Sometimes a mirrorless camera really hits the mark. Perfect point of size, price, and functionality for most people - and that's the case with the Fujifilm X-S10. It's not an entry-level camera or as small as a high-end compact, but you get a heck of a bang for your buck. And if you combine the right X-S10 lenses, it's a great all-rounder for most types of travel.
Although the X-S10 is not officially weatherproof, its magnesium alloy build quality is excellent and will certainly handle life in a backpack. Thanks to its great grip, the grip is also excellent.whether you carry it with one hand or attach a longer zoom lens.
Most importantly, the X-S10's APS-C sensor produces the best image quality available in this camera size - and it's great for 4K video as well. . Autofocus is limited by Sony's real-time autofocus, but still very solid in most situations. And the secret weapon is Built-in Image Stabilization (IBIS), which is a real bonus for handheld shooting, especially when paired with a small, unstabilized fixed lens. The Nikon Z50 might be a bit tougher, but overall the X-S10 is the mirrorless camera we'd like to have in our travel bags.
With its small, compact and lightweight body, the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a fantastic option for travelers and photography novices. As it is in its fourth iteration, the E-M10 has been carefully refined over the years.years old, making it one of the best options for everyday travel and photography.
The power of the E-M10 Mark IV lies in its simplicity, which also means that you have to compromise on some advanced specs - such as 4K / 60p and microphone / headphone inputs, which are lacking here. If you're someone primarily concerned with still shooting, you'll get a good deal by not paying for something you don't need.
Besides offering a small size, the Micro Four Thirds lenses compatible with the E-M10 Mark IV are also very neat and compact, so you can take a few different optics for your travels and don't take not too much room in your luggage.
Other useful features include the tilting 3-inch touchscreen, built-in image stabilization to keep your photos steady and a handy 2.36m OLED viewfinder.points.
3.0-inch, 1,040,000-dot variable-angle touchscreen Viewfinder: 2.36 million dot OLED EVF Continuous shooting: 30fps Movies: 4K User level: Intermediate Reasons to buy
+ Amazing image stabilization + Compact hull with excellent handling Reasons to avoid
- Smaller sensor struggles in low light - Polycarbonate body looks like a derating Compact, versatile, capable - pick two and you've got a great travel camera. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is all three, and more. Its polycarbonate shell resistant to inTemperatures is small and light, but handles wonderfully. It offers photographers on the go a plethora of modes and features that guarantee great vacation photos. And the combination of a powerful image processor, on-chip phase-detection autofocus, and some of the best image stabilization skills make this a kit that is incredibly capable of shooting when you're shooting. you move. Yes, its outright image quality can't match larger formats in trickier conditions (low light, for example), but you'll be hard pressed to find a travel camera that can tick so many. other boxes. Add 4K video into the mix for those roaming vlogs and you've got a mirrorless camera that deserves a place in your carry-on.
(Image credit: Future) 6. Canon Powershot G5 X Mark II
This great all-rounder could be the perfect compact product for enthusiasts
Specifications
Sensor: Type 1 inch , 20.1 MP Lens: 24-120mm, f / 1.8-2.8 Monitor: 3 inch touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots Viewfinder: EVF Continuous shooting: 20fps Movies: 4K Level usedteur: Beginner / Intermediate Reasons to buy
+ Large 1.0 inch sensor + films 4K Reasons to avoid
- Limited 10x zoom lens - Fixed rear display What the G5X Mark II loses in zoom, it makes up for in other areas. With a wide maximum aperture over the entire focal length, this is a camera that is well suited to a wide range of lighting conditions. Also, having up to 120mm (in terms of 35mm) available is still quite flexible. Elsewhere, there's a high-performance 1-inch sensor, stunning 4K videos, and a pop-up electronic viewfinder that pairs well with the camera.c t he tilting LCD screen. There are undoubtedly more advanced cameras on the market, but few of them combine a good range of features like this in one package at competitive prices.
(Image credit: Future) 7. GoPro Hero 9 Black
The most versatile action camera you can buy
Specifications
Weight: 158g Waterproof: 10m 4K video: up to 60 fps 1080: up to 240 fps 720: up to 240 fps Resolution of still images: 20MP Battery: 1720 mAh Reasons to buy
+ 5K video captures lots of detail + Front screen for vlogging + Improved battery life + New software skills Reasons to avoid
- The rear screen is currently unresponsive - Small improvement in 4K video If you need a small pocket video camera that can handle pretty much Almost whatever your trip has in store for it, then an action camera should be at the top of your list. And the most powerful and versatile around is the Go Pro Hero 9 Black.
