The 5 Best Compact Cameras For Travel – Summer 2023: Reviews
- Table of Contents
- Intro
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Best Camera
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Best Mid-Range
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Best Budget
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Best Vlogging
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Best Large Sensor
- Notable Mentions
- Recent Updates
- All Reviews
- Discussions
Updated Jun 28, 2023 at 05:01 pm
By Adriana Wiszniewska
Point-and-shoot cameras are a natural choice for travel thanks to their compact sizes and built-in zoom lenses, making it a breeze to capture all your memories abroad without carrying a bulky kit. While smartphone cameras have continued to improve, and they’re more often than not the camera you’ve already got on you, some point-and-shoots offer improved image quality with larger sensors than the ones typically found in phones, while others offer longer zoom ranges that you simply can’t get with the physically limited lenses on your smartphone.
We’ve bought and tested over 85 cameras in our lab, and below, you’ll find our recommendations for the best compact cameras to get for travel. If you don’t mind carrying a larger kit with interchangeable lenses, check out our picks for the best mirrorless cameras for travel. If you’re looking to take beautiful images of destination vistas, you might also want to check out our best cameras for landscape photography. Alternatively, if you’re less interested in snapping places and more interested in the people that populate them, see our picks for the best street photography cameras.
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Best Compact Camera For Travel
Sony RX100 VII
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Travel Photography
7.4
Landscape Photography
7.
0Sport & Wildlife Photography
7.2
Vlogging
7.3
Studio Video
6.8
Action Video
5.2
Body Type
Point and Shoot
Mirrorless
Yes
Sensor Size
1-inch
See all our test results
While it isn’t cheap, the Sony RX100 VII is the best small travel camera you can get. After several iterations, Sony has perfected the formula for its series of popular premium compact cameras. This latest model features a stacked 1-inch sensor that delivers blazing-fast burst shooting and good image quality, along with a pop-up viewfinder and flash, a large tilting screen, and a zoom lens—all packed into an incredibly portable package.
While it doesn’t have the widest zoom range on this list, its 24-200mm equivalent focal range is still a fair amount of zoom, giving you some flexibility with framing and composition. It also uses Sony’s reliably accurate autofocus system, which is great for capturing action or busier scenes. That said, most compact cameras have disappointing battery life, including this one, but you can always pack a spare battery or portable power bank to charge it on the go.
See our review
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Best Mid-Range Compact Camera For Travel
Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II
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Travel Photography
8.0
Landscape Photography
7.
5Sport & Wildlife Photography
7.7
Vlogging
6.7
Studio Video
5.7
Action Video
5.0
Body Type
Point and Shoot
Mirrorless
Yes
Sensor Size
1-inch
See all our test results
The Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II is a great mid-range option if you want to spend less. It’s easily one of the most comfortable point-and-shoots we’ve tested, thanks to a nicely designed grip that feels good in the hand. On top of that, its user interface is super intuitive. It also has a nearly identical pop-up viewfinder as the one found on the Sony RX100 VII, great for sunny days when it’s harder to see the screen.
The built-in lens on this thing is also better than the Sony’s when it comes to low light since it opens up to a wider max aperture, but the trade-off is a significantly shorter zoom range. Its autofocus system is also disappointing and struggles to track subjects quickly and accurately, so keep that in mind if you plan on shooting busy scenes or faster subjects. Otherwise, this camera has plenty to offer for travelers who want something compact and comfortable to shoot with.
See our review
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Best Budget Compact Camera For Travel
Panasonic LUMIX ZS80
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Travel Photography
6.9
Landscape Photography
5.
9Sport & Wildlife Photography
6.3
Vlogging
7.4
Studio Video
6.2
Action Video
3.9
Body Type
Point and Shoot
Mirrorless
Yes
Sensor Size
1/2.3-inch
See all our test results
The Panasonic LUMIX ZS80 is one of the best compact cameras for traveling if you’re on a tighter budget. Unlike the pricier options mentioned above, it uses a smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor, which means worse image quality overall. On the upside, the smaller sensor gives it more focal reach, giving you a much longer zoom range. So, if it’s zoom you’re after, this budget compact is a great choice.
Its max 720mm equivalent focal length lets you capture subjects miles away with a fair bit of detail.It also feels decently put-together and has a small viewfinder for sunny days, along with a screen that can flip up for selfies. Of course, it doesn’t perform too well in low light in terms of noise and generally isn’t a huge step up from the image quality you can get with some smartphones. But you won’t find a compact camera with a more versatile zoom lens in this price range, making it a solid travel camera for the budget-conscious buyer.
