The Buyers guide to...Best travel cameras

The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a compact camera featuring a 20.1MP 1-inch stacked CMOS sensor and a 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 lens. It offers uncropped 4K video recording, a 3.5mm microphone input, and live YouTube streaming capabilities, appealing to vloggers. The 3-inch tilting touchscreen facilitates selfies and diverse shooting angles. However, the absence of a viewfinder and limited touchscreen functionality may deter some users. Overall, it balances portability with advanced features, making it a versatile choice for content creators.

Read our Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III Review

The GoPro HERO12 Black continues to excel in action photography, offering a 27MP 1/1.9-inch sensor, up to 5.3K video at 60fps, and HDR video. Enhanced with GP-Log mode for dynamic range and Bluetooth audio support for wireless mics, it’s perfect for creators. A 1/4-inch tripod thread adds flexibility, while stabilisation remains top-notch. Low-light performance could be better, but daytime footage and features like waterproofing ensure it’s a reliable choice for adventurers and vloggers. Retaining its familiar rugged design, it’s an upgrade tailored for those seeking versatility and quality in their action captures.

The Sony RX100 VII impresses with a class-leading autofocus system, 4K video, and compact design, making it ideal for versatile photography and vlogging. Its 20.1MP sensor, fast burst shooting, and enhanced video features, including a mic port, stand out. However, stabilisation is average, and the lack of grip hinders handling. While great for capturing kids, pets, or action, the high price feels steep for a 1-inch sensor camera. Build quality is robust but small controls may frustrate larger hands. With realistic low-light performance and good battery life, it suits creators seeking portability and quality but demands extra care in use.

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is a compact, weather-sealed Micro Four Thirds camera featuring a 20.4MP sensor and 121-point phase-detection autofocus. It offers 5.5 stops of in-body image stabilisation and 4K video recording, appealing to enthusiasts seeking portability without sacrificing performance. The camera supports a 50MP High-Res Shot mode for detailed stills. However, its polycarbonate construction, while reducing weight, may feel less premium than metal-bodied alternatives. Overall, the E-M5 Mark III balances advanced features with a lightweight design, making it suitable for versatile shooting scenarios.

Read our Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Review

The Nikon Z fc blends vintage aesthetics with modern mirrorless technology, featuring a 20.9MP APS-C sensor and the Z-mount system. Its design pays homage to Nikon’s classic FM2 SLR, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate retro styling. The camera offers a fully articulating touchscreen, 4K video recording, and a 209-point hybrid autofocus system with eye detection for humans and animals. However, the absence of in-body image stabilisation and a limited selection of native DX-format lenses may be drawbacks for some users. Overall, the Z fc provides a compelling mix of style and functionality for photographers seeking a nostalgic yet capable camera.

Read our Nikon Z fc Review

The PowerShot G7 X Mark III has a 20.1Mp 1-inch type stacked CMOS sensor. This is a new sensor design for Canon and combined with the Canon Digic 8 processing engine, it enables very fast continuous shooting rates, which is great for travel photographers shooting busy city scenes.

The G7 X III can shoot at up to 30fps (frames per second) in RAW Burst Mode for up to 70 images. Alternatively, it can shoot at 20fps for up to 89 C-RAW files, 55 RAW images or 118 Jpegs.

This sensor is fronted by an 8.8 – 36.8mm f/1.8-2.8 stabilised lens which has a 35mm focal length equivalence of 24 – 100mm. The 24mm end is a good option for arm’s-length video when looking at the screen flipped-up above the camera. The large aperture also enables the background to be blurred a little.

Canon has also added 4K video and  live streaming capability to the Mark II, making it a worthy upgrade.

Read our Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III Review

The Fujifilm X-E4 is the replacement for the Fuji X-E3, and it’s the smallest Fujifilm interchangeable lens camera with the 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 APS-C format sensor and X-Processor 4 processing engine. When paired with the new Fujifilm Fujinon XF 27mm F2.8 R WR, which is sold separately or as a kit with the camera, the X-E4 is quite similar to the Fujifilm X100V (but with a removable lens).

As it has the same sensor and processing engine as the superb Fujifilm X-T4, the X-E4 can capture the same quality images. However, as it has a rectangular, rangefinder-like design and a smaller body, the X-E4 is best suited for use with Fujifilm’s prime lenses. Of course, as it has the Fujifilm X mount it can be used with any of Fujifilm’s X-series optics, but if you plan to use zoom lenses you might want to invest in the optional Thumb Rest(£59/$69.99) that slips into the camera’s hotshoe and the Metal Hand Grip (£79/$89.99) that adds a grip to the front.

Fujifilm has given the X-E4 a tilting screen that can be tipped up through 180° for viewing from in front of the camera. This is a bonus for selfies and vlogging but there’s a problem when the screen is tilted for viewing from behind below head-height as the image flips upside down when anything is detected in the eye sensor. Fujifilm is aware of this issue and it’s likely to be resolved with a firmware update.

