A travel camera can mean many things to many people. For some, it’s just their phone they carry around every day in their pocket. (Phones these days can take some pretty amazing shots). For others, a compact point and shoot that’s easy to use will fit the bill.
Since our blog relies on quality photos to generate income and keep it interesting, we’ve started carrying a bit more gear around with us as we travel. We prefer to have more control over the photographs and the finished product, so our idea of a travel camera is a larger DSLR kit.
No matter what type of travel camera you’re looking for, our travel camera guide will help you narrow down your options so you’re prepared to capture every moment. Whether it’s a slim phone or a mirrorless DSLR, we’ll help you find the best camera that’s ready to go when you are.
After all, that’s what a good travel camera should do.
Choosing the Best Travel Cameras
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Table of Contents - The Best Travel Cameras for 2020
Comparison table of the best travel cameras
Picking out the best travel camera - important features
Image Quality
Price
Size and Weight
Quick Focus
Other Important Features
Mini-Reviews of the best travel cameras
Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII
Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX10
Panasonic LUMIX ZS100
Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000 II
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
The best mirrorless travel cameras
Sony alpha a6500
Sony a7 III
Canon M50
Best Action Cameras For Travel
The Best DSLR travel cameras
Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Canon EOS 80D
Nikon D500
The best camera lenses for travel
Ultra-wide camera lenses
Telephoto camera lenses
The best camera phones for travel
The best travel cameras at a glance
Finding the best travel cameras - what to look for
Image Quality
A good camera should take good photos period. There are several considerations that go into this equation, but for me it comes down to optics, RAW capability, a focusing system that's quick and accurate, and a sensor that accurately recreates what I see with my eyes.
Sometimes it's hard to sift through the marketing jargon and camera features which is why I always rely on third-party reviews and real-world examples when I can. If a camera is waterproof, indestructible, comes with a 10 year warranty, and only costs $200, but takes crummy photos, I'm not interested. For most families, you only get one chance at capturing that perfect moment, so get a camera that's up to the task and won't disappoint you down the road.
Price is a factor (but not the largest one)
While there are expensive compact cameras and also cheaper DSLR cameras available, there has to be a balance when travelling. Most families aren't going to be traveling around Universal Orlando Resort with a huge DSLR slung around their neck and a bunch of expensive lenses in the stroller bag. At the same time, I want a fast, capable camera that's easy to manage and takes great photos.
Most of the cameras on this list are less than $1000 (some much more) and even fall around the $300-$400 mark, which I think is a good range. Just because I can buy a similarly priced DSLR, they have a different use and don't necessarily make for a good travel camera. Save the DSLRs for sunrise at a National Park. If you're looking for good cameras for beginner photographers, you might want to consider a camera that is similar to a DSLR but smaller like the Sony a6500 or the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II.
Too big or heavy are dealbreakers (maybe)
For most, travel cameras have to be easy to manage, and that means lightweight and compact. If we're walking around a city, and I want to take a candid photo of one of the kids, the camera has to be ready when I am. Phones can also be good at this, but can also be a little clumsy and don't always focus very quickly, although their getting much better.
Remember, the best camera is usually the one you have with you!
If you aren't' comfortable carrying a camera around because it's too bulky or heavy, then it's not a good travel camera.
Personally, I'm used to my DSLR at this point. It's heavier - sure - but I trust that I'm going to get the shot I want and I have more creative control with the photos. Carrie shoots with a compact Panasonic to catch anything I might miss and it works well for us.
Quick auto focus matters
When you're on vacation, you will be shooting in a variety of light, at different times of day, indoors, outdoors, and everything in between. Not all cameras handle this very well - particularly in low-light situations. Make sure you get a camera that has quick, accurate focusing so you can get your shot. Your kids aren't going to wait for your camera to decide where to focus when they're too busy having fun.
Other features found in the best new travel cameras
RAW files
There are several other features that I would now consider standard when shopping for a compact travel camera. This first is RAW shooting. As someone who likes to edit and process photos in Adobe Lightroom, I want to be using the RAW file and not a JPEG. Fortunately, most small cameras these days will shoot in RAW and memory cards are cheap, so space isn't an issue.
WiFi Connectivity
Connectivity via Bluetooth or WiFi makes it super-easy to share photos straight from the camera to all of your other devices. Many even let you control the camera with your phone. WiFi is a must-have for us, but if you want some of the other features, look for NFC (Near-field communications) capability and/or Bluetooth.
