Key Points
- The Sony RX100 VII is our top pick for best overall travel camera due to its compact size, high-quality photos and videos, and excellent portability.
- We also recommend the OM System OM-5 for vloggers or those wanting interchangeable lenses, the Olympus TG-6 for rugged waterproofing, the Canon G9 X Mark II for a pocket-sized camera, the GoPro Hero11 for hardcore action footage, and the Canon EOS Rebel T7 as a budget DSLR option.
- When selecting a travel camera, consider size/portability, image quality, battery life, video capabilities, ruggedness, and budget. The best camera is the one you‘ll actually bring with you on your adventures!
As you plan your next trip near or far, having one of the best travel cameras at your side will ensure you capture incredible memories of every precious moment. The top travel cameras offer a winning balance of image quality, portability, features and value.
We evaluated dozens of point-and-shoot, mirrorless, DSLR and action cameras to select the very best options across various budgets and use cases.
#1 Best Overall: Sony RX100 VII
The Sony RX100 VII stands tall as the best overall travel camera you can buy today. This high-end point-and-shoot packs pro features into a shirt pocket-sized body, making it the ultimate travel companion.
Inside the sleek exterior you‘ll find a large 1-inch, 20.1MP sensor capable of excellent image quality even in low light. The RX100 VII can shoot at up to 20 frames per second to freeze fast action. Sony‘s speedy autofocus and real-time eye tracking ensure your photos and videos stay sharp.
With a 24-200mm zoom lens, 4K video recording, touch screen LCD and pop-up viewfinder, the RX100 VII has all the specs and performance adventurous travelers demand. Extras like microphone and headphone jacks appeal to vloggers as well.
Pros: Compact size, great image quality, fast shooting speeds, 4K video
Cons: Very expensive, shorter battery life
#2 Best Compact: Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
For travelers who want DSLR-like quality pictures in an ultra-compact form factor, look no further than the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II. Despite measuring just 3.9 x 2.3 x 1.2 inches and weighing 7.3 ounces, the G9 X Mark II sports a large 1-inch, 20.1MP sensor.
Canon‘s highly respected image processing delivers consistently great still photos and 1080p full HD video in a wide range of situations. While the 3x optical zoom falls short of other cameras here, that helps keep size and weight down. The touch screen LCD makes operation a breeze.
The PowerShot G9 X Mark II slips into a pocket or purse with ease, so it actually makes it out of your hotel room to capture vacation moments big and small. For the combination of quality, features and true portability in one affordable package, this camera can‘t be beat.
Pros: Truly compact, excellent image quality, touch screen LCD, great value
Cons: Short zoom range, no viewfinder, no 4K video
#3 Best Interchangeable Lenses: OM System OM-5
Serious hobbyists and vloggers should take a close look at the OM System OM-5 interchangeable lens camera. The OM-5 takes awesome 20MP images and stabilized 4K 30p video courtesy of Olympus’s acclaimed 5-axis in-body image stabilization. Its lightweight, weather sealed body houses the versatile Micro Four Thirds lens mount.
You can expand the OM-5‘s capabilities over time by adding lenses like wide angles, telephotos and fast primes. Built-in Wi-Fi makes transferring content from camera to phone quite smooth. Vertical video support appeals to vloggers and social media mavens looking to stand out from the horde of landscape shots.
As a premium mirrorless camera designed for enthusiasts, the OM-5 delivers outstanding image quality in a travel-friendly form factor.. If you desire pro-grade features and flexibility from your vacation camera, put this system at the top of your list.
Pros: Great image quality, lightweight body, vast lens selection available
Cons: Pricey, advanced functionality has learning curve
#4 Best for Action: GoPro Hero11 Black
For adventures involving water, speed or heights, nothing beats having an action camera like the GoPro Hero11 Black on hand. The Hero11‘s combination of stunning 5.3K video resolution, HyperSmooth image stabilization and rugged design makes it our top overall action cam pick for travel.
Beyond resolution over 25% higher than 4K, the Hero11 brings to the table handy new goodies like rear-facing LED flash for illuminating selfie videos. The addition of 10-bit color unlocks over 1 billion hues for exceptionally true-to-life footage. Vloggers have taken notice of GoPro‘s solid onboard mics and Media Mod upgrades as well.
Thanks to HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization, you can mountain bike, surf or zipline while capturing buttery smooth, dramatic clips for later editing into montages destined to gather likes and follows across all your channels. 😎 For hardcore travelers who want to relive exactly what it felt like conquering that black diamond or swimming with sharks, the Hero11 delivers.
