The 6 Best Travel Cameras - Spring 2024 Reviews

The OM SYSTEM OM-5 is one of the best travel cameras you can get. As part of the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) system, it offers a good combination of portability, ruggedness, and image quality. Though it isn't as heavy-duty as higher-end models like the OM SYSTEM OM-1 or the older Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III, it has a more compact body that makes it better for travel. Plus, it's compatible with a wide selection of portable MFT lenses that will keep the overall size of your kit down.

Beyond its compact size, the camera feels well-built, with weather-sealing for added peace of mind in adverse weather conditions. It also has an excellent five-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system, which can reduce camera shake in travel vlogs or help you shoot at slower shutter speeds without a tripod. Unfortunately, it doesn't have the longest battery life, so you might have to buy a spare battery for long days on the go, but if you're looking for something small and mighty, this is an excellent travel camera for the price. If you want to save even more money, the older Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is nearly identical and can be found for less if you buy used, though it uses an older processor and lacks some extra features like 'Live ND' mode.

The Sony α7C II is the best camera for travel photography if you care about image quality. It's one of the most compact full-frame bodies on the market, proving that you don't need to sacrifice image quality for portability. While it's the largest option on this list, and full-frame lenses will inevitably take up more space, it's impressive how compact Sony made this camera while including features like IBIS and a fully articulated screen.

The α7C II's high-resolution full-frame sensor performs well in low-light environments and has plenty of dynamic range to capture a wide array of detail. The camera has a fantastic battery life and a sturdy, weather-sealed body. That said, its ergonomics leave a little to be desired, particularly when shooting through its small viewfinder. If you want to save a bit of money, check out the original Sony α7C. The new model is more well-rounded, with better video features and a higher-resolution sensor, but the original is still excellent and costs less.

If you can do without IBIS and want something a bit more affordable, the Fujifilm X-T30 II is a great mid-range option. It uses an APS-C sensor and has a portable, lightweight body that's ideal for traveling. While it lacks more premium features like weather-sealing and advanced video specs, it's still a relatively sturdy camera, and its dedicated exposure dials give you more hands-on control over exposure settings on the fly.

Aside from having a portable exterior, the X-T30 II uses a high-resolution crop sensor that delivers excellent image quality straight out of the camera. Film simulation profiles make the camera a blast to shoot with and make it easy to change up the look of your photos without having to do any post-processing. On top of that, it has a decent autofocus system and a relatively long-lasting battery, making this an excellent travel camera for the price.

If you're on a tighter budget, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a great choice that offers a lot of value. Like the higher-end OM SYSTEM OM-5 above, it uses an MFT sensor, making for a remarkably portable camera kit with plenty of lightweight and affordable lens options. It's also a great choice for beginners, thanks to simple controls and easy-to-use creative shooting modes.

This is one of the few budget cameras to feature IBIS, so it's a good choice if you also like to shoot vlogs or videos on the side. IBIS is also helpful in low light, letting you shoot at slower shutter speeds without a tripod. However, this is still an entry-level model, so it doesn't have the greatest build quality. Its autofocus system can also be sluggish with faster subjects. If you'd prefer a camera with a more reliable autofocus system, the Canon EOS R50 is an amazing alternative and is even a bit cheaper. However, its lens options are more limited, and it's less portable overall.

A premium point-and-shoot is the way to go if you need something compact but more capable than your smartphone camera. The Sony RX100 VII has been going strong for several iterations, and for good reason. This latest model uses a stacked 1-inch sensor, so image quality is very solid for its class. It's also a remarkably portable camera, so you can bring it with you wherever your travels take you, and its built-in lens has a fairly long zoom range that's great for travel snapshots of everything from landscapes to far-away subjects.

Be aware that compact cameras like this have a limited battery life, though you can always bring a spare battery or a portable battery pack to charge it on the go. The RICOH GR III is a great alternative if you want something more minimalist. It doesn't have a viewfinder, and its fixed focal length lens is less versatile than the zoom lens on the Sony. However, it has a larger APS-C sensor that delivers excellent image quality and is better suited to low-light situations. On the other hand, if you're looking for something cheaper, you can still find older generations of the RX100 on eBay and other used camera retailers.

The Sony ZV-1 is a great point-and-shoot if you prefer to vlog about your travels rather than photograph them. Like the Sony RX100 VII above, it uses a 1-inch type sensor, performing similarly when it comes to image quality and autofocus, but it has a different design, with no viewfinder and a shorter zoom range. On the flip side, it also has a fully articulated screen that makes it easy to monitor yourself while vlogging, as well as a better built-in mic, complete with a detachable windscreen to cut down on wind noise.

If you prefer a wider-angle field of view, consider getting the newer Sony ZV-1 II, which has an updated lens meant to facilitate vlogging. It performs similarly otherwise, but Sony also removed optical stabilization, and it's a bit pricier, so the original ZV-1 is a better deal overall for most travel vloggers and one of the best video cameras for travel if you need something compact.