best travel film camera

Our Expert Guide to the BEST Travel Cameras in 2024

• Last Updated: December 13, 2023

We’ve spent years working as professional travel photographers, and are proud to have put together this definitive guide to the best travel cameras in 2024 for every budget, based on actual hands-on experience.

One of the best souvenirs you can bring home from your adventures abroad is photographs.

As the old saying goes, pictures are worth a thousand words, and nothing brings back the excitement and thrill of holiday memories quite like looking back at your photos.

These days almost everybody has a decent camera in their pocket, thanks to the wonders of modern smartphones. And while these are fine for the average person, if you really want great image quality, you’re going to have to invest in something better.

People say, “It’s not the camera that takes good photos, it’s the photographer”, and this is completely true. Yet there’s a reason professionals use expensive gear – they are better for the job.

Never fear though, that doesn’t mean you need to go out and spend $10k on a set-up! Definitely not.

In fact this article is going to save you time and money by diving straight into the best travel camera for every budget.

So why listen to us?

We’ve been working as professional travel photographers for almost a decade, and have been fortunate enough to put hundreds of cameras to the test during our career.

Based on our personal experience, we’ve been able to narrow down the absolute top choice in every category.

Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or professional, or even if you know nothing at all, we’ll help you make the right choice so you don’t waste your money getting something that just isn’t up to the job.

READ MORE: Check out our comprehensive guide on how to take better travel photos .

Let’s dive into our comprehensive guide for the best camera for travel photography.

Table of Contents

Our Recommendation

Bonus: recommended lenses for sony a6600, bonus: recommended lenses for sony a7iv, size and weight, resolution/megapixels, interchangeable lenses, manual settings, weatherproofing, stabilization, mirrorless vs dslr, what camera do most professional photographers use, what camera is best for travel videos, what is the best small camera for travel, what is the best travel camera in 2024.

Without further ado, let’s get into the article!

Disclaimer – NOMADasaurus is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

GoPro HERO12 Black – The Best Action Camera

Action cameras have come a long way since we bought our first one back in 2010.

They used to be reserved just for people who were into extreme sports – skiing, skydiving, motocross, scuba diving, etc.

Now they have become one of the top travel cameras on the market thanks to their durability, compact size and high quality.

The good ones shoot in at least 4K video (this one though actually goes up to 5.3k), are completely waterproof and even connect to your phone so can take great photos from any angle.

They also shoot time-lapse photography, which is great if you’re catching an epic sunrise or particularly busy urban scene.

Even if you are not interested in jumping off of cliffs or mountain biking through a jungle, having an action compact camera is still a brilliant tool to have in your suitcase.

They are especially awesome if you’re looking for the best cameras for adventure travel.

The undisputed king of action sports cameras is GoPro, and we’ve been proudly using them for over 13 years.

These epic cameras have insane image quality and shoot some remarkable video. They’re also extremely durable, waterproof and fit in your pocket.

Adding to the GoPro series is a huge range of accessories that makes getting footage limited by only your imagination.

Check out our brand new GoPro HERO12 Black review to see if it’s right for you!

Different mounts allow you to put them just about anywhere, extension poles get unique angles (perfect for selfies), you can stick a GoPro on a tripod and there are even filters available.

We’ve had just about every GoPro camera since the original HERO was released, and we’re super excited to share that the newest one on the market is by far the best ever.

Their latest camera is the GoPro HERO12 Black , following hot off the heels of the successful HERO11 (click the link to read our review of it), and it’s risen the bar once again.

When the HERO7 came out they introduced a number of revolutionary features, such as HyperSmooth (in-built image stabilisation), TimeWarp (awesome hyper-lapse videos) and SuperPhoto (HDR photos on steroids).

The HERO9 added a front-facing LCD screen, which really stepped things up a notch, especially for vloggers.

The HERO10 brought in the new GP2 processor, which made everything work, well, just better.

The HERO11 went bonkers with a brand new larger sensor, 10-bit colour and all new aspect ratio.

And now with the HERO12 the company has gone and made everything more refined with a host of new features and upgraded battery life.

Boasting the fantastic GP2 processor, 1/1.9″ sensor and 8:7 aspect ratio, the latest GoPro HERO12 Black now has HDR video to go along with the expert camera settings.

The massive aspect ratio gives more room to crop, so you can shoot in one perspective and scale later for portrait social media content or landscape YouTube videos.

The camera shoots in 5.3k 60 frames per second, 4k at 120fps and 2.7k at a whopping 240fps (8x slow motion), which also allowing for 27 megapixel screen grabs when using 5.3k on the full 8:7 ratio.

The stabilization is even better with HyperSmooth 6.0 (in-built horizon levelling up to 360 degrees), TimeWarp 4.0 allows to switch between hyper-lapse, real-time and slow-mo recording in the same video with a tap of the screen, and the SuperPhoto has improved HDR abilities.

The screens are still very responsive and look excellent.

SuperPhoto for photographers, in particular, means you can point and shoot, and barely have to edit before uploading to social media. Although we still recommend shooting in RAW for the pros out there.

This article talks more about how to take better GoPro photos, written by a pro.

For the purists out there, the GoPro HERO12 shoots in RAW format for all photo modes.

There is still voice activation and the entire unit is waterproof to 10m, meaning there is no need for a dive housing if you’re not going below that depth.

Also the all-new Night Effects modes are really awesome. Who would have thought you could capture light trails and the Milky Way on such a tiny camera?

For the video gurus out there the HERO12 is a gimbal killer. What does that mean? It means HyperSmooth 6.0 is on another level.

The HERO7 stabilisation was amazing for vlogging and action sports, as was the HERO8 and 9, but after testing the new HERO12, the stabilisation is even better again. Don’t know how they do it, but they do! And it works at 4K at 120fps, TimeWarp and live streaming!

Want slow motion? How does 2.7k at 240FPS sound? Buttery smooth, that’s for sure.

Whereas in previous models they had White, Silver and Black models, the HERO12 only has a Black model.

Canon Powershot SX740HS – The Best Affordable Camera

If you want a dedicated camera that is cheap and still takes decent photos then you really are spoiled for choice.

We’ve personally owned a whole range of different brands in this range, from Canon to Fuji to Olympus to Sony, and with the way the best travel camera market is now if you’re not fussy about the brand you get, then you can’t really go wrong. But let us explain what you’ll need.

You’ll basically be looking for a small point and shoot, something that is foolproof and most importantly quite durable. Having a big zoom range is a big bonus so you can crop right in on different scenes.

The ability to use manual settings will come in handy if you ever want to play around and learn a bit more about how photography works.

And you want something affordable so that you won’t be overly worried if you lose it (just make sure you backup your photos).

The Canon Powershot SX720HS was a hugely successful compact camera, and Canon backed it up with the amazing SX730HS to become the best budget travel camera.

But like all good camera companies, Canon has stepped it up a notch again by bringing out the newest model in the range, the SX740HS .

This great little travel camera does it all, and for the price, it is the best travel zoom camera out there.

40x optical zoom, manual settings, shoots in 4K video, good color grading, and it is one of the better compact cameras out there.

It also has wifi so you can transfer photos straight to your phone or laptop without plugging it in, or control the camera from your phone. Perfect for the general traveler who just wants something to take decent photos with on their trip.

It also has a large articulated screen, so you can angle your shots perfectly, whether you’re shooting from the ground or above the head.

A few more updates over the SX730HS is an improved small sensor, meaning better low light capabilities, and faster burst shooting, cementing its position as the best budget camera for travelling.

READ MORE: Check out our latest guide on the best camera accessories !

Sony RX100 vii – The Best Compact Camera for Travel

This is the next level up. You still want the portability and benefits of having a point and shoot, but you want to take incredible photos too.

You’re interested in learning about the fundamentals of photography, and perhaps want to one day print your photos or maybe put them up online. Ultimately you’re after the best pocket camera for travel.

Here are the things you’ll need: Full manual control, a decent size sensor, zoom, high-quality video, flip screen (so you can shoot from different angles while still framing your shot), ability to shoot in RAW format, good ISO performance and a wide aperture.

This is the category that most people will be in. So if you’re asking yourself what is the best compact digital camera for traveling, read on…

READ MORE: Check out our comprehensive guide to the best landscape photography tips !

This is, in our opinion, the best point and shoot camera for travel on the market. It does everything you’ll ever need it to do and has incredible image quality in a premium compact size.

Sony have completely revolutionized the market with the RX100 range, and with each update it just gets better and better.

Without a doubt there’s no better option for the best compact camera for travel out there than the Sony RX100 vii right now.

The Mark 7 has a very long zoom range (8.6x optical, up from 3.6x optical, which is like having a 24-200mm lens), an amazing 20mp one-inch sensor to capture huge dynamic range, high quality 4K video and an articulating flip screen.

It’s an expensive camera, yes, but if you want the absolute best quality on the market in a small, compact unit that fits in your pocket, this is the best travel camera out right now.

BONUS TIP – If you want to create travel vlogs and have a decent camera for photography too, this is the model for you!

Canon G7X Mark iii – Best Camera for Vlogging

Vlogging is the newest craze, and it’s quite literally taking over as the new digital media of choice for many travelers and influencers.

If making videos is more your style instead of taking photos, then you’re going to want to look at a camera that has a range of specific features.

Most importantly is the ability to shoot in 4K (even if not many people have 4K monitors today, in a few years it will be common and you’re going to want to have footage to match the current standard).

Once you’ve got this another handy feature is an articulated LCD screen that can face you while you’re talking in the lens.

This allows you to frame your shot instead of cutting off half your head. Lastly you’ll want a microphone jack to catch better audio.

Get the camera, start filming and put some great videos up on YouTube ! Sounds easy, right? But what is the best travel camera for vlogging…

We’ve used more vlogging cameras than we can remember, from full-frame setups to GoPros and even putting to the test the brand new Sony ZV-1F .

But what have we settled on?

The Canon G7X Mark ii has always been considered the ultimate travel camera for vlogging, but it fell short in a few different categories.

That’s all changed now with the newest upgrade, the G7X Mark iii .

Shooting fantastic 4k video, this travel camera now has an in-built microphone jack for improved audio, a flip-up touchscreen for keeping your face in frame, and has a faster start-up time than previously.

The image quality is also much better now, and with manual control functions it really is a premium compact travel camera.

Sony A6600 – Best Mirrorless Camera for Travel

You’ve broken out of the realm of standard point and shoots, and you’re looking for a camera that has interchangeable lenses.

You’re getting into the idea of shooting wide, or perhaps portrait shots. Maybe you really would like to get a longer zoom.

Most of all, you really want to get serious about photography.

In your kit will be a range of lenses for a range of situations. You can look at getting filters to give beautiful effects on your shots. You might even want to start growing your photography portfolio .

A few years ago everyone would have recommended you to get an entry-level DSLR. This is no longer the case.

With the way mirrorless technology has gone DSLRs are losing traction and popularity. Now you can get something with the same image quality for half the size.

The Sony A6600 is an absolute powerhouse and puts up a good fight for being the ultimate travel camera.

For entry-level mirrorless cameras, Sony broke the mould by introducing the A6000 a few years ago. Since then every model has been lightyears ahead of the competition.

The latest A6600 is their newest offering, and for a compact camera, it is seriously next level.

It boasts one of the fastest autofocus capabilities of any camera on the market, an improved APS-C sensor capable of high-level video and great image quality, a touch-enabled articulating LCD screen and excellent electronic viewfinder.

The range of lenses available for this Sony mirrorless camera is huge, and manages to cover all bases for whether you want to shoot 4K video or take images that you can sell to magazines.

You can really get away with the standard lenses that come in most kits, but there are a couple of exceptions that you could splurge out for.

All Sony E mount lenses will fit onto the Sony A6XXX series (including the spectacular full-frame range, with a crop factor).

So if you are ever considering an upgrade to full frame and want to buy some new lenses for your APS-C sensor, you can fork out the money early and still use your lenses later on.

Best Wide Angle Lens

There’s really only one option in this range, and it’s the brilliant 10-18mm F4 . To this day one of the best photos we’ve seen taken of the Petronas Towers was taken with a Sony A6000 (older model) and this lens.

Best Portrait Lens

The Sony 50mm F1.8 is a great choice for a native portrait lens. It’s light, fast and cheap. 

The quality is decent without being amazing, but it definitely does a wonderful job for what you pay for.

Otherwise step up to the FE 55mm F1.8 (read about it below), although this will give you a 85mm perspective on the APS-C sensor.

Best Zoom Lens

Keeping with the affordable and light range that makes for great travel camera lenses, we recommend the Sony 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 .

For the amateur and hobbyist photographer, this will do just about everything you need and is a solid lens to have in your kit.

Sony A7iv – Best Professional Camera for Travel Photography

If you’re like us and want to make capturing the absolute best images of your travels a priority, then you’ll be looking at a professional range of travel cameras.

Following on from the discussion on mirrorless vs DSLR above, you’ll get many professional photographers who choose to stick to cameras like the Canon 6D or 5D series, or the Nikon D750 or D810.

These are legendary cameras in the industry, and with the enormous range of lenses available for each one, there’s a reason the best in the business use them.

But, we’re talking about travel cameras. And for this, we recommended sticking to mirrorless. 

Full frame DSLRs are big and heavy, whereas their equivalent in mirrorless are a fraction of the size.

If you have decided you want to take the leap to a full frame sensor and want to be rocking the best mirrorless camera for travel, then you have only two choices.

READ MORE: But you need to carry everything, right? Here’s our new expert guide to the best camera backpacks on the market today!

Sony was the first major camera producer to create a full frame mirrorless camera, and while Canon has finally caught up, Sony has years of research and development on their side.

The Sony A7 series is almost flawless. Fantastic image quality, 4K video capabilities (on the A7R, A7S and the A7iv), articulating LCD screens, wifi, light, compact and a whole range of native lenses available for it makes them the absolute best cameras for traveling.

And with the Metabones adaptors you can even use your old Canon, Nikon, Sigma, Samyang or other type of lenses on it.

As of 2024, Sony’s top cameras are the A1, A7iv, A7Siii, A7Rv and the A9ii. Now while the A9ii, A7Rv and A1 are absolute beasts of cameras, the truth is you most likely don’t need all the features they have.

We currently own the A7iv and A7Rv, and for professional travel photography, they are the best on the market.

The image quality is superb and the dynamic range is insane. The low light capabilities are also amazing. Even at ISO 12800, there’s barely any noise that shows up on the shot compared to a compact camera.

We personally recommend the A7iv as the best travel camera out there , as it’s just damn near perfect, especially as a hybrid photo and video camera.

4K video with 60fps, a lightning-fast autofocus system, joystick control, touch screen, fast processor, upgraded full frame sensor and amazing battery life.

If you’re the kind of person that loves to blow up their images for print, or does a lot of cropping when you edit your shots, then that’s the only reason you’ll want to step up to the A7Rv, as it has a 62mp sensor.

But wait – isn’t the brand new Sony A7Rv the best in class right now? Yes, it is. However, while it is absolutely incredible and takes things up another notch, it’s quite expensive and the megapixel count is likely not something you need..

Instead we recommend that you save your money on the body, put what’s left over towards some lenses, and get the A7iv be your go to camera for travel photography.

If you’re going for the Sony A7 series, we’ve got some bad news for you. Full frame lenses are expensive.

But if you’re considering turning your photography hobby into a profession, then this is a small sacrifice to make for the quality of photos you’ll be taking.

Trust us, if you’re buying the best camera for travel photography on the market, you’ll want to also have the best lenses to go with it.

The great thing with the Sony Alpha series is that their lenses are all interchangeable, meaning if you start out with a Sony A6600 and eventually upgrade to a Sony A7iv, you can take your old lenses and put them on the new camera (but it will have a crop factor).

Best All-Round Lens

The new FE 24-105mm f4 lens from Sony is pretty much the best all round travel zoom lens for photography.

It’s damn sharp, and with a constant aperture of f4, it means you can get excellent bokeh and decent low-light performance at any focal length.

This lens practically lives on our A7iv, as it’s so versatile, great for video and the image quality is fantastic.

The Sony 16-35mm f2.8 GM lens is one of the best wide angle lenses on the market, and when you throw it on your travel camera, you’re almost guaranteed to get fantastic shots.

Pretty much every review on photography sites raves about it, and having owned it for over three years now, we completely agree.

It’s not cheap, but to have such a fast and wide native lens for the Sony setup is pretty epic! If you want a cheaper alternative, check out the 16-35mm f4 , which is also very good.

Best Prime Lens

If you are into portrait or street photography make sure you get the FE 55mm F1.8 prime lens.

It’s very fast, very light and very sharp. And with such a good value, it may be the best prime lens that Sony makes (excluding the high-end GM series).

Owning a telephoto lens isn’t just about taking photos of wildlife or zooming in on things that are far away from you. It adds a whole new creative element known as lens compression to your arsenal.

This is the optical illusion that happens when the further you zoom into something, the bigger the background appears.

You start to get this effect from around 100mm and on, so if you’re looking for the best zoom lens to put on your Sony A7iv, consider the 70-200 f2.8 GMii lens, or the 100-400mm GM lens .

We have both of these zoom lenses, and we love love love them!

DJI Mavic Air 2 – The Best Drone for Travel

Aerial photography has gained in popularity over the last two years, and it’s easy to see why. 

Not that long ago the only way to get photos from the sky was by taking a chartered flight or helicopter.

But today just about anyone can go out, buy a drone and start taking shots from very unique angles.

The appeal is obvious. Capturing epic photos and video of landscapes from a perspective that few have ever seen before.

From the moment we bought our first drone (a DJI Phantom 4) we fell in love with it.

Good drones up until now have always been quite prohibitive when it comes to travel due to their bulky size.

The DJI Phantom series helped make it more accessible for most people, but even then it was still a commitment to travel with one.

Today the best drone for travel has finally been determined.

The DJI Mavic series is what you should be looking for when considering a travel drone.

With foldable legs and compact size, they tick all the boxes for portability.

There are a few different models to consider, and it really depends on your needs.

If you’re a professional, we recommend the DJI Mavic 2 Pro , thanks to its 1-inch Hasselblad Sensor and 360-degree collision avoidance.

But just announced is the Mavic Air 2 , and with features like 48-megapixel photo mode, panorama capabilities and 4k video, it’s the best option for anybody trying to take travel photos from the air on their next trip.

Its small size and great value makes it perfect for travel, but one thing to consider is the fixed focal length, meaning you can’t zoom in to take photos.

Note – With whatever drone you buy we highly recommend buying extra batteries. You’ll be surprised how quickly you chew through these. Check out the bundle packages from DJI (called ‘Fly More’ on the Mavics).

GoPro Max – Best 360 Travel Camera

With virtual reality becoming more and more popular, it might be no surprise that one of the best travel cameras for 2024 is actually a 360-degree camera!

These incredible little devices come with multiple cameras on one piece, managing to capture an entire scene in one shot in both photos and high definition video.

When they first came out they were very poor quality, but now they’ve improved enough that we actually travel with one full-time now.

360 cameras became popular when the Chinese company Insta360 started to bring out their affordable options, but the image quality was always pretty poor.

Then GoPro stepped onto the scene with the Fusion, and it changed the industry forever.

With all the standard great features GoPro is known for, such as being waterproof, having awesome connectivity and packing it all into compact cameras, the Fusion took things to the next level.

It did require a bit of work to use though, and the stitching wasn’t great. Plus with two SD card slots required to save media, it was just that bit too cumbersome for most photographers.

Cue the Max!

The GoPro Max took the best parts of all their cameras and threw it together into one unit with this one.

The Max, with its dual lenses on either side of the body, now uses just one SD card, making storage and management so much easier, and it has a touch LCD screen that can be used on the go.

For people looking for travel cameras that can do it all, it doesn’t just shoot in 360-degree mode.

There is their ultra-wide single perspective, and for having a small sensor, the low light shots are surprisingly good.

If you’re a travel vlogger you’ll be amazed at the quality of this! The inbuilt microphones do a great job at picking up audio while cutting out background noise, and the battery life is great.

It shoots at 5.6k video quality and 30 frames per second. You can change the pitch, yaw, field of view and angles to get the view you desire.

Even more unique, it can create 360 time-lapses and hyper lapses with a simple click. No need to pull it up in a program like Adobe Premiere Pro to make your videos any more!

Best of all it connects seamlessly to your smartphone using the GoPro app, so you can do all your editing, sticking and keyframing on the go.

When it comes to a travel camera that tries to do it all, this one is hard to beat.

That concludes our list of the best cameras for traveling. Let us know if you have any other recommendations, or if you use any of these cameras while traveling the world!

How to Choose the Best Camera for Travel 

No matter what level you are, the first piece of kit you are going to need to buy is the camera.

This can range from a cheap point-and-shoot right up to a top-of-the-line DSLR that can cost as much as a small car.

A quick visit to a camera store can leave you feeling completely overwhelmed with all the choices.

Keep on scrolling to find detailed information about each of these, and why they really are the best cameras for travel.

READ MORE: See what made the cut as the best travel tripod on the market in our expert guide!

What Features to Look for in a Travel Camera

There’s a number of different features that you need to look for when searching for the best travel camera to buy, based on your needs.

The first thing to look out for is how big and heavy a camera is.

When you’re on the road traveling, weight and space is a huge issue to overcome. You don’t want to be lugging around a heavy backpack full of gear if you don’t have to.

If you’re not a pro or a big enthusiast, we recommend checking out a compact camera or mirrorless camera, as they are smaller and more portable, while also providing decent image quality.

One thing that camera companies and salespeople like to preach about is megapixels. But what exactly does that mean?

A pixel is a tiny dot of color that you see on your computer or phone display. A megapixel is 1 million (actually 1,048,576 to be technically correct)  of those dots. So ‘24 megapixels’ so about 24 million dots of color

You may hear that more megapixels equal better quality photos, but this isn’t entirely true.

The sensor has more to do with image quality than the resolution does, but it does play a small part.

In short don’t get caught up about more buying a camera with more megapixels, unless you’re planning on printing your images on billboards.

Instead just use this guide to the best travel cameras to find out exactly what is the best choice you can afford.

One thing to consider when looking at the best travel camera is whether or not you can change the lens.

The reason this is important is that it gives you more choices down the road if you decide you want to get into different styles of photography.

A compact travel camera is most likely a fixed lens, meaning that whatever zoom range it comes with you can’t change.

A camera that you can change the lens on will let you upgrade to wide-angle lenses, a zoom lens, better maximum aperture options for low light performance, etc.

In general, if you can afford a mirrorless camera or DSLR, it’s worth buying.

A camera that allows you to change the manual settings gives you complete control over things like aperture, ISO and shutter speed.

This opens up a whole new world of creativity, and in our opinion, you shouldn’t consider a camera that doesn’t have this feature.

Luckily every recommendation on this list allows you to control those settings, even the GoPro HERO camera below!

It’s 2024 – make sure you get a camera that can shoot 4K video!

This provides much higher resolution when shooting video, and even if you don’t have a 4K monitor at home, you can always take that clip and watch it in high definition 1080p, or even crop into your footage.

