Best Travel Cameras for Great Shots and a Memorable Vacation

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The best travel cameras make great companions - especially if you frequently travel alone. They capture your emotion in some of the best moments.

Besides this, the best travel cameras also bring alive beautiful memories long after they have been captured. It is obvious you won’t want a glitch or a sub-standard camera to ruin these sparkling moments. Consequently, we recommend taking a few moments to plan and establish the relation between your camera and the journey. What will be your focus during travel? Will you want to capture landscapes or portraits? What camera accessories will you need to carry along for the journey? It’s best also to consider the brand that meets your needs and budget.


Standard Features of the Best Travel Cameras

While no two cameras is exactly the same, there are a few trusty features you can count on. With regard to these features, you'll want to ensure the utmost quality to prevent any snapshot mishaps. 

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Lens

The lens is the primary element of the camera. It focuses light on the imaging sensor. A good lens will try to focus on the entire picture width on the imaging sensor rather than on one specific point. As a result, this gives you sharper pictures.

Settings

Settings help you adjust per your liking and the external environment. For instance, you can expect the ability to switch between manual and automatic camera mode, change the shutter speed, improve the white balance, and focus. Thus, you get to fine-tune the settings to achieve the best image.

Portability

As a frequent traveler you know it can get difficult to carry along many things. Owing to this fact, the smaller the size of your camera, the easier it is to fit in essential elements. At the same time, the weight also plays a crucial role. With a lightweight camera, you are free to carry other important accessories that can save time and energy.

​Wi-Fi

If you prefer taking several photos, then it’s ideal to keep a backup of your pictures either on the cloud or by transferring it to another device. Accordingly, cameras with Wi-Fi are standard nowadays. Considering this, this can comfortably secure your photos and access to them when needed.


Questions to Ask Yourself Before Beginning Your Search for the Best Travel Cameras

Before you begin your search for the best travel cameras, there are a few questions that can shed light on the actual use of the camera and how it can best serve you. Honestly answering these will ensure you make the best decision and ultimately receive the best product.

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​What types of things will I be shooting with my travel camera?

Did you know that planning where exactly you will use the camera can narrow down choosing the right camera for your needs? Whether you are taking your first trip or your fiftieth, the type of photography influences the camera you choose to pick.

Some of the most common photography types are landscape photography, portrait photography, aerial photography, fashion photography, nature photography, documentary or food photography. Each of these photography types calls for different shots that can give you the best angle and the best picture.

Based on the type of shot you expect, different cameras can give the desired outcome. Picking the favorite spots or popular tourist destinations as the preferred location, you can get quality pictures from the best travel cameras.

​How big or compact do I need the camera to be?

Choosing a camera can range between the flexibility, portability, and image quality you desire. The big cameras offer you a shallower depth, greater range, and possibly higher image quality. However, compact best travel cameras on the market today have equally better image quality as the big cameras.

The size, weight, cost and negligent space in the bag are what differentiates the best travel cameras. You reduce the overall weight and area in the pocket. As a result, you almost forget you're carrying it. Also, the lower costs work well within the budget.

What accessories/attachments will I need to pair with my camera?

For the most professional shot, you need specific accessories that can equip you with the best angle, speed, and light conditions. Most cameras come with many features that can make your picture the exact way you want it. Despite the many attachments, the most prominent are a light reflector, lens, blower, spare batteries, adapter, and charger.

Consider those that are essential to keep the camera working on your first trip. Since the camera would be relatively new, it is best to travel light and have a few essential accessories and attachments with you. Of course, as a pro traveler, you can expect to carry more to give better quality photos.

​What are my tech capabilities?

Now, most cameras come with advanced functionalities that are mostly used by professional photographers. Even though you might not be one, the best travel cameras have been made with the idea of having a simple interface that artistically shoots the best professional photos.

However, if there are specific features that are relatively new to you, it pays to check the manual before you spend considerable time attempting them. If the feature is a must-have for your photos, take time to learn about it from user reviews, videos, or by contacting customer care.

