travel bloggers camera

15 Best Cameras for Travel Bloggers in 2024 (Blogger Picks)

Looking for the best cameras for bloggers?

You’ve come to the right place because I’m a travel blogger and longtime photographer myself — and I’m here to help. In this article, you’ll discover the Top 15 best cameras for travel bloggers, so you pick the best one for you!

Don’t have time to go through the entire list? This Sony A7 IV is the best travel blogging camera because it’s mirrorless, lightweight, shoots in still and video, and it’s beloved by beginners and pros alike.

As a travel blogger, having the best camera is key to capturing stunning photos and videos on your journeys. Whether it’s landscapes, cityscapes, or portraits of people you meet along the way, having the right gear makes all the difference.

No matter it is your first time purchasing a camera, or you’re looking to upgrade your gear, it is important to do your research in order to find the perfect camera to fit all of your needs.

In this blog post, I’ll list 15 of the best cameras for travel bloggers, discuss important camera qualities, and provide some of the top photo tips for travel photographers.

Quick Guide: Best Cameras for Travel Bloggers

Wondering, What is the best camera for bloggers?

Many people will tell you that it’s one the you have when you need to take a photo. That’s a joke, of course, but also true because different cameras are the “best” for different reasons.

Here’s a quick guide to the best camera to use for blogging, with just a quick few words about why I’m calling it the best.

• Best Overall Camera for Bloggers ($2,000+ USD): Sony A7 IV Camera and Canon R6
• Best Overall Camera for Bloggers (Under $1,000 USD): Sony Alpha A6000
• Best Camera for Beginners: Sony Alpha A6000
• Best Video Cameras for Bloggers: GoPro Hero 11
• Best Bridge Camera for Bloggers: Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000 II

The 15 Best Cameras for Travel Bloggers

1. sony a7 iv camera: best camera for travel bloggers.

The Sony A7IV is currently one of the best mirrorless cameras for travel photography !

It is the fourth generation of Sony’s A7 mirrorless camera model, and has proven to be the best and most advanced one yet.

📸 Sony A7IV

The Sony A7IV’s improved autofocus capabilities, expansive lens variety, high resolution, and full frame 4k video features make this MCS the best mirrorless camera for blogging photography.

As with all quote-unquote best cameras for travel bloggers , this one has advantages and disadvantages you’ll want to consider before buying the Sony A7IV camera .

Below, you can read about some of the pros and cons of the Sony A7IV, one of the best Sony mirrorless cameras available today.

🏆 why the Sony A7IV the best camera for travel bloggers:

✔️ it’s mirrorless .

Mirrorless cameras, as opposed to traditional DSLR cameras, lack the internal mirror system that uses light to reflect the real-time image through the viewfinder.

The mirrorless camera system is more portable, and easy to transport without sacrificing photo and video quality. 

✔️ It’s Lightweight for Travel

Mirrorless camera systems (MCS) are lighter than DSLRs, making them some of the best cameras to travel with. Weighing only 635 grams, the Sony A7IV is one of the best lightweight cameras for travel .

✔️ It has Lots of Lens Options

Whether you are in need of a wide range zoom lens or a pristine prime lens for street photography, the Sony has many quality lenses on the market compatible with the Sony A7IV.

It has every setting you could think of. Endless features and great zoom lens… I’m impressed. This is the quality picture you’d hope for in photos…  —Eddie M., read more Sony A7IV reviews

✔️ It has Superior Autofocus

With the continuous autofocus feature, you will be able to latch onto your subject seamlessly without losing focus for crisp and clean shots.

✔️ It has Great Image Stabilization

The internal image stabilization of the Sony A7IV protects your shots against any unintentional blurriness or shakiness that can result from an unsteady hand, perfect for travel bloggers shooting outdoors in unpredictable environments.

✔️ It Works for Video too

The Sony A7IV has the ability to shoot full-frame 4K/60p video for action shooting as well as capturing slow-mo work.

✔️ It’s Amazing in Low Light

Looking for something with superior low light performance?

The Sony A7IV is able to maintain high quality images in low light settings. Whether you are shooting indoors or outside at night, this camera has proven to capture high quality images even with ISO as high as 12,000.

📷 some things to consider before buying the Sony A7IV Camera

While the Sony A7IV is one of the top cameras for blogging, it is not the most affordable camera option.

With this camera being one of the newest Sony cameras, the price tag is going to be pretty high costing nearly $2,500 — just for the camera body.

Some reviewers have said the shooting speed of the Sony A7IV is not quite as fast as its competitors at the same price point.

Best cameras for travel bloggers

2. sony alpha a6000 mirrorless camera: best camera for beginners.

This Sony A6000 mirrorless camera is perfect for newbies just starting their photography journey .

A compact camera from Sony, the A6000 is lightweight, easy to handle, and includes several automated features.

📸 Sony Alpha A6000

With its superb autofocus capabilities, low price-point, and in-body stabilization, the Sony A6000 Camera is one of the top compact cameras for travel bloggers on the go.

Though prices fluctuate, you can often purchase this camera for about $550-650 USD. When the sales come around, the Sony A6000 ranks among best travel cameras for under 500 dollars.

🏆 Why the Sony Alpha A600 is the best camera for beginner bloggers

✔️ one of sony’s best cameras for beginner bloggers.

The Sony Alpha A6000 is the best camera for travel photography beginners. It is an entry-level crop sensor camera featuring plenty of automated settings that help novice learners photograph like a pro without a lot of manipulation.

✔️ Sony has lots of Lens options

The Sony A6000 is compatible with any of the Sony E-Mount lenses. Just remember that Crop-sensor cameras have their limitations!

✔️ It Has Great Body Image Stabilization

For a compact, crop-sensor camera, the in-body stabilization of the Sony A6000 is impressive. This will greatly benefit travelers who find themselves in unpredictable environments and are shooting freehand.

Fell in love with this camera. So compact compared to my old mirrored DSLR and light. My arm did not get tired from all day shooting… 10 shots per second is a dream. —Amazon Review, read more Sony A6000 reviews

✔️ Sleek and Sturdy Build

Since the Sony A6000 camera is just a compact camera, you would think that it would sacrifice the quality of the build. However, this camera has a strong and sleek finish that makes it feel stable and secure in your hands.

The Sony A6000 is one of the best compact cameras for travel as it is significantly smaller than Sony’s full-frame mirrorless cameras weighing in at only 344 grams.