See our review
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Best Compact Vlogging Camera For Travel
Sony ZV-1
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Travel Photography
7.5
Landscape Photography
7.
3Sport & Wildlife Photography
7.3
Vlogging
7.8
Studio Video
6.8
Action Video
5.2
Body Type
Point and Shoot
Mirrorless
Yes
Sensor Size
1-inch
See all our test results
While the previous picks are more photography-oriented, travel vloggers can take note of the Sony ZV-1, hands-down the best point-and-shoot camera for travel vlogging. While it doesn’t have a viewfinder, it’s the only option here to feature a fully articulated screen, making it easy to monitor yourself while recording or to take the odd selfie.
On top of that, it has vlogging-specific features like a detachable windscreen to reduce ambient noise when using the internal mic.Like the Sony RX100 VII, it has a fantastic AF system to ensure you or your subject stays in focus. However, its built-in lens has a notably shorter zoom range than our other picks. While it’s enough to give you some flexibility for framing your vlogs, it isn’t great if you need to zoom in on far-off subjects. Battery life and overheating can also be an issue when shooting longer takes using the highest quality settings, but if you’re looking for a compact all-in-one vlogging camera, this one checks all the boxes.
See our review
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Best Large Sensor Compact Camera For Travel
RICOH GR III
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Travel Photography
7.
2Landscape Photography
8.2
Sport & Wildlife Photography
6.4
Vlogging
4.0
Studio Video
3.8
Action Video
3.8
Body Type
Large Sensor Compact
Mirrorless
Yes
Sensor Size
APS-C
See all our test results
If image quality is your top priority, it doesn’t get better and more compact than the RICOH GR III. While you’ll still get great images from 1-inch sensor cameras like the Sony RX100 VII and the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II, the RICOH boasts a larger APS-C sensor that delivers excellent image quality and better noise handling in low light.
Its sleek, minimalist design also makes it the most pocketable camera on this list.Of course, this isn’t the travel camera for everyone. If you want the flexibility to zoom in on farther subjects or you like to shoot video on the side, you’re out of luck here since the camera has a fixed 28mm equivalent focal length and lacks 4k video capability. If 28mm is too wide for you, you can opt for the RICOH GR IIIx instead, which has a 40mm equivalent lens. Though it lacks a viewfinder or zoom lens, this is the best small travel camera if you want something super portable that doesn’t compromise image quality.
If you want something less minimalist, the Fujifilm X100V is a beautifully designed point-and-shoot that uses an APS-C sensor. Unlike the RICOH, it has a hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder and a tilting screen, making it more versatile. However, those additions come at the cost of portability and a premium in price. If it’s in your budget and you don’t mind a slightly bulkier camera, this is a phenomenal street and travel photography camera.
See our review
0
5
9
Its max 720mm equivalent focal length lets you capture subjects miles away with a fair bit of detail.
3
On top of that, it has vlogging-specific features like a detachable windscreen to reduce ambient noise when using the internal mic.
2
Its sleek, minimalist design also makes it the most pocketable camera on this list.
Notable Mentions
- Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III:
The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a good compact vlogging camera. Unlike the Sony ZV-1, it has a built-in livestreaming feature that some travel vloggers may find appealing. However, its autofocus isn’t as effective, and the camera doesn’t have a fully articulated screen.
See our review
Recent Updates
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Jun 28, 2023:
Moved discussion of the Fujifilm X100V to the ‘Best Large Sensor Compact Camera For Travel’ section. -
May 03, 2023:
Reviewed article for clarity and accuracy. -
Mar 08, 2023:
Added the RICOH GR III as the ‘Best Large Sensor Compact Camera For Travel’ and removed the Nikon COOLPIX A1000 from Notable Mentions.
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Jan 10, 2023:
Checked article for accuracy, with slight adjustments to text for clarity. -
Nov 11, 2022:
Reviewed picks for accuracy; no change to recommendations.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best compact cameras for most people to buy for travel, according to their needs. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability (no cameras that are difficult to find or almost out of stock in the U.S.).
If you would like to choose for yourself, here’s the list of all our compact fixed-lens camera reviews. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There is no single perfect camera. Personal taste, preference, and shooting habits will matter more in your selection.
Panasonic Lumix G100 review | Digital Camera World
Digital Camera World Verdict
Vloggers and creatives more broadly will enjoy the simplicity of the Lumix G100. It makes it easy to capture high-quality video and stills with its approachable button layout. Even people uninterested in the technicalities of capturing great-looking videos will be able to get results with this camera. There’s an inherent risk of dumbing things down too much when creating a camera for social media creatives, but Panasonic has avoided that pitfall with the Lumix G100. By giving it a decent viewfinder and “proper camera” ergonomics, Panasonic has given the G100 an edge in a highly competitive market.
