12 Best Travel Cameras to Capture Every Moment in 2022
Travel photography covers everyone who engages in taking photos on a trip, including the professional travel photographer. People who stop to take selfies and photos of landmarks aren’t excluded.
If you’re looking to travel for a business trip or vacation purposes, you would need the best travel camera. Particularly, a camera to capture every moment you experience. It also allows you to relive them once more.
Why do we take photos? We take photographs to serve as a reminder of the things we forget. The best travel camera gives us the chance to save the memories we make on our journeys. We can use our phones to capture these magical moments or even the best cameras.
You wouldn’t want to move around with heavy accessories when traveling, so you need the best travel cameras. Furthermore, a travel camera is always compact and designed as a camera for travel.
Keep reading to learn about the best travel cameras and how they fit your traveling purposes.
Things to Consider in Selecting a Camera
Before you select a camera, there are important factors you must take note of. Here are the most important factors: price and function:
Price
Your budget will greatly affect the travel camera you intend to use. Cameras exist in a wide variety of price ranges. They can come in a price range of hundreds to thousands of dollars, which means that your budget should come first when searching for a camera for travel.
Don’t forget your camera is for travel. Clearly, you have to consider its risk. While traveling, your camera will be at risk of theft or loss. Ensure you get insurance on your travel camera. Losing your camera will discourage your travel photography. Also, expensive cameras come with a higher insurance premium.
There is also the issue of accessories. A camera comes with its added camera gear. Lenses, extra batteries, tripods, and even bags are extra gears for cameras. These accessories depend on your intended use of the camera. Obviously, you have to include the prices of these accessories in your budget for the camera.
Factors to Consider when picking the Best Travel Camera
This factor is the most important aspect of picking the best travel camera. There are many functions in a specific camera, such as:
- Portability
- Water Resistance
- Battery Life
- Image Quality
Portability
The weight of your camera matters if you like to travel light. There are different kinds of cameras. DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) and compact and mirrorless cameras are common.
If you don’t like bulky gadgets, you must pick a camera that fits your required weight. Compact cameras are pocket-sized, while mirrorless and DSLR cameras tend to be bulky.
Water Resistance
Water Resistance is an attractive feature of travel cameras. It offers advantages in humid environments, rainfalls, and even underwater photography. Also, water-resistant cameras are expensive due to the materials used in their construction.
There are camera cases that are waterproof such as GoPro cameras. But its utility pales in comparison to water-resistant cameras. If you seek a water-resistant camera, read reviews before buying one.
Battery Life
A travel camera’s battery capacity is an important function you shouldn’t take for granted. You will need a camera that can take hundreds of shots without losing power when traveling.
Each kind of camera has its average battery life. A typical Digital Single Lens Reflex camera lasts 8 hours on a full charge or 3 cameras when taking photos.
Temperature, sensors, and wireless connection affect the lasting time of a camera battery. Ensure you take proper care of your camera battery and travel with extra batteries.
Image Quality
Image quality might be your deciding factor in picking a camera for travel. Low-light performance, optical zoom, and dynamic range determine the quality of images.
Compact and smartphone cameras are suitable for taking decent photos without stress. Alternatively, mirrorless and DSLR travel cameras are the best for high-quality images.
The 12 Best Cameras for Travel in 2022
Here is a comprehensive list of the 12 best travel cameras of 2022:
-
- Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K
- Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera
- GoPro Hero5 Black
- Panasonic LUMIX ZS100
- Panasonic LUMIX ZS80
- Olympus Tough TG-6 Waterproof camera
- Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 Long Zoom
- Canon PowerShot Digital Camera G7 X Mark II
- Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II Compact Digital Camera
- Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera
- Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III
- Canon EOS RP Mirrorless Full Frame Camera
1. Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K
- 2,717 Ratings
- Availability: In stock (Ships outside the U.S.)
- Price: $297.99 on Amazon
Product Description: The Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 is a 4K digital point-and-shoot camera. It comes with a small image sensor and a large zoom lens. Additionally, it offers a 60X optical zoom and also 4K video recording. It also comes with a good hand-grip and EVF for outdoor shooting. Its Wi-Fi and USB connectivity are also helpful features.
Specifications
- Physical Dimensions − 4.69×5.13×3.71 inches
- Weight − 1.36 lbs.
