The best travel cameras for your next big trip

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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 traveller will find it to be the best option.

To examine how each model performs when photographing while moving, we’ve evaluated it in real life for you to see below. We evaluate image quality and autofocus in addition to handling, battery life, and image stabilisation. We’ve made the process of selecting the perfect travel camera as easy as possible by outlining the advantages and disadvantages of each choice along with our recommendation for the appropriate user. If small size is your top priority, you should also read our guide to the best compact cameras.

QUICK LIST

• BEST OVERALL: OM System OM-5
• BEST COMPACT: Ricoh GR IIIx
• BEST DESIGN: Nikon Z fc
• BEST ACTION: GoPro Hero 12 Black
• BEST TOUGH: OM System Tough TG-7

The best travel cameras in 2024

Why you can trust Trusty Picked 
 We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best.

Complete reviews of each of the top travel cameras on our list can be found below. Since we’ve thoroughly examined each one, you can be certain that our suggestions are reliable.

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1. OM System OM-5

The best travel camera for most people

SPECIFICATIONS

Sensor: 20.4MP MFT Live MOS

Monitor: 3.0-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, 1.04m-dot

Viewfinder: OLED 2.36m-dot

Continuous shooting: 30fps electronic / 10fps mechanical

Movies: 4K/30p

User level: Beginner/Intermediate

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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 stabilisation and computational photography modes are just two of its many skills that were created with travellers and adventurers in mind.

We tested the OM-5 and discovered that it produces very decent video and stills for its size, with a high hit-rate of keepers thanks to a stabilisation technology good for 6.5 stops of adjustment. Along with the in-camera software gimmicks like Live ND and in-camera focus stacking—which are great for closeup images or blurring the sky for an ethereal effect—we also appreciated how well-made the camera’s knobs felt. The somewhat mediocre EVF clarity, 4K/30p video restriction, and relative limits of its smaller sensor are less favourable, but these are all reasonable compromises given the size and cost of this camera.

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2. Ricoh GR IIIx

The best travel camera that slips in your pocket

SPECIFICATIONS

Sensor: APS-C

Lens: 40mm f/2.8-16

Monitor: 3.0-inch TFT LCD touchscreen

Continuous shooting speed: 4fps

Viewfinder: None

User level: Intermediate

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The Ricoh GR IIIx is one of our top choices if you’re looking for a really portable camera with great image quality for trips into cities. It has a larger APS-C sensor, similar to those found on DSLRs and other larger cameras, with a fixed 40mm f/2.8 lens that produces incredibly fine images. Being one of the few real small cameras still in production in 2024, it is especially well-liked by street photographers.

With the GR IIIx, you’ll get a useful macro mode, an ingenious snap focus setting for predetermined focus distances, some beautiful colour profiles, and in-camera photo editing. You might even fall in love with black and white photography. Similar in perspective to your phone’s portrait lens, 40mm is another adaptable focal length for casual shooting.

The GR IIIx isn’t flawless; it lacks an integrated flash, has a short battery life, has a fixed touchscreen, and isn’t resistant to rough use. Nevertheless, you’re making those concessions in order to get the finest image quality possible from a camera this compact, so its shortcomings aren’t as significant for city breaks.

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3. Nikon Z fc

The best-looking retro travel camera

SPECIFICATIONS

Sensor: 20.9MP APS-C

Lens: Nikon Z mount

Monitor: 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1,040K dots

Viewfinder: EVF, 2,360K dots

Continuous shooting: 11fps

Movies: 4K at 30fps

User level: Enthusiast

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Travel photography is all about preserving memories, and Nikon’s Z fc beautifully captures nostalgia with its retro design, size, and dials, paying homage to the iconic 30-year-old Nikon FM2. Its exterior may be retro, but inside it’s a highly modern camera, with many of the same specifications as the competent Nikon Z50. With the help of dependable tracking autofocus, the Z fc’s APS-C sensor performs admirably in producing still images and 4K video, even though some photographers may prefer a full-frame sensor. Its 20.9MP sensor performed exceptionally well in our tests, particularly at ISO 800, and had an amazing dynamic range.

