10 Best Cameras for Travel

Best compact cameras for traveling

Starting with a selection of cameras for those travelers who do not claim to a high professional level of shooting, but the characteristics of even the flagship smartphone are not enough for their purposes. Compact point-and-shoot cameras have, on average, a thicker sensor than most smartphones anyway. And what is almost the most important – the optical zoom, which for obvious reasons in a smartphone can not even come close to compare with a very modest camera.

anasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60/TZ80

Rating: 4.9

Very impressive by its functionality Panasonic “soapbox” of Lumix line is the first number in a compact cameras’ selection. A logical continuation of the successful and popular ZS50, which is no longer in production. Sales started in March 2016.

Despite the “soapbox” form factor, the device is relatively bulky and massive – 112x64x38mm dimensions and 282g – weight incl. batteries. However, on the background of any DSLR, such dimensions remain within the category of compact.

It is equipped with a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens with 30x optical zoom, focal length of 24-720mm, aperture of F3.3-F6.4. A total of 12 optical parts in 9 groups, including aspherical lenses. The built-in lens has an optical stabilizer for photography.

Resolution 2.The 3-inch CMOS sensor in this model is 19Mpixels (effective 18.1 million pixels). Krop factor – 5.62. ISO sensitivity range from 80 to 3200.

To point at the subject, you can use the electronic viewfinder or focus on the image broadcast on the built-in 3-inch LCD screen. The user has at his disposal a macro mode, express shooting at up to 10 frames per second, timer for 2 and 10 seconds, four aspect ratio frame size to choose from. Focus includes manual focus, contrast AF, support for 49 backlit focus points and Face AF. Shutter speed range – 60 to 1/16000 sec. Aperture and shutter speed can be set manually.

The device can save the resulting images in lossless RAW format or in JPEG with two levels of compression. SD, SDHC, SDXC as well as Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo memory cards are supported for data storage. Connecting to computer – via USB2.0 (supports charging), to the TV – through HDMI, wireless connectivity – Wi-Fi.

Advantages

• handy body;
• Optical stabilizer;
• powerful optical zoom;
• fast and accurate autofocus;
• RAW support;
• 4K video shooting;
• Wi-Fi;
• Mobile app for remote control.

Disadvantages

• Not a very high capacity own-format battery.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

Rating: 4.8

The second issue in the review offers the attention of the compact camera manufactured by Sony, which is largely similar to the characteristics of the previous version, and earned high marks from experts. It’s not the newest model, nor is it the previous one, but it’s time-tested and experienced by many travelers, including famous ones.

The unit is slightly smaller and measurably lighter than its predecessor – 102x58x36mm dimensions and 213g – weight. The standard lens is a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar with 7 optical elements in six groups. The optical zoom is only 3.6x, and in this the device is greatly inferior to the previous model, but this is not its disadvantage, but the noticeable advantage of the above-described model. Focal lengths from 28 to 100.8 mm.

The sensor in this model is slightly more interesting than the previous version – 20.2 million effective pixels at 13.2×8.8mm (1 inch) allows you to shoot at a maximum resolution of 5472×3648. Krop factor 2.7. Sensitivity of the sensor ranges from 80 to 3200ISO.

The modes and shooting capabilities of this device are almost exactly the same as the previous one. There is an “express” mode with up to 10 frames per second, macro mode, timer for 2 and 10 seconds, support for four different formats (proportions) of the frame, optical stabilizer, manual and automatic white balance. Video shooting is possible in resolutions up to F

HD 1920×1080 with high frame rate up to 60fps.

This model does not have a viewfinder, when you take a picture you have to look at the 3-inch color LCD screen. Shutter speed and aperture can be set manually or set to automatic mode, giving priority to either shutter or aperture. Minimal distance to the subject – 0.05m.

Configuration of memory and interfaces here, too, is almost exactly like the previous model: saving pictures in JPEG and RAW; support for memory cards, including Memory Stick family; for connecting to a computer or monitor (TV) are ports USB 2.0 and HDMI.

To sum it all up, the combination of an unusually large, for a point-and-shoot sensor, a fast lens and high-quality optics makes this camera an impressive performer when shooting in low light. The device minimizes “noise” at high ISO and copes well with contrast scenes.