Just beware that 4K video chews up your battery life, so make sure you have some spare ones!

Unless you plan on always being in perfect weather when you travel, it’s a good idea to get a camera that is either waterproof, or has good weather sealing.

Unfortunately you often have to compromise on a waterproof camera or a quality travel camera (unless you buy a GoPro), so we don’t recommend buying a camera that is fully waterproof.

Instead just make sure it has decent sealing, or look at buying an underwater housing if you want to get into underwater photography.

How far you can zoom in on a subject is very important when trying to decide the best travel camera.

If you buy a fixed lens camera, make sure it has a long zoom range, like a Canon Powershot or the Sony RX100vii.

Or if you buy a mirrorless camera or DSLR, you don’t have to worry about this as you can always upgrade later.

No matter how steady you think you are, you will almost always have a small amount of camera shake when taking handheld photos.

If you’re shooting at fast shutter speeds, this isn’t a problem. But if you’re photographing in low light, you can end up with motion blur.

Look out for cameras that have inbuilt image stabilization to counter this.

A DSLR ( digital single lens reflex ) works by having a mirror inside the camera. When you are looking through the viewfinder the mirror is down, covering the sensor, and you are looking at a reflected scene.

When you push the shutter the mirror flips up mechanically, allowing the image to be exposed onto the sensor, and then onto your SD card. All these moving parts take up room, hence why DSLRs are larger in size.

With mirrorless cameras, there are no moving parts inside. The image comes through the lens and directly onto the sensor.

There is an electronic viewfinder,  meaning you are seeing a digital copy of what you’re pointing the camera at, rather than a live view.

So without a mirror constantly flipping, the camera can be made a lot smaller. That’s why mirrorless cameras can be half the size of a DSLR.

When mirrorless cameras first came out the quality wasn’t that great. Now they are just about on par with DSLRs, and the portability means that they are the best cameras for travel photography!

In case you’re not sure what we mean, this article goes into a bit more information, but in short, we recommend getting a mirrorless camera.

The 3 most popular cameras that pros use are the Canon 5Div, the Nikon D850 and the Sony A7Riv.

For general travel videos, the kind of stuff you would publish on YouTube, we recommend the Sony RX100vii. If you’re looking to create more cinematic videos, the A6600 is the best compact travel camera for videos.

If you need the best small camera for travel, you should buy the Canon SX740HS. Compact, high quality and affordable, this little beast is a fantastic travel camera.

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Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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The 3 Film Cameras I Take on Every Trip by Samantha Stortecky

• Learn to Shoot Film: Tips & Tutorials
• May 6, 2022

Written by  Samantha Stortecky

With summer on the horizon, it feels like so many people are leaving their homes to travel and visit new places.

And I don’t know about you, but my favorite thing to do during my travels is to take pictures. I love having so many fun film images to document my adventures and share with others.

When traveling, I find it’s important to pack light and stick with film cameras and equipment that work well for quick shooting!

Over the past several years, I’ve had the privilege of traveling to fun places like Hawaii and Niagara Falls, and, during those trips, I’ve had three film cameras that have stuck by me throughout each journey and helped me capture so many amazing images.

If you’re planning on traveling anytime in the near future, then you’re in luck, because today I am sharing the three film cameras that have been a staple in my traveling camera bag.

Before we jump into this, just know that this list is not exhaustive or end all be all list of film cameras. Everyone’s travel needs and wants will be different and this is just my own personal list of what has worked for me during my travels.

1. The Pentax 645N

First up is my preferred medium format camera, the Pentax 645N ( find on eBay ).

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know this medium format camera is always at the top of my list. This baby has seen a lot of exciting places with me and has helped me capture some of my absolute favorite images.

Here are a few of the reasons why this camera is always in my travel bag:

• Captures medium format images with crisp beautiful detail that is perfect for enlarging and printing.
• It has a great internal light meter so you don’t have to worry about carrying an external one and keeps a decently long battery life.
• There are various functions and flexibilities so you can experiment with multiple exposures and self-timed images!

This is definitely the largest camera on my list, but if you’re looking for a high quality and versatile medium format camera to travel with, it’s a great choice.

You can read an full review of the Pentax 645N here.

Find the Pentax 645N on eBay.

2. The Pentax A3000

Second, up is my absolute ride or die 35mm camera, the Pentax A3000 .

In my previous review of the Pentax A3000 , I shared my story about finding this little gem of a camera at a garage sale and how it quickly became my go-to for shooting 35mm film. And throughout all of my traveling, this camera has a safe space in my camera bag (or around my neck).

• Super light and easy to hold! It’s lightweight which makes it easy to have it around your neck during your trip so you always have a camera available.
• This camera shoots in aperture priority mode, making it easy to take pictures and not have to worry about all the technical settings of the camera.
• Shoots 35mm film so you get a lot of film stock variety and more images per roll. It’s the perfect camera for when you’re traveling and photographing your children!

Here’s a list of some more 35mm film cameras that are good for beginners and great for traveling.

Find the Pentax A3000 at KEH Camera or on eBay .

Related: Awesome Tips for Traveling with Film

3. The Instax Wide 300

And lastly, is my instant camera best friend, the Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 .

If you read my review of Instax Wide , you know that my number one way to utilize this camera is for capturing landscapes. The wide format of the print is perfect for landscapes.

I took this camera with me to Hawaii, and it helped me document some of my favorite beach and palm tree images!

• This camera is really light, making it easy to toss in your bag and keep with you.
• The settings and film loading are straightforward and simple so you can quickly take your picture and get back to enjoying your trip.
• Creates crisp and colorful instant images that capture scenes and moments perfectly!

If you love the Instax Wide but are looking for something a little smaller, check out our review of the Instax Square SQ6 here .

Find the Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 on Amazon.

And that’s it for me folks, I hope that this article was helpful and that you get to do some safe traveling soon!

Thank you so much, Samantha! Samantha is a regular contributor here at Shoot It With Film, and you can check out  her other articles here , including a  Fujifilm Instax SP-2 printer review  and  the Pentax 645N camera review .

You can also check out more of Samantha’s work on her  website  and  Instagram .

Let us know your favorite film camera to travel with below in the comments!

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Samantha Stortecky

Samantha Stortecky is a family photographer and a regular contributor for Shoot It With Film. Find her other articles here , such as How to Shoot Kodak Portra 400 and 5 Unique & Experimental Film Stocks You Need to Try .

Blog Comments

May 6, 2022 at 8:28 am

I agree with you about medium format cameras. The special quality of the negs is worth the extra weight and the hassle of changing films every 8, 12 or 15 shots. But I never take both medium format and 35mm on the same trip – the extra weight and extra equipment is too much for me – so it’s one format or another. Instant photos are a novelty IMHO and again IMHO are not worth the trouble of carrying extra kit and supplies.

Brian Moore

May 6, 2022 at 11:38 am

I like to travel as light as possible. If I want to shoot with film while travelling,… for MF it’s usually a TLR (Yashica LM or 635) or Holga, whereas for 35mm usually it’s my Olympus XA or OM2n. (But the XA is so small and convenient it usually goes everywhere regardless of what else I carry.)

shootitwithfilm

May 13, 2022 at 1:15 pm

Love the Olympus XA! It’s such a great camera, and totally agree, so small and easy to take everywhere!

January 7, 2023 at 3:29 am

The author says the Instax photos are “crisp.” What does that mean? They certainly don’t meet any IQ standards I’m aware of. Maybe the author’s artistic preference.

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Five Amazing Film Cameras for Travel – Part 2

James tocchio.

• December 4, 2017

Got a trip coming up? That’s fantastic. And of course you’re bringing a film camera, right? If you’re undecided, check out  this post from last year  in which I list the many reasons you should shoot film when traveling. The crib notes version is that you’ll be more engaged in your surroundings if you bring a film camera as opposed to if you’re shooting digital. You’re also less likely to be clubbed about the head and robbed if you leave your massive DSLR at home. That’s a bonus.

We posted a top five list of travel film cameras years ago, and many of those on the list are still great choices. But in the time since that post was published, the CP staffers have shot countless cameras in all manner of places, and we’ve slowly compiled a new list of winners. Sure, the cameras included on this new list may differ greatly from one another (some are automatic point-and-shoots while others might be fully specced SLRs or rangefinders), but all of these cameras are exceptional tools that are small enough to carry for days, are capable of making amazing images, and are ready for any adventure you’ve got on your itinerary. Let’s get going.

I shot the Contax T earlier this year during a week away with the family, and it quickly proved to be among the best travel cameras I’ve ever used . It’s one of the smallest 35mm film cameras ever made, but where other similarly sized cameras forego certain functionality in order to fit their diminutive design brief, the Contax T does not. It’s an honest rangefinder, with a delightfully contrasty rangefinder patch and a deliciously damped manual focus action. This, along with its manually-selectable aperture control and available exposure compensation, make it a pocketable camera that actually allows creative control in times when we want to slow down and plan our shots. With these available controls we’re able to focus methodically and shoot for our preferred depth-of-field.

I wouldn’t blame you if you’ve read that last paragraph and decided it’s a slow camera in use. But it’s not, for two reasons. First, its semi-automatic exposure operates in aperture-priority mode, which means that the camera automatically calculates shutter speed to achieve a properly exposed shot every time. And second, the camera’s designers have implemented an ingenious scale focusing methodology that makes the Contax T essentially faster than any autofocus camera I’ve ever used. The way it works – if we set the aperture ring to the green f/8 symbol and set the focusing ring to its corresponding green dot, everything from approximately five feet away from the camera to infinity will be sharply in-focus. When shooting this way, the Contax T is a snapshot master perfect for capturing the adventures of an on-the-move traveler.

It’s also got one of the best lenses ever put into a camera this small, is made of titanium, and features a synthetic ruby for a shutter release button. Enough said?

If you need an incredibly tiny camera that will make amazing images with very little effort, the original T is certainly worth consideration.

Get it on eBay , or from our own F Stop Cameras

The G2 is admittedly not the smallest camera in the world, but it is fairly compact when compared to a DSLR. Its quick auto-focus, available aperture-priority auto-exposure, automatic film advance, and incredibly quiet shutter make it one of the best cameras for run-and-gun street shooting. It also allows full manual shooting for moments when we want to shoot a more contemplative style.

And though all of this is excellent, where the G2 really distinguishes itself is in the images it makes. The concise suite of G mount Zeiss lenses are, to put it bluntly, the best bang-for-your-buck in all of legacy lenses. The 45mm Planar, which we reviewed earlier this year , is unequivocally among the top three sharpest lenses I’ve ever used. This incredible resolving power is replicated fairly accurately throughout the entire range of G Zeiss primes, and the Vario zoom lenses aren’t too shabby either. When paired with the ultra compact 28mm Biogon, the G2 is pretty close to being the best camera for rapid-paced city shooting.

If your globetrotting calls for a compact autofocus rangefinder with the best glass in the world, the G2 should be in your carry-on.

For those who grew up shooting SLRs or DSLRs, no other style of camera feels as natural. And the things these shooters value, precision, versatility, reliability, are the foundation of what makes this next camera so great.

Nikon’s FM2n comes from the incredible semi-professional range of F mount SLRs that the brand produced for roughly thirty years. These machines were made contemporaneously with Nikon’s professional F series ( F3 , F4, etc.), and were ostensibly lower-spec machines. That fact noted, many shooters consider them better than the big boys. They’re smaller, lighter, arguably no less durable, and sacrifice very little functionality compared to their pro-spec brothers.

The FM2n might be the best of the bunch, especially for travelers. It’s an all-mechanical camera that uses battery power for nothing more than its light meter. That means that if you run out of juice, or you’re in a remote area with limited access to batteries, you won’t be out of luck. Its incredible shutter (which operates up to speeds as fast as 1/4000th of a second) will keep firing even without electrical power. It uses all of Nikon’s incredible F mount lenses, is built like clockwork, and simply won’t let you down (the camera was famously used by many world-class shooters in extreme locations throughout the 1980s, including in Afghanistan by Steve McCurry on assignment for National Geographic ).

To keep things small, fit it with Nikon’s Series E 50mm f/1.8 lens . Though not as technically perfect as its Nikkor equivalents, this lens is tiny and makes gorgeous images. Or, if you’ve got money to burn and want the best compact Nikon lens, try the ultra small  45mm f/2.8 P Nikkor .

Nikonos III, IV-a, or V

If you’re looking for the toughest, most durable film camera available, you can’t do much better than a Nikonos. Whether you choose a Nikonos III , a Nikonos IV-a, or the final manual focus Nikonos V, you’ll be traveling with a camera that’s incredibly dense, completely waterproof, and able to handle the most extreme travel conditions.

For those who might not know, the Nikonos are a series of dive cameras specifically designed for use underwater and in incredibly harsh (and wet) above-sea conditions. They’re made of massive chunks of cast metal, are waterproof to depths of 50 meters, and use a special range of impressive Nikkor lenses. Which one should you choose? It’s a good question.

The Nikonos III is an all-mechanical camera that doesn’t rely on battery power. You’ll need to have a decent understanding of aperture, shutter speed, and how these settings impact your images. The IV-a offers aperture-priority auto-exposure, which makes it a better choice for those who want a more automated experience. The Nikonos V takes things further by pairing aperture-priority auto-exposure with the ability to shoot in manual mode, with an LED display in the viewfinder in all shooting modes to indicate exposure. The V is the most advanced Nikonos, but they’re all simply gorgeous cameras with incredibly high functionality.

If you plan to shoot both above and under the waves, get the 35mm f/2.5 lens . Others are specifically for use only underwater, and will be marked “UW”.

If you’re a surfer, an extreme hiker, or (naturally) a diver, a Nikonos should be in your bag.

Any Olympus Point-and-Shoot

If the four options above all seem a bit pricey, well, they are. But that’s because they’re some of the best cameras ever made, and this is especially true when we consider how well they work in the context for which they were designed. The Nikonos is the best waterproof camera. The FM2n is (possibly) the best mechanical SLR (shoosh, FM3a fans – that camera is too expensive). For the best, we expect to pay a price. But there are plenty (and I mean plenty) of inexpensive cameras that are perfect for travel.

The 1990s saw an absolute flood of really advanced and exceptional point-and-shoot cameras. These machines were made during a time in which camera technology had advanced to incredible heights. Extra low dispersion glass and aspherical lens elements were packed into the tiniest of cameras. Minuscule machines were packing lenses that could zoom from 38mm to a ridiculous 150mm. These cameras had automatic everything, and looked damn fine at the same time. They were the perfect gift for every soccer mom (and dad).

Today, they cost nothing. And this might be their biggest strength, especially for travelers who might not want to jeopardize their dream camera climbing Machu Picchu. The best of these totally capable yet inexpensive point-and-shoots must surely be Olympus’ Stylus series. We sell these in the shop for forty bucks , tested and guaranteed. For an incredible film camera that will fit in your pocket, that’s a pretty stellar deal.

The most popular Olympus (right now) is the Mju II. Whether or not that camera deserves its popularity is debatable. Either way, it’s super expensive , and since we’re looking for a cheap-yet-capabe point-and-shoot for our travels, the Mju II is out of the question. Instead, try for any of the Infinity Stylus cameras (the ones that don’t have “Epic” in the name). These come with zoom lenses, feature all of the functionality of the pricier versions, and take the exact same photos (even if Mju fans will tell you otherwise). The Stylus 80 is a good place to start, but honestly, all of these cameras are pretty much the same.

Get one on eBay , or find one at our own F Stop Cameras

Which film.

You got your film camera, now which film? If you’ve any personal aesthetic preferences you should defer to those, of course. But generally speaking, for places with particularly vibrant and colorful atmospheres (think, Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico) the obvious answer is to bring color film. In a case such as this, what could be better than Kodak’s Ektar or a really punchy slide film from Fuji ? Tropical vacations naturally pair with the warm and pleasing tones of Portra , especially beach shots where the proficient handling of skin tones is a must. City vacations could benefit from a more timeless aesthetic. Try something black-and-white from Ilford , or get exotic with Ferrania’s P30. And if you’ve not yet tried it, give home developing a shot.

But it should also be said that choosing a film that defies the obvious can also be impactful. A friend of the site shot black-and-white film when he visited Ireland , a destination of rolling, green hills that would automatically seem best suited to color film, but the resulting colorless images proved to be his favorites of the trip. And it should also be noted that any film recommendation is so dependent on personal taste that objectivity is nearly impossible beyond the description of a film’s most basic characteristics. For more in-depth examinations of various films, check out our Film Profiles feature .

Oh, and one final tip – don’t worry about x-rays. That Florida trip I mentioned? Four rolls of ISO 1600 Fuji Natura went through the gauntlet, and every shot turned out perfectly. The x-ray trouble is very overblown.

Get film on eBay , or from our own F Stop Cameras

Honorable mentions? Try the compact and reliable  Kiev 60 … Okay, that was a joke.

If you know a travel camera that we didn’t mention here, but that you think people should check out, let us hear about it in the comments.

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[ Some of the links in this article will direct users to our affiliates at B&H Photo , Amazon , and eBay . By purchasing anything using these links, Casual Photophile may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you. This helps Casual Photophile produce the content we produce. Many thanks for your support. ]

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James Tocchio is a writer and photographer, and the founder of Casual Photophile. He’s spent years researching, collecting, and shooting classic and collectible cameras. In addition to his work here, he’s also the founder of the online camera shop Fstopcameras.com.

18 comments

A lot of people never remember the Contax SLR like the long forgotten RTS series or less expensive Contax 137 QD. Compared to the Nikon FM it is almost the same size but with better grip and faster to handle. Timeautomatik, inbuild winder and together with a Carl Zeiss Distangon 2,8/35 this combo is a winner for any reportage or travel photography !

You’re right about those Contax. I love the 139 with the pancake 45mm. I think the only reason I lean a bit toward the FM2 (for an article like this) is that it’s all-mechanical and we wanted to include a camera that you could use at its full capacity even without batteries.

What about a Bessa R4m with the Color-Skopar 21 and Nokton 35? Smaller in set than the FM2n with a 50 Nikkor..

You’re right, for sure, the Bessa is a great camera. Thanks for adding it to the list in the comments. We wanted to try to include an SLR so that’s why we went with the Nikon. The rangefinders were already pretty well-represented, autofocus and manual, by the pair of Contaxes.

Maybe we should make a list of best cameras for street shooting. I think the Bessa might find its way onto that one…

I echo the recommendation of the Olympus compact line. They are, on the balance, quite good. Do some research before you buy one, though, as some of them have quirks and challenges (like the Olympus Stylus Epic Zoom 80’s dreaded ring-shaped light leak thanks to deteriorating seals around the lens).

And I feel chuffed to be call a friend of the site today! Thanks for the link to my blog.

Happy to link to good sites, Jim! And it’s always nice to show people what good photographers are capable of.

Stop the madness! Just stop it! Oh, don’t worry… I’m talking to myself… out loud… I shoot Sony A7R2 bodies and various lens but in the past two weeks… a) an AE-1 was gifted to me… I went to a camera store to get batteries, which I did, and yet, 2) there, when I walked into the store, staring at me with its familiar Nikon body was an F100 in excellent condition for $150. Okay, so I haven’t even processed my first roll (though I did finish it last night) but I’ve been tearing up the internet looking at lens, though I was also gifted the Canon FD 50 1.8 (an ok lens) and have several Nikon lens already for the F100 including a Nikkor 50 1.4D and a 28 2.8… and now you want to tempt me with the best travel cameras?! Moohoowaahaaa!!! 😉

We’re not sorry!

Great list. Can’t agree more about the Olympus P&S range. I love my Stylus/Mju, bought a back up in case as well. Apparently X rays have more of a pronounced effect on expired film from what I’ve read, although I’ve never had any issues what so ever travelling with both in date and expired film. Just keep it in your hand luggage!

I went looking on eBay for a Contax T, and discovered the cheaper ones are APS format, not 135. Buyer beware.

On my trip to the UK last summer (almost 3 weeks), for film I took my Voigtlander Vito II and my Nikon N75. Both served very well, and I enjoyed the light weight.

I have the Olympus Infinity Stylus cameras (120 & 140-no Epics). Both are great street cameras I’m planning to take on holiday in the near future.

Aaahhh, Olympus, okay you gave them a quick nod, but surely the original XA should be up there with it’s name in lights! A million years ago I was commissioned to do some filming in Morocco, only to discover at Tangiers airport there was a ban on bringing any professional film equipment into the country (something their embassy didn’t tell us because I checked first!). They even took the Spotmatic off us. But the XA was in my pocket and stayed there. That little darling did enough for us to rescue the situation, get some prints good enough to put under an animation camera AND get paid afterwards. Picked a replacement up at a junk market 2 years ago for pennies and, yes they are still as outstanding as they ever were. But then my standard holiday camera for years has been a Trip 35; no batteries, can you imagine haha.

I was given two Olympus cameras from my Granddad when I started college, an Olympus OM-2 and and OM-20, I’m planning a trip across the world (from the UK) to Australia, visiting south east Asia, India, Japan etc. whilst out there, with the cameras he also gave me plenty of lenses for every need possible. Out of the two cameras just in general is there one you would recommend over the other for use as a travel camera ? I know that the one-2 is the more “professional” and have used both just around where I live but don’t have any real experience with either.

Seb, the OM-2 is excellent. Just go practice with it a little before you leave to level up the excitement of the anticipation. Actually, practice with both of them and see which you like best.

I, then, would like to add the Pentax M-series to this list. Either both ME’s for more automated assistance, or, my personal favorite, the MX. Smallest slr ever, excellent gamma of abundantly available lenses and a lot cheaper than the Nikon. This little gem gives you all the viewfinder info you could wish for, including excellent brightness and magnification, and the ‘clang’ of the mirror is so sweet it could be part of a John Adams orchestra composition. The MX is simply such a joy to use that I still have no clue why Pentax doesn’t make a digital version of it, like, yesterday. If it’d be full frame, more or less the same size and would warmly embrace my somewhat excessive collection of K-mount manual lenses, I’d buy it instantly – but still most probably take my MX across the globe instead of the digital one. Because there isn’t anything like grabbing an album of old fashioned pictures, taken with care in far away places, to show them to your new lover or long lost friend – without interference of any digital device. But that, of course, any of these old machines can deliver.

Contax T: the best Contax!

While recently travelling with both a digital and a Contax G2 kit I did regret not simply taking my Olympus XA instead. It should definitely be on this list. A 35 mm aperture priority range finder that fits into your pocket – can you ask for more?

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Olympus xa2 – point and shoot 35mm film camera review, the curse of the hasselblad xpan, nikon 28ti point and shoot film camera review.

The best travel camera in 2024: compact and portable cameras to take anywhere

The best travel cameras are small, lightweight, easy to use and offer a range of features – here are the ones to look at

• The Quick List ↩

Best overall

• Best full frame
• Best budget
• Best hybrid
• Best for size
• Best waterproof
• Best action cam
• Best for 360º
• Best for vloggers
• How to choose
• How we test

The Quick List ↩ 1. Best overall 2. Best full frame 3. Best budget 4. Best hybrid 5. Best for size 6. Best waterproof 7. Best action cam 8. Best for 360º 9. Best for vloggers How to choose How we test

The best travel cameras have to do one crucial thing: be better than your phone. That means the best travel cameras need to combine compactness with image quality, advanced features with simple operation, and ideally the ability to share your holiday photos and vacation videos fast. 

