Best travel camera 2024: versatile cameras for holidays

T3’s roundup of the best travel cameras available to buy right now

A person taking a picture of a bird in a jungle using the best travel camera

When we’re on holiday or a special trip, we probably take the most pictures - therefore it makes sense to pick up the best travel camera rather than solely relying on your smartphone.

Despite a couple of years of travel restrictions, the travel camera market is still filled with a wide range of different models. No matter what your budget, skill level or genre requirements, there’s something that will suit you out there.

Many of our buying guides settle on one particular camera as an outright winner. It’s harder to do that when it comes to travel cameras since there are lots of different reasons why something could be considered a good travel camera.

As such, our list is fairly diverse, giving you a good range of options to choose between depending on exactly what you need.

It’s always a good idea to reserve a healthy budget for a travel camera, especially if you’re embarking on a particularly exciting or unusual trip. After all, long after you’ve returned home, you’ll still have the pictures to look back on if you choose well.

Cameras equipped with a large zoom are also often touted as ideal travel cameras, giving you the option to take pictures from landscapes to faraway subjects with ease. If that’s what you require, there are a couple of small compact cameras on our list, as well as more advanced (and bulkier), bridge cameras.

How to buy the best travel camera for you

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When it comes to buying the best travel camera, you’ll probably be facing a decision between portability and image quality. Picking up something which neatly fits in a pocket or bag makes a lot of sense if you’re restricted on your baggage allowance. 

That said, if you’re aiming to capture memories that will last a lifetime, you might argue that having the best flexibility with different lenses and so on is the most sensible choice. 

For those in the former camp, the Sony RX100 VII is probably the best choice, but if your budget isn’t enormous then it likely won’t appeal. In which case, have a look for older RX100 models which are still great cameras and come in at different price points. The Panasonic TZ200 is also a fantastic alternative that gives you a decent zoom paired with a one-inch sensor for good all-around travel shooting.

Another type of travel photographer is the “adventure” type. If that's you, then the market leader and obvious choice is the GoPro Hero 10 Black. You can use it to grab videos (and even some stills) of your most daring exploits, up mountains, under the sea, and even for more sedate activities such as poolside and beachside activities. 

If you’re the type whose main reason for going on holiday is to capture photographs, then it will be image quality that is at the forefront of your mind. If you still want to travel light, then models which use a sensor smaller than full-frame make for the best compromise. 

There’s the Nikon Z50, an APS-C model which is well-suited to travel, as well as cameras such as the Fujifilm X-T30 and the Canon EOS M6 Mark II. There are also Micro Four Thirds models such as the Panasonic G90 and the Olympus PEN E-P7 which with their overall very small system size give you the most flexibility. For those that do want to go full-frame, cameras like the Nikon Z6 II make a lot of sense. 

Bridge models make for excellent travel options, giving you a bit of everything all in one model. The best ones out there right now are the Sony RX10 IV and the Panasonic FZ2000, but if zoom is your main concern, then the Nikon P1000 offers a ridiculous 125x zoom - ideal for safaris. 

Finally, there’s another two types of compact cameras. The first are long-zoom models such as the Canon SX740 which although offering a large zoom compromise on image quality by offering a small sensor. Then, you’ve got fixed lens models such as the Fujifilm X100V which offer superb image quality, but only one focal length to shoot with.

There’s always a compromise to be made, so with all of these things considered, read on to find one which is best suited to your needs.

The best travel cameras you can buy today

The best travel camera: Panasonic TZ200T3 Best Buy Award

The best travel zoom compact now offers even more reach

Specifications

Sensor size: One-inch
Resolution: 20.1MP
Lens: 24-360mm, f/3.3-6.4
Viewfinder: EVF
Monitor: 3.0-inch, 1,240K dots
Video: 4K

Reasons to buy

+
One-inch sensor
+
15x optical zoom 

Reasons to avoid

-
Small EVF
-
Fixed screen 

For the ultimate marriage between high portability while keeping high-image quality, the TZ200 is currently the best around. Panasonic has kept the predecessor, the TZ100 in the line-up, giving you two options depending on your budget. 