Advantages

• brand;
• large sensor;
• image stabilization quality;
• RAW support;
• High picture quality in low light conditions;
• optical stabilizer.

Disadvantages

• Weak optical zoom.

Canon Powershot SX740

Rating: 4.7



Another compact travel camera offers us a manufacturer that needs no special introduction – Canon. Its overall performance is better than the Panasonic travel camera described above at an even more affordable price point.

The first thing I like about this model is the long optical zoom of 40x. At 1/2.3-inch sensor with a maximum aperture of f/3.3 here are the typical and inevitable pitfalls, such as “dropping” the same aperture down to f/6.9 at maximum zoom. You have to be prepared for this, but the powerful zoom is definitely worth it when traveling.

Dimensions of the camera – 110x64x40mm, weight – 299g including battery (own form factor). Focal length of the lens is 24-960mm. 13 optical elements in 11 groups, including aspherical and low dispersion lenses. No viewfinder, visual pointing control is through a 3-inch color rotating LCD screen.

20 resolution sensor.3 million effective pixels to capture images at a resolution of 5184×3888. Sensitivity of the sensor is 100-3200 ISO. Krop Factor 5.62. In video mode the camera is capable of giving quality 4K 3840×2160 at a frame rate of 25-30 per second. When lowering the video resolution to at least F

lHD 1920×1080 frame rate can be increased up to 60 per second. The maximum video file size is 4 GB.

A number of important points in this model is the same as the previous two: automatic and manual white balance (including the list of presets); optical stabilizer; macro mode, express 10 fps; timer for 2 and 10 seconds; support for four frame aspect ratio.

Potential shutter life in this model is 15-1/3200s, with automatic and manual settings. Manual and auto focus modes, including Face Detection. Minimum effective shooting distance 0.01m.

Footage can be stored on standard external memory cards, but only in JPEG format. Connecting to a computer via USB2 interface.0 with rechargeable or Wi-Fi enabled.

Advantages

• powerful zoom;
• High sensor resolution;
• 4K video shooting;
• Wi-Fi;
• Generally very good value for money.

Disadvantages

• RAW is not supported.

Olympus TG-5 Waterproof Camera

Rating: 4.6



The Expertology rounds out our picks of the best travel cameras for compact travel, especially for those whose device will inevitably come into heavy contact with water while traveling. Olympus offers a well-balanced solution.

Not only is this model waterproof in terms of protection against getting wet. Here everything is much more serious – with Olympus TG-5 you can really make underwater photos up to 15 meters deep. In addition, the camera is shock resistant – independent research shows that the device is not afraid of falls from heights up to 2 meters. Unlike many other low-cost and compact “underwater” solutions, it has a full-fledged 4x optical zoom without external moving parts.

The camera measures 113x66x32mm and weighs 250g including its own form factor battery. Rugged metal body available in three colors – red, blue, black. The device is equipped with effective dust protection and anti-fogging features. The lens has 9 optical elements in 7 groups, including aspherical lenses. Focal length – 25-100mm. F2-F4 aperture.9. It accepts interchangeable attachments.

The sensor on this model is weaker than on the previous ones, but in the context of potential use it’s a minor drawback against the advantages. Its size is 1/2.33″, 12 millions effective pixels, cropped ratio 5.7, sensitivity 100-3200ISO.

Another great thing about this travel camera that’s considered outstanding is its speed. It can shoot up to 20 frames per second in super high speed mode (for RAW format the maximum series is 14), which is twice as much as with any of the above mentioned models. In terms of video, here the capabilities of the device reaches exorbitant values of 480 frames per second. But only at resolutions below HD. In 4K 3840×2160 resolution the frame rate limit does not exceed 30 frames per second.

Wi-Fi, on-the-fly recharging from almost any compatible source via USB 2, and a lot of other useful things you can do with the TG-5.0, connection to the monitor via HDMI. A nice bonus for travel is the presence of a GPS navigation module.

The battery is a bit of a disappointment against the background of such bright features. The rechargeable battery is more than enough for the average shooter. But high frame rate and top resolution require a full charge, which will “eat up” quickly. Partly saving the situation is the possibility of recharging the power bank on the fly, but not under water.