✔️ Impressive Autofocus and Focal Speed

Similar to Sony’s full frame mirrorless cameras, the Sony A6000 has impressive hybrid autofocus features. It predicts the focus of your subject and latches on quickly.

While manual focusing is limited, the autofocus is convenient and sufficient.

✔️ It is Cheaper than Newer Models

Upon its release several years ago, the Sony A6000 cost around $800 — which is actually pretty cheap as a new-release camera. The price has come down a it, especially if you buy it refurbished from Amazon .

If you’re purchasing a smaller, cheaper, compact camera, you’re going to have limits. However, this one still offers a lot of great features for a lower-priced camera, and you a get a lot of bang for your buck!

📷 Some things to consider before buying the Sony A6000 compact camera

When using a crop-sensor camera as opposed to a full-frame camera, your perspective will not be as wide.

Therefore, wide angle shots will be difficult. Your image quality will also not be as great as it can be because of the lack of range, resolution, and low-light performance.

Compact cameras are made with beginners in mind so the Sony A6000 will lack some professional features that many photographers love, including extensive manual controls for more creative style shots.

3. Canon R6 Camera

This Canon R6 mirrorless camera was designed for photo enthusiasts specifically interested in portraits and action shots.

If you want the best blogging camera with a lot of versatility, this is it!

is a full-frame mirrorless system with a 20.1 megapixel sensor, advanced dual-autofocus features, improved ISO capabilities and excellent image stabilization making it one of the best Canon cameras for travel photography.

With operating controls comparable to a DSLR compressed into a sturdy, lightweight build, the Canon R6 would be an overall good camera for blogging and travel.

🏆 why the canon r6 is the best camera for photo enthusiasts

✔️ moisture and dust resistant.

The Canon R6’s camera body is impressively moisture and dust resistant which allows you to shoot in various weather conditions without having to worry about potential damage.

✔️ Enhanced Operating Controls

The amount of control options on the Canon R6 is comparable to your average DSLR. In fact, this Canon might even feel like you’re using the best DSLR for travel bloggers — though it’s definitely a mirrorless camera.

It has a total of 16 buttons and three control dials for your three main shooting options while also featuring a swivel touch screen, perfect for selfies and video streaming. In fact, it’s a great travel vloggers camera too.

Been using this camera for months and so far, I’m very impressed. Low light capabilities are great… Overall, this is a great camera… even with 4K video. —Clifton O., read more Canon R6 reviews

✔️ Double SD Card Slots!

The Canon R6 has two slots to hold separate SD cards, allowing you to store twice the amount of memory for more photos! This alone makes it a contender for the best digital camera for blogging.

✔️ Fast and Effective AutoFocus

The autofocus on the Canon R6 latches onto your subject fast, but what is even more impressive is its tracking capabilities.

The autofocus features can track the eyes of people and animals and follow that subject around the frame! This a great feature if you are shooting moving objects or capturing candid shots.

✔️ Incredible ISO (Low-light) Capabilities

The ISO sensitivity on the Canon R6, easily goes from 100 to 102,400 making shooting in low-light settings seamless.

While there is obviously going to be a good amount of noise at its threshold, it still holds onto its impressive image quality without losing too much detail.

✔️ Awesome Electronic View Finder

The electronic viewfinder on the Canon R6 is fantastic! Its high resolution and slight magnification make it easy to see exactly what you are fitting in your frame for the perfect shot!

📷 some things to consider before buying the Canon R6 camera

The resolution of the Canon R6 is not as high as some of its competitors, making it slightly less good at shooting landscape shots.

While there is still plenty of detail, this could be a game-changer for some travel photographers hoping for the highest resolution possible.

While it is capable of shooting 4K video at 60 fps, this mirrorless camera has been known to get overheated, limiting your recording time to just about 35 minutes. In short: The Canon R6 is not the best camera fr video. 

Another thing worth noting about this camera is the cost. Although it is no more expensive than its competitors, it does have a high price point. That being said, you get a lot of quality for what you pay for in this camera.

4. Sony Alpha 7 III Mirrorless Digital Camera 

This Sony A7III is the most popular camera bloggers use today .

It is one of the best travel cameras for beginners interested in manual shooting, trying new lenses, and improving their photography skills.

📸 Sony Alpha 7 III

The Sony Alpha 7III is arguably the best camera for lifestyle blogging, best camera for food blogging, and best camera for travel blogging. In short: This camera does a lot!

It’s currently named the best camera for Instagram bloggers and TikTokers because of its versatility, high performing features, and lower price point.

If you buy a renewed Sony Alpha 7III , you’ll save even more money. Don’t be scared to shop for a renewed camera (AKA refurbished camera), as they usually come with great a warranty.

🏆 Here’s why the Sony Alpha 7 III is the best most popular camera for bloggers :

✔️ it is beginner friendly.

Although this is a high-preforming camera, the Sony A7III is very user-friendly, and a good camera for bloggers who are interested in expanding their photography skills.

The Sony A7III is another lightweight mirrorless camera from the Sony Alpha series. Weighing just about 650 grams, this camera is easy to pack and take with you on the go.

Keep in mind that the lenses will also determine the total weight of your gear!

I am a true hybrid shooter. Many of the events I shoot go back and forth between video and stills in an instant… So if you’re like me and looking for an amazing hybrid shooter camera that doesn’t overheat… this is the camera for you. —K. Holmes, read more Sony Alpha 7III reviews

Even though the Sony A7III is an older generation camera, it performs wonderfully at higher ISO allowing for quality shooting in low light settings.

Since Sony’s mirrorless cameras function with an electronic viewfinder instead of using light, you are also able to access a live preview of your result directly through the viewfinder.

✔️ Silent Shutter

As mentioned, mirrorless cameras come with a lot of perks.

They’re lightweight, preform with an electronic viewfinder, and the Sony Alpha 7III is also able to shoot with a silent shutter. 🦁 This feature is awesome if you’re doing wildlife photography.

✔️ WiFi and Bluetooth Capabilities

If you are a solo traveler and often need to take photos of yourself with a tripod, the Sony A7III can operate under WiFi settings allowing you to capture images through Bluetooth connection using your phone.

Since the Sony A7III is an older generation of the Sony Alpha series, you can often find it on the market at a cheaper price!

📷 some things to consider before buying the Sony A7III camera :

As with most cameras, there are a few downsides to the Sony A7III, so let’s look at the cons of this camera.

The main thing to consider would be the lack of video features. The Sony A7III can not record higher than 4K at 30 fames per second (fps), while most quality mirrorless cameras can go up to 60 fps.

