Check out our list of the best cameras for travel available to buy right now. Most of which are very affordable.
Types of Cameras
There are lots of different cameras available to choose from including:
- Compact Camera (point-and-shoot)
- Single Lens Reflex (SLR) Camera
- Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) Camera
- Digital Single Lens Translucent (DSLT) Camera
- Bridge Camera
- Digital Rangefinder Camera
- Line Scan Camera
- 360 Degree Camera
- Phone Camera
- Mirrorless
- Big cameras (usually anything bigger than 35mm)
List of Top Rated Cameras
Our list includes options for all types of traveller, from budget options, mid-range to top of the range cameras. How did we choose the cameras on our list? We checked functions, design, affordability/price and reviews.
View our list below or for more information, check reviews or purchase we have included a link to Amazon which generally has the best deals on prices.
Canon PowerShot SX730 HS
The Canon PowerShot SX730 HS is one of our top recommendations for an all round fantastic camera for a great price and is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
This is a powerful pocket-sized, travel camera with huge 40x optical zoom to capture beautiful distant detail. You can get amazing shots day or night with the 20.3 MP HS System or using the tilting LCD for great selfies.
There is also the option to shoot full HD 60p movies and enjoy steady results at full zoom or running with 5-axis Dynamic Image Stabilizer. You can also connect on the go or shoot remotely and share or back up images via your smart device with Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth.
Also included is a Wrist Strap WS-800, Battery Pack NB-13L, Battery Charger CB-2LHE, AC Cable and User Manual Kit.
Panasonic TZ200
The Panasonic TZ200 is a stylish and has fantastic image & video quality for this range of camera.
Features include:
- 1-inch 20.9m High Sensitivity MOS
- 15x Optical Zoom with 30x Intelligent Zoom
- 4K Functions, 4K Photo and 4k Video along with Post Focus
- With built-in Wi-Fi enables you to connect to your smart phone or tablet wirelessly
Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI
The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI is an amazing small camera and is a huge improvement on older models from Sony.
The photo quality and focus accuracy is one of the best for a camera of this size although the price might put a lot of people off coming in at over £1000.
Benefits include the high magnification zoom lens, fast autofocus, continuous shooting, advanced image processing, optical image stabilisation, 4K movies, super SloMo, OLED Viewfinder is accessible at the touch of a button and there is also a 180° tilting touch screen and ultra compact body.
Panasonic Lumix GX800
The Panasonic DC-GX800KEBT Lumix G Compact System Camera coming in tan or black and has a 12-32 mm Lens with 4K video and photo.
This camera has great reviews and is popular with travel blogger. The camera is also cheap compared to similar models on the market.
Features include:
- Advanced Self Shot Mode, Hands-free Selfie, Beauty Retouch
- 4K PHOTO, Light Speed AF with DFD Technology
- 16.1MP Live MOS Sensor w/o Low Pass Filter, Venus Engine, 4K Video
- Wi-Fi PW-Less Connection, Direct Uploading
GoPro HERO6
If you are looking for an all action camera you won't go wrong with the GoPro HERO6.
HERO6 transforms your adventures into incredible QuikStories right on your phone. With its GP1 chip, next-level video stabilisation and 2x the performance, the HERO6 takes videos to the next level. Add voice control and a durable waterproof design, and HERO6 Black is the ultimate GoPro for sharing life as you live it.
Features include:
- Video: 4K60 / 2.7K120 / 1440p120 / 1080p240 and more
- 2x the performance of HERO5 Black
- Rugged + waterproof to 10 m without a housing
- 2-inch touch display with enhanced, easy-to-use UI
Canon G1X Mark III
With legendary heritage, the G1 X Mark III is Canon’s flagship G-series with a stunning blend of speed, resilience, compactness and superb DSLR image and movie quality – with a performance to match.
This camera fast, confident focusing and stable shooting on the move and uses a unique blend of Canon technologies to create amazing images. Even though this is a compact camera is delivers a DSLR performance.
The refined handling, compact size and EOS provenance as well as the ability to shoot Cinematic Full HD 60P movies with 5-axis stabilisation are a real advantage.
Olympus Touch TG-5
If you are looking for an underwater camera - look no further.