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Pros
- +
Quality video and stills
- +
Intelligent audio-recording capabilities
- +
Bright EVF and articulated LCD
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The Panasonic Lumix G100 is a smart-looking little camera, but does the Lumix G range need another model? It could be argued that the Lumix brand has done more to contribute to the boom in vlogging than any other. As one of the leading innovators in video-capable digital cameras, Panasonic has a broad range of models that could do the job of the all-new G100. But if you’re familiar with the Lumix G and GH ranges of cameras, you may be wondering why there’s even a need for another camera in this packed segment.
Read more
However, as video traffic continues to dominate consumer internet use, thanks to platforms like YouTube, Twitter and TikTok, every camera brand is vying for the attention of a rapidly growing pool of content creators.
- Panasonic Lumix G100 (Black) at Amazon for $497.99
The news about Olympus getting has not been a good sign for the Micro Four Thirds market, but there’s a distinct advantage to sticking with it.
For one, it helps to keep cameras small, and the G100 is super compact, weighing just 412g with its 12-32mm kit lens. It’s far smaller than the mighty Panasonic Lumix G9, at the top of the Lumix G range.
Another benefit of having an MFT lens mount is that the G100 has access to a plethora of quality and affordable lenses. Being able to change lenses gives it a distinct edge over the competition; smartphones and pocket cameras.
Small as it is, the G100 does face new competition from within the Panasonic brand. The new full-frame Panasonic Lumix S5 is twice the price, but not a whole lot bigger than the G100 and, if you are serious about video, it could prove worth the extra outlay.
Smartphones have inspired a generation of content creators and smartphone camera tech is continuing to make leaps and bounds, with no sign of slowing anytime soon. So the advantage of having a larger sensor is dwindling. The current most popular smartphone cameras are based around the 1/2-inch 48-megapixel Sony IMX586 sensor.
But it’s generally accepted that 100+MP smartphones, armed with advanced computational photography algorithms are on the horizon.
We’re often asked what “the best camera” is or “what’s a good professional camera” for someone who’s looking to make the step up from a phone. But all too often the answer to the first question for a lot of people really isn’t a camera, it’s a better phone. But if we unpick the word “professional” from the second question, what do people mean? They want something that feels like a step up. They want “proper” camera ergonomics and functionality like full manual control with dials. They want the ability to change lenses to suit different photographic challenges. And this is where I think the G100 has done well. When trying to appeal to smartphone/social media creatives, a lot of companies strip back all of the controls. Then they put a half-decent sensor in a tiny camera body and release it in white.
The Panasonic Lumix G100 shows vloggers and social creatives a little bit more respect and it could pay off.
Let’s dive in!
Watch this Lumix G100 sample video (below):
Specifications
Model number: DC-G100 (DC-G110 in Europe)
Sensor: 20.3MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor
Image processor: Venus Engine
AF points: 49-area DFD contrast AF
ISO range: 200 to 25,600 (exp ISO 100)
Max image size: 5,184 x 3,888
Metering modes: 1728-zone multi-pattern sensing system, centre-weighted, spot
Video: 4K/30/25/24p, FHD/60p/50/30/25/24p
Viewfinder: EVF, 3.69m dots
Memory card: 1x SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS I)
LCD: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1.84m dots
Max burst: 10fps (electronic shutter) 6fps (mechanical shutter)
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Size: 115.6 x 82.5 x 54.2 mm
Weight: 303g (body only)
(Image credit: Jon Devo)
Key features
A 20.
3-megapixel Live MOS sensor sits at the heart of the G100, capable of recording high-quality 4K/30p video. It can also record Full HD video at up to 120fps for dramatic slow motion clips. To keep things straightforward, Panasonic has placed all frame rate options, including up to 8x quick video modes all at the S&Q position on the camera’s mode dial. It’s also possible to create time-lapse and stop motion sequences inside the camera using its intervalometer settings. Perfect for creating dynamic B-roll footage.
The G100 is also equipped with 5-axis Hybrid I.S. when paired with a compatible lens. Hybrid image stabilisation is a fancy way of communicating that the camera uses a combination of the optical image stabilisation in certain lenses and electronic image stabilisation in the camera. When shooting in 4K the G100 is limited to 4-axis stabilisation.