5. Nikon Z50 Mirrorless Camera

One of the best affordable cameras for travel photography , this Nikon Z50 has a lot to offer intermediate photographers and beginners ready to level up.

📸 Nikon Z50

The Nikon Z50 is a crop-sensor mirrorless camera with similar features to Nikon’s DSLR cameras, but installed into a smaller, more portable body. Although not a full-frame system, it is a quality performer.

With an awesome viewfinder and wide autofocus coverage, this Nikon Z50 is a great compact camera from Nikon — and relatively inexpensive.

🏆 why Nikon z50 is one of the best & most affordable cameras for travel photography

✔️ compact and light.

The Nikon Z50 is Nikon’s smallest mirrorless camera with a compact construction. For photographer’s who already love Nikon, it is the best compact camera for blogging.

✔️ Durable and Weather Resistant

The small Nikon body is incredibly durable as well as resistant to dust and rain which is perfect for travelers shooting outdoors.

✔️ Fast Continuous Shooting

The Nikon Z50 Camera has a continuous shooting range of 11 fps. This is comparable to some of the DSLR cameras by Nikon making it one of the fastest compact cameras on the market!

I was wanting a mirrorless camera for a very long time, and I finally caved and got this one. It is a great camera and I love everything about it. —Sarah, read more Nikon Z50 reviews

✔️ Great in Low-light

With an ISO range of 100-51,200, the Nikon Z50 has no problem shooting in low-light settings.

✔️ Wide Autofocus Coverage

The autofocus features on the Nikon Z50 may not be as quality as competitors from Sony or Canon, but it does have an impressively wide autofocus coverage of 209 AutoFocus points. This should cover about 90% of your frame.

✔️ Affordable Price

You can currently find the Nikon Z50 for about $689 body-only on Amazon . This is a very reasonable price for the quality and would make a solid upgrade to your travel blogger camera gear.

📷 some things to consider before buying the Nikon Z50:

Nikon Z50 cameras are great smll cameras for travel, but there are a few downsides to consider as well.

As of now, the Nikon Z50 only has two lenses that are native to the DX format. You will need to purchase an adaptor to broaden your lens compatibility. This is something that Nikon is hoping to change in the future.

6. Canon EOS M50 Mark II Camera

This Canon EOS M50 Mark II is another compact mirrorless camera that is reasonably priced and great for travelers who are just getting started in the world of blogger cameras.

While these may not be the greatest Canon cameras for blogging or advanced photographers, their comfortable build, novice features, and low price make them some of the best cameras for travel beginners.

📸 EOS M50 Mark II

🏆 reasons why the Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a great camera for beginner travel bloggers

✔️ compact and comfortable.

The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is extremely lightweight and compact, while also maintaining a DSLR-like build with a comfortable grip.

✔️ Great Eye Detection and Face Tracking

The Canon EOS M50 Mark II features quality eye tracking for both video and still shots, making it really easy to shoot moving subjects!

✔️ Excellent Touchscreen Interface

This compact mirrorless camera has an awesome touchscreen display where you can navigate your menus and adjust your AF points directly! 

You can purchase the Canon EOS M50 Mark II for about $599 body-only. This is an incredibly affordable price making it one of the best budget cameras for travel, particularly for beginners.

📷 some things to consider before buying the Canon EOS M50 Mark II

These compact mirrorless systems by Canon may be cheap cameras for blogging, but to compensate for the price there are always going to be shortcomings. 

For one thing, when you purchase a crop-sensor system as opposed to a full-frame system you’re going to see it relected in the final image quality.

While not always a concern for travel bloggers since the difference isn’t always significant, this is definitely something to consider.

The Canon EOS M50 Mark II falls short when it comes to video. While it has awesome live-streaming features, the frame is heavily cropped when operating at 4K, causing a major lack of autofocus capabilities when filming.

There’s also no USB charging option, so you’ll have to be extra careful not to lose your battery charger.

Overall, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a great beginner’s camera for blogging, but not the optimal camera for pros.

7. GoPro Hero 11 Camera: Best Underwater Camera for Travel Bloggers 

GoPro cameras have been pinned as some of the best video action cameras on the market — and this GoPro Hero 11 is the most advanced version yet.

These are great cameras for travel because they are tiny, practically indestructible, and produce awesome wide-angle video with just the click of a button.

📸 GoPro Hero 11

🏆 why the Go Pro Hero 11 is one of the best rated cameras for travel video

✔️ amazing video quality and in-body stabilization.

The GoPro Hero 11 can capture incredible photos and video footage with its high definition wide angle lens. Its in-body stabilization allows for amazingly smooth video even in the most extreme conditions.

✔️ Various Accessories and Mounting Options

There are so many different accessories that are compatible with the GoPro Hero 11 . You can find red filters for underwater shooting, straps that attach to your head or chest, handheld extensions, and more.

✔️ Light and Portable

The GoPro is by far the lightest video camera you can get. It is tiny, measuring just a few inches long, and is particularly appealing if you want to keep your travel pack small.

✔️ Waterproof and Practically Indestructible 

The GoPro Hero 11 is both weather and water-resistant with an incredibly durable build! It is one of the best waterproof cameras for travel with its ability to capture insane underwater footage.

✔️ GoPro Mobile App

GoPro has its very own mobile app that allows you to connect your GroPro Hero 11 directly to your mobile device. You can download footage and edit videos straight from your phone.

🎥 some things to consider before buying a GoPro

The GoPro Hero 11 functions as a point-and-shoot camera for videos which obviously comes with some limitations for photos.

Most importantly, you don’t have access to any manual options which minimizes creative control. However, considering the GoPro Hero 11 is an action camera intended for video, manual settings aren’t always necessary.

While GoPros may not be the best cameras for travel photos, they’ve changed the game for travel videos. If you want the best video camera for travel blogging, you can’t go wrong with a GoPro.

8. Nikon D3400 Camera

For travel bloggers serious about learning the art of photography, but not quite ready to pay top dollar for the best DSLR — then this Nikon D3400 Camera is a great place to start.

📸 Nikon D3400

Its advanced DSLR functions and beginner-friendly design allow learners access to all the tools necessary to grow their skills.

The D3400 is considered an entry-level DSLR, and makes a great starter camera for aspiring photographers.

🏆 why the Nikon D3400 is one of the best cameras for travel photography beginners

✔️ great image quality.

Considering this is an entry-level DSLR camera, this Nikon D3400 produces impressive RAW + JPEG image quality. This is just one reason many call it the best travel blog camera for beginners.