Sensor size
1" sensors with at least 20 megapixels in resolution is becoming the norm for compact cameras, and all of the cameras on our list hit the 20MP mark or better. We shoot with a Canon 6D Mark II DSLR as our 'good' camera, and it is a full-frame 26MP model. Our point-and-shoot model is the 20MP Panasonic LUMIX ZS100.
Video
Video is a big consideration these days. If you want to take great video, most cameras will do it. Long gone are the days when you have to carry around a bulky camcorder (remember those things?)
Look for a camera that will do HD video at 1080p at a minimum. 4K video is becoming more prevalent and a nice feature. While there might be some other considerations if you're wanting to edit video, 4K will be great. Another great option is an action camera like a GoPro.
Aperture
Lens aperture - or f/stop - refers to the size of the opening that lets light onto the camera sensor. It's measured in f/numbers like f/1.8, f/5.6, etc. The lower the number, the more light gets in, so generally speaking, a lens with a lower f/stop like 1.4 or 1.8 will work much better in low-light situations without the need for flash.
Megapixels
Megapixels is a measure of the amount of data that a camera's sensor can capture in an image. The higher the number, the more data is in your image. Higher is better here, but don't go chasing this number exclusively. Some cameras do a better job of accurately processing the information than others. The cameras on this list are all 20 megapixel cameras and above which are great. Some of the newest models from Sony can get to 60MP and higher.
Manual Mode
If you want the most control over your photos, choose a camera that allows you to control things like aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. Not only will this help you become a better photographer, it will help you to get your photos just right.
Weatherproofing
By definition, taking pictures while traveling means you'll probably be out in many different situations. Nicer cameras and lenses have some level of weatherproofing to help protect your gear should the weather take a turn for the worse or you're snapping photos in a very dusty environment. Weatherproofing also helps combat saltwater spray when you're shooting near the ocean or at the beach.
Optical & Digital Zoom
When looking at zoom, optical is always better. Digital zoom basically crops in on the image and produces noisy (grainy) photos. If zoom is important to you, look for a camera with a long optical zoom.
EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization)
Both of these types of stabilization help to reduce "camera shake" in your photos and reduce accidental blur. Generally more expensive cameras and lenses will include some type of stabilization to help you get crisper photos.
Interchangeable Lenses
Some enthusiast and professional cameras have lenses that can be swapped on and off depending on the situation. Phones and smaller cameras have fixed lenses that are not interchangeable.
Travel Camera Reviews
Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II
Size
340g/0.75 lb
Sensor
20MP 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm)
Video
4K/1080p
For video, the G5 X Mark II can shoot 4K at 30 fps which is great for just about anyone. The lens is a 24-120mm equiv. F1.8-2.8 lens offering crisp photos and good low-light performance. The large touchscreen is a nice feature along with various shooting modes that give you a lot of creative control.
Overall, the size and features of this Canon make it our favorite compact camera of the bunch. While there are higher-performing cameras in the list, the Canon's price vs. performance makes it a good buy for an all-around family travel camera.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII - Best point and shoot camera
Size
302g/0.67 lb
Sensor
20MP 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm)
Video
4K/1080p
Looking for the best compact digital camera? This Sony may be it. Replacing Sony's RX100M III on our list is the new Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII. Like it's predecessor, this camera is compact with high performance - what a good travel camera should be. Viewfinder and focusing is fast, and the 20 megapixel sensor delivers great images. Focusing accuracy and loads of features make this compact camera a favorite by nearly all reviewers.
The lens is a 24-200mm giving you a lot of reach in a small package and the F2.8-4.5 aperture will help you capture the best photos in lower light. Other high-end features of this Sony compact camera are the stabilized 4K video, 20 fps shooting, USB charging capability, and incredible dynamic range that Sony cameras are known for.
With all of this functionality comes a slightly higher price of course, but if you're looking to capture the best possible images in one of the smallest packages, this is your camera. Wireless NFC make it easy to share photos and control the camera with your phone which adds to the cool factor of this camera. One drawback to this Sony is that the interface can be complicated to figure out at first, but if you like having a lot of control, this is a great pocket camera.
Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX10 - Best compact camera
Size
310g/0.68 lb
Sensor
20MP 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm)
Video
4K/1080p
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX10 is another top camera from Panasonic. It falls into the enthusiast compact category, as it has enough bells and whistles to keep even avid photographers happy.
Although this is an older model from Panasonic, we're keeping it on our list because it offers a great value when you compare the price-to-feature ratio. It's super lightweight and compact, so if you need something small and handy, take a look at the LX10. It's probably the best pocket camera on our list.