This model is the only GoPro to have an integrated color screen on its front face, which is very practical for framing your travel highlights. Compared to the Hero 8 Black, which is more affordable (which is also worth taking into account). account), it also brings a bigger battery and new software tricks.
These include HindSight, which captures the action 15-30 seconds before pressing the button. shutter, along with HyperSmooth 3.0 stabilization, to smooth out even the most choppy mountain bike footage. 5K video mode captures more detail than any other GoPro, tanSay the linear shooting mode helps correct for wide angle distortion to look like the images were taken with a more traditional camera.
Overall, the Hero 9 Black 's sensor is smaller than those of high-end compacts and mirrorless cameras, while it focuses more on video than on cameras. still images. But if you primarily want to shoot videos, its huge advantages are the compact size, 10m water resistance, and compatibility with a range of mounts that help you achieve shots that are simply not possible on other devices. travel photo.
(Credit from image: Future) 8. Fujifilm X100V
A niche but refined compact, perfect for the street
Specifications
Sensor: CMOS X-Trans 26.1 Mpx Lens: 23mm, f / 2 Monitor: 3 inch tilt angle touchscreen, 1.62m dots Viewfinder: EVF Continuous shooting: 11fps (mechanical), 30fps (electronic) Movies: 4K User level: Intermediate Reasons to buy
+ Tilting touchscreen + Improved sensor and autofocus + 4K video Reasons to avoid
- Not weatherproof - Quite expensive A camera compact premium with a design inspired by analog cameras of the 1950s and a fixed 23mm f / 2 lens? very precise definition of the niche. And yet, far from an anachronism, the Fujifilm X100V is the l ' one of the best travel cameras you can buy.
For starters, it takes the small form factor that made the X100F before it. Convenient to carry and adds supreme utility. The advantages are the support of gestures andshooting easier at tight angles.
Inside, a new 26.1 MP sensor and X-Processor 4 translate into improved autofocus, high image quality and ISO performance, in Building on what was already fantastic shooting experience with the fixed aperture lens. Add the ability to shoot 4K / 30p footage on the fly, along with a higher-resolution hybrid EVF, and you've got a properly capable pocket artist - provided you're happy to pay a premium.
(Image credit: Future) 9. Sony A6100
A compact but powerful mirrorless camera with many featuresjet-set metrics
Specifications
Sensor: CMOS APS-C, 24, 2 MP Objective: N / A Monitor : 2.95 inch tilt angle screen, 921,600 dots Viewfinder: EVF C continuous shooting: 11fps Movies: 4K User level: Beginner Reasons to buy
+ Fast and reliable autofocus tracking + Compact, versatile cameraente Reasons to Avoid
- Low resolution EVF and LCD display - No IBIS for video If you don't mind From carrying something a little bigger than a pocket camera on your travels, the Sony A6100 arguably offers the best balance of size, shooting power, and value today. It's not without its flaws, but it ticks most of the boxes for globe-trotting photographers. Despite its compact size, this entry-level mirrorless camera offers a fleet of useful features - from customizable buttons and microphone input to the flip-up touchscreen which, while limited in functionality, is ideal for framing selfies. distant. Paired with a good lens, the 24.2MP sensor delivers decent images with plenty of detail.ls, while the AF system - shared with the flagship A6600 - ensures precise, reliable focusing and excellent continuous tracking, even on the go. The A6100 can also capture 4K images at 30 fps, although there is no IBIS when recording travel vlogs. The battery life is also quite solid, as is the Wi-Fi, which works well with the partner app for quick sharing of vacation photos. Less impressive are the relatively low-resolution electronic viewfinder and automatic LCD and ISO, which can struggle with fast-moving subjects - so it's best to use the full manual for street shots. So it's not perfect, but the A6100 is close to travel perfection, offering great value, solid specs, and a saddlebag-friendly shape.
(Image credit: Future) 10. Nikon Z50
The fantastic 'mini DSLR ' for travel photography
Specifications
Sensor: CMOS APS-C 21MP Lens: 16-50mm, f / 3.5- 5.6 Monitor: 3 inch tilt angle touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots Viewfinder: EVF Continuous shooting: 11fps Movies: 4K 30fps Level uuser: Intermediate Reasons to buy
+ Excellent handling for a travel camera + Large viewfinder and screen Reasons to avoid
- No joystick to choose AF points - Limited native lens range The Nikon Z50 is a great option if you love Nikon and are looking for your first 'right' camera. It works well as a travel camera and has a very comfortable button layout. The 3.2-inch screen can also tilt under the body to compose entirely higher-class selfies, although it and the tripod mountcompete for space. At this point, few lenses have been specifically designed for the Z50's DX format, but the range will naturally expand over time, and you can use those designed for full frame Nikons as well. We prefer the Sony A6500 for high-speed action shooting, but it's a good value camera and generally pleasant to use.
