Best Compact Camera for Travel in 2023 (Top 8 Picks)

Choosing the best compact camera for travel is important to combine the passion for traveling the world with that of photography. Unfortunately, a bad choice of travel photography equipment can make the whole experience a nightmare.

Fortunately, any of these cameras on our list will serve you well. But for our top pick, we’ve chosen the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV. It packs in a lot of features like 4K video, compact size, and image stabilization at a very attractive price.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Compact Camera For Travel

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Panasonic Lumix ZS200 (TZ200)

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA

What Is the Best Compact Camera for Travel?

Before we look in detail at our choices, here’s a roundup of all our recommendations for you.

Our Top Pick

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Amazing value for the features
Compact enough for travel, good enough for every day
4K video
Excellent range of available lenses

Best for Image Stabilization

Panasonic Lumix ZS200 (TZ200)

In-body 5-axis stabilization
Very useful 15x zoom
4K video
Impressive battery life

Best for Fast-Moving Action

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII

1-inch sensor impressive for a compact camera
Incredible 90 fps burst speed
4K video
Zoom lens made by Zeiss

Best for Live Streaming

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III

20.1 MP sensor for detailed sharp images
Excellent high-speed shooting
High dynamic range
Rear touchscreen flips 180 degrees for vlogging

Best Bridge Camera

Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV

Impressive lens quality in a compact camera
Superb 24 fps burst speed
4K video
24-600mm equivalent zoom lens

Best Go-Anywhere Camera

Olympus Tough TG-6

Dustproof, shockproof, freezeproof
Waterproof to 50 ft (15.5 m)
4K video
Macro-shooting and microscope modes

Best Lens Quality

Panasonic Lumix LX100 II

Leica zoom lens
Minimum focusing distance of 1.2" (3 cm)
4K video at 30 fps
Charges via USB

Most Stylish

Fujifilm X-T30 II

Excellent image qulaity
30 fps burst mode
Robust and compact design
Available in stylish brushed metal and black

8 Best Compact Cameras for Travel

Now, starting with our top pick from these excellent offerings, let’s take a closer look at the individual cameras.

1. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Brand	Brand Olympus
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Micro Four Thirds
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Micro 4/3
Megapixels	Megapixels 20 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 121
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 200
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 6,400
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 15 fps
Video	Video
Screen Size	Screen Size 3"
Best For	Best For Not just travel, but all your photography needs. A super all-around performer!

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The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a perfect blend of size and performance. Sure, it’s not pocketable in the same way as some of the compact cameras in this review. But that extra size gives you many more options as a photographer.

Most notably, you have an interchangeable lens camera with all the Micro Four Thirds family of lenses to choose from. You also have excellent built-in image stabilization and 4K video.

Image quality is good enough for anything other than gallery-size prints. It handles most situations with ease. And we can’t forget the fact that it looks the part. And it will bring joy to your travels with the pleasure that comes from good design and excellent style.

Finally, the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is one of the cheapest cameras you can buy that delivers the sort of performance you get with this Micro Four Thirds camera. It’s worthy of first place in this review!

2. Panasonic Lumix TZ/ZS 200

Brand	Brand Panasonic
Sensor Format	Sensor Format 1"
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Fixed
Megapixels	Megapixels 20 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 49
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 125
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 12,800
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 10 fps
Video	Video
Screen Size	Screen Size 3"
Best For	Best For Pulling in distant objects with its zoom and in-body IS

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The Panasonic Lumix TZ200 is a pocketable compact camera. It comes with an impressive retractable 15x zoom lens. Weighting 340 g, it feels solid in your hand thanks to the metal body.

It has a large 20.1 MP, one-inch sensor to ensure high image quality. Although not very fast, the zoom lens of the TZ/ZS 200 covers an impressive 24-360mm focal range. This is ideal for travel photography.

Low-light performance is good thanks to the five-axis Hybrid OIS stabilization. You can raise your ISO up to 25,600. But the image might look a bit too smooth due to aggressive noise reduction at the higher ISO values.

Images are composed and reviewed with the large three-inch LCD screen. Although it’s not tiltable, it has touchscreen capabilities. The TZ/ZS 200 has plenty of auto modes to make it easier for beginners. And experienced users will enjoy switching to manual.

The Lumix TZ features 4K/30 video and a 4K Photo mode. You can extract single frames and save them as 8 MP still photos.