(Image credit: Jon Devo)
When the LCD screen is flipped forwards to face the user, the camera automatically switches into Video Selfie Mode.
This increases the depth of field, keeping your face as well as the background in focus. We’re pleased to report that the G100’s intelligent face-recognition and tracking algorithms can identify and lock onto faces consistently.
The camera utilises this same tech to implement its ultimate USP; an OZO Audio by Nokia microphone array. As the first consumer camera of its kind to offer OZO Audio, the G100 uses three microphones and face tracking to follow whoever’s speaking on camera. The idea is that as a user speaks to the camera, the G100 will optimise the direction of the audio recording signal to match the position of the presenter.
For example if you have the camera on a tripod, and you’re standing in front of the camera, it will boost the range directly in front of the camera and record very little coming from behind the camera. But if you are pointing the camera at a scene or product in front of you, while speaking about them, the G100 will record the signal most prominently from the rear of the camera.
And despite the fact that there’s no tally light (little red lamp showing that recording is in progress), a bright red box appears around the frame of the LCD when recording in Video Selfie Mode, which is great! Of course the user can define which audio recording mode is used or leave the camera to decide for itself.
The optional DMW-SHGR1 pocket tripod/tripod grip is a solid companion accessory and given the bundle pricing, it’s pretty much a no brainer if you opt for the G100. The SHGR1 screws into the camera’s tripod thread and plugs into its microUSB port via a small non-removable cable. It has three buttons on it – shutter, record and sleep – as well as an adjustable ball head. Ergonomically, the tripod grip makes capturing selfies much more convenient and adds an extra bit of length to your arm. This will help battle the cropping issues caused by shooting in 4K and with E-stabilisation on.
The G100 has a combination of features that appeal specifically to travel vloggers, especially as it removes the need to carry around an external microphone, and makes it especially easy to get quality footage on-the-go in front of and behind camera.
Although we feel Panasonic dropped the ball in one area in particular area. The G100 only has microUSB instead of USB-C for its power input. This is an issue because despite having an external microphone input, there’s no way to monitor audio coming out of the G100. Fujifilm faced the same dilemma with the X-T200, a camera also targeting vloggers. But the X-T200 has a USB-C input and comes with a dongle in the box to add a standard 3.5mm headphone port to the set up as needed. It’s a simple thing, but a glaring oversight for Lumix, a brand known for giving video creatives what they need. Perhaps Panasonic felt vloggers generally don’t need audio monitoring. But it’s especially strange when you learn that the G100 includes the ability to shoot in V-Log L, which is a flat colour profile that allows advanced video creatives to better colour grade their footage. Advanced creatives often want to monitor audio too.
A final additional perk is the dedicated Share button on the left shoulder of the G100, intended to provide seamless connectivity for pairing to a smartphone or tablet.
The Lumix Sync app works consistently well in our experience, but unfortunately with our pre-production G100, we were unable to get it to pair to a smartphone via Bluetooth or Wireless. We imagine this will be addressed by Panasonic via firmware update in time for the camera’s wider release.
(Image credit: Jon Devo)
Build and handling
At about half the physical size of the Lumix GH5, the G100 is one of the smallest interchangeable lens cameras with a fully articulated LCD touchscreen available right now. Measuring 3-inches, the implementation of the camera’s 1.84m-dot LCD touchscreen is spot on. It’s bright and contrasty, making it easy to see, even in direct sunlight. We were able to test the G100 alongside Sony’s latest vlogging-focused camera, the Sony ZV-1, and the screen on the ZV-1 was barely usable in comparison. The touch commands of the G100 aren’t quite as zippy as those on higher end Lumix models, but that’s no surprise. And if you needed it, the G100 also features a 3.
68m-dot electronic viewfinder with 0.73x magnification, another advantage over the ZV-1 and smartphones.
Despite its diminutive size, the G100 feels solid in construction. It’s made from a tough polycarbonate material and features few points that seem susceptible to drop damage. The only real point of weakness we feel would be its cute pull-up TTL flash, which sits at the front of the camera’s EVF, just above the Lumix logo. And although it doesn’t come with a weather-sealing rating, Lumix informed us that the G100 should be fine in light rain, provided due care is taken with it.
Sporting a more “traditional” camera form factor, the G100 will encourage less experienced users to explore full manual controls without being intimidating. The control layout is approachable with a bright red button dedicated to video recording and four customisable Function (Fn) buttons. We found it easy to adjust most settings on the fly using the rear thumb wheel and shoulder dial, occasionally dipping into the menus to toggle settings such as E-Stabilisation.