The LX10 has a 20 megapixel, 1" sensor for capturing sharp pictures, a 24-72mm lens to give you a little bit of reach, and only weighs .68 pounds. One drawback is that it does not have a viewfinder, so you must use the 3" screen to frame your shot. If this doesn't bother you, then the high marks from dpreview.com and Amazon should prompt you to give this camera a look.
Panasonic LUMIX ZS100
Size
312g/0.69 lb
Sensor
20MP 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm)
Video
4K/UHD/1080p
It features a 1" 20 megapixel sensor, a sharp Leica lens with a respectable 25-250mm zoom, electronic viewfinder, and shoots in 4K video. It also has a unique feature that lets you grab 8MB still photos right out of your 4K video. With a pocketable design and a median price, this is a great compact digital camera.
This small digital camera has a long zoom and the ability to shoot in RAW which we love. It also has several manual options giving us control over ISO and shutter speed. Built-in modes allow for beginners to capture great action shots, scenes at night like fireworks, and macro photography. While I prefer the settings and handling of the Canons, the ZS100 has been a great camera so far and one we'll continue to use. It offers a lot of great features for the price and we recommend it.
Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000 II
Size
808g/1.78 lb
Sensor
20MP 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm)
Video
4K/1080p
Panasonic makes a great travel camera. It seems that everywhere I look, everyone loves them, from Amazon reviews to other travel bloggers. They take quick, sharp photos and they make several different models to chose from, so you're sure find one that suits you.
This is the second iteration of the LUMIX FZ1000 that has been on our list, and because of a few updates, remains a great travel camera. The Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000 II is a larger camera body, so if you need something super-slim, you'll want to look elsewhere. It does have a long zoom lens at 25-400mm that will help you get nice and close to your subjects. It has a 20 megapixel sensor, fully articulating 3" screen which is convenient for shooting video, which it can shoot in 4K.
New on this model are a touchscreen, additional manual controls on the body, and Bluetooth capability. Focusing is face along with face and eye detection which makes tracking faces easy to do. It can also do burst shooting at 7 fps and shoot 4K UHD video at 30p and 24p.
Because of the size of this camera and its SLR-like body, it is a bit heavy (relatively) at 1.78 pounds, but with its host of features and mid-range price, it's a great option. It also took top honors in the enthusiast long zoom category from dpreview.com and is one of their best rated cameras, so it's worth a look.
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
Size
319g/0.70 lb
Sensor
20MP 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm)
Video
1080p/No 4K
This camera has a 20 megapixel sensor and also performs pretty well in low light. It will shoot video in 1080p, but not 4K, so be aware of that. It's got a 24-100mm lens, shoots in RAW, weighs less that a pound, and can fit in your pocket. These feature in a smart, compact design make this Canon one of the best digital cameras for travel.
While it doesn't have the features that the G5 X does, it's cheaper and will still take great photos.
Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
Size
206g/0.45 lb
Sensor
20MP 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm)
Video
1080p/No 4K
It has a 1" 20 megapixel sensor for sharp photos, 24-84mm lens for some zoom capability, and a 3" screen. It's also one of the most affordable travel cameras in our roundup. It weighs less than half a pound and can go anywhere.
The best mirrorless camera for travel
Mirrorless travel cameras are rapidly gaining in popularity so you may have seen the term being used more and more. It means just what you think - a camera without a mirror. For practical purposes, it means two things: 1.) The camera is lighter and 2.) it's probably more expensive than its mirrored counterparts.
Sony has been leading the way in this area for years now and their technology is solid, but others like Canon, Fujifilm, and others are in the game as well. They are making some of the best cameras on the market - mirror or no - so if you want some of the very highest resolutions being offered today, a mirrorless camera may be for you.
Sony Alpha a6500
Size
453g/1.00 lb
Sensor
24MP APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
Video
4K/1080p
Sony is leading the way with its mirrorless cameras these days. These cameras are much lighter, and because of the simpler design, no internal mirror to worry about keeping clean. With a 24 megapixel sensor, the Sony takes incredibly detailed photos which is a hallmark of the newer Sony cameras.
The a6500 also shoots in 4K if capturing awesome video is important to you. It's not as slim as other cameras in this round-up, so don't plan on carrying this in your pocket, but it's what I would consider a small DSLR camera relative to other cameras in its class. Another drawback could be the price for some, as this is a higher-end model, and you will need to by a lens to go with the body. However, with superior optics, quick focus with hundreds of focus points, and huge list of features, the Sony Alpha will not disappoint.
