The 6 Best Travel Cameras - Fall 2023 Reviews

As far as interchangeable lens options go, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is one of the best travel cameras you can get. As part of the Micro Four Thirds (M4/3) system, it offers a good combination of portability, flexibility, and quality. Though it isn't as heavy-duty as higher-end models in the Olympus lineup, like the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III or the OM SYSTEM OM-1, it has a more portable body that makes it better for travel. Plus, it's packed with many of the same features, including computational photography modes and a wide selection of compact lenses to keep the overall size of your kit down.

Aside from its compact size, the camera feels well-built, with weather-sealing for added peace of mind when you're out and about in adverse weather conditions. It also has an excellent five-axis in-body image stabilization system, which can reduce camera shake in travel vlogs or make it easier to shoot at slower shutter speeds in trickier lighting. Unfortunately, it doesn't have the longest battery life, so you might have to buy a spare battery for long days on the go, but if you're looking for something small and mighty, this is an excellent travel camera for the price.

If image quality is your top priority, the Sony α7C is hard to beat. It's one of the most compact full-frame bodies on the market, proving that you don't need to sacrifice image quality for portability. While it's the largest option on this list, and full-frame lenses will inevitably take up more space, it's impressive how compact Sony made this camera while including features like in-body image stabilization (IBIS) and a fully articulated screen.

Of course, that relatively compact size means fewer control dials, fewer custom buttons, and a disappointingly small viewfinder. But the α7C's high-resolution full-frame sensor handles noise incredibly well in low-light environments, with plenty of dynamic range to capture a wider array of detail. The camera also has a fantastic battery life and sturdy, weather-sealed construction, giving you more peace of mind when shooting outdoors. It's the best camera for travel photography if you care about image quality.

If you can do without IBIS and want something more affordable, the Fujifilm X-T30 II is a great mid-range option. Unlike the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III, it uses an APS-C sensor but still has a portable, lightweight body that's ideal for traveling. It also lacks more premium features like weather-sealing and advanced video specs. However, it's still a relatively sturdy camera, and its dedicated exposure dials give you more hands-on control over exposure settings.

At the heart of the camera is a high-resolution sensor that delivers excellent image quality, and you can even play around with the look of your photos in-camera using film simulation profiles that emulate the look of classic Fujifilm film stocks. On top of that, it has a decent autofocus system and a relatively good battery life, making this an excellent travel camera for the price.

If you're on a tighter budget, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a great choice that brings a lot of value to the table. Like its higher-end sibling above, it uses a Micro 4/3 sensor, making for a remarkably portable camera kit with plenty of lightweight and affordable lens options. It's also a great choice for beginners, thanks to simple controls and easy-to-use creative shooting modes.

It's also one of the few budget cameras with in-body image stabilization, so it's a good choice if you also like to shoot vlogs or videos. IBIS can also be useful in low light, letting you shoot at slower shutter speeds without a tripod. However, it's still an entry-level model, so build quality isn't the greatest. Its autofocus system can also be sluggish. If you'd prefer a camera with a more reliable autofocus system, the Canon EOS R50 is an amazing alternative and is even a bit cheaper. However, it's less portable, and lens options are limited.

If portability is your top priority, and you want something more capable than your smartphone camera, a premium point-and-shoot is the way to go. The Sony RX100 VII has been going strong for several iterations—for good reason. This latest model uses a stacked 1-inch sensor, so image quality is very solid for the camera's size. It's a highly portable camera, so you can bring it with you wherever your travels take you, and its built-in lens has a fairly long zoom range that's great for travel snapshots of everything from landscapes to far-away subjects.

Be aware that compact cameras like this have limited battery life, though you can always bring a spare battery or a portable battery pack to charge it. The RICOH GR III is a great alternative if you want something more minimalist. It doesn't have a viewfinder, and its fixed focal length lens is less versatile than the zoom lens on the Sony. However, it has a larger APS-C sensor that delivers excellent image quality and is better suited to low-light situations. On the other hand, if you're looking for something cheaper, you can still find older generations of the RX100 on eBay and other used camera retailers.

The GoPro HERO10 Black is one of the best video cameras for travel, thanks to its small size and rugged, waterproof exterior. Not only can you bring it with you no matter where you go, but it's also perfect for capturing action footage of scuba diving, waterskiing, or any other adventuring you might do on vacation. Best-in-class stabilization means you don't have to worry about distracting camera shake. With 5.3k video recording at up to 60 fps and 4k at up to 120 fps, you can capture high-quality action footage at a wide range of frame rates and resolutions. It's also a solid option for travel vloggers, thanks to a front screen that lets you monitor yourself while recording.

While GoPro has released newer models since, including the GoPro HERO11 Black and GoPro HERO12 Black, the HERO10 can still do everything you need from an action camera but at an all-time low price, making it a great deal. If you want to save even more, you can find older models like the GoPro HERO9 Black and get similar performance and features, albeit with fewer frame rate and resolution options.