust-proof, crush-proof, drop-proof, and freeze-proof, so whether you are hiking, climbing, swimming, or otherwise take you to the hottest deserts to the coldest tundras, the camera should come out the other side unscathed.

The TG-7 might have a relatively conservative 12MP resolution, although this helps dramatically when it comes to low-light images, as each pixel is larger allowing it to capture more light. Why is this important? Well if you are shooting in darker underwater environments, in gloomy forests, or at night, then you will get higher-quality images.

The Touch also has RAW images, so you can get even more creative control over the final edit of your images. The camera also has a pretty incredible macro mode as well if you find some small details on your travels that you have to capture.

While it might not be up to the same standard as the best action cameras for video, the Tough can capture decent 4K video, and will get some perfectly serviceable footage for social and YouTube of your wild adventures!

Read more: OM System Tough TG-7 review

Best luxury camera for travel

8. Leica Q3

✅ You like to crop: the 60MP sensor allows for so much space to crop into which is made even easier with the lens's digital crop feature. ✅ You want the coolest camera: the X100VI might be uber popular, but the Q3 is arguably an even cooler camera to be seen with.

❌ You prioritize value: you can get much more feature-packed cameras for considerably less money than the Q3. ❌ You want to change lenses: despite the clever digital crop zoom, the fixed lens is still limiting for distant subjects.

If you are looking for one of the most stylish cameras to take with you on your travel adventures then the Leica Q3 ticks all the boxes. From the iconic German brand, the Leica Q3 is a camera that is designed to inspire camera envy wherever you go with its effortless cool style. Although, as ever with a Leica – it doesn't come cheap.

But you're not just paying for style and a red dot logo, the Leica Q3 is an all-round fantastic travel camera. Its compact size and fixed lens make it easy to carry around while exploring new places, and I had a really good experience shooting with this camera around London.

The 60MP sensor delivers stunning images with the Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. being incredibly sharp, and while the fixed nature of the lens might appear limiting, its digital crop feature is incredible. With a huge 60MP to play with the Q3 can crop to the equivalent of 90mm and still produce 8MP images, so its almost like you have a zoom lens. The max aperture of f/1.7 and the full frame lens also mean you can get beautifully rendered out-of-focus backgrounds for some pro-looking images.

Autofocus is quick and accurate, there are new modes for tracking human subjects, which work really well, and animal subjects, which work less well. Animal recognition was a little erratic, but then this isn't really intended as a safari camera so I can let it off a little here. Additionally, good dynamic range and the Q3's unique Leica-rendered color and monochrome modes give fantastic out-of-camera images ready for sharing on the go via the excellent Leica Fotos app.

When it comes to video, while the Q3 has solid video specs, this is far from a hybrid camera. The camera's 8K video capabilities shine, providing a lot of detail, although I would question if 8K recording is really necessary, the Q3 also offers great 4K for smaller and more usable files. Image stabilization is also good, but not up to the standard of other manufacturers.

But for style plus substance, the Leica Q3 is a great option for travel – if you can afford it that is.

Read more: Leica Q3 review

Best travel camera for kids

9. Kodak Pixpro FZ55

✅ You want a camera it's okay to break or lose: if you are the type of person who worries about expensive camera gear while traveling, then this $100 camera might save you some stress. ✅ You want a super simple camera: this is perhaps one of the most straightforward frill-less cameras you can buy.

❌ You want good image quality: images are not great quality, and bested by some phone cameras. ❌ You want to shoot video: max 1080p video is woefully low quality for modern devices.

The Kodak Pixpro FZ55 is one of the cheapest cameras you can buy brand new, and while it is a heavily compromised camera (more on that in a second), it serves a purpose as a fantastic option for traveling while not having to worry about expensive gear.

While it would suit any travel photographer who doesn't want to stress about damaging or losing expensive gear, the FZ55 is especially perfect for a child showing a budding interest in photography but is too young to be entrusted with a smartphone or larger gear.

The Kodak is robust and can survive a little rough and tumble. It is incredibly simplistic to use, so won't confuse or overwhelm anyone trying to get to grips with photography for the first time. While the 5x optical zoom lens also gives the freedom to play with framing.

The downside to the camera being so affordable is that the image quality is sub-par, with photos having a distinctive compact camera look to them that is reminiscent of the early years of digital photography. While smartphones with their intensive processing of images can take better photos, that isn't the point of having a simplistic dedicated camera. Plus, grungier imperfect photos are all the rage right now on social media, so get on trend.

Video is also abysmal, with the camera maxing out at Full HD 1080P footage, which is poor quality and way behind the 4K video that is now standard in almost every other camera.

Despite all these flaws I am still recommending it for the reasons I opened with, if you a looking for a camera where simplicity and affordability come first, the Kodak Pixpro FZ55 is definitely worth considering.

Read more: Kodak Pixpro FZ55 review

• Ricoh GR III / GR IIIx : this pair of street photography cameras have exploded in popularity recently due to their combination of large APS-C sensors and tiny compact bodies producing some excellent photos. A cramped design and outdated AF and video specs however have bumped them off my list.
• Sony A7C II : as the full-frame counterpart to the Sony a6700, the A7C II is every bit as impressive, but somehow squeezes an even larger sensor into the same size body. However, I prefer the a6700 for this list due to its lower cost, and its APS-C sensor is plenty good enough.
• Nikon Z fc : a stylish entry from Nikon for those who love retro cameras, although there are just a few too many retro cameras around this price point with the Nikon not quite getting its noise ahead on price or features – but for those invested in Nikon Z lenses, this might be a winner.
• Insta360 X4 : if you want to record your adventures in 360º then the best camera right now is the Insta360 X4, not the cheapest camera for casual users, but the footage is well worth the money if you are keen to invest.

How to choose the best travel camera

These are five key things to look out for when choosing the right travel camera for your needs.

1) Image quality: Ask yourself how you will use any photos or videos you capture. If you only plan to share content online on social media then any of the above cameras will be suitable. If you plan to print your pictures, though, then mirrorless cameras with larger sensors and higher megapixel counts will produce better-quality results.

2) Focal range: What kind of range do you need for your traveling activities? Compact cameras can have impressive zoom ranges, but to achieve their tiny size they often lack quality compared to mirrorless cameras. For mirrorless cameras, what lenses are available? So-called standard zooms are a great option for all types of travel, but they can also be large and heavy. A wide-angle lens might be best for capturing cities and landscapes, or if you are going to see wildlife or a sporting event then a compact telephoto lens might be best.

3) Size and weight: If you're going on vacation then the last thing you want to take is a heavy kit – especially given things like baggage restrictions when traveling. With that in mind, both your camera and lens(es) need to be small and light. If you want something that can fit in your pocket, get a compact camera – but if you don't mind taking a bag, a mirrorless system with one or two lenses could be more versatile.

4) Simplicity: Don't want to get bogged down with camera settings? Most modern cameras have a range of auto modes – especially compact cameras, which take away the stress. Advanced modes and complicated controls don't usually mix with spur-of-the-moment snaps, so decide what is important to you and pick your camera based on that.

5) Price: The cameras in our list have a range of prices, and we try to include cameras that suit every budget. The price of a camera usually reflects its capabilities, although all the options listed here will take great images and video – so try to strike the right balance between what you need in a camera and what you can afford.

Is it better to use phone or camera for travel?

This really depends on what you are taking photos of and where those photos are going. Your phone can handle a few quick snaps for social media, but if you want the best quality for printing then a camera with a much larger sensor has the edge.

You also need to ask yourself if your travel plans make using a camera possible. Phones are so small and quick to use that they go where cameras are too bulky and slow to shoot. A great compromise is a compact camera which is the best of both worlds.

Is a DSLR or mirrorless camera better for travel photography?

As a travel camera, mirrorless cameras are usually the better choice for most people. They are much smaller and lighter than DSLRs, and also usually have a selection of smaller and lighter lenses to match. This makes traveling easier as it takes up less space and weight in increasingly restricted carry-on bags.

Mirrorless cameras also are generally newer than DSLRs and most likely have more modern technology, making photography and video easier to capture and of better quality.

What size camera lens is best for travel?

Again, this comes down to what your travel plans entail and what you plan to shoot.

A good place to start is with the kit lens that comes bundled with many cameras as this will cover the most commonly used focal ranges. Kit lenses are generally very small and light, although the cheapest kit lenses do not typically deliver the best image quality, so you might want to think about upgrading as you develop.

I personally travel with a single wide aperture prime lens, with my preferred length being 35mm. A prime lens such as this is a versatile focal length for different subjects, is generally a small lens and wide apertures are great in low light.

Then there are superzoom lenses that cover the widest range possible in one lens, while also trying to ensure that lens remains a travelable size. I'd recommend checking out the best lenses for travel photography to see what's right for you.

How we test travel cameras

When we are reviewing cameras, we carefully think about what scenarios each camera could be used for. So when considering which cameras would make ideal travel cameras, we judge each camera on how small and lightweight it is for easy packing and transport, as well as carrying for long periods of the day while out exploring.

We also consider the technical capabilities of each camera, and how suitable they are specifically for travel photography scenarios from beach vacations, to safaris, to city breaks. Finally, we consider the price of the cameras to select options that cover a range of budgets and requirements.

We use our real-world experience with each camera and our in-depth camera knowledge to determine a final selection of top cameras that we would recommend as the ideal camera traveling companions.

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Gareth is a photographer based in London, working as a freelance photographer and videographer for the past several years, having the privilege to shoot for some household names. With work focusing on fashion, portrait and lifestyle content creation, he has developed a range of skills covering everything from editorial shoots to social media videos. Outside of work, he has a personal passion for travel and nature photography, with a devotion to sustainability and environmental causes.

• James Artaius Editor
• Basil Kronfli

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This article was updated in February 2024 with contributions from Matt Murray and Jaymes Dempsey.

Need a top-notch travel camera so you can capture gorgeous photos of your next adventure? You’ve come to the right place.

Picking the best camera for travel photography can be hard work, considering the array of options on the market. Fortunately, I’ve spent decades traveling with dozens of cameras (film, instant, and digital), and below, I share my top 12 favorite models.

Note that I’ve offered a variety of choices, including models for beginners, professionals, and everyone in between – as well as cameras at every price point, from affordable point-and-shoot models all the way up to pro-level full-frame cameras. (In other words: No matter your requirements, we’ve got you covered!)

So if you’re ready to find the perfect camera, then let’s dive right in, starting with our top choice:

1. Sony a7C II

The original a7C was an excellent travel photography camera in its own right, thanks to the full-frame sensor and compact body – but the Sony a7C II , which debuted in the fall of 2023, is even better than its predecessor.

Sony’s latest full-frame offering is an all-around great camera, but travel photographers in particular will appreciate the extremely compact body combined with the impressive 33 MP full-frame sensor. Expect outstanding low-light capabilities for interior architecture and nighttime street shots as well as amazing autofocus performance when capturing travel portraits and action scenes. Plus, if you like to do a mix of photo and video shooting while exploring distant countries, you’ll love the beautiful 4K/60p video.

The in-body image stabilization ensures sharper handheld shots when working at slower shutter speeds, such as when shooting at restaurants and in churches (where tripod use is often restricted), and the camera also includes access to a tremendous line of travel photography lenses. My biggest gripe is the lower-resolution electronic viewfinder, which is on par with the old a7C as well as the Sony a7 III. But it’s still highly usable, and for serious travel shooters looking for top-notch image quality in a compact body, the a7C II is a stellar pick.

• Ultra-compact body
• Excellent 33 MP full-frame sensor
• Amazing low-light performance
• In-body image stabilization
• 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder
• Somewhat pricey

2. Nikon Z fc

Looking for solid image quality in a portable, easy-to-use camera? Then check out the Nikon Z fc , which offers plenty of handy features, not to mention a retro-style, streamlined camera body.

The Z fc boasts a high-quality APS-C sensor , so you’ll have no problem capturing beautiful images of landscapes, cities, and any other subject you might encounter on your travels – yet the camera is relatively small and inconspicuous, so you won’t need to worry when photographing in busy areas or carrying the camera for long hours on buses, planes, or trains.

The film-type dials on the top of the camera promise a tactile shooting experience, and the articulating screen makes it easy to capture photos and videos of all kinds. Speaking of video, the Z fc does offer 4K recording, so if you also like to vlog or shoot cinema-type footage while traveling, you’ll be thoroughly impressed by the results.

And did I mention that you can grab the Z fc for under $1000? In other words, it’s a great option for travel photographers on a budget!

• Great image quality
• Reasonable price
• Beautiful design
• Retro style doesn’t suit all photographers
• Not as small as point-and-shoot options

3. Fujifilm X-T30 II

The X-T30 II is the latest model in Fujifilm’s midrange APS-C lineup, which successfully packs high-level features into smaller, lighter bodies. The X-T30 II boasts a capable 26-megapixel APS-C sensor (so you won’t struggle to capture printable images even in low-light scenarios), and it can shoot up to a whopping 30 frames per second (so you don’t need to worry about capturing those split-second moments on your travels). Like other Fujifilm cameras, the X-T30 II has face- and eye-detection autofocus, which is a big help for travel portraits and street shots . It also includes Fujifilm’s renowned film simulations .

When you buy into the Fujifilm system, you’ll gain access to dozens of great travel photography lenses ; in fact, the hard part is actually deciding which is right for you! My personal go-to lens for travel photography is the XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 lens . While the X-T30 II doesn’t include in-body image stabilization, the technology is included in several of Fujifilm’s best travel lenses, so as long as you choose your lenses carefully, you won’t have problems handholding indoors or at night.

The X-T30 II offers a uniquely tactile shooting experience thanks to a shutter speed and exposure compensation dial, so if you’re a fan of film-camera ergonomics, this camera will make you feel especially at home. It offers surprisingly great value, too; at the time of writing, you’ll pay just $900 for the camera body (though you will need to buy a lens separately).

• Excellent lens lineup from the affordable XC lenses to enthusiast and professional XF lenses
• Stunning image quality with a range of JPEG film simulations
• Many amazing features
• Not as robust as Fujifilm’s higher-end models

4. Sony RX100 VII

Sony keeps improving the RX100 line, and the RX100 VII is its best model yet. It may have a smaller sensor than the Nikon Z fc featured above, but the RX100 VII is still a powerful performer. It boasts impressive autofocus, a flip-screen for vlogging and selfies, a mic socket, and a huge zoom range (equivalent to 24-200mm in full-frame terms).

The RX100 VII also borrows tech from Sony’s flagship models, which is why it can shoot up to 20 frames per second with no viewfinder blackout.

If you’re a watersports fan, there’s an added bonus: the RX100 has underwater housing available for surfing, diving, and snorkeling photos. At around $1300 USD, the RX100 VII is on the pricier side, but for serious travel photographers, it’s an excellent choice.

• Impressive autofocus
• Handy zoom range
• Up to 20 frames-per-second shooting
• Expensive for a compact camera
• Smaller 1-inch sensor

5. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Olympus may not be the world’s most popular camera brand, but that’s okay – especially if the company continues to develop outstanding models like the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV .

In many ways, the E-M10 Mark IV is an ideal travel photography camera. It offers amazing image quality – thanks to a 20 MP Four-Thirds sensor – yet it’s remarkably compact, so you can literally slip it in your pocket or handbag while traveling and only pull it out as needed. And the lenses are designed with portability in mind, too; a perfect choice for a lightweight setup is the 14-42mm EZ lens , though if you want more range, take a look at the 14-150mm .

Other features include a tilting 3-inch screen (so you can capture low-angle shots as desired), a 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder (for a DSLR-like shooting experience), and in-body image stabilization (so you can work handheld even in low-light travel scenarios). Plus, the price is incredible; you can grab the E-M10 Mark IV for just $700, and if you want to add a capable kit lens, you’ll pay just $799. How’s that for a bargain travel camera?

• Compact and light
• Excellent image quality
• Good range of lenses
• Smaller sensor
• Lower-resolution EVF

6. Sony a7 IV

If you’re an advanced travel photographer in need of a do-everything camera, consider the Sony a7 IV , a full-frame, pro-level model that combines incredible autofocusing, beautiful image quality, and capable video into one reasonably priced package. 

The a7 IV isn’t designed specifically for travel, so while it’s not big , it’s not especially compact, either. But you can comfortably travel with it in a backpack or even around your neck, and for serious shooters, the bevy of top-notch features will make up for the extra bulk.

The a7 IV’s incredible sensor and in-body image stabilization allow you to capture sharp handheld photos indoors (e.g., at museums and churches) and at night. And thanks to the 3.68M-dot electronic viewfinder, you can expect a lifelike shooting experience (along with other cool perks like exposure simulation), while the fully articulating screen makes it easy to create unique low- and high-angle shots of popular landmarks. Finally, the 4K/60p recording capabilities make the camera a top option for hybrid shooters; you can vlog, shoot video, and capture beautiful images all on the same day.

• Astonishingly good image quality
• Great video features
• Fully articulating screen
• Beautiful EVF
• Pricey compared to other models on this list
• Larger than other options

7. Nikon D5600

This next model needs no introduction; Nikon SLRs were favored by many famous travel photographers in the 1980s and beyond. The D5600 is the latest camera in Nikon’s midrange APS-C series, and it’s a perfect choice for beginners and enthusiast photographers alike.

The D5600 boasts Nikon’s excellent ergonomics, and the camera feels reassuringly comfortable in your hand, although it’s not as compact as other models on this list. Image quality is superb and low-light shooting is very impressive. Plus, you get a fully articulating screen (for selfies, vlogging, and tough compositions) along with excellent battery life.

These days, you can purchase a new D5600 for a great price, and it’s even cheaper if you buy it used – so if you’re in need of a reasonably high-level camera with a bargain price tag, it’s definitely a model worth checking out.

• Good ergonomics and handling
• Good battery life
• No 4K video
• On the larger side

8. Ricoh GR III

Ricoh has been producing super-compact GR cameras since the film heydays of the late 1990s. Those classic point-and-shoot GR models were known for their sharp wide-angle lenses and minimalist controls, and the digital line of GR cameras is no different.

The Ricoh GR III is a perfect mix of portability, optical quality, and impressive features. You get a fixed 28mm full-frame equivalent f/2.8 lens capable of producing great images, and four-stop shake reduction that ensures sharp files even in challenging light.

The GR III is often compared to another camera in this list, the Fujifilm X100V, but I’d encourage you to grab the Ricoh if you prefer a smaller camera with a wider angle of view.

• Truly pocketable
• Four-stop shake reduction
• Fantastic wide-angle lens
• The straight-out-of-camera JPEGs are not as good as Fujifilm’s
• Battery life could be better

9. Sony a6700

It’s easy to see why Sony has grabbed a big share of the mirrorless camera market in recent years: The company produces an impressive range of cameras that appeal to professionals and enthusiasts alike.

The Sony a6700 may not have a full-frame sensor like some of its stablemates, but its compact body and impressive specs make it a strong candidate for the best enthusiast travel photography camera on the market. The a6700 features a 26-megapixel APS-C sensor, outstanding autofocusing for photography and video, and five-axis optical image stabilization. The 180-degree flip screen also makes the a6700 handy for vlogging and selfies.

And speaking of vlogging and video: While the a6700’s predecessor, the a6600, only offered 4K/30p, the a6700 now offers 4K/60p and can even capture 4K/120p video (albeit with a heavy crop) for those epic slow-motion travel clips!

I do think the layout and controls could be improved, but it’s one of the only drawbacks to an otherwise excellent product. Quick note: If you like the look of the a6700 but you’re on a tighter budget, also consider the a6400 . It may not be as impressive as the a6700, but it offers excellent value for money.

• Small and light
• Great lens lineup
• Good image quality
• Handling and ergonomics could be improved

10. Olympus Tough TG-6

Going on an extreme adventure? The Olympus Tough TG-6 could be the best travel camera for you. This compact point-and-shoot model can withstand a lot of punishment, thanks to its shockproof, dustproof, and crushproof body.

The TG-6 can also work in temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius), and it’s fogproof, even during sudden changes in temperature. As I found out on a recent trip to Indonesia – where I was frequently moving from an air-conditioned hotel room to the outside heat and humidity – a foggy camera can be a real inconvenience.

For snorkeling and diving fans, the Tough TG-6 will love being underwater almost as much as you. It’s waterproof up to 49 ft (15 m), and it boasts several nifty underwater modes, including a microscope mode that can focus on objects 0.39 in (1 cm) away.

• Super tough
• Only 12 megapixels
• More suited to adventurers than enthusiast photographers

11. Fujifilm X100V

I’m a huge fan of the Fujifilm X100 series cameras (I’ve owned three of the five models released over the last decade). In fact, many photographers loyal to other brands buy an X100-series camera as their “take-everywhere” body.

The X100V is small and light, yet it boasts an incredible 35mm f/2 fixed lens. Other useful features include its leaf shutter (good for photographing in quieter places like museums and churches ) as well as a built-in neutral density filter (perfect for beautiful long-exposure landscapes and wide-aperture shots in bright light). And of course, you get a range of stunning JPEG film simulations that are ready to go as soon as you turn on the camera.

While the entire X100 series is great, note that the latest model, the X100V, does have an important improvement over its predecessors: it’s weather-resistant. This makes it an excellent choice for photographers who shoot in sand, rain, snow, and more.

• Excellent lens
• Built-in ND filter
• Fujifilm JPEGs
• Weather-resistant
• No in-body image stabilization
• More expensive than its predecessors

12. Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III

The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III is the third iteration of a popular point-and-shoot series from Canon. It’s sleek, it’s stylish, and it almost looks like a mini DSLR.

Many compact cameras have a tiny sensor – one inch or smaller – but the G1 X Mark III is an exception; it boasts an impressive APS-C sensor, which is one of the biggest sensors offered in such a portable camera. It also features a handy zoom range of 24-72mm and an optical stabilizer for shooting in low light, so you’ll be ready to handle any travel photo scenario you encounter.

The G1 X Mark III is easy to use and produces images with high clarity and outstanding colors. The only downside is the price tag: At around $1000 USD, it may be on the high end for some enthusiast photographers, but for intermediate shooters, it’s certainly worth the extra cash.

• Large APS-C sensor
• Compact size
• Articulating screen
• Premium price

What is the best camera for travel photography?

Choosing the perfect travel photography camera is a difficult task, one that depends on many factors. Before you hit that “Buy” button, try to determine what you value most, then evaluate the different cameras I’ve discussed based on those criteria.

So what is the best camera for travel photography? Only you can answer that question! Read my list carefully, think about what matters to you – and, if you’re still struggling, go to a camera shop, where you can talk to the staff and hold each camera in your hands.

Then, when you’re ready, grab a camera and hit the road!

Now over to you:

What travel photography camera do you plan to buy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Read more from our Cameras & Equipment category

Matt Murray is a travel, portrait and stock photographer from Brisbane, Australia. Matt publishes Fujifilm X-series body reviews, lens reviews and photo galleries on his website Matt Loves Fuji . Matt also hosts an analogue photography podcast Matt Loves Cameras featuring reviews of classic film and instant cameras.

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Our Expert Guide to the BEST Travel Cameras in 2024

• Last Updated: December 13, 2023

We’ve spent years working as professional travel photographers, and are proud to have put together this definitive guide to the best travel cameras in 2024 for every budget, based on actual hands-on experience.

One of the best souvenirs you can bring home from your adventures abroad is photographs.

As the old saying goes, pictures are worth a thousand words, and nothing brings back the excitement and thrill of holiday memories quite like looking back at your photos.

These days almost everybody has a decent camera in their pocket, thanks to the wonders of modern smartphones. And while these are fine for the average person, if you really want great image quality, you’re going to have to invest in something better.

People say, “It’s not the camera that takes good photos, it’s the photographer”, and this is completely true. Yet there’s a reason professionals use expensive gear – they are better for the job.

Never fear though, that doesn’t mean you need to go out and spend $10k on a set-up! Definitely not.

In fact this article is going to save you time and money by diving straight into the best travel camera for every budget.

So why listen to us?

We’ve been working as professional travel photographers for almost a decade, and have been fortunate enough to put hundreds of cameras to the test during our career.

Based on our personal experience, we’ve been able to narrow down the absolute top choice in every category.

Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or professional, or even if you know nothing at all, we’ll help you make the right choice so you don’t waste your money getting something that just isn’t up to the job.

READ MORE: Check out our comprehensive guide on how to take better travel photos .

Let’s dive into our comprehensive guide for the best camera for travel photography.

Table of Contents

Our Recommendation

Bonus: recommended lenses for sony a6600, bonus: recommended lenses for sony a7iv, size and weight, resolution/megapixels, interchangeable lenses, manual settings, weatherproofing, stabilization, mirrorless vs dslr, what camera do most professional photographers use, what camera is best for travel videos, what is the best small camera for travel, what is the best travel camera in 2024.

Without further ado, let’s get into the article!

Disclaimer – NOMADasaurus is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

GoPro HERO12 Black – The Best Action Camera

Action cameras have come a long way since we bought our first one back in 2010.

They used to be reserved just for people who were into extreme sports – skiing, skydiving, motocross, scuba diving, etc.

Now they have become one of the top travel cameras on the market thanks to their durability, compact size and high quality.

The good ones shoot in at least 4K video (this one though actually goes up to 5.3k), are completely waterproof and even connect to your phone so can take great photos from any angle.

They also shoot time-lapse photography, which is great if you’re catching an epic sunrise or particularly busy urban scene.

Even if you are not interested in jumping off of cliffs or mountain biking through a jungle, having an action compact camera is still a brilliant tool to have in your suitcase.

They are especially awesome if you’re looking for the best cameras for adventure travel.

The undisputed king of action sports cameras is GoPro, and we’ve been proudly using them for over 13 years.

These epic cameras have insane image quality and shoot some remarkable video. They’re also extremely durable, waterproof and fit in your pocket.

Adding to the GoPro series is a huge range of accessories that makes getting footage limited by only your imagination.

Check out our brand new GoPro HERO12 Black review to see if it’s right for you!

Different mounts allow you to put them just about anywhere, extension poles get unique angles (perfect for selfies), you can stick a GoPro on a tripod and there are even filters available.

We’ve had just about every GoPro camera since the original HERO was released, and we’re super excited to share that the newest one on the market is by far the best ever.

Their latest camera is the GoPro HERO12 Black , following hot off the heels of the successful HERO11 (click the link to read our review of it), and it’s risen the bar once again.

When the HERO7 came out they introduced a number of revolutionary features, such as HyperSmooth (in-built image stabilisation), TimeWarp (awesome hyper-lapse videos) and SuperPhoto (HDR photos on steroids).

The HERO9 added a front-facing LCD screen, which really stepped things up a notch, especially for vloggers.

The HERO10 brought in the new GP2 processor, which made everything work, well, just better.

The HERO11 went bonkers with a brand new larger sensor, 10-bit colour and all new aspect ratio.

And now with the HERO12 the company has gone and made everything more refined with a host of new features and upgraded battery life.

Boasting the fantastic GP2 processor, 1/1.9″ sensor and 8:7 aspect ratio, the latest GoPro HERO12 Black now has HDR video to go along with the expert camera settings.

The massive aspect ratio gives more room to crop, so you can shoot in one perspective and scale later for portrait social media content or landscape YouTube videos.

The camera shoots in 5.3k 60 frames per second, 4k at 120fps and 2.7k at a whopping 240fps (8x slow motion), which also allowing for 27 megapixel screen grabs when using 5.3k on the full 8:7 ratio.

The stabilization is even better with HyperSmooth 6.0 (in-built horizon levelling up to 360 degrees), TimeWarp 4.0 allows to switch between hyper-lapse, real-time and slow-mo recording in the same video with a tap of the screen, and the SuperPhoto has improved HDR abilities.

The screens are still very responsive and look excellent.

SuperPhoto for photographers, in particular, means you can point and shoot, and barely have to edit before uploading to social media. Although we still recommend shooting in RAW for the pros out there.

This article talks more about how to take better GoPro photos, written by a pro.

For the purists out there, the GoPro HERO12 shoots in RAW format for all photo modes.

There is still voice activation and the entire unit is waterproof to 10m, meaning there is no need for a dive housing if you’re not going below that depth.

Also the all-new Night Effects modes are really awesome. Who would have thought you could capture light trails and the Milky Way on such a tiny camera?

For the video gurus out there the HERO12 is a gimbal killer. What does that mean? It means HyperSmooth 6.0 is on another level.

The HERO7 stabilisation was amazing for vlogging and action sports, as was the HERO8 and 9, but after testing the new HERO12, the stabilisation is even better again. Don’t know how they do it, but they do! And it works at 4K at 120fps, TimeWarp and live streaming!

Want slow motion? How does 2.7k at 240FPS sound? Buttery smooth, that’s for sure.

Whereas in previous models they had White, Silver and Black models, the HERO12 only has a Black model.

Canon Powershot SX740HS – The Best Affordable Camera

If you want a dedicated camera that is cheap and still takes decent photos then you really are spoiled for choice.

We’ve personally owned a whole range of different brands in this range, from Canon to Fuji to Olympus to Sony, and with the way the best travel camera market is now if you’re not fussy about the brand you get, then you can’t really go wrong. But let us explain what you’ll need.

You’ll basically be looking for a small point and shoot, something that is foolproof and most importantly quite durable. Having a big zoom range is a big bonus so you can crop right in on different scenes.

The ability to use manual settings will come in handy if you ever want to play around and learn a bit more about how photography works.

And you want something affordable so that you won’t be overly worried if you lose it (just make sure you backup your photos).

The Canon Powershot SX720HS was a hugely successful compact camera, and Canon backed it up with the amazing SX730HS to become the best budget travel camera.

But like all good camera companies, Canon has stepped it up a notch again by bringing out the newest model in the range, the SX740HS .

This great little travel camera does it all, and for the price, it is the best travel zoom camera out there.

40x optical zoom, manual settings, shoots in 4K video, good color grading, and it is one of the better compact cameras out there.

It also has wifi so you can transfer photos straight to your phone or laptop without plugging it in, or control the camera from your phone. Perfect for the general traveler who just wants something to take decent photos with on their trip.

It also has a large articulated screen, so you can angle your shots perfectly, whether you’re shooting from the ground or above the head.

A few more updates over the SX730HS is an improved small sensor, meaning better low light capabilities, and faster burst shooting, cementing its position as the best budget camera for travelling.

READ MORE: Check out our latest guide on the best camera accessories !

Sony RX100 vii – The Best Compact Camera for Travel

This is the next level up. You still want the portability and benefits of having a point and shoot, but you want to take incredible photos too.

You’re interested in learning about the fundamentals of photography, and perhaps want to one day print your photos or maybe put them up online. Ultimately you’re after the best pocket camera for travel.

Here are the things you’ll need: Full manual control, a decent size sensor, zoom, high-quality video, flip screen (so you can shoot from different angles while still framing your shot), ability to shoot in RAW format, good ISO performance and a wide aperture.

This is the category that most people will be in. So if you’re asking yourself what is the best compact digital camera for traveling, read on…

READ MORE: Check out our comprehensive guide to the best landscape photography tips !

This is, in our opinion, the best point and shoot camera for travel on the market. It does everything you’ll ever need it to do and has incredible image quality in a premium compact size.

Sony have completely revolutionized the market with the RX100 range, and with each update it just gets better and better.

Without a doubt there’s no better option for the best compact camera for travel out there than the Sony RX100 vii right now.

The Mark 7 has a very long zoom range (8.6x optical, up from 3.6x optical, which is like having a 24-200mm lens), an amazing 20mp one-inch sensor to capture huge dynamic range, high quality 4K video and an articulating flip screen.

It’s an expensive camera, yes, but if you want the absolute best quality on the market in a small, compact unit that fits in your pocket, this is the best travel camera out right now.

BONUS TIP – If you want to create travel vlogs and have a decent camera for photography too, this is the model for you!

Canon G7X Mark iii – Best Camera for Vlogging

Vlogging is the newest craze, and it’s quite literally taking over as the new digital media of choice for many travelers and influencers.

If making videos is more your style instead of taking photos, then you’re going to want to look at a camera that has a range of specific features.

Most importantly is the ability to shoot in 4K (even if not many people have 4K monitors today, in a few years it will be common and you’re going to want to have footage to match the current standard).

Once you’ve got this another handy feature is an articulated LCD screen that can face you while you’re talking in the lens.

This allows you to frame your shot instead of cutting off half your head. Lastly you’ll want a microphone jack to catch better audio.

Get the camera, start filming and put some great videos up on YouTube ! Sounds easy, right? But what is the best travel camera for vlogging…

We’ve used more vlogging cameras than we can remember, from full-frame setups to GoPros and even putting to the test the brand new Sony ZV-1F .

But what have we settled on?

The Canon G7X Mark ii has always been considered the ultimate travel camera for vlogging, but it fell short in a few different categories.

That’s all changed now with the newest upgrade, the G7X Mark iii .

Shooting fantastic 4k video, this travel camera now has an in-built microphone jack for improved audio, a flip-up touchscreen for keeping your face in frame, and has a faster start-up time than previously.

The image quality is also much better now, and with manual control functions it really is a premium compact travel camera.

Sony A6600 – Best Mirrorless Camera for Travel

You’ve broken out of the realm of standard point and shoots, and you’re looking for a camera that has interchangeable lenses.

You’re getting into the idea of shooting wide, or perhaps portrait shots. Maybe you really would like to get a longer zoom.

Most of all, you really want to get serious about photography.

In your kit will be a range of lenses for a range of situations. You can look at getting filters to give beautiful effects on your shots. You might even want to start growing your photography portfolio .

A few years ago everyone would have recommended you to get an entry-level DSLR. This is no longer the case.

With the way mirrorless technology has gone DSLRs are losing traction and popularity. Now you can get something with the same image quality for half the size.

The Sony A6600 is an absolute powerhouse and puts up a good fight for being the ultimate travel camera.

For entry-level mirrorless cameras, Sony broke the mould by introducing the A6000 a few years ago. Since then every model has been lightyears ahead of the competition.

The latest A6600 is their newest offering, and for a compact camera, it is seriously next level.

It boasts one of the fastest autofocus capabilities of any camera on the market, an improved APS-C sensor capable of high-level video and great image quality, a touch-enabled articulating LCD screen and excellent electronic viewfinder.

The range of lenses available for this Sony mirrorless camera is huge, and manages to cover all bases for whether you want to shoot 4K video or take images that you can sell to magazines.

You can really get away with the standard lenses that come in most kits, but there are a couple of exceptions that you could splurge out for.

All Sony E mount lenses will fit onto the Sony A6XXX series (including the spectacular full-frame range, with a crop factor).

So if you are ever considering an upgrade to full frame and want to buy some new lenses for your APS-C sensor, you can fork out the money early and still use your lenses later on.

Best Wide Angle Lens

There’s really only one option in this range, and it’s the brilliant 10-18mm F4 . To this day one of the best photos we’ve seen taken of the Petronas Towers was taken with a Sony A6000 (older model) and this lens.

Best Portrait Lens

The Sony 50mm F1.8 is a great choice for a native portrait lens. It’s light, fast and cheap. 

The quality is decent without being amazing, but it definitely does a wonderful job for what you pay for.

Otherwise step up to the FE 55mm F1.8 (read about it below), although this will give you a 85mm perspective on the APS-C sensor.

Best Zoom Lens

Keeping with the affordable and light range that makes for great travel camera lenses, we recommend the Sony 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 .

For the amateur and hobbyist photographer, this will do just about everything you need and is a solid lens to have in your kit.

Sony A7iv – Best Professional Camera for Travel Photography

If you’re like us and want to make capturing the absolute best images of your travels a priority, then you’ll be looking at a professional range of travel cameras.

Following on from the discussion on mirrorless vs DSLR above, you’ll get many professional photographers who choose to stick to cameras like the Canon 6D or 5D series, or the Nikon D750 or D810.

These are legendary cameras in the industry, and with the enormous range of lenses available for each one, there’s a reason the best in the business use them.

But, we’re talking about travel cameras. And for this, we recommended sticking to mirrorless. 

Full frame DSLRs are big and heavy, whereas their equivalent in mirrorless are a fraction of the size.

If you have decided you want to take the leap to a full frame sensor and want to be rocking the best mirrorless camera for travel, then you have only two choices.

READ MORE: But you need to carry everything, right? Here’s our new expert guide to the best camera backpacks on the market today!

Sony was the first major camera producer to create a full frame mirrorless camera, and while Canon has finally caught up, Sony has years of research and development on their side.

The Sony A7 series is almost flawless. Fantastic image quality, 4K video capabilities (on the A7R, A7S and the A7iv), articulating LCD screens, wifi, light, compact and a whole range of native lenses available for it makes them the absolute best cameras for traveling.

And with the Metabones adaptors you can even use your old Canon, Nikon, Sigma, Samyang or other type of lenses on it.

As of 2024, Sony’s top cameras are the A1, A7iv, A7Siii, A7Rv and the A9ii. Now while the A9ii, A7Rv and A1 are absolute beasts of cameras, the truth is you most likely don’t need all the features they have.

We currently own the A7iv and A7Rv, and for professional travel photography, they are the best on the market.

The image quality is superb and the dynamic range is insane. The low light capabilities are also amazing. Even at ISO 12800, there’s barely any noise that shows up on the shot compared to a compact camera.

We personally recommend the A7iv as the best travel camera out there , as it’s just damn near perfect, especially as a hybrid photo and video camera.

4K video with 60fps, a lightning-fast autofocus system, joystick control, touch screen, fast processor, upgraded full frame sensor and amazing battery life.

If you’re the kind of person that loves to blow up their images for print, or does a lot of cropping when you edit your shots, then that’s the only reason you’ll want to step up to the A7Rv, as it has a 62mp sensor.

But wait – isn’t the brand new Sony A7Rv the best in class right now? Yes, it is. However, while it is absolutely incredible and takes things up another notch, it’s quite expensive and the megapixel count is likely not something you need..

Instead we recommend that you save your money on the body, put what’s left over towards some lenses, and get the A7iv be your go to camera for travel photography.

If you’re going for the Sony A7 series, we’ve got some bad news for you. Full frame lenses are expensive.

But if you’re considering turning your photography hobby into a profession, then this is a small sacrifice to make for the quality of photos you’ll be taking.

Trust us, if you’re buying the best camera for travel photography on the market, you’ll want to also have the best lenses to go with it.

The great thing with the Sony Alpha series is that their lenses are all interchangeable, meaning if you start out with a Sony A6600 and eventually upgrade to a Sony A7iv, you can take your old lenses and put them on the new camera (but it will have a crop factor).

Best All-Round Lens

The new FE 24-105mm f4 lens from Sony is pretty much the best all round travel zoom lens for photography.

It’s damn sharp, and with a constant aperture of f4, it means you can get excellent bokeh and decent low-light performance at any focal length.

This lens practically lives on our A7iv, as it’s so versatile, great for video and the image quality is fantastic.

The Sony 16-35mm f2.8 GM lens is one of the best wide angle lenses on the market, and when you throw it on your travel camera, you’re almost guaranteed to get fantastic shots.

Pretty much every review on photography sites raves about it, and having owned it for over three years now, we completely agree.

It’s not cheap, but to have such a fast and wide native lens for the Sony setup is pretty epic! If you want a cheaper alternative, check out the 16-35mm f4 , which is also very good.

Best Prime Lens

If you are into portrait or street photography make sure you get the FE 55mm F1.8 prime lens.

It’s very fast, very light and very sharp. And with such a good value, it may be the best prime lens that Sony makes (excluding the high-end GM series).

Owning a telephoto lens isn’t just about taking photos of wildlife or zooming in on things that are far away from you. It adds a whole new creative element known as lens compression to your arsenal.

This is the optical illusion that happens when the further you zoom into something, the bigger the background appears.

You start to get this effect from around 100mm and on, so if you’re looking for the best zoom lens to put on your Sony A7iv, consider the 70-200 f2.8 GMii lens, or the 100-400mm GM lens .

We have both of these zoom lenses, and we love love love them!

DJI Mavic Air 2 – The Best Drone for Travel

Aerial photography has gained in popularity over the last two years, and it’s easy to see why. 

Not that long ago the only way to get photos from the sky was by taking a chartered flight or helicopter.

But today just about anyone can go out, buy a drone and start taking shots from very unique angles.

The appeal is obvious. Capturing epic photos and video of landscapes from a perspective that few have ever seen before.

From the moment we bought our first drone (a DJI Phantom 4) we fell in love with it.

Good drones up until now have always been quite prohibitive when it comes to travel due to their bulky size.

The DJI Phantom series helped make it more accessible for most people, but even then it was still a commitment to travel with one.

Today the best drone for travel has finally been determined.

The DJI Mavic series is what you should be looking for when considering a travel drone.

With foldable legs and compact size, they tick all the boxes for portability.

There are a few different models to consider, and it really depends on your needs.

If you’re a professional, we recommend the DJI Mavic 2 Pro , thanks to its 1-inch Hasselblad Sensor and 360-degree collision avoidance.

But just announced is the Mavic Air 2 , and with features like 48-megapixel photo mode, panorama capabilities and 4k video, it’s the best option for anybody trying to take travel photos from the air on their next trip.

Its small size and great value makes it perfect for travel, but one thing to consider is the fixed focal length, meaning you can’t zoom in to take photos.

Note – With whatever drone you buy we highly recommend buying extra batteries. You’ll be surprised how quickly you chew through these. Check out the bundle packages from DJI (called ‘Fly More’ on the Mavics).

GoPro Max – Best 360 Travel Camera

With virtual reality becoming more and more popular, it might be no surprise that one of the best travel cameras for 2024 is actually a 360-degree camera!

These incredible little devices come with multiple cameras on one piece, managing to capture an entire scene in one shot in both photos and high definition video.

When they first came out they were very poor quality, but now they’ve improved enough that we actually travel with one full-time now.

360 cameras became popular when the Chinese company Insta360 started to bring out their affordable options, but the image quality was always pretty poor.

Then GoPro stepped onto the scene with the Fusion, and it changed the industry forever.

With all the standard great features GoPro is known for, such as being waterproof, having awesome connectivity and packing it all into compact cameras, the Fusion took things to the next level.

It did require a bit of work to use though, and the stitching wasn’t great. Plus with two SD card slots required to save media, it was just that bit too cumbersome for most photographers.

Cue the Max!

The GoPro Max took the best parts of all their cameras and threw it together into one unit with this one.

The Max, with its dual lenses on either side of the body, now uses just one SD card, making storage and management so much easier, and it has a touch LCD screen that can be used on the go.

For people looking for travel cameras that can do it all, it doesn’t just shoot in 360-degree mode.

There is their ultra-wide single perspective, and for having a small sensor, the low light shots are surprisingly good.

If you’re a travel vlogger you’ll be amazed at the quality of this! The inbuilt microphones do a great job at picking up audio while cutting out background noise, and the battery life is great.

It shoots at 5.6k video quality and 30 frames per second. You can change the pitch, yaw, field of view and angles to get the view you desire.

Even more unique, it can create 360 time-lapses and hyper lapses with a simple click. No need to pull it up in a program like Adobe Premiere Pro to make your videos any more!

Best of all it connects seamlessly to your smartphone using the GoPro app, so you can do all your editing, sticking and keyframing on the go.

When it comes to a travel camera that tries to do it all, this one is hard to beat.

That concludes our list of the best cameras for traveling. Let us know if you have any other recommendations, or if you use any of these cameras while traveling the world!

How to Choose the Best Camera for Travel 

No matter what level you are, the first piece of kit you are going to need to buy is the camera.

This can range from a cheap point-and-shoot right up to a top-of-the-line DSLR that can cost as much as a small car.

A quick visit to a camera store can leave you feeling completely overwhelmed with all the choices.

Keep on scrolling to find detailed information about each of these, and why they really are the best cameras for travel.

READ MORE: See what made the cut as the best travel tripod on the market in our expert guide!

What Features to Look for in a Travel Camera

There’s a number of different features that you need to look for when searching for the best travel camera to buy, based on your needs.

The first thing to look out for is how big and heavy a camera is.

When you’re on the road traveling, weight and space is a huge issue to overcome. You don’t want to be lugging around a heavy backpack full of gear if you don’t have to.

If you’re not a pro or a big enthusiast, we recommend checking out a compact camera or mirrorless camera, as they are smaller and more portable, while also providing decent image quality.

One thing that camera companies and salespeople like to preach about is megapixels. But what exactly does that mean?

A pixel is a tiny dot of color that you see on your computer or phone display. A megapixel is 1 million (actually 1,048,576 to be technically correct)  of those dots. So ‘24 megapixels’ so about 24 million dots of color

You may hear that more megapixels equal better quality photos, but this isn’t entirely true.

The sensor has more to do with image quality than the resolution does, but it does play a small part.

In short don’t get caught up about more buying a camera with more megapixels, unless you’re planning on printing your images on billboards.

Instead just use this guide to the best travel cameras to find out exactly what is the best choice you can afford.

One thing to consider when looking at the best travel camera is whether or not you can change the lens.

The reason this is important is that it gives you more choices down the road if you decide you want to get into different styles of photography.

A compact travel camera is most likely a fixed lens, meaning that whatever zoom range it comes with you can’t change.

A camera that you can change the lens on will let you upgrade to wide-angle lenses, a zoom lens, better maximum aperture options for low light performance, etc.

In general, if you can afford a mirrorless camera or DSLR, it’s worth buying.

A camera that allows you to change the manual settings gives you complete control over things like aperture, ISO and shutter speed.

This opens up a whole new world of creativity, and in our opinion, you shouldn’t consider a camera that doesn’t have this feature.

Luckily every recommendation on this list allows you to control those settings, even the GoPro HERO camera below!

It’s 2024 – make sure you get a camera that can shoot 4K video!

This provides much higher resolution when shooting video, and even if you don’t have a 4K monitor at home, you can always take that clip and watch it in high definition 1080p, or even crop into your footage.

Just beware that 4K video chews up your battery life, so make sure you have some spare ones!

Unless you plan on always being in perfect weather when you travel, it’s a good idea to get a camera that is either waterproof, or has good weather sealing.

Unfortunately you often have to compromise on a waterproof camera or a quality travel camera (unless you buy a GoPro), so we don’t recommend buying a camera that is fully waterproof.

Instead just make sure it has decent sealing, or look at buying an underwater housing if you want to get into underwater photography.

How far you can zoom in on a subject is very important when trying to decide the best travel camera.

If you buy a fixed lens camera, make sure it has a long zoom range, like a Canon Powershot or the Sony RX100vii.

Or if you buy a mirrorless camera or DSLR, you don’t have to worry about this as you can always upgrade later.

No matter how steady you think you are, you will almost always have a small amount of camera shake when taking handheld photos.

If you’re shooting at fast shutter speeds, this isn’t a problem. But if you’re photographing in low light, you can end up with motion blur.

Look out for cameras that have inbuilt image stabilization to counter this.

A DSLR ( digital single lens reflex ) works by having a mirror inside the camera. When you are looking through the viewfinder the mirror is down, covering the sensor, and you are looking at a reflected scene.

When you push the shutter the mirror flips up mechanically, allowing the image to be exposed onto the sensor, and then onto your SD card. All these moving parts take up room, hence why DSLRs are larger in size.

With mirrorless cameras, there are no moving parts inside. The image comes through the lens and directly onto the sensor.

There is an electronic viewfinder,  meaning you are seeing a digital copy of what you’re pointing the camera at, rather than a live view.

So without a mirror constantly flipping, the camera can be made a lot smaller. That’s why mirrorless cameras can be half the size of a DSLR.

When mirrorless cameras first came out the quality wasn’t that great. Now they are just about on par with DSLRs, and the portability means that they are the best cameras for travel photography!

In case you’re not sure what we mean, this article goes into a bit more information, but in short, we recommend getting a mirrorless camera.

The 3 most popular cameras that pros use are the Canon 5Div, the Nikon D850 and the Sony A7Riv.

For general travel videos, the kind of stuff you would publish on YouTube, we recommend the Sony RX100vii. If you’re looking to create more cinematic videos, the A6600 is the best compact travel camera for videos.

If you need the best small camera for travel, you should buy the Canon SX740HS. Compact, high quality and affordable, this little beast is a fantastic travel camera.

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11 Best Travel Cameras, According to Experts and Amateurs Alike

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

If you’re debating whether to spring for one of the best travel cameras before an upcoming trip, consider this: Yes, a smartphone is perfectly capable of serving the average traveler’s photography goals, but a dedicated camera is required for capturing high-quality memories. The wide angle lens of a smartphone camera can only take its images so far; in spite of technology’s advancements over the years, its zoom feature still degrades photo quality, making them too grainy—in our opinion—to be worth taking. When it comes to travel photography, many of us want to get close and fill the frame with exciting faraway shots like skylines and canyons. A good travel camera also allows the photographer to shoot exciting, fleeting scenes from their trips, like bicycles blurring through a charming street, low-light landscapes like a starry sky, or a city strip flashing with neon lights. Lastly, we’ll leave you with this: In an era when we’re glued to our phones every minute of the day, documenting a trip with a camera allows us to be present in the here and now, and actually connect with the place we’ve traveled so far to experience .

To guide your search for the perfect new device, we’ve tapped experts, editors, and frequent travelers to weigh in on their most-loved cameras. Below, 11 travel cameras to consider bringing on your next adventure.

Find the best travel cameras:

For taking your interest to the next level, for capturing video footage, for emulating the experts, for unserious fun with film.