Advantages

• Effective water-, dust-, shock-proof;
• GPS module;
• Wi-Fi;
• shooting in HDR mode;
• On-the-fly charging;
• Outstanding frame rate.

Disadvantages

• the battery holds resource-intensive modes only on a full charge.

The best mirrorless cameras for travel

There is a middle ground between compact point-and-shoot cameras and full-fledged DSLRs: mirror-less cameras. Many travelers find this form-factor optimal, especially when it comes to the level of filming with a claim to professionalism. The main advantages of such a solution before the “soap boxes” – interchangeable lenses, a larger matrix, in general, better photo quality. Expertology brings you a selection of models that have been highly acclaimed by Expertology and the industry at large.

Canon M100

Rating: 4.9



Let’s start with another successful and commercially successful Canon product for quality amateur travel photography – the mirrorless interchangeable optics camera M100 series. The standard lens is included, lens mount is Canon EF-M. Model hit the market in October 2017.

This model is equipped with a large CMOS APS-C sensor, similar in format to those installed on DSLRs. The size of the matrix is 22.3h14.9mm. But there is still a cropped factor of 1.6. The number of effective pixels in the sensor is 24.2 million, resolution up to 6000×4000. Recognizes tones up to 42 bit depth with a sensitivity of 100-3200ISO. Sensor cleaning function.

Dimensions and weight this model exceeds the above compact devices, but not too much: 108x67x35mm dimensions and 302g – weight including the battery. No viewfinder, pointing image is transmitted to a 3-inch rotary LCD touch screen.

The main parameters and shooting features of the M100 are as follows. The speed of photo fixation is up to 6.1 frame per second. When shooting bursts, the number of images in a series is up to 89 for JPEG format and 21 for the lossless RAW format. There is a timer for 2 and 10 second delays. Exposure time in standard configuration – 30-1/4000s. Aperture and shutter speed can be adjusted manually individually. Has the functions of exposure autoprocessing, exposure metering and exposure compensation. Autofocus is phase locked with 49 focus points, including face or manual focus.

The device is also capable of shooting video in MP4 format with the quality of F

lHD 1920×1080 with frame rates up to 50-60 per second. The maximum video file size – 4GB. All footage is stored on popular memory cards – SD, SDHC, SDXC. You can also transfer data wirelessly via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, or directly to a computer via USB 2.0. A useful bonus is the presence of near field wireless communication module NFC.

Useful extra features of this model: orientation sensor, control with a computer or remote control, HDR mode.

Advantages

• It is compact and lightweight;
• Large APS-C format sensor;
• High picture quality;
• video shooting in F
  lHD 60 fps;
  • a variety of well-designed shooting modes;
  • touch screen.

  Disadvantages

  • Not the most user-friendly proprietary software.

  Sony Alpha ILCE-6000 Kit

  Rating: 4.8

  

  We continue our review of the best mirrorless travel cameras by Expertology magazine, and already a bit of a veteran of the super dynamic camera market. This model entered the market in 2014, but it was so successful and collected such a powerful positive feedback from users that it is still in high demand among travelers and just photography enthusiasts.

  Right away it’s worth pointing out a feature of this model which could be crucial for many users. It comes with a kit lens on a Sony E mount. But thanks to its small focal length, the device lets you install almost any third-party lenses through adapters.

  Dimensions of the device – 120x67x45mm without lens, weight without battery – 285g. It comes in three colors – black, white, silver. In addition to a 3-inch swiveling LCD screen, you can navigate through an electronic viewfinder with a 100% field of view for pointing.

  Like its predecessor, it uses an APS-C sized sensor 23.5×15.6mm with 24.3 million effective pixels. Exactly the same maximum resolution – 6000×4000 and a similar cropped factor – 1.5. Sensitivity – 100-3200ISO. Has cleaning function.

  Exposure capabilities of this model are to be expected to be more than of any of the above mentioned “point-and-shoot” models. Shutter speed and aperture can be adjusted automatically or manually. Exposure auto-processing with different priorities (shutter or aperture), three metering options, exposure compensation and bracketing. Autofocus is hybrid, backlit, face-targeting and can be adjusted manually.

  The possibilities in terms of shooting high-quality video in this model are a little wider than in the previous one. The device can record stream as F

  lHD 60fps and even shoot in 3D. Up to 11 frames per second for stills.