Even though the best camera phones can produce great images, you just don't get the same quality as you would if shooting with one of the best point-and-shoots or best mirrorless cameras . Smartphones are restricted by smaller sensors offering lower still and video quality, reduced low light performance, and minimal control over depth of field (for those blurry backgrounds). 

We'll look at mirrorless cameras that offer better image quality and more versatility than compact systems but at the cost of increased size and weight. Compact cameras, perfect for keeping on you at all times, won't weigh you down, and are really simple to use – although they have smaller sensors and fixed lenses. And finally, action cameras that are robust cameras made for wild adventuring!

Gareth is the Reviews Editor at Digital Camera World, and the person in charge of approving all the latest camera-related tech. He never misses an opportunity to travel, or an excuse to take photos while traveling, so is best placed to judge what are the best travel cameras for all sorts of different vacations and adventures.

The Quick List

Travel cameras should be small and light, but not lacking in features for amazing photos and video. The Fujifilm X100VI ticks all of those boxes, with a diminutive size, but 40MP images and 6.2K video. And does all this while looking great, with some stunning retro charm.

Read more below ↓

Despite aging a little, the Sony A7 III still offers some features that are competitive with new models like IBIS, auto-tracking, and 4K video. Best of all, the camera is incredibly well-priced, making it the best option for traveling without worrying too much about damaging expensive kit.

If you want a small camera that shoots great stills and video, and cost costs the earth the Panasonic Lumix G100D is the best budget option out there for travel. Although the G100D is only a slightly newer G100, which is much the same, but with a USB-C port and upgraded EVF.

The Fujifilm X-S20 is a camera for everyone, with great quality stills, but is set apart by its deceptively powerful video skills. This makes the X-S20 the perfect travel camera for any hybrid creator who is a versatile and lightweight camera, all at a price tag that won't break the bank. 

When picking the best travel camera, we're focusing on portability. If you want to fit a whole photographic kit – that's a camera and several lenses into a bag, then the dinky but mighty Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is one of the best portable cameras around.

If you're planning on a coastal adventure then you need a camera that is fully waterproof and rugged enough to take on the most challenging adventures. This camera offers better stills than your average action cam, so if photos are your main priority  – the Tough TG-7 is for you.

View the full list ⇩

This is a camera that can withstand some serious adventuring, action cameras are made for extreme conditions, and the best of the bunch is the Osmo Action 4. The Osmo 4 offers an incredibly wide field of view, image stabilization, and waterproofing for action-packed vacations.

If you want to remember every little bit of your vacation, then you can't go wrong with a 360º camera to capture not what only is going on in front of you, but all around you. The Insta360 X3 is the best all-encompassing camera you can buy, best of all it is easy to slip into a pocket or bag for travel.

If you are looking for a small yet mighty all-in-one camera with quality video and audio made to go straight on social media or YouTube then the Sony ZV-E10 is the best choice. It does take decent pictures, but if you are looking for something more hybrid, check out the X-S20 above.

The best travel camera in 2024

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

1. Fujifilm X100VI

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

✅ You want a pocketable camera:  the Fujifilm X100VI is a very compact camera, the whole package of camera and lens are so small that you can easily slip this into a jacket or rucksack pocket. ✅ You want a camera that looks good:  The X100VI is easily one of the best-looking cameras you can buy. The stunning retro looks of old-school film cameras are matched with superb build quality.

❌ You want a range of lenses:  the lens is fixed on the X100VI, so you are stuck with the 23mm focal length, although its digital cropping modes give the illusion (but not performance) of more focal lengths ❌ You want a cheap travel camera:  the X100VI has a premium price tag, and there are options that produce a similar image quality, if you don't mind a different style of camera that is.

If you are looking for a camera for traveling, then one of the major things to look out for is something small and lightweight that can easily slip into a bag or a jacket pocket and won't be a drag to carry around for long periods – enter the Fujifilm X100VI .

The X100VI is a fixed-lens camera, which means that it has a single lens that can't be changed. The lens is 23mm, or equivalent to a 35mm length lens on on a full-frame camera, a perfect length for travel photography as it is wide enough to get in landscapes and street scenes, but narrow enough for portraits and family shots. While there are converters available for the X100V to change the length of the lens, I find these have an adverse effect on image quality. The X100VI does have a trick to crop images when taking them to give the illusion of additional focal lengths, although at a reduced size. 

The X100V packs in some lovely 40MP photos, and while not the most ideal camera for video, you can get 6.2K (cropped), 4K, or HD video with slow motion reaching 240 frames per second. There is also human, animal, bird, and vehicle autofocus tracking, so you can snap away with confidence that your shots will be in focus. Finally, image stabilization helps cut out hand jitters in low light or shooting video, for more stable footage.

And for those who want to share travel snaps as you go, you get access to Fujifilm 's awesome film simulations and custom recipes, which takes the work out of editing, and with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity and the Fujifilm X App, you can quickly share ready to post photos and video to social from your phone.

The X100VI's design will catch a few eyes while traveling. The camera is lovely to hold, made with premium materials, and with a wonderful hybrid optical viewfinder that shows either the real picture or how it looks through the sensor with a flick of a button. However, as a major downside for travel, the X100VI lens is not weather-sealed without an adapter – at an additional cost.

Speaking of cost, this premium camera comes at a premium price, with some similar tech available for less in other models. But for the build quality and features, I think it does a lot to justify its higher price, but if you want the best compact camera, there is nothing better than this.

Read our full Fujifilm X100VI review for more

• Back to the top ⇪

Best full frame on a budget

2. Sony A7 III

✅ You want full frame quality:  full frame cameras can produce more focus separation and are better in low light, the A7 III is the most affordable step into full frame. ✅ You want a camera to use outside of traveling:  the A7 III is a pro-level camera that is not just for travel, you can shoot brilliant photos all year round with a multitude of lenses available for different subjects.

❌ You don't want the expense of lenses:  the cost of lenses can add up, especially ones for full-frame cameras, if you want to keep costs low, choose a fixed lens camera or an option with smaller cheaper lenses. ❌ You want a small camera:  the A7 III isn't huge, but it also isn't small. With a lens attached, it is going to take up quite a bit of room in a bag, and won't be sliding in any pocket.

While the Sony A7 III might be the oldest Sony Alpha camera still being sold as new, even being replaced by a newer Sony A7 VI, it more than holds its own today. Any photographer looking for an excellent full-frame hybrid camera for traveling should seriously consider this camera as an option.

Why? Well, I don't think there is a better value full-frame camera out there, which when traveling can take some of the jeopardy out of damaging or losing your incredibly expensive kit.

It might be getting on a little, but the camera still has a very competitive 24.2MP back-illuminated image sensor, which delivers great tonal range and makes high ISO settings possible, which anyone who is shooting a lot in low light on their travels will really appreciate. A 5-axis image stabilization system also delivers less shake when shooting at night, or capturing video. 

And if you are also looking to get some video footage on your travels then the A7III has very capable 4K video, although has been surpassed by a few other models on this list which would be more suitable if video is a priority.

The A7III has a speedy and accurate 696-point AF system, and while not the latest algorithms, the A7 III also has some solid human face and eye tracking, so you can take reliably focused photos of your friends, family, or any interesting denizens you meet out on your travels. 

Whilst the A7III can be thrown a little off-balance with big pro lenses, Sony's lens range is extensive and there are many smaller primes to suit this camera perfectly for those who don't want to carry a lot while traveling. Or superzoom lenses like the Sony FE 24-240mm will empower you to capture everything from near to far.

Read our full Sony A7 III review

Best travel camera on a budget

3. Panasonic Lumix G100D

✅ You want an affordable camera:  the Lumix G100D is a great deal for the features it offers, and an affordable way to get great travel snaps. ✅ You want a range of small lenses:  there are a lot of Micro Four Thirds lenses, so there is something for every occasion, and best of all, they tend to be on the smaller side for easy travel.

❌ You want the very latest tech:  the G100D is a little on the older side and doesn't have Panasonic's latest autofocus, which puts it a little behind the competition. ❌ You want more serious creative video:  intended as a hybrid camera, there are lots of video-focused features, but the camera lacks IBIS and a headphone jack/USB-C found in rivals.

Sometimes, you just want to create quality images and video while you are traveling, beyond what your phone is capable of, but you also don't want to pay a small fortune for the privilege. The Panasonic Lumix G100D is the best camera you can get for traveling that offers all the quality features you will need but at an affordable price.

The G100D is a super-small, super-cute camera with a Micro Four Thirds sensor. It is still easy to capture high-quality video and stills with simple controls, menus, and its approachable button layout. The camera can be paired with numerous dinky Micro Four Thirds lenses too, especially small pancake lenses to keep the overall size down. Micro Four Thirds also has the benefit of doubling the focal length, so 100mm becomes 200mm, so you can pair the G100 camera with telephoto lenses for capturing far away subjects like wildlife without having to carry huge lenses.

A downside though is there is some compromise for the low price, and the G100D is not the most technically advanced camera on this list, and its autofocus uses Panasonic's cruder contrast-detect technology, which is a little slower than other cameras and is notorious for "pulsing" and "hunting" during video. 

Despite this, the G10S0 is also a perfect camera for vloggers, with an articulating screen and ready to share footage. But while there’s an inherent risk of dumbing things down too much when creating a camera for social media creatives, Panasonic has avoided that pitfall with the Lumix G100D, and this is a great camera if you're just as interested in vlogging as you are in travel photography. 

Read our full Panasonic Lumix G100D review

Best hybrid travel camera

4. Fujifilm X-S20

✅ You shoot video and photos:  the Fujifilm X-S20 is the best of both worlds, with great-looking photos and awesome video skills too! ✅ You want to balance price and features:  the X-S20 offers a lot for its price, and it is one of the best-value cameras around, you will struggle to find matching video specs at this price point.

❌ You don't really care about video:  there are other options that might suit photographers more than the X-S20 with higher megapixel counts. ❌ You might need weather resistance:  the X-S20 is not weather-sealed, so if you plan to get adventurous, a camera that can handle dust and water might be a better choice.

When I tested the Fujifilm X-S20 I was just so impressed at the amount of features that Fujifilm had managed to squeeze into its petite body – it's not just a great stills camera, it is also one of the best video cameras available, and the cherry on top, it is really well priced! For anyone looking for a hybrid camera to shoot a mix of photos and video, I think this is the best camera for any traveler right now.

Fujifilm chose not to update the X-Trans IV sensor from the X-S10, but this sensor despite its age still holds up very well today when it comes to stills. The X-S20 is also able to use Fujifilm's excellent film simulations and programmable film recipes to create ready-to-use images straight from the camera, which makes any regular social media posting that much easier.  The new X-Processor 5 also brings brand new subject recognition and tracking autofocus, making taking photos on the fly quicker and more reliable.

Despite its compact size, the X-S20 is a deceptively powerful video camera. The new processor combined with the modest resolution sensor means the X-S20 is capable of 6K video using the entire sensor (open-gate). The camera is also capable of numerous codecs and F-Log for getting in-depth with color grading. The subject recognition and tracking also carry through into videos and there are dedicated vlogging video features too.

Some might prefer the classic retro style like the X-T5 or X-T30 II, but with fewer manual dials, the X-S20 is a more user-friendly camera, with a more useful fully articulating screen than any of the X-T range. The camera is small, but handling is great with enough of a comfortable grip for long days, and the camera pairs really well with Fujifilm's small zoom and prime lenses, making traveling light with a kitted-out X-S20 a little easier. While the price is a little higher than the X-S10 that preceded it, I think the price bump is justified as this is one capable camera for traveling.

Read more: Fujifilm X-S20 review

Best travel camera for size

5. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

✅ You want a small system:  the whole OM Micro Four Thirds system is tiny, with small cameras and lenses, so you can take a lot more gear to cover more subjects. ✅ You want a good-looking camera:  with a cool vintage style based on Olympus's OM film cameras, the E-M10 IV looks as good as the footage it shoots.

❌ You shoot a lot in low light:  the Micro Four Thirds sensor in the E-M10 IV doesn't handle low light as well as larger sensors, not good for frequent nighttime shooters. ❌ You won't use the retro dials:  if you are looking for just fast auto controls then the dials on the top of the E-M10 IV will be largely redundant for your needs.

When picking the best travel camera, we're focusing on portability, and the dinky but mighty Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is one of the best portable cameras around if you are looking for a whole system including lenses that can easily slip into a bag. The best Olympus lenses include positively tiny optics that can go a long way for travel photography, helping you keep your kit and weight size down. So if you are the type of carry-on-only travel photographer but with big photography ambitions then this is for you.

Not only does it have an incredibly lightweight body, but the camera will look great on your travels too, with a cool retro design that harks back to Olympus's long pedigree in film cameras. The camera has tactile dial-led controls for anyone who wants to get creative with manual photography, although don't let that fool you into thinking the camera is complicated, as there are lots of automatic modes and helpful features built into the camera.

The OM-D E-M10 Mark IV uses the smaller but still powerful Micro Four Thirds sensor. This has some slight disadvantages in terms of low-light capabilities, so if you like to go out a lot at night when you travel, then a larger sensor might be better for you. 

But Micro Four Thirds does have one big advantage, it effectively doubles the focal length of any lens mounted to the camera; so a 50mm will behave like a 100mm, so if you are about to head off on safari, then this could make all the difference to getting up close to wildlife. Its snappy burst shooting, its accurate autofocus, and its impressive 4K video will also all assist you with creating amazing content. It's a terrific all-around camera. 

Read our full Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV review for more

Best waterproof compact travel camera

6. OM System Tough TG-7

✅ You want a rugged adventure camera:  the TG-7 can certainly withstand some serious adventuring with a rugged water/dust/freeze/drop-proof build. ✅ You want a photography-first adventure camera:  the TG-7 puts photography first and foremost, offering a better experience than smaller fiddly action cameras.

❌ You want to strap the camera to things:  while action cameras have numerous accessories to strap to your sports equipment, there is far less for the bigger TG-7. ❌ You only care about video:  if you are just looking for the best rugged video camera for travel, then action cameras have you covered (see below).

Following the acquisition of Olympus's camera division, the OM System TG-7 is essentially an update to the much-loved Olympus Tough TG-6 under a new brand name. Although that camera has long been the top-regarded travel compact for adventurers who are as invested in photos as video. Action cameras might be smaller and just as hardy, but can't compete with the TG-7 for photography experience.

The TG-7 is ready for any travel adventure and is water-proof, dust-proof, crush-proof, drop-proof, and freeze-proof, so whether your hiking, climbing, swimming, or otherwise take you to the hottest deserts to the coldest tundras, the camera should come out the other side unscathed.

The TG-7 might have a relatively conservative 12MP resolution, although this helps dramatically when it comes to low-light images, as each pixel is larger allowing it to capture more light. Why is this important? Well if you are shooting in darker underwater environments, in gloomy forests, or at night, then you will get higher-quality images. 

The Touch also has RAW images, so you can get even more creative control over the final edit of your images. The camera also has a pretty incredible macro mode as well if you find some small details on your travels that you have to capture.

While it might not be up to the same standard as the best action cameras for video (see below for that), the Tough can capture decent 4K video, and will get some perfectly serviceable footage for social and YouTube of your wild adventures!

Read our full OM System Tough TG-7 review

Best action camera for travel

7. DJI Osmo Action 4

✅ You want a camera that can keep up with your travel adventures:  the Osmo 4 is hardy enough for whatever conditions you throw at it, weather-sealed and fantastic stabilized footage. ✅ You want a tiny camera:  action cameras like the Osmo 4 are great as they are so small they are effortless to travel with.

❌ You want to shoot high quality photos:  the 12MP photos from the Osmo 4 can't compete with more dedicated cameras, and the wide angle lens needs lots of corrections. ❌ You need accessories:  the market for DJI accessories isn't as big as the more famous GoPro, so if you need niche or cheaper accessories, that might be the brand to choose.

For most adventurer-creators, the Osmo Action 4 is the perfect balance of quality and price. Stabilized 4K video looks great and the camera can take a lot – not just rough and tumble but temperature extremes and it's waterproof to 16m without a case. Best of all, it has a larger image sensor than any other camera on the list, so it is better in lower light, making it more flexible.

DJI did have an interesting experiment with modular design, now seemingly abandoned, with the Action 2, but they do retain powerful magnetic mounts which can even partially survive the heat of an oven (we tried accidentally – see our full review). 

Like the more famous competition, DJI has high-quality horizon balancing and image stabilization, which has improved on the Action 3. The resolution limit is 4K, but in practice, this is the ideal resolution for action (and the limit of almost all TVs). More useful is the 120fps capability (or 240fps at 1080P).

The fact that Action 4’s isn’t interwoven with subscription software is one we wholeheartedly appreciate, too, but GoPro seem to finally growing out of this.

Read our full DJI Osmo Action 4 review

Best 360º camera for travel

8. Insta360 X3

✅ You want to capture everything:  the Insta360 X3 can capture all that goes on around you, perfect for capturing immersive travel content. ✅ You want to travel light:  the Insta360 X3 is very small and lightweight, and won't trouble your carry-on bag limits.

❌ You want a versatile camera:  the Insta360 X3 is made for one thing, and that is great 360º footage, if you want to capture more, you might need to bring a second camera. ❌ You want artistic images:  the Insta360 X3 has big 72MP images but the small sensor means they aren't as creative as a bigger camera.

The new Insta360 X4 has just launched offering 8K video and an updated design, but I still think the X3 offers great features for a much better value, so it remains in this guide for now!

There are times when handling even an action camera's wide-angle lens becomes a problem, and that's where a 360-degree action camera can step in. With two back-to-back lenses and enough smarts to eliminate a selfie stick from the footage, this almost magic camera can capture an image from a point within reach looking any direction you see fit.

I tried it with the bike attachment – which holds the camera a little way in front of the bike, over the front wheel – and was amazed at the footage which makes it look like I'm cycling toward a perfectly controlled drone. Better still, by syncing with my phone I could draw GPS data and have it overlaid, in the form of a speedometer, by the Insta360 app before sharing.

The only real worry is how naked those glass lenses are when the camera is in use; the joy of re-positioning the camera angle after the fact can be hours of fun. 5.7K is good enough for sharing, but more resolution would help pro work.

Read our full Insta 360 X3 review for more details

Best for travel vloggers

9. Sony ZV-E10

✅ You want ready-to-share footage:  this Sony is made for capturing footage with minimal editing to get up on YouTube and social media straight away. ✅ You want excellent audio:  the ZV-E10 has built-in stereo microphones that capture some of the best audio possible on a camera without external mics.

❌ You are more interested in photos:  the ZV-E10 is not a bad photography camera, but its video focused build means other cameras are better for stills shooters. ❌ You want a viewfinder for framing:  if you love a viewfinder for framing shots, then the Sony A6400 is almost the same camera, but with an EVF. 

The ZV-E10 makes for an excellent traveler's camera and is one of the cheapest vlogging-focused cameras yet. Combined with its slim dimensions, and wide choice of lenses, this makes it a perfect choice for travelers who want to shoot a lot of video. 

The big selling point of the ZV-E10 over other cameras capable of similar video is that the ZV-E10 comes with sophisticated built-in mics and a clip-on windshield for noise reduction, making it much easier to get clean audio on your vlogs even outdoors – which works excellently. Sony has put its years of audio experience into this camera and it shows.

The ZV-E10's 4K UHD video is of excellent quality too, and as we've come to expect from Sony, the autofocus is best in class, whether shooting video or stills. The camera has tracking modes for easy autofocus and digital image stabilization that crops your footage slightly but attempts to iron out any shake, which works well except for in very heavy movement.

And a point worth mentioning is that, while the ZV-E10 may be optimized for vlogging, it's still a capable stills camera with a 24MP sensor, and 11fps burst shooting, so photographers needed worry about restricting themselves with it. 

However, if you are more keen on photography than video, cameras in the Sony a6xxx range (like the Sony a6400 ) offer almost the same specs, but with a viewfinder, but you do lose the built-in stereo mics. Making it a tough choice for a hybrid shooter that might want the best of both worlds. 

Read our full Sony ZV-E10 review

How to choose the right travel camera

These are five key things to look out for when choosing the right travel camera for your needs.

1) Image quality: Ask yourself how you will use any photos or videos you capture. If you only plan to share content online on social media then any of the above cameras will be suitable. If you plan to print your pictures, though, then mirrorless cameras with larger sensors and higher megapixel counts will produce better-quality results.

2) Focal range: What kind of range do you need for your traveling activities? Compact cameras can have impressive zoom ranges, but to achieve their tiny size they often lack quality compared to mirrorless cameras. For mirrorless cameras, what lenses are available? So-called standard zooms are a great option for all types of travel, but they can also be large and heavy. A wide-angle lens might be best for capturing cities and landscapes, or if you are going to see wildlife or a sporting event then a compact telephoto lens might be best.

3) Size and weight: If you're going on vacation then the last thing you want to take is a heavy kit – especially given things like baggage restrictions when traveling. With that in mind, both your camera and lens(es) need to be small and light. If you want something that can fit in your pocket, get a compact camera – but if you don't mind taking a bag, a mirrorless system with one or two lenses could be more versatile. 

4) Simplicity: Don't want to get bogged down with camera settings? Most modern cameras have a range of auto modes – especially compact cameras, which take away the stress. Advanced modes and complicated controls don't usually mix with spur-of-the-moment snaps, so decide what is important to you and pick your camera based on that.

5) Price: The cameras in our list have a range of prices, and we try to include cameras that suit every budget. The price of a camera usually reflects its capabilities, although all the options listed here will take great images and video – so try to strike the right balance between what you need in a camera and what you can afford.

Is it better to use phone or camera for travel?

We covered this a little bit at the start of the article, but the answer is that it is always better to use a camera for stills or video when possible. So the question really becomes, "Do your travel plans make using a camera possible?" Phones are so small and quick to use that they go where cameras are too bulky and slow to shoot. A great compromise is a compact camera – or the Olympus Tough TG-6 , which is a weather-proof camera that goes the places that you wouldn't dare to use your phone! 

Is a DSLR or mirrorless camera better for travel photography?

As a travel camera, mirrorless cameras are usually the better choice for most people. They are much small and lighter than DSLRs, and also usually have a selection of smaller and lighter lenses to match. This makes traveling easier as it takes up less space and weight in increasingly restricted carry-on bags. Mirrorless cameras also are generally newer than DSLRs and most likely have more modern technology, making photography and video easier to capture and of better quality.

What size camera lens is best for travel?

Again, this comes down to what your travel plans entail and what you plan to shoot. The kit lens that comes bundled with many cameras will cover the most commonly used focal ranges, so that's a good place to start (though kit lenses do not deliver the best image quality). We recommend checking out the best lenses for travel photography to see what's right for you.