Even still, tech capabilities for the best travel cameras are not highly technical, nor are they impossible to learn. Instead, you can work well with a little bit of interest and study of the functioning.


Things to Keep in Mind During Your Search for the Best Travel Cameras

As with any product, take time to know the key features that can make the purchase worthwhile. Even though there are many similar products on the market, picking the one that suits your situation perfect it the best way to move forward.

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Functions

The best travel cameras come with much functionality that can improve your experience. However, the essential tasks that you must consider during your search are an aperture, white balance, frame rate, ISO, and Shutter Speed.

  • Aperture - Aperture enables the frame to keep different things within range and focus. Thereby, the more the aperture is exposed, the better is the clarity of image quality you get. It also has a direct relation to the exposure. A larger aperture also helps to get more light and in turn helps to maximize shutter speed.   
  • White Balance - White balance is mostly an automatic feature in the best travel cameras. To enumerate, it enables the color temperature change on your images. The range at which it balances the hues is usually between 2000K (candlelight) to 10,000k (dark shade). Since the automatic shade works perfectly well for the best travel cameras, you can generally use the automatic setting.
  • Frame Rate - The number of frames projected per second is called the frame rate. This varies based on different occasions. 29.97 fps is ideal for a video look versus 24 fps (frames per second) for a film look.
  • ISO - ISO determines how sensitive the camera sensor is to light. Thus, the higher the ISO value, the more light falls on your image. However, beyond a point, extreme light can lead to haziness or grains that create noise on the image. In doing so, the image might appear blurred. Try to reduce the ISO to a minimum value so that the picture is crystal clear. 
  • Shutter Speed - Shutter speed is another important feature you must consider in all the best travel cameras. To explain, the shutter speed is the time duration in which the shutter of the camera is open to allow light on each frame. It ensures there is a proper light condition for each frame as you click sharper photos. The faster the shutter speed, the lesser the time the image is exposed to the sunlight. The average speed considered for the shutter speed is 1/60. Consequently, lesser speed than this can lead to blurred images.

​Compatibility

The best travel cameras have to come with proper compatibility functions to adjust with your existing lens. Similarly, a flexible body that can go along with any other old camera you might have can be beneficial. Alternatively, the best travel cameras come with upgrades that are compatible with old and newer versions.

​Budget

The ideal best travel cameras come within different price ranges. This depends on the features, upgrades, and the functionality. Another factor that plays a role in the budget is how much you are ready to spend on the features versus the budget. While some features are worthy, others might not be a valuable addition if it doesn’t apply to you. Take a call based on where and how you would be using the best travel cameras.

Brand reputation

Brands like Panasonic, Canon, and Sony have an active fan following thanks to their brand equity and value. As such, this shows in their products. Every purchase ensures high quality, value for money, and technological advancement. While the choice depends solely on your preference, do check for brand credibility before buying one of the best travel cameras.

​Durability

The purpose of a durable camera is to be resistant to dust, heat, moisture, and rain in any condition that you travel. Even though the best travel cameras come with a weather-resilient material, it is vital that your camera is as convenient as it is weatherproof. Thus, you should choose one that will be resistant to extreme weather conditions if you plan your trip in such regions.


​​6 of the Best Travel Cameras for a Memorable Vacation

These six best travel cameras have been chosen based on the brand and the suitability for different occasions. No matter your destination or experience, the options below offer something for photographers of all interests and levels.

1. Panasonic Lumix

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Panasonic Lumix is a lightweight camera that meets all the high-level needs for excellent photographs and precise shots. With an exclusive 4K photo burst and 4K video capture, it is powered by an 18.1 MP camera. A 3-inch touch control LCD helps you take fast and accurate photos. Additionally, it has a travel fast USB with in-camera battery charging.

Moreover, the long zoom camera is for everyone. The low light gives an excellent nightlife photograph. Similarly, the comfort and ergonomic grip of the viewfinder provide clarity, even in sunlight. You can record up to 30fps, making it easy to pick the exact moment to capture.

