There are several options for a camera to take when traveling. There are various features to look out for yet the size and weight should be minimal, which is essential to pack away in your backpack.
For someone on the move, taking detailed photos and capturing action-packed videos can become tricky if the camera is not up to it.
Imagine you have finally arrived on safari and are primed to take some stunning shots. The weather is stunning, the wildlife is out yet you are far too excited to be holding a camera.
Photos come out blurry and the zoom capability is generally unusable, heart-breaking when you see a rare rhino but cannot present any proof. There is only so much you can capture from a distance.
The best camera for travel can handle tough conditions and tricky handling. From waterproof for underwater shots to shock-proofing and a range of Auto-Focus points to track then capture a subject.
Being able to record detailed videos, perform continuous shooting, and have vlogging capabilities may also be essential.
Best Cameras For Travel – Comparison Table
Best Cameras For Travel – Reviews
- Best For Lightweight Travel Photography
With so much focus on the weight of your luggage, you could do with the smallest, lightest full-frame camera. One that also happens to boast the smallest and lightest full-frame standard zoom lens too.
Step forward, the Sony a7C Mirrorless Camera. With a 24.2 MegaPixel full-frame image sensor, you can capture stunning detail for those shots to write home about.
You may only get a moment to get the photo that you truly desire. Real-time AutoFocus tracking and 425 Contrast AF Points should mean you get your moving subject in just the right frame. Go one better and capture all the movement in a 4K movie.
The mirrorless camera is also ideal for a long day trip as a full charge should allow for 740 images which we liked in our testing.
- Small And Lightweight – Save on a few ounces as this is so compact and light while being a full-frame camera
- 24.2MP Full-Frame Image Sensor – The back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor is ideal for high sensitivity and low noise
- 4K Movie – Capture highly-detailed videos without enduring any crop
- 425 Contrast AF Points – The camera uses real-time AF tracking to track and focus on moving subjects
- Long Battery Life – You should be able to capture 740 images with a full charge which is extendable with a USB connection
- Large Price Tag – For such advanced technology in a petite model, it does come at a cost
Also available directly from Sony
- Best For Action
A lot of travelers have opted for a GoPro for those high-action moments. Rightly so, as the GoPro HERO10 is even quicker and more powerful than the rest of the range.
A new and improved GP2 processor can shoot 5.3K video with little trouble and capture 23 MegaPixel photos. Even the Slo-Mo is impressive at up to 8x with a 2.7k resolution. You should be surprised that you can get all that with a GoPro.
As for travel adventure photography, the construction is such that you can take it up to 33 feet underwater which is great for diving.
This is one tough build that still has Advanced HyperSmooth 4.0 video stabilization for those action-packed movies.
Once you are ready to upload, it is easily done via USB, their Quik app, or simply back everything up on the cloud which we enjoyed in our experience of this product.
- 33 Feet Waterproofing – Little trouble using the camera while diving as it will still prove useful underwater
- GP2 Processor – An improvement on previous models to make the HERO10 the most powerful GoPro yet
- Slo-Mo Functionality – For those extra dreamy shoots, enjoy 8x Slo-Mo with 2.7K resolution
- Easy Uploading – Edit and share your footage with unlimited backup on the cloud or via USB and the Quik app
- Lack of Live View – While recording a video you do not get liveview with the app
Also available directly from GoPro
- Best For Budget
If you are working on a specific budget then the Canon EOS Rebel T6 may be the ideal camera for travel. This is ideal if you want a worthwhile travel camera with a price tag that will not alarm you giving you the freedom to use it properly.
As expected, there are several features that will deliver great photos even with that price tag. From the DIGIC 4+Image Processor for swift processing and highly detailed images to the 3.0 fps continuous shooting.
You may be on a budget and you may be wanting a camera that you can learn from. With Scene Intelligent Auto Mode you can use simplified settings that are understandable for even beginner photographers.
Once you are ready to show off your shots then revel in the Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity that should share them effortlessly which we liked in our testing.
