Best Digital Cameras For Travel: Capturing Your Journey

When it comes to choosing the best digital camera for travelling, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, you'll want something compact and lightweight that can easily fit into your bag or pocket. Additionally, look for a camera with a good zoom range, manual settings, and image stabilisation to help you capture sharp images on the go. If you plan on shooting in low-light conditions or want the option to blur backgrounds, opt for a camera with a larger aperture (lower f-number). For adventure seekers, consider a rugged, waterproof action camera like a GoPro. Lastly, if you're on a budget, there are plenty of affordable options available, including older models from popular series.

Compact cameras for travel

Compact cameras are ideal for travel photography as they are small, lightweight, and easy to use. They are perfect for street photography, city breaks, and everyday photography. Here are some of the best compact cameras for travel:

Sony RX100 VII

The RX100 VII is a powerful, pocket-sized camera with a 24-200mm zoom lens, a large 1" sensor, and 4K video capabilities. It is beginner-friendly and has professional settings, making it a good choice for both amateur and professional photographers.

Canon G7 X III

The Canon G7 X III is another compact option with a 24-200mm zoom lens and a 1" sensor. It is a popular choice for YouTubers and vloggers due to its flip screen and better onboard audio compared to the Sony RX100 VII.

Panasonic Lumix LX10

The Panasonic LX10 is similar to the Sony and Canon models, with a 24-72mm zoom lens and a 1" sensor. It has a slightly larger aperture and shorter battery life than the Canon G7 X III, but it is more affordable.

Panasonic Lumix ZS70

The Panasonic Lumix ZS70 is a budget-friendly compact camera with a 20MP sensor, optical image stabilization, and a 24-720mm zoom lens. It is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry around during your travels, and it offers manual control and RAW format shooting for more advanced users.

Fujifilm X100V

The Fujifilm X100V is a premium compact camera with a fixed 23mm f/2 lens, a large APS-C sensor, and a hybrid viewfinder. It delivers excellent image quality and has a rugged, all-metal design. However, it is more expensive than some other compact cameras, and the fixed lens may be limiting for some users.

Mirrorless cameras for travel

When it comes to travel photography, mirrorless cameras are a great option. They're tough to beat on portability, making them ideal for travel, and they also offer the flexibility of interchangeable lenses. Here are some of the best mirrorless cameras for travel, from premium picks to budget options.

Fujifilm X-T5

The Fujifilm X-T5 is a great choice for travel photography, offering a sleek, retro-inspired design and old-school exposure dials that make it easy to adjust settings on the go. It has one of the highest-resolution APS-C sensors on the market, with 40.2 megapixels, so you can capture incredibly detailed images and have plenty of leeway to crop and adjust your photos. It also boasts excellent battery life and advanced autofocus with intuitive tracking and subject detection for a wide range of subjects. The X-T5's combination of image quality, portability, and photography-first design make it a top pick for travel photography.

Sony α7C II

If you're looking for the best possible image quality in a compact package, the Sony α7C II is a great option. It's one of the most compact full-frame bodies on the market, offering a 33-megapixel sensor, long battery life, a sturdy weather-sealed build, and an impressive autofocus system. While full-frame lenses can be bulkier, you can pair this camera with some relatively compact prime lenses to create a travel-ready setup. The original Sony α7C is also an excellent choice, offering similar performance at a more affordable price, though it has a slightly lower-resolution sensor and an older autofocus system.

OM SYSTEM OM-5

Micro Four Thirds (MFT) models like the OM SYSTEM OM-5 are ideal for travel photography due to their compact size and versatile lens options. The OM-5 is packed with features, including a digital ND filter and a high-resolution composite mode for stunning landscape shots. It's also weather-sealed and ruggedly built, giving you peace of mind while travelling. While it falls short in low-light performance compared to larger-sensor options, it still captures beautiful images, especially when paired with a good lens. The OM-5 offers a feature-rich camera system at a reasonable price point.

Fujifilm X-T30 II

The Fujifilm X-T30 II is another excellent mid-range option for travel photography. It has a highly portable body and a sleek, retro-inspired design with exposure dials for easy control on the go. Its APS-C sensor delivers excellent image quality, and its film simulation profiles let you change the look of your photos in-camera. While competitors may have better autofocus, the X-T30 II's combination of physical controls and in-camera processing make it a fun and intuitive camera to shoot with. There's also a solid selection of fast prime lenses available for this model.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

If you're on a tighter budget, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV offers excellent value. It's a small and mighty camera that uses an MFT sensor, resulting in a more portable kit with a budget-friendly price tag. While its low-light performance isn't as strong as larger-sensor options, you can still get excellent results with the right lenses. It's a great choice for beginners, with simple controls and creative shooting modes. It also features in-body image stabilization, which is rare at this price point, making it easier to get clear handheld shots or reduce camera shake in videos.

Sony ZV-E10

The Sony ZV-E10 is a great choice for travel vloggers. It's small and lightweight, making it easy to carry on the go. It has a fully articulated screen, perfect for vlogging, and vlogging-friendly features like a detachable windscreen to reduce ambient noise and specialized focus modes. While it lacks built-in stabilization, and its e-stabilization can introduce a wobble effect, you can use an optically stabilized lens to minimize camera shake. The newer Sony ZV-E10 II offers more advanced internal recording features but comes at a higher price.

