The 10 Best Travel Cameras to Capture All Your Adventures
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Ever since I got my very first camera—a five-megapixel Sony point-and-shoot my parents bought for my eighth-grade school trip to Paris—photography has been one of my favorite pastimes. I’ve since shot shipwrecks in Bermuda, crocodiles lurking in a Nicaraguan river, and the frosted peaks of The Remarkables in Queenstown. (I also weirdly enjoy shooting lamp posts and doorknobs, which I noticed vary wildly in style across different cities.) But I won’t say I’m a pro—I simply love taking photos. Still, I’ve rarely gone abroad without a dedicated travel camera, even after the ones built into smartphones evolved to the point that I no longer needed a separate device to snap a decent picture. My iPhone gets the job done most of the time, but there’s nothing like shooting with a real camera. The satisfying click of the shutter, the whizz of the rotating lens; it somehow feels more special, more authentic.
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Every so often, I’ll get the urge to update my kit—whether it’s by adding a new accessory or upgrading my primary model altogether. And over the years, I’ve learned a thing or two about shopping for a camera, particularly one meant for travel. There are tons of technical words that get thrown around, from “aperture” (measured in fractions, it’s the opening in a lens through which light passes) and “f-stops” (the lower the number, the shallower the depth of field) to all the different sensor types (rule of thumb: the bigger the sensor, the better the image quality) and “ISO sensitivity” (the higher the number, the greater a camera’s ability to capture light). But I won’t bore you with all that. Instead, I’ve outlined the key questions you should ask yourself before you begin seriously shopping for a travel camera, starting with: Who are you when you travel?
What to Consider Before Buying the Best Travel Camera:
Personality: Are you a foodie who snaps a photo of every meal (like me), or a nature lover who loves to birdwatch (and needs a camera with a fast shutter speed to catch fledglings in action)? Vloggers will likely care a lot about a camera’s video-recording capabilities, while adrenaline junkies always on the go might prefer simpler models that are quick to react, even if they tend to generate lower-quality images. Make sure your camera well aligns with your travel persona, whatever it may be.
Purpose: What’s the primary way you like to showcase your content? If it’s mainly on Instagram, you might not need a camera that produces super high-res photos or videos. But if your dream is to pepper your bedroom wall with framed, blown-up shots of all the places you’ve ever been, you should aim for one with a high megapixel count (which is necessary for large prints). For relaxing retreats with absolutely no rush, you might opt for a more advanced camera with many modes and buttons to play with, since you have ample time to manually adjust levels and determine the right setting in between shots. On the flip side, action-packed vacations with limited downtime and stability demand a device that’s fast, simple, and reliable.
Durability: How tough does your camera need to be? What are the odds it will get scratched, crushed, or dropped? Most cameras aren’t made to withstand much, but there are some built to survive inclement weather and severe conditions. Depending on your intended use (and how careful you are in general with your stuff), pick a model that suits your habits and needs.
Dimensions: How much do you want to carry? Travel cameras are often described as “lightweight” and “compact,” but those terms can be pretty subjective. Seasoned landscape photographers who are used to toting around multiple lenses, filters, and other accessories might consider a two-pound build as “portable,” while concertgoers who tend to pack super light would probably imagine something more pocket size. Before you buy a camera, make sure you have a solid idea how it’ll look and feel in hand. Product photos online can be deceiving, so it’s best if you try it out in store to guarantee it’s a good fit. And don’t forget to take into account any add-ons (such as batteries and external flashes), which will increase a camera’s overall size and weight.
Best Overall Travel Camera
Sony Cybershot RX100 VII Camera
I love my DSLR—but sometimes, it’s too bulky to take everywhere. In that case, I turn to this powerful little guy. If you’re looking for a lightweight pocket camera with all the essentials (and more), this sleek compact model is for you. Great for live performances and events (and for taking food pics!), the ultra-portable device effortlessly produces high-quality photos and videos. Fitted with a touchscreen that rotates 180 degrees (making it perfect for selfies), the user-friendly camera is easy to operate with one hand—so you’ll never have to put down your drink to capture a moment.
Type: Compact.
Dimensions: 4 x 1.7 x 2.3 inches.
Weight: 10.65 ounces.
Sensor: 1-inch, 20.1 megapixels.
Lens: 24-200 millimeter F2.8-4.5 lens.
Display: 3-inch LCD display, 2,360k dots.
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Best Travel Camera for Still Photography
Fujifilm X-T5 Camera
Whether you enjoy shooting portraits, wildlife, or streetscapes, this marvelous mirrorless camera—which comes with a weatherproof lens that ranges from wide-angle to medium-telephoto—is a valuable one to have in your photography arsenal. Lighter than its predecessor, the ergonomic model, whose in-body image stabilization system aptly minimizes shaking, produces outstanding JPEGs with incredible detail and less noise than its competitors.
Type: Compact.
Dimensions: 14.3 x 2.8 x 9.9 inches (unfolded).
Weight: 8.8 ounces.
Sensor: APS-C CMOS, 40.2 megapixels.
Lens: 16-80 millimeter f/4-22 lens.
Display: 3-inch touchscreen LCD display, 1,840k dots.
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Best Rugged Travel Camera
Olympus OM System Tough TG-7 Camera
The best handheld for hard-core adventurers, this ultra-durable, featherweight camera can weather all the elements. Featuring anti-fog and impermeable to dust and water (up to 50 feet deep), the newly updated model can sustain getting crushed by a 220-pound force, survive a seven-foot drop, and won’t stop working in the cold—so you can truly take it anywhere. To boot, the point-and-shoot has five underwater modes and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth—not to mention 4K video for high-speed recordings.