For the extra cash, the TZ200 gives you greater flexibility with a 15x optical zoom lens, a higher resolution electronic viewfinder, a slightly better screen (which is touch-sensitive, but fixed in place), and an improved battery life. 

Ergonomics have also been improved by the addition of a strip along the front of the camera to help you get a better grip on it. Although relatively expensive, the TZ200 is a fantastic all-rounder without too much compromise.

Sony RX100 VIIT3 Approved Award

(Image credit: Sony)
The perfect premium pocket-rocket - but with a huge price to pay

Specifications

Sensor size: One inch
Resolution: 20.1MP
Lens: 20-200mm f/2.8-4.5
Viewfinder: 2.35-million fot retractable finder
Monitor: Tilting, 921k-dot 3.0-inch LCD
Video: 4K

Reasons to buy

+
Great range of features
+
Pocket friendly 
+
Pop-up viewfinder

Reasons to avoid

-
None, really

If budget is no problem, there should be nothing stopping you from investing in the RX100 VII. It offers pretty much everything you could ever hope for in a pocket-friendly camera. The large one-inch sensor produces excellent results, while the highly flexible zoom lens gets you nice and close to the action, while also being wide enough for excellent landscapes and interior shots. 

A pop-up viewfinder is great for traditionalists when it comes to composing, or if the sun is a little bit too bright to see the screen properly. Video specifications are also good, with a new microphone socket no doubt appealing to the travel vlogging community - of which there are many. 

If you’re a mainly a stills shooter, there’s little to be gained from picking up the VII compared with the ever so slightly older VI, while others down the line are also still fantastic buys if you don’t need such a long zoom. 

Nikon Z30T3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Nikon)
Though primarily targeted at content creators, Nikon’s most compact ‘Z’ series interchangeable lens mirrorless camera yet will also suit travellers

Specifications

Sensor size: APS-C
Resolution: 20.9 megapixel
Continuous shooting: Up to 11fps
Video: 4K
Stabilisation: Lens only

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent image quality
+
Robust construction
+
Large handgrip makes for steadier shooting
+
Compact dimensions and lightweight nature also make it suited to travel

Reasons to avoid

-
Still too chunky to fit in pockets
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Price point is high for what’s billed as an entry-level option

Baby sister to the existing Z 50, this time Nikon has online influencers, vloggers and content creators of all descriptions in its sights, though its compact size also makes it well suited to travel. Whatever its eventual audience, it’s selling its smallest mirrorless camera to date as ‘video first’, meaning the option of up to 35 minutes of 4K video in a single sequence, or 125 minutes of Full HD video. Omitting both an eye level viewfinder and built-in flash as result, swift operation centres around the tilt and swivel LCD screen at the back, and of course the 20.9MP APS-C sensor at its heart. 

Despite the slimmed down Z 30 design, we still get a reassuringly chunky handgrip that makes for steady one-handed recording. Resulting imagery delivers plenty of contrast and detail, while the built-in stereo microphone also impresses.  Photos are crisp and sharply rendered too, via the 16-50mm kit lens.

With the ability to add an external mic for even better sound and a hotshoe for various accessories, this one can be expanded beyond what initially emerges from the box. If we’ve a grumble it’s that the body-only price is a little high for a ‘starter’ option. So seek out the lens and accessory bundles available that suggest better value if you’re stepping up to this from a smartphone and don’t already own a bunch of Nikon lenses.

Fujifilm X-T30T3 Approved Award

A stylish, compact travel camera with a great selection of lenses

Specifications

Sensor size: ASP-C back-illuminated X-Trans CMOS 4 senso
Resolution: 26.1MP
Lens: N/A
Viewfinder: 2.36 million dot EVF
Monitor: 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1,037,000 dots
Video: 4K

Reasons to buy

+
Great build quality
+
Superb value for money
+
Lovely default JPEG output
+
Quick AF

Reasons to avoid

-
No in-body stabilisation

Much like the X-T20 before it, the X-T30 borrows the best bits from the X-T3 and delivers them inside a smaller, lighter and more affordable body. It's a winning combination which made the T20 Fujifilm's most popular model. 

