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

Two Fujifilm X100VI cameras next to each other on top of a map
(Image credit: Fujifilm)

For work or leisure – I travel a lot, and I will rarely be found without a camera in my hand. To be my top traveling companion, the best travel camera needs to combine compactness with image quality, advanced features with simple operation, and ideally – the ability to share my holiday photos and vacation videos quickly.

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).

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 Bevan headshot
Gareth Bevan

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.

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Best travel cameras: the full guide

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Best travel camera overall

(Image credit: Gareth Bevan / Digital Camera World)
The best overall camera for travel

Specifications

Sensor: APS-C
Megapixels: 40.2MP
Lens: 23mm f/2
Screen: 3in tilting 1,620k dots
Viewfinder: Optical + 3,690k-dot EVF
Max burst speed: 20 fps
Max video resolution: 6.2K30P (x1.23 crop)

Reasons to buy

+
Beautiful retro design and excellent build quality
+
In-body image stabilization
+
Much improved video quality
+
Big 40MP stills

Reasons to avoid

-
Premium price
-
6K video has a crop
-
Adapter ring an additional purchase
-
Battery life is still poor
Buy it if:

✅ 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.

Don't buy it if:

❌ 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.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
FeaturesBig 40MP sensor, improved AF an IBIS makes this one heck of a good compact camera for traveling★★★★★
DesignNot much has changed from the X100V, but this is still a stunning travel camera to turn a few heads★★★★★
PerformanceThe images from the 40MP sensor are stunning, especially combined with Film Simulations. Video is also great, but there are better options★★★★★
ValueEverything about this camera is premium including the price. There are cameras of similar capabilities for less, although with less style ★★★★

Read more: Fujifilm X100VI review

The best travel camera for versatility

(Image credit: Gareth Bevan / Digital Camera World)
Best for versatility

Specifications

Sensor: APS-C
Megapixels: 26.1MP
Lens: E-Mount
Screen: 3-in vari-angle, 1.03m dots
Viewfinder: EVF, 2.36m dots
Max burst speed: 11fps
Max video resolution: 4K60p

Reasons to buy

+
Compact and light
+
Wide selection of lenses
+
Excellent AI autofocus recognition and tracking
+
Excellent 4K video

Reasons to avoid

-
Viewfinder is underwhelming
-
Balance with larger lenses is off
-
Pricey
Buy it if:

✅ 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.

Don't buy it if:

❌ 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.

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FeaturesExcellent stills image quality and oversampled 4K video, backed up by all the lastest Sony AI features for autofocus, as well as solid IBIS.★★★★★
DesignThe compact design is perfect for a travel camera, but its small body makes it very unbalanced with large lenses.★★★★☆
PerformanceImage and video quality is better than ever, but the latest processor shines when it comes to autofocus speed and accuracy.★★★★★
ValueA little more expensive than some rival cameras that offer similar features but can't match the a6700's compact design.★★★★☆

Read more: Sony a6700 reviewBest lenses for Sony a6700

Best full frame on a budget

(Image credit: Future)
The best full frame camera for travel

Specifications

Sensor: Full frame
Megapixels: 24.2MP
Lens: Sony E-mount
Screen: 3in tilting, 922k dots
Viewfinder: EVF 2,359k dots
Continuous shooting speed: 10fps
Max video resolution: 4K30P

Reasons to buy

+
10fps continuous shooting
+
Highly sophisticated AF system
+
Uncropped 4K video

Reasons to avoid

-
Imbalance with larger lenses
-
No drive or focus mode dials
-
Burst shooting buffer nowhere near A7 IV's
Buy it if:

✅ 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.

Don't buy it if:

❌ 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.