Battery life is good, ensuring about 350 shots before needing to be recharged. Another great feature for the travel photographer is that you can recharge the battery with the AC charger. Or it can charge via USB by using a portable power bank.

3. Sony RX 100 VII

Brand	Brand Sony
Sensor Format	Sensor Format 1"
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Fixed
Megapixels	Megapixels 20 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 315
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 125
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 12,800
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 24 fps
Video	Video
Screen Size	Screen Size 3"
Best For	Best For Capturing fast-moving events with its 90 fps shooting speed

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The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VII is the latest reincarnation of the extremely successful RX100. It’s Sony’s most professional yet pocketable compact camera. While it’s not cheap, The Sony RX100 is one of the best compact camera options for travel enthusiasts.

You can do almost anything with this camera. It is small and lightweight, has both auto and manual controls, and can shoot in RAW. It has a multi-angle screen, making it a perfect camera for vlogging and selfies. And it has a pop-out electronic viewfinder.

The large one-inch sensor ensures very high image quality, and that high ISOs are usable. The lens offers optical stabilization. It covers a focal range of 24-200mm with a decent f/2.8 to f/4.5 variable aperture.

Experienced users will enjoy the possibility to mount filters. This is thanks to the several filter mount systems available on the market, both from Sony and other manufacturers such as LensMate.

The built-in Wi-Fi allows you to transfer photos to a smartphone. You can even control the Sony camera remotely with it. Battery life is good, and the RX100 VII can be recharged via USB with a computer or power bank.

4. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III

Brand	Brand Canon
Sensor Format	Sensor Format 1"
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Fixed
Megapixels	Megapixels 20 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 31
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 125
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 12,800
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 30 fps
Video	Video
Screen Size	Screen Size 3"
Best For	Best For Live streaming your exotic travels to your YouTube channel

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The key to the excellent image quality produced by this Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is the 1-inch CMOS sensor. This is larger than most compact cameras. And it is much larger than you’ll find on any smartphone. It immediately gives the Canon an edge.

It also helps it achieve excellent results in low light. The 20.1 MP sensor can make the most of the available light. It’s also key to allowing Canon to produce impressive 4K videos.

Image stabilization, a zoom lens, and a maximum burst speed of 20 fps mean this is a very able Canon camera. The PowerShot G7 X Mark III easily slips into your bag. And the tilting touchscreen means you can take those selfies and far-flung vlogs with ease.

5. Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV

Brand	Brand Sony
Sensor Format	Sensor Format 1"
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Fixed
Megapixels	Megapixels 20 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 315
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 100
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 12,800
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 24 fps
Video	Video
Screen Size	Screen Size 3"
Best For	Best For Capturing the distant wildlife on your travels with the amazing zoom

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The Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV is the most expensive camera on our list. But the price is justified by the camera’s performance, which will appeal to expert and pro photographers on the move.

The RX10 is a rather bulky, DSLR-style bridge camera. It’s not the lightest and most compact camera on our list. But it packs a wonderful zoom lens, covering an impressive 24-600mm range. And it is bright, too, having an f/2.4-4 variable aperture.

Optical stabilization is very effective. And combined with the fast aperture, it makes it easier to get good images in low-light conditions.

Another interesting feature is the hybrid AF. It’s fast, precise, and has a 14 fps burst shooting mode and RAW image format.

On the connectivity side, the camera includes NFC, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. These allow for the easy transfer of your images on a smartphone and to remote control the camera.

The Sony RX10 IV also records high-quality, 4K video. The dedicated microphone jack port allows recording audio with an external microphone. This makes this camera very attractive for vloggers.

Due to its size, the handling experience is very similar to that of a classic DSLR camera. You will not find yourself battling with small buttons.

A welcome feature for travel photography is that the RX10 IV is weather-sealed. You can shoot in any conditions without worries.

6. Olympus Tough TG-6

Brand	Brand Olympus
Sensor Format	Sensor Format 1/2.3”
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Fixed
Megapixels	Megapixels 12 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 25
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 100
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 1,600
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 20 fps
Video	Video
Screen Size	Screen Size 3"
Best For	Best For Worry-free shooting in any environment, especially underwater

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The Olympus Tough TG-6 is the newest model in the Olympus series of rugged cameras. This camera is built for adventures. It is small and lightweight, and you can easily fit it in your pockets.

It is shock-resistant from 2.1m, crushproof to 100kg, dustproof and freezeproof to -10 C, and waterproof down to 15 m. The built-in optical stabilization ensures motion-free photos and videos.