The camera also has a textured thumb rest placed perfectly for comfort. The combo of its thumb rest and its relatively deep grip elevate the usability of the G100, whether shooting single-handedly or with both hands.
(Image credit: Jon Devo)
The 12-32mm kit lens offers a modest but useful 24-64mm equivalent focal range – and it is very compact. (Image credit: Jon Devo)
Performance
It may be targeting vloggers with a bevy of video-centric features, but the G100 is also a highly capable stills camera. Its 20.3-megapixel sensor renders details superbly, thanks to the omission of a low pass filter. In good light, the G100’s JPEGs are punchy and rich in contrast. But it can also shoot in raw, which will provide greater latitude for editing post shoot.
In good light, the 20.3MP sensor delivers very good detail rendition, helped by having no low pass filter. (Image credit: Jon Devo)
Image quality does start to suffer at high ISOs because of the smaller sensor size, but the image quality is still usable enough for stills at ISO 3,200, but the video quality suffers.
(Image credit: Jon Devo)
The G100 uses a tried and trusted pairing of AF and metering. The same 49-Area contrast detection AF and 1728-zone multi-pattern metering systems deployed in the LUMIX G7, G85, G9 and Gh5, features in the G100. It’s not the fastest or most advanced system around, but it works well enough for general purposes and is rated to achieve focusing in as little as EV -4. We found it worked decently enough in low light and the G100 deploys an AF assist lamp when needed. Although the G100 seemed to recognise faces fairly quickly, we found it hunts a little during filming, which will annoy the most eagle-eyed creators. But thankfully we didn’t experience a complete loss or lack of ability to focus on faces.
Increasingly, cameras targeting smartphone users feature filter modes. The intention is welcome, but they aren’t particularly sophisticated and can’t compete with apps on smartphones like FaceTune, Snapchat and Instagram. They’re there if you need them, but we would recommend making the most of the camera’s brilliant sensor and editing after the fact.
The G100 also offers a range of scene modes to assist when taking pictures in scenarios that require specific settings. Scenarios featured include; “Clear Sports Shot”, “Handheld Night Shot” and the oddly named “Cute Dessert” and “Sweet Child’s Face” for example.
We don’t know what specific settings would be required for a demon child, but if you’re unfortunate enough to meet one, note there is no scene mode to photograph them on the G100.
(Image credit: Jon Devo)
More sample images from the Panasonic Lumix G100. (Image credit: Jon Devo)
We were only able to test the G100 with its 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens. Despite not being particularly bright it features OIS so we were able to comfortably capture handheld shots as low as 1/10sec. But in circumstances where you want to keep the shutter speed higher, the G100 features a max ISO sensitivity of ISO 25,600. We would avoid pushing it to its limits, but the G100 was still able to deliver usable images at ISO 3200. At least usable for social media.
The same can’t be said for video at higher ISO settings or in low light scenarios however. You’ll want to ensure you have decent light when capturing videos with the G100, otherwise you will see a noticeable dip in visual quality.
With such a heavy emphasis on the inclusion of OZO Audio by Nokia, how well did the built-in microphones of the G100 work in practise?
In typical vlogging configuration – camera held pointing at the user’s face, screen flipped out – it works like a treat. Provided you are facing the camera, the G100 will isolate and pick-up your voice excellently. However, as the camera is focusing on where the sound is coming from, the dip in audio level is quite steep if you turn away from the camera and continue speaking. That’s because it’s not picking up audio in an omni-directional pattern in this mode. We’d recommend sticking with a more ambient pickup pattern if you’re going to be speaking and turning away from the camera frequently. But yes, with all things considered, the G100 has one of the best internal mic offerings of any camera aimed at vlogging.
In our testing the G100’s stabilisation modes worked well for both walking and cycling (although we don’t recommend cycling one-handed). But it’s worth noting that there is a significant crop on the video if you keep E-stabilisation turned on. Although it delivers competently steady footage, walking and talking to camera while E-Stabilisation is turned on will leave very little room for the scenery around a tightly framed shot of your face. Not a deal breaker by any means, but it’s worth noting.
We’ll bring you full lab tests just as soon as we can get a full production version of this camera for testing.
The Lumix G100 is a great introduction to vlogging, but while it has an advanced V-Log L mode, it doesn’t have in-body stabilisation or a headphone socket. (Image credit: Jon Devo)
Verdict
There are small niggles that we have with the Lumix G100, like the lack of a headphone jack or USB-C port, which could have fixed that. We also would have loved some level of in-body stabilisation, but we accept that would come with a size/weight increase.