✔️ Beginner Guide Mode for Leaners

The Nikon D3400 features a helpful internal Guide Mode that teaches learners how to manipulate manual settings for specific situations.

An entry-level DSLR, the Nikon D3400 is one of the cheapest DSLRs on the market.

You can purchase the body for $499 directly from Nikon, or with a two-lens kit for $850 — making it the best DSLR camera for travel bloggers on a budget.

✔️ Snap Bridge Feature

This feature allows you to transfer images directly to your smartphone via Bluetooth.

You can even view your images in real-time and take photos remotely from your smartphone — a great feature for camera tripod shooting .

📷 some things to consider before you buy the Nikon D3400

The Nikon D3400 is a beginner DSLR — so if you are expecting professional quality features, this is not the camera for you. For example, there’s no HDR mode or bracketing features.

The other thing to note is that the autofocus points are limited and only cover the center of the frame, which limits your focal coverage. 

That said, if your main goal for this camera is to learn DSLR functions and upgrade as you go, then the Nikon D3400 is a great choice.

9. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Camera

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 is ideal for travel enthusiasts, as one of the top professional grade cameras for travel blogging .

You can get the camera body for about $239, making it one of the best travel cameras for under 300 dollars.

Olympus OM-D E-M5

It has a mirrorless Micro Four Thirds system, with a ton of modern features packed into a classic weather-sealed build.

A lightweight high quality performer, the OM-D E-M5 is ideal for anyone looking to upgrade to a new mirrorless camera.

🏆 why the Olympus E-M5 is one of the best cameras for travel blogging

✔️ it is a micro four thirds system.

The Micro Four Thirds cameras make use of advanced, 4/3-type sensor technology that allows for a high level of detail and dynamic range, compacted into a smaller and lighter build.

Micro Fourth Thirds cameras are way more lightweight and affordable than DSLRs.

✔️ It Has a Wide Range of Lens Compatibility

Since the Olympus OM-D E-M5 uses an in-body micro four thirds image sensor, it is compatible with a wider range of interchangeable lenses.

This gives photographers freedom to choose lenses across the standardized lens mount from several different supporting manufacturers.

✔️ It Has a Weather Sealed Body

The body of the Olympus M5 is completely weather resistant, making it easier to shoot in unpredictable environments without too much concern.

✔️ It’s Very Inexpensive

Since this is an older camera model, the Olympus M5 is currently very affordable.

📷 some things to consider before you buy the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Camera

The main thing to consider is that this camera model is over ten years old so the M5 is not going to hold as much quality as newer upgrades.

If you are interested in the newer versions of this camera, then consider looking into the Olympus OM-D Mark III , or Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II .

10. Canon 6D Mark II Camera

Canon 6D Mark II cameras are awesome all-around DSLRs and good cameras for bloggers. It is a perfect choice for travel bloggers who want to dabble in the DSLR world with their first full-frame camera.

📸 Canon 6D Mark II

🏆 why the Canon 6D Mark II is a great camera option for full-frame first-timers

✔️ it’s a more affordable dslr.

The Canon 6D Mark II would be a more affordable option for beginners looking for their first full-frame DSLR. 

✔️ It Features a Responsive Touchscreen

The model Canon 6D Mark II operates with a multi-angled touchscreen providing many manual options for more creatively composed images.

✔️ It Operates Fast

The Canon 6D Mark II turns on and operates quickly allowing for fast shooting and quick reaction time. 

✔️ It Has Excellent Battery Life

This Canon camera has a long-lasting battery life (especially for a DSLR) that is great for travel bloggers who are out and about all day.

📷 some things to consider before you buy the Canon 6D Mark II

The Canon 6D Mark II is great for dipping your toes in the DSLR world , but it does not have any special features that make it stand out from the rest.

The build is bulky and its dynamic range and autofocus functions are lacking when you compare it to other DSLR cameras.

The video functions on The Canon 6D Mark II also come up short with no 4K video option, but overall this would be a great choice for intermediate photographers wanting to expand their skills.

11. Fujifilm X-T30 Camera

The Fujifilm X-T30 Camera has a lot to offer with all of the excellent features of its predecessor — and the Fujifilm best-seller, this Fujifilm X-T4 . The X-T30 is condensed into a smaller and more affordable build than the X-T4.

It produces quality images with a 26.1 megapixel sensor, a hybrid autofocus system, and the entire set of Fujifilm’s film simulations for optional styled shooting. 

📸 Fujifilm X-T30

🏆 why the Fuji film X-T30 Camera is one of the best digital cameras for traveling

✔️ it has excellent autofocus capabilities.

This Fujifilm X-T30 Camera features a hybrid autofocus system with advanced face detection capabilities allowing you to latch onto your subject efficiently for accurate shots.

✔️ It’s Lightweight and Compact for Travel

This Fujifilm camera is unbelievably lightweight for the quality of the camera weighing about .85 pounds! This is an incredible perk for travel bloggers looking for good small cameras for travel.

✔️ It’s Fast and Effective

With continuous sports mode, the Fujifilm X-T30 can shoot images up to 30 frames per second! Even at this speed, there is no blackout in the viewfinder making it easy to keep your eyes on the moving subject.

✔️ It Features Fujifilm’s Film Simuations

Film Simulations function similar to presets, but on a professional level. The Fujifilm simulations digitally replicate the classic look of film photography for amazing images in either black and white or color with no editing necessary.

📷 some things to consider before you buy the Fujifilm X-T30

Unfortunately, the Fujifilm build is not weather-sealed, which could make it difficult to shoot outside in unpredictable conditions.

The battery does not last as long as other cameras which means you will need to pack multiple batteries on-the-go. For travel bloggers who work all day, this could be one of the worst negatives about this camera.

The other thing to consider is that although the Fujifilm X-T30 produces decent video quality, clips are limited to about 10 minutes.

12. iPhone 14 Pro Max

iPhone cameras are good affordable cameras for travel considering the fact that they can perform multiple functions. With each new version, they get better and better, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max is the best one yet.

However, a phone still can’t replace a camera. If you’re not necessarily a photography enthusiast, but still want to capture decent photos to use on your travel blog, the iPhone 14 Max Pro is a great and practical option.

📸 iPhone 14 Pro Max

📲 why the iPhone 14 Pro Max is the best phone camera for blogging

The battery life of the iPhone Pro Max is said to last up to 75 hours with minimal usage. For heavy usage, like photography, streaming, calls and video, you can expect between 16-20 hours.