How we test travel cameras

When we are reviewing cameras, we carefully think about what scenarios each camera could be used for. When considering which cameras would make ideal travel cameras, we judge each camera on how small and lightweight it is for easy packing and transport, as well as carrying for long periods of the day while out exploring. 

We also consider the technical capabilities of each camera, and how suitable they are specifically for travel photography scenarios from beach vacations to safaris, to city breaks. Finally, we consider the price of the cameras to select options that cover a range of budgets and requirements.

We use our real-world experience with each camera and our in-depth camera knowledge to determine a final selection of top cameras that we would recommend as the ideal camera traveling companions.

Want to find out how we test and review DSLR and mirrorless cameras? We trial cameras both in real-world shooting scenarios and in carefully controlled lab conditions. Our lab tests will generally measure resolution, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio, which gives us a benchmark by which to compare cameras. 

Resolution is measured using ISO resolution charts, dynamic range is measured using DxO Analyzer test equipment and DxO Analyzer is also used for noise analysis across the camera's ISO range. Our compact camera evaluations are based on real-world testing alone.

For our real-world testing, our reviewers spend time with each camera, testing it in a variety of shooting situations and providing their qualitative thoughts on how the camera was to use and evaluating the images and video it produced. Here's an example of how we literally take a camera on vacation to evaluate it!

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Gareth is a photographer based in London, working as a freelance photographer and videographer for the past several years, having the privilege to shoot for some household names. With work focusing on fashion, portrait and lifestyle content creation, he has developed a range of skills covering everything from editorial shoots to social media videos. Outside of work, he has a personal passion for travel and nature photography, with a devotion to sustainability and environmental causes.

• James Artaius Editor

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The Best 35mm Cameras You Can Still Find and Use Today

These 35mm champions are a terrific way to get great shots while using film that’s relatively cheap and easy to get developed.

By Henry Phillips

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission.  Learn more

So you want to do film photography . Welcome! It may be old-fashioned, but there are still plenty of reasons to do it here in 2022. Whether you’re looking for your first camera, your second, or your twelfth, these 35mm champions are a terrific way to get great shots while using film that’s relatively cheap and easy to get developed. Sure, there are more exotic options available, but 35mm is never a bad choice. With additional contributions from AJ Powell.

Products in the Guide

Konica hexar af, nikon l35 af, contax t2 / t3, olympus mju ii (aka stylus epic), contax g1/2, leica m6 non-ttl, voightlander bessa r2m, pentax k1000, what to look for when buying a used film camera.

The great news when it comes to film cameras (and 35mm cameras especially) is that the “sensor” or the medium actually recording the images is the same across all of them. At its most basic form, all the camera body really does is hold the lens and provide a light-proof box for the film to live in.

So, what that really means is that all great film cameras (especially when looking for vintage or used examples) share the same few things:

Great lenses: They’re basically the only thing that can make one 35mm film camera “sharper” or “higher resolution” or “tonally” better than another. For interchangeable-lens cameras, this is pretty easy, but where you’ll have to be savvy is with point-and-shoot or fixed lens cameras. Red flags with those are (generally) zoom lenses and lenses without a fixed wide aperture – think 24-70 f/4.5-5.6.

Reliability: Really the only other thing that a film camera has to do is work. Things that get in the way are finicky electronics (common on compact cameras from the 90s) and age. Just about all of the mechanical ailments of vintage cameras can be fixed with a reasonably affordable CLA (Clean, Lubricate, Adjust) service from any good camera repair shop.

Cost: There was a time when all film cameras were fairly cheap. Now, there are a small handful that — through the hype, celebrity endorsement, or general excellence – have become quite expensive. Sometimes, the price is still justifiable and at least feels rational. Some of the cameras on this list — Contax’s G and T line ◊ are insanely expensive these days, but the reason they got expensive is that the nerdy film photographers in 2010 (rightly) said that they were excellent. Also, it’s not like they’re making any more of them.

What Is the Best Film for 35mm Cameras?

We’ve got a long list of excellent 35mm films , but, practically speaking, your choices are fairly limited as we get further and further from film’s golden age. Short answer: start with Kodak Portra 400 and explore from there.

The Different Types of 35mm Cameras

Point and Shoots: As the name suggests, these are largely automatic, compact cameras that require just about zero expertise to shoot well. Not that that’s a bad thing at all. Think of these as the absolute greatest (and reusable) version of a disposable camera that you’d find at a party.

Rangefinders: Most of the compactness of point-and-shoots with quite a bit more user involvement. You’ll definitely be setting apertures and most likely be manually focusing, but you’ll get interchangeable lenses and a reasonably compact size: win/win!

SLRs: As classic as it gets. Interchangeable lenses and a viewfinder where you’re looking directly through the lens. They tend to be bigger than rangefinders or point and shoots, but they’re less complicated, easier to shoot, cheaper, and have a much broader selection of lenses. If you’re getting into film photography and are interested in having lots of control over your image: this is the play.

But What About…

This list is a (highly) curated selection of cameras from a 50-year-long era of photography. There are thousands of different 35mm film cameras, but these are the ones that balance usability, modern convenience, build quality and availability the best. It’s also worth keeping in mind that these are vintage objects with often-limited repairability, there are notable omissions (Yashica T3/T4, Ricoh GR, Leica M6 TTL) that are excellent cameras but aren’t worth investing huge amounts of money in because once they break, that’s it, many necessary parts simply don’t exist anymore.

How We Tested

We love shooting with old-school film cameras and experimenting with different 35mm film — that’s part of the fun. We also love experimenting with all different 35mm films (color, monochrome and color reversal) at various different sensitivities to see what kind of an effect it has on the final shot. At Gear Patrol, we own and have tested quite a few of the 35mm cameras on this list.

The Point and Shoots

• Easy to operate
• Fairly reliable
• Max shutter speed of 1/250 will require faster film or ND filters to shoot outside
• Shutter can get sticky and require professional maintenance
• Launched In: 1993
• Lens Mount: Fixed
• Weight: 495 grams
• Find One For (in 2023): $500

The Hexar AF is a great fixed lens camera. It’s got a fixed 35mm f/2 lens, autofocus, an aperture priority mode, and it’s quiet, like… bizarrely quiet. It’s not the most compact point-and-shoot, but it’s plenty small.

• Easy to use
• Reasonably affordable
• Not a lot of options for manual control
• Older versions are limited to a max film speed of 400
• Launched In: 1983
• Weight: 345 grams
• Find One For (in 2023): $200

The L35 AF is a great point and shoot that’s pocketable and features a small-but-mighty 35mm f/2.8 lens attached. The camera itself is dead simple, runs off of AA batteries and good-enough autofocus. If you’re looking for a reasonably affordable alternative to some of the more hype point-and-shoot film cameras, this is it.

• Stunning build quality
• Amazing lens
• Tiny form factor
• Heinously expensive
• Autofocus isn't as good as it should be
• Launched In: 1991
• Weight: 295 grams
• Find One For (in 2023): $1,200 (T2), $2,000 (T3)

The Contax T2 and T3 are the gold standards when it comes to luxurious point and shoots. Their titanium-clad compact bodies house a 35mm f/2.8 lens (38mm on the T2) and a slew of really great electronics. At this point, and as good as these cameras are, they’re status symbols. Popularized by Jurgen Teller and more recently by Frank Ocean and Kendall Jenner, the Contax point and shoots are insanely good, but the prices are eye-watering.

• $300.00 at eBay
• Compact and weather-sealed body
• Included flash is easy, effective
• Probably overpriced at this point, but what isn't
• Plastic body doesn't feel great
• Launched In: 1997
• Weight: 135 grams
• Find One For (in 2023): $300

It’s a tale as old as time at this point, but the Stylus epic is a compact 35mm film camera with a great 35mm f/2.8 lens, weather sealing and snappy autofocus. Sure it’s made of plastic and costs a ton compared to what it did in 2010, but the image quality is there.

The Rangefinders

• Beautiful build quality
• Great lenses
• TLA 200 flash is one of the best camera accessories ever mad
• G1 has the world's smallest viewfinder
• Autofocus only is a tough sell for rangefinder classicists
• Bizarrely loud
• Launched In: 1994
• Lens Mount: Contax G
• Weight: 450 grams
• Find One For (in 2023): $800 (G1), $2,000 (G2)

Much like their revered little siblings, the T3 and T4, the Contax G1 and G2 are similarly hyped (if a bit more affordable). At their core, the G1 and G2 are interchangeable lens autofocus rangefinders that use an absolutely legendary system of Carl Zeiss lenses. The lenses are the real star here, but the compact electronic rangefinders are really well made and provide an excellent – if not very involved – shooting experience. While the cameras technically offer manual focus, it’s a complete joke.

• Iconic design
• Best lenses on Earth
• Rangefinder has a learning curve but is super snappy once you've got it down
• Body is expensive, lenses are insanely expensive (though they hold their value well)
• Very little electronic hand-holding
• Launched In: 1984
• Lens Mount: Leica M
• Weight: 585 grams
• Find One For (in 2023): $2,700

What’s left to be said about the Leica M6 at this point? It’s a legendary manual rangefinder camera with just the right amount of modern convenience (i.e. a built-in light meter). The viewfinder is bright and beautiful, the camera is a design icon, the rangefinder focus is intuitive and the Leica M lens ecosystem is probably the best in the history of cameras. Why not the more modern TTL version? They’re a hair more expensive, but mainly there are some lingering repairability issues around the camera’s central control board. Leica no longer makes control boards for the M6 TTL and a broken one bricks the camera, so unless you are the world’s biggest fan of through-the-lens flash metering (why??) get the classic M6.

Update: As of late 2022, Leica has brought the legendary M6 out of retirement and back to the production lines— you can now buy a Leica M6 (2022 Edition) for $5,295. It’s almost exactly the same as the original M6, with the only differences being that the new model has a brighter viewfinder (it’s the same viewfinder as the one in the Leica MP) and a new top plate coating to prevent patina (it’s the same coating as the M11).

• Cheaper than and M6
• Intuitive LED-based metering system
• Bright rangefinder
• You might eternally wish for that red Leica dot
• Strap lugs are on the front of the camera instead of the sides, which is dumb
• Launched In: 2002
• Weight : 430 grams
• Find One For (in 2023): $1,200

Remember when I said that the camera matters less than the lenses when it comes to 35mm film cameras? Best to think of the Bessa as a cheaper alternative to the M6. It uses the same Leica (or Voightlander) M Mount lenses, has a similarly good rangefinder focusing system, and is generally excellently made. You’ll definitely have moments where you wish you’d bought the M6, but the savings can’t be beat.

• Everything you need, nothing you don't
• Wide variety of affordable lenses
• Quite old at this point, will definitely need some degree of preventative maintenance
• Launched In: 1978
• Lens Mount: Nikon F
• Weight: 590 grams
• Find One For (in 2023): $120

The FE just rips. It’s basic, it’s incredibly well made, and Nikon’s F series of lenses are widely available and excellent. The FE was one of Nikon’s first cameras with an electronically-controlled shutter, but despite the camera being nearly 40 years old everything seems to have held up quite well. The FE is low on razzmatazz, but an absolutely killer SLR for the price.

• Omnipresent
• Not super sexy
• Lenses are good-not-great
• Launched In: 1976
• Lens Mount: Pentax K Mount
• Weight: 620 grams
• Find One For (in 2023): $75

The K1000 was in serial production from 1976 to 1997 – an astonishing 21 years. For that reason, and for the fact that it was a no-frills, mechanical SLR with zero sex appeal and unbeatable reliability, it’s earned the reputation as the kind-of Toyota Camry of 35mm film cameras. Any high school film photography class will have a handful of them and they really are all you’d ever need.

• Undervalued
• Nifty kind-of-autofocus feature that tells you when you've hit focus
• Lens roster isn't quite as deep as Nikon
• Lots of electronics
• Lens Mount: Contax C/Y Mount
• Weight: 810 grams
• Find One For (in 2023): $165

Every one of these “Best Film Cameras” articles has at least one novel pick that’s undervalued in the market, and it’s our job as journalists to shed light on that camera and ruin its bang-for-buck factor. The Contax RX is that camera. It’s a habitually-undervalued SLR from Contax that boasts similarly great build quality as the T and G series and can use some truly excellent Carl Zeiss lenses (the 50mm f/1.4 is a bonkers value). It’s got a lot of electronic niftiness, but at its core it’s just a really nice SLR for reasonable money.

Related Topics

11 Best Point and Shoot Film Cameras, According to Pro Photographers

From the most popular and sought after to the true underrated (and cheap) workhorses, we present the best 35mm film cameras still available today

James Barkman

Photo by Field Mag

Field Mag may receive a minor commission from purchases made via affiliate links.

Over the last decade or so there’s been an ever growing interest in film photography. It’s incredible—even Polaroid is back ! If you don’t or haven’t shot film, chances are you know someone who does (and they probably won’t shut up about it). Tired of hearing your nerdy photographer friend blab about the wonders of point and shoot film cameras ? Say no more, the answers are here! (Well, some of them anyway.)

As a professional photographer myself, I know a thing or two about what scenarios and conditions call for what type of camera. Previously, I laid out the best film cameras of all time . Then we did the best medium format film cameras . In this article I dig into the most portable, accessible film camera type: point and shoot film cameras.

Read on below for a full breakdown of the 10 best 35mm point and shoot cameras for photographers of all abilities, with technical details and practical insights earned the hard way through first hand experience.

( Editor's Note: Learn the differences between Kodak Portra, Fujifilm Superia, Cinestill 400D & more in our 35mm film guide . )

Field Mag's Top Picks for the Best Point & Shoot Film Cameras

Long weekend 35mm camera, minolta tc-1, leica mini ii, konica big mini f, olympus stylus mju ii, nikon l35af, canon sure shot wp-1.

It’s no secret that we here at Field Mag are film photography enthusiasts, for better or worse. I’ve been known to haul clunky and impractical camera gear to the top of a mountain just to take an often blurry and/or light leaked photo. Why? Film photography is expensive, risky, and time consuming—not to mention literally going extinct. In short, because it’s fun!

In long, it’s complicated. And the appeal is different for everyone. Nostalgia plays a part. But it’s the timeless, authentic aesthetic of film that draws most in. The imperfections in an analog image are strangely appealing—the way different film stocks capture light and shadow, creating uniquely rich and deep colors that a digital camera’s sensor or VSCO preset can only try to replicate.

For me, it’s also the inherent risk that makes film photography more rewarding. This goes for climbing mountains as well as it does for shooting film. And it's not cheap—perhaps there’s something special about an image that’s literally worth something. Film encourages a little more thought and time put into each frame.

Film photography isn’t for everyone and certainly not the most practical medium in which to do so, but for many it helps them be more intentional about seeking and capturing life’s fleeting moments, and that’s priceless.

As for how to do said documenting, I personally love point and shoot cameras— always accessible and ready for action. And I’m not the only one. I’ve owned a wide variety of 35mm point and shoot film cameras throughout my life and career as an adventure photographer. The following are 10 of my favorites— dubbed the 10 best point and shoot film cameras.

Admittedly, this article barely scratches the surface of the world of 35mm point and shoot cameras. Every film camera deserves a several-page article to truly break down its form and function. But hopefully the following gives a good enough glimpse into a few of the beloved models that have and stood the test of time.

11 Best Point & Shoot Film Cameras for Beginner, Intermediate, and Professional Photographers

Read on for our top picks for the best point & shoot cameras for 35mm film photography.

Skill Level: Beginner Year of Release: 2023 Pros: Cheap, reliable, no experience required Cons: Cheap, not very durable, plastic lens

We’re starting our list with a bit of a curveball—this new 35mm film camera from Long Weekend (founded by film photog Willem Verbeeck) lands atop our list because it’s cheap, fully automatic, and brand-new, so you don’t have worry about it unexpectedly breaking down after one roll like you may with some of the older vintage cameras on this list. The lightweight 35mm rangefinder camera features a 31mm fixed focus lens, manual wind and rewind features, and a built-in flash with ~10 second recharge time—all powered by just a single AAA battery (again, unlike the rest of the cameras featured below which largely require a more hard-to-find CR123 battery). It's like a disposable camera, except reusable :)

Lens: 31mm F9 optical grade acrylic lens Aperture: f/9 Shutter: 1/120 seconds Price: $49 Shop Now at Moment

Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate Year of Release: 1990 Pros: Durable, dependable, beautiful, Zeiss lens Cons: Very expensive, trendy, people will ask you about it

If you are at all interested in 35mm film photography, you’re surely aware of the Contax T2. Many consider it the best 35mm point and shoot camera ever made. Others a beautiful fashion accessory. So what’s all the hubbub about anyway? Beyond the fact that everyone from Kendall Jenner to Tom Holland & Zendaya have been seen toting T2s in recent years, the most direct answer is of course the glass. The retracting 38mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss lens holds up to the hype and the sturdy body seemingly forged from a solid block of titanium makes it durable enough for everyday carry in a range of environments.

One of the reasons for its enormous popularity is its automated functions (Autofocus and Program AE) while still offering the ability to manually adjust settings such as the focus and aperture if you so desire. Essentially the Contax T2 is ideal for those who want the functionality of a bigger camera, but in point and shoot form. (Step to the Contax G2 if you’re looking for even more functionality in an equally beautiful camera.)

Whether you love the Contax T2 or think it’s overrated, there’s no doubt that it performs phenomenally, looks beautiful, and is fairly reliable and durable. Making this a tasty, but hard pill to swallow for those not flush with disposable income.

Example Photos

Lens: Carl Zeiss T* Sonnar 38mm Aperture: f/2.8 to f/16 Shutter: 8 seconds to 1/500th Average Price on eBay (2024): $1100 Shop Now on eBay

Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced Year of Release: 2001 Pros: Very small, lightweight, many manual options, sharp lens Cons: LCD screen often dies, aperture dial slips

Ricoh is no stranger to the camera game, and they make one hell of a point and shoot film camera. The Ricoh GR1v offers a few options that cater to the more advanced photographer such as manual ISO setting (in addition to DX coding 25-5000), Aperture Priority Auto Exposure mode, and different focus options to choose from: single or multi-point autofocus, manual preset distances (1m, 2m, 3m, and 5m), and infinity. Also, the GR1v retains your settings when turning on and off, which is a nice bonus.

The 28mm lens is multicoated with aspherical elements, and is incredibly and unbelievably sharp, and the magnesium-alloy body is sleek and aesthetically flawless.

One thing I found unique to the GR1v is how the camera preloads a roll immediately upon loading a film cassette and counts down the number of images you have left to shoot. In the event of the camera back door accidentally opening (we’re all guilty of it), the exposed images will be preserved as they’re already wound into the film roll.

Earlier iterations of this camera are the Ricoh GR1 and Ricoh GR1s, with the GR1v being the last and final model of Ricoh’s 35mm point and shoot models. Although a bit pricey, the Ricoh GR1v is a classic and an extremely capable camera.

Lens: Ricoh GR 28mm Aperture: f/3.5 Shutter: 2 seconds to 1/500th Average Price on eBay (2024): $800 Shop Now on eBay

Skill Level: Beginner Year of Release: 1990 Pros: Zeiss lens, very simple design, some are "weatherproof" Cons: Expensive, trendy, motor might randomly die

The cult-favorite Yashica T4 has grown to enormous popularity as of recent years, and for obvious reasons. Possessing nearly everything you could ask or need in a P&S, the Yashica T4 (also known as the Kyocera Slim T and Super T4 at times) has just three different buttons for flash, timer, and shutter which will leave you worrying less about your settings and more about the moments you want to capture. Perfect for outdoor action and adventure photography. The highly coveted Yashica T4 Super D even boasts a “weatherproof” design.

Introduced in 1990 as a “premium compact” camera, the Yashica T4 is often seen as a more simple, less luxurious alternative to the Contax T2. It features a similar Zeiss lens capable of focusing up to 30cm and is housed in a rather dull plastic body (instead of titanium), making it less conspicuous and much lighter, yet still highly effective. Though also like the T2, the T4 has become a mainstream “accessory” and is no longer the easy Goodwill bargain bin find it once was. It’s also worth noting many T4s are beginning to reach the end of their lifespan—it’s not uncommon for a T4 to work well one day and simply die the next. So be warned!

Despite being closely related to the Yashica T3 and Yashica T5, the T4 has risen in popularity alone. The no-nonsense features of the T4 make it a great camera for both the beginner and expert alike who want to simply point and shoot and not be bogged down by finicky buttons and knobs.

Lens: 35mm Carl Zeiss Tessar T* (multicoated) Aperture: f/3.5 Shutter: 1 second to 1/700th Average Price on eBay (2024): $750 Shop Now at KEH Camera

Skill Level: Advanced Year of Release: 1996 Pros: Durable titanium body, manual modes, small, cool design Cons: Increasingly expensive, best for advanced photogs

Another titanium, sturdy feeling camera, many would liken the TC-1 as a close cousin of the Contax T2. The viewfinder is crispy and full of useful information that makes this rig feel closer to a “real camera” than a point and shoot at times. Notorious for its crisp and contrasty images, once again this lens is a product of brilliant Japanese technology (bless them).

The size of the TC-1 is remarkably small and there is little to hate about it, although the manual aperture settings make this a little more hands-on and less “point and shooty”. However, the combo of manual aperture and options to set a fixed manual focus make this rig quite popular with street photogs who tend to “point and shoot” in the truest sense.

Auto DX coding with a manual override option allows you to shoot film speeds higher than 3200 and exposure compensation up to +4 stops.

One thing to note is that there is no mode for auto exposure, but rather an aperture priority mode in which the exposure is manually set by the aperture, making this less of a point and shoot and more of a “real” camera in compact form.

Lens: Minolta G-Rokkor 28mm Aperture: f/3.5 Shutter: 4 seconds to 1/750th Average Price on eBay (2024): $925 Shop Now on ebay

Skill Level: Intermediate Year of Release: 1991 Pros: Zeis lens, fast autofocus, affordable for a Leica Cons: No lens cover means easy scratches, cheap plastic body

Much like the Yashica T4, the Leica Mini II’s plastic body helps it to appear as more of a budget option and therefore slide under the radar (an almost impossible feat for anything bearing the iconic Leica red dot). Not gonna lie, the Mini II feels cheap and if it wasn’t made by Leica few might ever know the power this camera holds. I really love how responsive the autofocus is when you push the shutter button halfway, and unlike other point-and-shoot models, you aren’t in danger of shooting a premature photo when you’re simply trying to grab focus. Although the Leica II has a built-in UV filter, it doesn’t have a retractable lens cover so don’t scratch it!

What the Mini II brings to the table is its Leica lens, of course. Not as sharp as some of the Zeiss glass you find in other point and shoots, but sharp enough to take satisfying snapshots. You can even take a 5 second long exposure!

The Leica Mini II is a successor to the Leica Mini, a predecessor to the Leica Mini III, and the fixed lens cousin to the Leica Minilux. Unlike the Mini I, the Mini II has the ability to prefocus, while the Mini III has a wider lens and lower aperture, but seems to be challenging to find. And the Minilux features an F/2.8 lens and titanium body.