With the TG-5, Olympus announced their latest flagship Tough! camera, and it comes with some serious enhancements. The class leading super bright 25-100mm* 1:2.0 lens is married to an all new sensor and the latest TruePic VIII image processor that deliver significant improvements in speed and still image quality in all conditions, while video now boasts 4K and 120FPS Full HD high-speed movies for better slow motion quality.
Added to this are new easy to access controls and dual pane anti-fog glass. As Tough's tend to be used when the elements are at their harshest, this matters, so for all those who want to share spectacular evidence of their exploits. This camera is waterproof, shockproof, freeze proof and crushproof and has a best in class field sensor system. There is a bright lens & tropic VIII processor which helps you to take outstanding photos and if you can also shoot 4k movies.
Fujifilm X-T20
The compact and lightweight FUJIFILM X-T20 comes complete with APS-C sized 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III sensor and X-Processor Pro image processing engine.
The updated sensor and processor, along with a reworked AF algorithm, boost the camera’s start-up time and AF performance, dramatically improving its ability to track moving subjects, while the tilting touchscreen LCD monitor enables users to shoot from a variety of angles with ease. The X-T20 also has enhanced video functionality and is capable of capturing 4K movies with Fujifilm’s popular Film Simulation modes.
Staying true to the X Series functional design ethos, the X-T20 also combines an SLR-style viewfinder and dial-based operation.
- APS-C sized 24.3MP X-TransTM CMOS III sensor and X-Processor Pro image processing engine.
- Compact and lightweight camera body with an SLR-style viewfinder and dial-based operation
- Intuitive operation with the touchscreen display
- High-definition 4K video recording with rich colour tones
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR
The Canon EOS 5D MK IV Digital is a powerful workhorse of a camera creating still photography and 4K-capable video.
This multimedia maven offers a newly developed 30.4MP full-frame CMOS sensor paired with the DIGIC 6+ image processor in order to balance fine detail and resolution with low-light performance and sensitivity. It is able to work within a native range of ISO 100-32000, which can then be expanded to an impressive ISO 50-102400, for sharp, low-noise images in a variety of conditions.
Along with these improvements to image quality, users will enjoy a performance boost across the board with an enhanced AF system, built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and GPS, and much more.
instax Mini 9
The instax Mini 9 Camera is a fun gadget enabling you to produce instant credit card sized photos. This is a great little camera which offers an alternative to the traditional style cameras we have on our list.
Choose from a range of colours including pink, blue, grey and green. Features include a built in flash & automatic exposure control, inclusive selfie mirror and close-up lens attachment.
Overall
- Top Rated All Rounder - Canon Powershot SX740 HS
- Best Budget Camera - Panasonic Lumix GX800
- Best Camera Phone - iphone X
- Best Drone Camera - DJI Mavic 2 Zoom
- Best Action Camera - GoPro Hero6
- Best Waterproof Camera - Olympus Touch TG-5
- Best Camera for Video Recording - Panasonic GH4
- Best Professional Camera - Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Accessories
These are some camera related products we also recommend:
Joby GorillaPod Camera Stand
Know someone for a passion for photography? Or keen to take better pictures? The Joby GorillaPod has a precision engineered ball head with quick release clip perfect for taking better photos. It can be configured for still photography, videography, logging or live streaming in 3 modes: Grip, wrap or stand. This Pod supports DSLR/mirrorless cameras and devices weighing up to 6.6 lbs and is a great gift idea.
Things to Consider When Buying a Camera
Price
Knowing what budget you have will really narrow down your search, as if you are restricted by price you will be limited as to which camera you can buy. You might also need to think what you will be doing and where you will be going. If you are planning to be going to dangerous locations, or backpacking and staying in cheap hostels maybe buying and taking an expensive model unless you take extra safest precautions.
What will you be using it for
If you are not a pro and just want something for taking out and about shots then a compact/SLR camera or even a phone just be fine. If you really want to improve the quality of your photos, have an avid interest in photography or are keen to start shooting movies then an upgraded model is recommended.
What size and weight is it
If you are going to be travelling, whether for a short or long duration it is important to get a light portable camera which doesn't take up too more room.
Is the battery life long
This is one of the most important things to consider as you don't want to be reliant on having charge your camera every 10 minutes. The longer the battery life the better.
What storage does it have
When buying a memory card, it is usually best to not to go for the lowest storage especially if you plan to take lots of photos or movies.
