Itching to capture some of your favorite travel moments? Maybe you want to find the best camera that will help you share your adventures online. We put together a list to help you find the best travel camera for your needs whether it be size, function, or price. The best travel moments deserve to be shot on your ideal travel camera. So let’s help you find it.

Best compact camera for travel

Panasonic Lumix LX100 II

Panasonic LX100 II Review  •  Best Travel Camera

To kick things off, we’re taking a look at the best compact travel cameras. This 17 megapixel camera from Panasonic is a dynamic, compact shooter. It’s capable of shooting from 24 to 75mm with an equivalent f1.7-2.8 zoom

Not to mention if you have video needs, the Panasonic LX100 II also shoots in 4K up to 30p. If you’re looking for a super compact camera that can fit in your pocket with decent photo and video capabilities, the Panasonic LX100 II may be a great choice. The downside to this camera is its higher price point when it comes to compact cameras.

Panasonic’s best compact camera for travel

Key Features

  • 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, and 16:9 aspect ratio shooting
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities
  • 17MP photos
  • 4K video up to 30p
  • Price: ~ $800

Best small camera for travel

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99

The Sony HX99! Sony’s best small camera for travel

This point and shoot by Sony is as compact as these cameras get with an impressive zoom capability. Clocking in at 18.2 megapixels on a CMOS sensor, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99 utilizes a ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T zoom lens that allows you to shoot 24-720mm.

As far as ergonomics, the camera has a great flip-up touch screen that is great for selfies and/or vlogging. Some of the other key features such as optical stabilization and an electronic built-in viewfinder make this compact travel camera a reasonable buy for its price point.

Ergonomic small cameras for travel

Key Features

  • 4K video up to 30p
  • Flip-up touch screen
  • 720mm zoom
  • Price: ~ $475

Compact and good camera for travel 

Canon Powershot G5 X Mark II

DPReview TV: Canon G5 X Mark II vs. G7 X Mark III

If we’re talking about a combination of image quality, shooting functions, video capabilities, and battery life it's difficult to overlook the Canon Powershot G5 X Mark II. The compact Canon camera utilizes a CMOS sensor for 20MP shooting. It also has burst shooting at 8 fps which help you capture those fast moving travel moments.

As far as video, the Canon Powershot G5 X Mark II shoots 4K at 30fps as well as slow motion capabilities at 1080 at 120 frames per second. While the price point is highest out of all three of our compact camera options, it does pack the most function for its size.

Canon’s best travel camera

Key Features

  • 230-shot battery life
  • Wi-Fi + Bluetooth connectivity
  • Flip-up 180° touchscreen 
  • Price: ~ $960

Best mirrorless camera for travel

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III Review

If you’re looking to move beyond the compact, point and shoot camera into mirrorless cameras, but still consider yourself a beginner, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III might be the camera for you. This mirrorless camera is Olympus’ entry level shooter. 

The camera body is still very compact making it a great mirrorless travel camera. Inside, the camera is a 16MP camera making it on the lower side of this list. The camera does, however, have top tier 5-axis in-camera stabilization. This makes it a great low-light camera sharper low-light photography. 

Best small camera for travel with flash

Key Features

  • 5-axis in-camera stabilization
  • 4K video at 30p
  • Pop-up built in flash
  • Price: ~ $400


Panasonic’s best travel camera

Panasonic Lumix GX85

Panasonic GX85/GX80 Hands-On Field Test

Next up on our list of the best mirrorless travel cameras is the Panasonic Lumix GX85. As its 16MP sensor suggests, it is made for video and photo enthusiasts rather than professionals which in turn lends itself to a more reasonable price tag.

Unlike other Panasonic cameras, however, the Lumix GX85 does not have an anti-aliasing filter. This delivers more detailed imagery. If you're looking for a solid mirrorless camera that balances performance and price tag, the Panasonic Lumix GX85 is a solid choice.

Panasonic’s best travel camera

Key Features

  • 16 MP MOS sensor
  • 5-axis image stabilization with Dual I.S.
  • Pop-up built in flash
  • Price: ~ $600


Best camera for travel photography

Sony α6400

Sony A6400  •  Watch Before You Buy

Last on our list of the best mirrorless travel cameras is the Sony α6400. Mirrorless cameras not only are more compact than the average DSLR camera, but pack a punch in performance. 

You might see the camera’s price point of just around $1000 and be immediately deterred, but let’s run through some of its functions and capabilities that make it a tempting buy. 

The α6400 carries an APS-C sensor allowing for 24MP images, by far the most on this list. Despite its compact size, the camera also has an impressive 410 shots per full battery. This should not be an overlooked capability when looking for a solid travel camera. Not to mention the camera also has a huge ISO range of 100-32000 making it great in low light situations. 

With a plethora of other features such as 11fps burst shooting, 4K video at 30p, and even an external mic input, the α6400 is as legit as travel cameras get if you can afford its hefty price tag.

Best camera for travel photography

Key Features

  • 24MP APS-C sensor
  • ISO range of 100-3200
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
  • 410 shots per full battery
  • Price: ~ $1000

Best travel camera for video

Sony a7III

Sony A7III 2021 Review Still Worth It?

If you’re looking to shoot more video and put together some awesome travel edits or vlogs don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. The Sony a7III is the video workhorse of the group here. It’s built like a tank and is often a trusty go to for plenty of outdoor adventure videographers and photographers.