Lens: 35mm Aperture: f/3.5 Average Price on eBay (2024): $400 Shop Now on Ebay

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced Year of Release: 1993 Pros: Titanium body, many manual functions, analog display Cons: Increasing price, limited shutter speed (details below)

When released in 1993, the 35Ti was marketed as having the power of SLR cameras in point and shoot form. And they weren't kidding. Nikon knocked it out of the park with this one. The lens is unbelievably sharp and the coating helps with flares when shooting into the sun. This well-designed titanium camera offers data imprinting (time/date stamp), exposure compensation, and the ability to manual focus. And there is a panorama option, which you don’t see in a P&S too often.

A nice touch is the shutter speed, exposure comp, and flash indicator that are displayed inside the viewfinder. Autofocus is notoriously fast, and the three shooting modes—A for Aperture Priority, P for Program mode, and T for long exposures aka “bulb” mode, are simple and straightforward.

A complaint that some people have is how the shutter tops out at 1/250th when in A (aperture priority) mode, which is admittedly pretty annoying.

Unique to the 35Ti is the analog display on the top of the camera body that reads aperture, exposure compensation, and exposure number. Most of the leading compact cameras come with LCD displays, but Nikon intentionally designed the 35Ti to have more of an analog feel (this also means less one less LCD screen to fail, as is common with cameras of this age). The sibling of the 35Ti is the Nikon 28Ti, which is essentially the same camera but with a 28mm lens. The 28Ti has evolved into more of a collector item, so expect higher prices.

Lens: Nikkor 35mm Aperture: f/2.8 Shutter: 1 minute to 1/500th Average Price on eBay (2024): $650 Shop Now

Skill Level: Beginner Year of Release: 1990 Pros: Minimalist, f/2.8 lens, great low light focusing Cons: Minimalist, partially plastic body, unprotected lens

Konica made an effort to design the Big Mini for one hand (right hand) shooting. On the spectrum of point and shoot to compact camera, the big mini definitely falls on the point and shoot side of things, which is not necessarily a bad thing. It’s no bells and whistles construction and minimal design is a little less intimidating than other point and shoots.

The lens opens up to an impressive f/2.8, and is known to produce contrasty and sharp images. Thanks to the infrared autofocus, the low light focusing capabilities are known to have a leg up on other point and shoots. The front shell is made out of aluminum, and the rest of the body is plastic. The viewfinder is simple with no displays outside of the frame lines, and the lens can focus to an impressive 35cm.

Hopefully you don’t chew your nails as many complain about the shallow buttons that might require a fingernail to operate. And the lens is not protected when closed, so smudging and scratching pose a threat. Also, it doesn’t come equipped with a lens coating so flaring can be a bit of a bummer (or a perk if you ask Instagram).

There are a few other Big Mini predecessors, with the initial design originally released in 1990, but the Big Mini F is last (and undoubtedly best) in the lineup of its relatives. Perfect for beginner photographers and loved by pros, the Konica Big Mini is a slightly more simple P&S with a powerful lens that tends to avoid the spotlight.

Lens: 35mm Aperture: f/2.8 Shutter: 4 seconds to 1/4500th Average Price on eBay (2024): $200 Shop Now

Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate Year of Release: 1997 Pros: Cheap, 90s aesthetic, can be operated one handed Cons: Plastic body, prone to dying without warning

The Olympus Stylus MJU II puts the “compact” in compact film camera. Slip it in your pocket and go anywhere. Undoubtedly one of the most minimal point and shoots out there and arguably the best point and shoot camera for beginners, the MJU II (aka the Olympus Stylus Epic) is small, easy-to-use, and makes great images. It’s easy to see why it has such a dedicated following. Desirable features include but are not limited to: DX coding up to 3200 ISO, an impressively sharp lens that is protected by a slider door, a very capable built-in flash (with red eye reduction), and the camera is weatherproof. (But not waterproof!)

The camera is powered on and off by opening or closing the slider door, which is an oddly satisfying experience. Three buttons make operations simple; a shutter button, a button for flash modes, and a self timer button. It’s definitely capable of being taken out of a pocket, opened, operated, and returned to said pocket with one hand. I.e. it’s well approved for run-and-gun adventure shooting.

The Olympus MJU II model is a successor to earlier models such as the XA and the Stylus / MJU, also fantastic point and shoot cameras, but the MJU II easily takes the cake as the superior camera.

Cons? The viewfinder is about as small as they come, and the flash is set to auto every time the camera is switched on and off (it’s known to be a little trigger happy in auto mode). So if you don’t want flash, you have to dig your little finger nail into the button like 3x to switch to no-flash mode every single time you turn it on. (Can you tell this writer has experience with this annoying feature?)

As with all point and shoots, they aren’t getting any younger and the MJU II electronics are known to fail unpredictably. The same goes for the rest of the expansive Olympus Stylus family. (Speaking of, a few Olympus honorable mentions include the MJU I, Olympus XA2 , & Olympus Pen half frame camera.)

Lens: Olympus 35mm Aperture: f/2.8 Average Price on eBay (2024): $150 Shop Now

Skill Level: Beginner Year of Release: 1983 Pros: Easy to use, inexpensive, takes AA batteries Cons: On the bigger side, limited functionality

Overwhelmed at the prices for 35mm point and shoot cameras? Let’s talk about the Nikon L35AF. If you’ve never shot film before and want to test the waters, this is a fantastic option. The L35AF seems to have been released as a direct response to the Canon AF35M, during the era in which every camera company was competing against the other. Now 40 years later the consensus is the L35F is still an affordable camera that makes surprisingly impressive photos. There’s a lot to love and very little to hate.

Functionally, the L35AF covers the essentials. It has reliable Auto Focus, a pop up flash, a 10 second self timer, and a +2 Exposure Compensation lever (use this when your subject is backlit). It runs on two AA batteries, meaning you won’t have to hunt down semi-obscure speciality batteries like CR123.

Its size does render the Nikon L35AF more of a jacket pocket P&S size and less of a pants pocket camera. But in true “point and shoot” fashion, the user really only needs to compose the image and camera does the rest.

An unexpected but nice feature is the ability to add filters. The metering system sees through the filters and will adjust accordingly. So despite being an incredibly simple camera, the L35AF offers the option for more experienced film photogs to dabble with screw on colored filters for B&W film.

Lens: 35mm Aperture: f/2.8 Average Price Online on eBay (2024): $200 Shop Now on Ebay

Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate Year of Release: 1994 Pros: Waterproof, super simple, panorama mode, inexpensive Cons: Limited functionality, automatic flash

First of all, to clear up any confusion with the name. The Sure Shot WP-1 is also known as the A-1, Prima AS-1, or my personal favorite: the Autoboy D5. Confusing, I know.

When it comes to waterproof 35mm cameras, beyond the legendary Nikonos V there isn’t much in the lineup to choose from, especially in point and shoot form. At the time of its release, the WP-1 was designed to compete with other underwater 35mm cameras like the Minolta Weathermatic.

The WP-1 is simple—really simple, and doesn’t have features such as exposure compensation, ISO settings, etc. There are essentially four different shooting modes on the dial; auto, macro, forced flash, and flash off modes.

The flash is automatic but can be turned off, there’s a date and time LCD display, and there’s a loophole to attach a lanyard or strap to. There is an option to shoot panoramas as well!

Although it is waterproof (up to 5m) it works as any point and shoot would above the water line! And it's a fun one at that. Just don’t expect this to produce the same visual results as some of the other point and shoots.

Lens: 32mm Aperture: f/3.5 Shutter: 1/60th to 1/250th Average Price on eBay (2024): $150 Shop Now on Ebay

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a point and shoot film camera.

A point-and-shoot film camera is a compact and simple-to-use camera designed for casual photographers. Some point and shoots do feature expert level functionality, premium materials, and even legendary glass, but in general, a typical point and shoot film camera has automatic settings for exposure and focus, designed to allow users to point the camera at a subject and take photos in an instant without needing to adjust many settings manually.

What is the difference between a point and shoot camera and an SLR camera?

The main differences between point and shoot cameras and SLRs are size and portability and lens and viewfinder system. SLR cameras (Single-Lens Reflex) feature an internal mirror that reflects the image the lens “sees” into the viewfinder for the user. Meaning, when you look into the viewfinder of an SLR (or DSLR) camera, you’re actually seeing through the lens.

On the other hand, point and shoot cameras are rangefinders, meaning they do not have an internal mirror but instead a mechanical series of compact lenses and mirrors that approximates what the lens is seeing. Because of this, rangefinders are smaller, quieter, and more compact, but the user doesn't see the same depth of field perception as with an SLR, and accurate framing can be more difficult too.

What is the most expensive point and shoot camera?

The Contax T2 is widely considered the most expensive point and shoot camera. Once found on thrift shop shelves, it’s not uncommon to see a decent condition Contax T2 sell for well north of $1,000. Limited edition T2s can sell for double that. See the T2 above in our list for the full rundown on this iconic camera.

For more things film, check out our guide to the best film cameras for photographers of all skill levels .

Published 12-22-2021

Updated 01-10-2024

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The 13 Best Compact Cameras of 2024

These are the top point-and-shoot options for epic travel photography.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T + L

Travel + Leisure / David Hattan

What’s the best way to relive your favorite travel experiences over and over again? By taking epic photos that you can upload to social media or transform into a coffee table photo book, of course. Investing in a proper camera with a high-quality sensor and a decent number of megapixels will yield better, more printable results than your phone camera. But that doesn’t mean you need to lug a full-size DSLR and several interchangeable lenses around with you. You can get amazing results with a compact, or point-and-shoot, camera. 

B&H Senior Technologist Mark Steinberg defines a compact camera as one that is “pocketable, with a minimum number of protrusions, that can be used one-handed.” They’re a great option for anyone who prioritizes easy portability or casual photographers who want good results without a steep learning curve. There are several different kinds of compact cameras, from the budget-friendly to the professional quality, and from digital to film and instant. We’ve researched them all to find the best options across several different categories.

Best Overall

Sony cyber-shot dsc-rx100 vii digital camera.

B&H Photo

It has a high-quality sensor, near-instant autofocus, and a lens that fulfills both wide-angle and telephoto functions.

It’s an expensive option for occasional use only.

Chosen by Mark Steinberg as the best overall compact camera, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII is the seventh generation of a series that has been raising the bar for compacts since its inception. It’s simple to use for novice photographers, with enough manual settings to allow for experimentation and growth. The 1-inch Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor is a major highlight, allowing for high sensitivity with a maximum resolution of 20.1 megapixels. With 8x optical zoom and 24–200mm equivalence, the ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lens gives you the freedom to switch between wide angle and telephoto photography for everything from landscapes to wildlife.

Whatever your subject, the 0.02-second hybrid autofocus ensures sharp images in both still and video mode. You can shoot single, continuous, burst, and self-timer images and set an upper or lower limit for your ISO up to a maximum of 12800 for impressive low-light results. If film is your passion, you’ll love the camera’s 20 frames-per-second, 4K video for its smooth movement and cinema-quality resolution. When it comes to viewing your footage, framing (and taking) your shot, or scrolling through the menu, use the 180-degree-flip LCD touchscreen. In high-glare conditions, you can also revert to the pop-up electronic viewfinder. 

The RX100 VII offers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for instant uploads to social media. 

The Details: 20.1 megapixels | 1-inch Exmor RS BSI CMOS Sensor | 24–200mm lens | 3-inch LCD screen | 4K video | 4 x 2.3 x 1.7 inches | 10.7 ounces | Electronic viewfinder

Best Image Quality

Ricoh gr iiix digital camera.

This camera uses advanced lens and sensor technology to deliver undistorted, true-color images with a high level of sharpness across the entire frame.

If video is a priority, bear in mind that the GR IIIx shoots Full HD rather than 4K.

Suitable for all experience levels, the Ricoh GR IIIx Digital Camera was designed with the express purpose of providing superior image quality. The 26.1mm GR lens offers a 40mm angle of view in the 35mm format that’s meant to mirror your natural field of view. It also uses premium technology to eliminate distortion, render colors accurately, and create amazingly sharp images. This is complemented by the camera’s high-resolution CMOS image sensor, which captures HD detail suitable for large-scale prints with up to 24.2 megapixels. 

Other highlights include the camera’s impressive shake reduction technology and its fast, precise hybrid autofocus with eight focus modes to choose from including one that automatically detects the eyes and faces for perfect portraits. We love that you can shoot in macro, while an interval composite shooting mode allows you to capture star trail images (you’ll need to buy a tripod separately.) These are the unique images that set your travel shots apart. The camera offers Full HD video, a LCD touch screen with instantly adjustable brightness, and 2GB of built-in memory — a lifesaver when your memory card malfunctions at the crucial moment. 

The Details: 24.2 megapixels | 1-inch CMOS sensor | 26.1mm GR lens | 3-inch LCD screen | Full HD video | 4.3 x 2.4 x 1.4 inches | 9.2 ounces | No viewfinder

Best Full-frame Compact

Sony cyber-shot rx1r ii digital camera.

This camera packs the full-frame sensor of a professional DSLR into an unbelievably compact, travel-sized body.

You could buy a good DSLR body and lens for a similar price.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II is meant for professional photographers with a price tag and learning curve to match. The 35mm full-frame back-illuminated CMOS sensor is the largest available, offering more light, more information, better quality, and a greater dynamic range than the APS-C frame found in standard compact cameras. With 42.5 megapixels and the ability to shoot in uncompressed 14-bit RAW, this camera will produce pro-quality, large-scale prints with an astonishing amount of detail.

The ZEISS Sonnar T* 35mm f/2 lens is fixed with no optical zoom, making it best for wide-angle and close-up subjects (and especially, street photography). The large aperture allows you to work in low light and use an unusually shallow depth of field. And, if you’re familiar with terms like moiré and aliasing, you’ll appreciate the inclusion of the world’s first optical variable low-pass filter for reducing these kinds of distortion. Other perks include super-fast hybrid autofocus, Full HD video with the ability to capture slow-motion HD video, an electronic viewfinder, and an adjustable 3-inch LCD screen. 

The Details: 42.4 megapixels | Full-frame BSI CMOS sensor | 35mm lens | 3-inch LCD screen | Full HD video | 4.5 x 2.6 x 2.8 inches | 1.1 pounds | Electronic viewfinder

Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200D Digital Camera

You can bring subjects 15 times closer without sacrificing image quality, thanks to its optical zoom.

It’s slightly heavier and bulkier than some of the other compact cameras on this list.

If you want to be able to photograph animals, birds, or any other subject from a distance without forking out thousands of dollars for a DSLR with a telephoto lens, the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200D is an excellent option. The Leica DC Vario-Elmar 24–360mm lens offers a 15x optical zoom — which brings subjects 15 times closer without any of the pixelation associated with digital zoom. Optical Image Stabilizer technology means your photos won’t suffer from blurry camera shake either. 

The 1-inch MOS sensor with 20.1 megapixels results in bright, colorful images that lend themselves well to print. You can expand your photographic skills by playing around with traditional aperture and shutter priority modes, or use preset scene and filter modes for instantly different effects. We especially love the camera’s Post Focus feature, which varies the focal point while taking 30 photos per second so that you can go back afterwards and select the best one. In terms of video, shoot in 4K or use high-speed Full HD for instant 120 frames-per-second, slow-motion playback. 

The Details: 20.1 megapixels | 1-inch MOS sensor | 24–360mm lens | 3-inch OLED screen | 4K video | 4.4 x 2.6 x 1.8 inches | 12 ounces | Electronic viewfinder

Best Splurge

Leica q3 digital camera.

This is a professional camera that pays equal attention to still images and video, delivering best-in-class results for both.

It’s not the best choice for those who want telephoto functionality.

The Leica Q3 is an ultra-exclusive option limited to one purchase per customer. And don’t be fooled by its compact size — coming in at just under $6,000, it’s a premium product for serious professionals. It boasts a full-frame BSI CMOS sensor for unparalleled photo and video quality. With a maximum aperture size of f/1.7 and a maximum ISO of 100000, it performs unbelievably well in low light conditions. The Summilux 28mm fixed lens includes an integrated macro mode, making the camera ideal for close-up work as well as wide-angle street photography. 

There’s no optical zoom. However, Triple Resolution Technology with up to 60 megapixels means you can use the digital zoom without losing significant detail. You can also shoot in 36 or 18 megapixel mode to save space on your memory card. Video is equally versatile with multiple formats to choose from including 8K, 4K, ProRes, and Full HD. All of your work benefits from hybrid autofocus and subject tracking, while the Leica FOTOS app can be used for audiovisual content creation. Finally, you can frame shots using the 3-inch display or the OLED viewfinder.

The Details: Up to 60 megapixels | Full-frame BSI CMOS sensor | 28mm lens | 3-inch LCD screen | 8K video | 5.1 x 3.2 x 3.6 inches | 1.6 pounds | Electronic viewfinder

Best for Videos and Vlogging

Canon powershot g7 x mark iii camera.

Designed to shoot high-quality video in vertical or horizontal formats, this camera offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and can live-stream direct to YouTube.

To realize full vlogging potential, you may need to purchase a tripod and remote control separately.

Looking for the best camera for filming quality reels? The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is designed especially for this purpose with 4K and Full HD video, the ability to shoot horizontally or vertically, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity to social media, and the ability to live stream straight to YouTube. Whether you’re shooting video or still photos, the fact that you can tilt the LCD touch screen by 180 degrees makes it ideal for framing quality selfies. 

The technology is impressive, too. We’re talking a 1-inch stacked CMOS sensor paired with a DIGIC 8 image processor for exceptionally fast autofocusing, with facial recognition that puts you in the center no matter how much you move around. The 24–100mm lens is suitable for a versatile mix of wide-angle and short telephoto shots, while the f/1.8-2.8 aperture performs well in low light conditions. Finally, the Optical Image Stabilizer reduces camera shake for clear, crisp results. Adding other gadgets is easy. The camera has a 3.5mm microphone terminal and can be purchased as part of a video creator kit that includes a tripod grip and remote control. 

The Details: 20.1 megapixels | 1-inch stacked CMOS sensor | 24–100mm lens | 3-inch LCD screen | 4K video | 4.1 x 2.4 x 1.6 inches | 10.7 ounces | No viewfinder

Fujifilm X100VI Camera

This camera combines state-of-the-art technology with a vintage aesthetic and a full range of film simulation modes.

The lens is fixed, so any zoom comes with the compromise of digital cropping.

First off, the Fujifilm X100VI just looks cool, with a gorgeous silver-and-black or all-black aesthetic reminiscent of a vintage film camera. Beneath the retro exterior lies a cutting-edge X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor with a revolutionary image-processing algorithm for efficient light reception and amazing image resolution at any ISO sensitivity. Thanks to the fixed 23mm f/2 lens, you’ll also get 35mm equivalency in terms of low-light performance and the ability to achieve a shallow depth of field — for a much lower cost than a full-frame compact camera.  

You can zoom digitally by 1.4x or 2x. The 425-point intelligent autofocus system is super fast, while built-in image stabilization reduces the appearance of camera shake by up to six f-stops. And when it comes to video, you can switch between 6.2K, 4K, and Full HD at will. Above all, we love that this camera includes 20 simulation modes inspired by iconic Fujifilm film types ranging from Eterna Bleach Bypass to Nostalgic Neg. You can even shoot using a Grain Effect that replicates the textured look of vintage film photography. 

The Details: 40.2 megapixels | X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor | 23mm lens | 3-inch LCD screen | 6.2K video | 5 x 3 x 2.1 inches | 1.1 pounds | Hybrid electronic and optical viewfinder

Kodak Ektar H35 Half Frame Film Camera

It’s an inexpensive and easy-to-use film camera for maximum fun.

There’s a limit to how much you can do with such a basic setup, so it may not be ideal as your primary travel camera.

Perhaps you feel nostalgic for the days of film, or perhaps you grew up in the digital era and want to experience photography as it used to be. Either way, the Kodak Ektar H35 Half Frame Film Camera is great for film novices, those wanting to stretch their abilities as a photographer, and those who just love the retro look of original film. It’s inexpensive in terms of initial layout and because the half-frame format gives you twice as many images per roll as you’d get from a full-frame camera. 

Weighing in at just three and a half ounces, this pocket-sized camera is made for on-the-go convenience. It features a 22mm f/9.5 lens — so with no zoom and no autofocus, it’s best for wide-angle shots and back-to-basics experimentation that’s as fun as it is challenging. You can frame shots using the optical viewfinder and deploy the built-in flash in low light or at night. The camera is compatible with black-and-white and color film and requires one AAA battery to work. Choose yours in Black, Brown, Sand, or Sage. 

The Details: 22mm lens | 4.3 x 2.4 x 1.5 inches | 3.5 ounces | Optical viewfinder

Best Instant

Fujifilm instax mini evo instant camera.

Not only can you print photos instantly, you can also save a digital version to your smartphone via the app.

You’ll need to recharge after approximately 100 photos.

Available with a retro black or brown leather effect, the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Instant Camera lets you create 2 x 3-inch prints of your images in approximately 16 seconds. It features an autofocusing 28mm f/2 lens and uses automatic shutter speed and ISO for fool-proof results. Expressing your creativity is easy, with 10 lens effects (including Light Leak, Double Exposure, and Soft Focus) and 10 film effects from Vivid to Sepia. You can use these interchangeably for a total of 100 different possibilities. 

Other features include a built-in flash, a self-timer, a selfie mirror, and a 3-inch LCD screen. What makes this instant camera different from the Polaroids of the past is the ability to use it in conjunction with the INSTAX app. This means being able to use your smartphone as a remote for releasing the camera shutter (handy for group shots and selfies) and being able to save a digital version of your instant prints complete with an INSTAX frame. From there, you can upload them to social media. You can even use Bluetooth to send pictures from your smartphone to the camera to print. 

The Details: 2560 x 1920 pixels | 1/5-inch CMOS sensor | 28mm lens | 3-inch LCD screen | 4.8 x 3.4 x 1.4 inches | 10.1 ounces | No viewfinder

Best Durable

Ricoh pentax wg-90 digital camera.

Drop it, crush it, take it out in a sandstorm or underwater and this camera should still emerge in one piece.

If you’re looking for an underwater camera for scuba diving, scroll on — we’ve found ones with better depth ratings.

When it comes to durability, B&H’s Mark Steinberg recommends the Ricoh Pentax WG-90 above all others. It lives up to its armored appearance with some pretty impressive technical specs. It’s waterproof up to 46 feet underwater for up to two hours of continuous operation, making it ideal for surface water sports or snorkeling. It’s also shockproof against falls from five feet, crushproof against 220-pound-force weights, and dustproof. Heading somewhere cold? Unlike many of the cameras on this list, this one will still operate in temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Toughness aside, it’s also a great little camera from a photography perspective. The 16-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor offers high sensitivity and minimal noise, even when using the maximum ISO setting (6400.) A built-in ring light and flash help out in low-light situations, while the 28–140mm equivalent lens is suited to both wide-angle and short telephoto use with a 5x optical zoom. Choose from a range of shooting modes including Fish-Eye, Sports, and Handheld Night; or capture moving images with Full HD video. 

