10 Best Travel Cameras in 2023 (Updated Monthly)

Related course: Next Stop: Travel Photography

A great travel camera is not necessarily the one you use all the time at home. Travel has particular demands. And let’s be honest, many of us rely on our phones when we are hitting the tourist trail.

But if you want to up your travel photography game, we have some suggestions for you.

The Canon EOS ROP is our top pick. It’s actually a camera that will also serve you well as your daily device. But for travel, it has 4K video, great autofocus, and superior low-light performance.

Our Top Pick

Canon EOS RP

This lightweight mirrorless camera is perfect for travel photography, with its powerful features and incredible image quality.

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Best Travel Cameras

Before we look in detail at our recommendations, here’s a summary of all the cameras in this review.

Camera Name

Why We Love It

Buy From

Canon EOS RP

Our Top Choice

Affordable full frame mirrorless option
Lightweight and easy to handle
Nice 4K video performance
Built-in macro stacking and time-lapse
Convenient Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity

Fujifilm X100V

Best for Low Light

26 MP sensor provides good noise reduction and fast readout
Sharp JPEGs with low noise
15 quality film simulations
Hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder
Tilting touchscreen
Excellent 4K Ultra HD video

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Best for Beginners

Affordable
Very beginner-friendly
Excellent image quality
Built-in image stabilization for video and low light
Endless list of compatible lenses
Excellent 4K video features

Fujifilm X-T4

Best for Video

Decent APS-C BSI-CMOS sensor
A great frame rate of 15 fps
6.5 stops of image stabilization
4K video (DCI or Ultra HD) up to 60 fps
A fully articulating rear touchscreen
12 Film Simulation modes

Canon EOS 90D

Best Canon DSLR

Excellent 32.5 MP APS-C sensor
Decent frame rate of 10 fps
4K / 30p Ultra HD video
Good, 1,300-shot battery life
Live View and Dual Pixel autofocus with eye detection

Nikon Z50

Best Nikon Mirrorless

A more affordable mirrorless option
Nice to handle and use
Relatively lightweight and not too bulky
Solid 4K video performance

Sony a7C

Best Quality Compact Camera

Tiny, portable full frame body
Excellent autofocus system
Good battery life
Weatherproof magnesium alloy body
Option of bundling a lightweight 28-60 mm zoom lens kit

Canon Rebel EOS SL3 / 250D

Best Value Canon

Excellent value
Solid 4K video quality
Fully articulating screen is helpful for capturing video
Compact body for a DSLR
Insanely good battery life

Panasonic Lumix GX85 (GX80)

Most Sophisticated AF

Customizable face-detection autofocus
Intelligent 5-axis image stabilization uses lens data for super-sharp images
Programmed focus tracking via touchscreen
Customizable on-screen buttons
Excellent 4K video quality

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII

Best All-in-One

Pocket-sized point-and-shoot
High-quality Zeiss zoom lens
90 fps max burst rate
Excellent 4K video performance
Perfect for vloggers

And now, starting with our top pick, here are those cameras in more detail.

1. Canon EOS RP

Brand	Canon
Sensor Format	Full Frame
Lens Mount	Canon RF
Megapixels	26 MP
In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	4,779
Minimum ISO	100
Maximum ISO	40,000
Frame Rate	5 fps
Video
Screen Size	3"

Due to its small size, the Canon EOS RP is perfect for street photographers and vloggers. The tilting LCD screen also makes it ideal for 4K videos. It’s no surprise that it leads the market in the lower-end mirrorless cameras.

It’s also great for travel photography because of its exceptional low-light performance, down to -5 EV, and whole-sensor AF. The Dual Pixel autofocus and the updated firmware ensure fast and accurate focusing. The camera offers eye-detection AF, which is a useful tool for taking portrait photos.

It is also suitable for action photography thanks to its high-speed continuous shooting. The 26 MP resolution ensures that you are getting quality images in every situation.

This is a great camera that will serve you well in most circumstances. It’s ideal for travel photography.

