The best travel camera is a question we get asked a lot, but the answer is dependent on your intended use. Rough-and-tumble vacationers may prefer a tough action camera, but city escapers need something small and snappy. Because of this, our team of experts has ranked a wide range of travel cameras, including mirrorless hybrids and high-end compacts, in our round-up below.
After many hours of research, we believe that the OM System OM-5 is the best choice for the majority of users. Its Micro Four Thirds sensor makes it conveniently portable. In addition to being weatherproof, it takes better pictures than a smartphone and has the added versatility of interchangeable lenses. However, we are aware that not every traveler will find it to be the best option.
1.OM System OM-5
Even though the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III has only slightly changed, we think the OM-5’s capabilities make it a great travel camera, especially if you desire the versatility of interchangeable lenses. It packs a lot of functionality into a small, waterproof body that works with a variety of tiny lenses. Its outstanding in-body image stabilization and computational photography modes are just two of its many skills that were created with travelers and adventurers in mind.
We tested the OM-5 and discovered that it produces very nice video and stills for its size, with a high hit-rate of keepers thanks to a stabilizing technology good for 6.5 stops of adjustment. We also like how well-made the camera’s controls felt as in-camera software tricks, like Live ND and in-camera focus stacking, which are ideal for macro shots or blurring skies for an ethereal effect. Less good are the fairly average EVF resolution, 4K/30p limit for video and relative limitations of its smaller sensor, but these are all acceptable trade-offs considering this camera’s size and price.
Within the OM System Micro Four Thirds lineup, the OM-5 is the mid-range model. With the exception of a few minor performance and processing adjustments, handling and using it is nearly identical to the previous E-M5 Mark III. Nevertheless, this is still an excellent, small, and powerful camera for adventure and travel enthusiasts worldwide, featuring excellent stabilization, robust weatherproofing, and an excellent selection of lenses.
More than anyone else, OM System excels at creating small, lightweight mirrorless camera systems for photographers. Its micro four thirds sensor provides an outstanding balance between performance and size, and a vast array of lenses cater to a wide range of photographic needs and price points. You may dispense with the tripod and travel light thanks to the excellent picture stabilization, stylish appearance, and comfortable grip of the OM-5. Although the EM5 III underwent only a slight modification, it is still among the top travel cameras for enthusiasts in 2024.
2.Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is the entry-level model in the company’s Micro Four Thirds camera lineup; rangefinder-style variations, like the E-PL10, are available for PEN models. It’s an improvement over the E-PL series, which is more beginner-focused, with more controls, higher build quality, and a wider range of features. It features a flip-down touchscreen with an easy-to-use UI, a 20MP Four Thirds sensor, in-body image stabilization, and 4K video capture.
The TruePic VIII CPU and 20MP Four Thirds sensor found on the E-M5 Mark III are most likely the same components found on the E-M10 IV. The 16 Megapixel chip from earlier generations is notably more noisy at high ISOs than this sensor.
JPEGs captured by Olympus cameras have always been enjoyable, and our sample gallery shows that this is also the case with the E-M10 IV.
The E-M1X’s algorithms have been utilized to redesign the camera’s continuous autofocus. In these, the camera takes a little longer to confirm that it is focused on the right object before adjusting the focus. This lessens, but does not completely remove, the chance that the camera will ignore your intended subject and lock focus on the backdrop.
Remember, the E-M10 IV is still employing a contrast-detect autofocus mechanism, thus in certain circumstances, you may still notice ‘hunting’ as it attempts to adjust focus. Despite this, we didn’t find it to be too distracting when recording in 4K.
Olympus replaced the tilting display of the E-M10 III with a 180° flippable display so that selfies can be taken. Sadly, because of the downward-tilting design, selfie sticks and tripods might potentially obstruct or even damage the display; your only choice is to frame handed.
A flip of the 3″ 1.04 million-dot display lowers the display to reveal a selfie mode for the camera that includes virtual shutter release, movie capture, and ‘brightness’ (exposure compensation) buttons. Additionally, there’s a button that activates a two-second self-timer that records three consecutive images, as well as a new One-Touch e-Portrait button that produces artificially smoothed, plasticky-looking skin while in Auto mode.
The differences between the E-M10 IV and its predecessor are subtle, but they are there. We felt a little more confident holding the camera with heavier lenses because the front grip has a more prominent place for your middle finger.