Sony a7 III - Best camera for travel photography
Size
650g/1.43 lb
Sensor
24MP full frame (35.8 x 23.8 mm)
Video
4K/1080p
Many professional photographers shoot with this or its sibling the 42.4 MP a7R III for capturing incredible still scenes and quality video. If you're looking for a professional camera with a mirrorless design, look no further than the A7 III. Sony is leading the way with unbeatable dynamic range, fast focusing, and a rich feature set that just keeps pushing the envelope.
Sony has also just released it's groundbreaking a7R IV model the boast a whopping 61 megapixels of resolution. No one else really even comes close, and right out of the gate gets glowing reviews and a Gold Award from dpreview.com.
Canon EOS M50
Size
390g/0.86 lb
Sensor
24MP APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm)
Video
4K/1080p
The M50 offers a new 24 megapixel APS-C (crop) sensor armed with Canon's Dual-AF focusing system and is the first non-pro in Canon's lineup to offer 4K video. An articulating touchscreen. wireless, and Bluetooth capability make taking a sharing photos with others a breeze.
While the M50 takes great still photos, the video isn't quite up to par with some of it's competitors, so if you need to shoot quality, un-cropped 4K video, you'll want to look elsewhere. 1080p video does work well though, and makes use of the Dual AF system. Otherwise, this reasonably-priced mirrorless option from Canon is a good option.
Best Action Cameras For Travel
Action cameras have become hugely popular, and we recently jumped into the fray by adding one to our kit when we travel. They're great because they're tough, waterproof, and take great photos and video.
GoPro HERO7 Black - Best cameras for adventure travel
Size
116g
Sensor
12 Megapixels
Video
4K/2.7K/1080p
Other cool features like taking time-lapse videos and also high frame rate video is great for slowing down later for some cool slo-mo effects. We pair ours with the GoPro Karma Grip for ultra-smooth video, the GoPro Handler floating grip of playing in the water, and the GoPro Suction Cup for attaching to all kinds of things (moving vehicles, etc.).
Their latest camera model - the GoPro HERO8 Black - was just released and improves on their HyperSmooth video stabilization, HDR processing, and adds the ability to connect accessories like external lights and microphones to the camera. They've crammed a lot of features into this ultra portable camera. Very slick.
GoPros are small and lightweight which makes them perfect for travel and they also shoot in RAW. You'd be hard-pressed to find a better camera in such a small package which is why we love ours. The GoPro is the best small camera of the bunch.
Check out what you can do when you turn the kids loose with a GoPro in the pool on vacation!
The best DSLR camera for your next trip
If you're like us and have decided to step up to a bigger, more capable camera, then you're probably looking at a DSLR body with interchangeable lenses. Here are a few that are good for beginners and semi-pros alike that won't bust the budget.
Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Size
765 g/1.69 lb
Sensor
26MP full frame (35.9 x 24 mm)
Video
1080/60p / No 4K
This is the travel camera that we recently upgraded to and have been using it for about a year now. It is considered Canon's entry-level full-frame DSLR and it has everything we need to capture great moments whether it's hiking through a theme park or a National Park. It's got 26 megapixels, Canon's new Dual Pixel AF with 45 focus points, USB, GPS, and wireless connectivity.
The feature that I really love (and what makes it so versatile as a travel camera) is the articulating touchscreen. This allows me to take some really creative shots, use a rock or post as an impromptu tripod without having to hold the camera (great for bracketing shots to get an HDR composite), or snap photos in crowded situations where I need to get above or around people or obstacles.
Our first DSLR (and one we still own) was a Canon 60D, and this has been a great upgrade in every way. While it doesn't have some pro features like dual memory card slots or higher resolution, it also doesn't weigh as much as its pro counterparts like the 5D Mark IV, so this is a good compromise.
Canon EOS 80D
Size
730 g/1.61 lb
Sensor
24 MP APS-C (22.5 x 15 mm)
Video
1080/60p / No 4K
The 80D also has the fully articulating screen that we have learned to rely on as well as WiFi connectivity. It doesn't have GPS like the 6D, but that may not even be important to you at all. It also take both EF and EF-S lenses.
If you want a new Canon but the 6D isn't in your budget and you don't require a full-frame camera, check out the 80D. It's got nearly all the features of the 6D, but at a more affordable price point.
Nikon D500
Size
860g/1.90 lb
Sensor
21MP APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm)
Video
4K (UHD)/HD 1080p
All of these feature coupled with sharp photos make the Nikon D500 the best APS-C crop-sensor camera currently on the market. If you don't already have an investment in Canon lenses, I would give this Nikon camera a serious look.