2. Fujifilm X100V

Brand	Fujifilm
Sensor Format	APS-C
Lens Mount	Compact
Megapixels	26 MP
In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	425
Minimum ISO	160
Maximum ISO	12,800
Frame Rate	11 fps
Video
Screen Size	3"

The Fujifilm X100V is a compact mirrorless camera and one of the best choices for travel photography. The autofocus performance is outstanding, working well even in low-light situations. The 26 MP APS-C sensor gives you high-resolution images.

The advanced hybrid viewfinder gives the perks of both optical and electronic viewfinders. The camera is capable of shooting at 11 fps.

There is a tiltable touchscreen for those looking for more flexibility. The 4K 30p video recording is also useful to those who want to record their travels on video as well as still images.

Looks aren’t everything, but there’s a great old-school vibe to the looks of the Fujifilm X100V that will make travel feel that little bit more stylish.

3. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Brand	Olympus
Sensor Format	Micro Four Thirds
Lens Mount	Micro 4/3
Megapixels	20 MP
In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	121
Minimum ISO	200
Maximum ISO	25,600
Frame Rate	15 fps
Video
Screen Size	3"

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV is a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera is a perfect choice for both enthusiasts and beginners. Its biggest strength lies in its versatility. The five-axis in-camera image stabilization ensures you get sharp pictures even in low-light. The body offers 121 cross-type autofocus points and 4K video shooting.

You can take 50 MP ultra-high-resolution images. You can also use the live composite mode if you do long-exposure photography. The built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are two extras that make this camera even more appealing.

And like the Fujifilm, this Olympus has striking good looks. Lots of metal and proper chunky control knobs with knurled edges. You might want a second camera to take pictures of this camera in your favorite far-flung places.

If you want to know more about this camera body, check out our full full review.

4. Fujifilm X-T4

Brand	Fujifilm
Sensor Format	APS-C
Lens Mount	Fujifilm X
Megapixels	26 MP
In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	425
Minimum ISO	160
Maximum ISO	12,800
Frame Rate	20 fps
Video
Screen Size	3"

This Fujifilm X-T4 has some great features for travel photography. Autofocus with 425 AF points, using both phase and contrast detection helps to catch those blink-and-you-miss-it moments. As does the 15 fps continuous shooting capability.

A fully articulating touchscreen and up to 6.5 stops of image stabilization help you snap the low-light moments with sharpness and clarity. And if video is your thing, you get 4K here, and some appealing “Film Simulation” modes to add some panache to your vacation vids.

And this is another classic-looking camera that conjures up images of byegone travels and adventure.

5. Canon EOS 90D

Brand	Canon
Sensor Format	APS-C
Lens Mount	Canon EF/EF-S
Megapixels	33 MP
In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	45
Minimum ISO	100
Maximum ISO	25,600
Frame Rate	10 fps
Video
Screen Size	3"

Dual Pixel autofocus and 10 fps are two features that make the Canon EOS 90D a good pick for travel photography. There’s no doubt that a full frame DSLR can be a bit chunky for inconspicuous snapping, so the more compact form factor of the EOS 90D is a bonus.

The autofocus system is outstanding for the price range. It also includes eye-detection AF, which is especially useful for catching those street scenes with people.

The 4K video shooting and the Full HD 120p are good enough for budding videographers. There is also built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, ensuring compatibility and efficient workflow.

And being a Canon EF-S-mount camera means there are plenty of lenses for you to choose from.

6. Nikon Z50

Brand	Nikon
Sensor Format	APS-C
Lens Mount	Nikon Z
Megapixels	21 MP
In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	209
Minimum ISO	100
Maximum ISO	51,200
Frame Rate	11 fps
Video
Screen Size	3.2"

The Nikon Z50 is a great size for travel, and packs in a decent 20.7 MP APS-C sensor. The autofocus is especially impressive, and its 209 AF points work quickly and effectively.

The LCD screen folds down for those tourist hotspot selfies and Instagram must-haves. The electronic shutter is silent and can power along at 11 fps when you need it. The built-in flash is great for when the light is too low.

Video recording is possible at 4K with stereo sound. And that fold-down screen is great if you’re vlogging your travel journal.

The lenses available for the Nikon Z-mount increase in number every year, so you’ll be spoiled for choice there are well.