On the back, in the space between the buttons and LCD, there is a very slight modification. This tiny rubbery strip provides you a little bit to grip onto when you’re snapping selfies with the camera held at arm’s length.`
Additionally, Olympus has introduced a new Live View Boost option that can greatly simplify the process of framing and focusing in low light. While Live View Boost on the E-M10 III only increased viewfinder gain, it may also be used to considerably lower the frame rate on the E-M10 IV. This results in a noticeably brighter viewfinder image, albeit with some jerkiness.
3.Fujifilm X100VI
Although the Fujifilm X100VI is a premium small camera that is more niche than ever, the range is nevertheless quite popular. All of the features that customers have come to love about the X100 series are still present in the sixth-generation model: big sensor, sharp fixed lens, retro styling, and distinctive hybrid viewfinder. But with a 40MP sensor with greater resolution and in-body image stabilization, it also improves over the X100V. The end result is a camera that is far more adaptable. For instance, the digital teleconverter may crop the entire image to give the appearance of a 50mm (at 20MP) or 70mm (at 10MP) focal length, and stabilization enables you to shoot at slower shutter rates in low light.
More detailed 6K video and Fujifilm’s best-ever focusing with sophisticated subject identification for both photos and videos are two more significant upgrades over the X100V. The X100VI is a discrete everyday camera that you can rely on to capture life, especially your adventures. It comes with 20 color profiles for film simulation that are modeled after real Fujifilm 35mm film, which you may modify with recipes to create your own unique look.
For the majority of consumers, the Fujifilm X100VI represents the greatest premium compact camera going forward, with several improvements over the popular X100V model from 2023. With the addition of in-body image stabilization, the X100VI becomes a more capable handheld camera for street photography. Together with Fujifilm’s finest autofocus technology to date, there’s also the 40MP APS-C sensor, which has higher quality and greater versatility than previous models. This allows you to trim your photographs more effectively when there are no lens zoom capabilities. All of this is housed in the classic aesthetic that has led many to adore Fujifilm, along with a well-known fixed 23mm f/2 lens and distinctive hybrid viewfinder. There’s a feeling that the X100VI represents the pinnacle of this lineup; how else could Fujifilm enhance its well-received X100 series formula besides broadening the range with different fixed focal length lenses? We’ll have to wait and see where Fujifilm goes next, but for now, we have a new premium compact champion on our hands – this is a camera you’ll want to use every day, and the wait was well and truly worth it.
4.Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII
At the top of the point-and-shoot market is the Sony RX100 series. The Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII the company’s seventh generation model, features an autofocus system and the 8x lens that debuted in its predecessor, putting it on par with the company’s premium interchangeable lens models. It is a high-end camera that matches its price with excellent speed and optics. That’s why it’s our Editors’ Pick.
Thanks to developments in image processing and computational photography, smartphone cameras are becoming even better. However, some people just like holding a dedicated camera in their hands or need a little bit more zoom than what an iPhone with several lenses can offer.
The RX100 VII has a lens that equals the coverage of a full-frame 24-200mm, so it has lots of zoom power. Though it only captures nearly half the light, its length is longer than the 24-70mm design used in some other models in the series, such as the RX100 VA. With its 24-120mm f/1.8-2.8 zoom and brighter lens, the Canon G5 X Mark II is a camera that is comparable but offers a bit more zoom.
The RX100 VII, weighing 10.7 ounces and measuring 2.3 by 4.0 by 1.7 inches (HWD), isn’t the lightest or thinnest compact available. However, it is lightweight due to its intricate optics and construction, which is primarily made of metal rather than plastic, and fits easily into jacket pockets. Although it lacks a handgrip of any kind, photographers who would prefer one can purchase first- and third-party add-on grips.
Despite being waterproof and not being robust, the camera nevertheless requires caution when in use. Dust and splash resistance are provided by Sony’s larger bridge-style RX10 series, but if you’re looking for a truly robust device with an image sensor larger than your smartphone, there aren’t many available. Although Sealife offers a 1-inch waterproof device called the DC2000, it lacks a zoom lens and has extremely basic features compared to other models.
5.Sony ZV-1 Camera
If you want to go beyond using your smartphone to record vlogs, the Sony ZV-1 is a little vlogging camera that is ideal. It shares similarities with the high-end Sony RX100 VII and uses a 1-inch sensor from an earlier RX100 series model, but its capabilities and design are more geared for vlogging. This implies that while there is no pop-up viewfinder or flash, there is a completely articulating screen that is perfect for vlogging. In addition, the camera features a directional microphone, a hot shoe for attaching an aux or flash microphone, and a retractable windscreen to reduce background noise. Its integrated 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 Zeiss lens also allows you some framing flexibility.
