As someone who loves to travel, I'm always on the lookout for the best travel camera. It needs to be lightweight, it needs to be fast. It needs to take good enough pictures that I want to use it over my phone, and it needs to be versatile in a range of different shooting situations. Weatherproofing is a plus, and if I can share my photos quickly, all the better.
Being better than my phone is a key point in this say and age. Even though the best camera phones can produce great images, the larger sensors of the best point-and-shoots and best mirrorless cameras means they're still ahead of the game in terms of raw quality, low-light performance and depth-of-field control, and that's why I'll still always take a real camera on my travels.
The models on this list are the best travel cameras that my colleague James Artaius and I have tested. There are lots of mirrorless cameras here, but also compacts of different types, with options for all budgets. They won't weigh you down and they won't be too hard to use, but they'll all still take fantastic images of your trips and travels, wherever they take you.
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 he is best placed to judge what are the best travel cameras are for all sorts of different vacations and adventures.
The Quick List
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.
This is now the smallest camera in Fujifilm's range – perfect for slipping into a travel bag. It doesn't let up with features, with an APS-C sensor and Fujifilm's film simulations and recipes for great instantly sharable images. And for video – there is 6K open gate!
A gorgeously stylish mirrorless camera that is just downright fun to use, the OM System OM-3 provides an X100VI-like shooting experience, but with the benefit of interchangeable lenses. It's also fully weather-proofed, and features the latest advancements in subject-detection autofocus.
This is a compact point-and-shoot like no other, with controls and settings designed to evoke the feel of shooting on a classic film camera (it even has a mechanical wind-on lever!). If you're nostalgic for the days of holiday snaps on disposable cameras, this is one to choose, though it's an expensive proposition.
View the full list ⇩
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.
An incredible feat of engineering to pack the sublime 102MP GFX sensor into a carryable body, the GFX100RF is far and away the best medium format camera for travel. It's not cheap, so get insurance, but the images it's capable of capturing are simply head and shoulders above everything here.
Best travel cameras: the full guide
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Best travel camera overall
✅ 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.
❌ 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 X100VI's 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 X100VI's 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-M5, 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. For the build quality and features, I think it does a lot to justify its higher price, and if you want the best compact camera, there is nothing better than this.
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 |
Read the full Fujifilm X100VI review
The best hybrid travel camera
✅ 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.
❌ 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.
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. |
Read our full Sony a6700 review
Best full frame on a budget
✅ 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.
❌ 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.
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 |
Read the full Sony A7 III review
Best travel camera for video
✅ 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.
❌ 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.
Features ★★★★★ | Powerful video specs and the latest AF. |
Design ★★★★☆ | Solid-feeling compact body with small lenses to match. Although no EVF for photographers. |
Performance ★★★★★ | Great quality stills and video, with film simulations offering ready-to-share content. |
Value ★★★★★ | Undercuts rivals on price but not on power. |
Read the full Fujifilm X-M5 review
The best travel camera for versatility
✅ You want a well-built and stylish camera: The OM-3 looks absolutely beautiful, modeled as it is after classic SLRs, but it also packs in IP53 weather sealing.
✅ You want a versatile camera for all different situations: With clever computational features like digital ND filters, the OM-3 is a camera for all seasons.
❌ You want razor-thin depth of field: The smaller MFT sensor makes it more of a challenge to achieve ultra-shallow depth of field (though not seriously so).
❌ Your priority is video: The OM-3 shoots decent 4K video and offers a number of options, but there are better alternatives if video is your primary focus.
This is honestly one of the most exciting camera releases in a good long while, and an absolute slam-dunk for travel photography. If you like the sound and feel of the Fujifilm X100VI but simply cannot bear to restrict yourself to a single lens, the OM System OM-3 should be your port of call.
A Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera, the OM-3 has the same quality as the X100VI, one that's so important for travel: it's a camera you want to pick up and use. Its beautiful design, styled after Olympus' classic film SLRs, is just so irresistible, and its controls have been brilliantly laid out for ease of use. Travel photographers will almost certainly get a lot of mileage out of the Creative Dial, which provides instant access to an abundance of creative tools, including film profile presets and Art Filters. These allow you quickly imbue your images with distinctive, analogue-style looks, which is ideal for travel when you're not going to be spending a lot of time editing.
A dedicated 'CP' button on the rear of the OM-3 also gives you instant access to its various Computational Photography modes, which have become a genuine USP for OM System. The Live ND and Live GND software-powered neutral density and grad filters, for instance, are absolute game-changers, allowing you to control light levels and skies without needing to tote around a bag full of heavy, fragile glass filters.