Another drawback is the lack of 4K/60p video recording, which much of the competition (including smartphones) will offer.
But as the first camera from LUMIX explicitly targeting vloggers, the G100 is a stellar effort. It’s compact and will deliver high quality stills and video in a range of scenarios, particularly for travel and home studio-style presentations.
For anyone who’s approaching the limits of their creativity with a smartphone or pocket camera, the G100 is a significant step towards raising one’s production level. Having access to a hugely popular lens mount and impressive in-camera audio also puts it in a different league to much of its competition. The G100 represents a gateway into a proven system of cameras in Lumix that can truly take a creative person from amateur to full-time professional.
Read more:
• Best cameras for vlogging
• Best lenses for vlogging
• Top vlogging tips
• Best microphones for vlogging
• Best Panasonic cameras
• Best Micro Four Thirds lenses
Panasonic Lumix G100: Price Comparison
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Jon is a gadget reviewer, content creator and influencer. He spends his time reviewing products, covering technology news, giving talks on content strategy and creating content in partnership with a wide variety of forward-thinking brands. He also contributes to commercial radio, as well as in national print newspapers and magazines.
Top 7 Best Travel Cameras | Articles | Photo, video, optics
Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about a camera for your vacation! Photo: hippopx.
com
Is it almost May already? Haven’t you “pumped up for summer” yet? There is a great way – everywhere and always carry a heavy camera and a bunch of lenses. But, of course, such exercises are best done closer to home. When you travel really far, you begin to appreciate completely opposite things in photographic equipment – compactness and lightness. Today we’ll talk about just such cameras for vacation and travel.
What should be the best travel camera
As we noted above, a travel camera, first of all, should be compact and lightweight, and if it is an interchangeable lens camera, lightweight universal glasses should be available for it.
In addition, it must have a “survivable” battery and the ability to recharge on the go via USB. And it should also be a versatile camera that is suitable for any genre of photography – street photography, landscapes, portraits. If she makes a cool video, it will be a nice bonus.
So here are our main criteria for the best travel camera:
- compact;
- autonomy;
- versatility.
In our top 7 vacation and travel cameras, we tried to collect cameras of various types – from point-and-shoot cameras to full-frame mirrorless cameras, so that everyone can choose the most suitable option for their shape and budget.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII
The latest version of the compact from the Cyber-shot series from Sony, which the language does not dare to call a “soap box”. In this baby, the Japanese company tried to collect everything a traveler might need, but at the same time save the user from having to deal with interchangeable lenses on their own. And, it should be noted, Sony managed not only to collect all this, but also to do it well (even excellently).
Its built-in 24-200mm equivalent zoom lens (developed in collaboration with top optics manufacturer ZEISS) with a decent (albeit not the brightest) maximum aperture of f/2.8-4.5 makes it possible to capture any subject in any situation, from vast seascapes to birds perched on the highest branches.
There is also a proprietary autofocus system that easily catches any moving objects, so you can practically not think about focusing.
The camera can also do video: 4K at 30 fps with the same cool autofocus. All this in a super-compact “soap box” case: the Sony camera weighs only 300 grams and fits into a jeans pocket.
The main disadvantage of the RX100 is its high price, but you get what you pay for: this camera gives travelers absolutely everything they need.
Fujifilm X100V
Fujifilm X100V is a handy camera for everyday shooting in the city, and for distant travels. Photo credit: trustedreviews.com
Another camera option with an integrated lens, great for travelers, is the Fujifilm X100V. Although it’s not very rewarding to compare them with Sony, these are cameras with completely different philosophies and target audiences. What is the reason? The Fujifilm X100V is not equipped with a zoom lens, but with a 35mm equivalent fixed focal length glass.
For many, this is too pretentious solution, which, it would seem, deprives a camera with an integrated lens of one of the most important characteristics – versatility.
However, although the lens in the Fujifilm X100V does not allow you to zoom in and out while standing still, 35mm is just the focal length that allows you to photograph almost everything: from landscapes and street photography to portraits in the environment. And, of course, as befits a fix, this is a lens with very cool optics – a super-sharp picture and excellent aperture in one bottle.
Another highlight of the camera is the hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder. If you prefer the viewfinder to work with the camera turned off, covering the entire frame without any color distortion and delays, use an optical viewfinder. If you want to immediately see how the picture will look with all your settings, choose electronic.
Despite being geared towards photo aesthetes, the Fujifilm X100V can shoot 4K video as well, so it’s truly a versatile travel camera.
In addition, it is very compact – 468 grams.