Another fantastic feature is its vari-angle touchscreen, which makes it simple to frame travel-themed selfies. It can also be folded entirely to give off a leather-back appearance that allows you to channel the Eighties. Although the Nikon Z fc lacks some of the durability of its inspiration camera (it isn’t waterproof, for instance), it is still a stunningly distinctive casual camera. It’s also convenient to operate while on the go thanks to its discrete controls for ISO, shutter speed, and exposure as well as its adjustable lens ring.

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4. GoPro Hero 12 Black

The best action camera for travel

SPECIFICATIONS

Sensor: 1/1.9in CMOS, 27MP

Lens: N/A

Monitor: 2.27-inch rear touchscreen, 1.4-inch front screen

Viewfinder: N/A

Continuous shooting: 30fps

Movies: 5.3K/60fps

User level: Beginner

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The GoPro Hero 12 Black is the best option if you’re searching for a high-resolution action camera for your trip that can capture clear images and fluid videos with equal ease. Although the Hero 11 Black received a lacklustre update, that doesn’t always mean a bad thing considering the camera was already really good. Its maximum resolution of 5.3K/60p surpasses that of the DJI Osmo Action 4, and it features the same 1/1.9in sensor with a flexible 8:9 aspect ratio that allows you to repurpose footage for different social channels without sacrificing quality. Dramatic TimeWarps can be recorded at full 5.3K quality, photo sequences can be shot at a fast 30 frames per second, and 24.7MP stills can be extracted from 5.3K video.

The Hero 11 Black has not changed in terms of design; the two tough versions are identical in every way and both include a big Enduro battery as standard, which allows for longer roadside recharging intervals. You can adjust the user experience using the “Easy” and “Pro” modes on the same interface based on your ability level. Handheld video stabilisation is remarkably accomplished using Superior Horizon Lock and HyperSmooth 5.0 smarts. Pros will mostly benefit from the Hero 11 Black’s minor upgrades, which include 10-bit video, multi-channel audio capability, and flat Log colour settings. Though it could save you a little money, most individuals don’t see much need to upgrade or choose the Hero 12 Black over its predecessor.

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5. OM System Tough TG-7

The best rugged action camera for travel

SPECIFICATIONS

Sensor: 12MP 1/2.3-inch

Lens: 25-100mm, f/2-4.9

Monitor: 3.0-inch, 1,040K dots

Viewfinder: N/A

Continuous shooting: 20fps

Movies: 4K/30p

User level: Beginner/intermediate

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Because tough cameras, like the TG-6, are waterproof, shockproof, and freeze-proof, they may be used in situations that you just wouldn’t think to use your pricey camera or phone for. For this reason, the TG-7 is still among the best travel cameras available. Its wide buttons make it easy to use under the waves or while wearing gloves, and its 3-inch LCD display provides decent visibility in most lighting circumstances. Its industrial style feels reassuringly sturdy.

The camera’s 1/2.3-inch sensor produced images with beautiful, rich colours and respectable image quality, despite a tendency to overexpose and blow out highlights. Equivalent zoom coverage of 25–100 mm is reasonable, and raw filming and 4K video are added features that increase adaptability. Even though the TG-7’s image quality may not be as good as your phone’s for everyday shots, it will nevertheless enable you to record unforgettable vacation experiences. In addition, it comes with a number of helpful attachments, like a ring light for up-close shots.

How to choose the best travel camera for you

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How to choose the best travel camera

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 travelling. 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 compact cameras, like the Panasonic Lumix ZS200 / TZ200, to cover a variety of shooting situations. Similar to that, interchangeable lens cameras, such as the OM System OM-5, can provide the versatility of both worlds—that is, assuming you don’t mind carrying about extra barrels in your backpack.

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Which type of camera is best for traveling?

There are many different sizes and shapes for travel cameras. What you want to photograph, how you prefer to travel, and how much gear you’re prepared to haul around will all determine which type is best for you.

Travel zoom compacts with a large field of view, like the Panasonic Lumix ZS200 / TZ200, are compact and provide a great way to capture a variety of objects. They allow you to shoot wide or up close to the action because of their long zoom lenses. A smaller sensor is typically the trade-off for all of this versatility in a small body, making it less practical for low-light photography.