  You can save material in JPEG, RAW – photo or AVCHD, MP4 – video. The device supports various memory card formats, including the high-performance Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo. Data transfer alternatives – HDMI connection, USB2.0, Wi-Fi.

  The capacity of the battery of own form factor here is 1080mAh, which corresponds to about 360 shots, according to the manufacturer, which generally corresponds to reality.

  Advantages

  • reliability and reliability;
  • Compact enough;
  • Video shooting in F
    lHD 60fps;
    • 3D shooting;
    • Wi-Fi;
    • high compatibility with different lenses (through adapters).

    Disadvantages

    • individual claims of a highly specialized nature from the users.

    Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III

    Rating: 4.7

    

    Olympus continues our review with a prime example of Olympus’ excellence in the area of photographic technique. A brilliant representative of the Mark series, which, although noticeably more expensive than the aforementioned Sony camera, but the price difference in terms of functionality pays off completely. The model hit the market in September 2017.

    One of the major differences from the previous two mirror-less cameras is the presence of an optical stabilization system in the body, and this system, according to professionals, of high quality. Dimensions of the device – 122x84x50mm without taking into account the regular lens. Weight – 410g including its own battery. Available in two colors – black or silver. Micro 4/3 mount. There is a digital viewfinder and LCD touch screen.

    This model has a sensor type

  • ve MOS a different format than the previous two. It is a standard MFT (Micro 4:3 17.3×13.0mm), slightly smaller in size than APS-C, but this has little effect on image quality. Krop factor 2. The number of effective pixels is 16.1 million. The ultimate shooting resolution is 4608×3456. Tone recognition with a depth of 36 bits. Sensitivity – 100-3200ISO. has a cleaning function.

    It captures up to 8 times faster in still image mode.6 frames per second. Can hold up to 22 consecutive RAW images. There is a Time-lapse mode. Timer for 2 and 12 seconds. Shutter speed options range from 60-1/16000 s, there are automatic and manual settings, auto exposure processing, exposure correction and bracketing. Contrast autofocus with 121 points of focus, in the face and manually.

    The camera has a special praise for its potential to shoot video while travelling. So you can record MOV video in 4K 3840×2160. At 1920×1080 you can shoot at 60fps, and at 1280×720 twice as fast. HDR mode is supported.

    Advantages

    • Optical stabilizer in the body
    • sharp and fast autofocus;
    • 4K video shooting;
    • Wi-Fi;
    • A large number of shooting programs;
    • Compatible with multiple lenses.

    Disadvantages

    • Can’t recharge via USB.

    Fujifilm X-A5

    Rating: 4.6

    

    Rounding out the selection of the best mirrorless travel cameras according to Expertology is the novelty of 2018 – the amateur X-A5 series camera from Fujifilm. Despite its amateur status, the device has a number of important features on par with professional models. Comes on sale as a complete set with a staff lens (Kit), and as just a “carcass” at a lower price.

    The size of the device – 117x68x40mm excluding the lens, weight – 361g with a battery (its own form factor) and 311g – without. Fujifilm X Mount. It has a classic, almost vintage look and comes in four basic colors. No viewfinder, the image is displayed on a 3-inch LCD touch screen.

    The built-in lens got high marks from our experts, not least because of the high-quality optical stabilization. The body of the camera does not have a stabilizer.

    CMOS-matrix APS-C size 23.5×15.7mm contains 24.2 million pixels, all effective. Cropped factor – 1.5. The maximum resolution is 6000×4000. Sensitivity – 100-3200ISO. There is a cleaning function.

    Shooting speed in photo mode up to 6 frames per second. There’s Time-lapse mode and continuous shooting of up to 10 JPEG photos. Timer for 2 and 10 seconds. Shutter speed can be set within the range of 30-1/32000 seconds in automatic and manual modes. Exposure compensation, metering and bracketing. Hybrid autofocus with 91 points of focus – one of the weaknesses of this model, some users note its slow and sometimes unpredictable operation.

    The video capabilities of this model are almost the same as the previous one, resolution up to 4K 3840×2160, framerate up to 60fps in 1920×1080 resolution mode.