Larry Guo, a Brooklyn-based reader who studied fine art photography as an undergraduate, loves Fujifilm’s ecosystem of cameras when it comes to taking travel photos. His particular camera of choice is the Fujifilm xT10, a mirrorless digital camera that is significantly more lightweight and portable than a DSLR. “You have all of the abilities of a raw digital camera, but it’s less bulky,” Guo says.

Guo’s recent travels have taken him and his partner Rob to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and throughout Japan . His partner, who has an affinity for landscape photography, uses the Fujifilm XT3, which is a more semi-professional model.

“[Rob] really likes the process of coming home and editing. He enjoys landscape photography, so he brought an extra lens. He took really beautiful shots in Puerto Vallarta of the mist. In Japan, he took beautiful photos all over the place. We had them printed at Griffin Editions in Gowanus [Brooklyn].”

Pallavi Kumar , Condé Nast Traveler’s senior visuals director, is loyal to Fujifilm as well. “Fuji’s image quality and colors are unmatched,” Kumar says. “Sony is supposedly advanced, but Fuji's image quality is something else.” She shoots with the Fujifilm x100V.

Guo added that he has heard terrific things about the point-and-shoot cameras by Ricoh. These high-end point-and-shoots make snapping high-caliber photos on the move easy and seamless, requiring little to no steps before hitting the shutter. “It’s a really well-made point-and-shoot,” he says. “There’s no interchanging lenses. And for most people, that's really what you need. Most people don’t want to travel with multiple lenses.”

Filmmaker and writer Leslye Davis—who is a co-director of the documentary Father Soldier Son and has worked as a visual journalist at the New York Times —has been taking a camcorder with her on her personal travels. “It keeps me off my cell phone and it makes it easier to keep track of footage but also to edit while you shoot, so it’s fun to watch the shots back-to-back,” she says. For photos, she’s been shooting with the Canon R6. “It’s light and has a silent shutter and the images are high-res.”

National Geographic underwater wildlife photographer Cristina Mittenmeier previously told Traveler that she shoots with a Sony a7R III . Given the subject matter she captures, she uses it for its extraordinarily high-resolution images and low-light capabilities.

In a previous version of this article, legend Steve McCurry recommended the Leica SL2 and White House photographer Pete Souza recommended the Fujifilm X‑Pro3.

McCurry is famous for his iconic photograph “Afghan Girl,” which was featured on the cover of National Geographic in June 1985. The SL2’s lenses, he said, were the best he’s used, and he praised the camera’s incredible durability. The camera has extremely crisp 5K and 4K recording capabilities, so for users who are traveling in rogue conditions—like windy deserts or beaches with massive waves—the camera’s weather sealing, which keeps out the elements, is key.

The Fujifilm X‑Pro3 is Souza’s favorite walking around camera. It's lightweight and quiet. Souza, who photographed Presidents Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama throughout their terms, recommends planning your travel shots with this camera for the “first two hours of light in the morning, the last two hours of light in the evening, or when the weather is really bad (think fog, rain, or snow).”

Growing in popularity lately has been Kodak’s new film cameras. Mercedes Bleth , Traveler’s g lobal associate director of social, has been loving the Kodak Ektar H35, a 35mm point-and-shoot film camera that shoots half-frame—which means you get twice as many photos for each roll of film. (A major plus considering film is so expensive.)

“I love taking this little film camera with me on trips,” Bleth says. “It is very compact, lightweight, and easy to use (point-and-shoot at its finest). I find that it's a more present way to capture memories while traveling—it allows you to stay in the moment because you don't spend as much time with your phone in hand, taking too many photos to get the perfect shot. Film is precious (even at half-frame), so what you get is what you get, which in my opinion, makes the memories that much more tangible, and fun to look back on once it's developed.”

I also own this camera in mint green and love how paper-light, affordable, and cute it is. For an even lower stakes experience shooting film, Traveler contributor Lydia Mansel loves her colorful Kodak M35 35mm film camera , a $25 option that is great for those into disposable cameras who want to upgrade to something reusable so they can stop shelling out and throwing away new ones after each trip.

The best travel camera for 2024: the finest choices for your adventures

The best travel cameras for your next big trip

• 1. Best overall
• 2. Best travel compact
• 3. Best-looking
• 4. Best action cam
• 5. Best tough camera
• 6. Best premium compact
• 7. Best small full-frame
• 8. Best hybrid vlogger
• 9. Best for moving subjects
• 10. Best superzoom
• How to choose
• How we test

We’re often asked what is the best travel camera. The answer depends on what you plan to do with it: a city break is best shot with something small and sharp, while adventurous travels demand something more rugged. That’s why this list is so diverse. Down below you'll find everything from premium compacts to mirrorless hybrids, all of which are great travel cameras in their own way.

After countless hours on the road, our favorite travel camera is the OM System OM-5. Thanks to a Micro Four Thirds sensor, it’s usefully portable yet captures better images than a smartphone. It’s also weatherproof and offers the flexibility to swap lenses. That said, we know it won't be the right choice for every traveller.

We don't pick our top travel cameras on specs alone. We've tested them all out in the real world, to check factors such as handling, image stabilization and image quality. The idea of this guide is to give you an in-depth summary of our findings, to help make it easier for you to choose your ideal travel camera. If compact size is your number one criteria, it's also worth checking out our best compact cameras guide. 

Top 3 picks

If you don’t have time to read our full list of the best travel cameras, you can use this summary for a quick overview of the top options for your needs and budget. When you find one that takes your fancy, use the links to jump to our full write-up.

The best travel camera overall

Squeezing a host of features into a compact, weatherproof body that’s compatible with a range of lenses, the OM-5 is the ideal travel camera.

Read more below

The best compact travel camera

If you want a camera that slips in your pocket but has smartphone-beating image quality, then the GR IIIx is well worth a look.

The best-looking travel camera

Don’t be fooled by its lovely retro looks: the Nikon Z fc is every bit the modern travel camera, with a useful touchscreen and top image quality.

Best by use-case

The best action camera for travel

With superlative stabilization and a useful 8:9 sensor for sharing videos to social, this is the best action camera for capturing intrepid travels.

The best tough travel camera

When travels get tough, you need a camera that can keep up – which is where the rugged TG-7 comes into its own, with a hardcore build and simple interface.

The best premium compact

With a large sensor, 23mm focal length and small form factor, the X100VI is a powerful tool for street photography on your travels.

The best small full-frame camera

Combining a small form factor with a high-res 61MP sensor and fantastic autofocus, the Sony A7C R is the best full-frame camera for travel photography.

The best hybrid for travel vlogging

A capable sensor and automated settings, including a Vlogging mode, make the Fujifilm X-S20 an accessible tool for stills and video on the go.

The best for moving subjects

The compact A6700 uses AI-powered autofocus to reliably snap on to animals, insects, cars and more. The Fuji X-S20 is better for video, though.

Load the next product...

The best superzoom camera

Even with a 1-inch sensor, the Sony RX10 IV delivers sharp stills and video, with the added versatility of a generous 24-600mm zoom range.

Tim is TechRadar's Cameras Editor. He has more than 15 years' experience as a  photographer and tech journalist. He's traveled widely in that time, including several years spent living and capturing images in Kenya. As a result, he's developed a deeply practical knowledge of what makes an excellent travel camera. Tim notes, "There's no one-size fits all travel camera, but all of the options recommended here share a few key traits: each is relatively portable, handles well while on the move and is capable of producing impressive holiday photos."

The best travel cameras in 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best travel cameras in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.

1. OM System OM-5

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid, om system om-5 sample images.

✅ You want a robust travel camera: Light enough to travel with but tough enough to deal with bad weather, the OM-5 is a ruggedly dependable camera.

✅ You shoot handheld a lot: The OM-5 has excellent image stabilization for stills, meaning you can cross a tripod off your packing list.

❌ You want the best image quality: Its Micro Four Thirds sensor is decent enough, but some rivals offer more pixels and better low light performance.

❌ You have large hands: Handling is surprisingly good for a small camera, but the grip is not very deep, especially for those with bigger hands.

The OM-5 represents a relatively minor update of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III , but its combination of talents make it an ideal travel camera in our book – particularly if you want the flexibility to change lenses. It shoehorns a lot of features into a compact, weatherproof body that's compatible with a wealth of equally small lenses. Most of its skills, including excellent in-body image stabilization and computational photography modes, are also designed with travelers and adventurers in mind.

Our tests found that the OM-5 delivers excellent video and stills quality for its size, helped by a stabilization system that gives you a high hit-rate of keepers. We also enjoyed the high-quality feel of the camera's dials, as well as in-camera software tricks, like Live ND and in-camera focus stacking, which are ideal for macro shots or blurring skies for an ethereal effect. Less good are the fairly average EVF resolution, 4K /30p limit for video and relative limitations of its smaller sensor, but these are all acceptable trade-offs considering this camera's size and price.

Read our in-depth OM System OM-5 review

• ^ Back to the top

2. Ricoh GR IIIx

Ricoh gr iiix sample images.

✅ You go on city breaks: It's small and discreet for city photography, where its poor battery life and less than desirable build quality aren't so much of an issue.

✅ You want smartphone-beating picture quality: Its large sensor and sharp lens, together with gorgeous color profiles, mean the GR IIIx produces lovely results.

❌ You want a powerful zoom: The GR IIIx's lens is fixed, which means it's sharp but it can't zoom in on distant action and landmarks.

❌ You shoot video a lot: With a basic video spec of just FHD video and mono audio, the GR IIIx is a photography first camera way behind today's smartphones for video recording.

If you want a truly pocketable camera with excellent image quality, the Ricoh GR IIIx is one of our top picks. It packs an APS-C sensor, the kind you usually find on bigger mirrorless cameras. It's also equipped with a fixed 40mm f/2.8 lens, which has the ideal focal length for everyday photography. The two together, combined with lovely in-camera color profiles, mean the GR IIIx is capable of rich, pin-sharp stills. We found its clever snap focus setting is also particularly well-suited to street photography.

The GR IIIx isn't perfect: there's no built-in flash, battery life is poor, the touchscreen is fixed and it won't stand up to rigorous treatment. However, you're making those compromises to obtain what is the best image quality of any camera this small. This is one of the few true compact cameras still being manufactured in 2024 and we think it's perfect for city breaks.

Read our in-depth Ricoh GR IIIx review

3. Nikon Z fc

Nikon z fc sample images.

✅ You care about camera design: From the retro dials to the circular viewfinder, the Nikon Z fc channels classic style to fantastic effect.

✅ You like manual exposure control: Dedicated dials for ISO, shutter speed and exposure, complemented by a lens control ring, give excellent manual control.

❌ You need a wide choice of lenses: There are only a handful of Z-series kit lenses designed for the APS-C format, limiting your options for expansion.

❌ You want a rugged camera: Although it looks like the sturdy FM2, the Z fc isn’t weather-sealed, so it’s not one to take on rainy adventures.

Travel photography is all about capturing memories and Nikon’s Z fc fully embraces the concept of nostalgia: it’s a stunning homage to the analog Nikon FM2, complete with retro styling, dimensions and dials. Despite the throwback design, it’s a very modern camera inside, sharing many of its specs with the capable Nikon Z50 . Our tests found that its 20.9MP APS-C sensor does a stellar job of capturing stills and 4K video, aided by reliable tracking autofocus. The Z fc has an excellent handle on noise too, especially under ISO 800, while dynamic range was impressive.

Its vari-angle touchscreen is also a brilliant addition, making it easy to frame travel selfies – or folding away completely for a leather-back look that lets you pretend it's the Eighties. The Nikon Z fc isn’t as sturdy as the camera that inspired it (there’s no weatherproofing, for example), but it’s still a beautifully unique camera for casual use. And with dedicated dials for ISO, shutter speed and exposure, plus a customizable lens ring, it’s also an easy one to control on the go.

Read our in-depth Nikon Z fc review

4. GoPro Hero 12 Black

Gopro hero 12 black sample video.

✅ You want a rugged travel camera: Waterproof down to 10m, the GoPro Hero 12 Black is a great choice for capturing action-packed travels.

✅ You plan to share on social: The 8:7 aspect ratio of its sensor gives you lots of flexibility to crop footage for social, including vertical videos.

❌ You plan to shoot in low light: Its 1/1.9in sensor shoots sharp footage, but it still struggles with noise handling in lower lighting conditions.

❌ You want a hybrid for stills: While the sensor can shoot 27MP stills, you’ll get a better photography experience from a standard alternative.

If you're looking for a high resolution action camera that's as comfortable shooting smooth videos as it is crisp photos, then the GoPro Hero 12 Black tops the bill. It's a limited update to the Hero 11 Black , but that's not necessarily a bad thing: that camera was already highly capable. You get the same 1/1.9in sensor with a versatile 8:9 aspect ratio (which lets you reframe for social without sacrificing quality), while its max resolution of 5.3K/60p beats the DJI Osmo Action 4 . You can also pull 24.7MP stills from 5.3K video.

Design-wise, there's no change here: its physically identical to the Hero 11 Black. It comes with a large Enduro battery as standard, giving more time between recharges on the road. The same interface lets you tweak the user experience, with ‘Easy’ and ‘Pro’ modes to suit your skill level. Superior Horizon Lock and HyperSmooth 5.0 smarts do a remarkable job of stabilizing handheld video. Minor updates from the Hero 11 Black are mainly for pros, including flat Log color profiles, 10-bit video, and multi-channel audio capabilities. 

Read our in-depth hands-on GoPro Hero 12 Black review

5. OM System Tough TG-7

Om system tough tg-7 sample images.

✅ You want a hardcore camera: With a case that’s waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof, the OM System Tough TG-7 is built to take a beating.

✅ You like a simple interface: Premium features include RAW shooting and 4K video, but the camera itself is easy to operate, even in tricky conditions.

❌ You want the best image quality: Results from the 1/2.3in sensor are fine, but the TG-7 tends to overexpose, and detail is lost at the telephoto end.

❌ You like using a viewfinder: The Tough TG-7 doesn’t have a viewfinder, and the 3-inch LCD screen has limited visibility in bright sunlight.

Tough cameras like the TG-6 are freeze-proof, shockproof and waterproof and can therefore be used in scenarios that you simply wouldn't consider with your phone or expensive camera, and for that reason the TG-7 is still one of the best travel cameras you can buy. Its industrial design feels reassuringly rugged, while large buttons make it convenient to operate beneath the waves or while wearing gloves, plus its 3-inch LCD display offers decent visibility in most conditions. 

We found image quality to be reasonable for a camera with a 1/2.3-inch sensor, with nice, rich colors – although there was a tendency to overexpose and blow out highlights. An equivalent zoom range of 25-100mm is fair, plus the inclusion of 4K video and raw shooting enhance flexibility. Its image quality might not match your phone for regular photos, but the TG-7 will allow you to be capturing extreme travel memories when you otherwise couldn't, plus there's a range of useful accessories such as a ring light for close up photography. 

Read our in-depth OM System Tough TG-7 review

6. Fujifilm X100VI

Fujifilm x100vi sample images.

✅ You're exploring the city: With a fixed 23mm f/2 lens, Fujifilm's best autofocus, tilt screen and hybrid viewfinder, the X100V is a fantastic choice for street photography.

✅ You want a premium camera: From its retro design to its metal body, the X100V feels well-made and looks the business.

❌ You don’t want a fixed focal length: The 23mm lens is fantastic, but some users will find it limiting, especially if you value the ability to zoom.

❌ You’re on a tight budget: The X100VI is a popular but niche premium camera, and its increased price will put it out of budget for many.

We'd class the Fujifilm X100VI as a niche premium compact camera, but the range is more popular than ever. The sixth-generation model keeps all that users have grown to love about the X100 series: sharp fixed lens, large sensor, retro design, and unique hybrid viewfinder. But it also builds on the X100V with a higher-resolution 40MP sensor and in-body image stabilization. The result is a significantly more versatile camera, for example the digital teleconverter can crop into the full image for 50mm (at 20MP) and 70mm (at 10MP) focal length looks, while stablization lets you shoot slower shutter speeds in low light.  

Other key improvements over the X100V include more detailed 6K video and Fujifilm's best-ever autofocus that includes advanced subject detection for photo and video. You can rely on the X100VI as a discreet everyday camera to document the world around, especially your travels, and it comes with 20 film simulation color profiles inspired by actual Fujifilm 35mm film that you can customize with recipes to develop your own style. 

Read our in-depth Fujifilm X100VI review

7. Sony A7C R

Sony a7c r sample images.

✅ You want the sharpest stills: With a 61MP full-frame sensor, you won’t get sharper travel snaps from any other camera in this list.

✅ You want a small, powerful camera: Despite the full-frame sensor inside, the A7C R is very compact and fits neatly in the hand.

❌ You value good handling: The small design has drawbacks, including a compromised viewfinder and absent AF joystick.

❌ You plan to use big lenses: Its compact proportions mean the Sony A7C R is mismatched with larger telephoto lenses.

By combining a small, travel-friendly form factor with a 61MP full frame sensor and fantastic autofocus, Sony has created arguably the ultimate travel camera. Successor to the Sony A7C – already one of our favorite travel photography tools – and announced alongside the A7C II , the A7C R fits nicely in the hand, while a flip screen and new dials offer welcome control.

Equipped with Sony’s top-grade autofocus and AI-powered subject tracking, the A7C R can cleverly and reliably track a broad range of subjects. You won’t find a better full frame sensor, either: borrowed from the A7R V , it captures stunning, pin-sharp stills in all conditions. Cropping potential is vast, and video footage is decent too.

There are trade-offs, though. In testing, we found that the A7C R’s compact proportions come with handling compromises, especially compared to the traditional design of the A7R V. The viewfinder feels small and fiddly, and we wish Sony had included an AF joystick. It’s also not a camera to pair with large telephoto lenses. But the real kicker is the cost: it’s significantly more expensive than the A7C II. That premium means it’s only a camera to consider if you need absolutely the best possible image quality on your travels.

Read our in-depth Sony A7C R review

8. Fujifilm X-S20

Fujifilm x-s20 sample video.

✅ You value longevity: The X-S20 has double the battery life of the X-S10, making it a great choice for long days of travel photography.

✅ You shoot video, too: Capturing sharp 26MP stills and 6K/30p open gate video, the Fujifilm X-S20 is a true mirrorless hybrid.

❌ You need weather proofing: Build quality of the X-S20 is good, but you’re better off with the Sony A6700 if you need a weatherproof camera.

❌ You have a limited budget: Its additional features come at the cost of a steep price hike compared to the Fujifilm X-S10, which makes it a harder sell.

Channelling everything we liked about the X-S10 , the Fujifilm X-S20 cements its position as a fantastic mirrorless cameras for travel. Its balanced body handled comfortably in testing, with simplified dials making it accessible for beginners. Novice-friendly features like a dedicated Vlogging mode also make it a forgiving camera for touring first-timers, as does the automatic scene detection mode: this harnesses the power of Fuji’s latest X-Processor 5 to reliably choose the correct settings. From our first impressions, it works better than the automatic subject tracking, which was a little hit and miss.

The X-S20 is blessed with a proven shooting system, utilising the same 26.1MP sensor as the X-S10 and X-T4 to produce quality stills. With 6K/30p 4:2:2 10-bit internal video recording also on offer, plus in-body image stabilization that worked well in testing, the Fujifilm X-S20 is a solid option for content creators on the move. The lack of weather-sealing will discourage adventurous travellers, while the price tag means it isn’t one to leave in an unattended bag. But at just 26g heavier than its predecessor, the X-S20 is a very capable all-rounder for travel.

Read our in-depth Fujifilm X-S20 review

Best for moving subjects

9. sony a6700, sony alpha a6700 sample images.

✅ You want a capable travel hybrid: A sharp APS-C sensor, five-axis stabilization and AI autofocus make the A6700 a great all-rounder to take on the road.

✅ You like to get hands-on: A more ergonomic grip and lots of direct-access buttons make the A6700 a nice camera to handle and use.

❌ You shoot mostly video: The A6700 can record sharp video, but there’s a heavy 1.6x crop on 4K/120p slow-mo and Active SteadyShot stabilization isn’t the best.

❌ You like simple menus: The interface on the A6700 has quite a learning curve, and it can be tricky to navigate when shooting out and about.

It's a close-run thing between the Sony A6700 and the Fujifilm X-S20 above, but if you shoot a lot of moving subjects then the Sony should be your choice. Like the Fuji, it has a 26MP APS-C sensor and comes in a compact, travel-friendly form. And like the Fuji, it's a genuine hybrid, offering decent video options to go with its stills prowess. But there are some key differences.

First, the good: the A6700 has the same AI-powered chipset as the far more expensive Sony A7R V , and this helps it deliver incredible subject tracking; seriously, this camera will lock on to humans, animals, insects, cars, trains, aircraft and more, then follow them unerringly around the frame. However, its video chops aren't as impressive as those of the Fuji. 4K 120p slow-mo footage is subjected to a heavy 1.6x crop, while the five-axis stabilization doesn't work as well when filming as it does when shooting stills. The complex menu system also leaves something to be desired.

Still, it handles well, has a great battery and would make an excellent all-rounder for your next trip - so long as you're slightly more focused on images than video.

Read our in-depth Sony A6700 review

10. Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV

Sony rx10 iv sample images.

✅ You like to zoom in: With a sharp, fast 24-600mm, the RX100 IV offers fantastic versatility to capture a range of subjects on your travels.

✅ You want an all-in-one option: The RX100 IV is a high-end bridge camera with a big zoom range, high-quality EVF and capable AF system.

❌ You want a small camera: While it ticks most of the boxes for travel photography, the RX100 IV is bigger and heavier than many rivals.

❌ You like a slick touchscreen: Its tilting touchscreen is a useful addition, but you can’t use it to navigate menus or swipe through images.

In terms of offering something for everybody, the RX10 IV ticks a lot of boxes. It's like having a bag full of lenses, but with the benefit of never having to change them. There's a very long zoom (going all the way from 24-600mm), while the maximum aperture is pretty wide throughout the lens. 

The RX10 IV's sensor might not be as a large as the ones you'll find on a mirrorless camera or DSLR, but Sony's 20.1MP one-inch chip proved itself to be very capable in our tests. Noise was well-controlled, and you'd have no problem making an A3 print from one of its files (particularly if you shoot at under ISO 800). 

You also get 24fps shooting, cracking 4K video quality and handling to rival a DSLR. The major downside? The high price – if your budget is tighter, don't forget about this camera's predecessor, the RX10 III .

Read our in-depth Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV review

How to choose the best travel camera for you

How to choose the best travel camera

Picking the right travel camera can be trickier than finding affordable flights. You’ll want a shooting tool that’s compact enough to conveniently carry on your travels, yet still capable of capturing sharp stills and stable video of your jet-setting adventures.

There are a few key things to keep in mind when choosing your ideal travel camera. Among the most important is size . While pocketable compacts offer convenience, the quality of your travel snaps will be boosted by the bigger sensors of larger mirrorless models.

If your adventures are likely to involve going off the beaten track, it’s worth considering a travel camera with rugged credentials. This could be one of the best action cameras , such as the GoPro Hero 12 Black – perfect if you plan to shoot quick, slick travel clips. Or it could be a sturdy compact such as the Olympic TG-7, which is one of the best waterproof cameras .

It’s also worth thinking about what subjects you might be shooting on your trip. A long zoom range will be handy on safari, while something light and fast is better for capturing street snaps on a city break. Travel compacts, such as the Panasonic Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 , usually use a zoom lens to cover a range of shooting scenarios. Interchangeable lens cameras like the OM System OM-5 can similarly offer the flexibility of both worlds, but only if you’re happy to travel with extra barrels in your backpack.

Which type of camera is best for traveling?

Travel cameras come in a range of shapes and sizes. Which style is best for you will depend on how you like to travel, what you like to shoot and how much gear you’re willing to cart around.

Travel zoom compacts such as the Panasonic Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 are pocket friendly, yet offer a broad scope for capturing a range of subjects. Thanks to generous zoom ranges, they give you the opportunity to get close to the action, or to shoot wide. The trade-off for having all of this flexibility in a compact body is generally a smaller sensor, which is less useful for shooting in low light.

If you’d like neat proportions but don’t need the versatility of a zoom lens, premium compact cameras could be worth considering. Models such as the Fujifilm X100V sacrifice zoom range in favour of larger sensors that are better at gathering light – usually a one-inch or, in the case of the X100V, an APS-C chip.

Between compacts and mirrorless cameras is where you’ll find bridge cameras. Bulkier than a standard compact, they offer more comfortable handling and a large zoom range, but without the need to carry different lenses. New bridge cameras are increasingly rare, but the Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV remains a great example.

If you don’t mind traveling with multiple lenses, many of the best mirrorless cameras have been specifically designed with travel in mind. In the case of models like the OM System OM-5 , that means a portable, weatherproof body, useful image stabilization for shooting on the move, plus a versatile Micro Four Thirds sensor that balances size and performance. And with lots of different lenses to choose from, you can pack different optics depending on the type of trip you’re taking – or opt for a reliable all-round option.

Is a DSLR or mirrorless camera better for travel photography?

When it comes to travel photography, most photographers look for a balance between portability and performance. If this is the combination you’re after, mirrorless cameras will almost aways have the edge over their DSLR rivals. Mirrorless models are generally smaller and lighter than DSLRs, making them easier to wield and travel with.

Despite their more compact proportions, many of the best mirrorless travel cameras can also match or outclass DSLR cameras when it comes to image quality, as well as autofocus abilities and video features. This makes them versatile tools for shooting on the move, especially if you choose a model with in-body image stabilization for sharp handheld results. If you pick a mirrorless camera with an established lens mount system, you’ll also find no shortage of glass to pack for your trip.

That said, there are reasons why you might still want to consider a DSLR camera for travel. Some photographers prefer the chunkier ergonomic grip for which the DSLR format is famous, especially if they plan on shooting for hours on end. The best DSLR cameras also offer superlative battery life, which can be useful if your travel plans include days away from electricity.

Budget might also be a factor, especially if you’re concerned about taking an expensive camera on your travels. Older DSLR cameras can offer great value, as can second-hand mirrorless models. It’s also worth looking at our round-up of the best cheap cameras , which includes some options that are a good fit for travel photography.

• Read our in-depth DSLR vs Mirrorless comparison

How we test travel cameras

☑️ 100s of cameras reviewed ☑️ 15 years of product testing ☑️ Over 16,000 products reviewed in total ☑️ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech

Buying a camera these days is a big investment, and travel cameras are no different – so every camera in this guide has been tested extensively by us. For travel cameras in particular, real-world tests are the most revealing way to understand a camera's performance and character, so we focus heavily on those, along with standardized tests for factors like ISO performance.

To start with, we look at the camera's design, handling and controls to get a sense of how suitable it is for life on the road, and any particular features that might be particularly useful for globe-trotters. When we take it out on a shoot, we'll use it both handheld and on a tripod to get a sense of where its strengths lie, and test its startup speed.

When it comes to performance, we use a formatted SD card and shoot in both raw and JPEG (if available). For burst shooting tests, we dial in our regular test settings (1/250 sec, ISO 200, continuous AF) and shoot a series of frames in front of a stopwatch to see if it lives up to its claimed speeds. We'll also look at how quickly the buffers clears and repeat the test for both raw and JPEG files.

In various lighting conditions, we also test the camera's different autofocus modes (including Face and Eye AF) in single point, area and continuous modes. We also shoot a range of photos of different styles (portrait, landscape, low light, macro/close-up) in raw and JPEG to get a sense of metering and its sensor's ability to handle noise and resolve fine detail.

If the camera's raw files are supported by Adobe Camera Raw, we'll also process some test images to see how we can push areas like shadow recovery. And we'll also test its ISO performance across the whole range to get a sense of the levels we'd be happy to push the camera to.

Battery life is tested in a real-world fashion, as we use the camera over the course of the day with the screen set to the default settings. Once the battery has reached zero, we'll then count the number of shots to see how it compares to the camera's CIPA rating. Finally, we test the camera's video skills by shooting some test footage at different frame-rates and resolutions, along with its companion app.

We then take everything we've learned about the camera and factor in its price to get a sense of the value-for-money it offers, before reaching our final verdict.

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Tim is the Cameras editor at TechRadar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other. 

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

The Best Travel Camera: Compact, DSLR, Mirrorless & Phone!

Last updated: June 14, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 167 Comments

I’m a professional travel photographer, and one of the most popular questions I’m asked by readers and students on my travel photography course is what the best travel camera is.

With that in mind, I wanted to put together a definitive (and regularly updated) guide to the best travel camera out there.

This guide covers everything you need to know to help you choose the best camera for travel, based on your needs and budget, as well as a guide to all my favourite cameras.

This is a detailed post, in which I’m going to cover my top picks for the best camera across a range of categories, including smartphones, compact cameras, mirrorless cameras and DSLR cameras, to name just some of the options.

These travel camera picks will suit a wide range of budgets, needs, and expertise levels. Our picks are ordered in approximate order of budget, from lower budget models through to higher end models.

I’m also going to go through in detail what you need to look for when buying a camera for travelling, and why each specification is important, so you can make the best choice for you.

Remember, the best camera for travel is going to be very dependent on your needs and situation, but after reading this post you should be able to pick the right camera for you – even if it’s not one we suggest!

I also have a guide to the best cameras for hiking and backpacking which contains some different options specific to those requirements, as well as a guide to the best action cameras .

This guide will also work if you are looking to buy a camera for someone else, and I recommend taking a look at our photography gift guide for more ideas of what to buy a photographer too.

Now, before we dive into individual travel camera recommendations, let’s get started by looking at what you need to think about when picking a camera for travel.

I think this is essential reading, as understanding what you are looking for when buying a camera will help you make a truly informed decision.

Table of Contents:

What To Consider When Picking A Travel Camera

Budget – how much do you have to spend on a travel camera.

This is an important one. Cameras vary wildly in price, from a couple of hundred dollars up to thousands of dollars. So you definitely need to think about how much you want to spend.

Also, this is a travel camera. Whilst you want to get the best shots, travel can expose you to risks, from loss to theft. Obviously, these are things that can be mitigated against with insurance, but it’s something to bear in mind when making an investment – the more pricey the camera, the higher the insurance premium.

Finally, don’t forget that the camera is only a part of the puzzle. You will also need things like memory cards, spare batteries, lenses – as well as possibly a tripod and filters. Your needs will vary, but don’t forget to include them in your overall budget – I’ve written a post on travel photography accessories to give you some pointers, as well as a guide to picking the best lens for travel photography .

Weight – How much are you willing to carry around?

This is a really important question. If you’re the kind of person who likes to travel light, then you’re not going to want a bulky DSLR. Having the best travel camera that sits in your hotel room while you’re out having fun isn’t going to be much use.

Even a mirrorless system might be too much for you if you want something that will truly fit in your pocket or purse, and your best bet is probably a smartphone or compact camera.

On the other hand, if image quality and low-light performance are more important to you than weight, and you’re happy carrying spare lenses, filters, and other accessories, then you’ll likely be looking at a mirrorless or DSLR system.

Remember, as a general rule of thumb, the bigger the camera, the more room it has for a larger sensor. A larger sensor means the camera can capture more light, which means you’ll get sharper, cleaner images even when shooting in darker situations.

Use – What are you going to be taking pictures of?

The type of photography you’re going to be doing makes a big different to the type of travel camera you will be buying. If your main goal is to take nice travel photos for your albums, social media, and to post to friends and family online, then any of the camera types will likely do the job.

However, if you’re going to be doing a lot of action photography, or need the camera to be fully waterproof, then something like a GoPro is going to be the best option.

If you like astrophotography, you’re going to need a camera with a big sensor to let in plenty of light and you might want to invest in a DSLR. Conversely, if you just want a general purpose camera with plenty of flexibility for a variety of travel scenes, from food to landscapes to people, then something like a mirrorless system will most likely be best, offering the best performance for the weight.

Extra features to look for in a Travel Camera

A lot of cameras these days come with extra features that you may or may not care about. I’m talking about touchscreen interfaces, built-in GPS, WiFi, weather resistance, pivoting screens, and so on.

The main features you should be looking at in terms of actual image quality are the sensor size, aperture range, level of manual control, and, for cameras without an interchangeable lens, the optical zoom. Beyond that, which features you are interested in depend on your needs.

For example, you may also want to take videos with your camera. Some cameras are much better at video than others – notably Panasonic’s range of Lumix cameras are known for their video performance.

Personally, I love having a camera with GPS and WiFi capabilities so I can easily remember where my shots were taken, plus I can remote control my camera from my smartphone. On the other hand, a touchable, pivoting screen isn’t a deal breaker for me.

What works for me might not work for you though, so think about which features are important to you when making a purchasing decision. The best camera for travel photography definitely varies from person to person, but hopefully the information in this post will help you make the right decision.

Photography Terminology to Know When Buying a Camera for Travel

Like any subject, photography brings with it a raft of terminology – some of it is important to know about, other things are manufacturer buzzwords that don’t really make any difference to your photography. Here are the important terms to look for when buying a camera for travel, and what they mean.

Aperture. The aperture is the hole in the lens that lets light in, and is one side of the exposure triangle . Aperture is measured in numbers, with an “f” preceding the number, for example, f/1.8, f/2.2. The smaller the number after the “f”, the bigger the hole, and the more light that gets in. Look for smaller numbers, which will let you get better pictures even when there is less light available, and also allow you to better control depth of field .

Optical zoom. This represents the difference between the smallest and largest magnification that the camera’s lens can achieve. So a camera with a 10x optical zoom can make objects seem 10x bigger in the image compared to when the camera is zoomed out.

Digital zoom. A totally pointless feature that some manufacturers add to their cameras. It’s basically a software zoom – the same effect you get if you zoom in on your PC or smartphone when you have an image. Avoid using it.

Focal length. Focal length is the proper photography term for optical zoom, and is a standard across lenses and manufactures. Optical zoom is an easy to understand number that you will find in point and shoot cameras. Focal length, measured in mm, is the number you will find on cameras with interchangeable lenses. The bigger the focal length, the more magnification the lens offers.

EVF. An electronic viewfinder. This means that the camera has a viewfinder, but rather than being a glass based version that shows the scene in front of you as your eye sees it, instead there’s a small electronic screen which shows what the camera sensor is seeing – the same as the display on the back of the camera. You generally only find these on high end mirrorless cameras.

Megapixels. Megapixels just refers to the number of pixels the camera’s sensor has. Mega means million. So 12 megapixels is 12 million pixels, and would be an image 4000 pixels wide and 3000 pixels high. 4000 * 3000 = 12 million.

Thankfully, manufacturers are nearly over the megapixel war, which is a good thing, because as long as you have over about 12 megapixels, you’re good to go. In some cases, such as smartphones, less megapixels is actually better, as you’ll probably get better low-light performance as each pixel on the sensor might be bigger. But yes, unless you’re planning on printing out your images on billboard sized canvases, you can essentially ignore the megapixel marketing.

OIS / EIS. These are image stabilisation technologies, either Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) or Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS). OIS is found in a number of camera and lens systems, and a small number of smartphones, and is a mechanical system that compensates for small movements of the camera system, such as your hand. EIS is generally only found in smartphones, and is a software solution for motion compensation. OIS generally achieves better results.

Sensor size. The size of the sensor inside a camera is one of the most important specifications to be aware of. The bigger the sensor, the more light it can capture, and so the better it will perform in conditions where there is less light.

Sensor sizes range from tiny, such as those found in smartphones, and generally increase in size as the size of the camera increases. Here’s a diagram to show different sensor sizes, and you can read more about different formats here .

Do be aware that manufactures can be a bit sneaky when it comes to describing sensor sizes, particularly in compact cameras. They might for example, talk about having a “1-inch” sensor.

This refers to the type of sensor, rather than it’s physical size. So whilst a 1/2.3 inch sensor is smaller than a 1-inch sensor, neither sensor is actually close to 1/2.3 inch or 1 inch. See more on how physical sensor sizes map to actual sensor sizes here .

RAW. RAW is a file format that more advanced cameras use, allowing you to save the unmodified image data that the camera has captured, rather than the edited JPG version.

This gives you much greater control over the final look of your images, with the downside that file sizes are much bigger, and you have to edit them on your computer in an image editing program before you can use them anywhere.

Many cameras give you the option to shoot in RAW, JPEG/JPG, or to shoot in both. We recommend shooting in both even if you plan only to use the JPG version for now – in the future as your photography skills develop, you’ll be pleased to have the option to go back and edit the original RAW files. You can find out more about RAW in my guide to RAW in photography .

If you are interested in learning more about photography and understanding in detail all the terms above and how they affect your shots, check out my travel photography course , which has all the photography answers you need.

The Best Travel Camera

I’ve divided this list into the different types of camera for travel, with some information on what to look for in each category. I will keep this post updated with the latest travel camera options as they are released. You can see the last date of update at the top of the post.

Each section has a series of the best travel camera recommendations ordered approximately by price, from lowest to highest. Note that prices change and sales occur, which is why we link you to the relevant pages on Amazon and other camera retailers for up to date pricing information.

This should give you everything you need to know to help you make a decision on which would be the best travel camera for you to buy, based on your budget, usage scenario and luggage space.

Best Smartphones for Photography

Why pick a smartphone for travel photography.

If you care about portability, ease of use, and not having to carry another device around with you, then my advice is to get a smartphone with a decent camera, and just use that.

A smartphone can certainly make for a good travel camera, and the latest smartphones take excellent photos in a wide variety of situations.

They also have more features than your average small travel camera – you can share the images directly from the smartphone to your favourite social media platforms, plus have them automatically back up to the cloud as you go using something like the Google Photos app.

In addition, since a smartphone is a device that nearly all of us will be travelling with anyway, choosing one which takes good photos is a cost-effective way of buying a camera.

The main disadvantages are the lack of lens options, reduced manual controls, and generally poor performance in low-light due to the small sensor. But if you want something you’re always going to have on you, a smartphone is hard to beat.

Finally, I’d also add that it’s worth picking a smartphone with a good camera even if you plan on buying a standalone camera. It will serve as a good backup, and you are likely to always have it on you.

What to Look for When Buying a Smartphone for Travel Photography

Manufacturers are fairly inventive when it comes to squeezing tech into tiny smartphone bodies, but obviously there’s a limit to what can be achieved in such a small form factor.

Features to look out for include a wide aperture, which will let more light in, and let you capture shots in low light conditions. Another good feature is an optical zoom, which will let you capture images of further away subjects. This is usually achieved either with a clever nifty periscope zoom, or through the use of multiple cameras as different focal lengths.

Some smartphone manufacturers talk about having bigger pixel sizes. This relates to the physical size of the pixels on the sensor, a number measured in µm, or micrometers. Larger pixel sizes are good as they are more light sensitive and help low light performance.

Speaking of pixels, be wary of high megapixel numbers. In my opinion, anything above 16MP is a warning sign that the manufacturer is trying to win you over with high numbers – you really want less megapixels, as each pixel can then be bigger to capture more light.

Other features to look out for are some form of stabilisation, either optical or electronic, which will let you get photos in lower light and compensate for your hand movement. Better smartphones will have more manual controls to give you more options for your photos. There are different types of focusing system, but I’ve never found a lot of variation between them. Waterproofing can be a benefit, meaning you can get photos in the rain or at the beach.

Also if you plan to travel internationally with your phone a lot, try to choose an unlocked phone so you can put a foreign SIM card in, and that works on multiple frequencies so you still get 3G, LTE/4G and 5G (for more recent phones). That means you can still easily use it to call, text, and get online when travelling internationally. Here’s an excellent resource for finding out which phones work on which networks in which countries.

The Best Smartphone for Travel Photography

Here are five suggestions for current phones which I think are some of the best smartphones for travel photography and should definitely at least get you started in your search. Prices are for the unlocked version of the phones, you might be able to get a better deal through a carrier on a contract.

1. Google Pixel 8

Launched in late 2023, the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro offer a combination of reasonable price and excellent camera performance. They can take great pictures in the majority of lighting situations, including in low light, when it switches into a low light mode.

Most users will likely be happy with the Pixel 8 version. This comes with a 50MP wide angle camera (which outputs 12.5MP images) and a 12MP ultrawide camera, as well as an 8MP front facing camera. It comes with a 1/1.31” sensor and a f/1.7 aperture. The wide-angle camera has 1.2µm pixels, whilst the ultrawide uses 1.25µm pixels

You also get 4K video support as well as built-in image stabilization. The standard Pixel has no optical zoom, but it does support shooting in RAW. Being a smartphone, it has a touchscreen, and it’s also water resistant.

You can also upgrade to the Pixel 8 Pro if you want an additional 5x telephoto lens, although it does cost a bit more.

This would be our pick for the best reasonably priced smartphone for travel photography.

Check latest price here .

2. Fairphone 5

Since 2013, Fairphone have been manufacturing smartphones that are fairly made. What does that mean? Well, the idea is that the production of their devices is made in a sustainable way, with practices that benefit everyone involved.

That includes the people involved in everything from the mining of the materials that go into the phone, through to you, the consumer. Over the years, smartphones have become increasingly hard for consumers to repair, with the industry moving towards a more disposable model.

Fairphone wants to change that, with phones that are user repairable and upgradeable, as well as relatively affordable.

Now, to be honest, the first few phones from FairPhone weren’t class leading. Building a device that meets all their requirements is tough. But they have continued, and the latest iteration, the Fairphone 5, is actually solid performer when it comes to general use, and also as a camera.

You get two main cameras. The first is a 50MP f/1.9 aperture camera with a 1/1.56″ sensor, 1 μm pixels and optical image stabilization. The second is an ultrawide 50MP with an f/2.2 aperture, 0.7um pixels and a 1/2.51″ sensor.

Now, the image quality from other phones on our list will be marginally better, but the green and environmental credentials of the Fairphone are world leading for smartphones.

3. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Samsung’s flagship Galaxy phones are known for their superior photography capabilities, and the 2023 Galaxy S23 Ultra is no exception.

You get four rear mounted lenses, a boggling 200MP f/1.7 wide angle, a telephoto 10MP f/4.9, a second telephoto 10MP f/2.4 and an ultrawide 12MP f/2.2.

This range of lenses gives you a 10x optical zoom, as well as impressive digital zoom capabilities which go all the way up to 100x! The front facing camera is no slouch either, offering a 12MP f/2.2 wide angle.

Pair that with pixel sizes from 0.6µm-1.4µm pixels and OIS – all packaged in a water-resistant smartphone, it’s no wonder that it is usually found at the top of the pile when people review cameras for smartphones. This is the smartphone I currently own and use for my mobile travel photography needs. Check latest price here .

4. iPhone 15 Pro Max

The latest iPhone Max model offers a range of photography focused features that make it a worthwhile upgrade over previous iPhone models. You get 3 cameras in total.

There’s a main 48MP camera which also offers a 2x 12MP zoom. Then there are 2 12-megapixel cameras, one which offers an ultra-wide lens, and one with a 5x telephoto zoom. This latter is the biggest optical zoom of any iPhone to date.

There’s also a built in LIDAR scanner, which makes for wonderful night photos, as well as a RAW mode. A great choice if you’re an Apple person.  Check latest price here .

Best Compact Camera for Travel Photography

Why pick a compact camera for travel photography.

A compact travel camera offers a number of advantages. First, they offer larger sensors than most smartphones, so image quality and performance is usually improved. They are pocketable, so easy to take with you.

Compact cameras also tend to be designed to be more user friendly (hence the nickname point-and-shoot cameras) and are generally much less expensive than mirrorless and DSLR camera systems. Many models offer manual controls, and having a separate device means you can keep on taking photos even if your smartphone battery is on the way out.

One of the biggest advantages though, and the reason to pick a compact travel camera over a smartphone, is the optical zoom. All the compact travel cameras we feature have an optical zoom (except the GoPros), letting you get shots of distant objects that you wouldn’t be able to get with a smartphone.

The main disadvantages are the smaller sensor sizes compared to a mirrorless or DSLR and the lack of interchangeable lenses.

If you’re interested in buying a compact camera, see our detailed guide to getting the most out of a compact camera here for some tips and advice.

What to look for when buying a Compact Travel Camera for Travel Photography

There are a variety of features that compact travel cameras offer for travel photography. Key features to look for are the optical zoom, and specifically, how much optical zoom the camera offers.

Other features include the size of the sensor – the bigger the sensor, the better the performance – the maximum aperture, and whether or not there is some form of image stabilisation technology built in.

Any camera with a long optical zoom needs excellent image stabilisation, as the more you zoom in, the more exacerbated tiny movements become.

Other features to consider depending on your needs include GPS, WiFi and touchscreen capabilities. Some more advanced compact travel cameras also include manual modes, which can really help you get the most out of them, and some even shoot in RAW. Let’s take a look at our pick of the best compact travel cameras.

The Best Compact Camera for Travel Photography

Here are a number of my top suggestions for compact travel cameras which I think are some of the best options for travel photography.

Note, many manufacturers have ramped down production of their compact cameras and new models are not being released. This is largely due to the popularity of smartphones.

The main impact is that many of the models I recommend are now older models.

This means stock and availability of some compact camera models can be very low. This is especially the case at the lower price points.

I’d suggest checking used camera sites like KEH or MPB if you are struggling to find a specific model.

1. Panasonic Lumix ZS70 / (TZ90 in UK)

With a 30x optical zoom lens, a 20.3MP 1/2.3 inch sensor, OIS, full manual controls and RAW support, this camera puts out some great shots at an excellent price for what you get. It even has an electronic viewfinder, which is rare in a compact camera and can make composing images in bright sunlight easier.

A newer model was released in 2019 – the ZS80 . This adds Bluetooth and a higher resolution EVF but not much else. We’re not sure that is a sufficient upgrade to justify the price difference, but it’s up to you. If you find them at the same price, then you might as well get the ZS80, otherwise the ZS70 remains our pick while it’s still available.

Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

2. Sony RX100

It also has a fast f/1.8 aperture and a 3x optical zoom. It’s a little long in the tooth now, but you can pick one up for a great price, hence the inclusion in this list. You can also get newer models with newer features at increasing price points.

We use and love the RX100 version V , which offers a number of upgrades over this model and is available at a reasonable price. You can see the bottom of this section for the latest and greatest version as well.

Check price on Amazon here

3. Canon Powershot SX740

At 1/2.3in, the sensor is similar to other cameras at this price point. Also, as with other cameras with a long zoom, it comes with the tradeoff that the maximum aperture only goes to f3.3, and at maximum zoom, is all the way down at f/6.9.

Still, it’s one of the best zoom cameras in our list of point and shoot travel cameras, especially at this price point, and the price is excellent for what you get.

4. Olympus TG-7 Waterproof Camera

If you need a camera that will survive nearly everything you throw at it, including drops and being submerged in water, then this Olympus is a great option.

It’s particularly focused on those looking for underwater photography, and unlike the GoPro mentioned below, it features a 4x optical zoom lens. This is also optically stabilized.

This camera also has RAW shooting, 4K video support, a fast f/2 lens and built in GPS, as well as a variety of dust, shock and waterproof features. Of all the cameras in our list, this is probably the one with the most survivability!

5. Canon Powershot G9 X Mark II

It has more manual controls, allows for RAW shooting, and an aperture that starts at f/2. The optical zoom isn’t too impressive at 3x, but you definitely get improved image quality from that larger sensor.

6. Sony Cybershot HX99

With an excellent 28x optical zoom packed into a small body, the camera offers an 18.2-megapixel 1/2.3in sensor, flipping touch screen, 4K video support, electronic viewfinder, manual modes, RAW support, Bluetooth and 10fps shooting support.

It’s an excellent choice for a compact zoom camera, with good image quality and solid features. It’s also reasonably priced for what it offers.

Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here .

7. Panasonic Lumix ZS100 (TZ100 in UK)

Panasonic’s 1-inch sensor camera model is no slouch, with an f/2.8 aperture lens and an impressive 10x optical zoom. It also has full manual controls, a touchscreen interface, EVF, OIS and RAW shooting.

It’s a little more pricey than other options in our list, but that optical zoom is a definite bonus in the 1-inch sensor category. There is also a newer model, the ZS200 , which costs a bit more and also has a 15x optical lens, although it has a narrower aperture as a result.

8. Panasonic Lumix LX100 II

We’re moving up a price point now with the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II. This is unique amongst the compact cameras in our lineup, as it uses a micro four thirds sensor.

This larger sensor results in better low light performance, but does mean the camera is larger and heavier. The sensor offers 17MP of resolution in a 4:3 aspect ratio. The camera comes with a 24-75mm equivalent lens (approximately 3x optical zoom) which offers a variable aperture of f/1.7 – f/2.8.

You also get a touch screen, electronic viewfinder, optical image stabilization, full manual controls, and RAW support. The screen however doesn’t flip out.

Overall, this is an excellent option for those who don’t mind trading absolutely portability for improved image quality. If you fall within this category, you may also consider the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III , which has an even larger APS-C sized sensor in an even larger body.

9. Sony RX100 VII

There’s a big jump in price to Sony’s latest RX100 model, the RX100 VII. Released in August 2019, in our opinion this is one of the best compact travel cameras money can buy. If your budget can stretch to it then this would be our pick for the best compact camera for travel.

Like the previous model in the lineup, the VI, this camera is a leap over previous cameras in the RX100 lineup as it has a far more impressive optical zoom, equivalent to 8x, with a 24mm – 200mm lens.

This compares very favourably to the previous optical zoom of models in the range (versions I – V), at 3x.

