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
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.
Recent updates
I have added the GoPro HERO13 Black to replace the HERO12 Black as, while more expensive, I am more excited by the newer model's ability to switch between different lenses.
Travel cameras should be small, light, and feature-packed. The Fujifilm X100VI ticks all of those boxes, with a diminutive size, but 40MP images and 6.2K video. And does all this while looking great, with some stunning retro charm. Although the fixed lens will be limiting to some.
Don't let its compact size fool you, the Sony a6700 is a pocket powerhouse. Best of all, you can use any of the huge selection of E-mount lenses to make this a versatile pick for everything from city breaks to safaris, although big lenses do throw the off the balance of the small body.
Despite aging a little, the Sony A7 III still offers some features that are competitive with new models like IBIS, auto-tracking, and 4K video. Best of all, the camera is incredibly well-priced, making it the best option for traveling with a pro camera without worrying too much about damaging expensive kit.
The name GoPro is basically now synonymous with action cameras, and the latest GoPro Hero13 Black takes all the powerful features from the previous models and ups the image and video quality even further. However, the sensor still struggles a little in low light.
The Fujifilm X-S20 is a camera made for hybrid shooters, with great quality stills, but is set apart by its deceptively powerful video skills. This makes the X-S20 the perfect travel camera for any creator who is a versatile and lightweight camera that won't break the bank.
When picking the best travel camera, portability is essential. If you want to fit a whole photographic kit – that's a camera and several lenses into a bag, then the dinky but mighty Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is one of the best transportable camera systems you can get.
If you're planning on a coastal adventure then you need a camera that is fully waterproof and rugged enough to take on the most challenging adventures. This camera offers better stills than your average action cam, so if photos are your main priority – the Tough TG-7 is my top pick.
If you like to travel in style then you can't get much classier than a Leica camera. The Leica Q3 might be a lot pricier than anything else on this list, but the cool factor is unrivaled. Also, it takes pretty incredible photos and videos with a huge 60MP full-frame sensor in a compact body.
If you are looking for a camera to give to a budding young travel photographer then the Kodak Pixpro FZ55 offers a simple-to-use camera, but with enough features to get creative. And at close to $100, it won't break the bank if an accident should happen to the camera.
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Best travel camera overall
(Image credit: Gareth Bevan / Digital Camera World)
Beautiful retro design and excellent build quality
+
In-body image stabilization
+
Much improved video quality
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Big 40MP stills
Reasons to avoid
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Premium price
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6K video has a crop
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Adapter ring an additional purchase
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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.
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Features
Big 40MP sensor, improved AF an IBIS makes this one heck of a good compact camera for traveling
★★★★★
Design
Not much has changed from the X100V, but this is still a stunning travel camera to turn a few heads
★★★★★
Performance
The images from the 40MP sensor are stunning, especially combined with Film Simulations. Video is also great, but there are better options
★★★★★
Value
Everything about this camera is premium including the price. There are cameras of similar capabilities for less, although with less style
✅ 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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Features
Excellent stills image quality and oversampled 4K video, backed up by all the lastest Sony AI features for autofocus, as well as solid IBIS.
★★★★★
Design
The compact design is perfect for a travel camera, but its small body makes it very unbalanced with large lenses.
★★★★☆
Performance
Image and video quality is better than ever, but the latest processor shines when it comes to autofocus speed and accuracy.
★★★★★
Value
A little more expensive than some rival cameras that offer similar features but can't match the a6700's compact design.
✅ 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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Features
Not the newest model, but the only full frame sensor on this list still offers enough spec for great photo and video
★★★★★
Design
It's compact and lightweight size makes it an excellent option for travel, although can be front heavy with big lenses
★★★★★
Performance
24MP stills, and 4K video supported by a great autofocus system, it still has specs to keep up with todays cameras
★★★★★
Value
The best value full-frame camera with an extensive range of affordable first and third-party lenses
Tripod thread, built-in fingers, and finally magnetic mounting
Reasons to avoid
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Struggles in low light
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Very similar hardware to the last Hero12 Black
Buy it if:
✅ You need a camera that can survive the elements: if you are planning on getting wet, cold, or sandy then the GoPro can survive it all. ✅ You want a tiny camera for attaching to things: you can stick this to a helmet, handlebars, surfboards, you name it, there is a likely a mount for it.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want the best low-light performance: the GoPro's sensor isn't especially good in low-light ❌ You want to take a lot of photos: the GoPro's wide-angle lens takes interesting perspective photos, but they are quite limited
After a few missteps with the Hero12 – the Hero13 Black brings back everything that was great about the Hero 11 Black and refines it.