✔️ It Can Perform Multiple Functions

Using your iPhone as your source of travel photography comes with added perks considering that you can use it for so many other things like phone calls, Google, video, streaming, and so much more. 

✔️ It Has an Ultra-Wide Camera Feature

With your iPhone 14 Pro Max , you can adjust your perspective to capture a wider range to fit more in the frame.

✔️ It Can Shoot Images in RAW

On the iPhone 14 Pro Max you can enable ProRAW to capture images in the RAW format which allows you to make edits to you images without reducing the quality.

✔️ It Is Extremely Lightweight

The iPhone 14 Pro Max weighs only 8.47 ounces. It is one of the top small cameras for travel considering it can fit in your pocket.

📲 Some things to consider about using the iPhone 14 Pro Max as your primary photography source:

While the iPhone camera improves with each model, iPhones are limited when it comes to creative photography.

There’s a reason that expensive DSLRs exist — and it’s because they perform at a professional level.

iPhones are fantastic for basic photography, but they will not perform anywhere near as well as the best travel cameras for professional photographers. For convenience, however, you can’t beat the iPhone.

13. Panasonic FZ1000 II Camera

The Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000 II is a 20 megapixel bridge camera that is perfect for travel photography enthusiasts looking for a point-and-shoot camera option.

Panasonic FZ1000 II

Operating with a built-in zoom lens, this bridge camera offers a lot of versatility without needing to manage several interchangeable lenses.

It’s fairly compact, impressively efficient, affordable, which makes this Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000 II Camera a great choice for travelers who prefer to keep their gear collection small.

🏆 a few reasons why the Panasonic FZ1000 II is the best inexpensive camera for blogging

✔️it comes with a built-in zoom lens.

The Panasonic FZ1000 II features a built-in zoom lens that covers the same range as a 25-45 mm lens designed for a full-frame camera with an aperture of f/2.8 to f/4.

✔️ It Has Great In-Body Image Stabilization

The in-body stabilization is essential for producing sharp images and video at slower shutter speeds and prevents any shakiness and unwanted blurry subject.

✔️ It has an LCD Touchscreen

The Panasonic FZ1000 II features an upgraded flat display touchscreen that is extremely user-friendly, with organized menus and sufficient manual settings.

✔️ It Has an Efficient AutoFocus System

The Panasonic FZ1000 II has a 49-point autofocus system that can detect your subject quickly and efficiently. If you’re looking for a fast autofocus system — this is it!

✔️ It Has a USB Charging Slot

This point-and-shoot camera includes a USB charging slot that allows you to charge your camera using any USB charger.

For a full time travel blogger, this is a very convenient feature. It definitely comes in handy for those who travel light, and travelers who don’t want the hassle of having to pack an extensive amount of battery packs.

I like everything about the camera. They haven’t skimped in any area. One inch sensor, 20+ megapixels, 400 mm zoom (16 times magnification, approx.), workmanship, features galore…  —Eli, read more Panasonic FZ1000 II reviews

📷 some potential downsides to consider before buying the FZ1000 II

The body of the Panasonic FZ1000 II is not weather-sealed, making it tricky to take your camera out in rainy or snowy weather. 

Also, committing to a bridge camera does not allow you to switch out your lenses, which is something to consider if you ever want to upgrade your gear.

Despite all the downsides of limiting yourself to a bridge camera , it is still one of the best cameras for travel on a budget.

14. Canon EOS 2000D Camera

The Canon EOS 2000D Camera is one of the cheapest DSLR models on the market . While it is evident this is a budget model, it is a great entry-level DSLR option for travel bloggers and photography amateurs. 

Sporting basic but adequate controls, the EOS 2000D has enough features to satisfy intermediate photographers without intimidating newbies. It’s a cheap option for bloggers wanting the best inexpensive cameras for travel.

📸 Canon EOS 2000D

🏆 WHY THE CANON EOS 2000D IS THE BEST BUDGET CAMERA FOR BLOGGING

✔️it’s cheap.

The Canon EOS 2000D is a a highly affordable DSLR and one of the best travel cameras under 500 dollars with the price-point of only $299 on Amazon ! This is the hands-down best camera for a travel blogger on a budget.

✔️It’s Beginner-Friendly

As a basic DSLR, this Canon camera is straightforward to use. The menus and settings are easy to navigate while also being advanced enough to amuse more experienced photographers.

✔️It Has Great Image Quality

Despite being an older camera, the Canon EOS 2000D produces decent-quality images with  24-megapixel sensor that delivers clear results.

The build of this Canon camera fits very comfortably in your hands, with the controls conveniently placed around the camera for efficient adjusting.

I’m absolutely in love with this camera!! I pretty much use it all the time and for everything, at this point. Really nothing else to be said. Just an awesome camera all around! —Sean, read more Canon EOS 2000D reviews

📷 SOME NEGATIVES TO CONSIDER ABOUT THE CANON EOS 2000D CAMERA

The Canon EOS 2000D is an old camera that’s very basic. It falls short in many areas, which would not sit well with professional photographers.

There’s no autofocus tracking feature which makes it very difficult to latch onto moving subjects with only a 9-point autofocus system.

It is slower than some of the newer cameras from Canon, has a bulky build, and is overall lacking behind some of the other best digital cameras for travel.

It may not be the best camera for blogging and photography, but it is a great budget option for beginners.

15. Canon G7X MII Camera

This Canon G7X MII could be considered the best point and shoot camera for blogging . You’ll want to check prices, because they do fluctuate, but it’s usually among the cheaper point and shoots.

Its built-in 24-100 mm lens with an f-stop of 1.8-2.8 and 20.1-megapixel 1″-type sensor is capable of delivering appealing results to photographers who are tired of carrying around their heavy DSLRs.

📸 Canon G7X MII

🏆 why the canon g7x mii is the best point and shoot camera for blogging

✔️ i’s wi-fi compatible.

The Canon G7X MII features Wi-Fi functions which lets you connect your camera to your smartphone so that you can download photos and upload them to social media.

Your smartphone can also function as a remote for easy group photos.

✔️ It Has a Decent Lens Focal Range

Point and shoot cameras may be limited, but this Canon G7X MII Camera covers a decent focal range with it’s 24-100 mm equivalent lens.

As a point and shoot camera, the Canon G7X MII is extremely lightweight. It has a tiny, portable body and small, built-in lens.