James gave the OM-3 the full five stars in his review. It's got rock-solid stabilization, a maximum burst rate of 120fps (far more than you need, but hey, it's a cool flex), and it captures brilliant-looking images, especially at low ISOs. Autofocus performance is also absolutely blistering, bolstered by intelligent subject-detection technology.
The smaller sensor of Micro Four Thirds does mean that rival cameras have it beat when it comes to high-ISO noise performance, and it's also slightly more challenging to achieve a shallow depth of field.
It's also not necessarily the best choice for video. The OM-3 does shoot 4K video and do it well, with some handy color profiles and the fun Slow & Quick mode. But it's unlikely to be anyone's first choice of vlogging or video camera, particularly when the Micro Four Thirds system contains video powerhouses like the Panasonic Lumix G9 II.
Features ★★★★★ | Excellent image quality and a raft of clever computational features make this one of the most versatile cameras around. |
Design ★★★★★ | Gorgeous SLR styling meets a clever control system that puts all your key functions at your literal fingertips. |
Performance ★★★★☆ | Image quality is stellar, video quality is very good, even if larger-sensor cameras will always have it beat on some fronts. |
Value ★★★★☆ | Expensive for Micro Four Thirds, but it gives you a heck of a lot for your money, and there are plenty of cheap MFT lenses. |
Read the full OM System OM-3 review
Best point and shoot travel camera
✅ You want a truly analogue-like experience: With its mechanical wind-on dial, optical finder and film-inspired special effects, the X Half is a true throwback.
✅ You want to stay in the moment: The X Half's 'film camera mode' prevents you from reviewing your images until you've shot a full 'roll', so you can't be chimping at the screen.
❌ You shoot a lot of video: The video modes here are nothing to write home about.
❌ You want top-notch image quality: The 1-inch sensor and fixed f/2.8 lens are quite restrictive. You can definitely get a more capable camera for the money.
If you're someone (like me) who loves shooting film, but can't take the spiralling costs of buying and developing the stuff, the kitschy Fujifilm X Half might be just what you're looking for. Yes, it's a digital camera, but it's got a mechanical wind-on lever! What on earth is going on?
Fujifilm's X Half is the most dedicated attempt yet by any manufacturer to provide a film-like shooting experience on a digital camera. It's modeled after half-frame cameras like the Pentax 17, which would effectively cut a single frame of 35mm film in half to double the number of shots, shooting vertical portrait images rather than the standard landscape ones.
As such, the X Half has a cropped 1-inch sensor that has been placed on its side, producing images with similar dimensions. And that's not all; activate its 'film camera mode', and the camera will lock in its settings and prevent image preview for a set 'roll' of 24, 36 or 72. Want to know what you've shot? You'll have to finish your roll first!
It sounds mad, it is mad, but I've used the Fujifilm X Half quite a bit, and I have to say that it kind of works. It's a really enjoyable camera to use, one that keeps you in the moment by prevent you from looking at your LCD all the time. Fuji's Film Simulations are of course brilliant, and I like the way you can further style them with additional grain and analogue-style effects like halation.
Bear in mind that if you go for the full experience, it's worth checking and re-checking your settings. My first test 'roll' turned out to be unusable when I discovered after the fact that I'd turned the grain up too high. Annoying, though I suppose ruined rolls are a pretty fundamental part of the film experience.
If you want a digital experience that feels like taking a film camera on holiday, the X Half is certainly that. However, one thing we do have to talk about is the price. At $849 or £699, the X Half is certainly ambitiously priced, especially for a camera that it would not be wholly inaccurate to describe as a toy. I had a great time with it, but it may be simply too much for some.
Features ★★★★☆ | A bizarre but undeniably enjoyable mix of analogue-style features. |
Design ★★★★☆ | Certainly looks the part. The screen setup works brilliantly, and its simplicity is an asset. |
Performance ★★★☆☆ | Images have a charm to them, but quality lags behind similarly-priced peers. |
Value ★★★☆☆ | Very ambitiously priced for what it is. You could buy and develop a lot of film for $849! |
Read more: Fujifilm X Half review
Best travel camera for price
✅ 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.
❌ 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.
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 |
Read the full Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV review
Best waterproof compact travel 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.
❌ 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!
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 |
Read the full OM System Tough TG-7 review
Best medium format camera for travel
✅ You want stunning, drop-dead gorgeous image quality: The kind of images you get from this big, 102MP sensor have to be seen to be believed.
✅ You want an all-in-one camera: Despite its mega-resolution, this is a slick all-in-one compact like the X100VI, and is perfectly convenient for travel.
