The best travel camera in 2024: compact and portable cameras to take anywhere

The best travel camera: see the world and capture amazing images
(Image credit: PeopleImages)

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).

To be a top traveling companion, the best travel cameras need to combine compactness with image quality, advanced features with simple operation, and ideally – the ability to share your holiday photos and vacation videos quickly.

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.

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

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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 ★★★★
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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.★★★★☆
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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★★★★★
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FeaturesStill the top action camera highly detailed video, HyperSmooth stabilization and new audio recording features. ★★★★☆
DesignClassic GoPro design hasn't changed much, with fantastic adventure-proof build quality.★★★★★
PerformanceVideo performance in good light is outstanding supported by excellent HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization, although detail is low light is below par. ★★★★☆
ValueI am not sure that the GoPro offers enough new features to justify how close in price it is to older models.★★★★☆
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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★★★★★
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FeaturesSnappy autofocus, 4K video and 20MP stills, and the MFT sensor provides extra reach for getting closer to subjects★★★★☆
DesignTiny 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★★★★★
PerformanceThe 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★★★★★
ValueExcellent value for the features with no premium for the pretty retro design and build of the camera★★★★★
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FeaturesRugged waterproof camera that offers a bigger sensor for still images, especially in low light, and its zoom lens gives plenty of versatility★★★★☆
DesignCompact, rugged, and waterproof, too big for an action camera, but built for photography with easy physical controls★★★★★
PerformanceGreat stills quality, even if 12MP is very conservative, the clever macro modes are a joy though★★★★☆
ValueNot much more than the best action cams, this is a the camera to buy if top quality stills in challenging locations are your thing★★★★★
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FeaturesMegapixel packed 60MP full frame sensor, IBIS, 8K video, the Q3 does it all.★★★★★
DesignStunning camera design, although I did find the camera lack of grip uncomfortable after a while.★★★★☆
PerformanceImage quality is outstanding, with the lens providing sharp results. IBIS, video and AF aren't quite up to rivals though.★★★★☆
ValueNot as expensive as Leica's M cameras, but still very pricey, and there are a lot better value options.★★★☆☆
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FeaturesJust about does the job, with a small 16MP sensor and only 1080p video.★★☆☆☆
DesignSmall and compact camera that can easily slip into a pocket, comes in some fun colors★★★★☆
PerformanceImage quality is not great unless you are after the outdated compact look, video is not worth bothering with.★★☆☆☆
ValueThis cameras incredibly cheap price is what has earned its spot on this list, made to be used without worry.★★★★★
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Spec comparison
Header Cell - Column 0 Fujifilm X100VISony a6700Sony A7 IIIGoPro Hero12 BlackFujifilm X-S20Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IVOM System Tough TG-7Leica Q3Kodak Pixpro FZ55
Launch Price$1,599$1,399 (body)$1,799 (body)$399$1,299 (body)$799 (body)$549$5,995$199
SensorAPS-CAPS-CFull-frame1/1.9-inchAPS-CMicro Four Thirds1/2.3inFull frame1/2.3in
Megapixels40.2MP26.1MP24.2MP27MP26.1MP20.3MP12MP60.3MP16MP
LensFixed 23mm f/2Sony E-mountSony E-mountFixed 156° FOVFujifilm X-mountMicro Four Thirds25-100mm (equiv.) f/2.0-4.9Leica Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH.28-140mm (equiv.)
IBISYesYesYesNoYesYesNoYesNo
Screen3in tilting, 1.62m dots3-in vari-angle, 1.03m dots3-in vari-angle, 921k dots2.27in rear, 1.4in front3-inch vari-angle, 1.04m dots3in tilting, 1.04m dots3in fixed, 460k dots3.0-in fixed, 1.84m dot2.7-in, 230k dot
ViewfinderOVF + EVF, 3,69m dotEVF, 2.36m dotsEVF, 2.36m dotsNoneEVF, 2,360k dotEVF, 2.36m dotNoneEVF, 5.76m dotNone
Max Burst Speed20fps11fps10fpsNA30fps8.7fpsNA15fpsNA
Max Video Resolution6.2K30P (x1.23 crop)4K60p4K30p5.3K60p, 4K120p6.2K30p4K30p4K30p8K30PFull HD
Gareth Bevan
Reviews Editor

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.

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