- Screen Size − 3 inches LCD
- Sensor Resolution − 18MP MOS
- Viewfinder Resolution − 1170K dots
- Lens Focal Range − VARIO 20-1200mm (60X)
- Vide Resolution − 4K Video Capture (3840 × 2160)
- Optical Image Stabilizer
- Connectivity − Wi-Fi
- USB Connectivity – USB 2.0
- Battery Duration -330 shots
Pros
- It is pleasant to use
- Its screen display offers adequate brightness under direct sunlight
- Its optical image stabilization is satisfactory
- Offers 4K Video recording
- Its 60X Optical zoom can be helpful in travel photography.
Cons
- Its battery drains faster with Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) use
- It is a bit bulky in weight
- It lacks an EVF eye sensor
Verdict
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC FZ80 offers a good value-for-money camera purchase. Some reviews call it the best budget travel camera. Some of its features include a huge zoom range, Wi-Fi, 4K Video, and a touch-enabled rear LCD display. Without a doubt, it is one of the best travel cameras you can use.
2. Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera
- Amazon’s Choice for DSLR cameras
- 2,005 Ratings
- Availability: In stock (Ships outside the U.S.)
- Price: $479.00 on Amazon
Product Description: Canon EOS Rebel TZ is a Digital Single Lens Reflex camera. It has an 18-55mm lens, built-in Wi-Fi, a 24MP CMOS sensor, and FHD video recording. Moreover, its comfortable handling and light-sized weight make it a good SLR camera. This DSLR travel camera also comes with NFC technology and EOS utility webcam software.
Specifications
- Physical Dimensions – 3.1 × 5.1 × 4 inches
- Weight – 475 grams
- Screen Size – 3.00 inches
- Screen Resolution – 920K dots
- Sensor Resolution – 24 MP- APS-C CMOS
- Optical Viewfinder
- Video Resolution – 1920 × 1080 at 30fps
- Battery Capacity – 500 Shots
- Connectivity – Wi-Fi
- USB Connectivity – USB 2.0
Pros
- It is easy to use
- Its battery duration is satisfactory
- It offers an optical viewfinder
- Its screen resolution is sharp
- It offers Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity
- Used as a webcam
Cons
- Limited 3fps continuous shooting
- It lacks autofocus for recording videos
- Its rear screen offers no touch input
Verdict
The Canon EOS Rebel is a quality SLR camera. It offers great advantages when used for travel photography. Clearly, its affordability makes it a great option for a travel camera.
3. GoPro Hero5 Black
- 4,582 Ratings
- Availability: In Stock (Ships outside the U.S.)
- Price: $489.99 on Amazon
Product Description: The GoPro Hero5 Black is a waterproof digital action camera. It is suitable for travel. Its durability offers an advantage, and its lens is suitable for landscape photography. It also comes with a 4K Video recording option, voice control, and a waterproof design.
Specifications
- Physical Dimensions – 1.75 × 2.4 × 1.25 inches
- Weight – 119grams
- Screen Size – 2 inches
- Focal length – 16.8mm
- No EVF
- Display Type – Fixed Screen Touchscreen LCD
- Sensor Resolution – 12MP ½.r CMOS Sensor
- Digital Image Stabilization
- Video Resolution – 4k 3840 × 2160p at 30fps
- Environmental Sealing
- Connectivity – Wi-Fi
- USB Connectivity
- HDMI Connectivity
- Voice Control
- Waterproof
- Microphone Port
- Built-in GPS
Pros
- It is waterproof to depths of 33ft without its case
- It has voice Control
- Improved Dynamic Range
- It offers voice control
- Its environmental sealing protects it from moisture and dust
- It is a lightweight camera
- It offers 4k Video and excellent image quality
- Its design makes its handling easy.
Cons
- Its battery duration is poor
- Its internal software can be clunky
- Lack of Viewfinder
- Its resolution sensor is low
Verdict
GoPro Hero5 Black is a rugged travel camera. It can withstand bumpy rides and even offers waterproof capabilities. Its battery can drain fast; putting off extra features such as Wi-Fi can solve this issue.
4. Panasonic LUMIX ZS100
- 642 Ratings
- Availability: In Stock (Ships outside the U.S.)