- DIGIC 4+ Image Processor – Responsive performance, quick processing speed, and a smooth shooting experience
- Wi-Fi and NFC Connectivity – Easily share your photos to compatible smart devices or upload them onto social media apps
- Scene Intelligent Auto Mode – Great for novices to use a mode with simplified settings
- 3.0 fps Continuous Shooting – Enjoy capturing action shots with virtually no shutter lag then pick the best ones
- Lack of PC/Mac Compatibility – Some users have reported that the camera fails to connect with a PC or Mac
Also available directly from Canon
- Best For Safaris
For those lucky enough to go on safari, they need a camera that they know will not let them down when zoom shooting. Of course, you cannot leap out of the vehicle when on a safari so minimizing blurring and hand shake is essential.
The Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 II is certainly the camera to bring with you. A 16x optical zoom also helps to get in super close to the lions, tigers, and giraffes too.
Even as the light draws in, you will still have a camera that performs thanks to the 1-Inch 20.1 MegaPixel MOS Sensor.
Then there is Monochrome Mode for emphasizing highlights and shadows while still taking in all that detail which we liked in our testing.
A Sequence Composition Function can really capture the action too with a stromotion image drawn from several images shot at a fixed frame. Great if you spot some wildlife on the move
- 16x Optical Zoom – Get in close with your subjects with a huge 16x optical zoom
- 5-Axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilizer – The stabilizer is ideal for photography on the move to combat hand shake and blurring during zoom shooting from a distance, making it ideal on safari
- 1-Inch 20.1 MegaPixel MOS Sensor – Ideal for capturing wildlife for its excellent color depth and low light performance
- Monochrome Modes – For extra stylistic shots, use monochrome mode for moody shots
- Sequence Composition Function – For capturing the action by creating a stromotion image
- Quiet Noise – There are some reports of a really quiet noise coming from the camera when it is on
Also available directly from Panasonic
- Best For Vlogging
Many travelers cannot wait to show their family, friends, and followers the sights and sounds of their journey. The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is ideal for vlogging with all the versatility of your smartphone.
From Live Streaming capability for YouTube to 4K/30 fps or FHD 120 fps video, you can show all your adventures in excellent clarity.
With vertical video capability and external mic support, you can truly take the videos that you want, even in noisy conditions.
You can also charge the camera up by simply plugging in the USB Power Adapter PD-E1 which we liked in our testing. Of course, there are built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities for easy connection to smartphones.
- Live Streaming – Broadcast your adventures directly onto YouTube with exquisite image quality
- Vertical Video Capabilities – Be prepared to be mobile-ready and take vertical videos for your social media accounts or enjoy 180° of tilt
- Versatile Video – At 30 frames per second, you can really capture a detailed 4k video or a full HD video at 120 frames per second
- External Mic Support – Use external microphones with the stereo mini jack which is really helpful in noisy environments
- Hard To Find Documentation – It can be difficult to find the correct documentation for the camera online
Also available directly from Canon
Best Cameras For Travel – Buyers Guide
Compact yet packed with technology and advanced features, the best travel cameras are small yet powerful. They should also be capable of quickly sharing and transferring your photos and videos.
Perhaps instantly with vlogging capabilities that can broadcast live to your followers on your social media accounts or straight onto YouTube.
They should also be lightweight as you really do not want to weigh down your backpack or have to carry additional lenses. Several mirrorless cameras can come with all the features you want without taking up much room.
The photos and videos should still be top-notch, as much to capture the moment as to impress those at home. With an impressive optical zoom combined with image stabilization and reduced hand shake, you can ensure photos from distance look just as impressive.
Compact vs. Mirrorless Cameras
One of the most crucial decisions you will need to make for your travel camera is whether to go compact or mirrorless. With a compact camera that will fit snugly in your pocket, you do have great accessibility and it should have point-and-shoot capabilities.
These cameras will be lightweight and easy to use but can be quite limited outside of your traveling, especially if you want to take truly impressive, artistic photos.