And yes, the one major omission from the GoPro Hero12 has been corrected, GPS is back! As well as tracking and tagging your location, it can also overlay graphics to videos to show routes or elements like g-force. Although, if you never cared about GPS then the Hero12 Black, has the same hardware, and can now (usually) be found cheaper.
What really separates the Hero13 from the 12 though is GoPro's new range of lenses – currently consisting of a series of ND grads, a close-up lens, and an even wider mod, and soon to include an anamorphic lens as well! The Hero13 can recognize any of these lenses automatically, and adjust the picture to match, it works like magic. These lenses have had me more excited about an action camera than I have been for years, and begin the fightback against increasing camera phone competition.
Down to brass tax. When it comes to video, the colors and quality of GoPro's footage still put it out front compared to competitors – in good light that is. The Hero12 unfortunately suffers quite a lot in low light, with the smaller pixels in its 1/1.9-inch not up to its chief rival – the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro. But while GoPro hasn't cracked lowlight video, for anyone who wants detail in bright environments, I'd still call the 13 Black the best action camera for video.
GoPros' HyperSmooth 6.0 image stabilization continues to be incredible at producing gimbal-like footage without the gimbal, and the AutoBoost feature seamlessly gets the steadiest footage at the widest crop. New HDR modes and Log recording also work well in bright environments to push details in the highs and shadows further.
Finally, photos are solid, again in good light, although the very wide angle lens of 156º limits how good this is as a photography camera, but in areas you wouldn't dare take a mirrorless or compact camera, it's perfect for getting a few snaps.
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Features
Still the top action camera highly detailed video, HyperSmooth stabilization and new audio recording features.
✅ 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.
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Features
Best of both worlds with a 24MP sensor and 6.2K open gate video, backed up with some much improved AF
★★★★★
Design
This is a small and lightweight camera, which paired with Fuji's small lenses is a breeze to carry while traveling
★★★★★
Performance
The video performance is exceptional for a camera of this price, photos are also excellent, especially paired with film simulations
★★★★★
Value
While other Fuji cameras have more megapixels, the X-S20 strikes a very good performance-value balance
✅ You want a small system: the whole OM Micro Four Thirds system is tiny, with small cameras and lenses, so you can take a lot more gear to cover more subjects. ✅ You want a good-looking camera: with a cool vintage style based on Olympus's OM film cameras, the E-M10 IV looks as good as the footage it shoots.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You shoot a lot in low light: the Micro Four Thirds sensor in the E-M10 IV doesn't handle low light as well as larger sensors, not good for frequent nighttime shooters. ❌ You won't use the retro dials: if you are looking for just fast auto controls then the dials on the top of the E-M10 IV will be largely redundant for your needs.
When picking the best travel camera, we're focusing on portability, and the dinky but mighty Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is one of the best portable cameras around if you are looking for a whole system including lenses that can easily slip into a bag. The best Olympus lenses include positively tiny optics that can go a long way for travel photography, helping you keep your kit and weight size down. So if you are the type of carry-on-only travel photographer but with big photography ambitions then this is for you.
Not only does it have an incredibly lightweight body, but the camera will look great on your travels too, with a cool retro design that harks back to Olympus's long pedigree in film cameras. The camera has tactile dial-led controls for anyone who wants to get creative with manual photography, although don't let that fool you into thinking the camera is complicated, as there are lots of automatic modes and helpful features built into the camera.
The OM-D E-M10 Mark IV uses the smaller but still powerful Micro Four Thirds sensor. This has some slight disadvantages in terms of low-light capabilities, so if you like to go out a lot at night when you travel, then a larger sensor might be better for you.
But Micro Four Thirds does have one big advantage, it effectively doubles the focal length of any lens mounted to the camera; so a 50mm will behave like a 100mm, so if you are about to head off on safari, then this could make all the difference to getting up close to wildlife. Its snappy burst shooting, its accurate autofocus, and its impressive 4K video will also all assist you with creating amazing content. It's a terrific all-around camera.