It still retains the 1-inch sensor, so you get better image quality than your average compact camera. It’s also the first in the series to feature a variable aperture which is slightly slower – however we feel this is a reasonable trade-off due to the zoom capability. It also has image stabilisation, a tilting screen and an electronic viewfinder.

We would argue that this is the best small camera for travel photography, if you have the budget for it, although the improvements over the VI are not too significant, so if you can find that for a lower price, that might be the one to go for. We personally have the version V model which we got for a great price during a sale event.

The Best Action Camera for Travel Photography

Why pick an action camera for travel photography.

If you are going to be spending time doing any kind of adventure activities, from snorkelling and swimming to skiing or snowboarding, an action camera is likely going to be the best option for you.

These tiny cameras are designed for use in more extreme environments, including total water immersion, and are perfect for capturing moments that other cameras simply wouldn’t survive.

That survivability does come with a trade-off of course – most action cameras don’t have manual controls, optical zoom or the ability to change aperture settings. However, when you’re catching the perfect wave you are unlikely to be wanting to fiddle with that sort of thing anyway – you just want something that works.

We’d generally say that an action camera is going to be best as a secondary camera or if you plan on making a lot of video. It can work as your primary camera, if you are happy to live with the restrictions.

What to look for when buying an Action Camera for Travel Photography

Most action cameras are fairly similar in size and features, although there are a few things to look out for.

Obviously, the environments the camera can survive in are important to consider. Some action cameras are totally waterproof for example, whilst others will need a special housing.

The interface is also important. These cameras are very small, so having a simple interface is key so you aren’t fumbling with setting when trying to get the shot.

Other features to look out for are image or video stabilization, size of the screen, if it has a touchscreen for control, additional features like voice commands and the resolution of the video and photo files. Support for 4K video for example should be the default for any action camera you buy for travel.

It’s also worth checking to see what accessories the camera comes with, as this can add a lot to the price. Some cameras come with a lot of accessories out of the box, whilst others will require you to spend quite a bit on additional accessories to meet your needs.

Best Action Camera for Travel Photography

Here are some of our suggestions for the best action cameras for travel photography. We also have a more complete guide to the best action cameras if you want some more suggestions.

1. Akaso Brave 7 LE

Despite the lower price, this camera doesn’t skimp on features. It supports video at up to 4K at 30 frames per second, 20MP still image capture, voice commands, electronic image stabilization, a large touch screen for control, and a second front facing screen which is perfect for selfies. It’s even water resistant without the case down to a metre, or 40 metres with the case.

Check price on Amazon here .

2. GoPro Hero

The most well-known brand in action cameras has to be GoPro, and specifically the GoPro Hero range of action cameras. Whilst they tend to be the more expensive option, they excel at action photography and video.

If you need something that’s going to survive water and action, then the GoPro line is the best option out there.

Advantages of the GoPro are that it is waterproof without a housing down to 10 metres (with housings available deeper than this), and they have fantastic image stabilization. It also has voice activated commands.

The disadvantage is that to get the best shots you are going to need to buy a number of accessories so you can mount the GoPro wherever you want. These can add up a bit. You’re also likely to need additional batteries.

Still, if you want the best action camera out there for image quality and features, the GoPro series is the one to go for!

Check price on Amazon here and  B&H here  

3. Insta360 Go 3

If you can’t decide between an ultraportable action camera and one with a screen, then we’d highly recommend checking out the Insta360 Go 3, which offers the best of both worlds, and is one of the action cameras we currently use.

The camera itself is tiny, weighing around 35g (1.2oz). Despite the diminutive size it’s still fully featured though, supporting 2.7K video. It’s also waterproof without a housing and features a powerful magnet system which allows you to mount and attach it almost anywhere.

If you use the camera on its own then there’s no screen. However, pop it into the “action pod” and it turns into a more traditional looking action camera with a full size tiling touchscreen, control buttons and additional battery life.

4. Insta360 X3

Most cameras on the market today shoot what’s in front of you. However, if you want to capture all the action, then you might consider a 360-degree action camera.

If that’s the case, then the brand we recommend is Insta360. They’ve been making 360-degree cameras for a number of years, and we have used a number of their cameras on trips around the world.

Their latest 360 action camera is the Insta360 X3 . It comes with two cameras, meaning it can capture a 360-degree view of the world at 5.7K. It’s no slouch at photography either, able to capture a 72MP 360 degree photo.

That means that you can get the shot and then crop down as you wish to frame the exact action moment you want. Alternatively, you can shoot with a single lens if you want. Both front and rear facing cameras are equipped with a 1/2″ 48MP sensor. It also supports HDR mode and is waterproof to 33ft (10 metres).

Check price on Amazon here and  B&H here 

Best Mirrorless Camera for Travel Photography

Why pick a mirrorless travel camera for travel photography.

A mirrorless travel camera is a relatively new development in the travel camera space. They are similar to DSLR cameras; however they do not have an internal mirror to reflect light from the lens to the optical viewfinder.

This means that they can be smaller, lighter and more portable – making them a top contender for the best camera for travel.

Mirrorless cameras also have all the other benefits of a DSLR – larger sensors, manual controls, excellent image quality and interchangeable lenses.

In terms of disadvantages, they are of course larger and heavier than smartphones or compact travel cameras and are more expensive, especially when you factor in one or two good lenses.

Compared to DSLRs, they generally have poorer battery life, and less lens choice – although this latter is improving as mirrorless systems mature.

What to look for when buying a Mirrorless Travel Camera for Travel Photography

Mirrorless cameras come with different sensor sizes, from the micro 4/3 format up to full frame. All of these are larger than those you will find in compact travel cameras or smartphones, and again, the larger the sensor, the more light the camera can capture in any given situation.

Another key factor to consider is the lens selection. Different manufacturers offer different lens systems, so it’s worth investigating to be sure there are sufficient lens choices for the kind of photography you want to be doing. Also be aware that whilst most mirrorless cameras ship with a kit lens, you can also buy them without a kit lens and then buy a more suitable lens for your needs.

Other considerations include the screen type, if the camera has an EVF, WiFi, water resistance, type of focus system and so on.

Also be aware that all of the camera manufacturer’s below have a range of mirrorless options – I’ve done my best to highlight those that offer the best combination of price and features for travel photography.

Based on a few years of experience shooting with a variety of different mirrorless camera systems, and feedback from fellow travel photographers, we’re put together our list of the best mirrorless cameras for travel.

If you choose one of these, we also recommend reading our guide to how to use a mirrorless camera to get you started!

1. Canon EOS R100

With a large APS-C size sensor as found in their consumer DSLRs, the Canon EOS R100 is one of the best budget travel camera options to consider. It took Canon a while to get into the mirrorless camera game, but their “R” series is now a serious line-up of excellent cameras.

The R100 is the entry level model, launched in July 2023. You get an APS-C sized 24.1MP sensor, a superb autofocus system, support for a wide range of lenses as well as built in Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth. The relatively large sensor offers good performance, and I’ve personally always found the Canon menu system to be the most intuitive to use.

There’s no touchscreen, which is a logical omission at this price point, but other than that you are looking at perhaps the best entry-level mirrorless camera for beginners.

Check price on Amazon here and B&H here .

2. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

The Olympus has an excellent in-camera stabilisation system, an EVF, a (fixed) touchscreen and WiFi connectivity. There’s also a wide range of micro 4/3 lenses available.

3. Sony a6100

Sony have been making mirrorless cameras for a long time, and the a6000 was our model of choice for a long time. However, the camera was released in 2014, and is now getting a bit long in the tooth.

Today, we recommend the a6100 which was released in 2019. This features an APS-C sized sensor (the same as you find in most DSLR’s), fast autofocus, a tilting touch screen, EVF, and a wide range of lenses, plus WiFi, and is an excellent bit of kit for the price. The main omission is weather sealing, for which you’d want to consider the a6400 or a6600 .

Sony have a number of models in the a6xxx range. These include the a6000 (2014, discontinued), a6300 (2016, discontinued), a6500 (2016, discontinued), a6600 (2019), a6400 (2019) our current recommendation, the a6100 (2019) and the a6700 (2023).

Each of these offers different features and capabilities over the a6100. Differences include battery life, autofocus, touch screen capabilities and image stabilization.

Depending on your budget, you might find one of these suits your needs better. The a6600 in particular is an excellent choice as it offers in camera image stabilization as well as a touch screen, weather sealing and much improved battery life.

However, as of writing we think the a6100 is one of the best budget mirrorless cameras for travel.

4. Nikon Z50

Nikon was late to the mirrorless camera game, but they’ve now released a number of mirrorless camera models including full frame and DX sensor models.

The Z50 is their more entry level mirrorless camera, which features a DX sized sensor, similar to the APS-C sensor in other cameras.

It has a 20.9MP sensor, 11fps burst shooting, 4K video support, a tilting touchscreen display and an OLED viewfinder.  You also get Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, with battery life rated to around 300 shots.

If you are an existing Nikon user looking to make the leap to mirrorless, this is an excellent option. It’s a great lightweight alternative to something like the D7500, and has compatibility with most of Nikon’s lenses via an adaptor.

If you’d prefer a full frame option, consider the Nikon Z6 II or Z7 II .

Price: Check price on Amazon here , B&H here , and Adorama here

5. Panasonic Lumix GX9

To start with, Panasonic cameras are known for excellent video performance, and if this was a round-up of the best travel video camera, it would have many more Panasonic cameras in!

The GX9 also has the advantages of a fully tilting touchscreen, 4K video, excellent sensor based optical stabilisation, a wide lens choice (most micro 4/3 lenses will work). Unfortunately, unlike the GX8, this doesn’t have a weather sealed body.

6. Fujifilm X-T30 II

The X-T30 II features an APS-C sized 26.1MP sensor, excellent build quality and a reputation for taking superb, sharp photos.

You also get an EVF, a tilting touch screen and WiFi.

If you want a more traditional mode dial interface, check out the Fuji X-S10 which offers similar specifications but with the addition of in-body stabilization.

7. Canon EOS RP

This is the first full frame option in our list. I wanted to include full frame cameras in this list, despite them being a little larger and often more expensive than cameras with smaller sensors.

A full frame camera has a sensor that is approximately equivalent to a frame of 35mm film, and they generally offer the best image quality and low-light performance, at the downside of a higher price and larger physical size.

Canon’s full frame mirrorless range launched in 2018 with the Canon EOS R , and the RP is the more budget friendly offering, which has an excellent feature set in a very compact offering.

For your money you get a full frame sensor in a lightweight, weather-resistant body. There’s a flipping touchscreen, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, and a 26.2-megapixel sensor.

The best news though is that if you are an existing Canon user, there’s a lens adaptor. This will let you use all your existing EF and EF-S Canon lenses with the camera, meaning you don’t have to re-invest in all new lenses.

There are a few omissions – there’s no in-body image stabilization, and burst rates max out at 5fps. However we think this is an excellent option, especially if you already have some Canon lenses.

If your budget stretches to it you might instead consider the more recent Canon EOS R8 , but for the money I think the RP is a bargain full frame option.

8. Canon EOS R7

Launched in 2022, this APS-C camera is packed with the latest technology. In fact, a lot of the technology in this camera, especially around autofocus, is borrowed from Canon’s high-end EOS R3, a camera which retails in excess of $6,000 USD.

At the heart of this camera is a 32.5MP APS-C sized sensor. That is fully image stabilized, and it supports shooting at 15 frames per second (mechanical) and a staggering 30 frames per second (electronic).

Perhaps the most impressive feature though is the autofocus. This can identify and track a range of subjects, including animals and birds. I have used this system extensively and it is amazing how well it can lock onto even a fast moving subject to enable you to get sharp shots every time.

You also get a touch-enabled flip screen, weather sealing, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and compatibility with a massive selection of Canon lenses. Battery life is reasonable at 660 shots, and the weight without a lens is also good at 612g/ 21.58oz.

If the price is a bit much, consider instead the Canon EOS R10 . The sensor has fewer megapixels and you lose image stabilization and weather sealing. However, it weighs a lot less and you still get a very powerful camera for your money.

Price on B&H here  and  Adorama here

9. Sony Alpha 7c II

If you like the look of the Sony A6xxx line but want something with a full frame sensor, look no further than the Sony A7C.

Somehow, Sony has managed to fit a full frame sensor into a body that is almost identical in size and weight to the A6600, making it one of the smallest full frame mirrorless cameras on the market today.

They haven’t cut corners in terms of features either. You get a 33MP sensor, 10fps shooting, in body image stabilization, 4K video, WiFi, bluetooth, vari-angle touchscreen and weather proofing.

It even manages 540 shots on a charge. A fantastic option if you want something with a full frame sensor but in a relatively compact size.

Check latest price on Amazon here , B&H here , and Adorama here

10. Canon EOS R6 Mark II

In 2020, Canon launched two spectacular mirrorless camera options, namely the Canon EOS R6 and the Canon EOS R5 .

These were the first full frame mirrorless cameras from Canon featuring in-body image stabilization, offering an amazing 8 stops of stabilization when used with a compatible lens.

In 2022, a new model of the R6 was released, the R6 Mark II. This features improved battery life, a slightly larger sensor, and a much faster burst shooting speed compared to the original R6. It also retails at the same original MSRP of the R6, so would be the camera we recommend.

Compared to the R5, the R6 Mark II is the lower priced version, and the one we would recommend for most travel photographers. The R5 is an amazing bit of kit, with 8K video support and a higher megapixel sensor. We personally use the R5 (see our full Canon EOS R5 review here ), and love it.

However, the R6 Mark II offers a very similar experience with a much-improved price point, so unless you really need the 8K video support or higher megapixel count, we think the R6 Mark II is a great option.

Specs wise the Canon EOS R6 gives you a 24.2MP full frame sensor, autofocus that can track people, animals, and vehicles, up to a staggering 40 frames per second burst shooting, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth, 4K video, as well as a flip-out touchscreen. It’s also dust and drip-proof.

As with the Canon EOS RP above, there’s a lens adaptor which will let you use all your existing EF and EF-S Canon lenses with the camera, meaning you don’t have to re-invest in all new lenses. If you have the budget, this would definitely be my camera of choice for travel photography.

You can see our full Canon EOS R5 review here , which covers a lot of the features of the R6 Mark II, to see if it might be the camera for you.

Check price on Amazon here , B&H here  and Adorama here .

11. Sony Alpha a7 IV

Sony effectively started the mirrorless camera revolution, and the Sony a7 IV, as the name suggests, is the fourth iteration in the excellent a7 range.

It comes with a full frame 33MP back side illuminated sensor, flip out LCD display, a high refresh rate EVF, WiFi, 10fps burst shooting and a fast autofocus system that includes animal and people eye tracking.

It also has excellent battery life at 610 shots per full charge, and includes weather sealing.

Of course, all these features do mean the price is relatively high. The good news is that you can still pick up previous models in the range, including the A7 III and A7 II . You lose some of the latest technology, but you still get great performance at a much lower price.

Check price on B&H here and Adorama here .

Best DSLR Cameras for Travel Photography

Why pick a dslr travel camera for travel photography.

Honestly, if this is your first travel camera purchase, then I suggest that a mirrorless camera is a better choice for most travel photography use compared to a DSLR. They offer all the control you need in a smaller, lighter package, with an ideal balance of portability and image quality.

For a time DSLR’s had a better choice of lenses and improved battery life over their mirrorless counterparts, but those areas have been significantly improved with modern mirrorless cameras and so this is no longer a good reason.

The main disadvantage of a DSLR is the weight – the weight in particular, especially when you add in some high quality lenses, is a real issue for many users.

That said, at the entry level especially, you can pick up some real bargain DSLR cameras. So if you are just starting out and want something to learn photography with, a DSLR can be a solid budget option, giving you full manual control over your photography.

Just be aware that the main manufacturers are almost exclusively focusing on mirrorless cameras going forward, which would appear to be the future of photography.

What to look for when buying a DSLR Travel Camera for Travel Photography

DSLRs tend to be the largest type of camera, so one thing that is important to look for is that the camera is comfortable in your hand. My suggestion is to visit a store and try the camera in hand, with a variety of lenses attached, to see how they perform before making a purchase. Canon and Nikon still rule the cameras in this category.

Features are fairly similar across most DSLR’s in terms of capability. They’ll either offer an APS-C sized sensor, or, more expensively, a full frame sensor.

Other features to look for include the ISO range, lens selection, weather resistance, GPS, WiFi, touch screen, autofocus system and number of control dials. More dials can be a good thing – letting you quickly set the camera up for different needs without having to dive into menu options.

If you do purchase a DSLR camera, do also take a look at our guide to using a DSLR camera to help you get the most out of it.

Best DSLR Camera for Travel Photography

We personally travel with both mirrorless camera’s and DSLR’s – for our work as travel photographers we still love our full frame DSLR – the image quality and lens selection still make these a great choice for us. Based on our experiences, here are the top five DSLR travel cameras available at the moment:

1. Nikon D3500

For the money you get a 24.2 APS-C sized sensor, solid performance and an excellent selection of lenses. To be honest, there’s not much between this and the more expensive Canon below other than this doesn’t offer 4K video support. It really depends what works for you and your budget.

2. Canon Rebel SL3 (EOS 250D in Europe)

The Canon Rebel line is an excellent series of good value entry-level DSLR cameras (my first DSLR was a Rebel), and the SL3 is no exception.

It’s one of the smaller SLR cameras Canon has made, and offers great performance for an excellent price. Specs include a touchscreen, 24.2MP sensor, WiFi, 1070 shot battery capacity, 4K video support, and compatibility with all of Canon’s lenses (and a great many third party lenses.).

The SL3 was released in April 2019, and it’s predecessor (and our previous pick), the Rebel SL2 , is likely to be available at a good price as a result. It’s a very similar camera, featuring the same sensor, but has around half the battery life and doesn’t support 4K video.

3. Nikon D7500

Moving up into the “prosumer” category of DSLR camera’s, and Nikon’s version is the D7500. This is Nikon’s high end APS-C camera, with a 20.9MP sensor, fast autofocus, a weather sealed body, and Wi-Fi. It also has a tilting 3.2″ touchscreen.

If you’re looking to upgrade from an existing consumer focused Nikon to something a bit more professional from the Nikon range, this is a good choice. However, you might prefer the lighter and just as fully featured Nikon Z50 instead.

4. Canon EOS 90D

5. Canon EOS 6D Mark II

Compared to its predecessor, and our previous favourite travel camera the Canon EOS 6D, the Mark II adds a touchscreen which swivels.

It’s solidly built, and well priced, having seen some great discounts since it launched at $1800. For a full-frame travel DSLR, we think this is a great bit of kit.

Just be aware that it’s only compatible with “EF” mount lenses – any “EF-S” mount lenses from other Canon bodies won’t work. If it’s a bit pricey, do consider the original 6D, which is still a fantastic travel camera and is very competitively priced nowadays.

What is the Best Budget Travel Camera?

As a bonus section – this is one of the most popular questions I’m asked when people ask me to help them choose the best travel camera, so I thought a section to help those of you with a fixed budget would help.

My suggestion for the best budget travel camera is one of the following cameras. Note that some of these are older and may no longer be in stock. As a result, you might want to pick them up second hand, see my guide to buying used cameras for tips on how and where to do that.

1.  Nikon D3500

It also comes with the advantage that you get access to all the Nikon and Nikon compatible lenses, which is a huge choice. If you’re keen on an SLR, this is a great option at a fantastic price point.

2. Olympus OM-D EM-M10 III

It’s also cheaper since the launch of the Mark 4, meaning you can pick it up with a lens and be right on budget!

3.  Sony RX100

With full manual controls and the ability to shoot in RAW, plus a 1-inch sensor and excellent image quality, this is far more than “just” a point and shoot.

As mentioned in the compact camera section above, there are various iterations of this model available, and you can pick up one of the earlier versions for a great price.

If you’re looking for a quick summary of the best travel camera on the market today, these would be our picks, ordered by camera type.

• Sony RX100 range : If you’re just looking for a point and shoot camera that will take great photos with minimal input, then I’d suggest this range as a great option.
• Panasonic Lumix ZS70 : If you are constrained by budget but want a good zoom, this is the best budget compact travel camera with a decent zoom.
• Sony a6600 : If you want a great compact mirrorless camera, the Sony a6xxx range is the one to go for. The entry level model is the Sony a6100 , (discontinued in late 2021 but stock is still available) but if you can stretch to the a6600 that’s a better option as it has image stabilization and a touch screen.
• Sony Alpha 7c II – if you want all the benefits of a full frame camera but in a compact package, this is the camera to go for. I think it’s the ideal camera for hiking or backpacking .
• Sony Alpha a7 II – for a budget full frame mirrorless camera, this would be our choice. It’s also fantastic value. Note this is a bit older now, so the A7 III or A7 IV might be a better option depending on your budget.
• Nikon D3500 : If you are looking for a DSLR for travel photography, I’d recommend this Nikon at the entry level
• Canon EOS 6D Mark II : This is our pick for our favourite high end DSLR for travel photography, although we’d recommend a mirrorless camera to most users
• Canon EOS R6 Mark II – An excellent compact full frame mirrorless camera with all the features you need. If your budget will stretch to it, also consider the Canon EOS R5 which is the camera I currently use

Hopefully this summary helps with your purchasing decision! If I was purchasing a camera today with no previous lenses, I would likely go with the Sony Alpha 7c if I wanted something lightweight.

As a Canon user with lots of lenses though, I’d go with the Canon EOS R6 Mark II or Canon EOS R5 . If you are a Nikon user with existing lenses, then I’d suggest the Nikon Z50 , the Nikon Z6 II or Z7 II .

When upgrading, it’s often easier to stay with the same manufacturer as the menu systems are usually going to be familiar, and your existing lenses might carry over.

Accessories for your Travel Camera

When budgeting for your travel camera, don’t forget to think about any accessories you might need.

If you’re planning to buy an interchangeable lens camera like a mirrorless or DSLR system, then you will obviously need a lens. Check out our guide to the best travel lenses here for some recommendations across a range of systems.

We’d also recommend considering some of the following accessories.

Travel can be rough on your photography gear, and so I recommend investing in a good photography bag.

Camera bags are specially designed to provide padding and protection for your gear, and many of them also come with rain covers. This means that you have somewhere safe, protected and padded to put your gear.

Personally, I use Vanguard photography bags and I’ve been an ambassador for Vanguard for many years now. If you see something on their store that works for your equipment, you can save money using our exclusive Vanguard discount code. This will give you 20% off everything in the  Vanguard store.

Just use the code  FindingTheUniverse for your discount! This code works in the Vanguard USA, UK, Australia, Spain, and Germany stores.

There are of course a range of other camera bags available, you can see the options on Amazon here and B&H Photo here .

External Hard Drive

When you travel, it’s important to be able to store your photos somewhere safe. To do this, we recommend investing in an external SSD.

The price of external SSDs has come down in recent years, so we would recommend one of these over a mechanical version as they are much faster, smaller, as well as being far less prone to losing data.

The external SSD we currently use by Adata is ruggedized and dust and water resistant. It also supports both Mac and PC users.

Photo Editing Software

To get the best out of your photos you are going to want to edit them, and to do that you’ll need a photo editing application!

There are a number to choose from, including paid options like Adobe Lightroom Classic CC , Skylum Luminar AI , and ON1 Photo RAW , as well as free options like Darktable and Fotor .

Deciding which to go for is a whole other decision. To help you out, I’ve put together a guide to the best photo editing applications , which has both paid and free options.

Accident Protection

A camera is a significant investment, and as such you might want to protect yourself from accidental damage.

The price of this varies depending on the cost of your camera gear, but a relatively small investment can provide peace of mind against a variety of common accidents, from liquid spills, to accidentally dropping it.

For some examples, here’s a 3 year accident protection plan for electronics valued between $1500 and $1999.99, whilst this one covers products between $800 and $899.

Note that both of these are only valid for qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. If you are shopping elsewhere, or direct from the manufacturer, check what they have available before purchasing if this is important to you.

It’s also possible to take out separate insurance, or that your homeowners insurance for example covers such things.

Backup Software

If you aren’t already backing up your photos, now is the time to change that. There’s no point having an awesome laptop to edit your photos on if you lose them all!

We have a complete guide to how to back up photos , which has a range of options and covers what to look for.

However, if you want an easy to use option with unlimited backups, then we use and recommend Backblaze . It’s well priced and in our experience is just works. You can try it out for free here .

Further travel photography reading and resources

And that summarizes my guide to the best travel camera for travel photography! Hopefully you found it useful. I’ll be keeping it up to date as new camera models come out and prices change.

In the meantime, if you’re looking for more resources to help you make the most out of your travel photography, check out the following resources I’ve put together:

• My guide to picking the best lens for travel photography , which will be useful if you have a camera with interchangeable lenses.
• My always expanding series of Photography Location Guides , to help you get the best shot in locations around the world.
• I have a review of the Peak Design camera strap system as well as the Peak Design travel tripod
• Photos need editing to get the best out of them. See our guide to the best photo editing software for our suggestions. If you’re looking for something to edit your photos on, see our guide to the best laptops for photo editing
• An overview of my Travel Photography Gear , in case you wondered what a professional photographer has in his bag
• Our guide to what to buy a photographer , which has gift ideas at every price point and experience level. For more general gift ideas, see our gift guide for travelers , and our tech gift buying guide .
• A  Beginners’ Guide to Improving your Travel Photos
• My series of Photography Tips , which I am always expanding and updating with posts like this one. See our guides to northern lights photography , lens compression ,  back button focus ,  fireworks photography ,  taking photos of stars ,  cold weather photography ,  long exposure photography ,  RAW in photography , use of  ND filters ,  depth of field  and  photography composition , which should get you going
• If you like the photos on this blog, you’ll be pleased to hear they are all available for sale. Head on over to our photography sales page to place an order.

Looking to Improve Your Photography?

If you found this post helpful, and you want to improve your photography overall, you might want to check out my online travel photography course .

Since launching the course in 2016, I’ve already helped over 2,000+ students learn how to take better photos. The course covers pretty much everything you need to know, from the basics of how a camera works, through to composition, light, and photo editing.

It also covers more advanced topics, including astrophotography, long exposure photography, flash photography and HDR photography.

You get feedback from me as you progress, access to webinars, interviews and videos, as well as exclusive membership of a facebook group where you can get feedback on your work and take part in regular challenges.

It’s available for an amazing one-off price for lifetime access, and I think you should check it out. Which you can do by clicking here .

And we’re done! Thanks for reading – if you’ve got any comments, feedback or suggestions, just let me know in the comments below.

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Ian Andersen says

28th January 2024 at 10:29 am

Thanks for great and thorough reviews. I did not read through all of them and I was wondering if you could say which travel (super zoom) camera WITH GPS is better.

Laurence Norah says

28th January 2024 at 5:58 pm

Unfortunately, the majority of newer cameras don’t come with built-in GPS tagging functionality on the camera. Instead, if you find a camera which has WiFi and a companion smartphone app, they tend to pull the GPS info from the companion app. So really what you want is one of the travel cameras which has this feature. The Sony cameras in this list such as the RX100 do support this, and I believe the Panasonic ones do. However I’d recommend doing a search for each camera to ensure it does meet your requirements. Do you have a short list of cameras you like already, and I can look at trying to help.

29th January 2024 at 6:29 am

Thanks Laurence, I was a satisfied Lumix TZ user for many years up to – was it TZ 60 or 70 that still had the GPS built in. The argument for losing it was saving battery power but I found that carrying extra batteries was way simpler than using their clunky iPhone app. My latest is a TZ 202. Great pictures but annoying not to gave them tagged. I tried to switch to the SONY DSC-HX90V hoping for easier operation of the phone connection. Again, great photos but clunky GPS solution. So I am really hoping for a small (belt-carried) camera with GPS so I can get away from almost exclusively using my iPhone 15 pro.

29th January 2024 at 4:05 pm

I assure you, I feel your pain. I shot on a Canon 6D for a very long time and one of the features I loved was the built-in GPS tagging. Now I have an R5, and I have to use the Canon companion smartphone app for GPS tagging. Whilst it works pretty well, it’s another step I have to remember to do. It also eats up my smartphone battery if I forget to shut it off after shooting. About the only system I know of that still has built in GPS on a relatively compact camera is the Olympus Tough TG6, but that doesn’t have much of a zoom and is more designed as a rugged camera. So I’m not sure it will meet your needs, but one to look at.

Happy shooting 🙂

Farhana Farid says

29th September 2023 at 6:22 am

This guide on the best travel cameras is a game-changer for wanderlust enthusiasts like me! The detailed reviews and recommendations provide a clear understanding of which cameras are most suitable for capturing those breathtaking moments on the go. The consideration of factors like portability, image quality, and versatility is spot on. Thanks for making my travel photography decisions so much easier!

1st October 2023 at 10:13 am

My pleasure Farhana, I hope you find a great camera for your travels 🙂

Kevin Nalty says

15th October 2023 at 1:43 am

Hi. Agree- this is really thorough and didn’t overwhelm me. I’m curious what you think of the Canon EOS R50. I did a review of it in my blog (Willvideoforfood) but I’m not even remotely as informed. -Kevin

15th October 2023 at 12:14 pm

Thanks very much! So I think Canon has been hitting it out of the park recently with their mirrorless camera options and to be honest it’s almost hard to go wrong with whatever recent mirrorless model you pick up. The R50 specifically offers tremendous value and you get a lot of features, especially the autofocus system, which has the same features as you would find on their super high-end models like the R5 (which is what I use). In the old days of Canon they arbitrarily kept some features for their higher end models only, but that approach seems to be changing for the better which is good news for us consumers. The main downside with the R50 as you note in your review is a lack of optical image stabilization. I would also add that I don’t create video, so those areas of a camera are something I don’t review or use.

For anyone else reading this, now is honestly a great time to be buying a camera. The vast majority of recent releases have been excellent, with superb image quality and a solid range of features. As I said, it’s almost hard to go wrong 🙂

Thanks for stopping by!

Gurshabad Bakshi says

9th September 2023 at 6:02 am

Hi, awesome post. Very thoughtful and comprehensive. I have been reading your bogs and planned a visit to Bali based on your suggestions. I want to carry a leisure photography budget camera, that can click good photos and underwater videos and stuff. I have some questions for that. For what all activities and where all do you use Akaso Brave 7 camera? Is its image quality good enough? And if you could share some sample pics and viseos, it would be so very wonderful and helpful.

10th September 2023 at 3:02 pm

Hi Gurshabad!

So we honestly only use the Akaso (and any other action camera for that matter) for specific situations like underwater photography. The reason is that we personally have other cameras that are better for things like landscapes, and wildlife photography, but the Akaso is the only camera we have for underwater photography. So whilst it definitely works for that, we wouldn’t personally use it for everything just because we have other camera gear. However, if you are happy with the limitations, like not being able to zoom or adjust many settings, it could certainly work. I’m on a trip right now so don’t have access to all my images, so I can’t share samples unfortunately.

Hopefully this helps a bit. Have a great time in Bali 🙂

William says

22nd August 2023 at 11:10 pm

Great review and suggestions!. Thank you.

23rd August 2023 at 10:35 am

Thanks William!

Rachel says

3rd June 2023 at 8:47 pm

Thank you for this great article! I’m going to be traveling for my honeymoon soon, and decided I should upgrade from using my smartphone for all my photos to using an actual camera so I can get some printable quality photos. I’ve read a few lists like this one, but yours is the only one I’ve read that doesn’t just feel like a paid advertisement. I appreciate all the tips and advice you listed here. I now have a camera on my wishlist, thank you!

4th June 2023 at 7:03 pm

Hey Rachel! I’m so glad you found my article helpful, and many thanks for taking the time to let me know. I hope you enjoy your new camera, and if you have any questions as you continue your photography adventure feel free to reach out!

Claude AYMARD says

31st January 2023 at 8:15 pm

Hello, for you which can be the best safari travel camera easy to used for good photo quality -canon sx70 hs -canon m200 with 55-200mm -lumix tz100 -Lumix GX9 with 14-140mm thank’s in advance

1st February 2023 at 10:40 am

I do have a guide to the best safari cameras here which might help. However, from your list I would probably lean towards the Canon SX70HS for ease of use and also the great zoom means you can get good shots of further away subjects. My dad actually has the SX60 and he really likes it, we’re on safari right now and he is using it with good results.

Let me know if you have any more questions and bon voyage 🙂

9th August 2022 at 2:04 pm

10th August 2022 at 12:38 pm

Thanks Tanis!

9th July 2022 at 8:13 pm

Hello! I am so happy that I stumbled upon your website when researching for a trip to Iceland. I fell in love with photography when I was on my high school’s yearbook staff, a long long time ago. I have collected many SLR cameras over the years, manual and digital along with lenses (Nikon and Canon). Sadly, none of them have been used for several years and when I recently pulled them out, I realized how outdated they are. So…I am looking to sell everything (thanks for your amazing article on how to do that!) and start fresh. If you were me, with a budget of $2k-$4k, looking for a very high quality, relatively light weight camera system with the latest and best technology, what would you recommend? I would like one camera with two lenses at the most. Light weight enough that it’s easy to carry and use, without sacrificing image quality. Something that I can ‘grow into’ as a I renew my love of photography. Many thanks for sharing your expertise. Cheers!

10th July 2022 at 9:59 am

It’s great to hear from you, and I’m so pleased you have been finding the site useful so far!

With your requirement for something lightweight but that also has great image quality (and within budget of course) I would probably suggest the Sony Alpha 7c . Excellent autofocus, in body image stabilization, a full frame sensor and a weather sealed design, somehow all in a body that weighs about a 1lb.

If you wanted lighter, the Canon EOS RP is another full frame option which is fractionally lighter and also significantly cheaper, however you lose in body image stabilization and the focus tracking system isn’t quite as accomplished as the Sony in this model. It’s also slightly larger, despite being less heavy.

Both cameras have an excellent selection of lenses to choose from depending on what you want to photograph 🙂

Let me know if I can help any more!

17th April 2022 at 12:56 am

Hello Laurence, First off let me say thank you for such great articles, guides, advice and overview for someone who’s never been to Scotland and interested in touring the NC500. With that said, there are many great choices concerning camera & lens combinations in your article. Getting specific addressing the NC500 route, just what would be your best advice for focal lengths in reference to 35mm full frame? I see many wide to ultra wide images in the article, so inquiring about specific needs. Want to pack a 1-2 lens kit for this specific trip, and of course I’m thinking a tripod will be handy also!

17th April 2022 at 10:21 am

It’s our pleasure, I am pleased to have been of help. So I primarily travel with two lenses, a 16-35mm and a 70-200mm. Most of the landscape shots I take are with the wide angle, although there are sometimes nice opportunities to use the longer lens for isolating a subject. But if I was going to only take one lens it would be the wide-angle all the way.

Hopefully this answers your question! Let me know if I can offer any further input, I’m happy to help.

Edward says

31st January 2021 at 9:50 am

Hi, I was happy to read where you wrote “Personally, I love having a camera with GPS”. So do I, or rather so would I, but I am having trouble finding one that I like the look of. All I want is a compact camera with GPS and a viewfinder, with a useable zoom (say up to 200mm equivalent) and good image quality (which today would imply a sensor of 1″ or bigger). There is no such unicorn.

So what do you use, please, that gives you GPS? Or do you use an “add-on later” method like recording a GPS track and geotagging your photos later? I personally am reluctant to do that for a number of reasons, mainly that I travel for 3-6 months at a time (or at least I did when I could) without carrying a computer, so I would not only have a lot of geotagging to do later, but the on-the-road backup to Dropbox would not be geotagged.

31st January 2021 at 2:11 pm

I currently use a Canon 6D, which is a full frame DSLR. For a while Canon added GPS units to a number of their cameras, but unfortunately this useful feature has been missing from their newer models. For me it’s one of the most useful features to have, so I don’t like the omission. The reasoning is to do with battery life I suspect. GPS units take up power, and newer mirrorless cameras are already battery hungry. So leaving off the GPS is done in an effort to conserve battery power I suspect.

The good news is that many cameras today include the ability to pair with a smartphone app over Bluetooth or Wifi. When the camera takes a picture, it polls the smartphone app for location data, and embeds that in the photo. This of course does require extra setup, remembering to connect the camera to the phone before every shoot, and can drain your smartphone battery too. So it’s not amazing as an alternative, but it does at least work.

I believe that the Sony Image link app supports this for the Sony RX100 series, so with your requirements of a 200mm zoom and a 1″ sensor, the Sony RX100 VI or higher would be an option. Another option I believe would be the Panasonic ZS200.

Finally, another option, as you mention, is to use a third party GPS logger, either a standalone device or an app on your phone, that records the data and saves it, which you can then manually sync later. Again, it’s more work.

Overall, I would much prefer that manufacturers just add the GPS device and let us as users decide for ourselves if we want to use it and use up battery life. Hopefully it makes a reappearance as a standard feature!

1st March 2021 at 5:06 pm

Hello, thanks for the well thought-out response. It gives me a lot to think about, and if I do have to give up one or more of my checkboxes (or at least half of one, by needing to use a separate app), I may rethink them all – take a step back and ask myself what I really want to do, rather than ask what equipment will satisfy what I think are my wants. I suspect that the RX100 VI plus the app would be the nearest I could get. Or the Panasonic SZ200/TZ200 (or SZ100) plus its app. It is ironic that it seems that 1-inch sensor compacts really took off in the mid-2010s, just as manufacturers were deciding to drop GPS.

2nd March 2021 at 4:37 pm

My pleasure Edward! I would say that one of those would be the best option. It is certainly disappointing that this is no longer a standard feature!

Kyle O'Donnell says

16th December 2020 at 8:30 am

awesome list, you put it together very well 🙂 i got a Sony A6400 from amazon, it’s absolutely amazing, it really show in my vlogs.

16th December 2020 at 11:12 am

Thanks Kyle!

Charles Haskins says

29th April 2020 at 10:19 am

I have been reading through your responses to questions and I am astonished by the detail and the thoughtfulness of your answers. Quite apart from the photography info, it is a great lesson in human decency – great “customer service” for people who aren’t even customers really. I will definitely be following you in the future! Thank you!

29th April 2020 at 10:21 am

Hi Charlie,

Thanks very much, that’s kind of you to say. We do our best to try and answer everyone’s questions, be it photography or travel related 🙂 If folks have taken the time to read and leave a comment, then we feel it’s only right to answer if we can!

Thanks again for your comment, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions of your own!

All the best

29th February 2020 at 11:15 pm

I am quite new to photography. I purchased the M50 last summer (my first non-compact). I don’t know if it is my skills, the camera, or that I need better lenses, but so far I haven’t had much success getting sharp images.

1st March 2020 at 10:52 am

Sorry to hear about your issues. There are so many variables that go into what could make an image less sharp, from incorrect focus through to a lens issue. It’s hard to diagnose without seeing an image – do you have one somewhere online you can link to that I can take a look and provide some more insight? It would be best if it also shows the camera settings at the time – usually a site like flickr will save this info.

1st March 2020 at 4:27 pm

These aren’t all from the M50, but several of them are. Also, these happen to be the better ones: https://www.flickr.com/photos/me77777 . I feel like I have to sort through so many that aren’t as sharp as these to find a good one, but even some of the ones I’ve posted could certainly be sharper.

1st March 2020 at 4:41 pm

Thanks for sharing. So, some initial thoughts:

On this image of the lighthouse: https://www.flickr.com/photos/me77777/49596740501/in/photostream/

The camera is set to f/29. This is a super narrow aperture. Most lenses produce their sharpest images at around f/8, with sharpness falling off towards the edges wider than f/8 (i.e. f/5.6, f/4 etc). Above f/16, sharpness dramatically reduces due to an effect known as diffraction. It’s generally not advisable to go above f/16 for this reason. Performance will vary by lens, but as a general rule, f/8 – f/12 is a good range.

Of course, this doesn’t consider depth of field for composition. For landscapes, a wider depth of field is usually preferable, so you’d be looking at f/8 – f/16 in most cases. For portraits, a shallow depth of field would be preferable. Softness in portraits is less of an issue as you wouldn’t normally have the subject on the edge of the shot, so the softness wouldn’t be too noticeable.

Now, here’s another image of a church in a city: https://www.flickr.com/photos/me77777/49503917028/in/photostream/

So this was shot a 1/40th of a second at 200mm focal length. The longer the zoom, the harder it is to hold a camera steady. As a general rule of thumb, shutter speed should not be lower than the inverse of the focal length. So if you are shooting at 200mm, you would not use a shutter speed slower than 1/200th of a second. A 50mm focal length would be 1/50th of a second.

The file format you are shooting in will also make a difference. If you’re shooting in JPG, then the compression setting and sharpness setting in camera will make a big difference to the final image sharpness. Ideally you’d want to shoot in RAW, so you can edit sharpness after the fact.

These are just some ideas to start with. Something like this shot looks wonderfully sharp to me: https://www.flickr.com/photos/me77777/49498974486/in/photostream/

Happy to provide any more feedback if you have more specific images of course 🙂

https://www.flickr.com/photos/me77777/49503917028/in/photostream/

2nd March 2020 at 4:34 am

Thanks for taking the time to give feedback. You have an amazing site.

2nd March 2020 at 11:19 am

Thanks Craig – my pleasure 🙂

Natalie says

24th December 2019 at 1:05 pm

Thank you very much for collating all this information together- I do not feel nearly as overwhelmed as I did before!

I am going away travelling to India and South East Asia, and would like to both take great pictures in low light, and film a short documentary (so stability is also key without lugging a tripod around (Oof).

I am looking into purchasing a DSLR, budget however is a concern. This will be my first time camera, however I have a little experience in film cameras (mostly SonyPMW200).

I am currently looking at the Nikon D750…can you recommend something cheaper and still great for filming? I guess the Nikon D5300?

Nikon also seems to be cheaper for lenses than Canon- what would you reccomend?

Any suggestions would be great. Thanks so much

24th December 2019 at 2:53 pm

Hi Natalie,

Thanks very much!

So I have to be honest, video is not an area of expertise for me. However, if you want to shoot stable video without a tripod, you are going to need to think about how you are going to stabilize your camera. Without a tripod, your best bet is going to be some kind of camera stabilization. Currently, the Canon and Nikon DSLR’s don’t offer this in camera, so you would need to rely on a lens with image stabilization built in.

Alternatively, you could look for a camera with image stabilization built in. I’m not sure what your budget is all in, but one of the micro four thirds cameras from Olympus or Panasonic might be a good option. These are notable for producing great video, have a wide choice of lenses, and most importantly, have built in image-stabilization in the camera body. The Olympus Om-D E-M10 Mark 3 is currently on sale all over the place with a lens. For video and low light, you will benefit from a wide aperture prime lens, such as the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 .

I appreciate this might not be the answer you were looking for, but if video is important, I think this might be a better direction to go in than a DSLR. All the capabilities are the same, the only disadvantages are a reduced battery life and a slightly smaller sensor. However, by using a wide aperture lens you can make up for the reduced low light performance.

I hope this helps – I’m happy to discuss further of course!

20th December 2019 at 1:17 am

Sorry I visited your site but couldn’t read a thing. Please fix the site. Best regards

20th December 2019 at 10:46 am

Thanks for your comment. Could you clarify perhaps what you couldn’t read and what i need to fix? The site loads ok on all our devices, but if you can let me know what device and browser you are using, and what specifically is not working, then I will be happy to take a look,

Martha Dobson says

3rd November 2021 at 4:02 pm

Website was beautiful, I think that this man is lying to you about the website not being legible.

3rd November 2021 at 6:07 pm

Thanks Martha!

Marije says

17th December 2019 at 8:47 am

Hi Laurence,

Thank you so much for this very insight- and helpful review. I’m looking to buy a compact camera with good optical zoom possibilities for photographing people, landscapes and wildlife during my holidays. As I’ll be visiting Swedish Lapland for a week of winterfun, I would like a camera that will also be Able to capture the northern light (autora). Which compact camera will be a good or even the best choice. Was Leaning towards a Sony Cybershot DSC-RX 100 series but found vi and vii quite expensive anD not shure about optical zoom of v. Love to hear your opinion.

17th December 2019 at 9:14 pm

So I would say probably the next best option after the RX100 would be the Panasonic Lumix ZS100 or ZS200. The Canon Powershot G3X is another good option as it has a 1 inch sensor and a 25x zoom lens. I have to say, northern lights photography is a challenge for any camera though, even a full frame DSLR. So while you will definitely be able to get photos with a compact camera, just be aware of its limitations. I have some tips on taking taking photos of the northern lights here , which might be worth a read.

Otherwise, let me know if you have any more questions – and have a great trip!

22nd October 2019 at 8:36 am

How about the Panasonic G90/95? It has all bells and whistles of GX9 and much more (like UHS-II support, stronger IS and focus stacking). It has a comfortable grip and a rugged body, a swivel touch screen, unlimited video shooting, mic and headphones port (hello vloggers!). Similar to GX9 it can be charged via usb but comes with an external charger and both can be charged via a powerbank with 2 ports! I’m almost happy with my gx9 but miss the weather sealing and the mic port. If Pana doesn’t release a gx10 with these 2 features I’ll go for the G90.

24th October 2019 at 12:51 pm

The G90/95 is certainly an excellent camera, although is at a bit of a price premium compared to the GX9 so isn’t directly comparable in my mind. However, if it fits what you are looking for you should definitely go for it – this list is by no means definitive (hence the long section at the beginning to help people decide).

Enjoy your new camera, whatever it turns out to be!

lalan kalansooriya says

15th September 2019 at 12:36 pm

Hi I am bigginer to the photography and i wish to buy a camera. I love to travel photography. My budjet is about 300$. So I would like to know what are the recomended cameras for me

15th September 2019 at 2:25 pm

At $300 you will definitely be looking at either a mid-range compact camera or a lower end DSLR. There aren’t many mirrorless cameras at that price point unfortunately, unless you go second hand. In terms of compact cameras, I’d suggest either the Lumix DC-ZS70 or the Sony RX100 .

For DSLRs, consider the Nikon D3400 or the EOS Rebel T6 .

10th August 2019 at 8:23 am

Hi Laurence and Jessica, Just a quick thank you message to say that this is the first article I read (and I ‘ve read quite a few!) that really explains things about cameras in a clear way! Im new to travel photography and was looking for info on how and where to start from. Thanks a lot!

11th August 2019 at 11:38 am

Our pleasure! We’re always happy to hear that we’ve been able to help people, and believe me, I know that photography is not the easiest topic to get to grips with 🙂 Let us know if you ever have any questions!

Stuart Svoboda says

21st July 2019 at 6:03 pm

Thanks for your thoughtful and comprehensive advice. Obviously, budget plays a big role in most people’s decisions and there are few aspects of photography that don’t involve some compromise. However, for those who are willing to part with a bit more cash in pursuit of a supremely capable yet practical alternative, you missed at least one significant choice and that’s the Lumix G9. My G9, battery grip, lenses (mostly Leica, covering the 35mm-eq range from 16-800mm), spare batteries, flash/soft box, filters, etc. (including an Olympus TG-5, which I agree is a great, bomb-proof, go-anywhere camera) all fit into a small pack that weighs 6400) ISO noise with moving subjects. Big deal (looks more like film anyway). A much more compact (although not pocket-sized) and far cheaper alternative that still produces great IQ (stills and 4K video–much better than a 1/2.3) is the Lumix FZ1000. The first-gen (which I got for c.US$600) is still available and a great bargain (IMHO, the best price/performance value currently available). The Mk II adds some nice features but has the same great 1″ sensor and 25-400mm-eq Leica lens. If you can’t get great images under most conditions with that, it’s not the camera… And no, I don’t work for Panny–they just make great cameras (performance and ergonomics). Bottom line: the IQ achievable in most conditions from even “mid level” cameras these days is more than enough for most purposes–much beyond that is overkill (but some of us like overkill on occasion).

Thanks for your blog.

21st July 2019 at 6:32 pm

Thanks Stuart! We also like the Panasonic gear, I’ve had a G6 and still use the GX8 on a regular basis. There just wasn’t room for every camera on the list, but we certainly appreciate your recommendation and no doubt folks reading the post will find your input useful as well 🙂

Sandra says

11th July 2019 at 7:50 pm

Thanks for such a great article! I am wondering what you think of the new Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II which was announced July 9th and is due in stores August 1st. How do you think it compares to others in your compact camera list? I am taking a 3-week trip to China in September and want a great travel camera. Looked at the Sony RX100 VI but it felt very small in my 73-year-old hands and I missed it not having a grip. I am replacing a very old Canon G16. Thanks for any input you can share!

12th July 2019 at 4:19 am

I’ve been reading up on these two cameras and they both look very promising. I would say that they would probably be excellent, but I’ve not been able to personally try them out as yet. However, if you are used to Canon, it would be a logical step to buy one of these two, and I am confident you will be happy with the performance. I’ll be updating this post in the near future, but likely after your trip. In the meantime though, I am still happy to recommend them on spec as the price / specifications are great.

Candy Luong says

24th June 2019 at 8:45 pm

Thank you for the well-written review! I am on the market to purchase an upgrade from a 2011 Canon Rebel T3i with a couple of EF lens. I am conflicted between upgrading to a DSLR or mirrorless camera for travel and leisure photography. What I look for in an upgrade is WIFI, GPS, lightweight, adaptability to the canon lens, and does not break the bank (max $1500) for a full kit. Is there a mirrorless camera that has a proven adapter for canon lens? I’ve looked into the Canon EOS RP but the price point for a full kit is insanely expensive. What would you recommend?