Quite franky, we think the Fujifilm X-T30 could be the perfect camera for most people. It's got a tough body (although, not weather proof), lightening fast auto focus performance, and, most importantly, great image quality straight out of the camera.

If you need even more reasons to buy one, the T30 is also capable of recording beautiful 4K video, and it can do all this for a very reasonable price.

Canon EOS R7T3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Canon)
Canon’s mirrorless EOS R series introduces its first APS-C sensor incorporating option for those looking to ‘downsize’ from DSLRs – which also makes it an ideal travel camera

Specifications

Sensor size: APS-C
Resolution: 32.5 megapixel
Continuous shooting: 30fps
Video: 4K
Stabilisation: In-body

Reasons to buy

+
High resolution at a relatively affordable price
+
Two memory card slots
+
Built-in image stabiliser

Reasons to avoid

-
Not full frame
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More expensive than its EOS R10 sibling if the higher resolution of the R7 isn’t crucial 
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No body integral pop-up flash, unlike the cheaper R10

With the aim to make smaller yet high speed and high performance cameras ideally positioned for enthusiasts, Canon has, for once, deviated from the full frame sensor models that make up its enthusiast and pro-targeted EOS R mirrorless camera series. Both the EOS R7 shown here and simultaneously released R10 incorporate physically smaller APS-C sensors, as commonly found in its consumer-level DSLRs. The EOS R7 is the bigger brother of the two, featuring a 32.5MP resolution. Given this, its intended audience, says Canon, is wildlife photographers, who will relish the extra detail, along with sports photographers. The latter group will benefit from the fact that this camera, along with its lower resolution sibling, has the fastest continuous mechanical shutter of an APS-C EOS camera at 15fps, with the alternatives, via use of the electronic shutter, being 30fps and 23fps.

As with most mirrorless touch screen cameras these days, on the EOS R7 we can bias which portion of our frame is in focus, here via a Touch and Drag AF feature. This Canon is also claimed to make history in being the first camera in the EOS R system to have a combined AF multi controller and control wheel, thereby enabling fast and convenient setting and playback function adjustment via a single thumb movement or dial rotation.

The EOS R7 additionally features what Canon claims as the world’s highest level of image stabilisation, equivalent to 8 stops. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity is offered on both this camera and its R10 brother, again as we’d expect from a contemporary digital camera. 

In conclusion, the deal here is essentially that we’re paying a bit more if we need the higher resolution and extra bells and whistles of the EOS R7 – otherwise we can save a few hundred quid and opt for the lower resolution but still similarly featured EOS R10 instead. Both are obviously targeted at ensnaring Canon users who have been thinking about physically downsizing from existing and typically bulkier DSLRs. That also makes this option and its sibling an ideal travel companion.

Nikon Z50T3 Approved Award

(Image credit: Nikon)
Nikon’s Z handling in a small, travel-friendly sized format – what’s not to like?

Specifications

Sensor size: APS-C
Resolution: 20.9MP
Lens Mount: Z
Viewfinder: 0.39-inch, 2360k-dot OLED electronic viewfinder
Monitor: 3.2-inch 1040k-dot tilting touchscreen
Video: 4K

Reasons to buy

+
Great handling 
+
Small size
+
Good value 

Reasons to avoid

-
Relatively limited native lens range 

If your budget can’t stretch to a Nikon Z6 – or you just want something even smaller - there’s a lot to like about the Z50. It uses an APS-C sensor, rather than a full-frame, which means that Nikon has been able to distil the great handling of the Z series into an even smaller body. Image quality will likely still be fantastic - especially in good holiday light - while there have even been lenses that are specifically designed for it to keep the size down. 

