A good camera can be an indispensable travel companion, letting you capture your adventures abroad to share with friends and family. For many, the best option for traveling will be the camera you’ve already got in your pocket—your smartphone. If you want to step up your photography game, however, there are plenty of great cameras out there that won’t take up too much space in your luggage. While it can be hard to narrow them down, it’s important to consider things like portability, battery life, build quality, your own ergonomic preferences, and, of course, your budget.
We’ve bought over 100 cameras, and below, you’ll find the best cameras for travel photography that we’ve tested in our lab.
Best Travel Cameras Reviews
1. OM SYSTEM OM-5
The OM SYSTEM OM-5 proves to be an ideal choice for travel photography. Its portability is unmatched, thanks to its compact and lightweight body that can be effortlessly stored and carried along. Moreover, it boasts weather-sealing capabilities, ensuring protection against dust and moisture. The image quality it delivers is commendable for its class, and its in-body image stabilization system is truly exceptional, enabling you to capture steady shots even at slower shutter speeds. However, it falls short in terms of battery life, which is not particularly impressive. Additionally, its autofocus system may prove to be unreliable when dealing with busier scenes or faster-moving subjects.
In addition to its size, the camera boasts a robust build with weather-sealing. It features a commendable five-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system, reducing camera shake in travel videos or enabling shooting at slower shutter speeds without a tripod. The only downside is its relatively short battery life, necessitating the purchase of an extra battery for extended use on the move. Nevertheless, considering its price point, this camera proves to be an exceptional choice for travel photography.
Despite not having the most extensive dynamic range, it delivers exceptional image quality within its category. Additionally, it offers a high-resolution composite mode that enables the capture of higher-resolution images of stationary subjects such as landscapes. Its compact size makes it convenient to carry on long hikes to remote shooting spots, and its sturdy construction with weather-sealing ensures durability against cold, dust, and moisture. However, it does have a mediocre battery life, and users may require some time to adapt to its ergonomics and user interface.
The device features a flexible screen that allows for convenient self-monitoring during recording and is extremely portable for vlogging on the move. Additionally, it incorporates advanced five-axis in-body image stabilization, effectively reducing camera shake. Moreover, it offers unlimited recording time and does not experience any overheating issues. However, it is worth noting that the video quality is not exceptional, and there is a noticeable rolling shutter effect when panning the camera.
2. Sony Alpha 7C II
If you prioritize image quality, the Sony α7C II is an excellent choice for travel photography. It stands out among other cameras in the market due to its compact size, which is rare for a full-frame camera. Despite being larger than some alternatives and having larger lenses, Sony has managed to create a remarkably compact camera that still includes features like IBIS and a fully articulated screen.
The main advantage of this camera is its high-resolution full-frame sensor, which offers ample dynamic range and impressive noise handling in challenging lighting conditions. Additionally, it boasts a remarkable battery life and a durable, weather-sealed body. However, it’s worth noting that the ergonomics of the camera could be improved, especially when using the small viewfinder.
The full-frame sensor of this camera delivers exceptional image quality, offering ample dynamic range for capturing high-contrast scenes and sufficient resolution for producing detailed prints and sharing online. Its portability is a standout feature for a full-frame model, making it ideal for shooting in remote areas or during long hikes. Additionally, the battery life is impressive. However, due to its compact size, the camera features a small viewfinder that may not be the most comfortable for shooting.
While not the most ideal choice for vlogging on-the-go, this camera is relatively compact for a full-frame camera and offers a variety of advanced video features for creators seeking more control over their content production. These features include internal 10-bit recording and convenient functions like ‘Auto Framing’ which automatically crops and tracks the subject within the frame for capturing B-roll footage. The fully articulated screen allows for easy self-monitoring during recording. Additionally, the camera’s autofocus system is exceptional, ensuring that focus remains sharp when shooting talking head videos. Battery life is also reliable. Overall, this camera is a great option for video creators who are comfortable with a slightly larger setup.
3. Fujifilm X-T30 II
The Fujifilm X-T30 II is a solid mid-range option for those who don’t require IBIS and are looking for a more budget-friendly choice. Equipped with an APS-C sensor, this camera boasts a compact and lightweight body, perfect for on-the-go shooting. While it may lack certain premium features such as weather-sealing and advanced video capabilities, it remains a durable camera with dedicated exposure dials for manual control over settings.
In addition to its convenient size, the X-T30 II features a high-resolution APS-C sensor that produces impressive image quality straight from the camera. The inclusion of film simulation profiles adds a fun element to photography, allowing for creative photo styles without the need for extensive post-processing. With reliable autofocus and a long-lasting battery, this camera is a great option for travel photography at a reasonable price.