✔️ It’s Beginner Friendly

The Canon G7X MII has awesome automated features that make basic photography a breeze as travel bloggers can focus on composition apart from manual setting manipulation.

This is a great camera, and I think as others have said, it’s a great step in between using your phone and having to lug around a full kit DSLR. For me it is undoubtably better than my phone… —Zac B., read more canon g7x MII reviews

📷 What to consider before buying the Canon G7X MII

As a point and shoot camera, it is expected that the Canon G7X MII has limited manual functions. 

It is important to note that while this camera covers a decent range, images can get significantly distorted at it’s widest focal range when shooting in RAW.

This can be corrected by shooting in JPEG format or corrected with Lightroom editing, but it is not ideal for professionals. 

This camera also struggles in continuous autofocus mode, so it can be difficult to keep your subject in focus if you are photography moving objects.

Some of the other automated functions fall short as well including the auto white balance features.

5 Tips: How to Choose the Best Cameras for Bloggers

Wondering, What to consider before choosing a travel blog camera?

As a big investment, you want to make sure you’re asking all the right questions, and checking all the right specs before buying a camera for travel blogging. Here’s what you want to know:

1. Which of these types of cameras do you want?

📸 mirrorless cameras for travel bloggers.

Mirrorless cameras, as opposed to DSLRs, operate without the use of the internal mirror system used to reflect light back through the viewfinder. Instead, mirrorless cameras operate with an electronic viewfinder. 

Mirrorless cameras quieter, faster, and more portable than the average DSLR, making them the ideal camera choice for the active travel blogger.

They offer easy lens interchangeability, high image resolution, and the same features as upper-level DSLRs in a much smaller, lighter body. 

However, because of the smaller camera body, there is also going to be a shorter battery life which can be inconvenient for travelers on the go.

📸 DSLR Cameras for Travel Bloggers

DSLR stands for digital single-lens reflex , and they offer some of the highest quality imaging and camera features.

DSLRs come in so many different varieties and offer the widest range of interchangeable lenses out of all of the camera types.

DSLR cameras may be heavier and bulkier than mirrorless cameras, but because of this they offer a longer battery life, and often better low light shooting features depending on the model.

📸 Bridge Cameras

Bridge cameras are known to “bridge” the gap between your basic point-and-shoot cameras and a DSLR camera. Therefore, they typically fall between the two camera types when it comes to price and all-around photo quality. 

Bridge cameras have all of the features of your basic compact camera, but also offers some great higher-quality features that make shooting and editing easy.

They come with a fixed zoom lens that cannot be replaced but tends to cover a wide range making it a handy all-in-one camera perfect for beginners. 

If you are not yet comfortable with purchasing a DSLR, than a bridge camera may be a great place to start.

📲 Camera Phones

Phone cameras are the most basic cameras you can get. Since you will most-likely have your phone on you at all times, using your phone camera is going to be easy and convenient.

However, phone cameras are obviously limiting.

Phones are programmed to save images as JPEGs and rarely have the option to shoot in RAW, which compresses your photos and greatly affects image quality.

Without the use of interchangeable lenses and quality features of a DSLR or mirrorless camera, creative control over your photography is going to be limited.

That being said, if you are on a budget or not interested in investing in an expensive camera, then it is certainly possible to do basic travel photography on your phone.

📸 Point and Shoot Cameras

A point-and-shoot camera is going to be your most basic camera type. Point-and-shoot cameras, also known as compact cameras, are very simple, small, quick, and automated. 

This type of camera is going to be the most affordable camera for travel bloggers, apart from the camera on your phone.

With automated focus and exposure, as well as a built-in lens, all the photographer has to do is point and shoot. 

This camera would be a good option if you are on a very tight budget but want better-quality images than what you could get on your iPhone.

However, there is very little creative control with a point-and-shoot camera.

2. Your camera’s weight is important

When looking for the best digital camera for traveling, weight and portability are going to be so important.

You are going to want to be able to bring a variety of gear without weighing yourself down with too much to carry. 

If you are in the market for a new high-performing camera for travel blogging, I highly recommend considering a lightweight mirrorless camera.

3. Do you need the camera for photos, video or both?

Consider what you will be using your camera for. The best camera to use for blogging is going to depend on what your goals are.

If you are hoping to focus more on video, you are going to want to make sure your camera can operate at 4K full-frame to insure the best quality possible. 

4. Where will you be taking most of your photos?

Before purchasing a camera, consider where you will be doing most of your photography. If you are shooting mostly indoors, then you will need a camera that is highly functional in low light situations.

If you are shooting outdoors in unpredictable environments, then you need to make sure your camera has great stabilization features.

5. Which of these camera features do you need and/or want?

✔️ Ability to upgrade in the future

As you continue to practice your photography skills, you are eventually going to want to upgrade your gear. Be sure to purchase a camera that has a wide range of compatible interchangeable lenses.

Mirrorless cameras and DSLR cameras are going to have the most options when it comes to upgrading your gear.

✔️ Waterproof capabilities 

Travel bloggers are usually going to be pretty active and outdoors. Since the weather can be unpredictable, consider the waterproof capabilities of your camera in mind before purchasing.

✔️ Larger vs. Compact cameras

Many travel bloggers prefer to travel light and pack light, so always keep the size of your camera in mind before you purchase it.

Best Cameras for Blogging: Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is travel blog photography

Travel blog photography refers to the photography that is done for the purpose of writing articles based on the destination and travel content desired.

Travel bloggers typically include specific photography in their articles to represent a place they are writing about on their blog.

2. What camera do most bloggers use?

Recently travel bloggers have really enjoyed the Sony Mirrorless A7 series for travel photography, specifically the Sony A7 III .

This Sony A7 III is currently one of the top cameras used for blogging.

Mirrorless cameras are very lightweight and easy to travel with, and the Sony A7III produces impeccable image quality, performs amazingly in low-light settings, and has unmatched autofocus features.

3. What is a mirrorless camera?

Mirrorless cameras are digital cameras without the internal mirror system.

When a photographer uses a DSLR camera, they are able to see their subject through the viewfinder because of the reflection provided by the mirror inside the camera body.

When the shutter is pressed, the mirror flips and exposes the digital sensor, and capture the image. 

Mirrorless cameras do not have this mirror system inside the camera body, instead, they use electronic viewfinders. This makes mirrorless cameras function quieter than DSLRs while also making them smaller, lighter, and more portable.

4. What are the 3 essential camera lenses?

Three essential lenses that every photographer should have are: a high quality do-it-all zoom lens (24-70 mm), a lightweight prime lens (35 mm), and possibly a telephoto lens.