The best camera lenses for travel
There are a million different camera lenses available to fit your camera, and it's a lot of fun to try them out, but when I'm traveling, I typically only have one or two. You really only need a wide-angle lens for capturing those landscape shots, and a telephoto zoom with a little more reach like a 24-70mm when you need to get in a little closer.
Do I have other lenses? Of course I do, but I try to keep things light on the road. Here's what I recommend.
Ultra-wide camera lenses
Canon EF 16-35mm F2.8L III USM
I love this lens and it's one I take on nearly every family trip. It allows me to capture awesome landscape photos, gets the kids in the shot without distracting from the landscape, works really well inside (great for hotels, auditoriums, etc.), and is great for theme parks. The wide 2.8 aperture works really well in lower light, and it produces some of the best sun stars of any lens.
This is an L-series lens from Canon (denoted by the red pinstripe around the end) and is capable of maintaining a 2.8 aperture throughout the entire focal length from 16mm to 35mm. It also has some dust a water resistance making this lens ideal to travel with.
If I had one lens to carry around on all of our trips, it would be this one. It captures beautiful photos. To read reviews of this lens on DPReview, click here.
Nikon users: For an equivalent lens, check out the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED. Rent it here first to give it a try.
Canon EF-S 10-22mm F3.5-4.5 USM
When we really started to think more seriously about travel photography, this is the lens we purchased and I've really enjoyed using it.
Telephoto zoom lenses
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
This is an L-series lens, so it has weatherproofing and superior optics that distinguish the L-series lenses from others. Focusing is fast and silent making it easy to get the shot you want. I had equal success capturing stunning landscapes as well as the kids in action on this trip, and don't hesitate at all recommending it.
Nikon users: For a Nikon equivalent, check out the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm F2.8E ED VR. Rent it here first before you buy.
The best camera phones for travel
There's no denying the facts that 1.) nearly everyone has a smartphone and 2.) everyone likes to take photos and video with them. That's fine for everyday use, but can they work as a replacement to your compact point-and-shoot camera?
The answer is a resounding yes!
Today, manufacturers like Apple, Google, and Samsung are spending a ton of time and money developing cameras that aren't just for taking selfies to post on Instagram. These are serious cameras that can do so much more, so lets take a look at a few of the best.
Apple iPhone 11 Pro
What's better than one camera? Three according to Apple, and who am I to argue - I've happily used their products for years. Here are the specs on each camera:
Ultra-Wide
Resolution: 12MP
Aperture: f/2.4
Zoom: 2x optical/10x digitalWide
Resolution: 12MP
Aperture: f/1.8
Zoom: 2x optical/10x digitalTelephoto
Resolution: 12MP
Aperture: f/2.0
Zoom: 2x optical/10x digital
Other features of the iPhone 11 Pro
The list goes on and on...
Some other keys features are a super-sharp OLED screen, image stabilization for photo AND video, and water resistance.
This is a stellar piece of tech, so if you're in the market for a new smartphone OR a travel camera, the new flagship iPhone could be just what you're looking for. As a current iPhone 6s user, I'm feeling an upgrade coming on. Soon...
Google Pixel 4
Rear Camera
Resolution: 12.2MP
Aperture: f/1.7
Optical + electronic image stabilizationFront Camera
Resolution: 8MP wide-angle
Aperture: f/2.0
Optical + electronic image stabilizationTelephoto
Resolution: 16MP
Aperture: f/2.4
Optical + electronic image stabilization
Not only does the Pixel 4 have a higher resolution than the iPhone 11 Pro, the aperture is slightly better meaning (theoretically) that it will perform better in low-light situations. The Pixel 4 offers other similar features like HDR, enhanced portrait photography, and a ultra-high resolution OLED screen.
Some other things to note are that the Pixel 4 maxes out with 128GB of device storage while the iPhone 11 Pro comes with up to 512GB. However, the Pixel 4 currently comes in at a considerably lower price point.
I suppose your decision will come down to what ecosystem you're comfortable with or already invested in (like Canon or Nikon), but both smartphones are capable of taking really great photos. It's definitely an exciting time for technology and this latest batch of smartphones are evidence that you can ditch the compact camera altogether. Just use the one in your pocket.
What's your favorite travel camera?
Hopefully this gives you a good head start on finding your next travel camera! Don't forget to show us your photos, and if we can help answer some question, let us know in the comments or drop us an e-mail.
Be sure to follow us on Pinterest and save this for later. Happy shooting!
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