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FeaturesNot the newest model, but the only full frame sensor on this list still offers enough spec for great photo and video★★★★★
DesignIt's compact and lightweight size makes it an excellent option for travel, although can be front heavy with big lenses★★★★★
Performance24MP stills, and 4K video supported by a great autofocus system, it still has specs to keep up with todays cameras★★★★★
ValueThe best value full-frame camera with an extensive range of affordable first and third-party lenses★★★★★

Read more: Sony A7 III reviewBest lenses for Sony A7 III

Best point and shoot travel camera

(Image credit: Rod Lawton)
The best point-and-shoot travel camera

Specifications

Sensor: APS-C
Megapixels: 24.2MP
Lens: 28mm (equiv.)
Screen: 3-in, 1.04m dot
Viewfinder: None
Max continuous shooting speed: NA
Max video resolution: Full HD

Reasons to buy

+
Incredibly compact for an APS-C camera
+
Excellent 28mm equivalent f/2.8 lens
+
Speedy Snap Focus when needed
+
Effective and efficient controls

Reasons to avoid

-
LCD is fixed and struggles in bright light
-
No 4K video only 1080p
-
No EVF
-
Pretty expensive
Buy it if:

✅ You want an incredibly compact camera with a big sensor: leaves similarly sized compacts in the dust with an APS-C-sized sensor.
✅ You want a discrete camera: the GR III looks sleek and discrete if you don't want to look like a "photographer" on your travels

Don't buy it if:

❌ You shoot a lot of video: the GR III HDF only has a very disappointing 1080p top video resolution.
❌ You want to change focal lengths: despite appearances, the GR III's lens is fixed at 28mm, and 24MP offers limited cropping.

Despite a few flaws, how could I leave the Ricoh GR III HDF off this list when it so perfectly blends exactly what I am looking for in a travel camera – incredible portability and impressive image quality?

There are a lot of compact point-and-shoot cameras around this size, but where most of those cameras have little sensors in, astonishingly Ricoh has squeezed an APS-C-sized sensor into a camera that can fit comfortably in a pocket. Paired with the super sharp lens with an f/2.8 aperture, this will give you better light gathering, better depth of field, and higher quality images than smaller sensor cameras.

I also think the physical controls are well-designed and easy to use despite the camera's petite size. However serious photographers who want to get in-depth with manual photography might find more enjoyment with cameras from Fujifilm or Olympus.

I found the HDF filter to be a bit of a trade-off. While it replaces the standard camera's 2-stop ND filter, I noticed that 2 stops didn’t really make much difference in achieving motion blur in bright light. The effect of the HDF filter itself is quite subtle, making it hard to tell if I’d used it at all, and since it’s a ‘hard’ effect, there’s no going back if I change my mind later. Personally, I prefer applying these kinds of effects during post-processing for better control. You can still buy the version of the GR III with an ND filter, but there is more stock available of this newer HDF version.

Unfortunately, there are several limitations to the GR III that are worth considering. For starters, there’s no electronic viewfinder (EVF), and if I wanted to use an optional clip-on viewfinder, you have the option, but I think it is far too pricey. One thing I struggled with was the rear screen’s visibility in bright conditions unless I cranked the brightness to the max, but that had a knock-on on effect to the battery life, which only lasted about 200 shots and wasn’t sufficient for longer days of exploring.

The camera features a fixed focal length lens, and while there’s a crop mode for extended focal lengths, it means sacrificing resolution. There’s also a twist-on optical wide-angle conversion lens available, but I found it to be bulky and not budget-friendly.

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FeaturesGood lens but a fixed focal length and only 1080 video.★★★☆☆
DesignIncredibly compact but no EVF and a fixed screen.★★★★☆
PerformanceExcellent image quality all round, even at higher ISOs.★★★★★
ValueGreat quality but limited and expensive.★★★☆☆

Read more: Ricoh GR III HDF review

Best travel camera for video

Fujifilm X-M5 with a Fujifilm 35mm lens attached camera held in a pair of hands

(Image credit: Gareth Bevan / Digital Camera World)
The best travel camera for video

Specifications

Sensor: APS-C
Megapixels: 26.1MP
Lens: Fujifilm XF
Screen: 3.0-in 1.04M-dot
Viewfinder: None
Max continuous shooting speed: 5fps MS / 30fps ES
Max video resolution: 6.2K30p