The Fujifilm X-E4 is a great little camera that makes a good choice for carrying everywhere.

The Fujifilm X-E4 is available from Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Read our Fujifilm X-E4 Review

The Leica Q2 is a premium compact camera featuring a 47.3MP full-frame sensor and a fixed 28mm f/1.7 Summilux lens, delivering exceptional image quality. Its weather-sealed body ensures durability in various conditions. The camera supports 4K video recording and offers a high-resolution electronic viewfinder for precise composition. However, the fixed focal length may limit versatility for some users. Overall, the Q2 combines classic design with modern technology, appealing to photographers seeking a high-quality, portable solution.

Read our Leica Q2 Review with Full-Res Sample Images

The lone physical upgrade that the X-T30 makes on the Fuji X-T30 is the switch to a 1.62-million dot screen on its back rather than a 1.04-million-dot unit.

The upgrades come as a result of firmware and algorithm improvements. For example, the X-T30 II gains the enhanced autofocus algorithms seen on the X-T4, which means it is faster and has improved low-light sensitivity – down to -7.0EV with the XF50mm F1.0 lens mounted. The Face/Eye detection is also more reliable, but it’s still only of use when photographing humans.

Fujifilm has also given the X-T30 II two additional Film Simulation modes, Classic Neg and Eterna Bleach Bypass. In addition, there are controls to adjust the Clarity, Tone Curve and Monochromatic Color while the Auto White Balance can be set to White Priority and Ambience Priority, and there’s the Color Chrome FX Blue option to enhance blue subjects.

In another useful improvement, the X-T30 II is capable of recording 4K video continuously for up to 30minutes whereas the X-T30 is limited to 20 minutes.

Find the best deals on the Fujifilm X-T30 II at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Read our Fujifilm X-T30 II Review

Olympus has long made some of the best travel cameras and built the OM-D E-M10 series with travellers in mind. In the Mark IV there are new features that suit both experienced and novice photographers alike.

On the rear, the tilting screen makes it easier to shoot over crowds or down low for more creative compositions. Meanwhile, the high-resolution electronic viewfinder provides an alternative to this when the sun comes out and affects its visibility.

Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity also lets you show your friends back home what they’re missing. The electronic shutter allows you to use shutter speeds of up to 1/16,000sec – useful if using fast-aperture prime lenses in brighter conditions.

The camera’s size and light weight also make it an obvious choice for those travelling. You should be able to fit it into your carry on luggage without issue. But what really swings it for the Micro Four Thirds system is the choice of compact optics alongside.

Although the partnership of the OM-D E-M10 III with the 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 and 40-150mm f/4-5.6 lenses provides a very useful 28-300mm focal range, you could realistically also pack a fast prime lens and a pancake option too without it weighing you down.

The OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is perfect for those after a handsome camera, who want to use a range of lenses without being weighed down.

Read our Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Review

Oneo of the new mirrorless APS-C format camera added to Canon’s EOS R system in May 2022, the Canon EOS R10 is aimed at enthusiast photographers who want a camera for travel photography.

Although it sits below the EOS R7 in Canon’s mirrorless camera line-up, the Canon R10 has a lot of features in common with the flagship model. For example, although its sensor has a lower resolution with 24.2MP rather than 32.5MP, it features the same Dual Pixel CMOS AF II technology. This means that the Canon R10 uses phase detection focusing and every pixel is capable of being used by the focusing system. As a result, you can focus anywhere across the image.

It also shoots 4K video and boasts a bright, vari-angle touchscreen, which makes it perfect for filming your holidays. Yes there’s is a crop if you shoot 4K 60p video, but it can also shoot uncropped 4K video at 30p which is down-sampled from 6K, plus you still get phase detection focusing.

Read our Canon EOS R10 First Look Review

Read our Panasonic Lumix G100 Review

One of the limitations of superzoom compact cameras has been that, in order to offer such an extensive zoom range, their sensors have been small, which in turn affects image quality. The TZ200, however, really does give you the best of both worlds, blending a 1inch-type sensor with a 26-390mm(equivalent) zoom lens, all inside a pocketable body.

This combination makes it ideal for travelling photographers who don’t want a bulky camera, although its benefits don’t stop there. With 4K video, you can record all your adventures in excellent detail, while the high-resolution touchscreen on the rear allows you to quickly focus on the subjects of your choosing.

And, when the sun comes out, you can switch to using the integrated electronic viewfinder for a clearer view. It’s no surprise to find the TZ200 is pricier than many other compacts – but you’re getting what you pay for.

The TZ200 is ideal for those wanting a pocket-friendly camera with a long zoom and fine image quality.