25th June 2019 at 1:38 am

So the Canon EOS RP would be my recommendation – with the adaptor the body only should come in under your budget, and it will work great with the Canon lenses you have. If you move to another manufacturer, I think you will struggle to get a full frame camera for any less money, and the adaptors are not so good as they have to do a conversion between the electronic systems, which usually results in slower performance. The only thing missing from the EOS R is built in GPS, however the low energy bluetooth capabilities mean you can sync GPS from your phone without too much battery drain.

If it’s still too much, you might consider a second hand Canon 6D or 6D Mark 2, which are both great cameras. I still shoot full time with the original 6D and have no complaints. GPS is one of my favourite features on it, and I wish more cameras had it as a default!

I hope this helps!

Kathy Golden says

17th June 2019 at 11:27 pm

I just happened upon your website while researching DSLR cameras and I found a treasure-trove of information! Thank you so much for this thorough and informative blog. It is very helpful. I hope to compare mirrorless and DSLRs for both travel and “family” photography.

19th June 2019 at 4:18 pm

My pleasure, let me know if you have any questions!

6th June 2019 at 11:50 am

Really found this article useful – thanks!

Soon, I am quitting my job and going travelling for the ‘foreseeable future’ – yay fun!

I love taking pictures generally (e.g., smartphones or on friends cameras). But knowing I am going travelling, I would love to capture some great quality shots and edit them myself etc along the way. Although a ‘first purchase’, I need it to be high quality so that it is worthwhile over a smartphone, worth the financial investment, and worth carrying around. I am very likely to take a look into some of your courses too before I go (so that I actually CAN capture some good moments) – with this in mind, what would you recommend?

Many thanks in advance!! Flo

6th June 2019 at 12:02 pm

My pleasure! So it will depend on how much you want to carry with you. If it’s a minimal amount, then you’d be better off with a high end point and shoot, like the Lumix ZS200 or the Sony RX100 series. These both take excellent photos, have full manual controls and even shoot in RAW.

If you want to step up above that there are many choices. For travel, I’d recommend probably a mirrorless camera to keep the weight down, paired with one or two lenses. At this point it will come down to your budget – all the mirrorless cameras on this list will do a great job, but they are at different price points, starting with less expensive and then getting more expensive! At the higher end, I’d suggest perhaps the Canon EOS RP, whilst at the lower end, the Sony a6000 or Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III.

Let me know if I can help any more 🙂

6th June 2019 at 7:32 am

Hi thank you for such wonderful tips. Im no expert. I would really appreciate some guidance. I own iphone x and photos are great. But for travel I d also need a solid zoom for vast landscapes. I ve been looking into Panasonic, I like idea of Leica lens… what I d like is what can i get up to 1000 usd ( preferabbly less) that would make sense to get better photography then iphone x, a good zoom and still a nice looking not too big camera. Thank you 🙂

6th June 2019 at 11:40 am

So based on your requirements for a smaller camera, I’d say either the Sony RX 100 VI or the Lumix ZS200. They both offer a good zoom range and good image quality, as well as manual controls.

You could look into mirrorless cameras too, but to get a good zoom you’d need a larger lens, and it wouldn’t be so compact!

Let me know if you need any more information, I’m happy to help 🙂

12th May 2019 at 10:46 am

Hi .. I am a Nikon d5300 (with two lenses 18-55mm and 55-200mm lenses) user and I need to buy a compact camera with dslr quality lesser in weight .. please suggest

12th May 2019 at 7:16 pm

So if you want something really compact then the Sony RX100 range is a good option. The quality is great for a compact camera, and you also get full manual controls. If you just want something a bit smaller, then you might consider one of the mirrorless options, but they aren’t always a lot smaller, so a compact is likely to be a better option.

Thomas Mygind says

1st June 2019 at 7:38 am

If you want the smallest Full Frame option – then this basis option weighs 450 gram + EF-lenses. Cannon M100 + Viltrox 0.71x adapter makes your APS-C into a full frame eqvivalent.

Then add any EF-lens you like -for example: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Lens 33.5 oz (950g) 3.3 x 4.9″ (83 x 124mm) 77mm 2002 Canon EF 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens 13.4 oz (380g) 2.9 x 2.8″ (73 x 70mm) 67mm 1996 Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens 23.7 oz (670g) 3.3 x 4.2″ (83.5 x 107mm) 77mm 2005 Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM Lens 13.2 oz (375g) 2.8 x 3.0″ (72 x 75mm) 58mm 2000 Canon EF 28-105mm f/4.0-5.6 USM Lens 7.4 oz (210g) 2.6 x 2.7″ (67 x 68mm) 58mm 2002 Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens 19.1 oz (540g) 3.1 x 3.8″ (78 x 97mm) 72mm 1998 Canon EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM Lens 17.6 oz (500g) 3.1 x 3.5″ (78 x 90mm) 72mm 2000

9th May 2019 at 11:20 am

Hi, I’m relatively new to serious photography, but I’ve long had an interest in photo editing and am now wanting to learn more about the actual photography part of it. As it is, you’ve pretty much sold me on the Nikon D3500 since it sounds like an excellent option to learn from without being too expensive, though I’m also considering the D5300 for its video capabilities (from what I’ve found) and the GPS option. Can you recommend a few additional lenses, ideally at least one for further away shots? Particularly for some darker areas.

Whatever the case, this guide has taught me quite a bit and given me a lot to think about. Thank you for that.

11th May 2019 at 9:03 pm

Delighted to have been of assistance. So my first recommendation would be to check out our guide to the best travel lenses, which has a number of options for Nikon. You can see that here:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/best-lenses-for-travel-photography/

The criteria you have (long lens that is good in low light) does unfortunately bring you into the more costly type of lens – you need a wide aperture to capture more light, and all the glass ends up costing more. I’d suggest looking for a lens with a f/4 or faster aperture (f/2.8 would be ideal), and 200mm to 400mm focal length.

Happy to provide some more specific suggestions if my linked post doesn’t do it for you 🙂

13th May 2019 at 9:39 am

Hey Laurence,

You make a compelling point, as did the price tags once I looked into what you suggested. I’ll add that to my “eventual” list once I’ve gotten good enough to justify the cash.

I ordered a D3500 bundle “w/AF-P DX 18-55mm & 70-300mm Zoom Lens” and “55mm Wide Angle & Telephoto Lens”. Seemed like a fair way to start (though I wish I’d have ordered it a few hours prior because I missed a nice sale, haha).

I’m keeping this page bookmarked, there’s so much to learn and I appreciate the help. I had to check out your guide on San Francisco since that’s part of why I wanted a new camera: I’m taking a trip up that way later this year and am planning on making the most of it – I live in California, but I’ve never spent much time that way since it gets expensive fast – including a few museums, Grace Cathedral, Chinatown, and several other areas. Now I’ve just got to practice a lot in the next 3 1/2 months so that I can manage something awesome by then.

Thanks again, this has been incredibly helpful.

13th May 2019 at 6:34 pm

It’s absolutely my pleasure, and please do reach out if you ever have any more questions about photography or travel, and I’ll do my best to help out. Enjoy your new gear, I’m sure you’ll be very happy with it!

4th May 2019 at 10:06 pm

Great website!

I will be going to Europe this summer and I intend to take many HDR pics. I currently have a Nikon D3400. (I prefer the APS-C cameras to the full frame cameras because I like the lighter weight, especially for travel.). I like the camera except for the fact that it has no exposure bracketing at all. This makes HDR photography, especially of tourist sites that might have people walking in the distance, slightly difficult. My question is: Should I take the D3400 to Europe or purchase the latest Canon Rebel, with which I can do 3 quick shots continuously?

Please consider: I have compared my Nikon to my old Canon T3i. Using the same settings for both, the Nikon seems to take better pictures when I compare the exact same shots side by side. Is that just my imagination or is that due to the very slightly larger sensor?

So, again, the choice is: 1) take the Nikon, which seems to take good pics, and be forced to take all my HDR shots manually? (The advantage there is that I could take 5 or more.); OR 2) buy a new Canon T7 or T7i and be able to take 3 quick shots at different exposures? (I don’t mind the extra cost if you find it is the best choice.)

I would appreciate any advice you can provide.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration to this matter.

5th May 2019 at 9:48 am

Thanks! So the sensor size probably doesn’t make that much difference, but the sensor technology likely will. The T3i was released in 2011, and it’s hard to really compare that against a much newer camera, as sensor technology moves on every year. I would say that the newer Canon would likely be comparable. It’s definitely frustrating that the Nikon cameras in the D3xxx range don’t have exposure bracketing, that’s a real omission by Nikon. I would say that if this is something that is important to you, and you don’t have a wide selection of Nikon lenses, that you might find the Canon more suited to your specific needs. I also can’t speak for the T7i, but on my Canon 6D, I can set it to take 3 or 5 shots for the exposure bracketing 🙂

Best of luck, and have a great trip!

22nd April 2019 at 7:03 am

Thank you for your great article. It is well-written and informative. I notice in your picture comparing sensor size, that Nikon’s aps-c is larger than the Canon aps-c. Is Nikon’s significantly better than Canon’s in terms of the final picture? What is the measurable difference between the two, in terms of pixels and/or quality? Should I base my decision on that? Thanks again

22nd April 2019 at 10:30 am

There is not a big difference between the two to be honest, the small size difference is not big enough to make a real world difference in my opinion, certainly not enough to make a purchase decision on 🙂

Mohit Chupra says

21st April 2019 at 9:57 am

Hi , after read the content i understand that there a lot of good value entry -level DSLR cammers .

21st April 2019 at 11:22 am

That is correct, DSLR cameras are great value for sure 🙂

20th April 2019 at 2:27 pm

Hi, I currently have galaxy s10 and thinking of buying Famon g7x for travelling. The main purpose of the trip is the northern lights. Would g7x worth buying? Or would s10 do the trick? Thanks

20th April 2019 at 3:25 pm

So the Canon G7x does have a larger sensor than a smartphone, and will therefore be better for northern lights photography. Smartphones are capable of taking pictures of the northern lights, but they won’t produce the best results. Either way, you will definitely want a tripod as otherwise you will get blurry pictures. I have a full guide to taking pictures of the northern lights you might want to check out too.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Sanjeev Rai says

12th April 2019 at 7:34 pm

I am going on a family trip to Europe covering Italy Switzerland and Paris . Looking into various videos of gopro I am inclined to buy go pro but not sure how much I will utilize as I am not into adventure sports. Although I feel a good family video covering mountains and beach will be cool. Also thinking of buying Nikon D3500 or May be both . Totally confused . I am not a photography enthusiast but regularly travel and wants to keep memories of my trips . Pleas guide

12th April 2019 at 7:44 pm

Hey Sanjeev,

So a GoPro is good as a general point and shoot action camera that will survive most situations. It’s also great for video. However, it has limitations – you can’t zoom, and it takes very wide angle photos. So things will seem further away. This is great for action sports and so on, but not really ideal for landscape photography.

If you want something pocketable that does great quality, I’d probably suggest one of the compact cameras on our list, or a mirrorless cameras. Most of these also do good video as well 🙂

Sanjeev says

13th April 2019 at 11:50 am

Thanks Laurence

I have budget of USD 500 . Will see which one fits the budget. Also may be GOPro + IPhone 7

13th April 2019 at 2:18 pm

Best of luck 😀

7th April 2019 at 7:18 pm

Hi – I’ve been a portrait photographer for too many years to say 🙂 and have always used Canon. At the moment we have 2 5d mark iii and one 7d at the studio with multiple lenses. I have finally made a decision to follow my passion and start traveling to shoot more landscapes and small towns. Weight is the biggest issue for me, however, quality of camera and lens is too. I’ll be headed for Europe then Asia this fall so I have some time but I’m trying to figure it out now. Any advice would greatly be appreciated.

7th April 2019 at 7:27 pm

Ah, the old conundrum – weight vs quality! Personally, we travel with a pair of Canon 6D’s and usually three lenses, a wide angle, a 70-200 (plus 2x convertor for wildlife) and a fast prime.

The key is a good strap for the camera (we love the Peak Design straps) and a good bag.

If I was you, and used to the Canon system (which I am), I would stay with it. I’d probably also suggest sticking with full frame. If size is the predominant issue, mirrorless cameras can help a bit, but not as much as folks might make out, because often so much of the weight is in the lens anyway.

I would probably be tempted by the Canon EOS RP. It’s a full frame mirrorless camera that, with a mount, will be compatible with all your EF (and even EF-S) lenses. It’s very compact for a full frame mirrorless camera.

If you want to just start over, and don’t mind investing in new lenses, then I might suggest something like the Fuji X-T30, which produces really lovely images. My only concern with shifting to a new system is that Canon is really great and colour, and other camera systems may not be as good as you used to (this is a reason many photographers I know have not shifted to the Sony mirrorless system for example).

I hope this response helps a bit! Let me know your thoughts 🙂

7th April 2019 at 10:04 pm

Hi Laurence, Thank you for your quick reply. I agree about the Sony, as we are so invested in all Canon lenses it makes it hard to change. I have, however, been very interested in the mirrorless camera and now with Canon’s out I have contemplated it but don’t see it being so much better than the 5diii except of course the weight, (which is what I need) I also worry that the battery doesn’t last long and even if I use an attachment won’t it slow down my lens? Deb

7th April 2019 at 11:38 pm

Canon has designed the mount adaptor so it just works like a passthrough. There’s no impact on the lenses. I know this has been an issue with other systems, like using the Canon lenses on Sony cameras, you lose autofocus speed and sometimes stops of light, but Canon didn’t want that to happen so the lenses should work just as well as if they are native.

To be honest, the performance won’t be massively improved over the 5D Mark III which is a great camera. If you are happy travelling with that, then go for it. But if size is a consideration, I’d say it’s the best option that would also let you use your existing lenses.

Carrie says

4th April 2019 at 9:16 pm

Thanks for the reply.

It’s a little difficult for me to describe how looking through a viewfinder on a non-DSLR camera affects my eyes. For many photos I prefer using the viewfinder, but for other photos I really like having the articulated screen.

I’m leaning toward the Canon EOS Rebel SL2 or one of the Nikon’s with an articulated screen (the good thing about a Nikon is my boyfriend has Nikon cameras and we might be able to share lenses). It’s just a matter of finding the right Nikon.

5th April 2019 at 12:04 pm

My pleasure. So it sounds like a DSLR is the right kind of camera for you. I would definitely recommend Nikon if your boyfriend has Nikon already, as this will save you the hassle of multiple lenses. When Jess and I got together, she had Nikon and I had Canon, and we just decided we’d merge everything to Canon to make life easier.

In terms of cameras, the Nikon D5600 is probably the best option as it comes with the tilting screen. You could also pick up the D5500 for a lower price if budget is a concern.

3rd April 2019 at 10:09 pm

The current camera I’m using is a Nikon B700, which I like for its small size, articulated screen, and super-zoom. However, the image quality seems to have deteriorated a lot in the two years I’ve had it and I now am having issues with using the viewfinder (my dry eyes are making it difficult to see what I’m trying to focus on because I’m looking at a tiny screen). So I think it’s time to switch to a DSLR or mirrorless camera. Mirrorless might be better because of the smaller size, but having never used one I don’t know how my eyes will handle it.

Any recommendations for a good, smaller DSLR or mirrorless with a good zoom and an articulated screen? My father has been using Panasonic Lumix cameras for years and has been very happy with his results.

4th April 2019 at 12:12 pm

So for DSLR and mirrorless cameras, these don’t come with a fixed lens, meaning you can change the lens to something that meets your requirements. However, there are not many lenses out there that would offer the sort of zoom you might be used to with the B700, that would also be smaller. So even if the camera body ends up being smaller, the overall package would be fairly large. Bridge cameras like the one you have are a fairly specific product and the main way they have been able to differentiate from all the other types of camera out there is by offering these pretty incredible zoom lenses.

I am a little confused though – the B700 has a screen, so I am wondering why you would not be using that for the focus? If the viewfinder is too small, this will be a similar problem with viewfinders on other cameras too I think.

I just don’t want to recommend a camera that doesn’t actually solve the problem!

2nd April 2019 at 6:52 pm

Hi, I have been looking into the Sony RX100 VÍ and the brand new Lumix FZ 1000 II. I want zoom, big sensor, tilting LCD, and low light capability. My only concern is size of the Lumix since my primary use will be for travel. Please help! What are your thoughts?

2nd April 2019 at 7:12 pm

So both cameras actually have the same size sensor, which is the 1″ sensor. The FZ1000 II definitely has more zoom, but it is much less compact. However, it also has a longer battery life and a tilting / swivel screen.

Personally if a compact camera is what you want, I would go for the Sony as it will slip into a pocket or purse. The Lumix definitely won’t. I don’t think image quality will be much different, although there are not many reviews on the FZ1000 II as it’s so new.

I hope this helps 🙂

2nd April 2019 at 7:24 pm

Thank you so much. It definitely helps.

Donna F. says

26th March 2019 at 1:43 am

This article is super! And, so is findingtheuniverse.com – I’ve learned so much as I am researching what camera to purchase. Any recommendations would be welcomed. I want a compact camera to travel with me on my motorcycle. It will need to endure a lot of vibration. I’d like for it to fit in a jacket pocket or tank bag. And, I’ll be taking pictures of landscapes, awesome views and interesting people.

26th March 2019 at 1:53 pm

Thanks very much Donna – delighted to be able to help!

So if you think the camera is going to be subjected to a pretty rough time, you might consider the Olympus TG-5 Waterproof Camera . It’s a good camera, although the 4x optical zoom, whilst good, may not be perfect for everything. It’s certainly the toughest camera in our list though.

If image quality and more zoom is more important, and you think you can trade off a bit of the survivability factor, I might consider either the Panasonic Lumix ZS100 or the Sony RX100 VI . These both have more manual controls as well as a larger image sensor, so the image quality will be higher. The Sony is at quite a premium price point though, so you would definitely want a good case to protect it!

I hope this helps a bit 🙂

Let me know if I can help out any further!

Nowshad Rahman says

24th March 2019 at 4:18 pm

I was looking for features the basic travel camera and this helped a lot. Thanks for the insightful article. Sony RX100 VI is good for travel?

24th March 2019 at 4:24 pm

It certainly is. It is definitely a premium compact camera, but the combination of image quality, manual controls, and the impressive zoom and autofocus performance make it probably the best compact camera for travel on the market today 🙂

Mallory J says

20th March 2019 at 4:42 am

Looking for some input… I have a Nikon D80. I used to do newborn photography some years ago. It worked fine for me then. Had my own kids, moved on in my career and on the side we travel a ton. The Nikon is clearly older and the whole set up is too heavy to travel with (I have 4 lenses total for it, however only use the my 24mm and 50mm. Rarely the 125 as I felt the quality was bad and never the telephoto that I bought with it. Anyhow, years later I know nothing about photography anymore and am looking for something other than my phone (iPhone xsmax). I want better, easier and more convenient than the D80. I like the blurry backgrounds (see I can’t even remember the correct terminology for this) and clear photos for nature and sports. My questions is, right off the bat, is there a camera that stands out? Do I go Nikon and continue to use my lenses and forgo the weight? Do I get something new, compact, same brand, different brand?

20th March 2019 at 10:22 am

Hi Mallory,

The word you are looking for is bokeh 😉

Ok, so this is a bit of a challenging question. SInce you already have lenses, my initial response would be to consider maybe the Nikon Z6 . Whilst this is pretty much identical in size to the D80, it’s a mirrorless camera with a full frame sensor, so you will be getting a marked step up in image quality and capability in a camera that is the same size. There’s also a Nikon adaptor so your existing lenses should work, although you’ll want to check compatibility. You should also find it easier to pick up as the menu system will be similar.

If size / cost is more of a consideration, then I think you would want to consider a mirrorless camera and look to invest in a couple of lenses. If you are happy with prime lenses then this is great because they tend to be cheaper and higher quality.

I’d say perhaps the Canon RP, or the Fujifilm X-T30 would be a great starting point, depending on budget 🙂

Happy to answer any follow up questions of course!

5th March 2019 at 9:33 am

Hi, thanks for you great article about various compact/travel cameras. I am planning to buy a new camera. I am trying to decide between Canon m50, Canon 200d, Nikon d5600 as well as Canon g3x. I live in humid area & that’s why I am concerned & also bit worried about that. I don’t have budget to buy expensive camera that have weather sealing. Canon g3x. does have weather sealing but then it have only 1 inch sensor (I do need camera which takes great quality images, video making is not my priority). Moreover, I also want to have a touchscreen. Kindly help me in this regard. Thanking you for the same

5th March 2019 at 12:09 pm

So based on your requirements and budget (I am assuming your budget based on the cameras you are looking at), I am going to suggest a totally different camera to those which you have been looking at.

My suggestion is either the Pentax KS-2, the Pentax K70 or the Pentax KP.

These are all APS-C sized sensor SLR camera which are weather sealed. They are also great value for a weather sealed camera.

The only disadvantage is that they do not come with touchscreens. I know this is something you want, but it might be a decision between weather sealing and a touchscreen at this price point. If the touchscreen is more important, I would suggest the Canon m50.

8th March 2019 at 11:35 am

Thanks for your reply. Kindly let me know why you suggested Canon m50 and also are mirrorless camera more sensitive to moisture/dust than DSLR? Thanks

8th March 2019 at 2:13 pm

So a mirrorless camera is more sensitive to dust than a DSLR. This is because there’s no mirror protecting the sensor, and every time you change lenses the sensor is exposed to the elements. In terms of moisture, I would not say there is a significant difference. A mirrorless camera has more electronic parts if you include the screen, so in theory more could go wrong, but I would say in the real world this isn’t likely to be a big issue.

I recommended the M50 as it’s a great compact mirrorless camera that is easy to use and produces quality results. However, a compact DSLR from Canon or Nikon would also be a good choice. Honestly, most cameras these days will take great photos in the right hands, the technology has come along very far. It’s just question of what has the specific specifications you need.

8th March 2019 at 2:26 pm

Thank you sooo much for your swift response. And thank you for clearing my doubts too. Actually I had almost decided to buy canon m50 but due to doubt about absence of mirror may make it more sensitive, I have narrowed down my choices to Nikon D5600 and Canon 200d. But still confused cause Nikon D5600 have 39 AF points whereas Canon 200d have just 9 and canon have dual pixal Autofocus. My priority is for stills. Kindly let me know if more Autofocus points are really that important. And please help me to decide between these two models. Thank you soo much for helping me out.

8th March 2019 at 7:49 pm

A lot of autofocus points can be useful if you are shooting fast action or wildlife photography. Otherwise it’s not too critical. I have a Canon 6D which is my primary camera, which I think has 9 autofocus points, and I’ve never found I needed more!

4th March 2019 at 8:24 pm

Hello, hope you’re doing well. I love your web page ❤️ I have some months suffering and searching information about a digital camera. I am interested for full frame & Mirrorless Camera for my work as a Aesthetician , and for travel also , I have considered Canon G7 X Mark II but im not pretty sure if it good for photography. Suggest me one good camera or good lenses for travel, fashion, makeup . Good bless you and thankful if you wanna respond

5th March 2019 at 3:03 pm

If you’re interested in a full frame mirrorless camera, I’d say that the Sony A7II would be a good option. The G7X Mark II is a lighter and more compact camera, but you can’t change the lenses, and it doesn’t have a full frame sensor.

Other options include the Canon EOS RP, Canon EOS R, Nikon Z series, and the more recent Sony A7 III, although this is somewhat more expensive now than the version 2.

For lenses, there’s a huge choice. I’d suggest a walk around lens for general travel photography, and then a fast prime lens for portrait work. A 50mm f/1.8 lens would be good for that. I have a guide to travel lenses you can see here:

Mick England says

3rd March 2019 at 3:53 pm

This may have been written before the D7500 came out as you state: “This is Nikon’s high end APS-C camera, with a 20.9MP sensor, fast autofocus, a weather sealed body, dual SD card slots and Wi-Fi.” In fact Nikon actually dropped the dual card slot that was present in the 7200 but the D7500 is nevertheless an excellent camera and I have never had a card fail on me.

3rd March 2019 at 4:05 pm

Hi Mick! Thanks for the catch 🙂 I’ve updated the description of the D7500. I too have never had an SD card fail on me in any camera, although I appreciate some folks like the peace of mind – especially for critical work like weddings and other event photography.

22nd February 2019 at 12:54 am

Hi, I have come across your website while I am searching for best travel camera. I am very limited knowledge about camera and planning to get my first ever camera. Thinking of getting either sony or canon. I am going to visit Euroup in 2 months and need travel camera for both photo and video capturing. May I request for your recommendation please? Thanks in advance ~

23rd February 2019 at 7:27 am

I would likely recommend a mirrorless camera like the EOS M100 as they are easy to pick up and use, and also easy to learn. However, I don’t know your budget – the M100 is at the low end of the budget (although it’s still a great choice). However, if you have more money to spend, there are other options too 🙂

12th February 2019 at 9:36 am

Hey there, I want to buy a travel system camera because my DSLR is just too heavy to carry around all the time. I‘m currently trying to decide between the sony a6000 and sony a63000. So far, from what i‘ve heard it seems like there‘s no big difference between the two cameras that justifies the much higher price of the newer model. However, since i‘m planning to go to south east asia, i‘m not sure how important it is for me to have a camera that‘s water and dust resistant (as the a6300 is). What‘s your experience? Is the a6000 likely to survive rainy season (pf course i‘m going to put my camera in the rain either way) or is worth investing 300€ more for that feature? Thank you!

12th February 2019 at 5:31 pm

I would probably lean towards the a6000 – it’s less costly, and weather sealing won’t make a camera waterproof unfortunately – you’re better off just trying to keep it dry 🙂 The a6300 is a decent camera, but I think for the price difference it’s not that much better.

Have a great trip!

11th February 2019 at 6:38 am

hi, thanks for your such informative blog. I am considering to purchase Fujifilm X-T20 with 18-55mm lens or Canon M50. And, my usage is more to photo shoots instead of video shoot.

I appreciate if you could give advise on this,

13th February 2019 at 9:17 pm

Both are excellent cameras, so it is hard to really decide between them. The Canon is slightly better for videos, and the Fuji might give slightly better photo performance, but the difference is very small. The main difference is the lens options – I would say there are more better value lenses for the Canon than the Fuji, but to be honest, both are really great cameras and I don’t think you will be disappointed with either choice!

Roxanne says

5th February 2019 at 6:58 am

What camera would you recommend for the following.. Indoor for a convention I will be attending Site seeing photos Novice photographer Selfies Price isn’t a deal breaker, so as long as it’s going to last me Captures my memories Ease of grab and shot Social posting Printing

Also considering a upgrade on cell too. To have both a camera and cell phone handy for just in case. I currently have a iPhone 7plus. But open to a smartphone that offers better photo capabilities.

Thanks in advance for your help!

5th February 2019 at 11:44 am

Hi Roxanne!

So the most challenging scene you’ll be looking at shooting will be the indoor scenes, which is where many cameras will struggle due to a lack of light.

If you wanted a capable smartphone, I currently use the Google Pixel 3 which is excellent for a wide range of shooting scenarios, including low light. I’ve not tried out the latest iPhone though.

In terms of a camera, for point and shoot I’d have to suggest either the ZS100 / ZS200, or one of the Sony RX100 options. However, the smaller sensor might not give the best results for indoor work.

So if you don’t mind a slightly bigger camera, I’d probably recommend the Fujifilm X-A5. This has a flipping screen for selfies, a large sensor that performs well in low light, and is still quite portable and easy to use.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any more questions 🙂

Ranjeet Kaur says

19th January 2019 at 6:47 pm

Hi guys, thanks so much for creating this page its an amazing read… i had a dslr camera for 10 years but it has now broken i also have a small canonn camera very small.brought in 2005 takes a card of 2gb but thats givent up as well. I i belive its time to up grade…. i use the camera for travling, gathering and amy social events. I also use it with work when i go and look at properties… so with this in mind im strugling to decide which camera to buy as i would like to get a small compact one…. what would you recommend?

19th January 2019 at 6:55 pm

Hi Ranjeet!

Our pleasure. So if it’s a small compact camera you are after, that is the section of the post to look at. We also have an expanded version of suggested compact cameras here . It’s hard to recommend without knowing your budget, but that page should give you lots more options!

4th January 2019 at 1:05 am

I’m hoping you can help as I am probably comparing apples to oranges. I’m looking for a travel camera for an amateur that is fairly compact, has an auto function, can take selfies, and takes bright, crisp pictures. Deciding between the Canon EOS M50 and the Sony RX100 iii. Any advice?

4th January 2019 at 9:47 am

Sure thing! So the RX100 will be more compact than the M50, but my personal preference would be the M50. It has a larger sensor, meaning images will be higher quality in a variety of shooting situations, has the full auto function, and also has a fully articulating screen for selfies. So that would be my preference of the two.

Another option is the EOS M100, which is a bit smaller, but has similar features. It’s also less expensive. It might be a good balance between the two options 🙂

26th December 2018 at 9:41 pm

What would your opinion be with getting the 200d with a 35mm prime and an ultrwide zoom? Do you have any suggestions as to which lenses I should look at? Total budget would only be around 700 I think at this stage. It would be used for travelling (cities and mountains) as well as a little bit of filming in the woods, but this is very much a secondary use

Many thanks

26th December 2018 at 10:01 pm

So that would be a great combination. Assuming a total budget of $700 to include the 200d, which is around $400 body only, then my suggestion would be the Canon 10-18 ultrawide angle , and the Canon 50mm f/1.8 , which is an amazing lens for the price.

That will take you to $794 all in, which is pretty decent for what you are getting 🙂

26th December 2018 at 10:06 pm

Sounds just about perfect, thanks for the speedy reply

If I remember I’ll try to post how I get on with them, such a good thread I’ll probably have a read over in a few months again XD

Thanks for the help, Flo

26th December 2018 at 10:17 pm

My pleasure 🙂 I’d love to hear how that combination works for you, so do pop back and let me know 🙂

We keep this post up to date as newer models come along, we also have a guide to travel lenses if you want another post to read 🙂 https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/best-lenses-for-travel-photography/

Have a wonderful 2019!

26th December 2018 at 7:23 am

Thanks for your article, it was really helpful. I was already considering the Nikon D3500 with an 18- 140mm lens as an alround in-expensive travel camera for an upcoming trip where we really only want to travel with the bare minimum. We can get this as a kit lens in Aus. However, I was wondering about the comparison between the D3500 and the D5600 with the 18-140 mm which is also available as a kit?

26th December 2018 at 11:09 am

Hi Helen, and thanks!

So there is not a great deal of difference between the two. They have pretty much the same specification, the main difference is that the D5600 has a moveable touchscreen and the D3500 has a fixed, non touch-screen. The D5600 is a bit heavier too, but they are otherwise dimensionally identical.

So really it comes down to whether or not the moving touchscreen is something you would want, as otherwise these two cameras are pretty much identical.

Hope this helps!

valina1981 says

11th December 2018 at 6:03 am

Absolutely love this post! Thank you. I’ve spent the last few weeks drowning in information and agonizing over which camera will be the best for me. As a complete beginner who wants to capture great images but wouldn’t have the slightest idea where to start with changeable lens this guide is ideal. Thank you

11th December 2018 at 10:06 am

My pleasure!

9th December 2018 at 7:21 am

I found this very helpful and an now as subscriber. I was going to sign up for your course, but got confused (my constant state) when I was about to pay and was greeted by a different instructor (‘Nomatic” Matt, or something like that). I now have a little over and hour experience reading your material and felt there was a good match, so didn’t sign up with Matt, if that is what I was doing. May be I missed something. Please let me know if you are in fact the instructor. Thanks

9th December 2018 at 10:31 am

Sorry about that confusion, I should probably try to make it clearer. So the course that you are talking about is my course, I wrote the whole thing, and all the homework / feedback comes to me. The course is just hosted at the Nomadic Matt site as he has a number of courses that compliment each other, plus it means I don’t have to worry about server hosting and the technology of the course – I just run it 🙂

But yes, that’s the one to sign up for to get to me 🙂

9th December 2018 at 5:06 pm

Thanks for the quick response and clarification. I will be signing up.

9th December 2018 at 7:11 pm

Thanks Steve, looking forward to helping you out 😀

Shirzad says

27th November 2018 at 1:13 am

You are a star!! Thank you, very informative.

27th November 2018 at 11:21 am

My pleasure! let us know which one you chose 🙂

David Stepenberg says

19th November 2018 at 1:56 am

Outstanding publication that was informative and easily understood. I appreciate your sharing your experience and expertise.

I’m interested in a digital camera that produces extremely high quality photos for canvas enlargement, has a large sensor, image stabilization, and is compatible with a high quality long range zoom lense. Based on this publication I’m assuming a DSLR is best, but I’m not sure which one and would appreciate your feedback.

19th November 2018 at 10:13 am

Thanks very much 🙂

So based on your requirements, you’d be looking at a fairly high end camera. You have a few options, depending on your budget:

The Canon 5D Mark IV The Sony A7r III The Nikon D850

These are all roughly the same price. For your specific needs, I would probably lean towards the Sony a7 rIII, which is a mirrorless full frame camera, with in body image stabilization and a high megapixel sensor which means you’ll be able to get those high quality images you’re after.

The 5D is a great camera, but the sensor doesn’t have so many megapixels. The Nikon is also excellent, with a fantastic (Sony made) sensor, but has no in body stablization.

Of course, both Nikon and Canon offer stabilised lenses, so you can get the same effect with a lens.

I hope this helps. There are other options at lower (and higher!) budgets, but this would me my starting point without knowing your exact budget 🙂

26th October 2018 at 4:13 pm

Nice article..! Any reason to choose D3300 over D3400?

26th October 2018 at 6:07 pm

In terms of the cameras under $500, I wanted to pick a great value camera, and the D3300 certainly fits that bill, especially since the D3400 and D3500 have since been released. However, if you have the budget, the newer models are definitely worth checking out 🙂

17th October 2018 at 9:22 pm

I feel you are missing a well known and loved travel camera. The Ricoh GR &/or GRii essentially the same, is ultra light, a somewhat fast 2.8 for low light, no AA filter that delivers sharp images and can be found used $350 or brand new $600. Yes, it has a fixed 28mm lens but it’s also so sharp with an aps-c sensor That cropping into a RAW image is still sharp after digital processing. Not the fastest auto focus but for those who focus on setting up their image or are patient for the scene to develop, it’s sufficient.

Great blog. Thanks for the work.

18th October 2018 at 5:43 pm

Thanks very much! There are a lot of great cameras out there for sure, and thanks for recommending your favourite. Hopefully someone finds your recommendation useful 😀

7th October 2018 at 2:10 pm

Absolutely brill article thankyou! I have a question for you . . . Im a land artist in the UK and currently looking to invest in a camera to capture my artwork. Been using a samsung galaxy phone up till now but seriously need to upgrade as Im being asked for large prints! Im good with light and composition but have very little tech knowledge! So looking for the smallest simplest camera that is not a phone! that shoots in RAW for high quality large prints that I can carry easily and not have to think about! Ive been looking at the Sony RX100 V and wondering if the image quality will be good enough . . friends saying Sony Alpha series is better! Help! Getting confused with so much choice! Would really appreciate your opinion or advice :)) *artwork ranges from small macro creations to much larger woodland or river work

10th October 2018 at 4:59 pm

So for something small the shoots in RAW, a higher end point and shoot should work fine for your specific needs 🙂 The Alpha series from Sony is a great choice too, but they are certainly bigger than a point and shoot, and also a bit more complicated to use. So I would advise something like the Panasonic or Sony in this post. We also have a more comprehensive Point and shoot camera guide here with even more choices 🙂 https://independenttravelcats.com/best-compact-camera-travel-point-and-shoot-cameras/

Let me know if you have any more questions!

Cecilia Lawrence says

11th September 2018 at 1:22 am

Hi there! Thank you for taking the time to write up this list! I was wondering if you could give me some camera recommendations. I’m an amateur photographer and I mostly use my camera for taking interior photos (like architecture or portraits) for art references. The things I’m looking for are:

1.) Long battery life (when traveling) 2.) Under $500 3.) Good in low-light settings

I’m trying to find either a good point-and-shoot or a mirrorless camera that fits in my budget. I was told that the Canon Rebel t6 is a good DSLR for what I’m looking for, but I’m wondering if it might not be a little too cumbersome when traveling. Any suggestions?

11th September 2018 at 10:34 am

Hi Cecilia!

My pleasure. So, your wishlist is quite a challenge I have to be honest 🙂

For a long battery life, your best option is going to be a DSLR, as mirrorless cameras use up more battery due to not having an optical viewfinder, which means you always need to be powering a screen.

Low light is the hardest environment for a camera to work in. My suggestion for the type of photography you are wanting to do would be to invest in a tripod, which can help get around some of the challenges of shooting in low light by letting you use longer exposures.

My suggestion would be perhaps the Canon M100 . This has the same sensor has the Canon DSLR cameras, but is in a smaller body, so it is quite compact. It comes in under budget including a lens. The only issue is that the battery life is not going to be as good as a DSLR.

let me know how that sounds!

11th September 2018 at 6:06 pm

Thank you so much for your quick response! This camera looks perfect–exactly what I was looking for. Thank you again!

11th September 2018 at 6:09 pm

My pleasure Cecilia 🙂 You inspired me to add it to the post as well, I think it’s an excellent option at this price point 🙂

Prashanth says

31st August 2018 at 9:17 am

Hello, thank you for an excellent article. I’ve got a tough one for you – my trusty Panasonic FZ300 has checked itself out after three terrific years. I can’t seem to find anything else that matches its set of amazing features. Can you help? Thanks!!

31st August 2018 at 10:31 am

Hi Prashanth,

I think the logical replacement would be the new Panasonic FZ330, which seems to have a similar set of features and upgraded technology 🙂

1st September 2018 at 6:00 am

Oh wow Laurence, thank you! I can’t believe I wasn’t able to find it myself. I kept searching for “FZ300 successor” but apart from a few forum postings on what a potential successor should look like, I only saw pages from four years ago that declared that the FZ300 was a successor to the FZ200! I noticed that you don’t have a section for bridge cameras on your blog – from my own experience, I found the FZ300 the most versatile cam I’ve used. I go on an annual 5500+ meter trek (Kailash Manasarovar yatra if you’re interested), and I’ve really put the weather sealing capabilities of the FZ300 to the ultimate test! The ultrazoom really comes in handy on the trek (to scope out far away features or wildlife) and the insane feature set (from 4 years ago!) – 4k video, timelapse, wifi, multiple zoom controls, touchscreen, etc. make this camera an absolute treat to use. If at all anything could be improved, it would be the sensor, because it isn’t good at all in low light (thats when the RX100 comes out of my pocket ;-)). I look forward to checking the FZ330 out – thanks again!

1st September 2018 at 6:04 am

Oops! I had just replied to your comment Laurence, but I’m afraid the FZ300 and the FZ330 are exactly the same 🙁 “There is no functional difference as far as I know. It is a brand / labeling thing. The FZ330 IS the FZ300.”

1st September 2018 at 10:54 am

You are right! I am so sorry, I just found that and figured it must be the latest version of it as that’s what Panasonic has on their website. They don’t seem to have anything newer with the same sort of features, and I can’t find anything else that is the same sort of bridge design with the same feature set. The FZ300 / 330 seems to still be the only option. So I’m not sure if you’ve considered just buying another one?

You are definitely correct that this guide is currently missing bridge cameras, the only reason being I don’t have personal experience with them so it’s hard for me to give good advice!

2nd April 2019 at 7:07 pm

Hi again Prashanth!

A bit of a delay, but I thought you’d be interested in the recently launched FZ-1000 II. It doesn’t have quite the zoom of the FZ330, but the sensor is both bigger and has higher megapixels, so when you crop the image you will likely end up with the same results. It’s also somewhat more expensive. But in case you were still looking, I thought you’d like to know 🙂

2nd August 2018 at 7:15 am

Thank you so so much for this. This helped me so much

2nd August 2018 at 10:00 am

My pleasure Rachel 😀

Techwhippet.com says

23rd May 2018 at 3:55 pm

Hi findingtheuniverse, This article is very much helpful. But still I have question on it should I ask here ?

23rd May 2018 at 7:36 pm

If you have a question you are welcome to ask it 🙂

nick esposito says

16th March 2018 at 4:23 pm

6D II has a swivel screen and a touchscreen..your info is wrong in the article.

16th March 2018 at 4:29 pm

Thanks Nick – I’ve fixed that in the article 🙂

Gezina Uys says

21st February 2018 at 12:59 pm

I have been looking for a travel camera for a long time now, but not one can can do everything I want it to do. 1. It must be lighter than my Canon EOS . 2. Must take superb photo’s because I print a lot and enlarge them. 3. Large sensor. 4. Good optical zoom lens. 5. Image stabilization. 6. Build in flash with range more than 10m. 7. Megapixels – more than 20.

Please advice me what to buy. I go on a holiday in August and must have the camera by then. My Canon is just to heavy to carry around.

21st February 2018 at 1:13 pm

That is quite a list 🙂

Getting everything you want in one camera is going to be quite hard – a large sensor will require a larger camera body, that’s just how it works. I’d also add that very few built in flashes are either that powerful or produce good results – this is why pretty much every professional level camera doesn’t even have a built-in flash.

It’s hard to give specific advice without a budget in mind. However, my advice to you would be to consider the Sony mirrorless systems, and in particular the Sony Alpha a7II ( http://amzn.to/2CbOehK ) for your requirements. This has nearly everything you have asked for:

1 – mirrorless, so smaller and lighter than EOS full frame cameras, weighs 1.32lbs 2 – takes great photos 3 – full frame sensor 4 – lots of lenses available 5 – built in 5-axis image stabilisation 6 – no flash (see above for why) 7 – 24.3MP

21st February 2018 at 1:37 pm

To follow on from your e-mail where you say that Sony are leaving the South African market (!). This is definitely a problem, as there aren’t any other full frame mirrorless cameras that I’m aware of, other than the Leica range, which are really expensive.

So my advice would be to look instead at the APS-C sized sensors on mirrorless cameras. These still produce great image quality and come in a smaller format. I’d specifically advise either the Fuji XT2 or the Fuji XT20, depending on your budget, both of which offer superb image quality. I know a number of professional photographers who love these cameras and use them as their main cameras day in and day out.

Techwhippet says

15th February 2018 at 7:22 am

Hi Mate! I just bought the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III, and am curious, do you ever take prime lenses when travelling? I’ve seen some amazing travel pictures taken with Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III. Amazing blog, keep up the great work!

17th February 2018 at 8:36 pm

Thanks very much! I don’t usually take prime lenses, I usually have a wide angle and a telephoto, and find that is enough to carry!

Greg Kennon says

3rd February 2017 at 4:05 pm

Wow! Awesome in depth post! We recently bought a Sony point and shoot camera and we have loved it. We have used a DSLR before but they are so heavy to take on long walks/hikes! Thanks for the great post! I will definitely reference this when it’s time to upgrade:)

Laurence says

3rd February 2017 at 4:09 pm

Thanks Greg, pleased you find it useful!

Leslie Hoerwinkle says

24th January 2017 at 3:53 am

So, which camera is the best? ????

13th February 2018 at 10:23 pm

It really depends on what you want to do with it, and your budget! I’d suggest checking out the post and making a decision on the best travel camera for you 🙂

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The best travel cameras

Everyone loves to take pictures of their travels, whether you’re visiting the beach or headed down the trail. But when cloud-based storage isn’t available and phone space is at a premium, you want a way to snap your pictures without weighing yourself down. A good travel camera is the best solution to your quandry. The best travel cameras are small, light, and easy to pack, which makes them ideal for almost all traveling situations.

At a glance:

The best travel camera: olympus om-d e-m1 mark iii, the best waterproof travel camera: olympus stylus tough tg-6, the best instant travel camera: leica sofort, the best travel superzoom: nikon coolpix p1000, the best advanced compact camera for travel: sony cyber-shot rx100 vi, the best cheap mirrorless camera for travel: fujifilm x-t30, the best video camera for travel: gopro hero8 black, what should you look for in a travel camera, are digital cameras allowed on airplanes.

But which travel camera is the best choice for you? For enthusiast photographers, nothing beats the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III, a compact mirrorless camera with built-in image stabilization so good you won’t need a tripod — even for long exposures. Of course, not everyone needs to take such a high-end camera on vacation. If that’s you, a simple point-and-shoot or action camera might be the better choice. To help you choose the best travel camera, we’ve compiled a list of cameras with features you’ll love.

• The best travel superzoom camera: Nikon Coolpix P1000
• The best premium compact for travel: Sony RX100 VI

Why you should buy this: Plenty of photo and video power, all in a system that easily fits in a carry-on

Who’s it for:  Serious travel photographers and enthusiasts

Why we picked the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III:

Many mirrorless cameras are compact and portable, but few travel as easily as the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III. The body itself may not be much smaller than other mirrorless options, but relatively small Four Thirds sensor means the lenses are. With a 2X crop factor , a 150mm lens has the same reach as a 300mm lens on full frame, which allows you to pack more zoom in less space, perfect for wildlife photography.

Compared to larger full-frame and APS-C sensors, image quality takes a slight hit on the E-M1 Mark III, but the 20-megapixel sensor still captures excellent photos in most conditions. And when those megapixels aren’t enough, a handheld high res mode boosts resolution to 50 MP (albeit, for stationary subjects only).

One of the biggest space savers, however, is the camera’s stabilization system. Rated up to 7.5 stops with some lenses (7 stops with others), it’s good enough to take handheld long exposures around six seconds or so — more if you have very steady hands. Except for shooting photos of the stars, we didn’t use a tripod on a four-day trip with the E-M1 Mark III, even for long exposures and night shots. As some popular tourist locations don’t allow tripods, this is a huge plus.

With built-in neutral density filters, the E-M1 Mark III also makes it easy to take longe exposures during the day, which is a big help if your travels include visiting a waterfall, ocean beach, or other body of water.

There’s more to the E-M1 Mark III than compact lenses and rock-solid stabilization. Performance is also good, with fast and accurate autofocus and even a new mode to use autofocus on astrophotography. Cinema 4K video is also a plus, and the fully articulating monitor means you can easily record a travel vlog.

If you want an interchangeable lens camera that packs light but still delivers high-end performance and image quality, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is an excellent option.

Read the full Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III review

Why should you buy this: RAW photos, great macro ability, rugged and weatherproof

Who’s it for: Enthusiast photographers who need a camera that can survive the elements.

Why we picked the Olympus Tough TG-6:

Rugged point-and-shoot cameras are similar to action cams, except they put still photos first, video second. Perfect for beach trips and snorkeling, they are meant to be shot by hand, rather than mounted to something. Such cameras are also waterproof, dust-proof, and freeze-proof without requiring a separate housing, as is sometimes the case with action cameras.

The Stylus Tough TG-6 continues Olympus’ dominance in the rugged camera game, and offers several advanced options not normally found on this type of camera, like the ability to shoot uncompressed RAW photos. It also has a stellar macro mode and even an incredibly easy-to-use light-painting mode, perfect for some nighttime creative fun on your next camping trip. It’s one of the more expensive options out there, but it packs a lot of power for the price and should last for years to come.

We should note while the Stylus Tough TG-6 is the latest offering from the Olympus TG series, little has changed over the Tough TG-5 . That camera has been officially discontinued, but if you can still find one, it might be worth picking it up at a discount.

Read more about the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-6

Why should you buy this: If you’re tired of lifeless images on a screen and want a physical picture in your hand

Who is it for: Those who like something cool and quirky when it comes to their cameras

Why we picked the Leica Sofort:

From the “upside down” Polaroid OneStep 2  to the soap-bar-like Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay , Instant cameras come in all shapes and sizes. But none are as stylish at the Leica Sofort. Consistent with the Leica brand, the design of the Sofort is sophisticated and understated. It’s the kind of instant camera that passersby will admire in your hand, rather than laugh at.

Sure, on the inside the Sofort is just a standard Instax Mini camera. Its f/12.7 aperture will deliver reasonably sharp images and the 60-millimeter lens is versatile enough to create a range of styles, but it’s certainly not its image quality that makes the camera ideal. Let’s remember when you’re on vacation, you’re there to have a good time. Especially if you’re traveling with children, instant photography is always a crowd-pleaser. It is a fun, interactive, and instant way of documenting all the good times you have while you’re away.

What makes the Leica Sofort different is that you’ll still look like a “real” photographer while using it; and looking the part is half the battle.

Read our Leica Sofort hands-on impressions

Why should you buy this:  It has a 125x zoom

Who’s it for:  Birders, or sports fans stuck in the nosebleed seats

Why we picked the Nikon Coolpix P1000:

The P1000 is overkill in the best of ways. Its crazy 125x zoom offers an equivalent focal length range of 24-3,000mm, a bonkers super-telephoto that was simply unheard of before it. Even though it’s technically a point-and-shoot, the massive optics required for that lens pushes the camera to over 3 pounds. Yeah, that’s not exactly portable and pocketable like other options on this page, but you won’t find anywhere near that much zoom power anywhere else.

Don’t expect superior image quality from the Nikon Coolpix P1000’s relatively small sensor (more or a less a requisite for fitting such a long lens), but Nikon has done an admirable job with the image stabilization, so you can at least handle that lens without requiring a tripod — provided you have enough light, and a little patience. At nearly a grand, this isn’t an impulse buy, but if you need one camera that can shoot everything from wide vistas to close-ups of birds, this is likely your best bet.