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Features
Snappy autofocus, 4K video and 20MP stills, and the MFT sensor provides extra reach for getting closer to subjects
★★★★☆
Design
Tiny body makes this an excellent travel camera to slip into a pocket or bag, the lenses are also small so you can pack a few
★★★★★
Performance
The 20MP might be a little small by todays standards, but the image and video quality are still superb for social media, and autofocus is very reliable
★★★★★
Value
Excellent value for the features with no premium for the pretty retro design and build of the camera
✅ You want a rugged adventure camera: the TG-7 can certainly withstand some serious adventuring with a rugged water/dust/freeze/drop-proof build. ✅ You want a photography-first adventure camera: the TG-7 puts photography first and foremost, offering a better experience than smaller fiddly action cameras.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want to strap the camera to things: while action cameras have numerous accessories to strap to your sports equipment, there is far less for the bigger TG-7. ❌ You only care about video: if you are just looking for the best rugged video camera for travel, then action cameras have you covered (see below).
Following the acquisition of Olympus's camera division, the OM System TG-7 is essentially an update to the much-loved Olympus Tough TG-6 under a new brand name. Although that camera has long been the top-regarded travel compact for adventurers who are as invested in photos as video. Action cameras might be smaller and just as hardy, but can't compete with the TG-7 for photography experience.
The TG-7 is ready for any travel adventure and is water-proof, dust-proof, crush-proof, drop-proof, and freeze-proof, so whether you are hiking, climbing, swimming, or otherwise take you to the hottest deserts to the coldest tundras, the camera should come out the other side unscathed.
The TG-7 might have a relatively conservative 12MP resolution, although this helps dramatically when it comes to low-light images, as each pixel is larger allowing it to capture more light. Why is this important? Well if you are shooting in darker underwater environments, in gloomy forests, or at night, then you will get higher-quality images.
The Touch also has RAW images, so you can get even more creative control over the final edit of your images. The camera also has a pretty incredible macro mode as well if you find some small details on your travels that you have to capture.
While it might not be up to the same standard as the best action cameras for video, the Tough can capture decent 4K video, and will get some perfectly serviceable footage for social and YouTube of your wild adventures!
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Features
Rugged waterproof camera that offers a bigger sensor for still images, especially in low light, and its zoom lens gives plenty of versatility
★★★★☆
Design
Compact, rugged, and waterproof, too big for an action camera, but built for photography with easy physical controls
★★★★★
Performance
Great stills quality, even if 12MP is very conservative, the clever macro modes are a joy though
★★★★☆
Value
Not much more than the best action cams, this is a the camera to buy if top quality stills in challenging locations are your thing
Uncomfortable to hold for long periods without optional grip
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Pricey
Buy it if:
✅ You like to crop: the 60MP sensor allows for so much space to crop into which is made even easier with the lens's digital crop feature. ✅ You want the coolest camera: the X100VI might be uber popular, but the Q3 is arguably an even cooler camera to be seen with.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You prioritize value: you can get much more feature-packed cameras for considerably less money than the Q3. ❌ You want to change lenses: despite the clever digital crop zoom, the fixed lens is still limiting for distant subjects.
If you are looking for one of the most stylish cameras to take with you on your travel adventures then the Leica Q3 ticks all the boxes. From the iconic German brand, the Leica Q3 is a camera that is designed to inspire camera envy wherever you go with its effortless cool style. Although, as ever with a Leica – it doesn't come cheap.
But you're not just paying for style and a red dot logo, the Leica Q3 is an all-round fantastic travel camera. Its compact size and fixed lens make it easy to carry around while exploring new places, and I had a really good experience shooting with this camera around London.
The 60MP sensor delivers stunning images with the Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. being incredibly sharp, and while the fixed nature of the lens might appear limiting, its digital crop feature is incredible. With a huge 60MP to play with the Q3 can crop to the equivalent of 90mm and still produce 8MP images, so its almost like you have a zoom lens. The max aperture of f/1.7 and the full frame lens also mean you can get beautifully rendered out-of-focus backgrounds for some pro-looking images.