7. Sony Alpha 7C

Brand	Sony
Sensor Format	Full Frame
Lens Mount	Sony FE
Megapixels	24.2 MP
In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	693
Minimum ISO	50
Maximum ISO	204,800
Frame Rate	10 fps
Video
Screen Size	3"

You can’t beat this Sony a7C if you want a pocketable camera that has a full frame sensor. It almost defies belief that this light, compact device has a 24.2 MP full frame chip. But it does.

It also has a very effective AF system with 693 AF points that cover most of the frame. It is quick and reliable, even in low light. And this Sony shows almost no noise all the way up to 25,600 ISO. And when the light is poor, the sensor-shift in-body image stabilization is there to help you out.

There’s no 4K video, but 1080p is the maximum. This is augmented by stereo sound, and external audio sockets allow you to improve the sound even further. This is the smallest and lightest full frame camera available, and ideally suited for your travel photography.

8. Canon EOS Rebel SL3

Brand	Canon
Sensor Format	APS-C
Lens Mount	Canon EF/EF-S
Megapixels	24 MP
In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	9
Minimum ISO	100
Maximum ISO	25,600
Frame Rate	5 fps
Video
Screen Size	3"

The battery life of this Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is one of the most attractive features for the traveler. Running out of power, or having to carry a million batteries or chargers is a modern curse. So to have a camera, complete with 24 MP, that doesn’t die by lunchtime is a real boon.

The camera includes 4K video capabilities and impressive low-light performance. It provides clear, sharp, and high contrast images in every setting. Dual Pixel autofocus helps to keep things sharp and at speed, and in Live View mode, there are 143 focus points, which is a high number for a mid-range crop sensor camera.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi improve compatibility with other devices for a smooth workflow. And of course, lenses are easy to find for the Canon EF-S-mount.

9. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85

Brand	Panasonic
Sensor Format	Micro Four Thirds
Lens Mount	Micro 4/3
Megapixels	16 MP
In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	1
Minimum ISO	100
Maximum ISO	25,600
Frame Rate	8 fps
Video
Screen Size	3"

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85‘s strongest feature is the built-in 5-axis image stabilization. It works both for video and still images. This allows you to take impressive low-light images without camera shake.

The tiltable touchscreen is useful for taking shots from a different perspective. Its depth-from-defocus autofocus technology calculates the distance by using known data about the lens characteristics.

One very video-friendly feature is the programmable focus racking. If you want the focus to shift from one subject to another during a shot, you use the touchscreen to assign those spots. It adds a touch of professionalism to your vids, which it takes in 4K as well.

It’s a very handy, flexible, and high-performing camera for your travels.

10. Sony Cybershot RX100 VII

Brand	Sony
Sensor Format	1"
Lens Mount	Compact
Megapixels	20 MP
In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	315
Minimum ISO	125
Maximum ISO	12,800
Frame Rate	24 fps
Video
Screen Size	3"

The Sony Cybershot RX100 VII is a compact camera that’s handy for traveling. But it can often feel a little cramped against the face. This Sony gets around the problem by using a pop-up viewfinder. It’s an effective, but perhaps not elegant, solution.

The 20 MP sensor is not the biggest in the world, but combined with Sony’s technology and a Zeiss 24-200mm f/2.8-4.5 zoom lens, it delivers great image quality.

The high-speed autofocus has 357 focus points—a high number for a compact camera. It covers the whole frame, making accurate focusing easier. Artificial intelligent based object tracking is also available for humans and animals.

The 20 fps continuous shooting is also something that makes this camera worth considering.

High image quality, 4K video, time-lapse shooting, and built-in image stabilization give this camera outstanding value. It is an affordable yet professional option for those looking for a great budget travel camera.

Conclusion

As you can see, the range of cameras available is pretty impressive. You have to weigh up (literally) portability and features, flexibility, and strengths. The answer you come up with will be different according to your needs.

We think you won’t be disappointed with our top pick, the Canon EOS RP.

Canon EOS RP

This lightweight mirrorless camera is perfect for travel photography, with its powerful features and incredible image quality.

Check out our Next Stop: Travel Photography e-book to take your photography to the next level!

10 Best Travel Cameras in 2023 (Updated Monthly)

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