Read our  Nikon Coolpix P1000 review

Why should you buy this: Great stills and video, good zoom, impressive speed.

Who’s it for: Enthusiasts after a compact camera that won’t sacrifice performance.

Why we picked the Sony RX100 VI:

Sony somehow fit a 24-200mm f/2.8-4 lens into this pocket powerhouse. While it’s not cheap, you can’t beat the versatility of that lens in such a portable form factor when it comes to travel. The RX100 VI isn’t the latest advanced compact cameras featuring a 20-megapixel 1-inch-type sensors from Sony, but the newer Mark VII doesn’t offer any real advantages for travel photography.

The is also fast, capable of focusing in as little as 0.03 seconds and shooting bursts at speeds up to 24 images per second. It can also handle your video needs admirably, thanks to support for 4K resolution and a host of advanced options that will sate the appetite of even professional videographers. If you can get by with a shorter lens, the older R100 V  has a 3x zoom, but with a brighter f/1.8 aperture for shooting in low light. It also comes at a cheaper price.

Read our  Sony RX100 VI review

Why should you buy this: You’re getting a small, lightweight camera that has incredible image quality

Who’s it for: Those who want to create more than just a good holiday snapshot

Why we picked the Fujifilm X-T30:

The X-T30 is a high-performing compact mirrorless camera. Whether you’re going for a short weekend getaway or a long vacation, this camera won’t add too much weight to your travel bag. It comes with a backside-illuminated, 26-megapixel X-Trans sensor. With that you get stunning images that are rich in color in and detail. Depending on your viewing preference, the X-T30 gives you the option of looking through a central viewfinder or an adjustable LCD screen.

We absolutely loved the X-T30 when we tested it as it brings the best features of Fujifilm’s flagship X-T3 into a smaller, cheaper package. It can shoot continuously at up to 20 frames per second with the electronic shutter, so you’ll never miss a beat of the action. The face and eye-detection autofocus is great for portraiture, and it also offers 4K video if you want to record a cinematic memory of your vacation.

What sets the Fujifilm X-T30 camera apart from those above it is that you have the option of interchangeable lenses. And when it comes to great glass, we’re pushed to find a better manufacturer than Fujifilm. So if your time away is mixed up of hiking, street markets, and lazy days on the beach, you’ll have plenty of lens options to suit the style of photography you want to create.

Read our Fujifilm X-T30 review

Why should you buy this: Stunning image stabilization and versatile features

Who’s it for: Anyone with a love for POV videos or who needs a camera small enough to go anywhere.

Why we picked the GoPro Hero8 Black:

GoPro’s latest flagship is still the best action camera you can buy, but it does much more than provide the point-of-view perspective for extreme athletes. With the new “mod” accessories, it turns into a powerful vlogging tool . Add an LED light, mini shotgun microphone, and even a flip-up selfie screen.

The Hero8 Black is the first physical redesign since the Hero5 Black, incorporating a built-in mount that lets you forego a frame or case. This makes it faster and easier to set up, while also allowing you to swap batteries and memory cards while the camera is mounted to something. The camera is also thinner overall, making it more pocketable.

GoPro also turned up it’s impressive HyperSmooth stabilization to 2.0 in the Hero8 Black, offering gimbal-like steadiness that smooths out the roughest trail runs or mountain bike rides. It’s beyond impressive, and probably the number one reason I’d recommend the Hero8 over other action cameras.

It’s far from the only new feature, however. TimeWarp 2.0 offers new ways to create polished hyperlapse videos, automatically choosing the time-lapse speed based on camera movement and allowing you to slow down to real time at any point. New microphones and audio processing algorithms make voices easier to hear, even in windy and noisy conditions, and improvements to the interface make the GoPro Hero8 Black even friendlier to use.

Read our full GoPro Hero8 Black review

The most important thing is to make sure you’re getting a camera you will actually use. You could spend $2,000 or more to purchase a top-of-the-line machine for your next vacation in hopes of capturing some money shots to hang onto forever. However, if you never take it out of your hotel room because it’s too big and heavy (or you’re worried about it getting stolen), it’s basically worthless.

If you already shoot with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, you have a good idea of what you’re willing to use. If you’re used to shooting with a smartphone, you may want to consider how much you would actually gain from a digital camera before you make the switch. Some good questions to ask yourself before purchasing a digital camera are whether or not you need better low-light image quality, the ability to shoot in all weather conditions, or more versatile lenses.

There are no restrictions against bringing digital cameras, relevant accessories, or tripods on planes. It might be worth allowing for extra time, though, since some TSA agents will insist on manually inspecting your camera and equipment after it goes through the X-ray machine. If your camera and equipment don’t fit in a carry-on-sized bag, you’ll need to check it, and it might get handled roughly in transit.

Make sure to carry your camera’s lithium-ion batteries on with you, even if you decide to check the rest of the equipment. FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) regulations require you to keep these in your carry-on luggage. Lithium-ion batteries are a fire hazard, so airport baggage handlers will remove them if they find them in your checked luggage due to friction as the bag gets moved around. Knowing the batteries are a fire hazard sounds scary, but don’t worry, it’s just a safety precaution. Camera batteries are a lower risk than phone and laptop batteries because they aren’t as energy-dense, and it’s safe to fly with phones and laptops.

If the information here has you in the mood for camera shopping, check out the best Cyber Monday camera deals we found.

Editors’ Recommendations

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• Now Boarding

Our pick for the best camera for kids is the Olympus Tough TG-6. It's not a toy camera, nor is it particularly cheap, but it is very good at one thing that makes it a great choice for putting it in the slippery hands of youngsters: Survival. It is waterproof, drop-proof, crush-proof, and probably even dog-proof, so wherever it ends up and however it gets there, it should survive the journey. Kids love to make art, and they also love using technology. The perfect artistic and high-tech tool for a kid is a camera. We’ve tested and evaluated a wide range of cameras and found a number which work perfectly for children, whether it’s a first-time snapper, or a more advanced model for underwater shots. The cameras we’ve chosen are durable and easy-to-use, making them perfect for kids who aren’t gentle with electronic devices. Here are the best cameras for kids in 2020. At a glance

Best camera for kids: Olympus Tough TG-6 Best camera for toddlers: VTech Kidizoom Best cheap camera for kids: Fujifilm FinePix XP120 Best instant camera for kids: Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay And since its shopping season some deals Toy deals

After you’ve spent a small fortune on your new camera, the last thing you want is for it to slip out of your hands and tumble to the floor. To keep your camera safe and sound, you need a reliable camera strap. A camera strap keeps your camera within reach, and off the ground.

But you don’t want just any old strap. Your camera is a capable tool, and it deserves something special to keep it safe. Here are the best camera straps for 2020. Pair one with one of the best camera bags to build out a functional -- and fashionable -- kit. The best Peak Design Slide

Along with a strap, camera case, and high-quality flash, no photographer’s kit is complete without a handy tripod. While modern tech helps a lot, the best images require a steady grounding, and that’s doubly true at night. A tripod with strong, steady legs provides that firm grounding, and it’s key to getting the most out of your kit.

But the most expensive, feature-packed tripod isn’t the best choice for everyone, and if you only break out the camera on the weekend, you might want some more reasonably priced. The best tripods on our list have a variety of price points, so you can find one that best suits your budget and photography needs. Peak Design Travel Tripod

Best Camera for Travel in 2024 (Every Budget and Type)

Table of Contents

Are you ready to take your photography and travel adventures to the next level? If so, then it’s time to invest in a dedicated travel camera.

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about travel cameras.

I’ll break it down into categories. I’m doing it like this because there are so many factors to consider (like budget, size, preference of mirrorless over DSLRs, etc .) that it’s difficult to give just one answer.

But if I had to give just one answer, it would be the Canon EOS R5 , as that’s what I currently use, and I love it!

But, don’t worry, I’ve got your back. We’ll look at all the options to cover your specific needs.

So make sure you read on until the end (or jump to a specific section) for a comprehensive overview of the best travel cameras currently on the market!

Key Highlights

I recommend mirrorless cameras over DSLRs and compacts.

The Canon EOS R5 is my favourite camera for travel.

• Ultimately you can get good photos with most modern travel cameras. Consider budget, travel style and photography experience level first. Choose a camera based on those things (read on, I’ll help with that!).
• Which brand you choose doesn’t matter. Buying the camera that’s right for you and improving your photography skills if far more important than the camera you use.

Ultimately you can get good photos with most modern travel cameras, consider budget, travel style and photography experience level first. Choose a camera based on those things (read on, I’ll help with that!).

Which brand you choose doesn’t matter, buying the camera that’s right for you and improving your photography skills if far more important than the camera you use.

Top Three Travel Cameras

#1 Editor’s Choice – Canon EOS R5

The Canon EOS R5 is my favorite camera for travel photography. It’s an excellent all-rounder and great value for money.

#2 Editor’s Choice – Sony RX100 VII

The Sony RX100 VII has it all in one compact package. You get a high-quality camera with a versatile zoom range.

#3 Editor’s Choice – Sony A7S III

The Sony A7S III is the leading video-oriented mirrorless camera, perfect for videographers and acceptable for photos.

Canon EOS R5

#1 editor’s choice.

If you’re looking for a camera that will help you capture stunning photos and videos while on the go, then you should definitely consider the Canon EOS R5 . This powerful full frame mirrorless travel camera is packed with features that make it an ideal choice for travel photography, from its impressive 45-megapixel sensor to its 8K video capabilities.

Check out our full Canon EOS R5 travel photography review .

• Best all-rounder (photos and videos)
• Intuitive menu system
• Exceptional image quality
• Somewhat limited range of RF-mount lenses (but the range is expanding fast

The Canon EOS R5 is equipped with a 45-megapixel full-frame sensor, which performs excellently in all conditions. It also has an ISO range of 100-51,200 which allows you to shoot in low light scenarios without introducing digital noise.

It also boasts up to 20 fps with autofocus and up to 12 fps with manual focus making it perfect for capturing action shots or wildlife photography.

When it comes to video recording, the Canon EOS R5 can record up to 8K 30p footage which allows you to create cinematic videos with incredible detail and sharpness.

It also offers a range of useful features such as image stabilization, a 5.76-million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder, dual-pixel autofocus, and 3D tracking to give you more control over your footage and ensure that every shot looks its best.

Additionally, the R5 supports a variety of different media formats such as MP4 and MOV so you can easily share your videos online or store them for future use.

The Canon EOS R5 is designed for comfort too; it has a lightweight body and ergonomic design that makes it easy to carry around all day without feeling weighed down. It also features intuitive controls that make it easy to quickly adjust settings while shooting, letting you switch between modes or adjust exposure quickly so that you never miss out on the perfect shot.

Overall, the Canon EOS R5 is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a reliable travel photography mirrorless camera that can handle any situation.

Why choose a mirrorless travel camera?

First up, I always recommend mirrorless cameras when it comes to traveling. I’ve been over the reasons why already, but here’s a quick reminder.

Mirrorless cameras are quickly becoming the go-to choice for travel photography due to their lightweight and compact design.

They give you the chance to travel with a full frame camera in a compact body, a luxury DSLRs will never be able to afford you.

Not only do they offer excellent picture quality, but they also come with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity so you can instantly share your photos online.

Additionally, mirrorless cameras feature advanced autofocus systems which allow them to accurately track moving subjects even in dim lighting conditions, perfect for shooting wildlife or sports events while travelling!

Best of all, these features don’t come at the expense of size or weight, meaning you can take stunning images wherever you go without having to lug around bulky equipment!

Let’s take a look at some more benefits of mirrorless cameras for travel photography.

One of the most important features of any camera is its image clarity, and modern mirrorless cameras have it in spades. Mirrorless models offer excellent resolution, dynamic range , low noise levels and accurate colors, all without sacrificing portability or size.

Another advantage of using a mirrorless camera is its autofocus system.

Most modern mirrorless models feature advanced autofocus systems which use sophisticated algorithms to accurately track moving subjects even in dim lighting conditions.

Many mirrorless cameras also come equipped with face detection technology which ensures that faces remain sharp regardless of movement or changes in light conditions.

What to look for when buying a mirrorless travel camera?

When shopping for a mirrorless travel camera, it’s important to consider both the features and specifications of the camera.

Look at the resolution of the sensor, as this will determine how much detail you’re able to capture in your images. Additionally, check the ISO range, higher ISO ranges will give you better performance in low light scenarios and help reduce digital noise when shooting at high ISOs.

Also pay attention to the autofocus system, make sure that it’s fast and accurate enough for your needs.

Lastly, consider any special features such as image stabilization or weather sealing which can be very useful when travelling in harsher climates.

Best point-and-shoot compact camera for travel photography

Want more options? Check out our favorite point-and-shoot cameras for travel for a full run down of the latest and greatest in the compact camera world!

Sony RX100 VII

#2 editor’s choice.

As it stands today, my favorite compact point-and-shoot camera is the Sony RX100 VII . In my opinion, it’s the best compact camera currently on the market.

It boasts an impressive 20.1 megapixel 1” Exmor RS CMOS sensor as well as 315 autofocus points, allowing you to capture stunning photos with excellent detail, even in low-light conditions.

• Very compact
• Everything you need in one package
• Huge built-in zoom range
• Smaller sensor
• Can’t change lenses
• Expensive for a compact camera

The Sony RX100 VII is a powerful and versatile point-and-shoot camera that’s perfect for travel photography.

The lens features a maximum aperture of f/2.8-4.5 which means that you can achieve beautiful background blur without compromising on sharpness or contrast. Its fixed lens offers a zoom range of 24-200mm which is extremely versatile and will allow you to capture all manner of subjects.

In terms of design, the Sony RX100 VII has an ergonomic yet compact form factor that makes it a breeze to carry around when travelling.

With its lightweight construction and pocketable size it’s easy to slip this camera into any bag or pocket making it ideal for spontaneous shoots when out exploring.

As mentioned before, this camera comes equipped with a wide variety of features for capturing great photos on the go such as eye AF and touch focus capabilities, scene recognition auto focus (AF) technology, 4K video recording at 30fps and up to 960fps super slow motion videos, as well as other handy functions like interval shooting and time-lapse recording.

As if all this weren’t enough, the Sony RX100 VII also includes Wi-Fi connectivity so you can quickly transfer your photos and videos onto your laptop or smartphone for easy sharing online with friends and family back home.

You need look no further than the Sony RX100 VII if you’re in search of a powerful yet compact camera ideal for travel photography.

This amazing fixed lens camera offers impressive features, spectacular clarity and a wide focal range from its zoom lens. All in all, in my opinion, the Sony RX100 VII is the best compact camera currently on the market.

Best 4K video camera for travel

Sony a7s iii, #3 editor’s choice.

The Sony A7S III is a powerful and feature-rich camera that is ideal for taking 4K video while travelling.

The A7S III features a full-frame 12.1 megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor which performs excellently even in poor light, making it suitable for capturing night scenes or capturing details in shadows.

The price and the fact that this cameras is mainly aimed at video shooters is what has stopped me from putting it higher up the list.

• One of the best mirrorless cameras for video
• Huge range of A-mount lenses
• Has Sony’s intuitive, user-friendly menu system
• Not the best choice for photos
• Low megapixel count
• Updated A7S IV expected soon

It also offers an ISO range of 80-102400 which allows you to increase sensitivity in order to capture more detail when needed.

The Sony A7S III can record 4K videos at up to 120p and Full HD videos at up to 240 fps, making it great for capturing slow motion footage while travelling.

It features 10-bit recording to capture more vibrant colors and also supports HDR (HLG/PQ) recording modes as well as S-Log profiles for greater color depth and dynamic range when post processing your footage.

Image stabilization is another important feature when shooting handheld or from moving vehicles while travelling and the Sony A7S III has 5-axis SteadyShot IBIS which helps reduce blur caused by camera shake.

The A7S III has a fast hybrid autofocus system with 693 phase detect points which makes it easy to lock onto subjects quickly and accurately regardless of the environment you are shooting in.

When it comes to sharing images online, the Sony A7S III has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity so that you can easily upload your photos or videos straight away without needing any cables or additional hardware.

There’s also an HDMI port so that you can connect external monitors if needed for better viewing while shooting on location!

The Sony A7S III is an ideal choice for adventurous shutterbugs looking to capture beautiful, 4K videos.

Even in dimly lit or fast-paced situations like sports photography, the 10 bit recording and 5-axis image stabilization deliver top-notch performance and stunning imagery.

With its swift autofocus capability and Wi-Fi capacity, you’ll be able to take your travel filmmaking experiences beyond what you could’ve ever imagined.

Best travel camera for photography beginners

Check out this article about the best cameras for travel photography beginners if you want a full rundown of the best options for those who are new to the game!

An affordable entry level model

The Sony A6600 is an excellent choice for beginner photographers looking to take their travel photography to the next level. The camera features a 24.2 megapixel APS-C image sensor and a BIONZ X image processor, which combine to deliver high-quality images with minimal noise.

• Very compact body
• Lots of compact lens options
• Excellent value for money
• Not full-frame

The A6600 has an ISO range of 100-32000 and can shoot up to 11fps as well as record 4K video at 30fps, making it an ideal camera for capturing fast action sequences or stunning videos when travelling.

One of the most impressive features of this camera is its advanced autofocus system which consists of 425 autofocus points spread across the entire image frame, allowing you to quickly lock onto subjects regardless of where they are located within the frame.

There’s also eye AF technology that enables you to keep your subject in focus even when they are not looking directly at the camera; perfect for photographing animals or people who may not necessarily be looking at you when you’re taking photos of them.

Another great feature of this camera is its 5-axis electronic image stabilization which helps reduce blurriness due to camera shake while shooting handheld or from moving vehicles.

This can be especially useful when taking photos while travelling as it makes it easier to capture sharp images without having to worry about blur caused by shaky hands or other vibrations.

In terms of design, the Sony A6600 has an intuitive touchscreen display on its rear panel which makes controlling various aspects such as focus point selection or menu navigation very easy. Additionally, it has a dedicated dial on top for changing shooting modes quickly depending on your needs.

Best of all, this camera is easy and intuitive to use thanks to its touchscreen display on the rear panel which makes controlling various aspects very simple. There’s also a dedicated dial on top for quickly changing shooting modes depending on your needs.

If you’re in search for a travel camera that’s easy to use for beginners, yet still provides quality performance, then look no further than Sony A6600.

Not only does it deliver incredible image resolution but also advanced features such as 4K video recording and 5-axis stabilization, all housed in a lightweight body perfect to bring along on your journeys!

In conclusion, with its great value and enviable specs list this camera is an ideal choice for travelers looking to take their photos up notch without having to suffer through a steep learning curve to get the most out of it.

Check out my top 5 mirrorless cameras for beginners if you’re just starting your journey as a travel photographer!

Best action camera for travel photography

Gopro hero 11 black, the world’s favorite action cam.

If you’re looking for a small camera, the GoPro HERO 11 Black is currently the best choice for travel photography and videography, as it offers a wealth of features and capabilities that make it ideal for capturing stunning images and videos on the go.

• Very compact, fits in a pocket
• Extremely robust
• Perfect for capturing memories
• Lots of accessories available
• Not great for photos
• Not professional-level quality

It boasts a powerful image sensor with 27-megapixel resolution, 5.3K video recording at up to 60 frames per second, and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity so you can share your photos instantly.

Perhaps one of the best features of the GoPro HERO 11 Black is its image stabilisation system, which uses cutting-edge technology to reduce blurriness and create smooth and stable footage even when you’re recording during a bumpy ride or walking along a rough path.

Additionally, with its waterproof design, you can safely take this camera on any type of adventure without having to worry about damage from water or dust.

The GoPro HERO 11 Black also comes with numerous creative tools such as time-lapse mode, which allows you to record moments over longer periods of time, slow motion mode, and night lapse mode, perfect for capturing stunning scenery after dark.

You can also use the companion app to control your camera remotely and access additional editing functions like HDR modes and color grading.

The GoPro HERO 11 Black is the perfect camera for travel as it is extremely compact and lightweight. This makes it ideal for carrying around with you on any type of adventure. Its robust design ensures that it can survive the rigors of travel no matter if you’re trekking in the desert or hiking through a rainforest.

What’s more, this camera features an intuitive user interface which makes it easy to use even when you’re out and about.

Its menu system is organized into simple categories so you can quickly access all the settings and functions you need without having to dig through layers of menus.

It also has an integrated LCD display which allows you to preview your shots, great for when you want to quickly review your images before sharing them online!

Another benefit of choosing this camera for travel photography is its battery life, it’s capable of lasting up to 10 hours on a single charge, more than enough time to capture those special moments while traveling! On top of that, it supports both USB-C and micro USB charging options so you can recharge your device anywhere with ease.

While the GoPro isn’t the best choice if you’re mainly looking for a good camera to take photos, it’s video capabilities are unmatched in such a compact package. That said, the photos you can capture with the GoPro HERO 11 are perfectly acceptable for social media and sharing with friends and family.

Overall, the GoPro HERO 11 Black is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a small camera to capture stunning videos and acceptable images while travelling. With its powerful image sensor, 5.3K video recording capabilities and numerous creative tools, this camera will ensure that you never miss a moment while on the go!

What to look for when buying an action camera for travel photography?

When it comes to choosing the best action camera for travel photography, there are several features to consider.

Firstly, look out for cameras with an impressive level of image sharpness, as this will ensure that you capture stunning photos wherever you go!

Focus on models that offer waterproofing and dustproofing capabilities, these will be essential for keeping your camera safe in all environments. Then, check if the device offers 4K video recording capabilities, as this will enable you to capture ultra-high resolution footage regardless of the location.

Also look out for options with both electronic and optical image stabilization technology as this is important for ensuring that your images remain sharp and clear even when taking handheld shots. Lastly, make sure to look at the battery life of each model as this is key for ensuring that you don’t run out of power during a shoot.

Overall, with so many different action cameras available on the market today it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. However, by taking into account all of the features mentioned above you should be able to find a great option that meets your needs and budget!

Best DSLR for travel photography

Check out our experts team’s favorite DSLR cameras for travel photography for more options.

If you have to pick a DSLR

The Nikon D850 is a powerful DSLR camera that is perfect for capturing your travel memories and is currently the DSLR I would recommend for travel photography.

Having said that, I would say go for a mirrorless camera over a DSLR if you can because they are far more practical for traveling .

But, if you have your heart set on a DSLR, this full frame camera certainly packs a punch.

• Good image quality
• Large range of lenses
• Very bulky and heavy
• Not the most technologically advanced
• DSLRs are the worst choice for travel photography

This full-frame DSLR has an impressive 45 megapixel sensor which can capture stunning, high-resolution images even in low light situations.

It also boasts a fast, 151 point autofocus system and the ability to shoot up to 7fps in burst mode. With these features, you can be sure that even the most fleeting moments will be captured with crystal clear detail.

The D850 also offers impressive 4K video capabilities as well as a smooth 1080p recording at up to 120 fps, allowing you to capture professional-grade footage of fast moving scenes or slow motion shots effortlessly. Moreover, it comes with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity options, making transferring photos from the camera to your phone or tablet quick and easy.

When it comes to lens selection, the D850 presents a wide variety of options from wide angle lenses for capturing expansive landscapes to telephoto lenses for zooming in on distant subjects with clarity and precision. Its compatibility with both FX and DX lenses ensures that you’ll have plenty of options when choosing which lens fits best for each situation.

The Nikon D850 also includes an array of creative tools such as HDR imaging and multiple exposure modes which let you create unique compositions by blending different images together.

Also, its RAW image format support allows users to access every bit of detail captured by the camera’s sensor, great if you want more control over editing your photos afterwards!

If you’re looking for an all-in-one travel photography solution then consider investing in a Nikon D850 its combination of powerful features and robust design make it one of the best cameras available on the market today.

Why choose a DSLR travel camera?

When it comes to DSLR cameras for travel photography, there are both pros and cons that need to be taken into consideration.

On the plus side, DSLRs generally provide more flexibility when it comes to lenses and settings, making them great for capturing both wide-angle shots and close-up details of your subject; they offer large sensors providing vibrant colors, great sharpness and outstanding low-light performance.

Moreover, most modern DSLRs come with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity which allows you to instantly share your photos online, something that’s becoming increasing common in modern travel cameras.

However, DSLRs can be quite bulky compared to mirrorless cameras meaning you’ll have to spend extra time packing and unpacking your equipment when travelling.

This is especially true if you plan on bringing multiple lenses with you.

Many entry level DSLRs don’t come with advanced autofocus systems or face detection technology which can be quite useful when shooting in unpredictable environments, something that many mirrorless models offer as a standard feature.

In conclusion, a DSLR, in most cases, probably isn’t right for travel photography. Instead opt for one of the many mirrorless or compact cameras out there.

What to look for when buying a DSLR travel camera?

If, for whatever reason, you’ve decided that a DSLR is for you despite their disadvantages, there are a few key features which you should consider.

Firstly, when it comes to better image quality, look for a large sensor size; larger sensors provide better low-light performance and more detail in images.

Look at the ISO range. Higher ISOs provide better noise reduction when shooting in dimly lit or night environments. Many modern cameras can reach ISO values of up to 25,600 which is very useful in such situations.

You should also pay attention to the dynamic range, this helps capture more details in highlights and shadows and reduces the risk of losing important details due to overexposure or underexposure.

Another important factor is battery life. If you plan on being out and about all day then make sure that your camera has decent battery capacity.

You should also take into account whether or not the camera offers live view shooting, this allows you to preview your shots before taking them so that you know they’ll turn out exactly how you want them!

Furthermore, many models also come with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity which allows you to instantly share your photos online, perfect when travelling!

Face detection technology is also another feature which can be very useful when shooting portraits or selfies while travelling as it ensures that faces remain sharp regardless of movement or changes in light conditions.

Best Smartphone for Travel Photography

Sony xperia pro-i, best camera in a smartphone.

The Sony Xperia Pro-I is an excellent choice for any travel photographer looking for a reliable and powerful camera but who doesn’t want the inconvenience or extra expensive of buying a dedicated camera.

It features a 20MP sensor that offers stunning image quality with great dynamic range, low-noise performance, and outstanding color reproduction; your photos will look great no matter the time of day or night.

• 2-in-1 phone and camera
• Extreamly travel-friendly
• Camera technology taken from Sony’s excellent cameras
• Limited compared to dedicated cameras
• Small sensor size
• Limited built-in optical zoom range

The Xperia Pro-I also comes equipped with a fast hybrid autofocus system that allows you to quickly and accurately focus on even the most fleeting subjects and its built-in 5-axis optical image stabilization (OIS) helps reduce motion blur when shooting in low light conditions.

What’s more, the camera on the Sony Xperia Pro-I has impressive ISO sensitivity up to 12800, offering photographers the flexibility to capture everything from bright outdoor scenes to dimly lit indoor environments.

It also features an advanced face detection system which helps ensure faces remain sharp regardless of movement or changes in light conditions, perfect for taking great portrait shots while travelling!

Best of all, as it’s a smartphone, you can share your images instantly with others. You can even edit them directly on the device without having to upload them to a computer first!

In terms of lenses, the Sony Xperia Pro-I comes equipped with a versatile selection ranging from wide angle to telephoto, a perfect zoom range for capturing both grand scenes and detailed closeups.

It also features an innovative triple lens set up which allows you to switch between lenses rapidly when needed without having to physically swap out lenses so you can quickly capture different perspectives on the go.

With its wide aperture range f/2 – f/4 you will be able to create shallow depth of field effects as well as produce softer backgrounds, perfect for creating dramatic portraits!

If you’re searching for an ultimate travel camera and smartphone combination, the Sony Xperia Pro-I is your perfect choice!

After all, you’ll likely have a smartphone with you anyway, and with this you’re killing two birds with one stone!

All in all, the Sony Xperia Pro-I will definitely not disappoint if you’re looking for the best smartphone for travel photography.

What to look for when buying a smartphone for travel photography?

If you’re a keen traveller and want to take great photos while on the go, then there are several factors to consider when choosing the right smartphone for your needs.

Obviously, look out for models with good cameras as these will provide a better end result than budget options.

Secondly, make sure that the device has plenty of storage space, both internal and external, as this is important for ensuring that you can store plenty of photos without having to delete them from time to time.

Thirdly, some smartphones come equipped with dual-lens (or more!) systems which allow you to capture wide angle shots in addition to standard and telephoto ones. Finally, be sure to check what type of image stabilization technology is built into the device as this will help keep your photos sharp and blur free.

Overall, smartphones offer great value for money when it comes to travel photography, and with the right model you can easily rival compact cameras at a fraction of the cost!

Just make sure that you check out all the features mentioned above before making a purchase as this will ensure that you get the best bang for your buck! Best of luck in finding your perfect smartphone companion on your travels!

Why choose a smartphone for travel photography?

As technology constantly advances, smartphones are becoming increasingly impressive tools for travel photography.

Smartphones provide a great level of convenience, as they are incredibly lightweight and can easily fit into a pocket or bag. Furthermore, many models come with large sensors and sophisticated camera software which is capable of capturing stunning shots, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Additionally, their portability makes it easy to quickly snap unexpected moments without having to fumble around for your camera equipment.

However, there are some drawbacks to using a smartphone when traveling.

Firstly, most built-in cameras have limited manual control making it difficult to capture complex photos such as long exposure shots with slow shutter speeds.

In many models, the reliance on digital zoom rather than optical zoom means that you will struggle to get close up shots of wildlife and other far away subjects without losing any quality.

Finally, battery life can be an issue on long trips as smartphones tend to drain their power fairly quickly when used for intensive activities such as photography.

Overall, smartphones offer considerable advantages when it comes to travel photography, but you should also take note of their limitations before taking the plunge and purchasing one.

By weighing up both these pros and cons carefully you’ll be in a much better position to pick the perfect companion for your next trip around the world!

Why choose point-and-shoot compact cameras for travel photography?

A point-and-shoot compact camera is a great choice for travel photography as they offer a lightweight and portable option that won’t take up too much space thanks to their fixed lens design.

They are often smaller than DSLRs and mirrorless alternatives, making them easy to carry around without sacrificing image quality and features.

They also usually come with plenty of automatic settings which can make the learning process easier for beginners who want to get started with photography quickly.

One of the main advantages of using point-and-shoot cameras is their ease of use; they have less buttons and settings than others, meaning you don’t need to spend time learning how to use them before starting your shoots.

Furthermore, many compact cameras offer special features such as face detection or scene modes which can be very useful when shooting in unfamiliar environments or trying to capture special moments at a fast pace.

You will find that many point-and-shoot models also provide Wi-Fi connectivity which allows you to easily share your photos online, which is perfect for those keen on social media !

There are, however, some disadvantages associated with using point-and-shoot cameras for travel photography.

Firstly, a compact camera will lack the flexibility of an interchangeable lens system when it comes to lens choices, so if you wish to capture wide angle shots then this might not be possible, depending on the model.

And, although some models may offer large sensors (1″ or larger), most still tend to produce lower quality images than those found in DSLRs and mirrorless cameras due to the smaller size of the sensor.

Their autofocus systems may not be as quick or accurate either so tracking fast-moving subjects like wildlife may prove difficult depending on the model.

Overall, point-and-shoot cameras provide a great option for those looking for lightweight portability when travelling but should not be considered if absolute image quality is key as they cannot match the levels offered by DSLR and mirrorless systems.

What to look for when buying a point-and-shoot travel camera

When looking to buy a point-and-shoot compact camera for travel photography it is important to consider a few crucial features that can make or break your experience.

Firstly, look for cameras with larger sensors (1″ or larger) as these will provide better results and improved low-light performance than smaller sensors.

Look for cameras with fast autofocus systems as this will allow you to more easily capture moving subjects such as wildlife that require faster shutter speeds.

Look for models with good exposure control too as you may encounter difficult lighting conditions while travelling that require some manual adjustments from time to time.

It’s also worth considering the number of megapixels on offer. Higher megapixel cameras are able to capture finer details in landscapes and other scenes which may be difficult to see up close.

If you plan on shooting video then you should look out for features such as 4K video recording which provides an excellent quality of footage and high frame rates, making them great for capturing action shots while travelling.

Lastly, many point-and-shoot cameras will come equipped with built-in flash units which can be very useful when taking pictures in low light situations, but keep an eye out for models with external flash options too!

For those who wish to share their images online, make sure that your chosen model offers Wi-Fi connectivity so that it’s easy to upload your images straight away!

Best budget camera for travelling

Canon g7x iii, compact and budget-friendly.

The Canon G7X III is a great choice for those looking for a compact and lightweight budget travel camera. It offers excellent image quality, fast autofocus capabilities, 4K video recording, and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity which makes it easy to share photos online while travelling.

• Very compact all-in-one system
• Value for money
• Versatile (great for both photos and videos)
• Not as good as the Sony RX100 VII
• Fixed lens system

When it comes to budget-friendly options, compact cameras are often the way to go. You get everything you need in one package and you won’t have to fork out on additional lenses.

The Canon G7X III is equipped with a 1″ 20.1 megapixel CMOS sensor which provides excellent image quality in both low light and bright conditions.

The camera also offers an ISO range of 125-12800, allowing you to take advantage of higher ISO settings when needed without sacrificing image quality.

It also features a fast and accurate autofocus system with 315 points of coverage which makes it easy to capture sharp images even when dealing with fast-moving subjects such as wildlife or sports.

This camera also offers 4K video recording at 30 fps and Full HD recording at up to 120 fps, making it great for capturing action shots while travelling.

It also features five-axis electronic stabilization which helps reduce blurriness due to camera shake while shooting handheld or from moving vehicles.

The Canon G7X III is also equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity so that you can easily transfer your photos online for quick sharing on social media or other websites.

This feature can be very useful when travelling as you don’t need to wait until you get back home before sharing your photos online!

In terms of physical design, the Canon G7X III is quite lightweight at 304 g (0.67 lb / 10.72 oz) making it very portable and easy to carry around when travelling. It has an intuitive touchscreen display on the rear which makes it easier to control various aspects of the camera such as exposure settings or menu navigation.

The camera has a dedicated dial located on top of its body which allows you to quickly change shooting modes depending on your needs.

The Canon G7X III is an excellent choice for those looking for a compact yet capable travel camera that won’t break their budget and provides good enough performance in most situations encountered whilst travelling.

Best travel camera for street photography

Fujifilm x-t5, classic body, modern features.

With the Fujifilm X-T5 , street photographers can take their artistry to new heights. Featuring a 40 megapixel APS-C image sensor, this camera produces vivid and clear images and captures both highlights and shadows excellently; its native ISO range of 160–12800 is especially impressive!

• Ergonomic exterior controls mean you don’t have to dive into the menu often
• Aluminum construction, very robust
• Compact APS-C system with great range of compact lenses
• Excellent image quality
• Great retro looks
• Learning curve if transitioning from another system
• A bit heavy for an APS-C body

You’ll be able to capture fast-action shots at 8fps with AF/AE tracking or record 6.2K video at 30 fps, truly remarkable capabilities for any budding shutterbug.

With the Fujifilm X-T5, you can snap amazing shots of subjects quickly and easily.

Its advanced autofocus system features an impressive 425 phase detection points that cover the entire image frame, letting you lock onto your subject no matter where they are in the photo.

Plus, its eye AF technology keeps them crystal clear even when their gaze is averted; perfect for candid street photography!

One of the key features that makes the Fujifilm X-T5 a great choice for street photography is its wide range of prime lenses available. These specialty lenses offer a unique perspective by providing sharp images with beautiful background blur, which are perfect for emphasizing your subject.

The Fujifilm X-T5 is equipped with a 3 inch LCD touchscreen display on the back, making it effortless to select focus points or navigate menus.

You can tilt the LCD screen up or down so that you don’t have to twist yourself when taking photos from different angles.

There’s also a tactile dial on top for quickly adjusting shooting modes as needed.

This camera’s incredible 5-axis image stabilization system is ideal for reducing blurriness from hand shake or vibrations of cars and buses when you’re travelling.

No longer do you have to worry about hazy pictures due to unsteady hands!

Not only does this simplify the process of taking clear photos, but it also decreases fatigue from holding your camera in the same position after extended time outdoors – what could be better?

The Fujifilm X-T5 is constructed of high-grade magnesium alloy, guaranteeing that it can handle whatever you throw at it, perfect for adventurous photographers who demand a dependable camera wherever they go.

Whether used domestically or abroad, this lightweight yet powerful device packs top notch features without sacrificing in quality. No matter what your photography needs are, the Fujifilm XT5 offers an unmistakable level of performance and reliability to make sure all your shots come out amazing!

If you’re searching for a street photography camera that is packed with the latest features in a stylish and and robust package, the Fujifilm X-T5 cannot be beaten!

With its advanced auto focus system, 5-axis image stabilization and ergonomic design, it’s perfect for capturing amazing photos while travelling.

Best travel camera for vlogging on the go

Full-frame with a flip-out screen.

The Sony A7C is an amazing camera for vlogging and content creation. With its full-frame 24 megapixel image sensor, you can capture stunning images with rich colors and sharp details.

• Full-frame sensor
• Flip-out rotating screen
• Great value (especially for a full-frame camera)
• No EVF (electronic viewfinder)
• Not as capable as the Sony A7S III

This camera also comes with an impressive ISO range of 100-51200 (expands to 50-204800) so even in low light conditions, you can still get clear and vibrant images.

The fast hybrid auto focus system with real-time tracking makes it a breeze to keep your subject in focus when recording videos or taking photos; perfect for capturing spontaneous moments!

In addition to its impressive imaging capabilities, the Sony A7C’s compact design makes it ideal for vlogging on the go!

Weighing 509 g (1.12 lb / 17.95 oz) and measuring 124 x 71 x 60 mm (4.88 x 2.8 x 2.36″), this camera won’t take up much space in your bag while you travel so there’s no need to worry about lugging around a bulky camera anymore!

Perhaps most importantly, its flip-out LCD screen lets you easily frame yourself up while shooting video; a must-have feature on any camera that you want to use for vlogging .

When vlogging, sound quality is just as important as visuals.

The Sony A7C offers a plethora of audio features that will help you capture crystal clear audio recordings even in windy environments or noisy outdoor settings.

Its 24-bit/192kHz linear PCM audio recording format ensures that your recordings are free from distortion even at high volume levels.

The A7C comes with five built-in microphones that offer directional sensitivity for improved clarity and noise reduction during recordings; perfect for capturing clear audio without the need for an external microphone.

The Sony A7C is an impressive option for those looking to craft content or vlogging.

It provides brilliant better image quality than other cameras in the same price bracket, plus it’s equipped with features that improve audio recordings even when outside or in loud locations.

Its lightweight construction allows you to transport the camera wherever your adventures take you, and it’s flip-out LCD screen means you will never miss a great shot when you get the urge to record yourself.

With a wide range of options available, choosing the best camera for travel can be daunting. That’s why I have put together this comprehensive guide – every budget and type included!

From DSLRs to mirrorless travel cameras, point-and-shoot compact cameras and action cams, there is something here for everyone. Whether you are an experienced photographer looking to upgrade or a novice looking for a beginner camera who’s just starting out with photography, myself and my expert team have done all the research so you don’t have too.

We will help you find the perfect camera that fits your style, skill level and budget!

So get ready because this is going be an exciting journey into discovering some of today’s most advanced imaging technology!

Read on as we explore what makes each camera unique, their features & specs as well as which ones offer great value for money.

Let’s dive in!

So, what is the best camera for travel?

In short, as a professional travel photographer, I recommend a mirrorless camera for travel photography over a DSLR or compact camera because of their size and weight advantages.

Plus, the industry is moving away from DSLRs and towards mirrorless cameras, meaning manufactures usually put the latest features and technology inside their flagship mirrorless cameras first.

However, that’s the short answer, and depends on a range of other factors such as your budget, what you’ll be doing with the photos and your travel style ( i.e . do you travel with checked luggage? Or do you only travel with cabin baggage?).

When choosing a camera, you must consider a variety of factors including budget, type of photography and skill level.

Whether you are an experienced photographer upgrading your gear or someone just starting out, there is something here for everyone!

From DSLRs to mirrorless travel cameras and point-and-shoot compacts, we have done all the research so you don’t have too.

In this guide, we will explore a range of travel cameras and help you find the perfect camera that fits your style and budget.

What This Guide is About?

We will explore what makes each camera unique, their features & specs as well as which ones offer great value for money.

Whether you are an experienced photographer looking to upgrade or a beginner just starting out with photography, our expert team has done all the research so you don’t have too.

What This Guide is Not?

This guide is not designed to be a comprehensive review of every camera available.

Instead, we will focus on the best cameras for travel that are great value for money and offer features & specs suitable for all skill levels.

We will also provide an overview of each camera’s pros and cons so you can make an informed decision when choosing the best camera for your needs.

How to choose the best camera for travel photography?

Choosing the best travel camera can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you.

What is your budget?

How much are you willing to spend on a travel camera?

Are you an enthusiast looking for something basic? Or are you a professional travel photographer looking for something more advanced?

What is the most important feature you need in your budget range? Do you have any specific features that are non-negotiable within your budget?

It is important to consider these factors when choosing the best travel camera as each type of camera has unique features that are suited to different types of photography.

For instance, DSLR cameras offer a range of interchangeable lenses which allow for greater flexibility in shooting styles and angles. This makes them ideal for landscape and portrait photography.

Mirrorless cameras are also becoming increasingly popular due to their portability, fast autofocus capabilities and excellent sharpness. They offer many of the same features as DSLRs but without the bulk or weight.

Point-and-shoot compacts are perfect for travelling photographers who want an affordable, lightweight and easy-to-use camera that takes great photos.

Although they don’t have the same sophisticated features as some of the other cameras on this list, they make up for it with their affordability and ease of use, making them perfect for beginners or those just starting out with photography.

Finally, action cams are ideal for capturing high-adrenaline experiences such as extreme sports or adventure travel.

These small cameras can be mounted on helmets or attached to drones to capture incredible footage from difficult angles or remote locations. Action cams come in a variety of sizes and feature sets so you can find one that suits your budget and needs perfectly.

When deciding on the best travel camera, it’s important to take into account your budget, type of photography you’ll be doing (landscape, portrait etc.), skill level (beginner photographer vs professional) as well as any specific features you may need within your budget range.

It’s also important to take into consideration whether you’ll be taking photos remotely (such as using a drone) or if mobility is key, such as using a point-and-shoot or an action cam, so you can ensure you get the best shots possible in varying conditions.

By researching different types of cameras available today, you’ll be able to find one that fits your style, skill level and budget, allowing you to capture some incredible memories during your travels!

How do you plan to use your images?

When choosing the best travel camera for you, it is important to consider how you plan to use your images. Will they be printed out and framed? Are you looking to post them online or share them with friends and family?

Do you need certain features such as built-in GPS tagging or Wi-Fi connectivity? Knowing how you plan to use your photos will help you make the optimal decision when choosing a camera that offers the features most suited for your photography needs.

Professional photographers need to be able to capture the highest quality images possible in any situation, as their photos will either be published or sold.

Therefore, they need a camera that offers a wide range of features, such as high ISO performance, fast autofocus speeds and RAW image format capability. These cameras tend to be large and more expensive than other types of cameras but the quality of the images they produce is worth it for professionals.

On the other hand, personal travel photography is typically done for fun or for sharing with family and friends online. In this case, it’s important to choose a camera that fits your budget and offers decent image performance for social media sharing or travel memories, not not necessarily for large prints or commercial reasons.

Point-and-shoot compact cameras are affordable yet offer good results in most situations. They are also easy to use and relatively lightweight which makes them ideal for travelling photographers who want an uncomplicated camera that takes great photos without the bulk of some larger models.

Mirrorless cameras offer great value for money and are becoming increasingly popular with both professional and amateur photographers alike due to their portability, fast autofocus capabilities, excellent image clarity and range of interchangeable lenses which allow greater flexibility in shooting styles and angles.

They provide many of the same features as DSLR cameras but without the bulk or weight – making them perfect for those who need a powerful camera that can easily be transported from place to place without sacrificing on photo quality.

Action cams are also great for capturing high-adrenaline experiences such as extreme sports or adventure travel as they can be mounted on helmets or attached to drones to capture incredible footage from difficult angles or remote locations.

Action cams come in various shapes and sizes so you can find one that fits your budget while still providing top-notch picture quality suitable for your needs.

By researching different types of cameras available today you’ll be able to find one that fits your style and needs perfectly, allowing you to capture some incredible memories during your travels!

A note on image quality

Image quality is certainly an important factor to consider when choosing a travel camera, but it shouldn’t be the main focus. Most cameras these days offer good image quality, which is usually more than sufficient for personal use. Unless you plan to sell your images or make large prints, there isn’t much need for ultra high-quality photos.

For professional travel photographers who will be selling their images or printing them out in high resolution, having a camera that offers the best possible image quality is essential.

This means opting for a model with higher megapixels and better low light performance, as well as features such as RAW format capture and faster autofocus speeds.

Even if you aren’t a professional travel photographer and don’t plan to sell your images or make large prints of them, having good image quality can still be beneficial.

For example, higher resolution images will look better when viewing on a laptop or TV screen and they will also allow you to crop sections of the photo without losing too much quality, something that can be very useful when editing photos after returning home from your travels.

Ask yourself, “how you plan to use your photos?”.

Once you’ve narrowed down your options based on these criteria, then take into consideration factors such as better image quality and price, although neither should necessarily be the primary focus of your decision making process.

By taking the time to research different types of cameras available today, you’ll be able to find one that fits both your style and budget, letting you create some amazing memories during your travels!

Considerations

When buying a travel camera, there are several important considerations to be aware of. Firstly, it is important to think about the type of photography you will be doing during your travels. Are you looking to capture landscapes, people, wildlife or all of the above? Different types of cameras offer different features and capabilities that may be better suited to the specific types of shots you’re looking to take.

It is also important to think about durability when it comes to purchasing a travel camera. Many people opt for a DSLR as they are known for being extremely durable and able to withstand tough conditions such as dust, water and extreme temperatures.

However, if you plan on taking your camera on long hikes or remote locations, then an action cam might be more suitable due to its lightweight design and ability to mount it onto helmets or drones for easy transportation.

Also think about any additional accessories you may need such as extra lenses or tripods etc., which can all add up quickly but may be necessary depending on the type of shots you’re looking to take during your travels.

Taking into account all these factors will help ensure that you purchase the right camera that fits both your style and budget.

Photography Terminology to Know When Buying a Travel Camera

Mirrorless camera.

A mirrorless camera is a type of digital camera that does not use an optical viewfinder like a traditional DSLR, but instead relies on an electronic viewfinder and/or LCD screen.

The advantage of this is you get to see what your image will look like before you take it because the electronic viewfinder and/or LCD screen show you a live preview, sometimes known as ‘live view’.

This allows the photographer to preview their images in real time and make adjustments before taking the shot. Mirrorless cameras are often lighter and more compact than DSLRs, making them ideal for travel photography where size and weight can be limiting factors.

These days, a mirrorless camera will feature things such as Wi-Fi connectivity and GPS tagging which can make organizing and editing photos after returning home much easier.

As opposed to a mirrorless camera, a Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera is a type of digital camera that uses a mirror and prism system to direct light from the lens to an optical viewfinder on the back of the camera.

The disadvantage of this is that you don’t get to see what your image will look like in ‘live view’ ( i.e . with all the settings applied such as shutter speed, ISO, etc. ) as you would with a mirrorless camera.

DSLR cameras also offer interchangeable lenses, allowing you to switch between wide angle shots, telephoto zooms or macro photography depending on what kind of photos you are looking for.

They generally produce higher quality images than other types of cameras due to their larger sensor size and better low-light performance. However, so do mirrorless cameras.

Compact camera (point-and-shoot)

Compact travel cameras (otherwise known as point-and-shoot cameras) are ideal for travel, as they are lightweight and portable, yet still provide great results.

These cameras usually feature a 1-inch sensor, which is larger than what you would find on most action cameras and smartphones. This allows them to capture more light and detail in low light situations, making them perfect for capturing stunning photos while travelling.

The best compact travel cameras also typically come with features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, GPS tagging and various shooting modes, all allowing you to capture the best shots possible during your travels and organize them on the move.

One of the main advantages of using a compact camera for travel photography is the fact that they generally have better battery life than most other types of cameras on the market. This means that you won’t have to worry about constantly recharging your camera or running out of juice during an important shoot!

Furthermore, since they are smaller and lighter than DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, they are easier to pack when going on trips as well.

For those who want something more affordable yet still want great quality images and features, then a compact camera could be an ideal option.

Although they may not offer quite the same level of performance as some of the higher end models available today, they will still provide you with excellent image quality at a fraction of the cost!

Action camera

An action camera is a type of digital camera that is designed for capturing moments in motion.

It’s small and lightweight, making it ideal for travel photography and activities such as extreme sports, hiking, and more.

An action camera typically has an ultra-wide angle lens to capture wider scenes, image stabilization to reduce any blur from camera shake, and water-resistant casing to protect against dust, dirt, snow, and water.

Action cameras also often have additional features such as built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity so you can easily transfer photos and videos to your smartphone or tablet.

They usually have long battery life so you can go on long trips without worrying about running out of power. Some models even have GPS capability to log the location where each video or photo was captured.

Some action cameras come with accessories such as helmet mounts, tripods, and remote controls that allow you to take pictures or record video even when you are not holding the device in your hands.

In terms of quality of image, most modern action cameras provide excellent results with high resolution photos and videos thanks to HD sensors and other image enhancement technologies. Many models also offer manual settings such as shutter speed control for advanced users who want more control over the creative process.