    The camera has all the necessary wired and wireless interfaces: USB 2.0 with charging support, HDMI, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Can be controlled by remote control. Estimated battery life corresponds to about 450 shots, according to the manufacturer.

    Advantages

    • quality sensor;
    • 4K video shooting;
    • Charging via USB 2.0;
    • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth;
    • vintage design.

    Disadvantages

    • slow autofocus.

    The best DSLRs for travel

    This third mini-set includes a full-fledged DSLR. For travel, this is the heaviest in every sense of the option, but for shooting, pretending to a professional, there is no special choice. Our experts have decided to pay attention only to two manufacturers in this review – the market kings Nikon and Canon. According to a cumulative analysis of the experience of famous photographers and travel-bloggers, the models below received the highest marks in the affordable price category.

    Nikon D3500

    Rating: 4.9

    

    One of the most remarkable combinations of price, quality and features shows Nikon D3500 series. The price is even cheaper than many mirrorless cameras, and the price includes a standard lens.

    It measures 124x97x70mm without the lens, and weighs 365g (excluding battery). The body is classic only in black. Mount – Nikon F. SLR optical viewfinder, plus 3-inch 921,000-dot LCD screen.

    The camera is equipped with CMOS-matrix format APS-C (23.5×15.6mm) with 24.2 million effective pixels. Sensitivity 100-3200ISO, Krop Factor 1.5. Tone recognition with a depth of 36 bits. Resolution limit – 6000×4000. Shutter speed range of 30-1/4000 s, there are four exposure metering modes, bracketing. Phased autofocus with 11 focus points; manual focus mode, face focus, electronic rangefinder available.

    This model shoots at up to 5 frames per second. Timer has 4 modes – 2, 5, 10 and 20 seconds. Video is recorded in MOV format with up to 1920×1080 resolution at up to 60 frames per second. JPEG and RAW file formats.

    USB 2 interfaces are used to connect the camera.0, HDMI, and Bluetooth wireless. Supports SD, SDHC, SDXC memory cards. The long battery of its own form factor correlates to about 1,550 photos taken.

    A separate note should be made here to warn our readers against the misconception. Many resources, including reputable ones, state in descriptions of this model that the camera contains a “screwdriver” (autofocus drive). Actually there is no “screwdriver” in the body of the device, which means that only those lenses that contain their own drive can fit it, and they are significantly more expensive in mass.

    Advantages

    • brand;
    • picture quality;
    • usability;
    • high-capacity battery;
    • ergonomics;
    • Relatively affordable price.

    Disadvantages

    • does not shoot video in 4K.

    Canon EOS 200D Kit

    Rating: 4.8

    

    At the end of our review, let’s look at the device, which in key characteristics is almost similar to the previous one with a number of advantages, which determined its higher price. By and large, the most important difference between them is the brand, in the context of the eternal debate “which is better – Canon or Nikon?” The model was released in July 2017.

    Dimensions of the camera without lens – 122x93x70mm, weight including battery – 456g. Mount – Canon EF/EF-S. The body is classic, the quality of parts and workmanship is not in doubt, although some people are confused by the plastic. Optical reflex viewfinder with 95% field of view is complemented by a 3-inch rotary touch screen. Pretty powerful built-in flash “reaches” almost 10 meters of effective lighting for photos.

    The characteristics of the sensor here are almost exactly the same as in the previous model with minimal differences. So, in this case the size is slightly different – 22.3 h 14.9mm, but the resolution and capacity are exactly the same -24.2 million pixels and 6000×4000 maximum resolution. The depth of tint recognition is noticeably better – 42 bits. Cropped-fator 1.6.

    In photo mode, the speed is up to 5 frames per second. In video mode, you can record clips in 1920×1080 resolution with a frame rate up to 60fps in MOV format with MPEG4 codec.

    Interface suite includes USB 2.0, HDMI video output, audio inputs/outputs, remote control jack, wireless modules Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC. In terms of autonomy, this model is no longer as remarkable as the previous model, but 660 conditional estimated shots on a single charge – also a very decent result.

    Advantages

    • high quality shooting;
    • ergonomics;
    • combination of price and features;
    • usability;
    • wi-fi, Bluetooth and NFC;
    • high-capacity battery.

    Disadvantages

    • Doesn’t shoot 4K video.
    Read more  12 best DSLRs