- Price: $497.99 on Amazon
Product Description: The Panasonic LUMIX ZS100 is a good point-and-shoot camera. It comes with EVF, LCD, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Moreover, its compact body offers advantages as a travel camera. Its OIS camera technology also offers excellent depth of field to your photo. It is obviously suitable for low-light conditions.
Specifications
- Product Dimensions − 1.7 x 4.4 x 2.5 inches
- Weight – 312 grams
- Screen Size – 3.00 inches
- Resolution – 1166K dot
- Screen Type – Fixed Screen (Touch screen)
- EVF
- Sensor Resolution – 20 MP MOS
- Focal Length – 25-250 mm (10X)
- Optical Image Stabilization
- Continuous Shooting – 9.9fps
- Video Resolution – 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
- Connectivity – Wi-Fi
- HDMI Connectivity
- USB 2.0 Connectivity
- Battery Duration – 300 Shots
Pros
- Its image stabilization is good
- It offers a 10X zoom
- It offers EVF
- Its image sensor is helpful for high-quality images
- Offers different shooting options such as RAW shooting
Cons
- It lacks an articulating screen
- Its EVF is small
- Limited telephoto focal range lens
- It lacks environmental sealing
Verdict
The Panasonic LUMIX ZS100 offers a pocketable size. It also has a large zoom range and full-on 4K video recording. Besides a great zoom range, it provides adequate performance in low-light conditions. This trait makes it a good travel camera option.
5. Panasonic LUMIX ZS80
- 1,239 Ratings
- Availability: In Stock (Ships outside the U.S.)
- Price: $397.99 on Amazon
Product Description: The Panasonic LUMIX ZS80 is a capable travel camera. It offers a 24mm ultra-wide lens, 30mm telephoto lens, 4K QFHD video recording at 30fps, and a good EVF. It is clearly one of the best travel cameras you can buy today due to its compact point-and-shoot build.
Specifications
- Physical Dimensions − 1.64 x 4.41 x 2.71 inches
- Weight – 327 Grams
- Screen Size – 3.00 inches
- EVF
- Focal Length – 24-720 mm (30X)
- EVF Resolution – 2,330K dots
- Screen Type – Tilting
- Screen resolution – 1,040K dots
- Sensor resolution – 20MP
- Sensor Type – BSI-CMOS
- Continuous shooting – 10.0fps
- Optical Image Stabilization
- Battery Duration – 380 shots
- Connectivity – Wi-Fi
- USB 2.0
- HDMI
- Bluetooth enabled
Pros
- It is portable in size
- Provides an articulating screen
- It offers 4K UHD video recording
- This camera offers Wide Angle and Telephoto Lens
- It offers a Bluetooth connectivity feature
- Its battery Duration is decent
Cons
- It lacks environmental sealing
- It lacks a hand grip feature
- Limited screen brightness under direct sunlight
- Its telephoto lens can be slow
Verdict
The Panasonic LUMIX ZS80 is a great option for a travel camera. Its fantastic image quality and autofocus system offer a good advantage. Its articulated screen also provides an advantage in video recording. But its video quality can be quite average.
6. Olympus Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera
- 1,649 Ratings
- Availability: In stock (Ships outside the U.S.)
- Price: $449.00 on Amazon
Product Description: The Olympus Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera is one of the best travel cameras you can buy. This tough camera protects against wet, snow, and dusty conditions. Furthermore, its sturdy body offers a high-quality video resolution capture and microscopic shooting.
Specifications
- Physical Dimensions −2.6 x 4.4 x 1.3 inches
- Weight – 253 grams
- Screen Size – 3.00 inches
- Type of screen – Fixed
- Screen resolution – 1,040K dots
- No Viewfinder
- Focal length – 25-100mm (4X)
- Image Stabilization
- Sensor Type – BSI-CMOS
- Sensor Resolution – 12MP
- Continuous Shooting – 20.0fps
- Video Resolution – 4K
- GPS
- Connectivity – Wi-Fi
- USB 2.0
- HDMI
- Environmental Sealing
- Dust Proof
- Shock Proof
- Water Proof
- Battery Duration – 340 Shots
Pros
- It is a sturdy camera
- The camera is waterproof up to depths of 50ft/15m
- It is freeze-proof to -10 degrees Celsius and 14 degrees Fahrenheit
- Offers great shock resistance (up to 2.4m)
- The camera offers 4K UHD video recording.