Action cameras for travel

Action cameras are a great choice for travel as they are small, tough, waterproof, and well-stabilized for handheld recording. Here are some of the best action cameras for travel:

GoPro Hero13 Black

GoPro is synonymous with action cameras, and the latest GoPro Hero13 Black takes all the powerful features from previous models and improves image and video quality even further. The Hero13 Black also has new Lens Mods and ND filters, and while the sensor still struggles in low light, it is a versatile and robust camera.

Akaso Brave 8 Lite

The Akaso Brave 8 Lite is a compact and affordable action camera that records decent 4K video in good lighting conditions. It has front and rear displays to help with framing, but its image stabilization is disappointing, and it struggles in low-light conditions. Nevertheless, it offers fantastic value for money.

Insta360 X4

The Insta360 X4 is a 360-degree action camera that captures 8K video, making it a versatile choice for those who want to be able to reframe shots after recording. It is also a great 4K action camera and is very rugged.

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is a strong alternative to the GoPro Hero13 Black. It is a tough action camera with excellent features and solid battery life, and it works well with the DJI Mic 2. It has a wider operating temperature range than the GoPro and is waterproof to 20m, but its maximum video resolution is 4K.

OM System Tough TG-7

The OM System Tough TG-7 is a rugged and durable compact camera that is perfect for family adventures. It has a tactile interface and a range of photography features, but its 4K video is dated, and image quality can be bettered by most modern smartphones.

GoPro Hero11 Black

The GoPro Hero11 Black is an excellent choice for those who want a great GoPro without paying for the newest model. It has excellent image stabilization and a responsive touchscreen, and it is more versatile and fun to use than its predecessor. It can capture 4K/120p video and has a waterproof build, but it lacks 10-bit video support.

Budget cameras for travel

If you're looking for a budget camera to take on your travels, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, you'll want something small and lightweight that won't weigh you down or take up too much space in your luggage. Secondly, look for a camera with good image quality and video capabilities, so you can capture your travel memories in the best possible light. Finally, consider your budget and choose a camera that offers the best value for your money.

• Panasonic Lumix ZS70: This camera offers a great balance of features and price. It has a large 20MP sensor, optical image stabilisation, and a good zoom range, making it an excellent choice for beginners. It also has the ability to shoot in RAW format and manual control settings, so you can grow your photography skills over time.
• Nikon D3500: This DSLR camera was one of the most popular models ever created and offers a lot of features for its price. It has a lightweight body, a long battery life of 1200 shots per charge, and a range of lenses to choose from.
• Canon Rebel T7: This is another popular beginner-friendly camera that offers great value for money. It has a large 24MP APS-C sensor, easy-to-use controls, and a variety of lenses to choose from.
• Panasonic Lumix LX10: This portable point-and-shoot camera is similar to the Sony RX100 and Canon G7 X III in terms of specs. It has a one-inch sensor, a slightly larger aperture, and good battery life. However, it lacks a viewfinder and has a fixed screen.
• Sony A6600: This is a smaller version of the Sony A7 mirrorless camera, making it a great choice for travel. It offers internal stabilisation, a flip screen for vlogging, and excellent video capabilities with 4K resolution. The older Sony A6400 model is also a good budget option, offering similar features at a lower price.
• GoPro Hero 9: If you're looking for an action camera to capture your adventures, the GoPro Hero 9 is a great choice. It offers improved video stabilisation, colour, and 5K footage. It's also waterproof and has a touch screen, making it perfect for extreme sports and underwater activities.
• DJI Osmo Action: This is a more affordable alternative to the GoPro, offering similar features at a lower price. It has 4K video recording, dual screens, and voice control. However, it has basic image stabilisation and limited photography features.

Camera lenses for travel

When it comes to choosing the right camera lens for your travels, it's important to consider the type of photography you plan to do and the specific features you require. Here are some factors to keep in mind when selecting camera lenses for travel:

• Size and Weight: Travelling often involves a lot of walking and exploring, so it's essential to choose lenses that are compact and lightweight. You don't want your gear to be a burden, especially if you plan to hike or move around a lot. Look for lenses that can easily fit into your camera bag or even your pocket.
• Zoom Range: Consider the types of scenes and subjects you'll be capturing. If you're shooting landscapes, cityscapes, or wide-angle shots, a lens with a wider focal length, such as 18-55mm or 24-70mm, would be ideal. On the other hand, if you're interested in wildlife or sports photography, a telephoto lens with a longer focal length, like 70-200mm or 100-400mm, would be a better choice.
• Aperture: The aperture of a lens, denoted by f-numbers like f/1.4, f/2.8, or f/4, affects its performance in low-light conditions and its ability to create a shallow depth of field. Lower f-numbers indicate a larger aperture, which is better for low-light photography and producing blurry backgrounds.
• Image Stabilization: If you anticipate shooting in low-light conditions or capturing fast-moving subjects, look for lenses with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) or cameras with in-body stabilization. This feature helps compensate for camera shake and ensures sharper images, especially when using slower shutter speeds.
• Weather Sealing: If your travels involve adventurous activities or exposure to harsh weather conditions, consider investing in weather-sealed lenses. These lenses are designed to withstand moisture, dust, and extreme temperatures, ensuring your gear remains protected.
• Versatility: Depending on your travel plans, you may want a lens that can handle a variety of situations. A zoom lens with a good focal length range can offer flexibility, allowing you to capture landscapes, portraits, and even some wildlife without constantly changing lenses.
• Budget: Finally, consider your budget. Camera lenses can vary significantly in price, and it's important to find a balance between quality and cost. If you're on a tighter budget, consider investing in one or two high-quality lenses that cover your most frequently used focal lengths.

Frequently asked questions