It has the ability to shoot video at 4K at 24p which makes for some amazing, sharp shots. When it comes to autofocus, few cameras on this list can compare. The a7III has 93% autofocus coverage with 693 phase detection points as well as 425 for contrast detection. Worried about losing focus while getting a shot? This is the a7iii’s specialty. 

A notable feature worth mentioning is the dual SD memory card slots for those that tend to fill up card after card, an easy thing to do while traveling. Obviously the downside to the a7III is its $2000 price tag which can understandably be a dealbreaker for some shooters. 

Sony’s best video camera for travel

Key Features

  • 24MP full frame BSI CMOS sensor
  • In-camera image stabilization
  • 93% autofocus coverage
  • 710 shots per full battery
  • Price: ~ $2000


Best camera for travel blogging

Fujifilm X-T200

Canon AE-1  •  The perfect beginner 35mm film camera

The Fujifilm X-T200 is for the entry level photographer and videographer. This was the camera that Fujifilm released to replace the X-T100 as a huge upgrade. If you’re looking for an inexpensive travel video camera, the X-T200 is a great deal. The camera’s key specs are a 24MP APS-C sensor, updated autofocus system with 425 phase detect points, and 4K video with no crop.

Fujifilm video camera for travel

Key Features

  • 24MP APS-C sensor
  • Compact, light camera body
  • Microphone and headphone inputs
  • 425 phase-detect points in autofocus system
  • Price: ~ $700

Best compact camera for travel

GoPro Hero 9 Black

GoPro Hero 9 Black Review 

This wouldn’t be a travel camera blog article without one mention of a GoPro. Afterall, GoPro redefined what a travel camera could be, where it could go, and what it could capture. The GoPro Hero 9 Black boasts an iconically small body with a 20MP sensor. The reason it’s on our video list is its ability to take 5K video at 30P as well as 4K video at 60p.

With its front-mounted LCD, you can witness the HyperSmooth digital image stabilization that is notorious in the action sports and adventure videography world. In GoPro fashion, the Hero 9 Black is waterproof without housing up to 33 meters deep. 

GoPro travel videography

Key Features

  • 5K at 30fps
  • 20MP sensor
  • HyperSmooth 3.0 digital image stabilization 
  • Price: ~ $350

Best budget camera for travelling

Sony DSC-W830

Sony DSC-W800  •  Hands on with cheap best travel camera 

Of course, not every traveler is going to have the budget to buy a lot of the best travel cameras on this list. Don’t fret. Here are a few budget friendly items so you can save some of that cash for more travel adventures. First on our list is the Sony DSCW830. When it comes to compatibility and affordability its hard to beat the Sony DSCW830. While it may not be the best performing camera on this list, it will certainly get the job done if you the job is simply capturing the family vacation or a day hike with friends. 

Keep in mind that this 20MP camera is definitely better for capturing photos than it does video as it has an unimpressive 720p HD video capability. 

Best travel camera for cheap

Key Features

  • 20MP CCD sensor
  • Max video resolution of 720p HD
  • ISO range of 80-3200
  • No Wifi or Bluetooth connectivity
  • Price: ~ $200


Best travel camera on a budget

GoPro HERO 8 Black

GoPro Hero 9 VS GoPro Hero 8 Camera Comparison 

While it might seem redundant to have both the GoPro Hero 8 Black and 9 Black, but the 8 is here for a good reason: it’s remarkably lower price point. At a fraction of the price of the 9 Black, the GoPro Hero 8 Black has quite a few of the same features that may not warrant an upgrade and extra expense to some. 

The 8 has a 12 MP sensor as well as 4K video capability at 60 fps. Compare this to the 9’s 20MP sensor and 5K at 30fps, there is a clear difference. Is the upgrade in image sensor and 5K shooting capability worth the extra money? That will be a question you decide based on what type of traveling you will be doing and what you will be doing. That said, there is no doubt the GoPro Hero 8 Black can get the job done in most circumstances. 

GoPro’s best travel camera

Key Features

  • 12MP image sensor
  • 4K video at 60 fps 
  • HyperSmooth 2.0 digital image stabilization
  • Price: ~ $240

Best small digital camera for travel

Canon PowerShot G9X Mark II

Canon G9X Mark II Review  •  Still Worth The Buy? 

Last, but certainly not least on our list of the best budget camera for traveling is the Canon PowerShot G9X Mark II. This camera, unlike the Sony DSC-W830, has a great balance of photo and video capabilities in a compact body. Boasting a 20.1MP CMOS sensor, the images from this camera will satisfy anyone looking to uplevel their simple smartphone photography. Not to mention its video shooting ability at 1080 at 60 fps.

While it may be the most expensive out of any camera on our budget travel cameras list, its performance arguably warrants its price. The camera’s DIGIC 7 processor results in a faster burst rate, quicker interface, and in-camera RAW image processing. 

Canon’s best travel camera

Key Features

  • 20.1MP CMOS sensor
  • 1080 video at 60 fps 
  • In-camera RAW image processing
  • Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity
  • Price: ~ $500


Up next

Best Cameras for Beginners

If you have little to no experience with camera’s outside of the smartphone realm, you might want to check out our next article. We dive into the best cameras for beginners that will help you learn and grow as an entry level photographer. 

Up Next: Beginner cameras →
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