A mirrorless camera should offer far superior image quality than a compact camera. That tends to mean that they will be larger and heavier yet you will get more versatility and additional settings too.
If you want to take more complex, detailed shots via larger sensors or have the versatility of interchangeable lenses then there is only one option. For wide-angle photos and great performance in low light then you should consider a mirrorless camera.
Sensor Size/Megapixels
The sensor size is crucial to capturing high-quality images. A good figure to look out for is around 20 to 24 MegaPixels which should include plenty of detail.
However, 18 MegaPixels should still produce a decent amount of clarity and detail yet should come in at a lower price. A sensor size of one inch is also important to look out for if you want suitably excellent image quality.
Zoom Capability
It should be known that the zoom capability of an advanced mirrorless camera is typically superior to that of a smartphone. Having a 15x or 16x optical zoom should be enough to get a great photo from a distance which could be ideal on safari.
Especially if you want to capture the great detail of a sleeping lion or a giraffe on a feed.
Long-range zooms are essential for a travel camera and you may believe that you need a separate zoom lens. However, these can be heavy and a wide-aperture zoom with a wide-angle could be superior.
You should also consider image stabilization and hand shake reduction as these are two elements that can reduce blurry images when you are using the zoom features.
Waterproofing
If you are a traveler that likes to go for a dive, you should be able to take your camera with you underwater. While some cameras are built for tough conditions including dust and rain, having waterproofing is an indispensable feature that should mean your camera can take a hit.
They can also be crush-proof, freeze-proof, and shockproof, but a lot of cameras are simply designed for waterproofing. If they are, they should confirm how deep you can take them.
Continuous Shooting
While the ability to take video is welcome, a continuous shooting feature can also come in very handy. This is especially important when wanting to catch nature at its finest.
Whether the thrill of the chase on safari or a waterfall in its full glory, continuous shooting will give you the choice of some great shots.
The higher the frames per second (fps) rate, the more shots you can capture and the better your chances of getting the shot you want. An fps of between 15 and 30 is something to consider.
Video Capabilities
For excellent photos, you should be prepared to get your video mode out. A lot of cameras that are prepared for travel can record 4K UHD video which is of great quality.
You can even go as far as 5.3K if you really want to show off your videos in exceptional quality.
Slo-Mo could also be essential for falling waterfalls, waves, and those high-octane moments you want to capture in detail. If that is a feature you are looking out for then 8x Slo-Mo with around 2.5K resolution is ideal.
Having a top-quality mic port is also significant if you want to capture worthwhile audio in noisy environments. Pretty much indispensable if you want to be vlogging.
Full Auto Mode
Some DSLR or bridge cameras can be bewildering and you really do not want to waste time working out which settings work best.
A full auto mode on a compact camera can be ideal to remove that stress when you need a photo in perfect conditions.
Viewfinder
The viewfinder can be a really handy feature for ease of use. Being able to see your subject as you capture it can help you fill the frame and get the photo you want. An electronic viewfinder can work really well with a tilting LCD screen.
The viewfinder itself can also make it straightforward to capture photos in bright light. A sharp OLED viewfinder should also come in handy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should You Take A Camera With You While Traveling?
While you may be tempted to get your smartphone out for ease, you would be limiting yourself while traveling. Sure, it can take photos and videos with the reliability that you have come to expect.
However, the optical zoom and sheer image quality would be improved with a dedicated camera. There are some compact cameras where you may believe your smartphone is superior yet you could soon find that you become jealous at all the other shots your group has taken.
What Does Mirrorless Mean In A Digital Camera?
Going mirrorless means having a digital camera that can accept a range of lenses but strictly does not use a mirror when reflecting the image you are capturing into the viewfinder.
Mirrorless is a step up from typical point-and-shoot cameras as the sensor size is increased and you can expect more functionality.
When you are on the trip of a lifetime, you want a digital camera you can trust to get the right shots when you need them. Keep your smartphone in your pocket, and use the best cameras for your traveling.