Overall, an action camera is the perfect tool for capturing all kinds of fun activities during your travels: from extreme sports like skiing or mountain biking to simple everyday moments like sunsets over the beach, whatever kind of adventure awaits!

Aperture is one of the most important factors when it comes to photography.

It refers to the size of the opening in a lens or camera, which allows light to pass through and reach the camera’s sensor.

The larger the aperture, the more light that can pass through, resulting in brighter images with shorter exposure times and better low-light performance.

Aperture size is measured in ‘f-stops’ and is usually represented as a number such as f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, etc. The smaller the number, the larger the aperture which lets more light into the camera for brighter pictures.

Aperture also has an effect on depth of field, which determines how much of your image will be in focus at once. If you have a large aperture (smaller number), then your depth of field will be shallower than if you had a small aperture (larger number). This means that only certain parts of your image will be sharp and focused, while other parts (such as the background) may appear blurry or out of focus, a desirable look in portrait photography.

Additionally, aperture affects how much background blur you can achieve with your pictures. So if you want to create beautiful bokeh effects with your shots then having a large aperture is essential!

Finally, when selecting a camera for travel photography, it is important to keep in mind that not all lenses are created equal. Some lenses offer better low-light performance than others and so lower f-stop numbers should be taken into consideration when shopping around for a new model.

ISO stands for International Organization of Standardization and it is a number that indicates the sensitivity of your camera’s sensor to light.

The higher the number, the more sensitive the sensor is and thus, the more light it can capture. As a general rule of thumb, you should use lower ISO numbers in brightly lit situations and higher ISO numbers in low-light scenarios.

The ISO range for most cameras starts at 100-200 and can go up to 6400 or even higher in some models. Using a higher ISO setting will give you brighter images with less noise, but you may also introduce digital artifacts like smearing or color shifts if you push it too far.

In short, a high ISO number captures more light, but at the expense of image clarity.

That said, modern cameras are capable of producing excellent results even at very high ISO settings so long as they have good noise reduction software.

It’s important to remember that different cameras offer different ranges of ISOs, so it’s important to do your research before buying a camera specifically for low-light photography.

Lenses with larger maximum apertures (smaller f-stop numbers) can help compensate for lower ISOs by allowing more light into the camera body which results in brighter images despite using lower sensitivity settings.

It’s essential that you understand how ISO works when buying a new travel camera, particularly if you plan on doing any night or low-light shooting.

By familiarizing yourself with different ISOs and their effects on your photographs, you’ll be able to select the best option for all your travel photography needs!

Shutter speed

Shutter speed determines how much time your camera sensor has to capture light.

It’s measured in seconds or fractions of a second and is typically represented as numbers such as 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, and so on. The lower the number, the longer the exposure time, meaning you can capture more detail in images but also introducing the possibility of image blur due to camera shake.

On the other hand, higher shutter speeds reduce motion blur and freeze action making them ideal for shooting sports and wildlife.

When selecting a travel camera, it’s important to consider the maximum shutter speed available on your model; most cameras range from 1/4000th of a second up to 30 seconds but some can go even further.

Faster shutter speeds are much better at freezing motion than slower ones so having access to faster speeds can make all the difference when capturing fast-moving subjects like people walking or a car driving by.

Additionally, slower shutter speeds allow for more creative techniques such as intentional camera movement (ICM), where you move your camera during exposure to create streaks of light in your photos.

If you plan on shooting sports or wildlife then investing in a faster lens with wider maximum aperture will definitely be beneficial!

Finally, newer cameras have features that help combat motion blur such as in-body or digital stabilization that will allow you to shoot at slower shutter speeds handheld without introducing motion blur.

These features come especially handy if you’re shooting handheld or with long exposures, so make sure to check if your chosen model offers them before making a purchase!

What to look for When Buying a Travel Camera?

When it comes to buying a travel camera, there are several factors that you should consider.

ISO – Firstly, look at the ISO range of the camera. This will determine how well it performs in low-light scenarios and whether or not you’ll be able to capture clear images without introducing digital artifacts.

Shutter Speed – Secondly, check the shutter speed range, faster shutter speeds can help freeze motion while slower ones allow for more creative techniques such as intentional camera movement (ICM).

Stabilization – Thirdly, make sure to research any features your chosen model offers which could help combat motion blur like digital or in-body stabilization.

Lens Options – Lastly, consider the lens options available for each camera you are considering. They can cost more than the camera in some cases! So do you calculations and see if it’s worth it for you.

By taking into account all these points when selecting a new travel camera you’ll be sure to get the best option for all your needs!

Looking for a budget travel camera under $500?

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly travel camera, specifically one that will cost you less than $500, you’re in luck. We’ve got an incredible article that gives you a detailed rundown of the best travel cameras under $500 that you wont want to miss! Take a look (but only once you’ve finished reading this one!).

Best mirrorless camera for travel photography

Below is my favourite mirrorless camera currently on the market if I had to choose just one. But, if you want a more in-depth look at options for all budgets, styles and situations, check out my article about the best mirrorless cameras for travel .

Best camera brands

With so many different brands and models available, it can be difficult to know which one is best suited for your needs.

That’s why we’ll be discussing the top camera brands that are ideal for travel photography.

We’ll explore each brand’s features, pros and cons, as well as their range of products so you can make an informed decision before making a purchase! So if you’re ready to find out more about the best cameras for travelling, let’s get started!

Fujifilm has a long and storied history in the world of photography.

Founded in 1934, Fujifilm began its life as Fuji Photo Film Co. Ltd producing and selling photographic film to customers across Japan.

In the decades since then, they have grown to become one of the most recognizable names in the industry, producing an extensive range of both analogue and digital cameras.

In recent years, Fujifilm has developed an impressive lineup of digital cameras that are perfect for travel photography. Their X-series range consists of mirrorless cameras that offer high-quality image capture along with advanced features such as 4K video recording and built-in WiFi connectivity.

Their line of instant cameras includes fun options such as the Instax Mini 11 which is great for capturing quick snaps on the go. Best of all, each product is designed to be lightweight and compact, making them perfect for packing into your luggage!

Today, Fujifilm continues to push innovation forward in the world of photography, continually releasing new products that make it easier than ever before to capture stunning shots while travelling.

With their commitment to quality and performance, Fujifilm is well positioned to remain one of the top camera brands for many years to come!

Sony is a global leader in the world of consumer electronics and has been at the forefront of innovation for decades.

Founded in 1946, Sony began its life as Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo manufacturing radios, televisions, and various other electronic products.

Over the years, they have grown to become one of the most recognizable brands in the world and are now responsible for producing some of the best-selling cameras on the market.

When it comes to digital cameras, Sony leads the charge with their range of Alpha mirrorless cameras.

These devices offer impressive image quality along with advanced features such as 4K video recording and built-in WiFi connectivity.

Their range also includes smaller point-and-shoot models that are perfect for capturing quick snaps while travelling. Best of all, all of these devices come with Sony’s renowned reliability which makes them ideal for long trips or extreme environments.

Sony continues to innovate by releasing new products such as their high-end Alpha A1 camera which offers unprecedented levels of image quality and performance.

Leica is a brand that needs no introduction.

For more than a century, it has been synonymous with the highest quality and craftsmanship in photography.

Originally founded in 1849 as an optics company, it wasn’t until 1914 when Oskar Barnack designed the first Leica camera which revolutionized photography forever.

Throughout its long and storied history, Leica has consistently produced cameras that combine superb image quality with unmatched reliability and durability which is why they are the go-to choice for photographers all around the world.

Leica continues to innovate and push the boundaries of photography further than ever before whilst staying true to its roots of providing unparalleled image quality. Its range of digital cameras now includes not only fixed-lens models such as the M10-P but also mirrorless cameras like the SL2.

Best of all, each product is built to last, giving users years of reliable performance no matter what environment they find themselves in.

Leica has always had a strong focus on customer satisfaction by offering world-class customer service along with excellent warranty protection.

This allows customers to purchase their products with confidence knowing that they are backed by one of the most trusted names in photography.

Canon is one of the oldest and most established players in the digital camera market.

Founded in 1937, Canon was originally known as Seiki Kōgaku Kenkyūjo and was focused on producing precision optical products such as microscopes and cameras.

Canon has continually revolutionized photography releasing some of the most iconic cameras ever made such as the EOS series, Powershot range, and much more.

Canon’s devices offer a fantastic balance between quality and performance which makes them perfect for both professionals and hobbyists alike.

Nikon has been a major player in the photography industry since its original inception in 1917.

Founded by the merger of three leading optical firms, Nikon quickly rose to prominence and established itself as one of the world’s largest camera manufacturers.

Best known for their 35mm SLR cameras such as the F series and professional-grade DSLRs like the D series, Nikon has long been held in high regard by photographers all over the world.

Throughout its history, Nikon has continually pushed the boundaries of what is possible with photography, releasing products that offer unprecedented levels of quality and performance.

Their range of digital cameras now includes not only SLRs but also mirrorless models such as the Z6 and Z7 which enable users to capture stunning shots without sacrificing portability or convenience.

In recent years, Nikon has also made significant investments into research and development, continually innovating new technologies such as their SnapBridge system which allows users to wirelessly transfer images from their cameras to their phones.

Panasonic 

Panasonic is a world leader in consumer electronics, with products ranging from televisions and computers to cameras and camcorders. Best known for their Lumix line of digital cameras, Panasonic has long been held in high regard by both amateur and professional photographers all over the world.

Panasonic has continually challenged what is possible when it comes to digital photography. Best known for their tough, rugged cameras such as the Lumix FT7, which are built to withstand rough conditions and long days of shooting in the field, their range of point-and-shoot compact camera models such as the Lumix ZS70 offer users a convenient way to capture stunning shots without breaking the bank. Best of all, each product comes packed with advanced features, giving users total control over their creative process wherever they are.

GoPro 

GoPro is one of the world’s leading names in action cameras, offering users a convenient way to capture stunning shots, no matter where they are. Best known for their flagship HERO line of devices, GoPro has been at the forefront of the action camera market since its inception in 2002.

Throughout its history, GoPro has continually pushed the boundaries of what is possible when it comes to digital photography. Best known for their lightweight, water-resistant action cameras, particularly the HERO Black line, which are built to withstand tough conditions and long days in the wild.

Their range of accessories such as the Karma Grip allow users to capture smooth video footage with ease. Best of all, each product comes packed with advanced features like 4K video recording and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, giving users total control over their creative process wherever they are.

Hasselblad is a Swedish camera manufacturer that has been producing high-quality cameras and lenses since 1941.

Founded by Victor Hasselblad, the company quickly established itself as one of the world’s premiere brands for professional photography. Best known for their iconic medium format SLR cameras, Hasselblad has long been respected by photographers all over the world for their commitment to innovation, quality, and craftsmanship.

Throughout its history, Hasselblad has continually pushed the boundaries of what is possible when it comes to photography.

Known for being on board every Apollo mission since 1969, the company is also credited with helping create some of the most iconic photos ever taken, including Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the moon, 12 of them are even still there !

Today, Hasselblad continues to revolutionize digital photography through its innovative offerings, cementing itself as one of the world’s top camera manufacturers in terms of quality and craftsmanship.

Is it worth getting a camera for travel?

When it comes to capturing the perfect vacation or travel photos, there is no denying that a dedicated camera can make all the difference.

Thanks to advances in technology, today’s cameras are more portable and feature-packed than ever before giving users more control over their creative process wherever they are.

Best of all, with excellent customer service and warranty protection, modern cameras provide peace of mind when using them over time or in extreme environments.

When considering whether it is worth getting a dedicated travel camera, it is important to consider both the pros and cons.

On one hand, having a dedicated camera allows users to capture stunning images that would otherwise be impossible, allowing them to share their experience with friends and family whenever they want. Best of all, modern cameras allow users to take advantage of advanced features such as 4K video recording, giving them total control over their creative process wherever they are.

On the other hand, investing in a dedicated camera can be expensive, especially if you are purchasing high-end models from reputable brands such as Hasselblad and Leica. Additionally, lugging around a bulky DSLR or mirrorless camera while traveling can be inconvenient, especially when navigating through crowded areas or trying to fit your gear into tight spaces on public transportation.

Ultimately, whether or not it is worth getting a dedicated travel camera ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget constraints. If you are passionate about photography and want to take stunning images wherever you go investing in a quality digital camera is the way to go. However, if you primarily plan on taking snapshots here and there during your travels a smartphone may suffice for light duties. Thanks to advances in technology today’s smartphones are now able to compete with a dedicated travel camera!

Is iPhone camera good enough for travel?

Yes, an iPhone camera is good enough for travel.

However, if you plan to sell your images, use them in any other professional capacity or are serious about achieving the best results possible (perhaps you’re a keen photography enthusiast), then you will need either a mirrorless or DSLR to achieve the quality you want.

For the majority of people who are into photography as a hobby, an iPhone (especially newer models) is perfectly adequate.

For those who want to take professional-level shots, or even those enthusiasts who want to take their photography more seriously, an iPhone camera won’t achieve quite the same level of quality as a dedicated travel camera.

iPhones are capable of taking good photos, but they don’t offer the same level of versatility or features as a dedicated travel camera would. A dedicated travel camera usually offers more customization, control over aperture size and other settings, higher resolution images, better image stabilization capabilities, and better low-light performance than an iPhone or other smartphone ever could.

Investing in a dedicated travel camera is worth it for those who have an interest in photography and want to document their travels as it will offer superior value in terms of quality and convenience compared to an iPhone Camera. But for those who don’t really care about photography as a hobby an iPhone is perfectly adequate, even if you plan to take instagram by storm!

Why mobile photography?

Mobile photography has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its convenience and utility.

Mobile phones have become an invaluable tool for capturing life’s moments by allowing photographers of any skill level to take stunning images without the need for large, bulky camera equipment.

Best of all, mobile phones come packed with advanced features such as HDR (high dynamic range) imaging, multiple lenses, and digital zoom capabilities, something that wasn’t possible with a mobile phone even a few short years ago!

For starters, the portability factor is a major advantage when it comes to using a mobile phone for photography.

Most modern smartphones are capable of full-resolution images rivaling those taken by professional cameras letting even casual photographers capture detailed images wherever they go.

Don’t believe me? Check out Dominika Koszowska’s work , she won World’s Top Mobile Photographer in 2020; her images are stunning!

And, thanks to advances in technology, today’s smartphones now offer features such as 4K video recording and live streaming capabilities and almost unlimited cloud storage (if you’re willing to pay for it).

All of this gives users total control over their creative process!

Furthermore, mobile phones also offer a variety of tools that can further enhance user’s photos on the go without having to carry around an additional laptop for editing.

Thanks to various editing apps, editing photos on your phone has never been easier or more intuitive. Many apps come packed with advanced features such as color grading filters and image manipulation tools which give users far more control over their creative process on the go than ever before!

Being able to edit photos directly on the device you took them with (and then even upload them to social media is you want) saves users tons of time in comparison to taking photos on a dedicated travel camera, importing them onto a laptop, editing them, exporting them and finally uploading them.

Ultimately, given its portability and versatility advantages, using a mobile phone for photography can be an invaluable asset for anyone looking to capture stunning images while on the go and has many clear advantages other other travel cameras.

Useful mobile photography gear

When it comes to mobile photography, having the right tools and gear can make a big difference in the quality of your images. Here are some useful pieces of mobile photography gear that you should consider investing in for your next trip:

Tripods – Having a flexible and lightweight tripod is essential for any mobile photographer. Tripods allow users to take steady and sharp photos from any angle or distance. Best of all, modern tripods come with built-in phone holders that make it easy for photographers to quickly mount their phone onto the gadget, allowing them to take professional-looking shots with maximum stability even in low light conditions.

This Joby GorillaPod with smartphone mounts is excellent as it can be used as a small, lightweight tripod, but you can also use its flexible legs to wrap it around object and mount it to things like trees to give you new angles to shoot from.

• Lens filters – These mobile phone lens filters allow users to adjust certain aspects of their image without having to go through complex editing processes afterward. Best of all, lens filters come in different types such as polarizers, ultraviolet (UV), neutral density (ND) and variable ND which can be used to filter out specific colors or lights depending on what kind of effect the photographer is trying to achieve.
• Phone mounting brackets – Phone mounting brackets are great accessories for those who want more control over how they frame their shots. Best of all, mounting brackets typically come with adjustable arms that allow users to move their phone around easily allowing them to create interesting angles and perspectives during their shoots!
• Waterproof cases – Investing in a waterproof case is highly recommended for photographers who plan on taking pictures outdoors or in extreme weather conditions, or even underwater while scuba diving! Underwater photography is notoriously expensive to get into. Not only do you have to invest in a camera system, but underwater housings are incredible expensive. A waterproof case like the SeaLife SportDiver is a great option and an affordable way to get into underwater photography!
• Remote shutter release – Remote shutter releases are great accessories for those who want more control over how they capture photos. Best of all, remote shutter releases offer users greater freedom when taking selfies or group-shots; as they can simply set up the photo composition and then trigger the shutter using the remote controller at a distance! Additionally, remote shutter releases also help reduce camera shake when taking long-exposure photos – allowing photographers of any level to capture stunning nightscapes without worrying about motion blur ruining their images!

Check out this affordable bluetooth shutter release that works with all mobile devices.

A note on storage

When it comes to capturing and storing photos on the go, smartphones have their limitations as they can only accommodate a certain amount of data. While many modern phones come with built-in memory card slots that allow users to expand their capabilities, these can be expensive and usually require a separate purchase.

And in some cases (ahem, Apple), upgrading your internal storage just simply isn’t possible.

Additionally, some phones may also limit the size of the memory card that they can accommodate meaning that users might have to settle for lower storage capacities if they want to save money.

To circumvent this issue, some photographers opt for cloud storage services such as Google Photos, Apple iCloud or Dropbox which allow them to upload copies of their images and access them from anywhere with an internet connection.

Using cloud storage services allows users to reduce their phone’s internal memory usage allowing them to take even more photos without having to worry about running out of space!

This convenience comes at a price though. While the initial outlay may be less than buying an additional SD card (which you would have to do if you had a dedicated travel camera), the ongoing monthly subscriptions can quickly add up.

Another advantage of cloud storage platforms is that they typically offer more secure back-up options for files, protecting users’ images from accidental deletion or loss due to physical damage.

Ultimately, having access to the right storage solutions is essential for any mobile photographer looking to take full advantage of their smartphone’s photography capabilities.

Use what you have

Chase Jarvis is a renowned photographer and entrepreneur who strongly believes that “The best camera, is the one that you have with you!”

He emphasizes the importance of taking advantage of whatever tools are available to capture meaningful memories or moments. For many mobile photographers, this means using their smartphones as their primary camera of choice.

Smartphones have come a long way when it comes to photography capabilities; offering users improved image quality compared to older models, more powerful sensors and lenses, as well as advanced features such as optical image stabilization (OIS), HDR+, and portrait mode.

Phones also come with apps such as Instagram, Lightroom Mobile and Google Photos, allowing users to edit and share their images instantly from anywhere with an internet connection!

Moreover, there are countless accessories on the market that can help photographers take even better shots or enhance their overall experience.

This includes clip-on phone lenses such as macro, wide angle, fish-eye and telephoto, allowing photographers to experiment with different perspectives or framing options during their shoots.

Chase Jarvis has always believed that everyone has access to an amazing camera in their pocket which is why he often encourages people to use what they already have before investing in expensive cameras or equipment.

Best of all, for those who do want more control over how they capture photos, there are plenty of affordable accessories on the market designed specifically for smartphones which allow users to take their photography game to the next level without breaking the bank!

All they need is some creativity and a bit of know-how and they’ll be able to really make the best use out of their device’s camera capabilities!

Is a DSLR or point-and-shoot better for travel?

I’d usually say always stay away from DSLRs when it comes to travel photography because of their size and weight. However, they do have many advantages over point-and-shoot compact cameras such as the ability to change lenses and more advantage shooting modes.

This is why mirrorless cameras are a great options; they are positioned in the middle of DSLRs and point-and-shoots in terms of size, weight and functionality.

But if it’s a straight shootout between DSLRs and point-and-shoots, and you don’t already have a dedicated travel camera that you’re upgrading from, I’d say stick to a point-and-shoot because of their size and weight savings. And, these days, they are excellent cameras that product top quality image quality!

However, if you’re looking for more control over your images, then a DSLR or mirrorless camera is likely the ideal choice as they offer users manual settings to adjust factors such as shutter speed and aperture .

DSLRs are also equipped with interchangeable lenses which allow photographers to switch out according to their needs. This makes them incredibly versatile and perfect for capturing a wide range of subjects from landscapes, wildlife, to even sports.

If you want a straight answer, I’d say stick with a point-and shoot over a DSLR, however, ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and what type of user you are.

If you want more control over your shots, then a DSLR or mirrorless camera is likely the better option for travel; whereas if portability and ease-of-use are more important to you, then a point-and-shoot may be the way to go!

Whatever your choice though, always remember that your gear doesn’t determine how great photos will turn out.

It all comes down to skills and creativity.

Choosing the best camera for travel can be a daunting task, but with some research and knowledge of your own needs and wants you can make an informed decision.

Whether it’s a DSLR, point-and-shoot, smartphone or mirrorless camera, remember that, ultimately, quality photos come down to skills and creativity rather than the gear itself.

So take time to familiarise yourself with all the different cameras available on the market before making any final decisions.

With these tips in mind, you should have no problem finding the perfect camera for capturing stunning images during your travels!

I hope this article helped you in finding the perfect camera for your travels. If you have any questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out, I’m always happy to help!

I’m a professional travel photographer, and I’ve been living the digital nomad lifestyle since 2016. I make money by working on client assignments, selling stock photography and helping other photographers by sharing my experiences on this website. I move around at my own pace (I hate fast-paced travel) and like to spend a few months getting to know each place I base myself in.

My writing and photos have been featured on industry leading websites such as Digital Photography School , Atlas Obscura and the world’s leading underwater photography resource The Underwater Photography Guide . I authored an eBook called “ Breaking Into Travel Photography: The complete guide to carving out a career in travel photography ” that has been published on Amazon. My stock images have also appeared in ads promoting destinations and companies that sometimes has been a surprise, even to me. But I guess that’s the nature of stock photography, you never know who will license them!

I’m always happy to connect, so feel free to reach out!

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• Tech Essentials

The 13 Best Compact Cameras of 2024

These are the top point-and-shoot options for epic travel photography.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T + L

Travel + Leisure / David Hattan

What’s the best way to relive your favorite travel experiences over and over again? By taking epic photos that you can upload to social media or transform into a coffee table photo book, of course. Investing in a proper camera with a high-quality sensor and a decent number of megapixels will yield better, more printable results than your phone camera. But that doesn’t mean you need to lug a full-size DSLR and several interchangeable lenses around with you. You can get amazing results with a compact, or point-and-shoot, camera. 

B&H Senior Technologist Mark Steinberg defines a compact camera as one that is “pocketable, with a minimum number of protrusions, that can be used one-handed.” They’re a great option for anyone who prioritizes easy portability or casual photographers who want good results without a steep learning curve. There are several different kinds of compact cameras, from the budget-friendly to the professional quality, and from digital to film and instant. We’ve researched them all to find the best options across several different categories.

Best Overall

Sony cyber-shot dsc-rx100 vii digital camera.

It has a high-quality sensor, near-instant autofocus, and a lens that fulfills both wide-angle and telephoto functions.

It’s an expensive option for occasional use only.

Chosen by Mark Steinberg as the best overall compact camera, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII is the seventh generation of a series that has been raising the bar for compacts since its inception. It’s simple to use for novice photographers, with enough manual settings to allow for experimentation and growth. The 1-inch Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor is a major highlight, allowing for high sensitivity with a maximum resolution of 20.1 megapixels. With 8x optical zoom and 24–200mm equivalence, the ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lens gives you the freedom to switch between wide angle and telephoto photography for everything from landscapes to wildlife.

Whatever your subject, the 0.02-second hybrid autofocus ensures sharp images in both still and video mode. You can shoot single, continuous, burst, and self-timer images and set an upper or lower limit for your ISO up to a maximum of 12800 for impressive low-light results. If film is your passion, you’ll love the camera’s 20 frames-per-second, 4K video for its smooth movement and cinema-quality resolution. When it comes to viewing your footage, framing (and taking) your shot, or scrolling through the menu, use the 180-degree-flip LCD touchscreen. In high-glare conditions, you can also revert to the pop-up electronic viewfinder. 

The RX100 VII offers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for instant uploads to social media. 

The Details: 20.1 megapixels | 1-inch Exmor RS BSI CMOS Sensor | 24–200mm lens | 3-inch LCD screen | 4K video | 4 x 2.3 x 1.7 inches | 10.7 ounces | Electronic viewfinder

Best Image Quality

Ricoh gr iiix digital camera.

This camera uses advanced lens and sensor technology to deliver undistorted, true-color images with a high level of sharpness across the entire frame.

If video is a priority, bear in mind that the GR IIIx shoots Full HD rather than 4K.

Suitable for all experience levels, the Ricoh GR IIIx Digital Camera was designed with the express purpose of providing superior image quality. The 26.1mm GR lens offers a 40mm angle of view in the 35mm format that’s meant to mirror your natural field of view. It also uses premium technology to eliminate distortion, render colors accurately, and create amazingly sharp images. This is complemented by the camera’s high-resolution CMOS image sensor, which captures HD detail suitable for large-scale prints with up to 24.2 megapixels. 

Other highlights include the camera’s impressive shake reduction technology and its fast, precise hybrid autofocus with eight focus modes to choose from including one that automatically detects the eyes and faces for perfect portraits. We love that you can shoot in macro, while an interval composite shooting mode allows you to capture star trail images (you’ll need to buy a tripod separately.) These are the unique images that set your travel shots apart. The camera offers Full HD video, a LCD touch screen with instantly adjustable brightness, and 2GB of built-in memory — a lifesaver when your memory card malfunctions at the crucial moment. 

The Details: 24.2 megapixels | 1-inch CMOS sensor | 26.1mm GR lens | 3-inch LCD screen | Full HD video | 4.3 x 2.4 x 1.4 inches | 9.2 ounces | No viewfinder

Best Full-frame Compact

Sony cyber-shot rx1r ii digital camera.

This camera packs the full-frame sensor of a professional DSLR into an unbelievably compact, travel-sized body.

You could buy a good DSLR body and lens for a similar price.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II is meant for professional photographers with a price tag and learning curve to match. The 35mm full-frame back-illuminated CMOS sensor is the largest available, offering more light, more information, better quality, and a greater dynamic range than the APS-C frame found in standard compact cameras. With 42.5 megapixels and the ability to shoot in uncompressed 14-bit RAW, this camera will produce pro-quality, large-scale prints with an astonishing amount of detail.

The ZEISS Sonnar T* 35mm f/2 lens is fixed with no optical zoom, making it best for wide-angle and close-up subjects (and especially, street photography). The large aperture allows you to work in low light and use an unusually shallow depth of field. And, if you’re familiar with terms like moiré and aliasing, you’ll appreciate the inclusion of the world’s first optical variable low-pass filter for reducing these kinds of distortion. Other perks include super-fast hybrid autofocus, Full HD video with the ability to capture slow-motion HD video, an electronic viewfinder, and an adjustable 3-inch LCD screen. 

The Details: 42.4 megapixels | Full-frame BSI CMOS sensor | 35mm lens | 3-inch LCD screen | Full HD video | 4.5 x 2.6 x 2.8 inches | 1.1 pounds | Electronic viewfinder

Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200D Digital Camera

You can bring subjects 15 times closer without sacrificing image quality, thanks to its optical zoom.

It’s slightly heavier and bulkier than some of the other compact cameras on this list.

If you want to be able to photograph animals, birds, or any other subject from a distance without forking out thousands of dollars for a DSLR with a telephoto lens, the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200D is an excellent option. The Leica DC Vario-Elmar 24–360mm lens offers a 15x optical zoom — which brings subjects 15 times closer without any of the pixelation associated with digital zoom. Optical Image Stabilizer technology means your photos won’t suffer from blurry camera shake either. 

The 1-inch MOS sensor with 20.1 megapixels results in bright, colorful images that lend themselves well to print. You can expand your photographic skills by playing around with traditional aperture and shutter priority modes, or use preset scene and filter modes for instantly different effects. We especially love the camera’s Post Focus feature, which varies the focal point while taking 30 photos per second so that you can go back afterwards and select the best one. In terms of video, shoot in 4K or use high-speed Full HD for instant 120 frames-per-second, slow-motion playback. 

The Details: 20.1 megapixels | 1-inch MOS sensor | 24–360mm lens | 3-inch OLED screen | 4K video | 4.4 x 2.6 x 1.8 inches | 12 ounces | Electronic viewfinder

Best Splurge

Leica q3 digital camera.

This is a professional camera that pays equal attention to still images and video, delivering best-in-class results for both.

It’s not the best choice for those who want telephoto functionality.

The Leica Q3 is an ultra-exclusive option limited to one purchase per customer. And don’t be fooled by its compact size — coming in at just under $6,000, it’s a premium product for serious professionals. It boasts a full-frame BSI CMOS sensor for unparalleled photo and video quality. With a maximum aperture size of f/1.7 and a maximum ISO of 100000, it performs unbelievably well in low light conditions. The Summilux 28mm fixed lens includes an integrated macro mode, making the camera ideal for close-up work as well as wide-angle street photography. 

There’s no optical zoom. However, Triple Resolution Technology with up to 60 megapixels means you can use the digital zoom without losing significant detail. You can also shoot in 36 or 18 megapixel mode to save space on your memory card. Video is equally versatile with multiple formats to choose from including 8K, 4K, ProRes, and Full HD. All of your work benefits from hybrid autofocus and subject tracking, while the Leica FOTOS app can be used for audiovisual content creation. Finally, you can frame shots using the 3-inch display or the OLED viewfinder.

The Details: Up to 60 megapixels | Full-frame BSI CMOS sensor | 28mm lens | 3-inch LCD screen | 8K video | 5.1 x 3.2 x 3.6 inches | 1.6 pounds | Electronic viewfinder

Best for Videos and Vlogging

Canon powershot g7 x mark iii camera.

Designed to shoot high-quality video in vertical or horizontal formats, this camera offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and can live-stream direct to YouTube.

To realize full vlogging potential, you may need to purchase a tripod and remote control separately.

Looking for the best camera for filming quality reels? The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is designed especially for this purpose with 4K and Full HD video, the ability to shoot horizontally or vertically, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity to social media, and the ability to live stream straight to YouTube. Whether you’re shooting video or still photos, the fact that you can tilt the LCD touch screen by 180 degrees makes it ideal for framing quality selfies. 

The technology is impressive, too. We’re talking a 1-inch stacked CMOS sensor paired with a DIGIC 8 image processor for exceptionally fast autofocusing, with facial recognition that puts you in the center no matter how much you move around. The 24–100mm lens is suitable for a versatile mix of wide-angle and short telephoto shots, while the f/1.8-2.8 aperture performs well in low light conditions. Finally, the Optical Image Stabilizer reduces camera shake for clear, crisp results. Adding other gadgets is easy. The camera has a 3.5mm microphone terminal and can be purchased as part of a video creator kit that includes a tripod grip and remote control. 

The Details: 20.1 megapixels | 1-inch stacked CMOS sensor | 24–100mm lens | 3-inch LCD screen | 4K video | 4.1 x 2.4 x 1.6 inches | 10.7 ounces | No viewfinder

Fujifilm X100VI Camera

This camera combines state-of-the-art technology with a vintage aesthetic and a full range of film simulation modes.

The lens is fixed, so any zoom comes with the compromise of digital cropping.

First off, the Fujifilm X100VI just looks cool, with a gorgeous silver-and-black or all-black aesthetic reminiscent of a vintage film camera. Beneath the retro exterior lies a cutting-edge X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor with a revolutionary image-processing algorithm for efficient light reception and amazing image resolution at any ISO sensitivity. Thanks to the fixed 23mm f/2 lens, you’ll also get 35mm equivalency in terms of low-light performance and the ability to achieve a shallow depth of field — for a much lower cost than a full-frame compact camera.  

You can zoom digitally by 1.4x or 2x. The 425-point intelligent autofocus system is super fast, while built-in image stabilization reduces the appearance of camera shake by up to six f-stops. And when it comes to video, you can switch between 6.2K, 4K, and Full HD at will. Above all, we love that this camera includes 20 simulation modes inspired by iconic Fujifilm film types ranging from Eterna Bleach Bypass to Nostalgic Neg. You can even shoot using a Grain Effect that replicates the textured look of vintage film photography. 

The Details: 40.2 megapixels | X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor | 23mm lens | 3-inch LCD screen | 6.2K video | 5 x 3 x 2.1 inches | 1.1 pounds | Hybrid electronic and optical viewfinder

Kodak Ektar H35 Half Frame Film Camera

It’s an inexpensive and easy-to-use film camera for maximum fun.

There’s a limit to how much you can do with such a basic setup, so it may not be ideal as your primary travel camera.

Perhaps you feel nostalgic for the days of film, or perhaps you grew up in the digital era and want to experience photography as it used to be. Either way, the Kodak Ektar H35 Half Frame Film Camera is great for film novices, those wanting to stretch their abilities as a photographer, and those who just love the retro look of original film. It’s inexpensive in terms of initial layout and because the half-frame format gives you twice as many images per roll as you’d get from a full-frame camera. 

Weighing in at just three and a half ounces, this pocket-sized camera is made for on-the-go convenience. It features a 22mm f/9.5 lens — so with no zoom and no autofocus, it’s best for wide-angle shots and back-to-basics experimentation that’s as fun as it is challenging. You can frame shots using the optical viewfinder and deploy the built-in flash in low light or at night. The camera is compatible with black-and-white and color film and requires one AAA battery to work. Choose yours in Black, Brown, Sand, or Sage. 

The Details: 22mm lens | 4.3 x 2.4 x 1.5 inches | 3.5 ounces | Optical viewfinder

Best Instant

Fujifilm instax mini evo instant camera.

Not only can you print photos instantly, you can also save a digital version to your smartphone via the app.

You’ll need to recharge after approximately 100 photos.

Available with a retro black or brown leather effect, the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Instant Camera lets you create 2 x 3-inch prints of your images in approximately 16 seconds. It features an autofocusing 28mm f/2 lens and uses automatic shutter speed and ISO for fool-proof results. Expressing your creativity is easy, with 10 lens effects (including Light Leak, Double Exposure, and Soft Focus) and 10 film effects from Vivid to Sepia. You can use these interchangeably for a total of 100 different possibilities. 

Other features include a built-in flash, a self-timer, a selfie mirror, and a 3-inch LCD screen. What makes this instant camera different from the Polaroids of the past is the ability to use it in conjunction with the INSTAX app. This means being able to use your smartphone as a remote for releasing the camera shutter (handy for group shots and selfies) and being able to save a digital version of your instant prints complete with an INSTAX frame. From there, you can upload them to social media. You can even use Bluetooth to send pictures from your smartphone to the camera to print. 

The Details: 2560 x 1920 pixels | 1/5-inch CMOS sensor | 28mm lens | 3-inch LCD screen | 4.8 x 3.4 x 1.4 inches | 10.1 ounces | No viewfinder

Best Durable

Ricoh pentax wg-90 digital camera.

Drop it, crush it, take it out in a sandstorm or underwater and this camera should still emerge in one piece.

If you’re looking for an underwater camera for scuba diving, scroll on — we’ve found ones with better depth ratings.

When it comes to durability, B&H’s Mark Steinberg recommends the Ricoh Pentax WG-90 above all others. It lives up to its armored appearance with some pretty impressive technical specs. It’s waterproof up to 46 feet underwater for up to two hours of continuous operation, making it ideal for surface water sports or snorkeling. It’s also shockproof against falls from five feet, crushproof against 220-pound-force weights, and dustproof. Heading somewhere cold? Unlike many of the cameras on this list, this one will still operate in temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Toughness aside, it’s also a great little camera from a photography perspective. The 16-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor offers high sensitivity and minimal noise, even when using the maximum ISO setting (6400.) A built-in ring light and flash help out in low-light situations, while the 28–140mm equivalent lens is suited to both wide-angle and short telephoto use with a 5x optical zoom. Choose from a range of shooting modes including Fish-Eye, Sports, and Handheld Night; or capture moving images with Full HD video. 

The Details: 16 megapixels | 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor | Equivalent 28–140mm lens | 2.7-inch LCD screen | Full HD video | 4.8 x 2.4 x 1.2 inches | 6.1 ounces | No viewfinder

Best for Action Sports

Gopro hero12 black.

This camera stands out for its Emmy Award-winning video stabilization, 177-degree field of view, and action-ready, rugged build.

With a super wide-angle lens and no zoom functionality, this is a specialist camera for POV filming and photography only.

GoPro’s reputation precedes it in the action sports category, and the latest Hero12 camera really is a thing of wonder. Film High Dynamic Range (HDR) video in 5.3K, 4K, 2.7K, or Full HD. Revel in the 177-degree field of view that shows more of your daredevil POV than ever before. And know that whether you’re jumping out of an airplane or racing at high speed down a mountain, the camera’s HyperSmooth 6.0 video stabilization ensures the footage is super smooth. Turning a full 360 degrees? Horizon Lock keeps the horizon level throughout. 

You can film vertically for direct upload to social media and slow things down by up to eight times for an epic fast-action/slow-motion effect. Meanwhile, Bluetooth audio support allows you to connect headphones for sound recording and remote voice commands. The camera also takes 27-megapixel still photos. Or, you can grab 24.7 megapixel stills from your video. The GoPro 12 is waterproof to 33 feet, can run continuously for over two and a half hours on Full HD, and features a new Enduro battery especially for temperatures down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The Details: 27 megapixels | 1/1.9-inch CMOS sensor | 12–39mm equivalent lens | 2.3 and 1.4-inch LCD screens | 5.3K video | 2.8 x 2 x 1.3 inches | 5.4 ounces | No viewfinder

Best Waterproof

Sealife micro 3.0 digital underwater camera.

This camera dives as deep as you can and takes the stress out of O-ring maintenance with a permanently sealed body.

It’s very definitely geared towards underwater photography rather than as an all-rounder for topside travel shots.

Unlike the other waterproof cameras on this list, the SeaLife Micro 3.0 is designed with scuba divers in mind. It’s waterproof to 200 feet (exceeding recreational dive limits) and is permanently sealed making it suitable for even the most careless or inexperienced underwater photographer. Use the 100-degree wide-angle lens to get as close as possible to your subject for the best results. You can rely on the built-in underwater color correction to counteract the loss of red tones; or, for the more advanced, there’s a manual white balance option. 

We love the large, f/2.8 aperture for its ability to make the most of limited ambient light. But if you tend to dive deep, the camera is also compatible with single or double after-market strobe sets. The camera delivers high-quality, 16-megapixel images in single or burst shooting mode and can also film 4K or Full HD video. And if you get all the way out to the dive site and realize you’ve left your memory card at home? No problem, the 64GB internal memory’s got your back. Finally, Piano Key controls make for easy menu navigation, even with dive gloves on. 

The Details: 16 megapixels | 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor | 20mm equivalent lens | 2.4-inch LCD screen | 4K video | 4.2 x 2.1 x 2.9 inches | 11.6 ounces | No viewfinder

Best Budget

Kodak pixpro az255 camera.

This is the ideal camera for beginners who want to learn, with automatic and manual settings at a very reasonable price point.

It requires two AA batteries.

If you’re just getting into photography and don’t want to make a major investment just yet, the Kodak Pixpro AZ255 offers plenty of functionality for roughly nine times less money than our overall winner. It uses a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor and is well suited to most kinds of photography with a wide-angle 24mm lens and a 25x optical zoom that brings you significantly closer to your subject without compromising image quality. You can also use the 4x digital zoom, although you should expect some pixelation. 

Optical Image Stabilization helps eliminate blur, a continuous shooting mode ensures you never miss that action shot, and a built-in flash allows for nighttime shooting. And although the autofocus isn’t nearly as advanced as the more expensive models on this list, you’ll still benefit from subject tracking and face detection. Our favorite feature? The ability to keep things simple with 22 preset scene modes or to experiment with aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual settings. You’re not limited to still photos — this camera also shoots Full HD video. 

The Details: 16 megapixels | 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor | 24–600mm equivalent lens | 3-inch LCD screen | Full HD video | 4.5 x 3.1 x 2.7 inches | 12.5 ounces | No viewfinder

Tips for Buying a Compact Camera

Understand the specs.

Before purchasing a compact camera, it’s important to understand some of the key specifications to look out for. 

Sensor size: Sensor size has the greatest impact on photo quality and clarity, especially in low-light conditions. The larger the sensor, the better your image quality will be with greater sensitivity and less noise (or graininess). B&H Senior Technologist Mark Steinberg says that BSI, or Back Side Illumination, sensors are superior for their ability to increase light-gathering efficiency. 

Megapixels: A megapixel equals one million pixels. Pixels are the tiny digital squares that make up your image and the more you have, the more detail you’ll capture. Most digital cameras offer sufficient megapixels for viewing on a screen. But the number of megapixels becomes important when zooming in on an image, cropping it, or printing it. Look for a higher number of megapixels if you plan on printing your photos, but bear in mind that more megapixels means larger files and less space on your memory card. 

Zoom: If you plan on photographing wildlife or anything else that requires a zoom, it’s important to understand the difference between optical and digital zoom. Optical zoom brings the subject closer before capturing the image, with a lens that extends outwards from the camera body. This preserves photo quality. Digital zoom simply crops and resizes a smaller section of the original image, resulting in a blurrier, grainier picture. 

LCD screen: The LCD screen is important because it allows you to view and compose your image before taking a picture. It also allows you to play your images back and scroll through the settings menu. Therefore, it’s important to choose a high-resolution LCD screen that displays colors accurately, even in bright light. It also needs to be big enough for you to see details clearly. Some point-and-shoots offer touchscreen capability for increased ease of use. 

Viewfinder: Many compact cameras lack a traditional viewfinder (the hole you look through to view and frame your image). But if you plan on shooting in bright conditions, investing in a camera with a viewfinder is helpful for when glare impacts your ability to see the LCD screen clearly. 

Video resolution: Video resolution refers to the number of horizontal and vertical pixels. The more you have, the more detailed your footage will be. Look for Full HD (1920 x 1090 pixels) as a minimum or 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) for premium, cinema-quality video. 

Prioritize quality

It goes without saying that for the best results, you should spend as much as you can afford on the best quality camera possible. All of the specifications detailed above are worth considering, but if you focus on just one thing, Steinberg says that the most important factor in terms of image quality is the type and size of the sensor. If you plan on printing your vacation photos or using them to create a photo book or other memento, a reasonable number of megapixels (10 or more) is key. Finally, Steinberg points out that build quality and manufacturer support are also important. 

Choose a camera based on your skill level and goals

Having said that, there’s no point in spending a fortune on a high-end compact camera with advanced specifications if all you really want is a simple way of capturing fun vacation snaps for social media. Beginners should prioritize cameras that are intuitive and simple to use. If your goals are more ambitious, Steinberg recommends looking for manual settings that will allow you to fine tune shutter speed, aperture size, and ISO for the best results. 

It’s also worth considering where you’re traveling and your planned activities. If your camera will be exposed to dust, sand, humidity, or water, then looking for one that’s IP rated against dust and water ingress is crucial. When it comes to interpreting IP numbers, remember that the first number after the IP relates to dust while the second number relates to water. Only water ratings of seven or higher are fully waterproof. Scuba divers should be sure to check depth ratings.

In addition to considering all of the specifications listed above and how they relate to your requirements, Steinberg says it’s important to consider the ergonomics of the camera. Does it feel comfortable in your hands and next to your face? Are the controls and buttons easy for you to access and operate? Can you view the LCD screen clearly and does the menu navigation system make sense? You should also think about the ease of use. If you’re not sure, consider booking a free in-person or virtual appointment with a B&H expert to talk through different options.

Absolutely, and especially if you choose one with a decent number of megapixels. It’s generally accepted that in order for an image to be made into a high quality print, it needs to have 300 pixels per inch (300 PPI). The number of megapixels required to achieve this depends on how big you want your prints to be. For a standard 6 x 4 inch image, you’d need at least 2.2 megapixels. For a 5 x 7 inch image, you’d need at least 3.2 megapixels. It’s also worth remembering that good printing results are dependent on printer and paper quality too.

Before we tackle this question, it’s important to note that while compact cameras lack a mirror (and mirrorless cameras are more compact than DSLRs), mirrorless cameras are not the same as compact cameras for the purpose of this list. We’ve focused on point-and-shoot cameras for novice photographers and more advanced photographers who prioritize portability. Advantages of point-and-shoots over DSLRs include reduced size and weight, ease of use, and cost. 

Mirrorless cameras were introduced in 2004 and have since evolved to compete with DSLRs as the category of choice for intermediate and professional photographers. They have a larger sensor than a traditional point-and-shoot, offering superior image quality. They’re bulkier, cost a lot more, and come with interchangeable lenses. The key difference between mirrorless and DSLR cameras is that mirrorless cameras let light hit the sensor directly whereas DSLRs use a mirror to reflect light onto the sensor. 

This difference makes mirrorless cameras quicker and quieter — key advantages for fast-action and wildlife photography. High-end mirrorless cameras can also offer superior autofocus and better performance in low light conditions. DSLRs still hold the edge in terms of viewfinder accuracy, battery life, and a greater range of compatible lenses.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Jessica Macdonald has been writing about travel gear for more than a decade. She’s also a professional photographer who has sold images to many publications including Travel + Leisure. Although she typically shoots with her trusty Nikon DSLR, she has often used compact cameras especially for underwater photography. For this article, she conducted hours of online research and consulted the opinion of Mark Steinberg , a B&H Senior Technologist.

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Notable Mentions

Recent updates, all reviews, the 5 best cameras for photography - summer 2024 reviews.

While new cameras are getting better and better for videography , taking photos is still the bread and butter of most consumer cameras. Whether you're looking for the perfect camera to document your travel adventures , a model that can  capture beautiful landscapes , or a fast camera to keep up with sports and wildlife , there's no shortage of options. In fact, most modern cameras are well-rounded enough for all kinds of photography. That aside, the lenses you use will always make the biggest difference in your photography and image quality. Generally speaking, investing in higher-quality lenses and a cheaper camera body is better than investing in cheap lenses and a more expensive camera body.

We've bought and tested over 100 cameras in our lab, and below, you'll find our recommendations for the best digital cameras for photography. If you're looking for something more specific, you can also check out our recommendations for the best cameras for low-light photography , the best cameras for portrait photography , or the best cameras we've tested overall.

Best Camera For Photography

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is the best camera for photography that we've tested. This hybrid model is a great choice for enthusiasts and is well-rounded enough for a wide range of photography styles. It's sturdy, weather-sealed, and has excellent ergonomics, along with an effective in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system to help you get steadier handheld shots at slower shutter speeds. The camera is built around a fantastic full-frame sensor with excellent dynamic range and great low-light noise handling. Throw in a superb autofocus tracking system and up to 40 fps burst shooting with its electronic shutter, and you've got a fantastic all-arounder that can capture everything from portraits to action shots.

If you'd prefer a camera with a more established lens ecosystem, the  Sony α7 IV  is neck and neck with the Canon. It's another fantastic hybrid camera with a wider range of native and third-party lens options, as well as a higher-resolution sensor. However, it has a slower max burst rate than the R6 Mark II, dropping to just 6 fps when shooting uncompressed RAW files. Its ergonomics are also a bit lacking in comparison, but ultimately, these are both top-of-their-class cameras that will suit hobbyists and pros alike.

See our review

Best APS-C Camera For Photography

If you prefer the portability and lower cost of APS-C cameras, the Fujifilm X-T5 is among the best we've tested. With a 40.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, it's one of the best digital cameras for photography if you're interested in landscapes or portraits, giving you plenty of leeway to crop and adjust your photos. While images taken in low light are typically noisier than a full-frame alternative like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II , the detail and image quality you can get out of this camera are hard to beat at this price point.

The camera also honors Fujifilm's photography-oriented roots with dedicated exposure dials that give you more hands-on control over your settings and a three-way tilting screen that's incredibly versatile for waist-level shooting and street photography. If you're looking for a more robust camera with better ergonomics for studio work, you might prefer the Fujifilm X-H2 . It uses the same sensor as the X-T5 but has a bigger body and additional benefits for hybrid or video shooters, like a full-sized HDMI port and CFexpress card slot. However, it's a bit pricier and less portable.

Best Mid-Range Camera For Photography

The Sony α6700 is the best all-around mid-range camera we've tested for photographers. This hybrid model uses a 26-megapixel APS-C sensor and captures fantastic overall image quality. It's also relatively portable and has an excellent battery life, making it a good choice for long days on the go. The camera's autofocus system is also one of the most effective on the market, with AI-driven subject detection and tracking. On top of that, it has IBIS and a wide selection of compatible lenses, including plenty of more affordable third-party options.

If you don't want to fiddle around with RAW files too much, consider the Fujifilm X-S20 instead. Fujifilm is known for its excellent JPEG processing and film simulation profiles, making it a good choice for those who prefer to share their images straight out of the camera. Like the α6700, it has a high-res APS-C sensor and IBIS to help you shoot handheld at slower shutter speeds. However, its autofocus isn't as effective as the Sony's, so it's less suited to very fast subjects like sports or wildlife.