Pros: Best video quality available, extremely rugged and waterproof, great stabilization tech
Cons: Underwhelming still photo quality, expensive proprietary accessories
#5 Best Budget DSLR: Canon EOS Rebel T7
DSLR cameras remain popular for travel thanks to their excellent image quality, abundance of lenses/accessories and familiar form factor. Large sensors, advanced autofocus systems and stellar ergonomics give DSLRs significant advantages over phones and basic point-and-shoots. For new photographers not looking to break the bank, Canon‘s Rebel T7 DSLR offers tremendous value.
Despite costing under $500 including an 18-55mm kit lens, the Rebel T7 captures beautiful 24.1MP photos and Full HD video. It‘s also quite easy to use, with on-screen guides and explanations to help get great shots in unfamiliar destinations. Built-in WiFi makes sharing vacation pics a cinch.
An optical viewfinder allows composing shots even in direct sunlight. Battery life is ample at 500 shots per charge. While not incredibly compact or flashy, the Rebel T7 gets the imaging fundamentals right at a reasonable price point. For budget-conscious travelers who still demand quality, it merits strong consideration.
Pros: Great value, good image quality, interchangeable lenses, long battery life
Cons: Bulky compared to mirrorless models, no 4K video capability
#6 Best Waterproof Camera: Olympus Tough TG-6
Underwater photos open up an entirely new world of amazing travel shots. To capture these liquid escapades in stunning detail, you need a waterproof camera built expressly for marine adventure. That describes the Olympus Tough TG-6 to a T. This rugged point-and-shoot can submerge down to impressive 50-foot depths, way more than the pool/beachproof competition.
Five underwater shooting modes optimize TG-6 settings based on conditions and subjects like fish, macro and HDR. An F2.0 wide-angle lens gathers ample light for quality shots even at depth. 4K video at 30 fps pleases videographers. The bright red body looks sporty and makes the camera highly visible.
Back on dry land, the TG-6 handles up to 7 feet drops thanks to its reinforced chassis. Operating temperatures range from 14° to 104° Fahrenheit. So whether you‘re scuba diving coral reefs in Belize or snowboarding down mountains in Banff, the Olympus Tough TG-6 has you covered. 😎
Pros: Extreme 50-foot waterproof rating, underwater image modes, bright F2.0 lens
Cons: Battery life just OK at 340 shots, 4K video restricted to 30 fps
What to Consider in a Travel Camera
With so many types of cameras now available catering to various users, deciding the best travel camera for your needs deserves careful evaluation. Here are key factors to weigh:
Size/Portability – The most portable cameras like the Sony RX100 VII slip easily into pockets and purses so they actually make it out with you versus staying back at the hotel. But don‘t assume smaller always equals better image quality or features. Find the right balance for you.
Photo/Video Quality – Pay attention to specifications like sensor size, megapixels and maximum video resolution when judging expected image excellence. Quality differences do exist across camera classes now more than ever.
Lens & Zoom Capability – A long zoom lens expands creative freedom. But interchangeable lens models offer the most flexibility if you invest in extra glass. Prime and macro lenses capture unique perspectives.
Battery Life – Cameras relying on smaller batteries (most point-and-shoots) may not last all day without recharging. DSLRs generally offer better battery life, some over 500+ shots per charge.
Toughness & Weather Sealing – Rugged cameras like the Olympus TG-6 operate underwater and withstand dust, mud and freezing temps better than models lacking protection.
Budget – How much should you spend? Entry-level point-and-shoots run $150-$400. Advanced compacts and mirrorless models land in the $500 to $1,000+ range. DSLRs cover the gamut from $400 to multiple thousands. Set realistic expectations based on your budget.
Remember, the best travel camera for you captures the stunning, shareable images you most desire while fitting smoothly into your adventures. Only you can decide the right tool for the job based on your unique needs and shooting style.
The Joy of Travel Photography
While smartphone cameras keep improving impressively, they still can‘t match the creative flexibility, imaging capabilities and tactile joy of shooting on a dedicated travel camera.
The human eye perceives the world quite differently than even the best mobile lenses. Your essential vacation memories deserve to be frozen as closely as possible to how your mind remembers them best. That’s where the right camera comes in.
The top travel cameras serve as invaluable creative tools for any shutterbug wanderer. They unlock photographic potential that no iPhone can fully match today. They connect you physically and emotionally with destinations and culture unlike tapping yet another app ever could.
So do yourself a favor by researching travel cameras that align well with your upcoming adventures. Finding the one that clicks with your personality and vision will prove a decision you‘ll cherish trip after exciting trip.