(Image credit: Future) 11. Panasonic Lumix GX9
A sleek and stylish rangefinder style camera well suited for travel
Specifications
Sensor: 20.3 MP four thirds Lens mount: Micro four thirds Monitor: 3-inch, 1,240,000-dot tilt-angle touchscreen Viewfinder: EVF Continuous shooting: 9fps Movies: 4K 30 fps User level: Intermediate Reasons to buy
+ Compact design + Large touchscreen + Many compatible lenses Reasons to avoid
- Some awkward checks - Non weatherproof body - Limited service life of battery The Panasonic GX9 is an older model now, but that means it is currently available at a rock bottom price. It uses the Micro Four Thirds mount to give you access to a huge range of lenses - ideal for traveling with many different options.
Using a rangefinder style flat design, it is ideally suited for travel and street photography, being both compact and stylish - a great addition to your carry-on. It uses a 20.3MP sensor which works well, especially in good lighting, and has other useful features such as thehas 4K video, a 3 inch tilting screen and a very usable viewfinder.
Battery life is a bit limited, you might want to bring a spare if you travel a lot, but if not, this is a great little all-rounder for those who want something something light and powerful.
(Image credit: Future) 12. Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV
Expensive, but in a league apart - perhaps the ultimate travel companion
Specifications
Sensor: type 1 inch, 20.2 MP Lens: 24-600mm, f / 2.4- 4 Monitor: 3 inch tilt angle touchscreen, 1.44m dots Viewfinder: EVF Continuous shooting: 24fps Movies: 4K User level: Intermediate / Expert Reasons to buy
+ Big goal + Cracking 4K video quality Reasons to avoid
- High price - Menus a little awkward Pour offer something for everyone, the RX10 IV ticks a lot of boxes. It's like having a bag full of goals, but with the added benefit of never having to change them. There is a very long zoom, while the maximum aperture is quite wide throughout the lens. The sensor might not be as big as what you'd find on a DSLR / CSC, but the 20.1MP one-inch Sony camera turned out to be quite capable regardless. You also get 24 fps shooting, 4K video quality, and handling that rivals a DSLR. The main drawback? The hefty price tag - if your budget is tight, don 't forget this camera. predecessor, the RX10 III .
(Image credit: Future) 13. Sony ZV-1
A great travel vlogging camera
Specifications
Type: Compact Sensor size: 1 inch Resolution: 20.1 MP Objective: 24-70mm f / 1.8-2.8 Screen type: 3-inch, 921,600-dot variable-angle touchscreen Viewfinder: None Maximum continuous shooting rate: 24 fps Movies: 4K / 30p User level: Beginner / Intermediate Reasons to buy
+ Excellent autofocus + 3.5mm mic port and hot shoe Reasons to avoid
- MicroUSB rather than USB-C - Slightly limited touchscreen If you are primarily looking to record travel videos rather than stills, then the Sony ZV-1 is the best pocket option. combines the best features focused on sur video from Sony's RX100 series and adds its latest autofocus system, which is comfortably the best you can find in a compact camera. The lack of an electronic viewfinder means the ZV-1 is less convenient for still shots than the RX100 VII (see # 4), but it's still a capable smartphone backup thanks to its 20 sensor, 1MP 1 inch. This is the video where the ZV-1 really shines, however, with its bright 24-70mm f / 1.8-2.8 lens and real-time Eye AF autofocus, perfect for shooting professional smartphone vlogging. A 3.5mm microphone jack also means you can get audio quality suitable for video as well, while a built-in hot shoe is handy to help you mount accessories.
(Image credit: TechRadar) 14. Fujifilm X-T200
An entry-level camera with video skills and a viewfinder
Specifications
Sensor: 12MP, 1 / 2.3 inch Objective: 24-75 mm f / 1.7-2.8 Monitor: 2.0 inch fixed touchscreen Viewfinder: NA Continuous shooting: 30fps Movies: 4K 60fps User level: Beginner / intermediary / expert Sensor: CMOS APS-C 24.2 MP Objective: N / A Monitor: 3.5 inch, 2.78m dot variable angle touchscreen Viewfinder: 2.36m OLED EVF Continuous shooting: 8fps Movies: 4K / 30p User level: Beginner Reasons to buy
+ Excellent colors and dynamic range + Sharp 3.5-inch rear touchscreen Reasons to avoid
- Shallow buffer depth - Unreliable eye sensor The second from Fujifilm the entry model of X series range is a major improvement to its predecessor. While it can't quite compete with the more expensive X-T30 (see above), the sleek X-T200 is a versatile and accessible option for jet-setters. The APS-C CMOS sensor and processor has been upgraded, unlocking continuous shooting at 8 fps and the ability to capture 4K images at 30 fps. There is also a new "digital gimbal" which skillfully stabilizes video, but only up to 1080p. Physically, the X-T200 retains the retro styling of the X-T100, while providing a more robust and comfortable grip. The touch screen is also notse to a generous 3.5 inches, but at the expense of convenient joystick placement. Viewfinder fans will appreciate the crisp OLED EVF viewfinder, although an unreliable eye sensor often makes the screen a more attractive option for framing. As for the picture results, the dynamic range is good and the color reproduction excellent, aided by a 256-zone metering system, with great detail and decent noise handling. Subject tracking is not available for video, but the Hybrid AF system works well when shooting still images, with precise face detection. Easy to use yet capable of delivering wonderful results, the X-T200 ticks many boxes for travelers.
