The 6 Best Travel Cameras - Fall 2024

The OM SYSTEM OM-5 is the best digital camera for travel that we've tested. As part of the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) system, it offers a balanced mix of portability, ruggedness, and image quality. Though it isn't as heavy-duty as higher-end models like the OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II 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 relatively small size, the camera is weather-sealed and feels well-built overall. It has an excellent five-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system, which can help you get steadier shots at slower shutter speeds or while recording vlogs. That said, the OM-5 doesn't have the longest battery life, so you might have to pick up a spare battery or portable power bank for long days on the go, but overall, 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.

If image quality is your top priority, the Sony α7C II is one of the best cameras for travel photography you can buy. It's one of the few full-frame cameras on the market that boasts such a compact size. While it's still the largest option on this list, and full-frame lenses are typically larger, it's impressive how compact Sony made this camera while including features like IBIS and a fully articulated screen.

The real star here, of course, is the camera's high-resolution full-frame sensor, which has plenty of dynamic range and great noise handling in trickier lighting conditions. On top of that, 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 the tiny viewfinder. If you want to save some money, the original Sony α7C is a bargain now, though the newer model is more well-rounded, with better video features and a higher-resolution sensor.

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 camera settings.

Aside from its portability, the X-T30 II uses a tried-and-true APS-C sensor that delivers excellent image quality straight out of the camera. Film simulation profiles make the camera a blast to shoot with, letting you change up the look of your photos without having to do any post-processing. On top of that, the camera has a decent autofocus system and a relatively long-lasting battery, making it an excellent travel camera for the price. If you can stretch your budget, its successor, the Fujifilm X-T50, offers better video features, IBIS, and a higher-resolution sensor, but it's also significantly more expensive. 

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is one of the best cameras for travel photography on a budget. Like the higher-end OM SYSTEM OM-5 above, it uses a Micro Four Thirds 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 also one of the only cameras at this price point to feature IBIS, which can help capture handheld images at slower shutter speeds and comes in handy for stabilizing videos and vlogs. That said, 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 comes a bit cheaper. However, its lens options are more limited and less portable.

A premium point-and-shoot like the Sony RX100 VII is the way to go if you need something compact but still more capable than your smartphone camera. The RX100 series 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 one of the few cameras that's actually pocketable, 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 power bank to charge it on the go. The RICOH GR III is a great alternative if you want a more minimalist camera. 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 sellers.

If you'd rather vlog about your travels than photograph them, try the Sony ZV-1. 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's one of the only compact cameras to feature a fully articulated screen that's ideal for recording yourself. Plus, it has a better built-in mic than most point-and-shoots, complete with a detachable windscreen to cut down on wind noise while recording.

If you prefer a wider field of view, the newer Sony ZV-1 II has a wider-angle lens that's a good fit for walk-and-talk vlogs. The camera performs similarly otherwise, but Sony also removed optical stabilization from its lens. For that reason, and because of its price, the original ZV-1 is a better deal for most travel vloggers and one of the best video cameras for travel if you need something compact.