Autofocus is quick and accurate, there are new modes for tracking human subjects, which work really well, and animal subjects, which work less well. Animal recognition was a little erratic, but then this isn't really intended as a safari camera so I can let it off a little here. Additionally, good dynamic range and the Q3's unique Leica-rendered color and monochrome modes give fantastic out-of-camera images ready for sharing on the go via the excellent Leica Fotos app.
When it comes to video, while the Q3 has solid video specs, this is far from a hybrid camera. The camera's 8K video capabilities shine, providing a lot of detail, although I would question if 8K recording is really necessary, the Q3 also offers great 4K for smaller and more usable files. Image stabilization is also good, but not up to the standard of other manufacturers.
But for style plus substance, the Leica Q3 is a great option for travel – if you can afford it that is.
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Features
Megapixel packed 60MP full frame sensor, IBIS, 8K video, the Q3 does it all.
★★★★★
Design
Stunning camera design, although I did find the camera lack of grip uncomfortable after a while.
★★★★☆
Performance
Image quality is outstanding, with the lens providing sharp results. IBIS, video and AF aren't quite up to rivals though.
★★★★☆
Value
Not as expensive as Leica's M cameras, but still very pricey, and there are a lot better value options.
Good starter option for the young and inexperienced or alternatively the very old
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Colorful images
Reasons to avoid
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Basic, frill free controls and feature set
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Operationally this is like turning back the clock to 15+ years ago
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Small-ish image sensor and lens means results are adequate rather than awe-inspiring
Buy it if:
✅ You want a camera it's okay to break or lose: if you are the type of person who worries about expensive camera gear while traveling, then this $100 camera might save you some stress. ✅ You want a super simple camera: this is perhaps one of the most straightforward frill-less cameras you can buy.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want good image quality: images are not great quality, and bested by some phone cameras. ❌ You want to shoot video: max 1080p video is woefully low quality for modern devices.
The Kodak Pixpro FZ55 is one of the cheapest cameras you can buy brand new, and while it is a heavily compromised camera (more on that in a second), it serves a purpose as a fantastic option for traveling while not having to worry about expensive gear.
While it would suit any travel photographer who doesn't want to stress about damaging or losing expensive gear, the FZ55 is especially perfect for a child showing a budding interest in photography but is too young to be entrusted with a smartphone or larger gear.
The Kodak is robust and can survive a little rough and tumble. It is incredibly simplistic to use, so won't confuse or overwhelm anyone trying to get to grips with photography for the first time. While the 5x optical zoom lens also gives the freedom to play with framing.
The downside to the camera being so affordable is that the image quality is sub-par, with photos having a distinctive compact camera look to them that is reminiscent of the early years of digital photography. While smartphones with their intensive processing of images can take better photos, that isn't the point of having a simplistic dedicated camera. Plus, grungier imperfect photos are all the rage right now on social media, so get on trend.
Video is also abysmal, with the camera maxing out at Full HD 1080P footage, which is poor quality and way behind the 4K video that is now standard in almost every other camera.
Despite all these flaws I am still recommending it for the reasons I opened with, if you a looking for a camera where simplicity and affordability come first, the Kodak Pixpro FZ55 is definitely worth considering.
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Features
Just about does the job, with a small 16MP sensor and only 1080p video.
★★☆☆☆
Design
Small and compact camera that can easily slip into a pocket, comes in some fun colors
★★★★☆
Performance
Image quality is not great unless you are after the outdated compact look, video is not worth bothering with.
★★☆☆☆
Value
This cameras incredibly cheap price is what has earned its spot on this list, made to be used without worry.
Ricoh GR III / GR IIIx: this pair of street photography cameras have exploded in popularity recently due to their combination of large APS-C sensors and tiny compact bodies producing some excellent photos. A cramped design and outdated AF and video specs however have bumped them off my list. Read the full review...
Sony A7C II: as the full-frame counterpart to the Sony a6700, the A7C II is every bit as impressive but somehow squeezes an even larger sensor into the same size body. However, I prefer the a6700 for this list due to its lower cost, and its APS-C sensor is plenty good enough. Read the full review...
Nikon Z fc: a stylish entry from Nikon for those who love retro cameras, although there are just a few too many retro cameras around this price point with the Nikon not quite getting its noise ahead on price or features – but for those invested in Nikon Z lenses, this might be a winner. Read the full review...