Consider high-end compact cameras if you prefer small size and don’t require the versatility of a zoom lens. Zoom range is sacrificed in models like the Fujifilm X100V in favour of larger sensors, often an APS-C chip (in the case of the X100V) that are better at gathering light.

Bridge cameras fall in between compacts and mirrorless cameras. Although they are heavier than a typical compact, they are easier to handle and have a wider zoom range without requiring additional lenses to be carried. Although they are becoming harder to find, new bridge cameras like the Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV are still rather good.

Travelling with several lenses is not an issue for many of the greatest mirrorless cameras, as they were made with that purpose in mind. For cameras such as the OM System OM-5, this translates to a weatherproof, portable body, practical image stabilisation for shooting while moving, and a flexible Micro Four Thirds sensor that strikes a balance between performance and size. Additionally, you may bring different optics for different types of trips or go with a dependable all-around solution because there are so many different lenses to pick from.

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Is a DSLR or mirrorless camera better for travel photography?

Most photographers seek to strike a balance between mobility and performance when it comes to trip photography. In this particular combination, mirrorless cameras will virtually always be superior than their DSLR competitors. Compared to DSLRs, mirrorless devices are often lighter and smaller, which makes them more portable and easy to use.

Many of the top mirrorless travel cameras may rival or surpass DSLR cameras in terms of image quality, autofocus performance, and video functionality, despite their smaller size. This makes them flexible instruments for shooting while moving around, particularly if you go for a model that offers in-body image stabilisation for crisp handheld images. A well-established lens mount system on a mirrorless camera means that you’ll have no trouble finding plenty of glass to bring on your vacation.

Nevertheless, there are still some good reasons to think about using a DSLR camera when travelling. For photographers who want to shoot for extended periods of time, the DSLR format’s larger, more ergonomic grip may be more comfortable. Excellent battery life is another feature of the finest DSLR cameras, which is helpful if you intend to spend several days away from electricity while travelling.

Budget may also play a role, particularly if you’re worried about bringing a pricey camera on your trip. Both used mirrorless cameras and DSLRs from earlier generations can be very affordable. You should also check out our list of the top inexpensive cameras, which has a few choices suitable for trip photography.

How we test travel cameras

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As purchasing a camera these days is an investment, we have thoroughly examined each camera included in our guide because we know how expensive they can be. We place a lot of emphasis on real-world testing, as well as standardised tests for aspects like ISO performance, because these provide the most insightful understanding of a camera’s capabilities and character, especially for travel cameras.

In order to determine how well-suited the camera is for life on the road, we first examine its handling, design, and controls. We then search for any unique features that would be especially helpful for travellers. We will test its startup speed and determine its capabilities by using it both handed and on a tripod during our shoot.

In terms of performance, we record in both raw and JPEG (if available) on a formatted SD card. In order to determine whether a burst shooting test lives up to its promised speeds, we set up our standard test parameters (1/250 sec, ISO 200, continuous AF). We then take a series of shots in front of a stopwatch. We’ll run the test for both raw and JPEG files and examine how quickly the buffers clear.

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We also test the camera’s multiple autofocus modes (Face and Eye AF) in single point, area, and continuous modes under varied lighting circumstances. In order to gain an understanding of the metering and the sensor’s capacity to manage noise and capture fine details, we also take a variety of images in both raw and JPEG formats, specialising in portrait, landscape, low light, macro, and close-up shots.

We’ll also process a few test photographs to see how we can push areas such as shadow recovery if Adobe Camera Raw is able to process the raw files from the camera. In order to get a feel for the ISO settings we’d be willing to push the camera to, we’ll also evaluate the ISO performance throughout the entire range.

We use the camera all day long with the screen set to the default settings to assess battery life in a real-world scenario. We’ll count the number of shots after the battery runs out of power to compare it to the camera’s CIPA rating. Lastly, we use the companion app to record some test footage at various frame rates and resolutions to assess the camera’s video capabilities.

Before making our final decision, we consider all we’ve learned about the camera and take its price into account to determine how much value it gives.