Alternatively ...
These cameras are slightly different from the more traditional models on our list - if your main priority is value or water resistance, then the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III and Olympus TG- 6 are worth considering:
Great value option: Its y Cyber-shot RX100 III
It works a bit, but this RX100 model still packs a punch
Specifications
Sensor: type 1 inch, 20.1 MP Purpose: 24-70mm, f / 1.8-2.8 Monitor: 3-inch, 1,229,000-dot tilt-angle display Viewfinder: EVF Continuous shooting: 10fps Movies: 4K User level: Beginner / Intermediate Reasons to buy
+ Large, powerful sensor + Built -in the viewfinder Reasons to avoid
- Limited zoom range - No touchscreen Before taking a look at our best travel camera list , we wanted to highlight an alternative that is a few generations, but still packs a punch. Sony's RX100 III is now a few years old and originally sold for almost $ 1000 / £ 1000, but with the arrival ofnewer models (including the RX100 VII below), its price has dropped significantly. Disadvantages? Well, the zoom is pretty short compared to other rivals here, but otherwise there's a lot to like. There's a decent 20.1MP 1-inch sensor, pop-up electronic viewfinder, and 4K video recording, while it's packaged in a premium l casing. Definitely worth a visit if zoom range is not your main concern.
(Image credit: Future) Olympus TG-6
The zoom is not huge but this compact can go where others fear
Specifications
Sensor: 1 / 2.3 inches, 12 MP Objective: 25-100mm Monitor: 3 inches, 460,000 points Viewfinder: No Continuous shooting: 20fps Movies: 4K User level: Beginner / intermediate Reasons to buy
+ Raw shot option + Can be taken under water Reasons to avoid
- Small sensor - Low resolution LCD display All vacations and all trips are not isn't just about capturing wide-angle subjects and views in the distance. For some photographers, having a camera that can withstand drops, bumps, splashes or freezing would be more appropriate, and this is precisely what the Olympus TG-6 offers. In addition to its robust credentials, the camera offers 4K video recording, built-in Wi-Fi, and a ring of LED lights around its lens to cast lots of light on close-up subjects. There is even the option to capture raw files.
How to Choose the Best Travel Camera for You
Need a little more advice on how to choose the right kind of travel camera? Consider the following options:
Travel Zoom Compact
These small pocket cameras give you great possibilities for photographing many different types of subjects, with a zoom lens that gets you closer to the action, while still giving you the ability to take good, wide shots. The trade-off for having all of this in a compact and neat size is usually a smaller sensor which is less useful for shooting. shooting in low light.
Premium Compact
If you want to stay user-friendly, but are happy to lose the super long zoom, consider a premium compact.These usually contain a one-inch sensor for better image quality, but will normally have a zoom shorter. Some may give you both, but you will pay a hefty price.
Bridge Camera
A bulkier option than a standard compact camera, but with better range for zooming, a bridge camera is also ideal for those who like a more intuitive and comfortable handling. They'll usually have a solid grip, a decent electronic viewfinder, and a flexible screen. You get many benefits of having a bag full of goals, but without extra luggage.
Mirrorless camera / compact system
This is the option if you want the best possible picture quality and you are ready for a little hassle. With a huge selection of different lenses to choose from, you can pack different optics depending on the type of trip you're taking, or pack a good all-round lens and not worry too much about swapping lenses. You beYou will also benefit from the best possible management, as well as many advanced options.
Most compact cameras on the market today have been specially designed for travel - and are as small as possible. We've included some of the best options here.
If you're still not sure what type of camera you need, check out our step-by-step guide: Which camera should I buy? Otherwise, if you are going to be by the pool or on the beach, you will want maybe something a little more robust. In that case, check out our best waterproof camera and best action cameras .