Reasons to buy

+
Incredibly compact
+
6.2K open-gate video
+
Latest processor for subject recognition and tracking
+
Vlogging and vertical video modes

Reasons to avoid

-
No viewfinder
-
Mediocre kit lens
-
Large hands might struggle
Buy it if:

✅ You shoot vertical and horizontal video: the X-M5's open gate video gives you a full sensor readout with more room for cropping and framing.
✅ You want Fujifilm's tiniest camera for film simulations: film sims are incredibly popular and this is the cheapest and smallest way to get in on the act.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You prefer a viewfinder: with no EVF, the only way to frame shots here is to use the screen.
❌ You use big lenses: few of Fuji's XF lenses are massive, but this small camera doesn't pair well with bigger zooms like Fuji's 18-135mm travel lens.

When it comes to finding the perfect travel camera, the Fujifilm X-M5 stands out for several reasons. It's compact and stylish, making it easy to carry during your adventures. It also boasts impressive specifications that outshine many of its direct competitors – all while being more budget-friendly than most rival models. If you're looking for a great value camera, the X-M5 is hard to beat.

For vloggers and video creators, the X-M5 is particularly noteworthy. It offers excellent video performance for an affordable camera, which makes it a top option for content creators on the go. The open-gate feature is especially valuable as more content seeks to fit various aspect ratios, providing versatility that many rivals lack. However, if you're primarily shooting in standard 4K, there might not be a compelling reason to switch from another brand if you're already invested in their ecosystem.

When it comes to photography, the absence of a viewfinder might be a drawback for some. However, if you’re accustomed to taking photos on your smartphone and composing images on a screen, this shouldn’t pose much of a challenge. The autofocus system is incredibly efficient, thanks to the latest processor that grants access to Fujifilm’s advanced algorithms – and the X-M5 comes with all of Fujifilm's latest film simulations for instantly sharable photos without editing. Ultimately, despite the slightly older sensor, the image quality is impressive, delivering results comparable to cameras that cost significantly more.

The Fujifilm X-M5 is a top contender for anyone seeking the best travel camera, offering a blend of style, functionality, and great value. Whether you're capturing memories on the move or creating video content, it deserves a spot on your list of cameras to consider.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
FeaturesPowerful video specs and the latest AF.★★★★★
DesignSolid-feeling compact body with small lenses to match. Although no EVF for photographers.★★★★☆
PerformanceGreat quality stills and video, with film simulations offering ready-to-share content.★★★★★
ValueUndercuts rivals on price but not on power.★★★★★

Read more: Fujifilm X-M5 review

Best hybrid camera for travel

(Image credit: Gareth Bevan / Digital Camera World)
The best travel camera for photos and video

Specifications

Sensor: APS-C
Megapixels: 26.1MP
Lens: Fujifilm X-mount
Screen: 3-inch vari-angle, 1.04m dots
Viewfinder: EVF, 2,360k dot
Max continuous shooting speed: 30fps
Max video resolution: 6.2K30P

Reasons to buy

+
Small and compact size
+
6K30P open-gate video in 4:2:2 10-bit
+
Subject recognition and tracking autofocus
+
Excellent battery life
+
Vari-angle screen for vlogging

Reasons to avoid

-
Price increase
-
So-so viewfinder
-
Vlog modes aren't well explained
Buy it if:

✅ 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.

Don't buy it if:

❌ 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.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
FeaturesBest of both worlds with a 24MP sensor and 6.2K open gate video, backed up with some much improved AF★★★★★
DesignThis is a small and lightweight camera, which paired with Fuji's small lenses is a breeze to carry while traveling★★★★★
PerformanceThe video performance is exceptional for a camera of this price, photos are also excellent, especially paired with film simulations★★★★★
ValueWhile other Fuji cameras have more megapixels, the X-S20 strikes a very good performance-value balance★★★★★

Read more: Fujifilm X-S20 review

Best