Sony ZV-E10
If you have travel blogging in mind, but don’t want to forget about photography either, you can look at the vlogger Sony ZV-E10.
We have already written about this camera more than once and have repeatedly compared it with another blogging model – Sony ZV-1. The ZV-1 is more compact, it has a built-in lens that makes life easier for a traveler, and if you are not interested in photography, then it is better to take it. The ZV-E10 is in this ranking precisely because of its greater versatility – this is an option for a vlogger who often posts on social networks.
The main difference between the two models is that the ZV-E10 allows you to use interchangeable lenses, which means that you have access not only to zooms, but also to fast fixes. And fast fixes are not only a beautifully “blurred” background, but also a fat plus for street photography, especially in the evening!
And, of course, this camera has everything you need for vlogging – cool 4K video, a tenacious autofocus system for photos and videos, a powerful battery and good built-in microphones.
And its 24-megapixel APS-C sensor allows you to take detailed pictures with low noise and good dynamic range.
The main disadvantage of the model is the lack of built-in stabilization, so it is better to use optically stabilized lenses. There are also some problems with the rolling shutter effect (a special type of image distortion in a video), but they are not critical.
Canon EOS M50 Mark II
The Canon EOS M50 Mark II has a handy swivel screen that works well for selfie blogs and photos from unusual angles. Photo: camerajabber.com
Another camera that fits the bill for a great vacation and travel camera is the Canon EOS M50 Mark II.
This crop mirrorless camera takes great 24 megapixel JPEG photos with nice colors that can be shared on social media with minimal post-processing. Autofocus does not fail, although it is slightly worse than that of Sony cameras. The
M50 II shoots video in 4K, although with quite a bit of cropping, so it’s better to switch to 1080p – you’ll get a better picture and better autofocus.
For bloggers, there is built-in support for YouTube streaming, vertical video, and a microphone jack.
This is a very light – 387 grams – and compact – 116 x 88 x 59 – camera. The signature EOS M series lenses are also small and light.
The battery might not be the M50 II’s strongest point – 305 shots per charge, but the camera can be recharged from a power bank on the go. In general, this is an easy-to-use, versatile and very budget camera, which is convenient to go on vacation with – it does not take up much space and can do everything a traveler needs.
As an alternative crop camera that makes great stock JPEGs for social media, we can recommend the Fujifilm X-T30 II. The Fujik is also very easy to handle, compact, and there are plenty of cool miniature lenses for it.
Sony a7C
If you’re a fan of the full frame and all its benefits (detail, wider “look”, improved low-light performance, etc.), but still want to travel light, then Sony has a unique offer – Sony a7C.
The Sony a7C isn’t much bigger than the RX100 soapbox we started this list of the best travel cameras with, but it doesn’t lag behind full-frame full-frame cameras in terms of image quality. The a7C has a built-in stabilization system that makes it easier to shoot video and work in low light, an excellent autofocus system, detailed 4K and a battery that allows you to take 740 frames on a single charge – an outstanding result for a mirrorless camera.
Of the minuses – a relatively high price (although we must not forget that this is a full-frame camera) and a not very convenient miniature viewfinder (you have to pay for the overall compactness).
There’s another full-frame Sony camera that has earned cult status with travelers, the Sony a7 III. It’s also very compact for a full frame model and has a very long battery life. The model was released in 2018, so it falls slightly behind the latest Sony in terms of video capabilities and autofocus performance, while being slightly cheaper.
This makes the Sony a7 III one of the most interesting cameras on the market for travel photographers in terms of value for money.
Nikon D5600
Nikon’s extensive line of SLR lenses offer glass for everything from super miniature primes to super versatile travel zooms. Photo: pocket-lint.com
Yes, a DSLR has appeared in our rating! DSLRs are bigger and heavier than their mirrorless counterparts, but when it comes to travel, they have one very big advantage: battery life.
Nikon D5600 is good for several reasons. Firstly, just the same battery (970 photos per charge). Secondly, despite the fact that this is a DSLR, it is quite compact and weighs only 465 grams.
The 24-megapixel APS-C sensor delivers beautifully detailed photos, and you get all the benefits of an optical viewfinder that we talked about above. This camera can be purchased with a universal zoom 18-55mm at a very reasonable price today.
However, the camera has serious limitations in terms of video shooting: not very good detail, no 4K and weak autofocus for video.
So if you’re going to shoot anything more demanding than short tik tok videos, it’s best to take a look at the mirrorless camera options we’ve outlined above.