Although it’s not really meant for studio video, the Sony ZV-1 works well for point-and-shoot photography. Although the camera may record in Log format to retain more detail, you won’t be able to get as much use out of Log footage as you would with more capable video cameras due to the smaller sensor and restricted 8-bit 4:2:0 internal recording capability. While 4K video quality is generally good—especially in well-lit areas—FHD footage can appear a little fuzzy and grainy. Fortunately, its focusing technology has no trouble following moving objects. It lacks a headphone connector but has a mic input, so you may use an external microphone for better audio quality. Additionally, its user interface lacks a lot of intuitiveness.
This is a little vlogging camera, the Sony ZV1. Its mobility, which makes it easy and simple for beginners to use, is its biggest advantage over an interchangeable lens camera. It’s a video beast compared to other small-sensor compacts, boasting features tailored for vlogging, excellent autofocus, good internal recording specs, and good 4k video quality. It does, however, have low battery life and overheating problems, just like other tiny cameras.
6.GoPro Hero 12 Black
The GoPro Hero 12 Black is an adaptation of the well-proven GoPro design. GoPro is able to update its lineup without completely revamping it, much like Apple, and the 12 Black’s hardware isn’t all that new this year. However, considering the improved software experience, familiar hardware would not be a problem—especially for filmmakers and anyone hankering after external wireless audio capabilities.
Starting with the GoPro Hero 11 Black’s return for 2023, let’s talk about what it has. First, there’s the 27MP 8:7 sensor, which allows you to record in 16:9, 9:16, and 8:7 aspect ratios without having to flip your camera. It has a maximum resolution of 5.3K 60 frames per second and 4K 120 frames per second. You can also reduce the resolution to 2K, it even captures 240fps, something the DJI Osmo Action 4 can’t do.
Next, GoPro’s Hero design is back for round six – or is it seven? Seriously, GoPro is very wedded to the style introduced on the Hero 5 Black, so it hasn’t deviated too much from its overall aesthetic.
The GoPro Enduro (1720mAh) cell, which has higher specifications than the Hero 11 Black, is the same battery that was used in earlier Hero cameras. Moreover, the 12 Black is identical to the 11 Black in terms of weight, CPU, and size.
With so many similarities, you may be wondering what’s new and if the Hero 12 Black has a chance to be considered among our top action cameras considering that its predecessor, the GoPro Hero 11 Black, is more affordable while yet providing comparable capabilities.
The 1/4-inch thread mount between the Hero 12 Black’s flip-out feet—ideal for small tripods—is perhaps the most immediately practical innovation. In order to enhance the way the camera handles highlights and shadows, GoPro has included HDR video capture, which is a really effective feature.
For even more dynamic range footage and 10-bit color, filmmakers who wish to go a little further can activate GP-Log capture. This allows video to be easily color-matched and stitched into a timeline alongside clips from other cameras.
The 12 Black now supports wireless audio from a Bluetooth microphone, adding to the better audio possibilities. Any Bluetooth headphones or earphones will work with this, so if you have a set of the greatest wireless earbuds available, you can just pair them with your GoPro and hit record – it really is that simple.
How to choose the best travel camera for you
Choosing the ideal vacation camera can be more difficult than locating cheap airfares. A camera that can record steady video and take crisp still photos of your exciting excursions while remaining small enough to easily travel with is what you’ll need.
While selecting the best vacation camera, there are a few important considerations to make. Size is one of the most crucial factors. While compacts that fit in your pocket are convenient, larger mirrorless versions have larger sensors that will improve the quality of your vacation photos.
If venturing off the main path is part of your excursions, a travel camera with tough credentials might be worth your consideration. If you want to record smooth, fast-paced vacation videos, this might be one of the greatest action cameras available, comparable to the GoPro Hero 12 Black. Alternatively, it might be a robust little camera like the Olympic TG-7, which is among the best waterproof cameras.
It’s a good idea to consider the subjects you may photograph when traveling. While something light and quick is preferable for taking street photos when on a city holiday, a long zoom range will come in handy when going on safari. Zoom lenses are typically used by travel compacts like the Panasonic Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 to cover a range of shooting scenarios. Interchangeable lens cameras like the OM System OM-5 can similarly offer the flexibility of both worlds, but only if you’re happy to travel with extra barrels in your backpack.