❌ You want something inexpensive: While medium format doesn't cost what it used to, this is nobody's idea of a budget camera.
❌ You're a low-light fanatic: The f/4 aperture and lack of IBIS mean that the GFX100RF is more of a challenge to use in low light than other models.
Even a few short years ago, I never would have dreamt of recommending a medium format camera for travel. However, Fujifilm's GFX series has flipped the script, making large-sensor photography both more accessible and more affordable than it has ever been, and the fixed-lens compact GFX100RF is the most travel-friendly member of the series. It's essentially a medium-format version of the X100VI, and delivers absolutely sublime image quality for those willing to pay for it.
And I should stress that up top: this is a camera that costs $4,899, and features a fixed lens that can't be changed. It's certainly not going to appeal to everyone, and if you're the type who worries about losing or breaking your possessions when you travel, it's probably not the one to buy.
However, in my review I called this camera a genuine marvel of engineering, and I really do think that. The fact that the incredible 102-megapixel GFX medium-format sensor has been incorporated into so light and portable a body feels like nothing short of a miracle.
Image quality is just superb. Jaw-dropping. The GFX100RF produces images with stunning depth and clarity, the kind that only medium format is capable of. Fujifilm's superlative color science and its beautiful Film Simulations only add to the charm of the images produced by this camera, resulting in richly detailed images boasting outstanding clarity.
The compact nature of this camera does lead to some inevitable compromises. There's no IBIS to speak of, which isn't the worst thing in the world when you're dealing with a fixed 28mm equivalent lens, but does mean there's less latitude for using slow shutter speeds in low light. And on the subject of low light, the f/4 maximum aperture is also a little restrictive in this regard.
Compromise was always going to be somewhat on the cards with a camera as ambitious as this one. I still immensely enjoyed my time with the GXF100RF, and the images it produced during my testing were just astounding. If you've got deep enough pockets, this is a hell of a camera to travel with.
Features ★★★★☆ | A gorgeous 102MP sensor, though no IBIS, and an aperture limited to f/4. | Row 0 - Cell 2 |
Design ★★★★★ | Gorgeous. The most carry-able medium format camera ever made. | Row 1 - Cell 2 |
Performance ★★★★☆ | Sublime images in good light, though low-light is a challenge. | Row 2 - Cell 2 |
Value ★★★★☆ | Not that expensive by medium format standards. But, you know, not cheap. | Row 3 - Cell 2 |
Read more: Fujifilm GFX100RF review
Honorable mentions
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.
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Fujifilm X100VI | Sony a6700 | Sony A7 III | Fujifilm X-M5 | OM System OM-3 | Fujifilm X-Half | Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV | OM System Tough TG-7 | Fujifilm GFX100RF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Launch Price | $1,599 | $1,399 (body) | $1,799 (body) | $799 (body) | $1,999 (body) | $849 | $699 (body) | $549 | $4,899 |
Sensor | APS-C | APS-C | Full-frame | APS-C | MFT | 1-inch (3:4) | MFT | 1/2.3in | GFX (44x33mm) |
Megapixels | 40.2MP | 26.1MP | 24.2MP | 26.1MP | 20.4MP | 17.7MP | 20.3MP | 12MP | 102MP |
Lens | Fixed 23mm f/2 | Sony E-mount | Sony E-mount | Fujifilm X-mount | MFT | 10.8mm (32mm equiv), f/2.8 | MFT | 25-100mm (equiv.) f/2.0-4.9 | 28mm (equiv.) f/4 |
IBIS | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
Screen | 3in tilting, 1.62m dots | 3-in vari-angle, 1.03m dots | 3-in vari-angle, 921k dots | 3-inch vari-angle, 1.04m dots | 3-inch, 1.62m dots | 2.4in, 3:4, 920k dots | 3-inch tilting (180º), 1.04m dot | 3in fixed, 460k dots | 3.15in, 2.1m dots |
Viewfinder | OVF + EVF, 3,69m dot | EVF, 2.36m dots | EVF, 2.36m dots | None | EVF, 2.36m dots | Optical | EVF, 2.4m dot | None | EVF, 0.5in, 5.76m dots |
Max Burst Speed | 20fps | 11fps | 10fps | 30fps | 120fps | - | 15fps | NA | 6fps |
Max Video Resolution | 6.2K30P (x1.23 crop) | 4k60p | 4K30p | 6.2K30p | 4K60p | FHD 24p | 4k40p | 4K30p | 4K 30p |
How to choose the best travel camera
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.
Find out more about how we test and review on Digital Camera World
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