Photo capabilities are good. The 25-100mm zoom lens is suitable for landscape photography while. You can close in and isolate the subject from a wider scene.

At the widest end, the aperture is a fast f/2, which is great for low-light conditions. If you zoom in, the aperture narrows down quite fast until the value of f/4.9 at the telephoto end of the zoom.

Images can be recorded as JPEG only. But this Olympus camera offers many automatic modes. These include a selectable underwater white balance mode, live composite, and microscope mode. There are also nine artistic effects and even focus stacking. The burst speed is good at 10 fps.

Despite the small sensor, the ISO can be set up to 12,800 to help in low-light conditions. And the TG-6 offers Wi-Fi connectivity and includes GPS, compass, manometer, and temperature sensors.

If you are into reportage and people, there are far better compact cameras. This camera focuses on outdoor and adventure travel, and it’s great at it.

7. Panasonic Lumix LX100 II

Brand	Brand Panasonic
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Micro Four Thirds
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Fixed
Megapixels	Megapixels 17 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 49
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 200
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 25,600
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 11 fps
Video	Video
Screen Size	Screen Size 3"
Best For	Best For Close-up photography

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The Lumix LX 100 Mark II is a very attractive Panasonic camera. Its large Micro Four Thirds sensor sets it apart from the rest of the pocketable compact cameras on our list. The trouble with big sensors is that you need big lenses to go with them. Panasonic has really hit the sweet spot with the LX100 II.

Panasonic packed a Micro Four Thirds sensor in a compact body. This is not much smaller than the APS-C sensors found in many DSLR cameras. And it’s larger than the one-inch sensors of the Sony RX100.

The multi-aspect Micro Four Thirds sensor lets you shoot with 3:4, 3:2, and 16:9 aspect ratios without cropping the image.

The retractable lens has a modest 3x zoom, covering a rather narrow 24-75mm focal range. While this may force you to “zoom with your feet,” the lens is very bright. Combine this with the large sensor size, and it is not surprising the camera’s low-light performance is excellent.

We also find a 4K video and photo quality, RAW format, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. The Lumix LX 100 Mark II has a three-inch fixed touchscreen and can be recharged via USB. The handling experience is very nice, and the main controls are very easy to use.

8. Fujifilm X-T30 II

Brand	Brand Fujifilm
Sensor Format	Sensor Format APS-C
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Fujifilm X
Megapixels	Megapixels 26 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 425
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 160
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 12,800
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 30 fps
Video	Video
Screen Size	Screen Size 3"
Best For	Best For Shooting with style and quality

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The Fujifilm X-T30 II is wonderfully compact and neat, making it ideal for travel. It poses no problem in a backpack but will also slip into a pocket. But this small size doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality.

This Fuji camera’s advanced autofocus easily tracks moving subjects. Face detection allows you to select the area of the face you want to focus on. It can shoot Full HD video at up to 240 fps or even a simulated 6K video.

The X-T30 II connects easily to your smartphone, greatly enhancing its ease of use. You can quickly send compressed images to any smart device using Fujifilm’s Camera Remote app. The app also allows you to control the camera remotely. This can be a real boon if you’re traveling alone.

What to Pack With a Compact Camera for Travel

You might not be traveling on assignment but for pleasure. If so, you want to keep what you carry in your travel bag as simple as possible. When choosing the gear to travel with, here are the most important things to consider:

Keep the weight and size of your photographic setup low and small.
Keep the risk of theft in mind. You might consider not bringing your biggest full-frame camera with the full range of professional lenses.
Use fast zoom lenses over fixed ones. This will increase your kit’s portability and flexibility.
Reduce the number of accessories you need to a bare minimum.
Pack everything in a comfortable bag that does not scream “expensive photo equipment inside.”

Conclusion: Best Compact Camera for Travel

Travel and photography are passions that often go hand in hand. We try to freeze in time the many memories from exotic destinations. By finding the right camera, you will enjoy taking photos even more. But make no mistake, dragging along a full photography kit is often not the best choice.

Today’s market offers a wide range of very capable and lightweight compact cameras. This ensures you can enjoy traveling and photographing—the best of both worlds. And we think that the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV does exactly that.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Compact Camera For Travel

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Panasonic Lumix ZS200 (TZ200)

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA

What Is the Best Compact Camera for Travel?