For now, there’s not a huge range of native Z lenses to choose from, but the system is steadily growing as time goes on. The Z50 also benefits from a screen that faces all the way forwards, great for grabbing those vacation selfies. 

You may also want to think about the more recently announced Nikon Zfc, which features the same internals as the Z50 but with a beautifully retro-styled chassis. Nice.

Panasonic FZ2000T3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Panasonic)

7. Panasonic FZ2000

A versatile and well-performing bridge camera ideal for trips

Specifications

Sensor size: One-inch
Resolution: 20.1MP
Lens: 20x (26-520mm equivalent), f/2.8-4.5
Viewfinder: 2360k-dot OLED
Monitor: 3-inch 1040k-dot touch-sensitive free-angle TFT LCD
Video: 4K

Reasons to buy

+
Versatile zoom 
+
Excellent handling 
+
Good AF

Reasons to avoid

-
Too bulky for some

For those who want the flexibility of multiple lenses, without the hassle (or expense) of carrying them around, then a bridge camera such as the FZ2000 is the ideal choice. Packing a 20x zoom, you’ve got lots of options to photograph a range of different subjects, while the one-inch sensor inside performs well in a variety of conditions. You’ve also got some decent video specs on offer here, and while the camera is relatively bulky (you won't fit it in your pocket) when you think about what it can offer, that still makes for a good travel option.

Canon EOS R10T3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Canon)
Canon’s mirrorless EOS R series introduces its first APS-C sensor incorporating option for those looking to ‘downsize’ from DSLRs

Specifications

Sensor size: APS-C
Resolution: 24.2 megapixel
Continuous shooting: 23fps
Video: 4K
Stabilisation: Lens only

Reasons to buy

+
All-round DSLR-like performance in a smaller and more manageable mirrorless camera body for those looking for an entry point to the EOS system
+
Pop up flash

Reasons to avoid

-
Not a full frame sensor
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Lower resolution than its simultaneously announced EOS R7 sibling
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Single memory card slot
-
No body integral image stabilisation

 Looking outwardly identical to the EOS R7 model introduced alongside it, the APS-C sensor incorporating EOS R10 in fact offers a lower but still very respectable 24.2-megapixel resolution, as opposed to its sibling’s 32.5MP. So it’s a case here of pay your money and make your choice, with the R10 unsurprisingly coming in a few hundred cheaper. That’s a saving that can theoretically be spent on more lenses and accessories, of which, this being Canon, there are many.

Aside from being a money-saving option in comparison with its R7, the R10 will appeal to those looking for an all-rounder, as suited to video as it is stills capture. It’s still smaller and more manageable in terms of size than the average DSLR, which also makes it a good option for travel photography. As we’d expect, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is integral to the camera here and, as with the more expensive option, the R10 retains the ability to continuously shoot with its mechanical shutter at 15fps, or if utilising an electronic shutter instead, being able to get up to 23fps. Like its bigger brother this camera also features a vari-angle LCD screen, thus enabling a wider variety of shooting angles and, in theory, expanded creativity.

If you don’t mind compromising on a few features found on its R7 sibling but not found here, such as dual card slots as opposed to the one card slot, or the omission of body integral image stabilisation, the Canon EOS R10 should prove a capable tool for photographers and videographers looking to begin their mirrorless photography journey; or a literal one, if choosing this camera as a travel-friendly option.

Canon G5X Mark IIT3 Approved Award

(Image credit: Canon)

9. Canon G5X Mark II

A lovely all-rounder for travelling which is like a miniature DSLR

Specifications

Sensor size: One-inch
Resolution: 20.1MP
Lens: 5x zoom (24-120mm equivalent)
Viewfinder: Pop-up, 2360k-dot OLED electronic viewfinder
Monitor: Tilting, 1040k-dot 3.0-inch TFT LCD
Video: 4K

Reasons to buy

+
Great size and handling 
+
Pop up viewfinder
+
Good zoom range

Reasons to avoid

-
Fairly expensive 

A great all-round premium compact camera, the G5X Mark II might not be quite jeans-pocket friendly, but it should certainly fit well within your bag or jacket pocket. It’s got a good range of features, with a well-performing one-inch sensor at its heart, which is coupled with a fairly flexible 24-120mm zoom lens. In terms of video, it offers uncrossed 4K recording, but unlike its sibling, the G7X Mark III, it doesn’t offer a microphone socket or live streaming to YouTube – so if you’re a dedicated travel vlogger you might want to look that way instead. If you like composing through a viewfinder, the G5X Mark II features a small but perfectly usable pop-up number that is great for using in bright light.