Comparisons and Lab Data
At DCW, every camera we review goes through rigorous testing in our lab. This process generates the metrics you see below, which evaluate the camera's resolution, dynamic range, and noise levels. In each of these categories, higher numbers indicate improved performance.
These are five key things to look out for when choosing the right travel camera for your needs.
1) Image quality: Ask yourself how you will use any photos or videos you capture. If you only plan to share content online on social media then any of the above cameras will be suitable. If you plan to print your pictures, though, then mirrorless cameras with larger sensors and higher megapixel counts will produce better-quality results.
2) Focal range: What kind of range do you need for your traveling activities? Compact cameras can have impressive zoom ranges, but to achieve their tiny size they often lack quality compared to mirrorless cameras. For mirrorless cameras, what lenses are available? So-called standard zooms are a great option for all types of travel, but they can also be large and heavy. A wide-angle lens might be best for capturing cities and landscapes, or if you are going to see wildlife or a sporting event then a compact telephoto lens might be best.
3) Size and weight: If you're going on vacation then the last thing you want to take is a heavy kit – especially given things like baggage restrictions when traveling. With that in mind, both your camera and lens(es) need to be small and light. If you want something that can fit in your pocket, get a compact camera – but if you don't mind taking a bag, a mirrorless system with one or two lenses could be more versatile.
4) Simplicity: Don't want to get bogged down with camera settings? Most modern cameras have a range of auto modes – especially compact cameras, which take away the stress. Advanced modes and complicated controls don't usually mix with spur-of-the-moment snaps, so decide what is important to you and pick your camera based on that.
5) Price: The cameras in our list have a range of prices, and we try to include cameras that suit every budget. The price of a camera usually reflects its capabilities, although all the options listed here will take great images and video – so try to strike the right balance between what you need in a camera and what you can afford.
Is it better to use phone or camera for travel?
This really depends on what you are taking photos of and where those photos are going. Your phone can handle a few quick snaps for social media, but if you want the best quality for printing then a camera with a much larger sensor has the edge.
You also need to ask yourself if your travel plans make using a camera possible. Phones are so small and quick to use that they go where cameras are too bulky and slow to shoot. A great compromise is a compact camera which is the best of both worlds.
Is a DSLR or mirrorless camera better for travel photography?
As a travel camera, mirrorless cameras are usually the better choice for most people. They are much smaller and lighter than DSLRs, and also usually have a selection of smaller and lighter lenses to match. This makes traveling easier as it takes up less space and weight in increasingly restricted carry-on bags.
Mirrorless cameras also are generally newer than DSLRs and most likely have more modern technology, making photography and video easier to capture and of better quality.
What size camera lens is best for travel?
Again, this comes down to what your travel plans entail and what you plan to shoot.
A good place to start is with the kit lens that comes bundled with many cameras as this will cover the most commonly used focal ranges. Kit lenses are generally very small and light, although the cheapest kit lenses do not typically deliver the best image quality, so you might want to think about upgrading as you develop.
I personally travel with a single wide aperture prime lens, with my preferred length being 35mm. A prime lens such as this is a versatile focal length for different subjects, is generally a small lens and wide apertures are great in low light.
Then there are superzoom lenses that cover the widest range possible in one lens, while also trying to ensure that lens remains a travelable size. I'd recommend checking out the best lenses for travel photography to see what's right for you.
How we test travel cameras
When we are reviewing cameras, we carefully think about what scenarios each camera could be used for. So when considering which cameras would make ideal travel cameras, we judge each camera on how small and lightweight it is for easy packing and transport, as well as carrying for long periods of the day while out exploring.
We also consider the technical capabilities of each camera, and how suitable they are specifically for travel photography scenarios from beach vacations, to safaris, to city breaks. Finally, we consider the price of the cameras to select options that cover a range of budgets and requirements.
We use our real-world experience with each camera and our in-depth camera knowledge to determine a final selection of top cameras that we would recommend as the ideal camera traveling companions.
Gareth is a photographer based in London, working as a freelance photographer and videographer for the past several years, having the privilege to shoot for some household names. With work focusing on fashion, portrait and lifestyle content creation, he has developed a range of skills covering everything from editorial shoots to social media videos. Outside of work, he has a personal passion for travel and nature photography, with a devotion to sustainability and environmental causes.