The Details: 16 megapixels | 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor | Equivalent 28–140mm lens | 2.7-inch LCD screen | Full HD video | 4.8 x 2.4 x 1.2 inches | 6.1 ounces | No viewfinder

Best for Action Sports

Gopro hero12 black.

This camera stands out for its Emmy Award-winning video stabilization, 177-degree field of view, and action-ready, rugged build.

With a super wide-angle lens and no zoom functionality, this is a specialist camera for POV filming and photography only.

GoPro’s reputation precedes it in the action sports category, and the latest Hero12 camera really is a thing of wonder. Film High Dynamic Range (HDR) video in 5.3K, 4K, 2.7K, or Full HD. Revel in the 177-degree field of view that shows more of your daredevil POV than ever before. And know that whether you’re jumping out of an airplane or racing at high speed down a mountain, the camera’s HyperSmooth 6.0 video stabilization ensures the footage is super smooth. Turning a full 360 degrees? Horizon Lock keeps the horizon level throughout. 

You can film vertically for direct upload to social media and slow things down by up to eight times for an epic fast-action/slow-motion effect. Meanwhile, Bluetooth audio support allows you to connect headphones for sound recording and remote voice commands. The camera also takes 27-megapixel still photos. Or, you can grab 24.7 megapixel stills from your video. The GoPro 12 is waterproof to 33 feet, can run continuously for over two and a half hours on Full HD, and features a new Enduro battery especially for temperatures down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The Details: 27 megapixels | 1/1.9-inch CMOS sensor | 12–39mm equivalent lens | 2.3 and 1.4-inch LCD screens | 5.3K video | 2.8 x 2 x 1.3 inches | 5.4 ounces | No viewfinder

Best Waterproof

Sealife micro 3.0 digital underwater camera.

This camera dives as deep as you can and takes the stress out of O-ring maintenance with a permanently sealed body.

It’s very definitely geared towards underwater photography rather than as an all-rounder for topside travel shots.

Unlike the other waterproof cameras on this list, the SeaLife Micro 3.0 is designed with scuba divers in mind. It’s waterproof to 200 feet (exceeding recreational dive limits) and is permanently sealed making it suitable for even the most careless or inexperienced underwater photographer. Use the 100-degree wide-angle lens to get as close as possible to your subject for the best results. You can rely on the built-in underwater color correction to counteract the loss of red tones; or, for the more advanced, there’s a manual white balance option. 

We love the large, f/2.8 aperture for its ability to make the most of limited ambient light. But if you tend to dive deep, the camera is also compatible with single or double after-market strobe sets. The camera delivers high-quality, 16-megapixel images in single or burst shooting mode and can also film 4K or Full HD video. And if you get all the way out to the dive site and realize you’ve left your memory card at home? No problem, the 64GB internal memory’s got your back. Finally, Piano Key controls make for easy menu navigation, even with dive gloves on. 

The Details: 16 megapixels | 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor | 20mm equivalent lens | 2.4-inch LCD screen | 4K video | 4.2 x 2.1 x 2.9 inches | 11.6 ounces | No viewfinder

Best Budget

Kodak pixpro az255 camera.

This is the ideal camera for beginners who want to learn, with automatic and manual settings at a very reasonable price point.

It requires two AA batteries.

If you’re just getting into photography and don’t want to make a major investment just yet, the Kodak Pixpro AZ255 offers plenty of functionality for roughly nine times less money than our overall winner. It uses a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor and is well suited to most kinds of photography with a wide-angle 24mm lens and a 25x optical zoom that brings you significantly closer to your subject without compromising image quality. You can also use the 4x digital zoom, although you should expect some pixelation. 

Optical Image Stabilization helps eliminate blur, a continuous shooting mode ensures you never miss that action shot, and a built-in flash allows for nighttime shooting. And although the autofocus isn’t nearly as advanced as the more expensive models on this list, you’ll still benefit from subject tracking and face detection. Our favorite feature? The ability to keep things simple with 22 preset scene modes or to experiment with aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual settings. You’re not limited to still photos — this camera also shoots Full HD video. 

The Details: 16 megapixels | 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor | 24–600mm equivalent lens | 3-inch LCD screen | Full HD video | 4.5 x 3.1 x 2.7 inches | 12.5 ounces | No viewfinder

Tips for Buying a Compact Camera

Understand the specs.

Before purchasing a compact camera, it’s important to understand some of the key specifications to look out for. 

Sensor size: Sensor size has the greatest impact on photo quality and clarity, especially in low-light conditions. The larger the sensor, the better your image quality will be with greater sensitivity and less noise (or graininess). B&H Senior Technologist Mark Steinberg says that BSI, or Back Side Illumination, sensors are superior for their ability to increase light-gathering efficiency. 

Megapixels: A megapixel equals one million pixels. Pixels are the tiny digital squares that make up your image and the more you have, the more detail you’ll capture. Most digital cameras offer sufficient megapixels for viewing on a screen. But the number of megapixels becomes important when zooming in on an image, cropping it, or printing it. Look for a higher number of megapixels if you plan on printing your photos, but bear in mind that more megapixels means larger files and less space on your memory card. 

Zoom: If you plan on photographing wildlife or anything else that requires a zoom, it’s important to understand the difference between optical and digital zoom. Optical zoom brings the subject closer before capturing the image, with a lens that extends outwards from the camera body. This preserves photo quality. Digital zoom simply crops and resizes a smaller section of the original image, resulting in a blurrier, grainier picture. 

LCD screen: The LCD screen is important because it allows you to view and compose your image before taking a picture. It also allows you to play your images back and scroll through the settings menu. Therefore, it’s important to choose a high-resolution LCD screen that displays colors accurately, even in bright light. It also needs to be big enough for you to see details clearly. Some point-and-shoots offer touchscreen capability for increased ease of use. 

Viewfinder: Many compact cameras lack a traditional viewfinder (the hole you look through to view and frame your image). But if you plan on shooting in bright conditions, investing in a camera with a viewfinder is helpful for when glare impacts your ability to see the LCD screen clearly. 

Video resolution: Video resolution refers to the number of horizontal and vertical pixels. The more you have, the more detailed your footage will be. Look for Full HD (1920 x 1090 pixels) as a minimum or 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) for premium, cinema-quality video. 

Prioritize quality

It goes without saying that for the best results, you should spend as much as you can afford on the best quality camera possible. All of the specifications detailed above are worth considering, but if you focus on just one thing, Steinberg says that the most important factor in terms of image quality is the type and size of the sensor. If you plan on printing your vacation photos or using them to create a photo book or other memento, a reasonable number of megapixels (10 or more) is key. Finally, Steinberg points out that build quality and manufacturer support are also important. 

Choose a camera based on your skill level and goals

Having said that, there’s no point in spending a fortune on a high-end compact camera with advanced specifications if all you really want is a simple way of capturing fun vacation snaps for social media. Beginners should prioritize cameras that are intuitive and simple to use. If your goals are more ambitious, Steinberg recommends looking for manual settings that will allow you to fine tune shutter speed, aperture size, and ISO for the best results. 

It’s also worth considering where you’re traveling and your planned activities. If your camera will be exposed to dust, sand, humidity, or water, then looking for one that’s IP rated against dust and water ingress is crucial. When it comes to interpreting IP numbers, remember that the first number after the IP relates to dust while the second number relates to water. Only water ratings of seven or higher are fully waterproof. Scuba divers should be sure to check depth ratings.

In addition to considering all of the specifications listed above and how they relate to your requirements, Steinberg says it’s important to consider the ergonomics of the camera. Does it feel comfortable in your hands and next to your face? Are the controls and buttons easy for you to access and operate? Can you view the LCD screen clearly and does the menu navigation system make sense? You should also think about the ease of use. If you’re not sure, consider booking a free in-person or virtual appointment with a B&H expert to talk through different options.

Absolutely, and especially if you choose one with a decent number of megapixels. It’s generally accepted that in order for an image to be made into a high quality print, it needs to have 300 pixels per inch (300 PPI). The number of megapixels required to achieve this depends on how big you want your prints to be. For a standard 6 x 4 inch image, you’d need at least 2.2 megapixels. For a 5 x 7 inch image, you’d need at least 3.2 megapixels. It’s also worth remembering that good printing results are dependent on printer and paper quality too.

Before we tackle this question, it’s important to note that while compact cameras lack a mirror (and mirrorless cameras are more compact than DSLRs), mirrorless cameras are not the same as compact cameras for the purpose of this list. We’ve focused on point-and-shoot cameras for novice photographers and more advanced photographers who prioritize portability. Advantages of point-and-shoots over DSLRs include reduced size and weight, ease of use, and cost. 

Mirrorless cameras were introduced in 2004 and have since evolved to compete with DSLRs as the category of choice for intermediate and professional photographers. They have a larger sensor than a traditional point-and-shoot, offering superior image quality. They’re bulkier, cost a lot more, and come with interchangeable lenses. The key difference between mirrorless and DSLR cameras is that mirrorless cameras let light hit the sensor directly whereas DSLRs use a mirror to reflect light onto the sensor. 

This difference makes mirrorless cameras quicker and quieter — key advantages for fast-action and wildlife photography. High-end mirrorless cameras can also offer superior autofocus and better performance in low light conditions. DSLRs still hold the edge in terms of viewfinder accuracy, battery life, and a greater range of compatible lenses.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Jessica Macdonald has been writing about travel gear for more than a decade. She’s also a professional photographer who has sold images to many publications including Travel + Leisure. Although she typically shoots with her trusty Nikon DSLR, she has often used compact cameras especially for underwater photography. For this article, she conducted hours of online research and consulted the opinion of Mark Steinberg , a B&H Senior Technologist.

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Related Articles

The Best Travel Cameras for Every Type of Trip

By Meg Reinhardt , Louis Cheslaw , and Lindsay Lambert Day

Maybe you’ve got a dream trip booked, or maybe you’re still dreaming about where to go next. Either way, one thing’s for sure: When the time comes to pack your bags, you’ll want to have the right camera in tow to capture every glorious on-the-road-again moment. But with technology constantly evolving—“Smaller digital cameras have improved dramatically from several years ago,” says New York City-based photographer David Engelhardt—and countless options and features to consider, finding your perfect travel camera for vacation or work can feel overwhelming. 

To help narrow the field, we turned to the pros: Engelhardt, former White House photographer Pete Souza , U.K.-based lifestyle photographer Lucy Laucht , and sharpshooters on our own photo team. From discreet, compact models to retro-cool options worthy of being displayed on your bookshelf, here are 15 travel cameras worth taking on the road.

This gallery was last published in November 2019. It has been updated with new information.

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 VII

Best for: Traveling light

The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 VII is proof that good things come in small packages. Neil Leifer, whose storied, 50-plus-year career has included shooting more than 200 covers for Sports Illustrated and Time and creating iconic images of Mohammed Ali (his 18th book, Neil Leifer. Boxing. 60 Years of Fights and Fighters , was released earlier this year), says it’s his go-to for personal use. Leifer, an ambassador for the brand through its Sony Artisans of Imagery program, says it’s also often the only one he takes on his travels with Crystal Cruises , for whom he’s a guest speaker. “It looks like a toy, but it has a 24-200mm Zeiss lens, and it’s sharp as a tack,” he says.

Best for: Street photography

Whether he’s shooting at home or on the road, Steve McCurry loves the Leica SL2. McCurry, the prolific photographer whose iconic “Afghan Girl” image appeared on National Geographic ’s June 1985 cover, says the SL2’s lenses are the best he’s ever used, and that the camera “is incredibly durable.” Video shooters will appreciate the camera’s super-crisp 5K and 4K recording capabilities, and users who are photographing in rugged settings—dusty, windswept deserts; choppy waters prone to spewing sea spray—will be glad for its weather sealing, which keeps out the elements. Of the SL2, McCurry, who founded the nonprofit ImagineAsia in 2004, adds, “The functionality is very well thought out and sensible.”

Canon EOS R

Best for: Low-angle wildlife photography

“As a wildlife photographer, I am always looking for new angles and fresh perspectives,” says Adam Bannister , resident photographer at Kenya’s Angama Mara and manager of the property’s Angama Photographic Studio . His pick for capturing them: the Canon EOS R for its tilt screen—“It allows me to hold the camera away from my face and still see what I am shooting,” he says—and the ability to activate its silent shutter. “Both [features] will help you to be less noticeable. The result: more candid, less intrusive photographs,” Bannister says. For travelers with a particular interest in wildlife, Bannister also suggests the Canon EOS R5 for its built-in animal eye tracking focus, “which would make this style of photography that much better and [involve] less guess work,” he says.

Fujifilm X100V

Best for: Aesthetes

With its clean edges, satin coating, and top and bottom aluminum plates, the Fujifilm X100V gets big style points. But there’s a lot more to this camera than its retro good looks. The X100V’s new, enhanced 23mm F2.0 lens offers better resolution and lower distortion than previous versions, and its optional weather-resistant adapter ring and protection filter (a first for the X100 series) will keep it safe in wild weather. It also has built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, shoots 4K video, and has a tilting electronic viewfinder, which Engelhardt says “can be handy when composing images from above, or when you’re shooting from the hip and trying to be stealthy.”

Hannah Towey

CNT Editors

Jessica Puckett

Steph Koyfman

Best for: Landscapes, cityscapes, and portraits

“My Leica M10 paired with a 35mm lens is my most trusted travel companion,” says Laucht . “Small, nimble, and film camera-like in appearance, it’s perfect for spontaneous street photography and portraits.” Faster than previous Leica M-System cameras and the slimmest of the brand’s digital M-Camera models, the handsome and compact M10 has an extended ISO range (used to adjust exposure) of 100 to 50,000 that users can adjust via a new setting dial on the top plate, even when the camera’s turned off. A new sensor developed specifically for the M10 means improved color rendition, sharpness, and resolution, too. “I’m yet to find a camera that so perfectly captures the colors and the essence of a moment like the M10 does,” Laucht says.

DJI Mavic 2 Pro

Best for: Aerial photography and video

Sam Muchai , a Nairobi-based photographer and owner of Aerial Affairs , a company that specializes in commercial aerial photography, shoots stills and video from above with the DJI Mavic 2 Pro. “It produces very high-quality images and 4K video, and yet it comes in such a travel-friendly package,” he says of his go-to drone . Bannister also favors the DJI Mavic 2 Pro for shooting from the sky. His tip: “Get a filter set, especially if you want to film with the drone. You need to have really slow shutter speeds, and this means extra light is pushed onto the sensor. By buying a good set of filters for your drone, you can increase the length of time you can film in a day.”

GoPro Hero 9

Best for: Action and adventure sports

When it comes to capturing action in the moment, Muchai grabs his GoPro Hero 9. “I always have one when I travel,” he says. “It's super durable and it's waterproof,” he adds, which makes it great for shooting water sports, off-road adventures, and other outdoor activities. The Hero 9’s in-camera horizon-leveling technology keeps footage stable and straight, and it has a 30 percent longer battery life than previous models. Ideal for users whose digits are busy gripping handlebars, rip cords, or ski poles, the Hero 9 responds to 14 different voice commands (”GoPro, turn on,” “GoPro, take a picture”) in English, French, Spanish, and eight other languages.

Best for: Fuss-free, high-quality photography

“For someone that does not like to stick out while traveling or fuss with a bag of lenses in a range of conditions—climbing sand dunes, traversing jungles, getting caught in a downpour—this camera is compact, unassuming, and weatherproof, with incredible quality to boot,” says Los Angeles-based photographer Marianna Jamadi of the Leica Q2. “Its mirrorless body is stealthy in terms of the shutter release, making scenarios like street shooting seamless for those that don't want to draw attention to themselves.” One feature that might give some potential buyers pause is the 28mm fixed lens, but for Jamadi, it’s a plus. “Instead of switching or deciding on what lens to use, the only way to change focal length is by moving your position,” she says. “This allows you to become fully immersed in the experience of the destination or subject you are photographing. Isn’t this what traveling is all about?”

Best for: Film

The Leica M-A comes recommended by architecture photographer Adrian Gaut , who loves it for the wide range of lenses that can be attached, stylish body, and nods to a classic period in photography. Don’t let the fact that it's a film camera without a battery send you running for the hills. Instead, look at it as a chance to spend more time focusing in the moment and thinking about each exposure—and to enjoy the post-trip magic of getting film back from the lab, surprises, errors, and all. 

Ricoh GR III

Best for: A compact camera

For the purists, Ricoh produces a top-of-the-line compact camera. The third and latest in its popular GR line-up, the GR III, has an improved and even quicker auto-focus, and enhanced image stabilization. Its touch sensitive screen makes reviewing your shots quick and intuitive, and the new lens and image processor reproduces truer colors than the brand has been able to before.

Fujifilm X‑Pro3

Best for: Inclement weather

This is Souza’s favorite walk-about camera. It's a lightweight, unobtrusive, quiet option that produces great digital files. Souza, who photographed President Ronald Reagan and President Barack Obama throughout their terms, recommends planning your travel shots with this camera for the “first two hours of light in the morning, the last two hours of light in the evening, or when the weather is really bad (think fog, rain, or snow).” 

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6

Best for: Instant print-outs

Versions of the instant camera—this one is by Fujifilm—are back in a big way. This Instax ups the ante, with high image quality and a quick printing mechanism. A tip: Instant cameras tend to overexpose your picture, making it too bright, so take advantage of this one's exposure compensation feature to darken your image slightly. Whatever you do, just don’t shake the printed photo. It doesn’t help it develop faster and can lead to cracked film.

Olympus Tough TG-6

Best for: Beach or snorkeling trips

Pocket-friendly, light, and compact, this one is a stellar point-and-shoot option and great for underwater photography (it's waterproof up to 100 feet). If you tend to be rough on your cameras, here's some good news: The TG-6's design is shockproof, too. With plenty of auto options, this camera is for the traveler who wants to keep it simple, without sacrificing quality.

Best for: Safaris

Condé Nast Traveler contributing photographer Brian Finke loves the Nikon D850 for capturing personal travel and family moments. It features an easy-to-use 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen and shoots in 4K video. It’s also a great choice for animal lovers: Not only does its silent feature allow for up-close shooting near sound-sensitive animals, it also has one of the fastest shutter speeds on this list, so you can capture any sudden movement.

Ricoh Theta Z1 360 Camera

Best for: 360-degree shots

And now for something completely different: a 360-degree camera. Just press the central button on the super-light device once, without worrying about settings, and the Ricoh will take a shot in every direction. Besides 360-degree still photos, the camera also captures 360-degree videos and supports live-streaming. Be sure to grab a VR headset so you can enjoy your images in their full glory—it's an overdue modern alternative to the post-vacation family and friends slideshow presentation. 

Packing List

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New: 7 Best cameras for travel

Updated March 2024

Travel can expose you to once-in-a-lifetime sights and experiences, and a good camera can be the perfect way to preserve those memories. We've looked at a range of models that offer great image quality, good autofocus and excellent video, so that you can capture whatever you encounter on your travels. We've also tried to select relatively small cameras so they don't interfere with your trip.

Our selections include relatively compact cameras with fixed lenses, perfect for just documenting what you saw on your trip; they also include Micro Four Thirds and APS-C models that allow smaller camera/lens combinations, if you're looking to travel light. Full-frame cameras open up the potential for even better image quality but the lenses can get pretty big, so it's worth checking how big the total package is, before committing to a large-sensor model.

Our recommendations

Best pocketable travel camera: ricoh gr iii, the classic choice: fujifilm x100vi, truly compact mirrorless: om system om-5, all-round compact capability: sony a6700, the great travel kit: fujifilm x-s20 with 18-55mm f2.8-4.0 ois, the stylish travel companion: nikon zf, portable full-frame: sony a7cr.

24MP APS-C sensor | 28mm equiv. F2.8 lens | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth

What we like:

• Excellent image quality
• Good controls and ergonomics
• Truly pocketable

What we don't:

• Short battery life
• No built-in flash
• Sluggish AF in low light

The Ricoh GR III is the latest in a series of classic compact cameras with a large APS-C sensor and a 28mm equivalent lens. It's not the most flexible camera but it's one of the most pocketable and has built up a dedicated following of photographers who find it a joy to shoot with.

Our only concern, in terms of using the GR III for travel are that some users have found dust can get into the lens. So it's worth trying to find some sort of protective bag to keep it in.

There's also the GR IIIx , a variant with a longer, 40mm equivalent lens on it. This may be a little tight for documenting your travels, but it's historically a popular focal length.

Read our Ricoh GR III review

See the Ricoh GR III studio scene

40MP BSI CMOS APS-C X-Trans sensor | 35mm equiv F2 lens | Hybrid viewfinder

• Excellent build quality
• Subject-detection autofocus
• Now with in-body image stabilization
• Lens not especially fast to focus
• Hard to find in stock

Like the Fujifilm X100V before it, the Fujifilm X100VI is a classically styled fixed lens camera with a 35mm equivalent F2 lens. But being in active production following its 2024 launch, the X100VI is somewhat easier to buy than its constantly out-of-stock forebear.

Updated with in-body image stabilization rated at up to 6EV of correction and a 40MP BSI CMOS APS-C X-Trans sensor, the X100VI is a significant upgrade over its predecessor despite looking virtually identical. And those improvements in part explain the X100VI's $200 increase in list price to $1,600.

Like its older brother, the X100VI isn't the smallest or most inconspicuous camera, but its fixed focal length means you develop an 'eye' for the photos it'll take, essentially making it a better quality, more engaging alternative to snapping away with your phone.

The addition of subject-detection autofocus has given the X100VI the ability to recognize animals, birds, automobiles, motorcycles and bikes, airplanes, and trains though human (face/eye) detection is a separate mode. However, the lens the X100VI shares with the X100V is not the fastest to autofocus, prioritizing sharpness over speed.

The X100VI brings a level of polish you would expect from a sixth iteration of a camera. Fujifilm has done a great job keeping the X100-series up to date without messing with the formula that's made it so popular. No surprise, this is the best X100 yet.

Unfortunately, despite ramped-up production, demand for the X100VI seems to have outstripped supply with the camera already on backorder at virtually all dealers. With any luck, however, its release will depress the over-inflated sale price of previous generation X100V cameras, which are still quite capable if you can find them for prices befitting used gear.

Read our Fujifilm X100VI review

20MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor | 4K/30p video | In-body stabilization rated to 6.5EV (7.5 with some lenses)

• Attractive JPEG output
• Selection of clever photo features
• Excellent image stabilization
• IP53 rating supports claims of weather sealing
• AF tracking is disappointing
• Image quality is behind larger sensor cameras

The OM System OM-5 is a compact interchangeable lens camera with a 20MP Four Thirds sensor in a compact body with plenty of external control.

That relatively small sensor means it can remain fairly small, even with a lens attached, and the Micro Four Thirds lens system provides extensive options in that regard, from compact zooms to small prime lenses.