Nikon Z 6IIT3 Approved Award

(Image credit: Nikon)
An excellent full-frame all-rounder well suited to travel

Specifications

Sensor size: Full-frame
Resolution: 24.5MP
Lens: N/A (Z Mount)
Viewfinder: 0.5-inch, 3690k-dot OLED
Monitor: 3.2-inch tilting 2100k-dot touch-sensitive TFT LCD
Video: 4K

Reasons to buy

+
Good value
+
Excellent handling 
+
Double card slot

Reasons to avoid

-
Bulkier compared to others
-
AF tracking could be better

One of the best all-rounder models on the market, the Nikon Z6 II is a good option for those who want premium image quality on their travels. 

An incremental upgrade from the original Z6, the Z6 II adds dual memory card slots - giving you peace of mind while on your travels since you can back up your shots as you go.

Internally, you get a well-performing sensor and processor combination. Usability of the camera is great, with a lovely viewfinder and screen set up. There’s now a good range of lenses for the Z range, including zooms ideal for travel such as the 28-120mm lens.

Although bulkier than some of the models in our list, if your travels are to take pictures, then something like this is certainly worth considering, while it shouldn’t break the bank too badly. That said, if you think you can live without that secondary card slot - take a look at the original Z6 for a bit of a bargain.

Panasonic G100T3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Panasonic)

11. Panasonic G100

A travel and vlogger-friendly mirrorless model

Specifications

Sensor size: Four Thirds
Resolution: 20.3MP
Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
Viewfinder: 3,680k-dot LCD
Monitor: 3-inch 1840k-dot touch-sensitive free-angle TFT LCD
Video: 4K

Reasons to buy

+
Small and compact design 
+
Good value
+
Good video specs

Reasons to avoid

-
Smaller sensor (comparatively)
-
Video crop at 4K

At launch, Panasonic touted its G100 camera as the “ultimate” vlogging camera. So, if travel and video-creation go hand in hand for you, this could be just the model you need. With its small and compact size, it’s also a good option for stills photography - so if you like to record a variety of formats it’s worth considering. 

Being in the Micro Four Thirds format makes the overall system very small, so you can also bring a bag of compatible lenses along with you for the trip, while still having plenty of room in your hand luggage. 

Having a smaller than APS-C or Full-Frame sensor means that this camera isn’t so adept at low light, but for many travel situations that won't be too much of a problem. 

Canon EOS M6 Mark IIT3 Approved Award

(Image credit: Canon)

12. Canon EOS M6 Mark II

All the power of an advanced DSLR in a travel-friendly package

Specifications

Sensor size: APS-C
Resolution: 32.5
Lens Mount: EF-M
Viewfinder: N/A
Monitor: 3.0-inch tilting 1.04m-dot touchscreen
Video: 4K

Reasons to buy

+
Small size
+
Uncropped 4K video
+
Super high resolution sensor 

Reasons to avoid

-
No inbuilt viewfinder

Using the same ultra-high-resolution sensor as the 90D DSLR, the Canon EOS M6 Mark II is a great option for travel thanks to its small size and weight. Despite that, it packs some incredible features like 14fps shooting and uncrossed 4K video recording. It doesn’t have an inbuilt viewfinder, but you can purchase one separately if you feel the need to buy one - if you’re used to composing shots on your phone, you’re likely to be a little less bothered. The 15-45mm kit lens supplied with the camera is a decent walk around and travel lens, but if you crave something a little sharper, go for the 32mm f/1.4 lens. 