The APS-C sensor of this camera exhibits commendable noise handling capabilities, and its RAW files offer a satisfactory level of exposure latitude, enabling you to make exposure adjustments without compromising the overall quality significantly. If you opt for shooting in JPEG format, the resulting images possess an impressive visual appeal right out of the camera, and you have the option to select from various film simulation profiles to achieve distinct looks and atmospheres. Additionally, the camera incorporates an HDR mode that utilizes in-camera processing to capture images with enhanced dynamic range. However, it is worth noting that the compact size of the camera, while convenient, may lead to slightly cramped ergonomics.
The high-resolution sensor ensures that images are displayed with sharpness and detail. Additionally, the camera boasts a good dynamic range, allowing it to capture a significant amount of highlight and shadow detail in scenes with high contrast. However, the noise handling in low light is only satisfactory, resulting in slightly noisier files in challenging lighting situations.
4. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV proves to be an excellent choice for capturing travel photography. It excels in delivering remarkable image quality and performs admirably even in challenging low-light conditions. Furthermore, its lightweight and portable design make it highly convenient for travel purposes, although individuals with larger hands may find it a bit too compact. The approximate battery life, as advertised, is satisfactory, although it may vary depending on individual settings and usage patterns. Additionally, the camera supports USB charging; however, it cannot be used while charging. While the autofocus system impressively tracks moving objects, it may encounter difficulties when it comes to tracking faces. It is important to note that this camera lacks weather-sealing capabilities.
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a mirrorless camera designed for beginners, featuring a 20.3-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor. It boasts a lightweight and portable design, making it easy to carry around. Additionally, its tilting screen allows for convenient selfie-taking by flipping down to face the user. The camera excels in producing impressive image quality, thanks to its excellent dynamic range and effective noise handling capability. Furthermore, its in-body image stabilization effectively reduces camera shake, ensuring steady shots even without a tripod, whether capturing photos or shooting videos. Speaking of videos, the camera offers outstanding 4k video quality and satisfactory FHD video quality. However, its autofocus system is only average, struggling to track moving subjects in videos and faces in photos.
The camera offers outstanding image quality and operates efficiently even in low light. It is also extremely lightweight and portable, although it may be too small for individuals with very large hands. The advertised battery life is decent, but this can vary depending on settings and usage habits. While the camera supports USB charging, it cannot be used during charging. Although its autofocus system is excellent at tracking moving objects, it struggles with tracking faces. Additionally, it is not weather-sealed.
5. Sony ZV-1
The camera provides exceptional image quality and functions effectively even in dim lighting conditions. Furthermore, it is remarkably lightweight and easily portable, although individuals with larger hands may find it too small. The battery life advertised is satisfactory, although it may vary depending on settings and usage patterns. Although the camera supports USB charging, it cannot be utilized while charging. Despite its excellent autofocus system for tracking moving objects, it encounters difficulties when tracking faces. Moreover, it lacks weather-sealing.
The camera’s small and light design allows for easy handheld use over extended periods, providing a comfortable shooting experience in selfie mode. The screen’s flexibility makes vlogging self-monitoring simple. However, the lack of touch functionality requires adjusting settings by turning the camera, which can be inconvenient. The autofocus excels at tracking faces and offers a focus mode tailored for product and beauty vloggers. Additionally, the stabilization feature effectively reduces camera shake. Nonetheless, the noticeable rolling shutter effect in 4k can distort subjects during rapid panning. The battery life is disappointingly short, and the camera may overheat during prolonged recording sessions.
The camera possesses a sufficient dynamic range, enabling it to capture a wide range of highlight and shadow detail. However, in very high-contrast scenes, some detail may still be lost. Its noise handling capabilities are average, making it less than ideal for low-light conditions. Additionally, while it may not have the highest-resolution sensor, images produced are still relatively sharp and detailed.
The Sony ZV-1 is not designed for capturing landscapes, but it serves as a suitable choice for those seeking a compact and lightweight option. The images produced are adequately sharp and detailed. However, it may not be the most suitable for low-light photography due to its small sensor, and its RAW noise handling and dynamic range are not the most impressive, making it challenging to capture highly detailed landscapes with high contrast. On a positive note, the lens includes a built-in ND filter, providing additional flexibility for capturing long exposure landscapes in well-lit surroundings.
Final Word
The travel cameras we have suggested are our top picks based on the needs of most individuals. We consider various factors such as price, feedback from our visitors, and availability. However, if you prefer to make your own choice, we have provided a comprehensive list of all our camera reviews, ranked according to their suitability for travel photography.
It is important to avoid getting too caught up in the specifics, as there is no one camera that is perfect for everyone. Your personal taste, preferences, and shooting habits should play a significant role in your selection.
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