Read our OM System OM-5 review

See the OM System OM-5 studio scene

26MP BSI CMOS sensor | 4K/60p video capture | Fully articulating screen

• Front and rear command dials
• Excellent AF in stills and video
• 4K/120p capture (with crop)
• No AF joystick
• JPEG sharpening can be aggressive

The Sony a6700 is built around a 26MP APS-C-sized sensor. Its excellent autofocus performance means it excels at both stills and video capture. There's a good choice of relatively compact lenses available, too. We'd suggest avoiding the really small 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 though: it's not the lens to get the most out of this camera.

Fast, dependable autofocus with a selection of subject recognition modes means the a6700 will help maximize your chances of capturing the unexpected moments on a trip.

Read our full Sony a6700 review

See the Sony a6700 studio scene

26MP X-Trans APS-C sensor | Up to 6.2K/30P 10-bit video | In-body image stablization

• Excellent still and video quality
• Long battery life
• Comfortable, simple ergonomics
• AF tracking still lags behind peers
• Small electronic viewfinder
• Micro HDMI instead of full-size

Fujifilm's X-S20 is also worth considering. Like the a6700, it's built around a 26MP BSI CMOS sensor and is strong at both stills and video. Its autofocus isn't as simple and powerful as the Sony's, but its JPEG color modes produce really attractive results, and there's a wide choice of lenses including compact prime and the well-priced, supremely useful 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 OIS, which is a great travel option.

Read our Fujifilm X-S20 initial review

See the Fujifilm X-S20 studio scene

24MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor | Full-width 4K/30 video, cropped 4K/60 | Stabilization rated to 8EV

• Distinctive design with direct controls
• Effective subject recognition
• Strong stills and video features
• Weight and minimal grip can become uncomfortable
• Slow MicroSD second slot
• Few custom buttons

The Nikon Zf is a classically styled full-frame camera built around a 24MP full-frame sensor that's used by many of its peers. The angular 80s-style body isn't the most comfortable to hold in your hand for extended periods, but the lack of stick-out grip makes it smaller than many of its rivals, making it a tempting travel companion.

At least in its all-black form, there's a chance of it being mistaken for a film camera, which may help avoid the wrong kind of attention, when you're out and about in an unfamiliar setting.

Read our initial review of the Nikon Zf

61MP BSI CMOS sensor | 4K/60p video with 10-bit color | Dedicated ‘AI’ processor for AF system

• Big camera features in a small body
• Outstanding AF performance
• Auto Framing video mode
• Small, low-res viewfinder
• No joystick control
• No fully mechanical shutter

The Sony a7CR is a relatively compact full-frame camera with an image-stabilized 61MP CMOS sensor. You sacrifice the convenience of an AF joystick and get a pretty small and basic viewfinder to keep the camera's size down, but there's little else that delivers this much image quality in such a compact package.

You'll need to pick your lenses carefully to keep the camera portable but the a7CR's autofocus means it can respond rapidly to just about anything you encounter on your travels.

Read our Sony a7CR initial review

Why you should trust us

This buying guide is based on cameras used and tested by DPReview's editorial team. We don't select a camera until we've used it enough to be confident in recommending it, usually after our extensive review process. The selections are purely a reflection of which cameras we believe to be best: there are no financial incentives for us to select one model or brand over another.

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The arrival of the Fujifilm X100VI reignites the debate on what it means for its most direct competitor, the 40mm equiv. Ricoh GR IIIx. Which is the better photographer's compact? We think there's an obvious answer, but you'll have to find out for yourself which it is.

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The Nikon Zf is a 24MP full-frame mirrorless camera with classic looks that brings significant improvements to Nikon's mid-price cameras. We just shot a sample reel to get a better feel for its video features and have added our impressions to the review.

The Nikon Zf is a 24MP full-frame mirrorless camera with excellent image quality, very good autofocus and classic styling that borrows from the manufacturer's film bodies of yesteryear.

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The Fujifilm X100VI is the sixth iteration of Fujifilm's classically-styled large sensor compact. A 40MP X-Trans sensor, in-body stabilization and 6.2K video are the major updates, but do they make the camera better?

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The fourth camera in Leica's SL series of full-frame mirrorless cameras sees the 60MP BSI sensor from the Q3 and M11 models arrive with a significant interface redesign.

This $250 electronic lens adapter is perfect for Nikon Z-mount curious Sony shooters — shhh, we won’t tell anyone.

Latest buying guides

What’s the best camera for around $2000? This price point gives you access to some of the most all-round capable cameras available. Excellent image quality, powerful autofocus and great looking video are the least you can expect. We've picked the models that really stand out.

What's the best camera for travel? Good travel cameras should be small, versatile, and offer good image quality. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for travel and recommended the best.

If you want a compact camera that produces great quality photos without the hassle of changing lenses, there are plenty of choices available for every budget. Read on to find out which portable enthusiast compacts are our favorites.

'What's the best mirrorless camera?' We're glad you asked.

Above $2500 cameras tend to become increasingly specialized, making it difficult to select a 'best' option. We case our eye over the options costing more than $2500 but less than $4000, to find the best all-rounder.

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Notable Mentions

Recent updates, all reviews, the 6 best mirrorless cameras for travel - spring 2024 reviews.

As is often the case, the best camera for the job is usually the one you've already got on you, and that's especially true when you're traveling and likely don't have the space to pack a bulky camera kit. A smartphone will suffice for most people, especially since modern smartphone cameras can get more impressive by the year. But if you want to take your travel photography to the next level, a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera will get you there. While the battery life on mirrorless cameras isn't as strong as their DSLR counterparts, they're tough to beat on portability, making them great travel cameras if you want the versatility of shooting with different lenses.

We've bought and tested over 100 cameras in our lab, and below, you'll find our recommendations for the best mirrorless cameras for travel. If you'd prefer a fixed-lens compact camera, check out our  best compact cameras for travel instead. You can also check out our top vlogging cameras if you're a travel vlogger. Or, if you want a mirrorless camera for use beyond just traveling, see our recommendations for the best mirrorless cameras  overall.

Best Mirrorless Camera For Travel

Among mirrorless options, the Fujifilm X-T5 stands out as one of the best for travel photography. It's aimed at enthusiast photographers, with old-school exposure dials that make it easy to adjust settings on the go. It also has a relatively portable, lightweight design and sturdy build quality, with weather-sealing for added peace of mind when shooting in adverse weather. Beyond its sleek exterior, it also comes equipped with one of the highest-resolution APS-C sensors on the market, at 40 megapixels, capturing stunning levels of detail and giving you plenty of leeway to crop your photos.

If that wasn't enough, it has excellent battery life for a mirrorless model and features Fujifilm's most advanced autofocus system, with intuitive AF tracking and subject detection for a wide range of subjects, including people, birds, and vehicles. Overall, the X-T5's combination of image quality, portability, and photography-first design make it our top pick for the intrepid travel photographer.

See our review

Best Full Frame Mirrorless Camera For Travel

If image quality is your top priority, the Sony α7C is hard to beat for high-level travel photography. It's one of the most compact full-frame bodies on the market, proving that portability and image quality aren't mutually exclusive. While full-frame lenses are still bigger than APS-C or Micro Four Thirds alternatives, the compact body helps make a more portable kit, especially if you stick to smaller prime lenses. Its compact size does mean fewer custom buttons and an uncomfortably small viewfinder; however, these are small sacrifices to make if you need portability but still want the best possible image quality.

The camera's real selling point is its excellent full-frame sensor, which can capture beautiful images—from busy street scenes in European cities to breathtaking landscapes in the mountains of South America or anything in between. That said, the camera's now been succeeded by the Sony α7C II , which boasts a higher-resolution sensor and more advanced video features, but it's more expensive. Overall, the α7C performs on par for photography, so it's a better deal for most travelers.

Best Upper Mid-Range Mirrorless Camera For Travel

Micro Four Thirds (MFT) models like the OM SYSTEM OM-5 are practically made for travel photography. Though there's a slight trade-off in low light capability with an MFT sensor, you can still get excellent images out of this camera. It also has some neat computational photography features, like a high-resolution composite mode to capture stunningly detailed landscapes. Plus, the MFT system has a well-established lineup of lenses, including more compact options that'll make for a more portable overall kit.

On top of that, the OM-5 is weather-sealed and ruggedly built, giving you some peace of mind while traveling. Built-in image stabilization allows you to get clear shots at slower shutter speeds, and the camera has a decent autofocus system, though it falls short of the standard set by brands like Sony and Canon. Battery life is also underwhelming, but this model is still a sure bet if you're looking for a portable and feature-rich camera system at a reasonable price point. If you can find it for cheaper, the older Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III offers near-identical performance, though it uses an older sensor and lacks a few extra features found on the OM-5, like 'Live ND' mode.

Best Mid-Range Mirrorless Camera For Travel

The Fujifilm X-T30 II doesn't offer too many upgrades over the original Fujifilm X-T30 , but if it ain't broke, why fix it? As far as mid-range options go, the X-T30 II is an excellent choice with a super portable body. Like the higher-end Fujifilm X-T5 , it has a sleek retro-inspired design with the same old-school exposure dials, giving you more hands-on control over camera settings on the fly.

The camera's APS-C sensor captures excellent image quality straight out of the camera. And while competitors like the  Sony α6400  (or one of its α6x00 series siblings) might have better autofocus, the combination of physical controls and Fuji's film simulation profiles make the Fujifilm a blast to shoot with. Throw in a solid selection of fast prime lenses, and you've got a great camera for travel photography, particularly if you're interested in capturing people or street scenes. That said, unlike the OM SYSTEM OM-5  mentioned above, there's no IBIS here, and the camera is less versatile for videos and vlogs because of its tilt screen.

Best Budget Mirrorless Camera For Travel

If you're on a tighter budget, the small and mighty Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV offers a ton of value for its price. Like its higher-end sibling above, it uses an MFT sensor, making for a more portable overall kit with a budget-friendly price tag. It's a great option for beginners, with simple controls and plenty of creative shooting modes that allow you to play with different photography styles.

Beyond that, this is one of the few cameras at this price point with in-body image stabilization, which can help reduce camera shake in videos or make it easier to get clear handheld shots at slower shutter speeds. That said, this model doesn't have the most reliable autofocus, so if that's important to you, the Canon EOS R50 is a good alternative with a larger APS-C sensor and a more effective AF system. Just be aware that there are fewer lens options for Canon's RF mount, and the lenses are generally bigger.

Best Mirrorless Camera For Travel Vlogging

If you're more inclined to shoot videos while traveling, consider a vlogging camera like the Sony ZV-E10. It's small and lightweight, so it's easy to toss into a bag and take on the go. While it doesn't have a viewfinder like the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV , its fully articulated screen is perfect for vlogging, allowing you to monitor yourself while shooting. It has vlogging-friendly features like a detachable windscreen to reduce ambient noise, specialized focus modes, and a great battery life.

It's worth noting that the camera doesn't have built-in stabilization, and its e-stabilization feature can introduce a distracting wobble effect, so you're better off using an optically stabilized lens if you want to keep the camera shake to a minimum. Otherwise, the ZV-E10's relatively low price, convenient size, and solid video features make this the ideal mirrorless camera for travel vlogging.

• Fujifilm X-T4: The Fujifilm X-T4 is the predecessor to the Fujifilm X-T5, and though it's a tad heavier, it's a great choice if you want to save money, offering many of the same advantages. That said, it uses an older processor and lower-resolution sensor and has a less reliable autofocus system. See our review
• OM SYSTEM OM-1: The OM SYSTEM OM-1 is a fantastic Micro Four Thirds camera. It's more rugged and better built than the OM SYSTEM OM-5, but it's also pricier and likely overkill for most people. See our review

Mar 20, 2024: We've reviewed the article to ensure the picks and text are up to date.

Jan 26, 2024: Replaced the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III with the OM SYSTEM OM-5, as it's more widely available.

Oct 27, 2023: Added mention of the Sony α7C II to flesh out the market context for the Sony a7C.

Aug 31, 2023: Added the Fujifilm X-T5 as the 'Best Mirrorless Camera For Travel' and shifted the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III down to the upper mid-range spot.

Jul 06, 2023: Renamed the Sony a7C to 'Best Full Frame Mirrorless Camera For Travel' and replaced it with the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III.

Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best mirrorless cameras for travel for most people to buy, according to their needs. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability (no cameras that are difficult to find or almost out of stock in the U.S.).

If you'd like to choose for yourself, here's the list of all our interchangeable-lens mirrorless camera reviews, ranked by their suitability for travel photography. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There is no single perfect camera. Personal taste, preference, and shooting habits will matter more in your selection.

The best travel cameras of 2023

No matter where your travels take you, these cameras will set you up for success in documenting every detail of the journey.

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Choosing travel cameras for your trips can be an overwhelming prospect. You’re faced with a ton of great options, from advanced mirrorless systems to compacts and action cameras. It’s easy to get lost in the noise. Plus, when you consider features like video capabilities, screen type, and sensor size, it can be downright confusing. All of these features need to fit your photographic—and budgetary—needs. Knowing what you intend to use your captures for and what is most vital for you when traveling with a camera is the best place to start. These are the best travel cameras available, no matter what you are looking for.

• Best overall: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII
• Best action camera: GoPro HERO11 Black
• Best 360 camera: Insta360 X3
• Best mirrorless: Fujifilm X -T5
• Best mirrorless on a budget: Canon EOS R100
• Best for video: Sony ZV-E1
• Best for video on a budget: Sony ZV-1

How we picked the best travel cameras

The editors and writers at Popular Photography have decades of photography experience in just about every genre and have covered and reviewed just about every major camera on the market. When selecting the products in this list of best travel cameras, we looked at a wide range of important features in travel cameras. We researched the different camera choices available and compared specs and image and video quality. Size and weight, sensor size, autofocus abilities, battery life, and lens options were just some of the considerations. In addition, we noted any unique attributes or settings available on the cameras. We also aimed to choose offerings at different price points and cover the range of camera types from DSLR to compact. All of these considerations allowed us to compile a list of cameras suitable to various travel styles and capture needs.

The best travel cameras: Reviews & recommendations

While you certainly can use your smartphone to document your travels, there are lots of reasons to bring a dedicated camera along. Whether you’re looking for better image or video quality, a different perspective, or just don’t want the distraction of your phone, the best travel cameras will help you capture epic images to help you relive your trip down the line.

• Resolution:  20.1 megapixels
• Sensor size:  1-inch
• Lens mount:  N/A
• Image stabilization:  Digital and optical in the integrated lens
• Memory card slots:  Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC
• Weight:  10.65 ounces
• Dimensions: 4 x 2.29 x 1.69 inches
• Versatile 24-200mm zoom lens built into the camera
• Fast autofocus with AF points covering nearly the entire field of view
• Pricey for a compact

The newest iteration of the Sony RX100 is an excellent bridge between a compact camera and a DSLR or mirrorless option. Its pocket-ready size makes it easy to carry and pack, an important feature for a travel camera. The smooth finish on the camera body does make it a bit slippery, but a wrist strap can help with carrying. 

Despite falling into the compact category , it has the option to use full manual mode (and other staples like aperture and shutter priority), allowing you to have complete control over your images. The 24-200mm equivalent lens covers both the wide-angle and telephoto sides of things, which is helpful for documenting a range of subjects on your travels. Plus, with a maximum aperture of f/2.8-4.5, you can still get nicely blurred backgrounds for drawing attention to your main subject. It’s also handy for shooting in low light if you don’t want to rely on the built-in pop-up flash.

The RX100 VII has 4K video recording with human and animal eye autofocus, which mimics Sony’s higher-end mirrorless models. The newly designed sensor and BIONZ X image processor allow for extremely fast autofocus, with 68% of the image area covered by AF points.

• Resolution:  27 megapixels
• Sensor size: 1/1.9-inch
• Image stabilization:  Digital
• Memory card slots:  Single microSD
• Weight:  4.5 ounces
• Dimensions: 2.8 x 2 x 1.3
• Award-winning stabilization
• Extremely compact
• Waterproof without a case
• Tons of mounting accessories
• Still not the best in low light conditions
• Limited controls

GoPro cameras have been synonymous with travel cameras for quite some time. That’s in part thanks to how rugged and compact they are. And now, the GoPro HERO 11 features the largest sensor of any GoPro yet. It can produce 27-megapixel stills, as well as 5.3k 60p video. And the expanded image sensor allows for more flexibility when zooming, cropping, changing digital lenses or adjusting the aspect ratio. You’ll be able to easily create vertical videos for social media platforms without losing most of your image.

GoPro’s HyperSmooth 5.0 image stabilization system is truly impressive, offering several modes depending on the activity in which you’re participating. It’s even burly enough to smooth out footage from high-impact activities like mountain biking or skiing. And it offers Horizon Lock to keep your footage level even as you move around.

GoPro also added new night effects to its latest action camera . That includes modes for documenting star trails, creating light painting photos, or capturing vehicle light trails. It still won’t perform as well in low light conditions as something like a mirrorless camera, but it has been improved compared to previous models.

If you want the latest GoPro, the recently released Hero 12 offers even longer run times and higher-quality HDR video.

Abby Ferguson

• Resolution:  48 megapixels
• Sensor size:  1/2-inch
• Image stabilization:  Yes
• Weight:  6.3 ounces
• Dimensions: 4.5 x 1.8 x 1.3
• Excellent stabilization
• Unique 360-degree perspective
• Lots of mounting options
• High-quality video
• App is a bit tricky to use

If you want something a bit unique for your travels, the Insta360 X3 action camera fits the bill. It records 360-degree video with its dual lenses so that you can show every direction for immersive content. The selfie stick is invisible in the footage, so you won’t have that distracting element in your shots. And it’s plenty rugged, with an IPX8 rating and waterproofing down to 33 feet without a case, making it an ideal travel camera for rugged adventures.

The X3 offers many different video and photo modes for extra versatility. It’s capable of 5.7K 24p 360-degree video, 4K 30p single-lens footage, 8K 360-degree timelapse, or ultra-wide 170-degree shots at 2.7K resolution. It can also create up to 72-megapixel photos, so you’ll be able to get high-quality stills as well. And thanks to its 6-axis gyroscope and FlowState Stabilization technology, your videos will be smooth and level no matter how adventurous your activity.

The camera pairs with the Insta360 app, which gives you lots of creative control. It provides lots of AI-powered features to simplify the process, or you can have full control. If working with 360-degree files, you can choose the direction the camera points, have it follow something, and so much more. The app is a little confusing to use, so takes some getting used to, but it offers nearly endless editing options.

To learn more about the Insta360 X3, read our full review .

• Best mirrorless: Fujifilm X-T5

Stan Horaczek

• Resolution: 40.2 megapixels
• Sensor size: APS-C
• Lens mount: Fujifilm X
• Image stabilization: Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
• Memory card slots: Dual slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
• Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.1 x 3.6 x 2.5 inches
• 6.2K video at 30fps
• In-body stabilization
• Attractive in-camera film presets
• Tactile camera controls
• Solid weather sealing
• Expensive for an APS-C camera
• Rear screen only tilts

The newest version of Fujifilm’s X-T5 camera is an ideal choice for a hybrid shooter who wants to take both photographs and video on their trips. As an APS-C mirrorless camera , the body is relatively compact, which is ideal for a travel camera since it won’t take up much room in your bag. And it features Fujifilm’s typical retro styling, so it will look cool when you bust it out on your trips. Plus, there are lots of tactile dials on the top of the camera that keep you from digging in the camera menus, which is always ideal for staying in the moment.

The X-T5 offers 40.2 megapixels for detailed, high-quality photos. If that’s not enough, you can take advantage of Pixel Shift Multishot, which automatically takes 20 frames with a single press of the shutter to produce a 160-megapixel file. The electronic shutter goes up to 1/180,000 seconds, with 20 frames per second burst shooting to help you document fast action.

On the video side, it’s capable of 6.2K 30p video or oversampled 4K footage. The seven-stop in-body image stabilization system will help with achieving sharp photos even when shooting in low light. And it will help keep your videos smooth, even without a gimbal.

As with other Fujifilm cameras , it comes with lots of different film simulation modes. These can give your photos a more polished, unique look without needing to spend time editing, which is ideal when traveling.

To learn more about the X-T5, check out our full review .

• Resolution:  24.1 megapixels
• Sensor size:  APS-C
• Lens mount:  Canon RF
• Image stabilization:  None
• Memory card slots:  Single slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC
• Weight:  12.6 ounces
• Dimensions:  4.6 x 3.4 x 2.7 inches
• Budget-friendly
• Very compact
• Excellent image quality
• 4K video 24p video
• Rear screen is fixed
• No touchscreen functionality

Canon’s EOS R100 is an absolutely tiny camera, especially for one that offers interchangeable lens functionality. It is compatible with all RF lenses, as well as EF lenses if you get an adapter. The camera weighs a measly 12.6 ounces, making it the smallest Canon R line camera yet. It’s also very affordable.

Despite the small size and budget price, this camera has a lot to offer. It’s capable of cropped 4K 24p video, of you can record full HD at up to 60p. The autofocus system is very advanced for a budget camera, so you can trust that your images and videos will be in focus without much work on your end. The Eye Detection will even work when you are trying to get full body shots of a subject. Still images will also be high-quality thanks to the 24.1-megapixel sensor and excellent dynamic range.

The main downside to the camera is the rear screen. It is fixed, so you won’t be able to flip it around for selfies. And it isn’t a touch screen. But it offers lots of wireless connectivity options for transferring your files, so you don’t need to worry about sitting down to a computer to get images to share to social media while traveling.

• Resolution:  12.9 megapixels
• Sensor size:  Full-frame
• Lens mount:  Sony E
• Image stabilization:  Digital, 5-Axis
• Memory card slots:  Single slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
• Weight:  1.1 pounds
• Dimensions:  4.8 x 2.8 x 2.1 inches
• Impressive autofocus
• Unlimited 4K recording
• Lots of color control options
• Single UHS-I card slot
• Lower resolution sensor isn’t as ideal for stills

Sony’s ZV-E1 is a full-frame camera that is specifically built for vloggers . It is an interchangeable lens camera, unlike its more budget-friendly sibling mentioned below, meaning you can have more control over the look of your content thanks to the wide selection of lenses for Sony E mount. And, even though it’s a full-frame camera, it’s still very compact and lightweight, making it ideal for travel.

The ZV-E1 offers advanced and impressive autofocus. It can even track multiple people in a single frame, which is helpful if you are traveling with a group. It also offers focus breathing compensation, which is a change in focal length when adjusting the focusing distance. A bokeh switch allows for a custom level of bokeh, so you can fine-tune the style of your shots.

Perhaps most importantly, the video from the ZV-E1 is excellent. It’s capable of up to 4K 120p video or 240 fps with full HD resolution. And there are no recording limits, so you can record long cuts. It provides access to advanced color control, such as S-Cinetone, for natural-looking skin tones. You can also adjust the gamma, black level, knee, color level, and more. Or you can import and apply your LUTs in camera to save you editing time.