Best Entry-Level Camera For Photography

If the  Sony α6700  is out of your price range, the Canon EOS R10 is an entry-level model that packs a punch for its price. With a highly accessible user interface and great ergonomics, it's beginner-friendly, easy to use, and features a highly accurate and effective autofocus system. On top of that, you get quick burst shooting, a good battery life, and some impressive video specs for an entry-level model, including 4k recording at up to 60 fps (albeit with a crop) and 10-bit capture in its HDR PQ mode, though it lacks advanced features like Log profiles.

The biggest downside of the R10, like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II above, is that lens selection is still relatively limited for the RF mount. If you'd prefer a more established lens ecosystem, the Fujifilm X-S10 is another great choice at this price point. It's also one of the few entry-level models with in-body image stabilization. That said, its autofocus system is less reliable, and it may be harder to find new in stock.

Best Budget Camera For Photography

The Canon EOS R50 is the best budget photography camera we've tested. It's a great choice for beginners thanks to its simple and intuitive controls and comprehensive auto and creative shooting modes that allow novice photographers to experiment with different photography styles while they're still learning the ropes. It also has an accurate and easy-to-use autofocus system and is very portable for travel or street photography.

This is also a good camera to grow with since it uses the same lens mount as full-frame Canons like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II . That means you can use both APS-C and full-frame lenses with the R50, making it easier to upgrade to a full-frame body down the line. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is another great budget option, especially if you're interested in the more portable Micro Four Thirds (MFT) system. It has a well-established lineup of lenses, but its autofocus system is much less reliable than the AF on the R50, and its ergonomics may feel a bit more cramped, depending on the size of your hands.

• Canon EOS R7: The Canon EOS R7 is an excellent upper mid-range camera that's well-suited to wildlife photography. It has a sturdy build, great ergonomics, quick burst shooting, and a reliable autofocus system. However, lens options are still relatively limited, especially compared to the Sony α6700. See our review
• Nikon D780: The Nikon D780 is one of the best all-around DSLR cameras we've tested and is suitable for various photography styles. Some may prefer its optical viewfinder to the electronic viewfinders on mirrorless models like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II. However, it isn't the most portable camera and has a slower burst rate than many mirrorless alternatives. See our review
• Panasonic LUMIX G9 II: A flagship Micro Four Thirds model, the Panasonic LUMIX G9 II is a great all-arounder for those already invested in the MFT system. It offers a wider lens selection than the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, including more portable telephoto options, but the Canon has better low-light noise handling and a more reliable overall autofocus system. See our review
• Sony α7 III: The Sony α7 III is notably cheaper than the Canon EOS R6 Mark II and Sony α7 IV and still holds up for photography. However, its IBIS system isn't as effective, and the camera is less well-rounded for hybrid photo/video work. See our review

Jun 12, 2024: We removed the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV from the Notable Mentions because it's a bit outdated in today's market, and we added the Panasonic LUMIX G9 II as a Notable Mention to present more Micro Four Thirds options.

May 15, 2024: We brushed up the text throughout this article to expand and clarify the differences between the various picks; the picks themselves remain the same.

Apr 18, 2024: We reviewed the cameras in the article, including their price and availability, to ensure we're still recommending the best for user needs.

Mar 20, 2024: We've replaced the Sony α7 IV with the Canon EOS R6 Mark II in the top spot because the Canon offers slightly better value for photographers.

Feb 27, 2024: We've replaced the Fujifilm X-S10 with the Canon EOS R10 since the R10 has a more intuitive user interface, better autofocus, and slightly more advanced video specs.

Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best digital photography cameras for most people to buy, according to their needs. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability (no cameras that are difficult to find or almost out of stock in the U.S.).

If you'd like to choose for yourself, here's the list of all our camera reviews. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There is no single perfect camera. Personal taste, preference, and shooting habits will matter more in your selection.

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Best Cameras for Travel Photography of 2024

Point-and-shoot, DSLR, mirrorless, or action? We know that choosing the best camera for travel photography with so many different categories available on the market can be tricky. But depending on the sort of adventure you’re embarking on, you should be able to find a camera that suits your needs with ease.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a serious photographer looking for the perfect compromise between performance and weight or a backpacker who wants to share stunning travel shots with friends back home. We promise there is a travel camera out there that’s right for you.

Mirrorless and DSLR cameras are suitable for people who are willing to learn about aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. Action and point-and-shoot cameras, on the other hand, require little more than a single click of the shutter to produce balanced and realistic images. We’ve selected the best cameras for travel in each category just for you, keeping in mind the needs of beginners and experienced photographers. Hopefully, with our help, finding the right camera for your next adventure will be the least stressful part of your trip!

For more of our top travel photography camera recommendations, check out these popular articles:

Point and Shoot Cameras for Travel | DSLR Cameras for Travel | Mirrorless Cameras for Travel

Quick Answer - The Best Cameras for Travel Photography

• Canon PowerShot SX740 View at Amazon
• Panasonic Lumix G7 View at Amazon
• Nikon CoolPix P1000 View at Amazon
• GoPro HERO 7 View at Amazon
• Olympus TG-5 View at Amazon
• Nikon D5300 View at Amazon
• Ricoh WG-60 View at Amazon
• Fujifilm X-T20 View at Amazon
• Sony a7R III View at Amazon
• Canon EOS 5D Mark IV View at Amazon

Comparison Table - Best Cameras for Travel Photography

Reviews - the best travel cameras, canon powershot sx740.

• Type : Point-and-Shoot
• Dimensions : 1.6 x 4.3 x 2.5 in
• Weight : 0.61 lbs
• Resolution : 20.3 megapixels
• Waterproof? : No
• Interchangeable Lens : No
• Great Optical Stabilizer (for sharp images)
• Pocket-Friendly And Lightweight
• Built-in Wifi

BEST FOR: THE PRAGMATIC MINIMALIST

This lightweight and affordable camera is compact enough to fit into your pocket. It is for those who prefer to travel with minimal gear but want better image quality than most smartphone cameras can provide. 

Despite its size, the Canon Powershot SX740 still manages to provide a 4K high-definition video resolution and a great zoom range of 960mm. This allows you to capture high-quality videos and take great photos of distant subjects. Plus, it has a 180-degree-tilting LCD screen that’s perfect for selfies.

On top of combining great image quality with small dimensions, the Canon Powershot SX740  has a great additional feature: Hybrid Auto mode. It automatically captures a 2-second video before each photo (similar to an iPhone’s Live Photo feature) and creates a compilation at the end of the month. Thus, you get a nice montage of your travel memories to go along with your photos.

Panasonic Lumix G7

• Type : Mirrorless
• Dimensions : 4.92 x 3.03 x 3.39 in
• Weight : 0.9 lbs
• Resolution : 16 megapixels
• Fast And Precise Autofocusing
• 4K Ultra HD Video Pause (enables you to export videos to 4K photos)
• Intuitive Controls

BEST FOR: THE ASPIRING PHOTOGRAPHER

Despite being a mirrorless camera, the Panasonic Lumix G7 looks like a small DSLR. It provides plenty of manual control with its 16 buttons, 4 dials, and 2 switches. This makes it a powerful but affordable introductory camera for those who want to improve their photography skills.

Even better, it has a versatile touchscreen that DSLR cameras do not. In addition to the touchscreen display, it also has an electronic viewfinder (EVF)  with an eye sensor that switches the preview display from the screen to the EVF. This allows for more precise framing and shows realistic subtleties of lighting.

This camera has several focus and shooting settings for any situation, but what makes the Panasonic Lumix G7 unique is its 4K Photo mode. This function extracts individual high-quality photos from Ultra HD video recorded at 30 frames per second to capture each split-second moment.

Nikon CoolPix P1000

• Dimensions : 5.8 x 7.1 x 4.7 in
• Weight : 3.12 lbs
• Resolution : 16.7 megapixels
• Extremely Long Zoom (for capturing small and distant objects)
• Rock Steady Stabilization
• Tilting LCD Screen (to take photos from any angle, no matter how awkward)

BEST FOR: THE MACRO MANIAC

Have you dreamed of capturing that drop of dew or that ant that’s crawling on a leaf, but your phone or camera could never get it right? If your pictures of small objects always come out too blurry or too grainy, the Nikon Coolpix P1000 is for you. Equipped with an impressive 3000mm superzoom comparable to a telescope, it provides the most powerful range available in compact cameras. It also provides a staggering 4K Ultra HD video resolution. Not only can you capture a floating speck of dust, but you can explore the moon and observe wildlife from miles away.

Zooms are usually vulnerable to shakiness and noise, but the P1000 uses a sensitive Dual Detect technology to stabilize images. It is very lightweight, and has a Vari-angle LCD screen, letting you express from any angle, even the most inconvenient.

GoPro HERO 7

• Type : Action
• Dimensions : 1.8 x 2.4 x 1.3 in
• Weight : 0.28 lbs
• Resolution : 12 megapixels
• Waterproof? : Yes
• Tough And Waterproof
• Super-smooth Video Stabilization
• Live Streaming To Facebook Live

BEST FOR: THE AVID ADVENTURER

This small waterproof camera is great for any feat you can imagine, up to 10 meters underwater. Because it is action-oriented, it harbors HyperSmooth video stabilization smart enough to predict your movements and counteract camera shake. 

Another impressive feature of this GoPro is the 16-command voice control. You can take photos and record videos while skydiving or riding a mountain bike without worrying about holding your camera. Simply say, “GoPro, take a photo,” and it will follow your command. The camera does everything for you, optimizing its settings for HDR (high-dynamic-range imaging), tone, and noise automatically. Also, it has an intelligent Face Detect feature fit for perfect Instagram travel selfies.

Of course, you can turn your video into an action-packed timelapse to save storage space, or into a dramatic slow-motion for more details. Whether it’s surfing, underwater photography, or any other activity, the camera will capture 4K videos at 60 frames per second. This action camera also allows for live streaming directly to Facebook Live, so you can share your experiences just as they happen.

Olympus TG-5

• Dimensions : 4.4 x 1.3 x 2.6 in
• Weight : 0.55 lbs
• Rugged, Waterproof, Dustproof
• Great Low Light Performance
• Rechargeable Via USB

BEST FOR: THE EXTREME SPORTS ENTHUSIAST

With a sturdy casing that can withstand 100 kg of pressure and can be harmlessly dropped from 2 meters, the Olympus Tough TG-5 is virtually unbreakable. You can go on a photography trip in the winter with this camera as well, as it’s freezeproof up to -10°C (14°F). 

Furthermore, you can easily take it diving, as it also functions flawlessly 15 meters underwater, and can go down to 45 meters with an additional case (sold separately). Even if you accidentally hit your Olympus on a rock, it will hold up to your needs without smashing instantly like most point and shoot cameras. And if you happen to get lost, the camera has a built-in GPS so you can find your way back home with minimal effort.

As this camera is built to be both portable and travel-oriented, it can be charged on-the-go with a micro-USB. This means that it is compatible with a laptop or a phone battery. TG-5 shoots in RAW format, which is great for outdoor photography. Aside from many presets, it offers several advanced focus settings, face detection, and focus-stacking for an increased depth of field.

Nikon D5300

• Type : DSLR
• Dimensions : 4.9 x 3 x 3.9 in
• Weight : 1.06 lbs
• Resolution : 24.2 megapixels
• Interchangeable Lens : Yes
• Compact And Lightweight
• Built-in WiFi
• Exceptional Autofocus

BEST FOR: ENTRY-LEVEL PHOTOGRAPHERS

This camera is a compact DSLR that is perfect for beginners, as it provides all the functions you’d expect from a semi-professional camera while being affordable. The Nikon D3500 will teach you the basics and more while not wrecking your budget. It includes a Guide Mode for entry-level users that breaks down technical terms into everyday descriptive language. 

The Nikon D3500 has an impressive battery life, lasting up to 1550 shots. This camera uses an internal motor for quiet and fast autofocus. You can shoot in RAW format, but if you want to shoot in JPEG, the camera will lift dark shadows to automatically produce images with realistic colors and rich contrasts.

Ricoh WG-60

• Dimensions : 4.8 x 1.2 x 2.4 in
• Weight : 6.72 ounces
• Tough Design, Great For Harsh Conditions
• Creative Shooting Functions
• Waterproof Up To 45 feet

BEST FOR: THE DANGER LOVER

This is a camera for true adventurers that love exploring in extreme conditions. It is built to resist harsh impact, water, cold, and dust. It is crushproof up to 100 kg and able to withstand a fall from 1.6 meters (~5 ft). For your diving feats, it can function up to 45 feet underwater and for your Siberian expeditions, it can withstand temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F). The camera is sturdy enough to accompany you wherever you go, from mountains to oceans. 

The camera boasts a number of useful settings to go along with its physical capabilities. In the underwater mode, it adds red tones to make colors look more saturated In dark conditions, it manages to keep noise (image fuzziness) to a minimum thanks to the wide aperture. With its outdoor viewing setting, the screen will adapt to light conditions so you can get the best look at the photos you take on the camera screen itself.

Fujifilm X-T20

• Dimensions : 3.3 x 4.7 x 1.6 in
• Weight : 3.5 lbs
• Resolution : 24.3 megapixels
• Stylish Retro Look
• Fast Continuous Shooting Speed To Freeze Moving Objects
• Tilting LCD And Touch Screen Monitor

BEST FOR: THE ARTISTICALLY-INCLINED

Made from a magnesium alloy, X-T20 offers a sleek and stylish retro look bound to inspire. True to its history, it has various film simulation modes, such as the elegant Classic Chrome that adds extra effects to your photos. The camera also has a unique randomized pixel array to produce more organic and nuanced colors. Its multiple exposure feature allows you to shoot two consecutive photos, overlaying them. This opens many possibilities to express your creativity. 

X-T20 has an impressive continuous shooting rate of 8 frames per second and a high-resolution electronic viewfinder. If a single shot is not enough, the camera offers an Interval Timer shooting mode that records an infinite number of consecutive images with 1 second to 24-hour intervals. Additionally, the X-T20 performs exceptionally in low light conditions — star trails are just waiting to be captured!

Sony a7R III

• Dimensions : 5 x 3.9 x 3 in
• Weight : 1.45 lbs
• Resolution : 42.4 megapixels
• Enhanced Image Processor For Better Image Quality
• Silent Shooting Mode
• Eye Tracking And Powerful Burst Mode For Capturing Fast Moving Subjects

BEST FOR: THE VERSATILITY SEEKER

The Sony A7R III is a semi-professional mirrorless camera engineered for both indoor and outdoor photography. It has an anti-flicker mode, which combats the inconsistencies of indoor artificial lighting by suppressing exposure and employing specific white balance characteristics. For portrait shooting, it offers a handy Eye Focus mode that tracks your subject’s eyes tracking movement.

The A7R II is a great choice for wildlife photography. It has a silent shooting mode, so you won’t scare away any shy deer or sly predators. Plus, the 425 contrast autofocus points help maintain a clear focus on unpredictably moving subjects like birds. The image stabilization system makes this camera effective for long-distance shooting, macro photography, nighttime frames, and even filming.

With the Sony A7R III long photography sessions are no longer an issue thanks to the large battery and micro-USB charging slots. Additionally, you will have plenty of storage with 2 media slots for SD or MS cards.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

• Dimensions : 3x 5.9 x 4.6 in
• Weight : 1.76 lbs
• Resolution : 30.4 megapixels
• Incredible Low Light Performance
• Face Detection System And Intelligent Exposure
• 4K Video With Frame Grab Feature For Capturing Stills

BEST FOR: THE TECH-SAVVY PRO-SHOOTER

Because of its advanced processor, the Canon 5D Mark IV offers a staggering light sensitivity of ISO 50-102,400, resulting in unbeatable low-light performance. Its sensor has face and flicker detection features, resulting in intelligent exposure of each image. With its Dual Pixel autofocus technology, this camera provides a smooth shift of focus on moving objects and fast focus of still images, letting you get pro-level results.

Unsurprisingly, the Canon 5D Mark IV offers 4K high-definition video capabilities. An additional 4K Frame Grab feature is included that lets you pull still images from video footage to capture fleeting moments that burst shooting may miss. The camera is also compatible with 3 satellite navigation systems – GLONASS, GPS, and Michibiki. This, along with a dust and weather-proof design, makes the Canon 5D Mark IV a perfect camera even in harsh outdoor conditions.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A TRAVEL CAMERA

Camera type.

Depending on what you want to achieve, you may opt for a camera that is easier to use or one with more advanced functions.

Point-and-shoot camera are designed to capture balanced pictures with a simple click, requiring little or no knowledge of photography. Different models of point-and-shoot cameras, however, vary greatly in terms of performance. In terms of image quality, some may match a DSLR while others will be just as good as your smartphone. The price is usually a good indicator of how well the camera performs.

DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras are bulkier, but more powerful. They have interchangeable lenses and usually produce better images in low light conditions. DSLR cameras can be entry-level, semi-professional, or professional, depending on the size of the sensor and the functions they provide, but all are best suited for photographers willing to learn technical details .

Mirrorless cameras have taken over the camera market in recent years, as they provide equal (or better) functionality and performance than DSLRs, but in a smaller body. Mirrorless are very similar to DSLR in terms of what they can do, but without the internal mirror they are more compact and lightweight.

Action cameras are tiny compared to other models and virtually unbreakable. The controls are usually limited, as they are built to shoot and record images in those situations where you won’t be able to fiddle with buttons and switches, such as when you’re swimming underwater or while playing action sports.

The resolution, measured in megapixels, determines the size and the amount of detail in the image. A higher resolution is useful when you print your photographs in large format or when you crop them in post-production. However, high resolution isn’t essential if you just plan to share your pictures online or view them through a small screen.

WATERPROOFING AND SHOCK PROOFING

Depending on the activities you are planning on doing, you may decide to opt for a camera that offers some degree of protection against the elements.

Weather-sealed cameras can sustain light rain, dust, and humidity, but are not made to go fully underwater. Rugged waterproof and shockproof cameras are designed for divers , kayakers, mountain bikers, and other extreme athletes who need a camera that can take a beating or are able to shoot several feet underwater.

WIFI CONNECTIVITY

Many modern cameras have a built-in WiFi function that allows you to transfer images between devices, store them in the Cloud, or share them directly on social media. If you are looking for a camera that will allow you to document your journey in real time, make sure it has WiFi connectivity.

SIZE AND WEIGHT

Size and weight are always a priority when it comes to travel equipment, and they can vary greatly from compact action cameras to bulky DSLRs. Travel photographers tend to look for the best compromise between dimensions and performance. In this respect, mirrorless cameras are ideal as they can shoot photos with great image quality without occupying much luggage space. If a large sensor or a super fast camera are not necessary for your photography needs, you may opt for a point-and-shoot with a retractable lens that fits in your pocket.

Virtually all photo cameras today offer a video function. Action cameras are built to film for extended periods of time in wet or dry environments, while DSLRs and mirrorless cameras tend to offer better image quality, but can record video for short periods of time. Most cameras today shoot in either 1080p or 4K resolution, which are both considered high-definition.

FEATURES EXPLAINED

Action camera.

A compact, sealed camera that can shoot images and record film in wet and dry conditions, targeted at outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Stands for High Dynamic Range imaging . This feature is available on many camera phones nowadays, and is intended to increase the “dynamic range” of your photographs by enhancing details found in the light or dark areas of your photos. This means that your phone will capture a photo that looks more like what you see with your naked eye, rather than what your camera lens sees.

A Digital Single Lens Reflex camera that captures the light through an internal mirror and directs it to the sensor. Traditional professional cameras are usually DSLRs.

A camera that is lighter and smaller than a DSLR because of the absence of the internal mirror mechanism. In mirrorless cameras the light enters the lens and reaches the sensor directly.

POINT-AND-SHOOT

A camera that requires little or no photographic knowledge to be used.

WEATHER-SEALED

A camera body resistant to dust and rain.

The light sensitivity of a camera. The ISO is one of the factors that determine how well a camera performs in low light conditions.

INTERCHANGEABLE LENSES

The option to switch lenses to change framing and zoom capabilities of a camera.

For more of our top outdoor photography gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides:

Landscape Cameras

Landscape Lenses

Cameras for Wildlife Photography

Lenses for Wildlife Photography

Cameras for Travel Photography

Lenses for Travel Photography

The 8 Best Cameras for Travel in 2021

This post has been updated and re-released to reflect recent recommendations.

Many people initially get into photography because they want to be able to take photos while traveling. Being able to take stunning photos in amazing places and share them with your friends and family is very rewarding. And while traveling is often a good motivator to get into photography, many people find that photography can soon become a good excuse to plan a trip.

Whether you’re hoping to sell pictures at a gallery or art fair or just share them with friends on Facebook or Instagram, travel photography can be a lot of fun. Of course, the right equipment can make all of the difference, so you’ll probably want to find the best cameras for travel.

Travel photography is a unique and interesting realm of photography that encompasses a surprisingly wide range of needs and styles. This means there are some important factors to consider when choosing a camera for travel photography. Thinking about your specific photographic needs and keeping informed about what camera options are out there can help you to choose the perfect camera. We’re here to help you out with this decision.

Table of Contents:

• How to Choose a Camera for Traveling
• Sony Alpha a7C
• Canon EOS R6
• Sony RX100 VIII
• Canon Rebel T8i
• Fuji GFX 50R
• Hasselblad X1D II 50c

How To Choose a Camera For Traveling

The first step to choosing the right camera for your travels is to think about what you need and want out of your camera.

What Type of Photography Are You Going To Do?

Travel photography encompasses a lot of different styles of photography. You might approach it from the perspective of a street photographer, capturing images that attempt to replicate features you see when walking around. Or perhaps you more closely match a photojournalist, capturing people and events unfolding around you. Maybe you like to focus on landmarks and fall closer to architecture photography.

On the other end, maybe you do more nature photography, which in itself can incorporate multiple approaches, such as a landscape photographer who hikes to remote areas to capture a stunning sunrise or a wildlife photographer who captures animals in their natural settings. Each of these styles of photography will have their own unique set of features that are most beneficial.

What Size Camera Do You Want?

One important consideration is the size of camera that will best suit you.

Some approaches, such as street photography, benefit from the smallest, most unobtrusive cameras possible. Similarly, if you want to take your camera absolutely everywhere, some places and events ban larger cameras that “look professional” but let smaller cameras/lenses in.

Landscape photographers often like to strike a balance where they can use larger cameras, but are still aware of not wanting to lug around too much weight. Alternatively, if you’re putting yourself into the most extreme environments, you might want a camera that has the most comprehensive weather sealing and the most robust build quality.

What Camera Format is Best for Your Needs?

Although many consider full frame mirrorless cameras to be the ultimate solution for any situation, the reality is that every format has its advantages and disadvantages.

Point and Shoot

Point and shoot cameras have a reputation for being low quality, but you can get some top notch point and shoot cameras that are small enough (and inconspicuous enough) to let you take pictures virtually anywhere.

While the typical consumer has already moved away from point and shoot cameras, you might want to reconsider this notion when it comes to travel. Point and shoot cameras are not only compact and versatile, but they come with a variety of benefits including better lens optics and larger sensors than your smartphone. Take the Canon Powershot G5 X Mark II for example, this camera features a new 1.0-inch 20.1 Megapixel stacked CMOS sensor, which helps achieve high image quality and high performance at the same time. For comparison, the three cameras on an iPhone 12 Pro are backed by 12 Megapixel sensors.

Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII is another excellent point and shoot camera with a sensor size that, at 20 Megapixels, also surpasses the sensors of the iPhone 12 Pro. This compact camera is vastly superior when it comes to low-light or mixed light situations as the larger sensor allows it to capture more information. It’s 24-200mm zoom equivalent is also far superior allowing you to capture detailed pictures of nature that you won’t otherwise capture with an iPhone.

Crop Sensor vs. Full Frame

The pros and cons of crop sensor cameras compared to full frame sensors are constantly being debated. If you need as much reach as possible, a high quality crop sensor camera can give you just as good image quality and make your long lenses seem a little bit longer. Full frame, on the other hand, can help you get wider angles, creamier background blur, and often perform better in low light conditions. Explore this topic more in our Introduction to Full Frame vs Crop Frame Sensors post as well as How Crop Sensors Affect Depth of Field .

Mirrorless vs. DSLR

What’s the difference between mirrorless and DSLR? Mirrorless cameras often pack the latest and greatest technology, such as in-body image stabilization (IBIS), and having electronic viewfinders which allows you to see your exact exposure in your viewfinder can be hugely helpful. Plus they tend to be smaller and more portable. DSLRs, on the other hand, blow mirrorless cameras out of the water when it comes to long battery life and being able to shoot all day, particularly if you’re not relying on live view. Think about the features of different formats and how they can best meet your individual needs.

Do You Only Want Pictures or Do You Want Video as Well?

Not long ago, any discussion about best cameras would be safely assumed to be talking exclusively about photography. Nowadays, many people want cameras that serve double duty for both still shots and video.

There are a lot of features in cameras that are invaluable for video use. IBIS, for example, is very helpful in still cameras but can make an even greater impact on video. Factors like video resolution, frame rates, bit rates, and microphone/headphone ports can be very important for video features but relatively pointless if you only want to shoot pictures.

What’s Your Budget?

It would be nice if all of us had unlimited budgets, but that sadly is not the case. So budget will always be a consideration.

Also consider that travel has the tendency to be rough on your equipment. From bouncing around or even being lost on a plane to being pushed into harsh environmental conditions to the potential to be stolen, there are risks involved with taking expensive equipment traveling with you. Think about what you’re comfortable spending (and potentially losing).

What is the Best Travel Camera?

With these considerations in mind (and perhaps others that you have thought of that we didn’t mention), let’s look at some of the best travel cameras broken down by what kind of uses you might need them for.

1. Sony Alpha a7C

For a great all around travel camera, it’s really hard to beat the Sony a7C . With the rise in popularity of mirrorless cameras, the a7C has become a travel vlogger’s best friend, offering design features including a fully articulating LCD screen, wireless shooting grip and ports for both a mic and headphones.

It offers unlimited 4K recording, as well as HD options for 5x slow motion. Not to mention the 5-axis in body image stabilization if you’re shooting video by hand and on the go, which, let’s be honest, is a regular occurrence while traveling.

When it comes to photos, this camera offers a lot of the shooting prowess that the beefier a7 cameras pack, but all with a sleek design and unbeatable full frame image quality that makes it the perfect on-the-go camera. The a7C is a full frame E mount camera but is fully compatible with crop frame E mount lenses when the camera is in the APS-C crop mode.

Coming in at less than 1.1 lbs, the a7C is not the smallest possible camera but it’s significantly smaller than your average DSLR, making it easier and lighter to keep with you as you move around.

Of course, all of these features don’t come without a price tag. The a7C retails around $1,800 depending on the seller, but if you want a relatively compact travel camera with solid video and photo capabilities, it’s hard to argue against the a7R IV.

2. Canon EOS R6

Another mirrorless option makes our list of best travel cameras — Canon’s EOS R6 . Part of Canon’s next-generation fleet of full frame mirrorless systems, this camera is geared towards enthusiast photographers and videographers alike.

The R6 offers a new 20.1 Megapixel sensor with a DIGIC X processor for improved autofocus performance, lower noise and faster image processing speeds. Again, this is a great option for travel vloggers as it offers 4k 60p recording and in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which is a first for Canon.

Canon’s R-mount lenses are some of the most exciting lenses currently available, but often come at extraordinarily high prices. Nevertheless, Canon offers a fantastic EF/EF-S to R Lens Adapter to give you access to decades worth of top notch lenses, many of which can be found quite affordably.

This camera’s phenomenal resolution options, overall speed, and enhanced operating controls makes it a must-have for multimedia shooters who move between still photography and filmmaking while on-the-go.

3. Fuji X-E4

Slated for a release in early 2021, the highly anticipated Fujifilm X-E4 will be next in the lineup of Fuji’s X-series. Fuji has been somewhat more of a niche manufacturer for a while, so it’s easy to overlook their cameras. But the Fuji X-E4 is said to offer powerful and well rounded capabilities that improve upon the existing X-T4 — one of the most versatile crop sensor mirrorless cameras available today.

While it’s rumored to reuse current X-Trans sensor, it’s set to abandon the usual fixed screen design that has been a staple of the camera’s predecessors. A tilting screen would make this desirable for travel photographers who wish to easily take shots in a less conspicuous way and while on the fly.

Other likely features for the X-E4 are the inclusion of 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, weather sealing — good for shooting in varied conditions — and possible in-body image stabilization, which would be a game changer for travel photography. Regardless, consumers will be looking at a popular compact, powerful camera for street and travel photography.

What is the Best Small Camera for Travel?

As we looked at earlier, there are a wide range of needs for travel photographers, and for a lot of people cameras that are very small, very portable, and very unobtrusive are important. There are some great compact travel cameras that don’t require too much compromise.

4. Sony RX100 VII

Sony’s RX100 series has led the pack for point and shoot cameras for a while, and the RX100 VII continues that tradition. Packed inside of a tiny body is a 24-200mm equivalent lens to give enormous flexibility over what you shoot. It has a fantastic autofocus system and shockingly good image quality for a point and shoot camera. And if you want to shoot video as well, the RX100 VII can capture great 4K video.

5. Canon Rebel T8i

Canon’s Rebel line has long been the favored DSLRs of beginner photographers — the perfect combination of price point and features for those diving into photography. However, the Rebel T8i is the first in the Rebel lineup to offer some of the high-quality video and photo specs of Canon’s larger, more powerful systems, making this a powerful little camera for travel.

Some of the standout features include UHD 4k video recording at 24p for high definition, cinematic results. Not to mention, vlogger-friendly vertical video, which is also a first for a Canon EOS DSLR — meaning you can shoot with Instagram videos in mind.

This camera offers up Movie Servo AF mode that performs smooth and natural focusing when switching subjects or changing distances within the same scene. The mode also allows you to specify tracking sensitivity, AF speed, and Face Tracking priority, which are all easily accessible by touching your LCD screen.

Like it’s predecessors, the T8i offers a cross-type design and a native 100-25600 ISO that gives greater accuracy in low-contrast and mixed lighting conditions.

6. Fuji GFX 50R

Fuji’s GFX 50R is a favorite among street, documentary and travel shooters alike. This medium format mirrorless camera offers a rangefinder style alternative to the Fuji GFX 50S in that it allows you to more easily keep one eye on the action and the other in the viewfinder — all with a slightly smaller and less expensive package.

One of the primary draws with the GRX 50R is its large 51.4 Megapixel medium format sensor that allows the camera’s ability to capture rich, lifelike, skin tones, extreme detail and beautiful colors. This makes it an ideal camera for capturing images for commercial projects (8256 x 6192 pixel files) and artwork that will later be printed.

Not only does the large sensor give photographers the ability to capture one of a kind images, but it allows videographers unique shallow depth of field shooting opportunities.

It also offers a large, 3.2 inch tilting LCD screen and 117 focus points in 6 different Focus Area sizes that allow for fast and intuitive focus framing. The GRX 50R also sports a seriously durable body with a strong, yet lightweight, magnesium alloy body that’s extremely durable. Weather sealing allows you to take this camera in nearly every weather condition and the body has a rubberized and comfortable grip.

7. Hasselblad X1D II 50c

The Hasselblad X1D-50c is another mirrorless medium format camera on our list. It’s primary appeal lies in the fact that it’s the smallest camera by far to feature such a large sensor, making it an ideal professional choice for extremely high quality images desired in street photography, landscapes and fine art.

This 50 Megapixel mirrorless medium format camera is built around a 44 x 33mm sensor that’s 70% larger than “full frame,” giving it the ability to capture greater image scale, detail and depth of field. So, while many of today’s popular, full frame mirrorless cameras may offer comparable resolution, it’s unlikely they’ll be able to do what this medium format Hasselblad can.

While its predecessors may have offered slower connectivity and workflow, this version offers a quicker overall response when navigating through its menu system. Both refresh rate and shutter lag and blackout time between frames has been reduced.

It’s important to note that lenses in the XCD lineup are among the highest quality optics available today while maintaining a very portable form factor. Each lens is designed specifically for handling sensors even above 100 megapixels. That being said, this camera and its respective lenses don’t come without a large price tag. So while it’s compact nature is appealing for travel, it typically lends itself to professional photographers.

The Best Nature Cameras

For many, travel means getting back in touch with nature – not just visiting cities and famous landmarks. Nature photography incorporates a wide range of styles so you’ll need to think about what kinds of photo excursions you’re going to be planning to decide what camera would be best for you. The gear needs for a photo safari vs a backtracking trip, for example, are very different.

8. Nikon Z7

When looking at cameras for taking out into nature, the question of mirrorless versus DSLR becomes a bit more central. DSLRs definitely have the benefit from better battery life when you’re out with nowhere to recharge, but it’s hard not to give the edge to the size benefit of mirrorless.

Short of the specialty niche filled by flagships, the Z7 is Nikon’s most advanced camera, perfect for landscape photographers. You get Nikon’s trademark fantastic dynamic range and low light performance. The high resolution (~47MP) full frame sensor has remarkable sharpness, thanks in part to the lack of a low-pass filter. The Z7 brings IBIS to professional level Nikons, and you get a fantastic selection of lens options. Z mount lenses are still somewhat limited, but you can use all of Nikon’s top tier F mount lenses through using an optional adapter . And all of this comes in a package significantly smaller than an equivalent DSLR.

Are you going on an African safari? How about Antarctica to photograph penguins? You can always rent this camera equipment if you want to test out different bodies and lenses! Be sure to test out a bunch of models ahead of time so that you pick the perfect pairing for your vacation.

Tom Anello is Boston-based and has a background in both product and portrait photography. He came to Boston for music school and landed heavily in the world of photography after spending time with commercial product photographer Eric Kulin. Presently, he is BorrowLenses’ Social Media Specialist and produces photo content for the BorrowLenses Instagram, Facebook and Twitter feeds. Outside of the office, he is an avid film photographer with a focus in portraiture.

13 Comments

Mitchell M. Roth

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Kyle O'Donnell

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places in pixel

Thank you so much for this informative content. It is considered a popular choice for travel photographers due to its excellent image quality, a variety of lens options, and great battery life. Here I have shortlisted some of the best DSLR cameras. Do visit this may help you to buy the best one.

I bought my first DSLR after my daughter was born, because I wanted to capture all of the important moments in her life. 7 years later, I am obsessed with photography ?? I agree, it is important for every mom to have a good camera!

This article was really helpful!! Thank you for sharing all this info

Thank you. It’s so usefull.

Angel Mae Roa

Suggestions are awesome. Thank you very much..!

I would like a camera i can grow into and have been looking at the Canon EOS and the Q. What do you think would be the better choice? I am full on going to be a photographer so no worries about the camera not being used.

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is discuss about camera very smartly Thanks for your insight for your fantastic posting. I’m glad I have taken the time to see this Thanks Winsome touhir

I had a quick question regarding a Leica Q. I am a recent college grad and looking to get into the photography field full time. I would like a camera i can grow into and have been looking at the Canon EOS and the Q. What do you think would be the better choice? I am full on going to be a photographer so no worries about the camera not being used. I have quite a bit of family graduation money saved up so cost is not really and issue as well. I saw that http://www.bestcamerahq.com chose it as the best all around camera of 2016. Any input would be appreciated greatly!

Thanks guys!

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15 Best Travel Cameras For Every Type of Trip

Going somewhere? Not without one of these.

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If adventure is calling , we suggest you pick up. You know that surf trip to Costa Rica you've been thinking about? Now is the time to go. Remember when you wanted to go boarding down the powdery slopes in Aspen? You're not gettin' any younger, so you might as well get out there this winter. Or, how about the romantic vacation to Tahiti you promised your partner years ago? Yeah, we suggest you book that ASAP. And with these trips comes one thing you won't want to be without (besides, of course, your wallet): A high-tech travel camera.

Sure, your new iPhone 14 might take clear pictures, but we promise you that a real DSL camera is really going to be the thing that gets the action shot of you barreling the biggest wave you've ever seen in your life. And unlike the olden days (aka the '90s), these cameras are lightweight, fast, and offer incredible new features. They're also not bulky so you can easily toss them in your carry-on or weekender . Oh, and did we mention they take super clear, ultra-defined pictures every single time? Yeah, they can do that, too.

If we've convinced you that you need a travel camera for your next expedition , check out the 15 best options ahead for any kind of photographer. They range in price, features, and capabilities, but we promise you each one will cater to all of your photo-taking and vlogging-making needs.

Canon EOS R10 Mirrorless Camera

Plain and simple, this Canon is great for anyone who just wants to shoot some good shots. It has all kinds of helpful capabilities, like a high-speed shutter, lightning-fast auto-focus, and great overall performance. It also snaps super crisp pictures. Done and done.

Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 20.2-Megapixel Digital Camera

This slick Canon has a range of great features for the photographer who wants to snap cool photos and share them quickly. First, there's an optical image stabilizer, which helps reduce image blur caused by camera shake. Then, it has an ISO of up to 3200, which provides enhanced images in low-light conditions, as well as multiple shooting modes including creative shot, portrait, smile, wink self-timer, face self-timer, burst, handheld night scene, low light, monochrome, super vivid, and more. And, it can send photos directly to a printer so you can print them out instantly.

Panasonic LUMIX S5 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

This Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 camera is more affordable than most full-frame cameras while still offering exceptional quality. It has extra-wide zoom features (which are great for landscape shots) as well as 96MP high-resolution mode, dual native ISO (which minimizes noise), and even slow motion options.

GoPro HERO10 Black Action Camera

GoPro cameras have a cult following for a reason. For starters, they're extremely durable, they offer long shooting periods, and they have the ability to capture insane videos. On top of that, they're also made for the great outdoors, featuring a rugged, waterproof design that can withstand the elements.

Wrozgxaig Digital Camera for Beginners

Want to vlog your surf trip but don't know where to start? This portable camera is just the thing you need. It's for "beginners" because it has a killer anti-shake function that makes videos and pictures come out clear. It can also auto-focus, so you don't have to worry about that. And, just because it's for beginners, that doesn't mean it doesn't have good quality. It comes equipt with 48MP image resolution and an 8MP CMOS image sensor.

anasonsonic LUMIX FZ80 4K Digital Camera

If you're capturing action shots, this point-and-shoot long zoom camera will get the best ones. It has an 18.1 megapixel MOS sensor plus a 60X zooms DC Vario lens as well as an optical image stabilizer that can capture far-off moments. You'll also love the high-resolution viewfinder, 4K QFHD video recording, and excellent low-light performance.

Sony ZV-1 20.1-Megapixel Digital Camera

If you want to take equal amounts of pictures and videos, this camera will let you do just that. To make the most of your photos, it has a front-facing screen, a super good microphone, a bright F1.8-2.8 zoom, and a Type 1 sensor for defocused backgrounds. In terms of videos, it offers 4K30 and 1080p slow-motion capabilities.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Small but mighty, this tiny camera weighs less than one pound. It also offers easy-to-features (like a dedicated selfie mode), as well as snappy burst shooting, accurate autofocus, and a super impressive 4k video quality.

AKASO EK7000 4K30FPS Action Camera

This waterproof action camera is ideal for the adventurer who wants to take things down under. Complete with 4K ultra HD capabilities, this camera can take photos at up to 30 frames per second, which is four times the resolution of traditional HD cameras.

Sony Alpha 7 IV Full-Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera

Want a camera that can do it all? The Sony A7 IV is a mirrorless camera that has a 33MP full-frame sensor, great auto-tracking focus, and amazing video quality. You can easily swap out the lenses on this camera, meaning you can shoot wildlife one minute, action shots another, and everything else in between.

Olympus Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera

The pocket-sized snapshot camera is great for the diver. It's built to last in high-pressure environments, thanks to a 50-foot underwater rating. Not to mention, the zoom lens can capture subjects far away, while the macro lens is ideal for close-ups.

Nikon COOLPIX B500 16MP 40x Optical Zoom Digital Camera

Nikon is a well-known brand in the camera industry for a reason. This sporty COOLPIX model has a 32GB SDHC high-speed memory card that can store hundreds of photos. One reviewer even noted that they took a video that was 38 minutes long and still had tons of storage left. Additionally, this camera set comes with a carrying bag, 32GB memory card, card reader, memory card wallet, AA batteries, a charger, an HDMI cable, and even a tripod.

Sony DSC-W800/B Cyber-Shot Digital Camera

Not the best picture-taker but still want to take pictures? We get it. This Sony camera comes with a super clear 2.7" LCD screen that allows you to look at your high-resolution pictures thanks to the handy brightness control and easy-to-see grid. It also allows you to capture up to 100 shots in rapid succession, while burst mode lets you get up to 100 shots at approximately 1 frame per second.

Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III Digital 4K Vlogging Camera

Want to vlog in real-time? This compact device offers live streaming services directly from the camera to YouTube. It also has vertical video shooting, 4K recording capability, and an external microphone terminal.

KODAK PIXPRO Astro Zoom AZ401-BK 16MP Digital Camera

If you want well-defined, detailed images, this camera offers 16 million pixels, meaning you'll get the clearest shots of all. It also has 24mm wide angle lens, so you can capture everything in the frame. For the over-achiever, there's also a 180-degree panorama feature, meaning you can get that award-worthy snapshot.

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11 Best Budget Travel Cameras (Top Picks for Travel 2024!)

Finding the perfect camera for travel can be hard, especially if you are on a budget. Today, we will look through various options for travel photography. We’ll show you the best budget travel camera suitable for beginners all the way up to professionals .

Sony a7 III

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There are many different factors when considering the best budget travel camera. Of course, the most important factor is the camera’s price. How much a good camera costs is very subjective. Professional photographers may be willing to pay a bit more for their budget options. So I have included some slightly more expensive options for professionals on this list.

The camera’s size and weight are a close second to the most important factor. Reducing the weight of your suitcase is always helpful when traveling. You also want to ensure you’re not carrying around a camera that will have your shoulders slumped.

Other factors to consider are the camera’s ease of use, weatherproof abilities , and battery life. Whether you plan to go skiing or on a sun holiday may be a deciding factor too. You will have to decide through your own personal preferences which will work for your travel photography. Even the look and style of the camera are a factor to consider! Now let’s dive into the top budget travel cameras on the market today!

What is the Best Budget Camera for Travel?

Before we discuss each camera in detail, here is an overview of the travel cameras we will be looking at. Be sure to read on to see why we picked each camera before making your decision.

• Small and relatively lightweight
• Cheap as its an older model
• Amazing image quality
• Durable construction with weather sealing for added protection

• Good looking design
• Compact design easily fits in bag or pocket
• Interchangeable lenses
• High-quality sound for videography

• High-resolution sensor captures sharp photos & vivid video
• 8x zoom helps capture distant objects with clarity
• Hybrid autofocus

• Good resolution for stunning images
• Classic style
• Advanced weather sealing for shooting in any environment

• Extremely durable
• Amazing video
• Perfect for sport
• Rugged and waterproof up to 33ft
• Weather-sealed body, ideal for outdoor usage

• Stylish vintage look
• High-speed EXPEED 6 image processor
• Very compact
• Big sensor for small size

• Compact size and lightweight
• Rugged weather sealing for protection against the elements
• Great features
• Easy to use
• High-speed shooting up to 30 fps

• Small and relatively lightweight DSLR
• Great value for a DSLR
• Nice 24MP sensor for clear travel shots
• Long battery life

• Stylish and compact body
• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Great in-body image stabilization
• 16.1MP Live MOS sensor

• Cheap and cheerful DSLR, great for beginners
• Great range of features
• Connect to compatible devices via Bluetooth
• Fast 39-point AF system

• Rugged construction: waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, freezeproof
• Best for tough environments
• Great quality
• Wi-Fi & GPS connectivity to enable remote shooting & geotagging

11 Best Budget Travel Cameras (in Detail!)

Now let’s take you through an in-depth view of each budget travel camera. Each camera has different factors that may benefit different people. It is important to have an understanding of what kind of camera you want—small, convenient, or powerful. Make sure you read each description in depth to understand each camera’s pros and cons.

1. Sony A7 III

Best budget travel camera.

• Quick and accurate 693-point AF
• Wide ISO range with a low 50 setting
• Outstanding dynamic range and low-light performance
• Records stunning 4K video and has live stream capabilities
• Noise reduction can remove details
• Front heavy with big lenses
• Menu system is difficult to get used to

The Sony A7 III is the best option for professional photographers who want a powerful camera for travel. It is not the newest camera in Sony’s A7 range . This means the A7 III will be cheaper while still having amazing abilities. Professional photographers may have a big, bulky kit. By getting a mirrorless camera, you’ll reduce the weight and size of your standard kit. You are still able to use interchangeable lenses on the Sony A7III . This means that the size and weight of your equipment will be dictated by the lenses you decide to bring with you.

The size and weight are slightly smaller than its newer sibling, the Sony A7 IV . This size will fit without being too much of a handful. You will also notice that without a lens attached, the Sony A7 III can slide into many places in your baggage to stay safe. Sony’s A7 also allows you to film in 4K video. It can only achieve 4K at 30 fps, but at least you have the option to take great videos to show off your environment.

Sony’s A7 III is a full frame camera with a powerful sensor . Considering its ISO range, autofocus point, and battery life, you have the ultimate travel camera. All these features will ensure that you are shooting your locations in the highest quality possible! But the price is more “budget friendly” for a professional.

If you’re curious, check out these popular competitors compared with the A7 III:

• Sony A7 III vs Sony a7R IV
• Nikon Z5 vs Sony a7 III
• Canon EOS 5D Mark II vs Sony A7 III
• Fujifilm X-T5 vs Sony A7 III
• Pentax K-3 Mark III vs Sony A7 III
• Panasonic Lumix DC-GH6 vs Sony A7 III

2. Fujifilm X-Pro 3

Best budget carry-along camera.

• Good image quality
• 30 fps (with a 1.25x crop)
• Hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder
• Tilting flip-out screen works well for waist-level shooting
• 4K / 30p Ultra HD video
• 11 film simulations
• Optical viewfinder doesn't work properly with wide or long lenses
• Face and eye detection are unreliable
• Hard to switch focus from near to far
• Limited LCD angles prevents use above eye level
• Slow-to-focus f/1.4 lenses
• Low-resolution LCD

Fujifilm’s X-Pro 3 is the kind of camera you want hanging off your shoulder during your travels. Not only because it is light but because it looks stylish while taking amazing photos. The X-Pro 3 is a mirrorless camera that looks similar to old 35 mm cameras. In such a compact camera, Fuji has managed to pack in a 26 megapixel sensor as well as 4K video quality that can shoot up to 120 fps! Few mirrorless cameras can achieve these same features, and the Fujifilm X-Pro 3 won’t break the bank.

You will find that the camera’s body is made of robust material. A couple of knocks here and there won’t compromise its performance. Fujifilm also put a lot of attention into its weather-resistant abilities. They allow you to use your X-Pro 3 in the rain without worrying about water getting into the camera. Of course, you shouldn’t push this too far, as everything is only waterproof up to a certain point.

My favorite aspect of this camera in terms of a budget travel camera is its ease of use. Every button on the camera is there to give you quick control over your image. This is even reflected in its option to choose between the electronic or optical viewfinder. You will be able to change this at the press of a button. The electronic viewfinder allows you to see your image’s exposure in real time before you press the shutter.

3. Sony ZV-E10

Best compact camera for travel.

• Top-end autofocus system that's great with photo and video
• No time limit on video recording
• Fully articulating screen and selfie modes
• External microphones and headphones ports
• Compact and lightweight camera body
• No sensor-shift stabilization, only a shake reduction system
• Visible rolling shutter effect with tracking shots
• The lack of a viewfinder is disappointing
• 4K video is cropped at 30 fps

Sony’s ZV-E10 sits at the top of this list if you’re looking for a compact travel camera with interchangeable lenses. It is aimed toward vloggers , but all its features still make it an amazing camera for travel. Some of these features that are good for travel are its autofocus and light body. The autofocus has many AI features. It can identify your eye for the sharpest possible image. The AI can also identify animals and other subjects you may want to photograph on your travels.

The Sony ZV-E10 is the best camera for anyone who wants to take selfies during their travels, thanks to the bokeh switch. The bokeh switch automatically blurs the background to put added focus on you. Of course, travel photography aims to get your surroundings in, so you may not use the bokeh button. But, the ZV-E10 with a wide-angle lens will be able to capture you, your friends, and the surroundings in complete clarity.

If you want to produce videos, you get 4K abilities at 120 fps! Because the camera is so light , it’s perfect for filming yourself in different fun locations. You won’t need to worry about audio, as Sony has invested the time to develop its built-in microphone. The microphone comes with three separate mics and a windshield, so you can get good audio even outdoors.

The Sony ZV-E10 is the perfect travel companion for someone who wants to take photos and make videos. You will not get the control professionals will be looking for in their photography. But, the camera would work well for any photographer who wants to shoot on auto with great results.

4. Nikon Z fc

Best looking budget travel camera.

• Face- and eye-detect AF for humans and animals
• Lots of easy-access control dials
• Attractive and stylish design
• 4K video capabilities
• Slow performing kit lens
• No optical image stabilization
• It lacks a built-in flash
• No joystick
• Battery life isn't great

The Nikon Z fc is one of Nikon’s newest mirrorless cameras. Instantly I am drawn to its looks. It is modeled around Nikon’s classic 35 mm cameras in both look and size. I am a big fan of the top dials. Nikon has managed to simplify manual features into these dials. They’re not overwhelming to look at for beginners. A vintage-looking camera with great digital image quality!