PROS:

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    Works for all locations and photography types
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    Small size and lightweight
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    Telephoto is great  

CONS:

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    The sharpness of the long zoom might not give the same result consistently

2. ​Sony Cyber-shot

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Sony's Cyber-Shot is one of the best travel cameras to own. With 3-inch screen size, it is compact and easy to carry everywhere. The optical zoom is 16x and optical sensors at 16.2 megapixels. As a result, if you are planning an outdoor trip or plan to indulge in sports activities, this is the perfect camera for your needs. With multi-use terminal USB cable and wrist strap, it is easy to carry everywhere. The device comes with a rechargeable battery pack and captures even the smallest detail in high contrast. You also get fantastic 3D still images and 3D panorama for individual pictures on your tour. The superior auto mode gives clear pictures, and lesser missed shots.

PROS:

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    Solid body
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    Shots are clear
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    Lightweight

CONS:

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    Suggested to avoid using micro SD card with the camera
  • No accessory battery charger

3. ​Canon Powershot

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The CMOS Sensor that comes along with Canon Powershot G9X is large at 1.0 inch and 20.1 megapixel. It gives high-quality images equally well for both dark and light parts. Furthermore, it helps in reducing blur. The DIGIC image processor speeds up the startup time with reduced noise selection.

As such, the ultra-slim and lightweight camera is perfect to carry on treks or long journeys. The picture style function lets you choose from eight presets for color, contrast and other aspects of the image to make a great picture. It is the best compact camera for travel.

PROS:

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    Lightweight, pocket-size camera
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    Comes with a touch screen panel

CONS:

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    Compatible with select smartphones and tablets
  • Image processing might decrease the number of pixels

4. Nikon D3300

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The Nikon D3300 w/AF is an ISO 100-12800 with a 3 inch LCD. For your everyday needs, this is one of the perfect and best travel cameras that shoots the ideal 24.2-megapixel photo. Even better, the photos can be shared easily on your smartphone. For an artist, this is the ideal camera to capture high-quality images.

At 15.2 ounces, this lightweight camera is easy to carry and works on one lithium battery. With the many modes, you are free to use many filters and outline. Similarly, the viewfinder allows you to control the amount of depth of field with this best digital camera for travel photography.

PROS:

  • plus
    ​Good light intensity control of your images
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    Quick to setup
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    Many accessories to choose from

CONS:

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    Not compatible with older software version like Photoshop
  • ​The battery can get consumed quickly with many features like the Life View

5. ​GoPro HERO3+

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This adventure camera is perfect for your outdoor trips. This black edition GoPro HERO3 has a built-in WiFi and Bluetooth Support with the GoPro app. With the built-in video trimmer, you get to create and save short videos clips in the camera at that very moment.

Additionally, you'll find advanced manual control on your photos and videos with the wide-angle field of view. It is small in size and easy to carry around everywhere which makes it the best adventure camera. This new version has auto light settings that give excellent image and video quality.

PROS:

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    Waterproof quality is excellent for the outdoors
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    Time lapse is superb for the perfect sunset and sunrise moments
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    The camera has a strong body for harsh conditions

CONS:

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    ​The battery life might go down quickly depending on the usage
  • The interface can take time to get used to  

6. ​FujiFilm X100F

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Fujifilm X100F 24.3 MP has an 8-Way focus lever that has been expanded from the previous version. Thus, it is an excellent camera for photography. You also get a choice of six modes suitable for different scenes.

As a professional, this is one of the best travel cameras to carry along in various places. With years of experience in photographic films, Fujifilm also gives you a premium quality film simulation modes for warm skin tones, great blue hues and even lush greenery.

PROS:

  • plus
    Excellent design and lightweight
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    JPEGs work well with VSCO filters
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    Long battery life

CONS:

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    Menu items accessible on the rear LCD
  • Viewfinder and Eye Sensor does not toggle with the rear LCD.

The best travel cameras come with upgraded features that are just right for your needs.

Each has been designed with specific features to meet these needs. Regardless of your destination, travel companions, or photography interests, these options offer great images and settings.

Did you pick your best travel cameras from the list? Share it with us in the comments! If you are planning a trip with your friends, share this list with them.