Type: Compact.
Dimensions: 4.48 x 2.59 x 1.28 inches.
Weight: 8.78 ounces.
Sensor: 1/1.3-inch, 12 megapixels.
Lens: 25-100 millimeter f/2-4.9 lens.
Display: 3-inch LCD display, 1,040k dots.
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Best Travel Camera for Landscape Photographers
Nikon D780 DSLR Camera
Capture high-resolution stills and full-HD videos with this versatile camera (my must-have on scenic trips). The popular model features excellent subject tracking and an impressive battery life—plus, it works extremely well in low light. Built-in Wifi and Bluetooth allow you to instantaneously transfer files to your drive on the go, and dual SD card slots guarantee you’ll never run out of memory while snapping photos in the wild.
Type: DSLR.
Dimensions: 5.65 x 2.99 x 4.55 inches.
Weight: 29.63 ounces.
Sensor: Full-frame CMOS, 24.5 megapixels.
Lens: 24-120 millimeter F/4G ED VR lens.
Display: 3.2-inch LCD display, 2,360k dots.
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Best Rangefinder Travel Camera
Leica M10-R Camera
Known for meticulously crafting products using precision engineering (by hand), Leica has well earned its reputation for delivering high-quality cameras around the globe. The German brand’s M10-R is the paragon of a modern-day rangefinder, offering razor-sharp focus and unparalleled image quality. The quiet operator has an extended shutter speed range that allows you to make exposures up to 16 minutes long at night and in low light. And the camera’s compact body is made from solid blocks of brass and magnesium alloy that’s rubber sealed to keep out dust and water, ensuring durability.
Type: Rangefinder.
Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.5 x 3.1 inches.
Weight: 23.28 ounces.
Sensor: Full-frame CMOS, 40.89 megapixels.
Lens: Not included.
Display: 3-inch LCD display, 1,036k dots.
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Best Instant Travel Camera
Mint Camera SLR670-S Instant Film Camera
There’s something extra fun about shooting with a vintage Polaroid. Mint Camera’s revamp of the classic SX-70 preserves its iconic folding design, though it comes with a few handy updates, including the ability to adjust exposure using a brightness control wheel. The external Time Machine module provides complete control over the camera’s shutter speeds, and an improved SLR viewfinder offers sharper manual focus.
Type: Instant.
Dimensions: 4.21 x 7.09 x 1.69 inches.
Weight: 21.16 ounces.
Sensor: N/A.
Lens: 116 millimeter f/1.7 lens.
Display: N/A.
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Best Advanced Compact Travel Camera
Leica Q2 Camera
More experienced shutterbugs will appreciate this intuitive device, equipped with an updated sensor design and image processor. The dynamic gadget boasts a magnesium alloy body that can withstand harsh conditions, an ultrabroad ISO sensitivity range (50–50,000), high-speed full-HD video recording, wireless sharing, and a touchscreen display that lets you focus on a subject with just a tap.
Type: Compact.
Dimensions: 5.1 x 3.1 x 3.6 inches.
Weight: 25.33 ounces.
Sensor: Full-frame CMOS, 47.3 megapixels.
Lens: 28 millimeter f/1.7-16 lens.
Display: 3-inch LCD display, 1,040k dots.
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Best Travel Camera for Night Photography
Pentax K-70 Camera
Sensor-shift image stabilization, a complex autofocus system, and fantastic interval shooting modes make this camera more than ideal for shooting in the dark. (Pentax’s Star Stream mode—which makes a movie out of stills by stacking them over time—is superb for capturing twinklers in the sky.) And the easy-to-grip camera boasts a weatherized body, making it impervious to water and highly resistant to the cold.
Type: DSLR.
Dimensions: 2.9 x 4.9 x 3.7 inches.
Weight: 32 ounces.
Sensor: APS-C CMOS, 24.24 megapixels.
Lens: 55-135 millimeter f/3.5-22 lens.
Display: 3-inch LCD display, 921k dots.
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Best Drone Travel Camera
DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone Camera
This mini drone is excellent for capturing breathtaking aerial scenes. The lightweight flyer fares well in the wind, and has a collision-avoidance feature that guarantees a smooth landing. The smart model also comes with an easy-to-use remote controller with an oversize screen, so you can always see what you’re shooting.
Type: Drone.
Dimensions: 14.3 x 2.8 x 9.9 inches (unfolded).
Weight: 8.8 ounces.
Sensor: 1/1.3-inch, 48 megapixels.
Lens: 24 millimeter f/1.7 lens.
Display: 5.5-inch LCD display, 2,037k dots.
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Best Action Travel Camera
GoPro Hero12 Black Camera
For high-quality POV shots, there’s nothing better than a GoPro—and the brand’s latest Hero12 doesn’t disappoint. Waterproof up to 33 feet and equipped with a cold-resistant battery, the tiny-but-mighty machine touts a slew of cool features including Hindsight, which starts recording up to 30 seconds before you hit the shutter button—and Scheduled Capture, which will automatically switch on and snap a shot up to 24 hours in advance. The Max Lens Mod 2.0 add-on, which boasts an ultra-wide, 177-degree field of view that shoots in 4K60—is well worth the extra splurge.
Type: Action.
Dimensions: 2 x 2.83 x 1.32 inches.
Weight: 5.43 ounces.
Sensor: 1/1.9-inch, 27 megapixels.
Lens: 24 millimeter f/2.5 lens.
|Display: 2.7-inch rear touchscreen display; 1.4-inch front LCD display.
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