Sony RX10 IVT3 Approved Award

13. Sony RX10 IV

An ideal choice if you want zoom, but need to stay light

Specifications

Sensor size: One-inch
Resolution: 20.1MP
Lens: 25x optical zoom, 24-600mm f/2.4-4
Viewfinder: 0.39-inch electronic viewfinder, 2,359,296-dots
Monitor: 3-inch, tilting, 1,440,000-dot
Video: 4K

Reasons to buy

+
Super long lens
+
One-inch sensor

Reasons to avoid

-
Very expensive
-
Bulky 

To use the term bridge camera with the RX10 IV would be doing it a disservice, as this term has generally been met with snooty derision from “serious” photographers. While it may well be one in the strictest sense of the word, the RX10 IV arguably redefines the genre, producing the ultimate all-rounder which is ideally targeted at travellers who want the image quality of an interchangeable lens camera and a bunch of optics, but don’t want to carry them around. 

Here you’ve got a 25x optical zoom lens, which also manages reasonably wide apertures of f/2.4-4 (particularly impressive at the 600mm end), along with a high-quality EVF, fantastic AF system and a very well performing sensor. Take this on your safari holiday and you won’t be disappointed - just be prepared to shell out the big bucks.

Fujifilm X100VT3 Approved Award

(Image credit: Fujifilm)

14. Fujifilm X100V

A beautiful camera, ideal for street-type travel photography

Specifications

Sensor size: APS-C
Resolution: 26.1MP
Lens: 23mm (equivalent to 35mm) f/2.0 fixed lens
Viewfinder: Hybrid optical and electronic viewfinder
Monitor: Tilting, touch-sensitive, 1.62m-dot LCD
Video: 4K

Reasons to buy

+
Gorgeous design 
+
Tilting screen
+
Excellent image quality 

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
Fixed lens 

Although at first something with a fixed lens might seem to be the antithesis of a travel camera, it very much depends on what kind of holiday you’re going on. 

For city breaks where you might be partaking in street photography, the Fujifilm X100V is arguably perfect. Yes, there’s a fixed lens - but that just means you need to get closer to the subject. 

What you get in return is a large sensor, fantastic image quality and, let’s face it - a lovely looking camera that's also a joy to use.

GoPro HERO 10 Black action cameraT3 Approved Award

(Image credit: GoPro)

15. GoPro Hero 10 Black

The latest - and greatest - model from the action camera leader

Specifications

Sensor size: 1/2.3-inch
Resolution: 23MP
Lens: Wide-angle
Viewfinder: No
Monitor: Front and rear (touch-sensitive)
Video: 5.3K

Reasons to buy

+
Good ergonomics 
+
Good range of video specs
+
Excellent stabilisation 

Reasons to avoid

-
High price
-
Not hugely suitable for stills

If you want something which you can take with you on all of your adventures, especially if video is your thing, then you can’t really get better than the GoPro Hero 10 Black.

This action camera is the company’s most powerful and streamlined version yet, giving you video recording options all the way up to 5.3K. It’s also fully waterproof and is easier to use than previous models thanks to a more responsive touch-sensitive screen.

Most importantly, video quality is excellent - especially if you’re taking in some rocky action and need it to be as smooth as possible.

Easily one of the best compact system cameras on the market, the Panasonic G9 is a great all-rounder for a wide range of travel subjects. If you’re shooting wildlife, the 20fps (at full resolution) burst speed is sure to appeal, while the fine detail and excellent colours produced by the sensor make it good to capture landscapes, portraits and everything in between. 

While the G9 may be relatively bulky for a compact system camera, since the Micro Four Thirds system is small, you can fit a slew of lenses in your hand luggage while barely noticing they’re there - something you won’t get with a full-frame alternative.

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Amy Davies

Amy Davies is a freelance journalist that covers cameras for T3 and many other sites. She is also Features Editor at Amateur Photographer magazine and, when she's not writing about cameras, she's probably taking pictures of her cute dog.

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