Read our Panasonic TZ200 / ZS200 Review

Not all travel photographers want a full-frame camera. The Nikon Z50 offers a compelling alternative for those who want an APS-C format mirrorless camera, and it has plenty to offer experienced photographers thanks to a solid build and a comprehensive feature set.

Inside the Nikon Z50 is a new 20.88Mp APS-C format sensor which is paired with the Expeed 6 processing engine. Together, these enable a native sensitivity range for stills of ISO 100-51,200 with expansion settings going all the way up to ISO 204,800. Meanwhile, the video range is ISO 100-25,600.

Thanks to the Expeed 6 processing engine, the Z50 can shoot at up to 11 frames per second with continuous autofocusing and exposure metering. This rate is achieved in Continuous High Plus mode while the maximum rate in Continuous High mode is 5fps.

Its autofocus system is excellent and is capable of capturing fast-moving subjects in pin-sharp focus, even in gloomy conditions. Further good news is that the Z50 has both Subject Tracking and Eye AF modes. Eye AF is a must-have feature at the moment and it’s incredibly useful for portraits and travel photography.

Subject Tracking works in Auto-area AF mode and it’s useful for subjects that move erratically. Pressing the OK button in Auto-area AF mode activates a tracking point which is visible on the screen and in the viewfinder.

When the Z50’s Face Detection system is activated, it spots faces very quickly. If it identifies more than one face, it puts a box around the face it’s going to prioritise with an arrow indicating the navigation key that’s required to jump to another face. It’s super-easy to use.

We love how the Z50 feels in the hand and it makes a tidy little unit with the 16-50mm pancake lens. Stash the 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 lens in a bag, and you’ve got a really versatile kit.

Read our Nikon Z50 Review: updated for Vlogging

Thanks to its mirrorless design and Sony’s camera-shrinking prowess, the Sony Alpha 7R IV, like other Sony A7-series cameras, is much smaller than the average full-frame DSLR. And while a large sensor often still calls for large lenses, some like Sony’s 35mm f/2.8 that are perfectly suited to travel.

Of course, you may wish to mount one of Sony’s zoom lenses, but the 35mm optic is a great choice for street, landscape and documentary style photography.

And while the A7R IV might be a high-resolution camera, it has a fast and accurate autofocus system which means you’ll be able to capture the action of your travels. This is paired with 4K video recording, complete with the S-Log profile to capture a wide range of tones.

A key advantage of the full-frame sensor becomes apparent when shooting travel portraits as it enables the background to be attractively blurred. Meanwhile, Sony’s Eye AF system makes sure that the most critical part of your subject is sharp.

Naturally, there’s Wi-Fi connectivity built-in should you wish to share images via your mobile phone.

The Sony A7R IV, though pricey, is one of the best travel cameras for experienced photographers looking for a high-end full-frame body that can be kept small.

Read our Sony A7R IV Review

There are some great little cameras in the Sony RX100-series, and the RX100 VII is arguably the best of all of them.

The Sony RX100 VII is the seventh camera in Sony’s RX100 series of compact cameras with a 1-inch type sensor. In many respects it’s very similar to the Sony RX100 VI, having the same effective focal length (24-200mm), a pop-up electronic viewfinder and a touch-enabled tilting screen, but it also has a new 20.1Mp sensor and an updated Bionz X processing engine.

Sony has also given the RX100 VII a 3.5mm mic port, a more advanced autofocus (AF) system, additional video features and a top continuous shooting speed of 90fps.

At 101.6 x 58.1 x 42.8 mm (4 x 2 3/8 x 1 11/16 inches) the RX100 VII is the same size as the VI, and it’s perfect for slipping in a jacket pocket or small bag. It also has a largely metal construction, which should mean its pretty hard-wearing.

Perhaps the most exciting upgrade the RX100 VII makes, however, is with the autofocus system. The RX100 VI is no slouch in this area, but the RX100 VII has 357 phase detection points and 425 contrast detection points, plus Real-time Tracking AF and Real-time Eye AF for humans and animals. In addition, the Real-time Eye AF for Humans works in video mode.

The Sony RX100 VII’s autofocus system really makes it an attractive camera for a wide range of people and shooting applications, particularly anyone looking to record the fun and games of a holiday.

Does it offer the same image quality as the other options on this list of the best travel cameras? No. But what the Insta360 GO 2 brings to the table is the  smallest, lightest camera body you can buy. It’s the first camera classed as a pocket camera that truly fits the bill. And it’s image quality is also very good!

The camera comes with a range of mounts that let you wear it, clip it and more. Inside, the camera also boasts Insta360’s superb FlowState 2.0 stabilisation technology which completely smooths out your movements. Shooting modes include Video, Pro Video, Photo, HDR Video, Timeshift, Timelapse, Nightlapse and Slow Motion.

Read our Insta360 GO 2 Review