• Resolution:  10.1 megapixels
• Sensor size:  One-inch
• Weight:  10.4 ounces
• Dimensions: 4.15 x 2.36 x 1.71 inches
• Compact and lightweight
• Excellent autofocus
• Flip-out screen great for vlogging
• Less than impressive battery life
• 24-70mm lens may not be wide enough for some

This is the first version of Sony’s entry-level vlogging camera, but it is still an excellent choice and will save you money over the latest iteration. To create this vlogger camera, Sony used much of the tech featured in the more expensive RX100 line, resulting in superb quality in a bit more stripped-down package. They also added a handgrip on the ZV-1, making it easier to hold. And, the screen flips to the side, making selfies easier to record even when you have accessories on the hot shoe. 

Despite being a small point-and-shoot camera, you get 4K video and access to tons of AF points across the sensor. There is even a focus mode that allows you to easily shift focus from your face to elsewhere in the foreground, which is helpful for showing off your travel finds.

While the quality of the 24-70mm lens is solid, having something a little wider would have been ideal. If you do want a wider lens, the new ZV-1 II offers an 18-55mm equivalent lens. It also features a faster sensor and a new mic design. It will cost you a little over $100 more at the time of writing but may be worth it if you want that wide view for documenting travel.

Things to consider before buying the best travel cameras

When selecting the best travel cameras for your trips, there are a handful of things you should consider.

Your photography style

It is essential to consider what kind of traveler you are and how you intend to use the camera. For example, if you don’t mind traveling with heavy gear and want quality over anything else, your camera needs will differ from someone who likes to travel fast and light. Likewise, a backpacking trip through a jungle could call for a different camera than a luxury cruise. Deciding on what your priorities are first will help you narrow down all of the options available to you in a camera.

You’ll want to pay attention to both dimensions and weight in your setup. The amount of space that a camera takes up in your bag is significant when maximizing what you can bring along. Carrying a heavy camera around on your back while in between destinations or holding it for long periods while out and about gets old fast, so weight does make a difference. Even a few ounces can start to weigh you down on long treks.

You’ll want to choose a camera that offers features you’ll actually use but skips others that won’t be necessary. For example, if you want to take lots of selfies or group photos, a camera with a screen that flips around will be extremely helpful. Or, perhaps you would like to take lots of videos and share your travels. If so, paying attention to the video recording capabilities is a good idea.

Ruggedness and weather-sealing

Moisture and sand don’t play nicely with electronics. Hard falls can do even more damage. If you’re planning to take your camera out into the wilderness or other treacherous terrain, opt for a camera with robust weather sealing. Some cameras come with an IP (ingress protection) rating that will tell you exactly how much exposure to water, dust, and shocks they can withstand. Even if you’re not headed into the jungle, travel can take a toll on cameras, so ruggedness always comes in handy. 

Image size and quality

Not every photo is destined to become a giant print.  If you plan to use photos and videos solely for social media and to remember your trip, spending money on a camera with exceptional image quality and large files is unnecessary. However, if you want to make large prints of your images or produce high-quality films from video footage, you will want to invest in a camera with more megapixels and higher video resolution. Just remember, more pixels require more storage, so don’t skimp on those SD cards .

As with most purchasing decisions, cost is a significant factor. This is especially true with a travel camera, as you are likely putting an expensive piece of equipment at risk of getting broken, lost, or stolen, depending on how you use it. Finding a camera that isn’t pushing your budget to the max may be a good idea because of the risk. Insuring your equipment before trips is also recommended.

Q: Are mirrorless cameras better for travel?

Mirrorless cameras are often smaller than DSLRs because they can cut out all the space and weight required for the mirror mechanism. That also gives mirrorless cameras fewer moving parts, which means fewer things to break during your trip. As mentioned above, lighter and smaller cameras are ideal for travel, making mirrorless a frequently preferred option for travel cameras.

Q: Is GoPro good for travel photography?

GoPro cameras are excellent for travel for a few reasons. First, they are built to withstand extreme conditions, so you don’t have to baby them by any means. Second, they are tiny. You can easily throw one into your backpack or even a jacket pocket, making lightweight travel more possible. Lastly, they have excellent video capabilities and pretty solid still photo specs. However, they are limited in exposure control (among other things), and the ultra-wide-angle lens may not be ideal for all settings. There are tradeoffs, but overall it is an exceptional pick for travel.

Q: Can an iPhone 12 replace a DSLR?

The iPhone 12’s camera is impressive, no doubt. And as photographer Chase Jarvis once said, “the best camera is the one that’s with you.” Depending on your goals for your travel photography, the iPhone can absolutely replace a DSLR. However, if you want more control over your images or want higher-quality files, a dedicated camera, whether a DSLR or something else, will be the way to go.

Final thoughts on the best travel cameras

Choosing the best travel cameras will come down to your travel style (rugged adventures or luxury stays), documentation needs (stills or video), and how much control you want with your camera. For most users, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII is a well-rounded option that meets a variety of needs. In addition, it offers more quality and features than a phone would, making it a worthwhile upgrade.

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.

Abby Ferguson is the Associate Editor for Gear and Reviews at PopPhoto, joining the team in 2022. She has been involved with the photography industry in various capacities since her undergraduate training at the University of Kentucky, with work ranging from client photography to program development and management of the photo department at Evolve, a vacation rental company.

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Best Film Cameras In 2024

These are the best film cameras to buy right now.

Film photography has retained its popularity despite the advent of digital technology. It offers a unique texture and visual quality that cannot be replicated by modern alternatives. We’ve gathered the best film cameras in one place, suitable for enthusiasts at any level — from experienced users to novices who are just beginning to explore the analog medium.

When evaluating modern film cameras, the first criteria that come to mind are their accuracy, durability, and ability to produce exceptional images. These handpicked models are the epitome of craft skills and excellence and have been chosen so you can make the right purchase when it comes to buying a film camera.

Olympus OM-1 Mirrorless Camera

Kodak ektar h35 half frame film camera, reto ultra wide & slim 35mm film camera, leica m6 rangefinder 35mm camera, kodak ultra f9 film camera, holga panoramic 120 wpc.

The Art of Clarity

The Olympus OM-1 is a mirrorless camera with a 20.4 MP sensor, lightning-fast autofocus, dual SD card slots, and muscular image stabilization encased in an incredibly robust, weather-protection body for the professional photographer.

• Exceptional image quality with a high-resolution 20.4 MP sensor
• Advanced 5-axis image stabilization for steady shots
• High-speed imager AF system captures fast-moving subjects with precision
• The premium price point may be a barrier for some enthusiasts
• The Micro Four Thirds sensor might struggle in low-light conditions compared to larger sensors

The Olympus OM-1 is a great beginner camera . With its 20.4 MP sensor, the image quality will be distinct with all the scenes' textures. The autofocus is high speed, and the camera has a dual-slot for microSD cards that keeps precious images safe and secure.

The OM-1's stabilization ensures sharp images, even if your hands shake. This camera's rugged construction eliminates weather issues, so, whether it rains or shines, you can hit the road, making sure your photography adventure never hits pause. As much as it is expensive, it's ideal for users who take their photography seriously without escalating the weight of their gear.

Film-Savvy, Wallet-Happy

Power through every film roll with the even, sleek, pocket-sized Ektar H35. Those who are just starting and those who prefer analog photography are the audience for this camera. It provides twice as many frames per roll and a built-in flash for easy shooting.

• Capable of yielding 72 half-frame photos from a 36-exposure roll, effectively doubling the use of each film roll.
• Its small and lightweight design makes it easy for photographers to carry daily.
• It has simple operations accessible to beginners and seasoned film enthusiasts alike.
• Automatic exposure control might not suit advanced photographers looking for manual settings.
• It lacks the advanced features and settings of more sophisticated cameras, which may be a drawback for professional use.

This pocket-friendly camera is the perfect companion that doubles the fun and comes at half the cost. Why limit yourself to 36 photos when you can capture 72 vibrant shots on a single roll? The camera is excellent for amateurs and those who love nostalgia, as each roll of the film becomes a treasure trove of memories.

Small enough to go with you anywhere, the Ektar H35 is beautifully essential. Its straightforward interface allows you to grab life as it goes. Indoors, outdoors, day, or night, the built-in flash gives crisp shots with a timeless film look. You can also select from a range of colors suitable for your style. The Ektar H35 will return the old analog charm to your digitalized world: photography but retro style.

See Wide, Travel Light

Get out of your comfort zone with the Reto's Ultra Wide & Slim, a slim and light dual-format 35mm digital camera featuring a 22mm lens for a broader perspective. Ultra-lightweight, no-focusing gadgets allow it to be always at your ready, obtaining colossal landscapes.

• An ultra-wide lens for expansive shots.
• Featherlight design, easy to carry.
• Focus-free for quick shooting.
• It is limited to daylight use.
• No manual exposure settings.

The Reto Ultra Wide & Slim is a delight for film photographers who want to cover large shots with broad vision. Its 22mm lens doesn't only capture pictures — it widens the horizon in your photos, giving the appearance of a more extraordinary landscape. On the other hand, its slim design easily fits into a pocket. This camera is perfect for daytime adventures, effortlessly combining style with artistic snapshots.

This ultra-light camera has a wide-angle lens that lets you record your daily life in a video and creatively make lovely still moments. This camera is a perfect option; it offers you a unique opportunity to savor the depth and texture of the film photography world in the era of digital photography's fast and intensive development.

Best Mirrorless Cameras In 2024

Elegance in Imaging

The Leica M6 Rangefinder incarnates the legendary brand philosophy of producing precision and robustness with its full-frame 35mm format, the metal construction in brass, and manual controls. Therefore, it is suitable for all discerning photographers who enjoy the combination of tradition and technical mastery in imaging.

• Exceptional image quality with a full-frame sensor.
• Durable build with solid brass top and bottom covers.
• Iconic design and intuitive manual controls.
• High costs can be prohibitive.
• Film and development add to ongoing expenses.

The Leica M6 Rangefinder camera epitomizes Leica's unwavering pursuit of perfection in photography. It is highly user-friendly, with 0.72x viewfinder magnification and a light meter with red dot navigation, ensuring high quality in every shot. The top part of the lid is a chromed brass cover with a black lacquer finish, which not only protects the traditional 1984 version but also adds a touch of color with the famous red Leitz logo.

This camera is more than just a tool for taking pictures. It's a place for developing a passion and discovering the art of photography. The absence of noise and complex camera gear invites you to focus on composition and exposure. The Leica M6 is an excellent choice for photographers who appreciate tradition and are will to invest in a high-end camera.

Vintage Vibes, Modern Snaps

The Kodak Ultra F9 celluloid-based film camera is both nostalgic in design and functional in its simplicity. Compact and lightweight, it is suited for 35mm film amateurs who like to take life moments in a bright color film.

• Easy to use for all levels of photographers.
• Retro design with a striking white and green color scheme.
• Manual exposure control for creative flexibility.
• Limited features compared to digital cameras.
• Film and development can be costly over time.

Think of the Kodak Ultra F9 as the go-to camera for anyone eager to dip their toes into the world of film photography without getting overwhelmed. Its charm lies in its nod to classic design while being incredibly easy to use. This little gem is perfect for the modern-day explorer looking to capture life's moments on film with a personal touch. The camera's simplicity is its superpower — no need to fiddle with complicated settings.

The manual exposure control is there when you're ready to play with light and shadow, making it as much a learning tool as a creative conduit. Its compatibility with color films invites you to paint your memories with every hue. With its pocket-sized build, built-in flash, and easy controls, the Ultra F9 is perfect for those spontaneous shots, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned photographer with a soft spot for film's authenticity.

Panoramic Analog Artistry

The Holga 120 WPC lets you retake the panoramic version of pinhole photography into the digital panorama format. A widely used camera with a 120-degree field of view and multiple exposures can be great for creative souls.

• Creates wide panoramic shots
• Unique pinhole exposure
• Two frame size options
• Manual film advance
• Fixed aperture and focus

If you are passionate about medium format film, don't miss out on this opportunity to try a carefully handmade analog camera: the Holga 120 WPC camera. It's a pinhole panoramic camera specialized in medium film. With a tiny aperture, this camera captures pictures with a broad view of over 120 degrees and contemporary vignettes framing the image. It is a pause button, melting in time and space, inviting you to play the game carefully and to peep around curiously.

This lens has two frame-sized masks and can shoot at wide angles and capture up to 120 degrees. It is undoubtedly for those who love the things they build with their hands, a dash of experiments, or the do-it-yourself trend.

How have film cameras evolved by 2024 to stay relevant?

Recently, film cameras have been revamped with modern features, but their classic analog characteristics are still intact. These cameras can now capture pictures with more flexibility; a viewfinder has been made available to take fast snapshots and the ability to connect to the digital negative.

Besides that, manufacturers have improved these devices' design quality and reliability to meet the demands of newbies and professionals who are fans of film photography that leave unique and memorable experiences. These innovations have contributed to making film cameras more accessible and either focusing or reputed for those who appreciate photography as an act of art and technical skill.

Is it worth investing in film cameras?

Yes. Photography would be different if we could not use film cameras. Film cameras enjoy exclusive advantages with photographers. The slow nature of film accentuates the meticulous process leading from composition to exposure, which is physically represented by waiting for the film to develop, which is more enriching to the craft. Last but not least, the magic of film photography is regarded for its aesthetic qualities, such as grain and color, that many digital cameras strive to achieve.

Best Travel Cameras Of 2024

Best film camera for beginners 2022: top starter models for analogue novices

Our pick of the best film cameras for beginners

Getting into film photography can be a little bamboozling, but the best film cameras for beginners will help you start shooting and developing your analogue snaps in no time at all. 

The finest film starter models let photographers capture photos quickly and with precision. Of course, balancing camera settings and framing up a shot is tricky at the best of times. And that's particularly true for film cameras, which have no Live View LCD screen or the ability to display a preview of your photo. Which is why it's important to pick a model with a simple control layout and film-loading process.

Luckily, we’ve spent hours on the streets with all kinds of film cameras, from vintage classics to modern-day remakes. And we've boiled down all of our experiences to make the ranked list below of what we think are the best beginner film cameras around.

If you already have some background knowledge or experience in film photography, and are looking to re-learn the ropes, we've also included a few models that are capable of growing with you. These models, like the Nikon FE2, have semi-automatic features such as aperture or shutter priority mode, or the ability to shoot fully manual.

This latter feature is especially helpful for beginner film photographers who are looking to spend time learning their craft and gradually become intermediate or even professional photographers. But if you're simply looking for something cheap and cheerful to get you started, we've also included options like the Lomography DIana F+. Whatever your film photography needs, there'll be something in the guide below – and if you're not sure where to get started, you can follow our tips below to help you decide the best beginner film camera for you.

How to choose the best beginner film camera for you

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Film photography has a steep learning curve. Not only do you have to learn all the same physical principles as digital photographers such as balancing aperture, shutter speed and ISO sensitivity, getting composition nailed, and using accessories like lens filters, you also have to do all this without being able to see the image before it’s developed. That’s why, when first starting out, it’s important to look for film cameras that offer a graduated blend of automatic and semi-automatic features.

Look for film cameras that will autofocus with sets of lenses, or are perhaps compatible with zoom lenses, to help with composition. Semi-automatic modes like aperture or shutter priority are useful as they remove the need to balance both aperture and shutter speed, alongside the ISO of the film and instead rely on the camera’s built-in metering system to decide on the correct exposure settings themselves.

Budget is important, too. Beginners who have a habit of starting lots of hobbies without following them through may want to look at some of the more affordable camera models on this list, whereas those who know they can lovingly obsess for months and years on end may need to invest a little more initially to get something with a little more manual control. 

Those who really want to take things to the next level will need to consider off-camera flash connections, too, but that's a little beyond the scope of this beginners' guide.

Best film cameras for beginners in 2022:

1. Canon AE-1

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Canon took a clear step away from its previous cameras with the AE-1 by making it the first microprocessor SLR, thereby allowing it to shed weight compared to its fully mechanical siblings. A mix of aluminum and plastic in the body helped to keep weight down make it suitably portable. While that does make it feel a bit cheaper to handle, it makes it a viable SLR-option for those with limited budgets.

The AE-1 was the world’s first SLR to feature a shutter priority mode and that small but significant feature lends itself toward amateur photographers who need to work their way towards fully manual control slowly. While in today’s modern digital cameras shutter priority is perfect for shooting fast-moving subjects like sports and automotive stills, the AE-1 had a limit of just 1/1000 sec shutter speed which, although fast, was slower than its competition.

Still, this is a fabulous SLR to take with you for travel photography, because it’s so lightweight. Be careful not to drop it, though, as the aluminum and plastic composite body isn’t as durable as its heavier, full-metal cousins. 

Buy a used Canon AE-1 on ebay.com Buy a used Canon AE-1 on ebay.co.uk

2. Nikon FE2

Nikon was known for decades as a producer of professional-grade cameras, but as time moved on its cameras gradually broadened to support a wider audience that included beginner photographers. The FE2 has an aperture-priority mode that allows shooters to dial in their desired aperture to control shallow depth of field, without having to concern themselves with shutter speed to get a good exposure.

This semi-automatic mode is useful when you consider it appears on what was the fastest SLR in the world (at the time); the Nikon FE2 shoots at a maximum 1/4000 sec shutter speed. If you need to freeze fast-paced action in its tracks then this super fast shutter speed is ideal. 

It’s even scalable for those who want to take their photography further, by shooting up to 3.2fps with an additional motor drive and the optional interchangeable focusing screens. The FE2 will even save its battery for you by turning off the meter after 16 seconds if you flick the shutter release button. All of these features combine with some excellent robustness from the FE2's copper-aluminum alloy body to make it a really enjoyable, accessible SLR for beginner photographers.

Buy a used Nikon FE2 on ebay.com Buy a used Nikon FE2 on ebay.co.uk

3. Olympus Pen-EE

An absolute firecracker of a point-and-shoot film camera, the Pen-EE is often overlooked in favor of the similar Trip 35. But we think this half-frame model is a great beginner option for a few reasons. 

Identifiable by its selenium meter window that encircles the fixed 28mm f/3.5 lens, it’s an attractive film camera with cleverly integrated camera controls. The dial on the front of the camera controls aperture, shutter speed and ASA (ISO). Care should be taken while composing as the viewfinder is a direct optical viewfinder, which means you aren’t looking through the lens – this means framing can be slightly off on some occasions, though the wide-angle lens means this shouldn't be too noticeable.

Spectacles wearers may struggle to use the small viewfinder, which otherwise helps to keep the controls streamlined against the Pen-EE's body. But the shutter release button comes with an inner thread for remote shutter releases and it has a flash sync socket on the front for off-camera lighting. The camera feels satisfying in the hand, with the lightweight, compact body feeling like a smooth block of metal juxtaposed with a gridded plastic wrap-around. 

While this isn’t the camera for new photographers who want to advance to more complex setups, it does perform well for beginners or semi-pro film shooters who need a back-up camera.

Buy a used Olympus Pen-EE on eBay.com Buy a used Olympus Pen-EE on eBay.co.uk

4. Lomography Diana F+

An inexpensive toy camera that actually performs surprisingly well, the Diana F+ is a beginner camera with very simple camera controls. It’s a great film camera for kids and adults alike thanks to those limited settings, which give photographers a little creative input without being too overwhelming.

You can swap between different apertures, which are handily categorized into sunny, half-shade and cloudy at f/16, f/11 and f/8 respectively. That means the maximum aperture of f/8 should keep portraits and most landscape scenes sharp. But it does also limit creative approaches to shallow depth-of-field in your photos.

An otherwise versatile camera, the Diana F+ performs well with other accessories such as the Diana Flash Plug, which boosts light in darker or interior scenes. The camera also ships with flash gels to filter the Flash Plug light into a smorgasbord of bright colors.

The Diana F+ is a film camera that's perfect for absolute beginner photographers or casual users who want to dabble with the camera throughout the year, perhaps saving it for special events like birthdays. It won’t give you the best-quality photos in this round-up, but considering its price, ease-of-use, gorgeous retro design and ability to add flash, it’s a real corker.

Buy a Lomography Diana F+ from Amazon US Buy a Lomography Diana F+ from Amazon UK

5. Canon EOS 630

Setting up Canon’s EOS line for their digital future, the EOS 630 is studded with automatic features that speed up shooting for beginners and intermediate shooters alike. For example, photographers can shoot up to 5fps with the 630 by slipping into One-Shot AF mode (or 2.5fps in AI Servo AF mode). It has auto-bracketing for up to five stops to save you from missing out on that incredible one-off shot just because the highlights were too overexposed. And a six-zone evaluative metering function means accurate exposures without having to take a separate light meter with you.

Autofocusing is sophisticated and uses TTL (through-the-lens) phase-detection system. Sure, it doesn’t compete with today’s digital cameras, but it's still capable of autofocusing at ISO 100, which suits daytime shooting or interior portraits using studio lamps. A built-in electronic self-timer with a blinking light is ideal for those who love a selfie, too. The EOS 630 also has seven custom functions, plus AF, AE, film advance mode and program mode as well, making it one of the most feature-packed in this list.

Buy a used Canon EOS 630 on eBay.com Buy a used Canon EOS 630 on eBay.co.uk

6. Asahi Pentax K1000

The priority for most beginners is a film camera that's simple enough to use in most situations so they don't waste film. But if you're looking to go further, then an affordable 35mm SLR with manual controls could appeal. Meet the Asahi Pentax K1000. It may be over 45 years old, but there are still plenty of examples of this fully-mechanical camera on the used market. And that's made it a popular choice for students, in particular. 

Photographers can see through-the-lens thanks to the built-in pentaprism and bright viewfinder, which helps to increase engagement with your scene and subject. The K1000 offers full manual control and, while it isn't the smallest SLR in the world, it still easily slips into an overarm camera sling or small camera bag.

The K1000 offers a truly expansive step into the film SLR world with room to grow your skills. The Pentax K-mount gives owners a big range of excellent lenses to choose from for a wide range of subjects. And while all K1000s are great, look out for the Asahi-branded bodies, which were originally produced in Japan – these are generally better built and more rugged, too.

Buy a used Asahi Pentax K1000 on ebay.com Buy a used Asahi Pentax K1000 on ebay.co.uk

7. Polaroid Now+ i-Type

For many, the magic of film photography lies in processing the final image and seeing the real, live print. But if you'd rather press fast-forward on the development process, then Polaroid is for you. The classic brand has always been ideal for casual, point-and-shoot film snapping and it's instant cameras live on today. We think one of its best models right now is the Now+ i-Type. 

Compatible with i-Type and 600 film, it has a few tricks up its sleeve to keep your images looking fresh and sharp. For beginners, automation is key and fortunately the Now has built-in autofocusing. This maintains consistent sharpness on subjects while shooting and changing composition. You can also charge the camera via USB, which makes carrying a powerbank a viable option for holidays where you don’t want to run out of juice while on-the-move. 

Intuitive to use, the Now+ i-Type is blissfully simple to operate. You can instantly shoot full-size Polaroid prints, but the camera also has many of the mod-cons you’d expect from more modern beginner cameras.

Buy the Polaroid Now+ i-Type in from Polaroid US Buy the Polaroid Now+ i-Type from Polaroid UK

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