With these three, travel photographers will have travel lenses for every occasion. Most good cameras for blogging have the ability to change lenses, at least those cameras at the intermediate level.

5. What lens do travel bloggers use most?

There are two lenses that travel bloggers use the most: a 35 mm prime lens and a 24-70 mm all-around zoom lens.

While you can’t zoom with a prime lens, nothing beats the quality and sharpness of a high performing 35mm lens . The 35 millimeter lens offers a fantastic focal length for street photography, and taking pictures on the go.

This lens is extremely lightweight, especially when paired with a mirrorless camera, making it easy to carry around on all of your adventures.

Another lens that travel bloggers use the most is this Sony 24-70 mm Zoom Lens F/2.8 . This is a FANTASTIC all-in-one lens that can capture a variety of different shots.

You can carry around this lens all day without having to worry about switching out lenses because of its ranging focal length and low f-stop.

6. What focal length is best for travel photography?

The best focal length for travel photography would be anywhere between 35 mm and 50 mm.

If you are purchasing a prime lens, a great focal length to go for is 35 mm. This is great for street photography, walking around town, and hiking.

If you are taking pictures of tall buildings, wide landscapes, or waterfalls, then you may want to consider a wide angle lens with a focal length as wide as 18 mm.

There are some really great wide angle zoom lenses on the market that are perfect for this including this Sony 18-35 mm F/4 and this Sigma 18-35 mm F/1.8 for Canon.

As mentioned before, a great zoom lens option that includes multiple focal lengths, like a 24-70 mm lens, would be a great option.

7. What are the most important photography tips?

#1 tip: rule of thirds.

Think of your photo overlaid with a tic tac toe board, usually called the grid in your camera settings. For the best overall aesthetic in your photo, have your subject on any of the intersection points of those grid lines .

2. Shoot in Manual Mode

Shooting your travel photography in manual mode is going to give you full creative control of all of your settings and composition!

While it takes a bit of practice, this is the most rewarding and professional way to shoot photos.

3. Shoot in Raw Mode

Photo compression can greatly decrease the quality of your images and makes them difficult to edit so it is important that you are capturing your images in the RAW format.

4. Capture the Magic Hour (Golden Hour)

The most flattering lighting happens one hour before the sun sets, or for the one hour after it rises. This is known as the magic hour or golden hour , and considered the best time to take photos outdoors.

5. Framing Your Photos

You’ll want to fill the frame when taking photos, so there’s not any wasted space for the viewer’s eye to wander into.

6. Frame Within a Frame

The entire photo itself is often called a frame, but for the most dramatic effect, look for frames within frames . Using an actual door frame works well for this, but you can get creative.

7. Have Only One Subject

You can reduce the noise in your photo by only having one subject in mind when you take the picture.

Now, there can be more than one person in your image, but it should have one star of the show, and their supporting cast.

8. Use Leading Lines

Leading lines can have great visual impact, so be on the lookout for any lines or even casted shadows that lead the viewer’s eye into the photo.

8. Which camera is best for travel videos?

One of the best cameras for travel videos is going to be the GoPro Hero 11 Black .

GoPro has toped the charts for years having some of the best action cameras on the market. 

The GoPro Hero 11 is great for underwater recording, action video, vlogging, and more.

With its high resolution, incredible stabilization features, portability, and accessories this video camera is easily one of the best video cameras for travel.

9. What kind of cameras do travel vloggers use most?

Many vloggers prefer a camera like the Sony ZV-1 that’s made with intentional vlogging features, like a front-facing flip screen option, full-frame video capture of at least 4K, and continuous autofocus tracking.

📸 Here are some of the best cameras for travel videos:

✔️ Best basic camera for travel vlogging: Sony ZV-1 . This all-in-one camera made specifically with vloggers in mind. For beginners, it is the best camera for blogging YouTubers. 

✔️ Best cameras for blogging video with interchangeable lenses: Sony ZV-E10 or the Nikon Z30 .

Keep in mind that these lenses are usually for more advanced bloggers. They are bulkier, but come with the option to switch out your lens for different shooting preferences.

✔️ Best premium vlogging camera: Panasonic LUMIX GH6 . This camera is one of the top rated cameras for travel vlogging. It produces professional video quality with the capacity to shoot 5.7K footage at 60 fps.

✔️ Best action camera for blogging video: GoPro Hero 11 . If you’re interested in one of the best cameras for adventure travel video, then this GoPro system is perfect.

Practically indestructible, the GoPro Hero 11 allows you to record on the go, in any environment. It is an excellent choice for adventure travelers.

10. What camera do Instagram bloggers use most?

One of the best cameras for Instagram influencers and TikTok stars is this Sony A7III .

This Sony camera is the best camera for bloggers and Instagram because it is easy to use for beginners. It’s also among the best camera for travel videos for those new to video.

The Sony A7III produces high quality images that are sharp and easy to edit. It’s one of the best cameras for influencers because it can be used for any kind of Instagram blogger, TikTokers or even podcasters who post to YouTube.

Whether you run a lifestyle blog, travel blog , sports blog, or food blog — this camera captures content beautifully, and is easy to take with you on the go. 🍱 Want the best camera for food bloggers? Consider the Sony A7III .

Final Thoughts: Best Cameras for Travel Bloggers

There are A LOT of factors to consider while researching the best cameras for travel bloggers . It is clear that finding the “best” camera is a very personalized decision based on your specific needs, price and level of expertise.

Whether you are looking for gear upgrades or are buying your first camera for travel blogging, hopefully this list helps you find the perfect camera for you. 

While this was a long list with 15 great camera options to choose from — it is by no means exhaustive! If you need a few more suggestions for the best cameras for travel bloggers, here are some other options to consider:

• Canon D90 DSLR
• Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Camera
• Sony RX100 III
• Olympus-TG6 Compact Camera
• Panasonic LUMIX GX85 Camera
• Canon PowerShot G7X Digital Camera
• Sony A5000 Mirrorless Camera

What are you looking for?

15 best cameras for blogging in 2024 [for all types of blogs].

We started our travel blog back in 2016, and over the years we have invested a LOT into different photography equipment.

Including numerous video cameras, GoPros, DSLRs, and camera gimbals .

Well, through trial and error, speaking to plenty of fellow bloggers, and based largely on years of personal use, I believe we have narrowed down what is ultimately the best camera for bloggers.

Our top pick? The Canon G7x Mark II .