GoPro Hero10 Black
If a beach vacation is the most boring thing you can imagine, an action camera is the way to go. Photo: camerajabber.com
And of course, what’s a good vacation without an action camera? A calm, measured vacation is not for everyone, and someone needs to rush with a camera into the very heat (or into the very water)! That’s what GoPro is for. The newest model in the Hero10 Black series offers everything you need for shooting action videos and extreme sports, but it doesn’t forget about photography.
Despite the small sensor, the “gopro” takes 23-megapixel pictures at the level of good camera phones. Computational photography algorithms are used to make the photo as suitable as possible for social networks – with nice bright colors and good dynamic range.
In terms of video, the Hero10 Black shoots 5.
3K at 60fps and 4K at 120fps for cool, detailed slow motion. There is an advanced stabilization system on board, so you can jump and run with the camera as you like without fear of getting jerky and shaky video.
The camera has a large battery (more than one and a half hours of video on a single charge), which can be recharged using an external battery. As befits an action camera, it has a super-compact body with protection from all possible external misfortunes – rain, sand, dust, salt water.
As an alternative to action cameras, consider the advanced rugged compact Olympus Tough TG-6. It’s as indestructible as a GoPro, yet it has a 25-100mm equiv 4x optical zoom lens. and a larger sensor that benefits low-light performance.
The smallest GO 2 action camera and its advantages
Originally designed specifically for action sports, action cameras are now a great option for any situation – sports, travel, everyday life, creative photography, etc. Many are attracted by the compact size of these devices, eliminating the need to carry large and heavy cameras.
But there is one that ranks first among compact action cameras – this is Insta360 GO 2 – the smallest action camera in the world!
What are its advantages and how well can a camera smaller than your thumb capture?
The benefits compared to a regular sized camera are actually far more than you can imagine, from POV (hands-free) shooting and ease of carrying to creative editing and excellent stabilization! In this quick guide, we’ll show you why so many people decide to cut costs (and save money in the process)!
Super Handheld Action Camera
First of all, it’s worth considering how small and therefore handy the GO 2 is. The picture below will give you a pretty good idea of the dimensions of the GO 2 (5.3 x 2.6 x 2.7 cm to be exact) and it only weighs 26.5g. This makes this tiny camera insanely portable and easy to take with you wherever you go.
Stay in the moment with the wearable camera
Some people enjoy spending time behind the camera, stopping to carefully align each shot.
For others, it may be difficult to truly appreciate a moment, place, or experience while simultaneously writing it down. That’s when a portable camera like the GO 2 comes to the rescue! With the various accessories in the box (see below), you can wear it almost anywhere on your body, on your hat, helmet or bag, and just leave it there. Then when you see something cool, tap the camera and the video is recorded.
Enjoy discreet shooting
Do you ever feel a little awkward when you take out your camera? Worried about standing out with a big selfie stick mounted? Whatever your reason, there are times when a small discreet camera can be very handy. We are not talking about secret filming or spy cameras, but about filming less “in the face” for yourself and those around you. GO 2 also has a pretty aesthetic design, so you’re all set in style.
Shoot natural POV images easily
Another benefit of shooting with a tiny camera is that you get really breathtaking first person shots.
This is a great way to show the world from your point of view and give people the feeling of being close to you during your travels, outdoor activities or everyday life. Also great for those who are a little camera shy!
Place a small action camera anywhere
If you want to capture unique angles and get creative with your shots, a small action camera is the perfect tool! GO 2 can fit in places where regular cameras would never fit. In addition to the above accessories, the GO 2 box has a magnet so you can attach it to any magnetic or metal surface!
Tiny camera can be charged on the go
Worried about battery life with such a tiny camera? Well, if you’re planning on shooting for a long time with your GO 2, take the charging case with you! It is about the size of an AirPods case.
It can charge GO 2 in just 30 minutes and support up to 2.5 hours of shooting! It also doubles as a protective case, remote control and tripod!
Get all the benefits of a regular action camera
Durability, water resistance, image quality, stabilized footage are just some of the reasons we love action cameras. But choosing a small action camera doesn’t mean you have to forego any of those benefits! Here’s how GO 2 performs in these areas:
- Reliable: Comes with interchangeable lens cap, no screen to crack or buttons to get stuck.
- Waterproof: IPX8 waterproof rating up to 4 meters or 45 meters in diving case.
- Image Quality: Same size sensor as larger 1/2.3-inch action cameras and shooting in high definition 1440p at 50fps.
- Stabilization: Supports the same FlowState stabilization technology as larger Insta360 cameras, plus 360° horizon leveling.
Save money!
Not only does the GO 2 compete on features and performance, but it’s also the clear winner on price.