It is amazing the technology they can now fit in a camera the same size as these old cameras. In the Z fc body, you will find a 21 MP APS-C sensor with 4K, 120 fps video abilities. You also get a high count of autofocus points to help you get the sharpest shot possible.

As a cropped sensor, the Nikon Z fc will take DX mount lenses. These are not the top range of lenses, but they are still of amazing quality. The benefit is that your lens options will all be cheaper and still provide you with professional quality. The Z fc is built with a magnesium alloy, which means the camera is both durable and light. It also has weather sealing so your camera should survive if you get caught in bad weather.

One feature that makes the Nikon Z fc among the top travel cameras is that you can charge the camera through a USB cable. You can charge your camera with a portable charger or a USB port. You probably have another cable that will work in your luggage already. This allows you to reduce the amount of electrical equipment you take on your travels with you.

5. GoPro Hero10

Best budget travel camera for action.

• High 23 MP resolution for photos
• HyperSmooth image stabilization for photos and videos
• The body is robust and waterproof
• Excellent Wi-Fi connectivity settings
• Incredible 5.2K video resolution
• Struggles in low-light conditions
• The touchscreen is small and fiddly
• Battery life could be better
• Overheats at higher video settings
• Mobile video editing only possible with latest smartphones

The GoPro has solidified itself as one of the best sports cameras in the world. These same qualities transfer perfectly for travel photography, minus the manual controls. The GoPro Hero10 is the perfect compact camera if you only intend to use your camera gear for point-and-shoot purposes. You can fit the camera in your pocket, pull it out, and take a picture in seconds. The GoPro is known for its amazing weather sealing abilities . You can take photos and videos anywhere, even up to 33 feet underwater.

The GoPro Hero10 is primarily for video but you can take quality images at the click of a button. You are even able to take photographs while creating films. Video is very popular in travel photography nowadays, especially on social media. So, the GoPro could be for you if you plan to put content on your social media sites. It’s even one of our recommended cameras for podcasters !

The perfect selfie will be easy to get with a screen at the front and the back of the camera. I am a big fan of the amazing image stabilization in the GoPro Hero10. If you are traveling with adventures in mind, the Go Pro Hero10 will ensure that you get liquid footage.

For all these reasons, I would say the GoPro Hero10 is the best budget camera for those who want the least amount of control from their compact camera. The other great feature of the GoPro series is that they make loads of accessories to accompany your camera. It’s almost certain they have accessories for whatever scenario you need. They’ve recently released the upgraded Hero11 which is worth checking out too!

6. Fujifilm X100V

Best budget travel camera for size.

• 26 MP sensor for good noise reduction and fast readout
• Sharp JPEGs with low noise
• 15 quality film simulations
• Tilting touchscreen
• Excellent 4K Ultra HD video
• Slow AF and poor with optical viewfinder
• Lacks in-body image stabilization
• Limited customization
• Complicated menus
• Optional weather sealing costs extra

Fujifilm’s X100V is one of the best mirrorless travel cameras as it has a small, flat fixed lens. The X100 series has been extremely popular thanks to this winning formula as a cropped sensor camera with a fixed lens and full manual controls. It is also an extremely light and compact camera. It’s even small enough to fit in an oversized pocket or a fanny pack. Its weight and size won’t have your arm aching at all. It is so small that it feels like and can be operated as a standard point-and-shoot camera .

The Fujifilm X100V also has a built-in flash, electronic or optical viewfinder, and a tilting LCD screen. Considering these features, Fujifilm has managed to pack everything into such a small camera body. They have also spent time developing their low-light abilities. The X100V has a high ISO and a great processor that can deal with long-exposure images quickly. Fujifilm has also improved its autofocus abilities. Not only does this mean more AF points, but also a quicker AF time. All these elements together mean you can take a great photo in just a few seconds.

One of my favorite parts about Fujifilm cameras is the film simulations they have in the camera. This is a welcome feature for anyone who likes film photography or photographing in a particular style. You can choose from their extensive range of films, which also come with numerous black and white options. In-camera film simulation modes help you get into the rhythm of shooting in a particular style. You will also see a live view of your image through the electronic viewfinder.

7. Canon Powershot G7X III

Best budget canon travel camera.

• A high dynamic range
• Fast continuous shooting speeds
• Stylish design
• Pocket-sized body
• Flip-up rear LCD touchscreen
• Live-streaming compatible
• Soft focus at wider focal lengths
• No subject tracking in continuous shooting mode
• No electronic viewfinder
• Weak battery life for a compact
• 10 minute 4K recording limit

One of Canon’s point-and-shoot cameras finds its way onto the best camera for travel list with their Powershot G7 X III . This is a small camera that can produce amazing results. It is a point-and-shoot ready to fit into your pocket, but it’s still packed with features and delivers great image quality. You get a 20 MP camera from a 1″ sensor. Canon also gives you a built-in flash and an LCD that you can tilt to get the ideal shot. You will also find that the camera can record video in 4K!

My favorite aspect of the Canon Powershot G7 X III is how easy it is to use. This is made the most evident in its remote control function. Canon has made a smartphone app that links to your Powershot. This app allows you to control the camera, telling it to photograph, take a video, or change its settings.

I recommend this camera to any photographer who doesn’t want to use manual controls. If you know you will simply point your camera and shoot at arm’s length, this is the camera for you. You still get fantastic image quality with a 4.2x optical zoom lens. The camera would also suit anyone who wants to wants to shoot a video for their social media pages. You can easily format your videos to a social media size thanks to vertical video support.

8. Canon 250D

Most affordable dslr camera for travel.

• Excellent value
• Compact body for a DSLR
• Insanely good battery life
• Fully articulating screen is helpful for capturing video
• Solid 4K video quality
• Only 9 autofocus points
• No USB charging
• No weather sealing
• 1.7x 4K crop factor

The Canon 250D is one of the lightest DSLR cameras you will find on the market today, weighing only 450g! Canon claims it is the lightest DSLR camera with a movable screen in the world! A movable and articulating screen is a great feature to consider when picking your camera for travel. A movable screen will also match up well with the camera’s 4K video abilities. These two features together will allow you to capture beautiful videos with ease.

Not only does the 250D have great image quality, but it also extremely easy to use. The user interface comes with a guided user interface that will take you through and explain each function in simple terms. You will also find the ease of use extends to many other aspects of this DSLR camera. Most noticeably through the superb Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus. The autofocus system has Eye Auto Focus and Live View autofocus abilities. Both these functions will allow you to get the sharpest images possible when traveling.

9. Olympus PEN E-PL10

Best budget olympus travel camera.

• Decent 4K video
• Good low-light picture quality
• Silent shutter mode
• Dated 16 MP sensor
• AF unreliable in low light
• Menu system Is difficult to navigate
• No audio jack for external mics

The Olympus PEN E-PL10 is a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera that is small, light, and easy to use. This handheld camera could be the perfect travel companion for an entry-level photographer. Or a professional that doesn’t want to mess around with manual settings.

The Olympus PEN series is a line of interchangeable lens cameras based on Olympus’ analog point-and-shoot camera range. This is why the camera has this fantastic looking classic aesthetic. So it may be a great choice for someone who wants to match their camera to their stylish outfit.

One of the best features of this camera is that it allows you to send images straight to your smartphone with a single click. The PEN’s integrated Wi-Fi and Olympus’ Share App allow you to easily connect your phone and transfer your favorite images. This is an excellent feature to have in a camera for travel, especially if you don’t plan on bringing a laptop. A feature like this allows you to use your favorite images for social media or send them to friends and family without uploading all your images.

The Olympus PEN E-PL10 is one of the mirrorless cameras that has in-body image stabilization. This will improve the image quality in tough situations. You will also find there are 4K video options.

10. Nikon D5600

Best budget nikon dslr for travel.

• High quality images for crop sensor
• Great ISO sensitivity
• Not too bulky and nice to handle
• Autofocus isn't great in video mode
• No dual memory card slots
• No Nikon Fine-Tune function to adjust AF for specific lenses

Nikon’s D5600 is another one of the smaller DSLR cameras on the market. Even though it is a small camera, it still packs a punch with its image quality and autofocus abilities. These features alone make it an ideal camera for travel. Even though it’s a compact travel camera, you can still feel a secure grip on the camera body. This will help you feel secure, especially if you want to use bigger, more expensive lenses. The camera body also features a vari-angle touchscreen. This feature will help you take better photos in tricky situations.

My favorite feature of the Nikon D5600 is Nikon’s SnapBridge app. Bluetooth technology establishes a constant connection between your camera and a smart device. Once you connect, photographs will automatically appear in your app once the photo has been snapped. Features like this make the Nikon D5600 an ideal camera for travel.

The D5600 also comes with in-camera creative tools and time-lapse settings. Both these extra features will allow amateurs to experiment and have more fun with photography.

11. Olympus Tough TG-6

Best waterproof budget travel camera.

• Very strong and durable body
• Waterproof to 50 ft (15.5 m)
• RAW file shooting capabilities
• Excellent macro shooting
• Smooth 4K video recording
• Only 12 MP image resolution
• No fully manual controls
• No touchscreen
• Annoying notifications with Wi-Fi app

The Olympus Tough TG-6 is a budget camera built for the toughest conditions. The Tough cameras are waterproof, crushproof, freezeproof, dustproof, and shockproof. This would be the ideal camera for those who are into extreme adventure holidays.

It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys underwater sports and other activities in unfavorable conditions. You can take the camera up to 15 meters underwater. And it works in environments as cold as 10 degrees Celsius. The lens even has a special anti-fogging glass that prevents lens fogging due to sudden temperature changes.

The camera itself has a 12 MP blacklit sensor with one of the latest image processors from Olympus. You will also get a 4x digital zoom with a 2x digital teleconverter. This allows you to shoot in a similar focal length to a 200 mm lens! You will also find macro abilities and different underwater shooting options.

I am a big fan of the crushproof, durable body. The camera can take someone standing on it or being dropped from 2.1 meters. You will have no worries putting your camera at the bottom of a full bag or banging against rocks. All these features make it a great camera for travel.

Our Verdict

After looking through this list of budget travel cameras, we can see a range of options to choose from. Each holiday will benefit from different camera features . You’ll really need to know what kind of holidays you go on. Do you like taking relaxing photos of the beach or on a leisurely stroll through a city? Or do you want footage of you going surfing and mountain biking? The main points to consider are weight and functionality. I would say that if you are buying a camera set up specifically for travel, the Sony A7 III is the best option.

Once you have decided on your ideal destination, return to this list to find the best camera that suits your needs!

Common Travel Camera FAQs

What is the best camera to take on vacation.

This depends on what kind of activities you’ll be doing on holiday. If you’re looking to do more extreme adventures, an action camera like the GoPro Hero10 or the Olympus Tough TG-6 is best. But if you want the highest image quality from a camera that’s easy to carry around while you explore a new city, the Sony A7 III is perfect.

Which Is the Best Budget Travel Camera?

The best budget camera for travel is the GoPro Hero10. It’s mostly aimed at creating video footage, but it takes fantastic still photos. It’s easy to use for beginners and very small, making it ideal for travel photography and video. If you are traveling with adventures in mind, the Go Pro Hero10 will ensure that you get liquid footage.

What Should I Look For in a Travel Camera?

This depends on what you want to use it for. But the most important feature of a camera for traveling is its small size and light weight. Other factors to consider are the camera’s ease of use, weatherproof abilities, and battery life. Features like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity that makes it easy to upload to social media can be a plus, too.

Which Sony Camera is Best For Travel Photography?

The Sony A7 III is our recommended best camera for travel photography. This is a powerful camera, but cheaper than newer models. It produces incredible images in a wide range of settings. But if you’re looking for a smaller camera with interchangeable lenses, the Sony ZV-1 is an excellent camera for travel.

If you still are not sure which camera to go for, our recent Sony a7R III review or Sony vs Nikon mirrorless debate will give you food for thought! Or, why not check out these trending camera comparisons for more inspiration:

• Fujifilm X-T5 vs Sony a6600
• Canon EOS R6 Mark II vs Fujifilm X-T5
• Canon EOS R5 C vs Fujifilm X-T5
• Canon EOS R7 vs Fujifilm X-H2
• Fujifilm X-H2 vs Sony A7 III
• Canon EOS R5 vs Fujifilm X-H2
• Fujifilm X-H2 vs Nikon Z6 II

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Best cameras for photos and videos 2024: From beginner to pro models

We've rounded up the best cameras for photos and videos, including mirrorless and DSLR models from leading brands.

Best overall

Best autofocus, best for beginners, best hybrid camera, best budget camera, best for low light, best lightweight camera, best micro four thirds, best all-rounder.

• Best cameras FAQ
• How we test

The best cameras on the market can take your shots to the next level, helping you improve your photography skills or hone your craft if you're a professional. This roundup includes models from leading brands including Nikon, Sony and Canon, and you'll find both mirrorless and DSLRs on there. 

Our expert team is committed to creating hands-on, fully tested reviews of every camera in this guide, putting each one through its paces. Being fully independent and with a team of photography and video experts on-hand, you can rest assured that these are the top models for a range of budgets and skill levels, whether you're looking for a beginner camera or a pro mirrorless one.

There are many choices to make when choosing a camera. Do you go for a DSLR or mirrorless camera? What sensor size is going to be right for you: full-frame, APS-C/crop, or micro four thirds? Is shooting video important to you? How about battery life? Do you need a camera that performs well in low-light?

If you already have some idea of what you'd like, you can check out our more specific guides on the best beginner cameras , best mirrorless cameras and best cameras for astrophotography . We also have several guides on camera accessories that you might need to complete your kit, including the best zoom lenses , best lenses for astrophotography and best tripods .

The quick list

Here are our top picks in a 'quick view' layout. For more information about each camera, click 'read more below'.

We can't think of a camera that is more versatile. It's best for professional shooters with a big budget, but it is more than capable in all shooting scenarios.

Read more below

The successor to the popular A7R IV, this camera does everything the previous model did and more, with class-leading AI-based autofocus and hugely detailed images.

This small and lightweight camera is a pleasure to shoot with. Travel vloggers will appreciate the excellent eye tracking and autofocus, as well as the lack of a recording limit.

This previously sat at the top of our best cameras list thanks to its fast autofocusing and massive 61MP full-frame back-illuminated CMOS sensor and 4K UHD 30p video.

This lightweight camera is suited to candid street photography with a super quick power-up time. It has an appealing retro design, is easy to use and boasts a great sensor for the price.

The Canon EOS R5 feels great in the hand, with excellent image stabilization and fast autofocus. But it is quite expensive and the features are overkill for casual shooters.

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This small and lightweight APS-C camera certainly packs a punch — it's perfect for traveling and has a ton of features to capture stunning stills and video.

Despite being an old DSLR, this camera still holds its own. The impeccable weather sealing makes it robust and durable, and it can shoot 45.4MP stills and 4K UHD 30p video.

Best Micro Four Thirds camera

This camera weighs less than 1 lb but is still packed with useful functionality. The autofocus system is fast, there are five stops of in-body stabilization and the large LCD screen is remarkable.

The Fujifilm X-T5 is another small-bodied camera that is a good all-rounder. It has a classic aesthetic and features two SD memory card slots and impressive low-light performance.

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Best cameras we recommend for photos and videos 2024

Why you can trust Space.com Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test and review products.

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

✅ You can afford it:  This is a big investment but it's worth it if you'll be in the industry for years to come.

✅ You shoot stills and video: This camera is just as impressive at both of these tasks 

❌ You're looking or something lightweight and portable: This model is significantly heavier and bigger than its predecessor. It looks and feels like a professional camera.

🔎  Nikon Z8: Professionals need to look no further — if you combined all the best parts of the flagship Nikon Z9 and the best DSLR in the world, the Nikon D850, you'd be left with this heavy-hitter; the Nikon Z8. ★★★★★

If you're a beginner photographer, you'll likely be put off by the Nikon Z8's price tag, which reaches around $4,000. But if you can afford it, this is an absolutely excellent camera that we seriously struggle to fault. If you're a professional or a serious enthusiast with a big budget, the Nikon Z8 does everything you could possibly want it to, and it does it incredibly well.

Our full Nikon Z8 review is full of praise, and the bottom line is that this is the best camera body on the market right now. We think it combines all the best parts of Nikon's flagship Nikon Z9 , and the incredible Nikon D850 DSLR. No matter what type of shooting you prefer, this camera is up for the job.

You won't have to choose between a camera for shooting stills or video, as the Z8 excels at both. In terms of video, it's able to support numerous high-quality formats such as N-Log, ProRes and RawHQ. For stills, it can shoot at speeds of up to 120FPS — that's so blisteringly fast, it's ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects like sporting events.

The Nikon Z8 is also a powerhouse in low-light conditions, making it a great choice for astrophotography. We love its night vision mode which, when activated, dims the rear screen and uses only red pixels, helping users to maintain their night vision. It's a very nifty feature that we wish more cameras offered.

The only thing we could think of faulting on the Nikon Z8 is its size — it's a bit bulky and heavy, so if you're looking for something compact and easy to carry, this might not be the best choice. However, considering its impressive power and great features, we think the trade-off is definitely worth it.

• Read our full Nikon Z8 review

✅ You shoot portraits or weddings: The new AI-based autofocus system is on another level and makes shooting people easier than ever. ✅ You shoot multiple styles: This camera excels at most photographic styles and video, so if you like to shoot many different subjects, this could be the camera for you.

❌  You mainly shoot astro: We noted that due to so many megapixels, the images were very noisy at high ISOs. It's fine for the occasional astro shoots with AI denoise in post-processing, but there are better options for this medium.

🔎  Sony A7R V: The Sony A7R V builds on the power of its predecessor with its higher resolution EVF and LCD screen, more stops of image stabilization and a new AI autofocus unit, but the massive 61MP sensor provides too much noise for astrophotography. ★★★★½

We love the Sony A7R V, and we think it's one of the best all-rounder cameras on the market. Its huge 61MP sensor is practically unrivalled and captures incredible detail in every shot. But it's not just stills it excels at; in terms of video, it's capable of shooting in 8K. 

The A7R V is also bolstered by a revolutionary and powerful AI-powered autofocus system which really sets it apart from the competition. Known as Real Time Recognition, this autofocus technology uses deep learning to distinguish between a range of subjects. It can pick out subjects like vehicles, animals, people and insects, and if you're shooting people, it can even distinguish between body parts, recognizing a neck from a nose and an eye from an elbow. It makes focusing an absolute dream.

We also love the camera's 4-axis, multi-angle 3.2-inch LCD screen, a vast improvement over the tilt-only screen featured on its predecessor, the A7R IV. In our Sony A7R V review , we found the screen extremely versatile, able to handle just about any angle you might choose to shoot at without the need to crane your neck. You can flip it out to the side and spin it around to shoot vlogs or selfies, or tilt it down and out to bring the screen away from the ports when you're connecting up microphones or monitors. It's also 63% higher in resolution than the screen on the A7R IV, greatly improving your experience.

In terms of performance, we found the color depth and dynamic range to be impressive, even when shooting in sunny conditions with sharp shadows. It also has a whopping eight stops of image stabilization, which is great for low-light shooting and even enabled us to shoot cityscapes handheld under street lighting at night. However, it does suffer from a bit of image noise when taking the ISO above 6400, so it may not be the best choice for specialist astrophotographers.

• Read our full Sony A7R V review

Canon EOS R7

✅ You're a casual vlogger: The screen fully articulates, which is great for vlogging and selfies. ✅ You want to produce razor-sharp images: This camera's performance is incredible, even in low light.

❌ You are a filmmaker: There have been problems with overheating when recording lots of video. ❌ You want lots of lenses: The range of APS-C lenses (RF-S) is very limited. You can use full-frame RF lenses but you'll have to be mindful of the 1.6x crop factor, which isn't good for astro.

🔎  Canon EOS R7:  A powerful crop sensor camera that can get near full-frame results and can handle almost anything you throw at it with ease. We love it. ★★★★½

The EOS R7 can rival most full-frame cameras despite having a crop sensor. It's more compact and more affordable, but it's surprisingly powerful and an utter joy to use. While professionals will likely be put off by its APS-C sensor, it's a fantastic choice for photography beginners, offering them a great set of tools to master the medium with.

The camera is small and lightweight, which makes it comfortable to hold and ideal for traveling, although it might feel a little too small for those with larger hands given that it is not compatible with a battery grip. It comes with a fully articulated screen which is great for vlogging or shooting selfies and also makes it easy to shoot low to the ground or at unusual angles without having to contort yourself to check your composition.

The R7 has seven stops of in-body image stabilization (IBIS), an unusual but very welcome feature for a crop sensor camera. The IBIS means you can achieve sharper, steadier images in low light and at longer exposures, even when you're holding the camera in your hand, which is great if you find yourself without a tripod.

In our Canon EOS R7 review , we were impressed with the 32.5MP sensor, which creates sharp images and pleasing colors, with very little noise even at ISOs of around 6000. Considering its price point, we were very impressed by the autofocus on this camera, as well as the eye tracking on both human and animal subjects. It also produces crisp, clear 4K video, with the autofocus and eye tracking working well on video, too.

This camera has other neat features like dual SD card slots (again, something you rarely see in a crop-sensor camera), which allow you to either back up your shots or save them across two different memory cards.

One of the only downsides to this camera is the limited options of APS-C lenses (RF-S) currently available. Since Canon is producing such high-quality crop sensor cameras like this one, we hope It will expand its range of compatible lenses soon.

If you're looking for a lightweight Canon that's also full-frame, take a look at our Canon EOS R8 review .

• Read our full Canon EOS R7 review

Sony A7R IV

✅ You shoot lots of portraits, weddings or studio work: The autofocus is incredible, and it has many customizable buttons to get your setup just right. ✅ You're into astrophotography: This camera is a perfect match for astrophotographers of any skill level. You can use the shots right out of the camera up to ISO 6400 before you start to see any noise.

❌ You're not spending much time on photography: Many won't need this level of detail (or file size) and can save money on lower-resolution cameras. ❌ You want to shoot fast action sports: There are other cameras with higher burst speeds.

🔎  Sony A7R IV: Despite the high price tag, this is a camera in a class of its own. For landscape, studio, or professional wedding photographers, this is a fantastic choice. ★★★★½

While the Sony A7R V may have stolen the limelight from the A7R IV, this is still an excellent camera. As long as this camera is still available, it's going to impress whoever picks it up.

In our Sony A7R IV review , we gushed about its huge 61-megapixel sensor which is great at picking up small, intricate details. It handles low light conditions extremely well, which is why we think it's a great choice for astrophotographers, and it even earned a place in our best cameras for low-light photography guide .

Compared to its predecessor, the Sony A7R III, it has more prominent and tactile button, greatly enhancing its usability and ergonomics. This will be particularly appreciated if you shoot outdoors wearing gloves, or in low light environments. 

Despite being a generation old now, the Sony A7R IV is still an excellent camera and, as such, it still carries a hefty price tag. Even though the A7R V is now on the market, the A7R IV will remain relevant for a long while — and we think very few cameras are able to handle shooting weddings, portraits, studio work, and landscapes quite like it.

If you're after a lens to accompany it, we used the Sony A7R IV when we reviewed the Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM , and we think this camera and lens pairing is a match made in heaven.

• Read our full Sony A7R IV review

✅ You want something stylish: The classic aesthetic of this camera is timeless.

✅ You're a beginner: This camera is easy to get to grips with, even for total beginners, and it's reasonably priced.

❌ You're a professional: The 'c' in the name signifies this camera was designed with casual shooters in mind. Pros will find it limiting.

🔎  Nikon Z fc: The Nikon Z fc is an impressive bit of kit, a gorgeous camera to look at and use. On the inside, it's capable and easy to get to grips with for more casual users. ★★★★½

Yes, this is yet another Nikon entry in our list of best cameras for photos and videos, but before you say anything, the Nikon Z fc has earned its place with gusto. This camera also topped our best beginner cameras guide, and for good reason. 

It's a gorgeous, timeless-looking camera that is a joy to use. It's well-suited to casual users (which is what the 'c' in its name signifies) thanks to its straightforward and user-friendly approach to camera controls.

The autofocus is designed to prioritize people, maintaining pin-sharp focus on their faces. This feature is ideal for shooting candid street photos, portraits or important events like weddings, where capturing fleeting moments is crucial. The quick and responsive touchscreen ensures you won't miss any spontaneous shots, and the camera is fast overall, ready to go in less than a second after turning it on. We do think Nikon could do with improving the continuous shooting option mode, so if you're a professional looking to shoot sports or action, you may want to choose a different model. However, for other types of photography, the noise reduction performance is outstanding. Even in low-light situations, you can raise the ISO and still capture remarkable photos. We tested this in our hands-on Nikon Z fc review and could push the ISO to ISO 12,800 and still achieve acceptable images with minimal unwanted noise, which we were very impressed by.

• Read our full Nikon Z fc review

Canon EOS R5

✅ You're a semi-pro photographer looking to upgrade: This is a camera for life, one of the most complete cameras Canon has ever produced.

❌ You're a filmmaker: There have been problems with overheating when recording lots of video. ❌ You don't like to carry spare batteries: The battery life is a little disappointing compared with competitors.

🔎  Canon EOS R5:   One of the best cameras on the market at the moment and possibly Canon's finest-ever technical achievement. A superlative but very expensive package. ★★★★½

In our Canon EOS R5 review , we said this camera has one of the best autofocus systems we've ever used. That's high praise indeed, but it's not the only thing the R5 has going for it. It's an excellent camera all round, and whatever type of photography you shoot, you'll find the Canon EOS R5 more than capable.

With its 45MP full-frame sensor, the R5 captures an impressive level of detail in photos, which is perfect for creating large prints. It's an excellent option for shooting portraits, as its tracking feature performs exceptionally well in following eye and head movements. The fast autofocus also means it's highly capable of capturing fast action scenes like sports and concerts.

With an outstanding 15-stop dynamic range and superb noise control, the R5 excels at bringing out fine details, even in low-light conditions. It captures a ton of data that you can enhance during editing, which is fantastic for astrophotographers aiming to capture each star in the sky. 

Videographers will particularly appreciate the large rear screen that is crystal-clear and can flip around. It can record at up to 8K RAW, so you'll be able to capture some truly stunning, incredibly detailed videos with the R5. That said, filmmakers should be warned that there have been reports of overheating when shooting video at length.

Ultimately, this is one of Canon's most complete camera packages. Whether you want to shoot a photo or video (or a bit of both), we highly recommend it — provided your budget stretches that far.

• Read our full Canon EOS R5 review

✅ You're an enthusiast: We wouldn't recommend this as a main camera for pros, but amateur photographers will love it. ✅ You're a vlogger: The fully articulating touchscreen is great for vloggers, and it's small and lightweight — perfect for travel.

❌ You're a pro: While it would be great as a second camera, it's not powerful enough as a main camera if you're a professional.

🔎 Sony A6700: Packed with advanced features and cutting-edge technology, the Sony A6700 is perfect for amateurs or as a second camera for pros. It's the closest thing to a full-frame camera in a crop sensor body. ★★★★

The flagship model of Sony's crop-sensor A range, the A6700 packs in some technology that sets it apart from the competition. With a compact and lightweight body, and weather sealing that means it's protected from the elements, it's a perfect camera for slipping in a bag while you're out and about. 

It's more than just a casual shooting camera, however. Despite being an APS-C camera, the A6700 has some advanced features like a fully articulated screen, in-body image stabilization, and up to 4K video shooting. It's a big step up from its predecessor, the A6600, offering much-improved autofocus, refreshed dials, and a better screen.

One of the standout features of this camera is its new AI-based autofocus system which covers seven different focus areas — human, animal/bird, insect, car/train and airplane. Within that, you also have access to a ton of customization options. In our Sony A6700 review , while we noticed a few teething problems with the new system, such as multiple faces in the field of view, we found the AI enables it to track subjects much more effectively than any previous models.

We found this camera to be fine for the occasional astro shot, but the noise starts to become noticeable at ISOs exceeding 5000, so it's not the best choice as your primary astro camera. 

Where this camera really excels though is video. The 5-axis in-body image stabilization now works on video as well as still images, and it also boasts an electronic stabilization system for when the camera is moving, known as Active SteadyShot. You can shoot video in 4K at up to 60p at 1.04x sensor crop and 120p at 1.58x sensor crop. This, alongside the fully articulated screen, makes it an ideal pick for vloggers and videographers.

• Read our full Sony A6700 review
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✅ You shoot astro: Despite its age, this is one of the best cameras for astrophotography.   ✅ You often shoot in very cold temperatures: The D850 is weather-sealed and made from magnesium alloy. The manual states it can shoot between 0°C to 40°C (+32°F to 104°F).

❌ You are looking for something light and portable: If this is one of your key criteria, opt for an inherently lighter mirrorless camera.  ❌ You want the latest tech: This camera is now over five years old, and most companies are phasing them out to focus on their mirrorless products.

🔎  Nikon D850: With its 45.4MP monster sensor, the Nikon D850 will capture every single star you can possibly see and then some thanks to its wide ISO range. ★★★★½

Mirrorless cameras may be the dameras of the future, but DSLR isn't dead yet, as proven by the Nikon D850. If you need a camera that can do anything, we can't recommend this enough. Despite being over five years old, it can compete with just about anything on the market. In fact, we like this camera so much that we've also featured it in our best cameras for astrophotography , best Nikon cameras for 2022 and best DSLR camera guides. 

As we noted in our Nikon D850 review , this camera is excellent at just about anything you throw at it. It's a great choice no matter what type of shooting you want to do, even if it is a little slower (and a bit bulkier) than some of its mirrorless counterparts. There's one major positive to opting for a DSLR, however: there's a huge, huge range of F-mount lenses available that you can use without needing to mess around with adapters. It'll be years until mirrorless counterparts have anywhere near as many natively compatible lenses.

If you prefer the traditional photography experience, this camera features a spacious optical viewfinder that provides a real-time view of your scene. For video recording, it offers an impressive 4K UHD resolution at 30FPS, and you can create slow-motion videos in 1080p resolution at 120FPS, allowing you to capture and slow down fast-paced action with a stunning cinematic effect. This camera is geared towards professionals and as such comes with a hefty price tag, but we think it's worth every penny. Its rugged, weather-sealed build can withstand harsh conditions without compromising on performance. The backlit buttons are also a nice touch, eliminating the need for a headtorch when shooting astrophotography.

• Read our full Nikon D850 review
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Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

✅ You're a travel photographer: This camera weighs less than 1 lb but is not lacking in functionality. ✅ You're 'upgrading' from a smartphone: You can pick up this camera and get shooting straight away. The controls are intuitive, and the large LCD screen will feel familiar. 

❌ You're a vlogger or keen videographer: Though this camera is more than capable of shooting stunning 4K videos, it doesn't have a mic port.

🔎  Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV: A small, lightweight camera that offers a great balance between usability, quality and an easy-to-understand, beginner-friendly interface. ★★★★

If you're looking for your first 'proper' camera, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a great choice. For those moving from a bridge camera or their smartphone for the first time, it feels like a natural evolution. Though it is designed with beginners in mind, it's also a very capable camera.

If you're new to photography, you can get amazing results by sticking with the 'auto' mode on the M10 Mark IV. That said, once you get to adjusting its manual dials, you'll realize just how capable this tiny camera can be. The menus and settings are very easy to get to grips with, so you'll be shooting like a pro in no time. Despite its pocket-sized design, this camera is not lacking in features. The surprisingly large LCD screen is boasts over 1 million dots, giving it excellent clarity and resolution.

Unlike some smaller cameras that can be difficult and fiddly to handle, this one is an exception. It feels solid, and the ergonomic design of the right-hand grip makes it comfortable to use with one hand.

After putting it through its paces in our hands-on Olympus OM-D E- M10 Mark IV review , we can happily recommend it as an excellent everyday-use camera. With a beginner-friendly interface and 16 in-camera filters, including HDR, Gentle Sepia and Instant Film, we think it offers the ideal balance of convenience, quality and style.

• Read our full Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV review

Fujifilm X-T5

✅ You're looking for a good all-rounder to travel with: The 40 MP sensor and high-speed processor is neatly packed into a compact and lightweight body.

❌ You want a fully articulating screen: This one tilts but doesn't flip, so avoid this if you plan on taking selfies or vlogging.

🔎  Fujifilm X-T5: With a 40-megapixel sensor and high-speed processor, the X-T5 packs a lot into a compact body, although the traditional handling and APS-C sensor isn’t ideal for night sky photography. ★★★★

If you're looking for a camera that's both user-friendly and incredibly versatile, the Fujifilm X-T5 is definitely worth considering. Its compact and lightweight build makes it perfect for travel and everyday use, yet it boasts impressive in-body image stabilization (IBIS) with a dynamic range of seven stops — a feature usually found on much more expensive cameras.

In our Fujifilm X-T5 review , we praised its fast processor, which is perfect for capturing quick-moving scenes like sports or events where you want to catch every moment. The IBIS also contributes to this, ensuring steady shots even in low-light settings. If you're into astrophotography, this camera is a fantastic option to consider.

Despite feeling modern to use, the X-T5 sports a retro aesthetic that we're big fans of. The wealth of dials on top of the camera makes it look like an SLR from days gone by — and while they do take some getting used to, you'll likely find them easier to use than navigating menus on a screen once you've adjusted.

Something the X-T5 excels at is timelapse photography and video. If you are looking for different options for this shooting style, pop over to our list of the best cameras for timelapse videos.

• Read our full Fujifilm X-T5 review

Best cameras for photos and videos 2024: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best camera i can buy.

We think the Nikon Z8 is the best camera on the market right now. Based on our extensive testing, we've rated it the full five out of five stars. Professionals need not look any further: It is just outstanding.

The Sony A7R V , which we rated four and a half out of five stars, comes next thanks to its outstanding image quality and excellent features.

How to choose the best camera for photos and videos?

The size and detail of a camera's image sensor will always be paramount when looking for the best camera. Full-frame cameras generally perform better than crop-sensor APS-C counterparts or Micro Four Thirds cameras because they can provide a wider dynamic range and lower image noise, which is especially useful when shooting in low light.

It's also important to consider lens availability when buying into a camera system. The main competitors listed here like Nikon, Canon, Sony and Olympus all have a wide range of camera lenses that is complemented by third-party lens manufacturers like Sigma, Tamron and more. 

If you're looking for a lens to pair up with your camera, we've also tested and ranked the best lenses for astrophotography and best zoom lenses . Each comes with different maximum apertures, altering the camera's settings while shooting to maintain good exposures, so be sure to pick the lens that's right for what you prefer to shoot. If in doubt, get the widest maximum aperture you can but bear in mind that will come at a higher cost.

What camera type is best for photography?

Overall, the Nikon Z8 is the best type of camera for stills photography, according to our in-depth reviews of all the most popular camera models on the market. However, the best camera for an individual depends on its intended use.

Astrophotographers will need to seek out full-frame cameras that handle high ISO noise well to produce clean shots of the night sky. Portrait and wedding photographers, on the other hand, may need a camera with an electronic shutter to remain quiet when shooting intimate moments. Wildlife, sports and action photographers, for their part, will need a camera with a high frame burst speed to capture fast-moving subjects. 

We highlight which camera is best for each purpose in this guide. We also have other helpful pages, such as the best cameras for beginners , the best mirrorless cameras and best DSLR cameras and the best cameras for low light for those that love golden hour and the blue moment.

Don't forget we compared the best camera phones and best cameras for timelapse as well. 

What are the top five cameras?

The Nikon Z8 , Sony A7R V , Sony A7R IV , Nikon Z fc and Canon EOS R7 are the top five cameras in the world right now. After testing each model, we've given them four and a half stars out of five each, going up to five stars in the case of the Nikon Z8.

These cameras create detailed stills and videos, keeping up with professional photographers and delivering outstanding functionality.

What cameras do professionals use?

This depends on the type of photography shot by different professionals; many shoot with every camera brand out there. Nikon, Canon and Sony are most common, but manufacturers such as Panasonic, Leica, Hasselblad, Olympus and more are favoured by some.

What types of cameras are there?

There are two main types of cameras on the market when advancing from compacts and smartphones: DSLR and mirrorless. Though increasingly DSLR lines are being discontinued by many manufacturers as they refocus their efforts on mirrorless models.

On DSLRs, the view through the viewfinder is piped up the lens by a mirror and prism arrangement, while on a mirrorless camera, the viewfinder is electronic where a live feed from the sensor is displayed on a small screen. Mirrorless cameras are newer tech and tend to be smaller and lighter. You can see more comparisons in our guide to DSLR vs mirrorless cameras . 

What camera features do I need?

Features like in-body image stabilization, fast burst shooting speeds, 4K or 8K video capture and an interchangeable lens format will suit most varied shooting conditions.

Connectivity is important too, so look for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi synchronization (and the appropriate app or computer software to accompany it). Plus, check for wired connections such as USB-C or ethernet if fast file transfer is important to you.

Do I need to buy a tripod?

Yes, in many cases one of the best tripods will help take sharper, clearer photos by steadying the camera during exposure. This is crucial if you're interested in astrophotography or landscape photography as it allows longer shutter speeds and lower ISO sensitivities to get sharp images with minimal noise. 

This is also useful for shooting at slow shutter speeds to create artistic, blurred shots of subjects such as clouds or waterfalls. If you need to travel light then see our top picks of the best travel tripods , too.

How we test the best cameras for photos and videos

To guarantee you're getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best cameras to buy, here at Space.com we make sure to put every camera through a rigorous review to fully test each product. We consider a number of factors when testing including functionality, design and construction as well as the camera's performance. 

We either have expert staff or freelance contributors who are experts in their area carefully review each camera. That means you get a fair insight backed up with a personal experience of each model so you can rely on the judgement based on price, destined use and class. It would be inappropriate to compare a small crop-sensor DSLR with a 60MP full-frame mirrorless camera directly, even if each camera was a top performer in its class, for example.

When it comes to testing cameras, we like to consider the technology on offer, as well as how easy it is to operate and whether or not it can produce high-end videos and images. We also like to suggest any extra kit or accessories that would enhance a photographer's experience.

With complete editorial independence, Space.com are here to ensure you get the best buying advice on cameras, whether you should purchase an instrument or not, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.

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Jase Parnell-Brookes is the Managing Editor for e-commerce for Space and Live Science . Previously the Channel Editor for Cameras and Skywatching at Space, Jase has been an editor and contributing expert across a wide range of publications since 2010. Based in the UK, they are also an award-winning photographer and educator winning the Gold Prize award in the Nikon Photo Contest 2018/19 and named Digital Photographer of the Year in 2014. After completing their Masters degree in 2011 and qualifying as a teacher in 2012, Jase has spent the last two decades studying and working in photography and publishing in multiple areas, and specializes in low light optics and camera systems.

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Take Your Best Travel and Vacation Photos Ever With These Pro Tips

Whether you're off on a late summer break or planning to capture Fall colors in all their glory, these tips from a pro photographer will help you get the best from your camera.

• Shortlisted for British Photography Awards 2022, Commended in Landscape Photographer of the Year 2022

A sunbather takes in the glorious weather on the island of Sicily.

Travelling on your vacations is an amazing time to capture stunning images, packed with beautiful memories you'll want to look back on. Whether you're heading on a last-minute late summer break or looking toward a cozy trip to capture the fall colors, you'll find great things to point your camera at wherever you go. And you don't have to be a professional photographer to preserve all the gorgeous sights and memorable experiences you'll encounter on your trip. Today's cameras make it easier than ever to take great images. 

But simply pointing your camera at something and pressing the shutter button isn't necessarily going to score you the best results. Taking photos that you'll want to print for your wall or put in a photo book takes more understanding, but with just a bit of effort you'll be able to turn your everyday vacation snaps into award-worthy pieces of travel photography. 

In the first part of my two-part travel photography guide , I take you through the kit you should consider taking with you, whether it's a great phone like the iPhone 15 Pro or the  Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or a dedicated camera like the Canon EOS R5 or quirky Hasselblad 907X . 

Read more: Best Camera to Buy in 2024

Now I'm going to take you through the tips I keep in mind as a professional photographer while traveling the globe. 

By knowing how to quickly operate my camera I was able to capture the fleeting golden light of this sunset in Scotland.

Get to know your kit

Learning how to operate your camera will not only help you get better, more creative shots, but will help you snap those shots faster, as you won't have to fiddle around with settings each time. Some of the most exciting travel shots can come and go in a split second, so whether you're capturing the running of the bulls in Pamplona or wanting to snag the last of a beautiful sunset's light over Tuscany, you'll need to learn to shoot quickly. 

Learning how to use manual controls will allow you to get creative with slow shutter speeds.

Spend time with your camera in manual mode before you go away. Learn how to change shutter speed, aperture, ISO speeds and white balance and experiment with what happens to your images when you change these settings. A good camera will be able to capture some great shots in auto mode, but when you want to get more creative, you'll need to take control. 

Shooting in raw allows you to fine tune settings like white balance after you've taken the shot.

Shoot in raw

If your camera has it (and almost all cameras and even most phones do), shoot in raw format. Yes, it creates bigger files, but memory cards are so cheap now that it's worth carrying an extra couple of 64GB cards with you. Raw shooting allows you to change white balance after your shot and capture more details in the very bright and very dark areas, letting you tone down any blown-out skies or lighten some shadows in Photoshop.

Read more: Best Camera Phone of 2024

Although it's always best to get the shot right when you first take it, raw processing gives you much more flexibility to rescue a shot that's not quite right. 

Local events can provide a wealth of photography opportunities, such as this sea-swimming competition in the Italian town of Vernazza.

Do your research

Search for your location on Google and visit travel websites to find out more about where you're going. Not only will that help you make the most of your trip, you may find out about local events or particularly photogenic locations you may otherwise have missed.

You might also find out about photography restrictions that may land you in hot water -- as a general rule anywhere, avoid photographing government buildings, and if you're unsure, ask permission.

Search for your destination on Instagram or on photography websites such as Flickr and 500px for inspiration on what to see. It's handy to get an idea of the shots other people have taken -- either to replicate them yourself or to avoid taking the same generic shot the internet has seen hundreds of times before.

Composition is key

Good composition will make or break a photo, and unlike white balance or color tone, poor composition can't be fixed in post processing. The morning light bouncing off that rustic church won't count for much if you've accidentally chopped off the spire in your hurry to take the shot.

By finding a higher viewpoint, I was able to better capture the beautiful towers, spires -- and the castle -- on a stunning winter evening in Edinburgh.

A generic shot of a popular spot can be transformed into an unusual and creative artwork simply by changing your angle. Take a moment to look at the scene before you shoot and don't be afraid to move around to get the best angles. Struggling with a beach scene? Walk farther down the coast to find boats, nets or rocks that might add foreground interest. Shooting in the city? Get up a tall building for dramatic urban cityscapes. Even just kneeling down and shooting from below can make a difference.

These jeans being dried over a balcony really caught my eye and certainly say a lot about city life in Barcelona.

Find the details that matter

Capturing a beautiful, wide view of the stunning European city you're visiting is great for a nice print to hang on your wall, but it's those smaller details that really tell the story of your trip. Maybe it's the food market you visited, a weather-worn old door, a vintage scooter or a shop sign that hasn't been repainted in years. 

All of these small elements will not only help capture the essence of the location you're visiting but also help bring back more memories for you when you look at them as each image will tell such a strong story. It's up to you to decide what those small details might be to look out for, but my advice is to always have your camera ready to shoot so when you see something that speaks to you -- a stack of lobster pots in a harbor, perhaps -- you're ready to take your shot. 

Amazing things can happen in the dark.

Don't be afraid of the dark

Just because the sun has gone down, it doesn't mean your photography needs to stop. It's a great time to get creative with slow shutter shots. Long exposures blur motion, turning regular car headlights on a city street into creative, abstract light trails, streaking through the darkness. Use a narrow aperture -- around f/12 -- and a long exposure to turn points of light into gorgeous starbursts.

You'll need to secure your camera firmly in place -- with a tripod -- and if you're playing with exposures longer than a few seconds, you'll need to be careful about the breeze or people walking by adding any vibrations. If you want to do long exposures in the daytime, you'll need a dark neutral density filter, such as the Big Stopper by Lee Filters, to let you take minute-long exposures in the middle of the day.

If you're shooting on a modern camera -- especially with a larger, full frame sensor -- then you can also likely increase your ISO speed above 3,200 without seeing too much degradation from image noise. Coupled with a wider aperture of f/2.8 or more, you may have more luck shooting handheld scenes in low light. If this is a priority for you, cameras that also offer in-body image stabilization (like the Canon EOS R5) should be on your list; this stabilization lets you use slower shutter speeds without needing a tripod.

By visiting this busy Saturday morning market in the French town of La Rochelle, I was able to capture this street photo that packs in great elements including the flowers on the barrel, the man dipping his hat, the people having a conversation and a woman peering out from inside the building.

Be a people person

It's often the people you meet as much as the places you see that makes traveling and exploring so interesting. People make fantastic subjects to photograph, whether they're wandering the streets, relaxing or hard at work.

Naturally, not everybody will want to be photographed so, out of politeness if nothing else, it's a good idea to ask the person's permission beforehand if you're trying to take a portrait of someone. It'll help if you do your research and learn a few key phrases of the local language to not only ask permission, but be able to understand the response. If they say no, it's important to respect that.

Otherwise, heading to busy areas like local markets will allow you to take more street-style photographs with candid moments of people going about their day. Again, it's still important to respect peoples' space here and keep in mind that some countries may have laws around this type of photography, so research is crucial if you don't want to land yourself in hot water.

I loved capturing this moment on a trip to the Scottish seaside, and I think it really helps tell the story of the sort of community you'd find there.

Set your alarm

The middle of the day may be the nicest time to wander around Tuscan streets, grab a hot chocolate on the mountainside or order a third cocktail on the beach, but the midday sun doesn't usually offer the best light for dramatic photographs.

It's the early morning light, casting its long, golden shadows that will really make a place look its most beautiful. Setting your alarm for sunrise on holiday may seem like the worst thing in the world, but it's worth trying -- even just once -- to see what sort of shots you get. Scout out locations beforehand to make sure you don't waste the precious early hours trying to find somewhere to shoot.

By coming back to this tower later in the day, I was able to catch the sunset in the background.

Revisit the scene

When you stumble upon a particularly picturesque scene, don't just visit it just the once. While a bay may look delightful in the daytime, it will look different again at night, with all the lights of nearby buildings stretching out across the water. If you know a great spot, do your best to come back to it to find out when it looks best.

Sometimes a punchy black and white edit can really add to the drama of a scene.

Play with processing

Although you should always try to get the best shot you can when you first take it, some well-placed post processing can turn a good photo into a great one. If you're shooting raw files, you'll need to process them anyway, so it's worth trying out a few of the sliders in Adobe Lightroom while you're at it.

With your raw files, the first thing you'll need to do is correct the white balance. Have a play with the color temperature slider and see what tone suits best. Summer evening shots will benefit from a warmer color tone, while chilly February city streets will look best with something a bit cooler.

Toning down the highlights can help keep a bright sky under control, while lifting the shadows will help make darker areas more visible, without affecting too much of the rest of the scene. It's important not to go overboard on this, as it can make your images look a little unnatural. From that point on, have a play with your editor of choice and see what you like. There's no one right way to edit your shots -- no matter what anybody says -- it's all about what you prefer. 

A high contrast black and white edit makes this image from a London tube station really stand out.

Do your own thing

Sure, rules such as "take the lens cap off before shooting" should always be followed, but never be afraid to try an unusual angle, play with your settings or experiment with new editing techniques in Lightroom.

If everybody always followed the exact same format, everybody's photography would look the same. Use these rules as guidelines and play with angles, settings and editing as much as you want to find what works for you.

I'm Blown Away by These Photos I Took on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra

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Travel expert Sami Lukis reveals how to take the best photos on holidays

By Kristine Tarbert | 4 days ago

Welcome to 9Travel Tips with seasoned jet setter Sami Lukis . She's got all the advice and the best tricks to make your next holiday a breeze. Here she shares her advice for taking great travel photos.

Sharing our travel adventures with family and friends back home is a nice way to relive the memories made while on holidays.

And stunning travel photos are a simple way to do that. But sometimes it can be hard really capture the moment.

Seasoned traveller and 9Travel ambassador has finessed the art of taking a good travel photo and has shared some of her advice.

Watch the video above.

READ MORE: The travel trend Australians are gravitating toward

Her number one tip all has to do with where you take a photo.

"My number one tip is to find a rooftop bar and go at sunset because the light as the sun's going down is spectacular," Sami says.

Indeed, golden hour has often been touted as such because it offers the perfect lighting for a photo.

"You get amazing skyline views of the city you're in, and we all know the Golden hour is the best time for a selfie."

READ MORE: The perfect destinations for a multi-generational family holiday

However, sometimes we can get caught up in capturing everything that we forget to really experience a moment.

That's why Sami says it's important to put the phone or camera down.

"It's really important to remember to really enjoy the moment," she says.

"And sometimes that does involve putting the phone down and just experiencing a situation. It's moments like those you'll remember, and that's what makes travel so special."

Recently, professional travel photographer and videographer Nick Rains, also shared some advice for taking great photos while on holiday.

He says if you want a good video the trick is to "keep the camera rolling".

"A rookie error is to record videos that are too short. Anything under 10 seconds is hard to edit later. If something interesting is happening, let it happen and keep rolling. Pixels are free!," he shared with 9Travel.

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