- Its battery duration is adequate.
Cons
- It lacks a touchscreen display
- The camera has a small sensor
- It lacks a viewfinder
- The LCD screen is prone to scratches
Verdict
The Olympus Tough Tg-6 waterproof camera is the ultimate travel camera. Its compact size and rigid body make it one of the best compact travel cameras for travel. Its manual control and RAW shooting are among its many advantages. If you seek the best compact travel camera, then the Olympus Tough Tg-6 is one for you.
7. Panasonic LUMIX FZ300
- 2,066 Ratings
- Availability: In stock (Ships outside the U.S.)
- Price: $447.99 on Amazon
Product description: The Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 is a Long Zoom digital camera. It offers a 12.1MP sensor, 4K Video, Wi-Fi, and water and dust proof features. Additionally, its large camera lenses and high zoom sensor provide enough image and video shooting qualities.
Specifications
- Physical Dimensions − 4.61 x 5.18 x 3.6 inches
- Weight – 691 grams
- Size of the screen – 3.00 inches
- Type of Screen – Articulated
- Screen Resolution – 1,040k dots
- Electronic Viewfinder
- EVF Resolution – 1,440K dots
- Focal Range – 25-600 mm F2.8 (24X) Zoom Lens
- Continuous Shooting – 12fps
- Sensor Type – CMOS
- Sensor Resolution – 12MP
- Battery Duration – 380 shots
- Optical Image Stabilization
- Maximum Video Resolution – 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) at 30fps and FHD at 60fps
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
- HDMI
- USB 2.0
- Environmental Sealing
- Microphone Port
- Water Proof
- Dust Proof
Pros
- Offers articulated screen for easy video recording
- It is dust and waterproof
- Its battery duration is accurate
- It provides a high image and video resolution.
- Helpful in low-light conditions
- Offers wide-angle and telephoto lens
- Easy-to-use software interface
Cons
- It is expensive
- It is bulky in size
- Small sensor for image resolution
- Its continuous autofocus performance is not consistent.
Verdict
The Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 is a good travel camera option. Its image capture and video shooting qualities are excellent. Although you might find it bulky in size, its sturdy build and extra features make it more acceptable.
8. Canon PowerShot Digital Camera G7X Mark II
- 1,555 Ratings
- Availability: In stock (Ships outside the U.S.)
- Price: $498.00 on Amazon
Product Description: The Canon PowerShot Digital Camera G7X Mark II is a pocket camera. It offers excellent image capturing features. Moreover, it offers solid performance in low-light conditions and easy handling.
Specifications
- Physical Dimensions − 1.65 x 2.4 x 4.15 inches
- Size – 319 grams
- Screen Size – 3.0 inches
- Type of screen – Tilting
- Screen Resolution – 1,040k dots
- No viewfinder
- Sensor Type – BSI-CMOS
- Sensor Resolution – 20MP
- Continuous Shooting – 8.0fps
- Focal Range– 24-100mm
- Video resolution – FHD at 60fps
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
- HDMI
- USB 2.0
- Battery duration – 265 shots
Pros
- Offers tilting display for easy video recording
- Excellent quality
- It offers image stabilization
- Provides RAW image capture
Cons
- It lacks environmental sealing
- Its battery duration is poor
- It has no viewfinder
- It lacks a 4K feature for Video recording
Verdict
The Canon G7X Mark II is a compact camera option for travel plans. Its quality image capture and adequate video recording feature provide a satisfactory result. But the absence of protection against water, shock, and dust can be discouraging.
9. Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II Compact Digital Camera
492 Ratings
- Availability: In stock (Ships outside the U.S.)
- Price: $409.99 on Amazon
Product Description: The Canon PowerShot G9X Mark II is a fixed lens camera. It is clearly one of the best compact travel camera options today. It also offers 1080 video resolution, a 1inch sensor, and is lightweight.
