Relying on smartphone cameras for travel photos has become so second nature that it’s easy to forget one simple fact: there’s a better way to do this. Using a compact travel camera for capturing trip photos offers a myriad of advantages over relying solely on a smartphone. First and foremost, these dedicated cameras typically feature superior optics and larger image sensors, resulting in higher image quality, sharper details, and enhanced low-light performance. They also offer greater versatility, with optical zoom capabilities allowing for close-up shots of distant subjects, and manual control settings that let photographers fine-tune exposure, aperture, and shutter speed for creative effects. Interchangeable lenses more easily adapt to different shooting scenarios. In short, the right travel camera provides versatility for different shooting situations that a smartphone simply can’t replicate. The compact size of today’s top travel cameras makes them ideal for travel photography, easily fitting in your bag even if you’re carry-on only.
Nikon D3500
The Nikon D3500 is an excellent entry level DSLR camera, perfect for beginners venturing into the world of travel photography.
Buy: $649.95Pros
- High performance for the price
- 24.2 megapixel sensor
- Long battery life
- Easy to use
Cons
- Center-focused AF that struggles with low light an
- Slower live view AF
- No accessory ports for mic or headphones
- Limited video recording with no 4K option
- No touchscreen
Olympus OM-D EM-M10 III
This camera's small and lightweight body makes it easy to pack even when space is tight for photo and video.
Buy: $498Pros
- 121-point autofocus system
- 4K video recording
- 1,040,000 pixel display
- Tilting touch LCD
- 8.8fps burst shooting
Cons
- 16.05 MP resolution
- Slower AF for moving subjects
- Limited ISO control
Nikon Z fc
A compact, two-tone retro aesthetic combined with modern features makes this an eye-catching travel camera.
Buy: $959Pros
- 20.9 megapixel sensor
- 4K video recording
- Super lightweight
- Vari-angle screen
Cons
- No weather proofing
- No full-frame sensor
- Slow kit lens
- Limited lens mount capabilities
OM System OM-5
This one is for adventure travel–whether that’s on the trail, in the city, or a mix of both–with a versatile shooting experience.
Buy: $999Pros
- Weather-sealed body
- 121-point hybrid autofocus system
- No time limit on 4K video
- Plenty of available quality lenses
Cons
- Short battery life of 310 shots
- Doesn’t perform as well in low light
- No headphone jack
- More complicated menu
- Only micro USB charging
Sony RX100
Point-and-shoot cameras are far more compact than even mirrorless DSLRs for something that can fit in your pocket like a phone but provide much higher quality.
Buy: $1299Pros
- Weather sealing
- Compact size and extremely portable
- Full manual controls
- f/1.8 aperture
- Fast lens with low light performance
Cons
- Expensive compared to competitors
- Point-and-shoot
- No lens changeability
Sony A6700
Sony makes some of the most popular vlogging cameras around, and the Sony A6700 is no exception–plus it’s easily packable for trips.
Buy: $1399Pros
- Wide ISO range from 50 to 102400
- Excels in 4K video capture
- Dynamic display for self-facing photo and video
- Excellent subject recognition AF
- Long battery life
Cons
- Smaller body makes handling large lenses harder
- Single memory card
- Slower burst mode than comparable cameras
- Heats up when shooting longer video
Fujifilm X100V
When it comes to quality point-and-shoot cameras for travel, journalism, and street photography, it’s hard to beat the Fujifilm X100V and its 26.1-megapixel sensor.
Buy: $1899Pros
- Hybrid viewfinder with tilting touchscreen
- Fast AF
- High-quality, fixed prime lens
- Extremely compact for street and travel photograph
- Weather-sealed body
Cons
- No touchscreen menu
- Short battery life
- No image stabilization
- Poor wide and tracking AF
- Single memory card slot
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