Specifications
- Physical Dimensions – 1.2 x 3.9 x 2.3 inches
- Weight – 206 grams
- Screen Size – 3.0 inches
- Screen Resolution – 1,040k dots
- Sensor Size – 20MP
- Sensor Type – BSI-CMOS
- Video Resolution – FHD at 60fps
- Lens Type – Fixed lens
- Focal Range – 28-84mm
- Continuous shooting – 8.2fps
- Optical Image Stabilization
- Zoom Lens – 3X
- Type of Screen – Fixed
- No Viewfinder
- Battery Duration – 235 Shots
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- NFC connectivity
- HDMI
- USB 2.0
Pros
- It is a light camera
- Offers In-body stabilization
- Provides better image quality
- Adequate Autofocus
Cons
- Limited zoom range
- Poor battery Duration
- Lacks environmental sealing
Verdict
- It is one of the best compact cameras for travel.
10. Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera
- 403 Ratings
- Availability: In stock (ships outside the U.S.)
- Price: $1,298.00 on Amazon
Product Description: The Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera offers many advantages. It is one of the best point-and-shoot camera options on the market. Moreover, Its optical zoom and autofocus feature proves its high price.
Specifications
- Physical Dimensions – 4 x 1.68 x 2.38 inches
- Weight – 302grams
- Size of the screen – 3.00 inches
- Continuous Shooting – 20.0fps
- Type of Screen – Tilting Screen
- 4K Video Resolution
- Optical Image Stabilization
- Electronic Viewfinder
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- USB
- HDMI
Pros
- Its tilting screen makes video recording easier
- Excellent 8X zoom lens
- Offers face detection focusing
Cons
- It is expensive
- It lacks environmental Screening
- Low battery duration
Verdict
The Sony RX100 VII Premium Camera would easily pass as the best compact camera for travel. However, its lack of environmental sealing is a huge downside.
11. Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III
- 481 Ratings
- Availability: In stock (Ships outside the U.S.)
- Price: $609 on Amazon
Product Description: It is among the best compact cameras that offer helpful features. 4K video recording and the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software are such features.
Specifications
- Physical Dimensions – 1.6 x 4.1 x 2.4 inches
- Size – 304 grams
- Size of the screen – 3.00 inches
- Type of screen – Tilting
- Sensor Size – 20MP
- Focal range – 24-100mm
- Sensor Type – BSI-CMOS
- Optical Image Stabilization
- Video Resolution – 4K at 30fps
- Continuous Shooting – 30.0fps
- Connectivity – Wi-Fi, USB & HDMI
- Battery Duration – 235 shots
Pros
- Its design is compact
- Its tilting screen makes video recording easier
Cons
- It lacks EVF
- Poor battery duration
- It lacks environmental sealing
Verdict
The Canon PowerShot G7 Mark III is a good choice for travel photography. Moreover, it is definitely a decent camera option and offers good features.
12. Canon EOS RP Mirrorless Full Frame Camera
- Best Mirrorless Camera
- 906 Ratings
- Availability:In stock (Ships outside the U.S.)
- Price: $989 on Amazon
Product Description: This Mirrorless Full Frame camera is unique. It is one of the best mirrorless travel cameras on the market. Interchangeable lenses and an autofocus system are some of its features. It is one of the most desirable travel photography mirrorless cameras.
Specifications
- Physical Dimensions – 3.02 x 3.02 x 3.5 inches
- Weight – 485 grams
- Size of screen – 3.00 inches
- Continuous Shooting – 5.0fps
- Electronic Viewfinder
- Interchangeable lens
- Video Resolution – 4k at 25fps
- Sensor size – 26 MP
- Sensor Type – Full Frame Sensor (CMOS)
- Connectivity – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, HDMI
- Battery Duration – 285 shots
Pros
- It comes with environmental sealing
- Provides interchangeable lenses
- Its articulating screen makes video recording easier
- It offers an excellent value-for-money buy
- Adequate mirrorless travel camera
Cons
- Poor battery strength
- Poor video recording features
- Lack of built-in flash
Verdict
The Canon EOS RP is one of the best mirrorless travel cameras. Its extra features prove its value.
Conclusion
At this point, you know everything that concerns travel cameras. Picking the right camera for your travel photography shouldn’t be difficult anymore. Select a camera that suits your required size and budget. It will also make your travel photography journey satisfying.
FAQs
Are compact cameras always cheap?
No. Cameras having small sizes don’t make them cheaper. They can be as expensive as mirrorless and SLR cameras.
How do I pick the best travel camera?
The best travel camera should be one that fits your taste and budget. Extensive research has gone into compiling the cameras above. One of them might be your dream camera for travel.
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