It sits slap bang in the middle price-range, but offers quality and features that many cameras twice the price fail to match.

Below, I'll take you through our top choice some more and also offer up 14 more top quality suggestions for you to consider.

All based off experience, deep research, and testimonials from fellow bloggers (you'll see these below).

Travellerspoint

Quick summary of our top picks

Why is a good camera important for blogging?

Cameras aren’t always cheap. But they are a worthwhile investment regardless of your chosen blogging industry. Notably because they offer:

1. Better quality pictures and videos for your website

With more than 600 million blogs now online, competition for readers is stiff! Plus, this number will only increase.

The good news is that most people are attracted to visuals. So, having high-quality photographs and videos will help set you apart from the competitors. 

2. Better chances of collaborating with brands

Let’s be real, one of the biggest monetization sources for bloggers is brand collaboration. 

Companies and tourism boards are more likely to work with blogs that consistently produce great content, and photos are one indicator of that.

That’s because they can trust that you will represent and portray their product and values accurately. This includes taking excellent photos of it!

3. Save you a lot of time and effort in post-editing

If your photos are already good quality to begin with, you don’t have to spend much time editing in Photoshop or Lightroom.

Trust me, when you’re trying to churn out a lot of posts, this will save some time and make the job easier.

So, what is the overall best blogging camera?

Luckily for you, Cazzy and I love trialling new travel gear.

We've experimented vlogging and blogging with a number of cameras, and have finally settled on our top choice.

It's the camera we think offers BY FAR the biggest bang for it's buck .

Without further ado, here it is ...

Introducing ... the Canon Powershot G7X Mark II

Type of camera: Point and shoot

Weight: 319 g

Sensor: 21MP BSI-CMOS

LCD screen: Articulating LCD

ISO range: 125 to 12,800

Max burst rate : 8FPS

Video resolution: 1080P

We’ve been using the Canon G7X Mark II for the last 3 years. I can say that it doesn’t just take awesome travel photos, but is perfect for vlogging and producing video content in ANY NICHE.

Overall, it's a great option for anyone just starting out who wants to take blogging seriously from the get-go.

My parents actually bought me this back in 2018 as a Christmas gift for my backpacking adventures ( spoilt right? I know! ).

They did so based on many of the top vloggers and bloggers at the time using this camera.

Well, 3 years on, it is STILL the go-to choice for many of the industries top professionals. Which is pretty impressive, where new tech is usually outdated within a year or two.

Here's a quick pic taken with this exact camera, to show you the quality we're talking about ...

Why is it so perfectly suited for all types of new blogger?

Price is a huge deal when choosing which new camera to buy.

You could easily spend $2,000 or $3,000 on a new camera. Or you could spend $100 or $200 and get a 10-year-old point-and-shoot.

I would advise you to avoid both of these options.

Super cheap cameras simply don't offer the flexibility and features you need to excel in the modern, competitive world of blogging.

Plus, you will never get a camera that also records video and sound in decent quality at such a low price.

At the same time, once you start spending more than $1,000 you enter a realm where additional benefits and features get exponentially more expensive.

Priced at roughly $750, the G7X Mark II offers a top quality blend of everything you need to enter into the world of blogging and vlogging.

As a point and shoot, it is incredibly flexible, and to be honest I usually stick to the automatic settings which doesn't even make full use of the complex variety of settings you can gain from this camera.

But if you're also considering starting a vlog, then the Canon G7X Mark ii is where it really becomes awesome value for money. The recording quality is miles ahead of other similarly priced cameras and the audio is perfectly good for most filming environments.

The one area it lacks in is it's ability to easily integrate with a microphone for enhanced sound quality or avoiding wind disturbance.

But to be honest, it's really not that big of an issue and there are ways around it. In fact, it's the exact camera we use for all of our YouTube videos around the world!

Other Key features

The Canon G7X Mark I I is very light, which means one-handed shooting won’t be fatiguing as you vlog your activities. There is also a rubber grip on the front that makes the camera very comfortable to use and hold, despite its small size.

In terms of image results, the Canon G7X Mark II doesn’t disappoint. You can expect detailed and crisp images, as well as in-camera RAW processing. It features a built-in 4.2x zoom lens for a wider range.

Bottom line

If I had to restart blogging now with a limited budget, I would 100% invest in this camera again. It's responsible for most of the images you see on this blog, and all the handheld footage you see on our vlog .

Pros of the Canon G7X Mark II for vlogging

• Lightweight for one-handed operation
• Comfortable camera body with rubber grip
• Built-in 4.2x zoom lens

Cons of the G7X Mark II for vlogging

• No microphone jack
• No 4K video recording
• Poor auto white balance in incandescent lighting

How To Choose The Best Camera For Blogging?

Different cameras suit different styles of blogging. Whether it be lifestyle blogging, travel blogging, or beauty blogging,  

Either way, it’s important to know what important f eatures to look out for in a camera.

1. Compact, light, and easy to carry

You don’t want to be lugging around a large and bulky camera when a small one can take the same quality pictures. Make sure your blogging camera is light, especially if your niche is travel-related.

Having a compact camera also encourages you to actually use it. The options I will list below are some of the most compact models. Whether they’re a mobile phone or DSLR, most modern cameras have evolved and not as bulky as their traditional counterparts.

2. Image Stabilization 

If you’re using your camera without a tripod, it’s quite difficult to completely eliminate camera shake. More so if you’re in an outdoor or dynamic setting.

Image stabilization is crucial if you want to take clear photos without blurring. Some cameras have this feature built-in, while others need a separate component attached to the lens.

3. Audio Quality 

Audio may not be a priority if your focus is merely taking pictures. But if you’re investing in a good camera for blogging, you might as well go all-in and get one that can record good audio too!

A lot of bloggers are also vloggers nowadays, and this is when audio quality becomes important. It helps if the camera has an excellent built-in microphone, though you should consider buying an external microphone for vlogging too.

4. 4k Video Resolution 

Again, this point is similar to the previous one.

However, a 4K video resolution is not only good for vloggers. Even if you’re strictly writing blog posts, I’d recommend incorporating videos somehow.

Whether that’s a close-up of products you’re reviewing or a panoramic shot of your travel destination. This could be another leverage to make your blog stand out.

P.s. Be sure to check out our YouTube channel

5. Autofocus ability and performance

The next thing to consider when choosing the best camera for blogging is its autofocus. A good camera can intelligently adjust the lens to focus on the subject.

It seems simple, but there’s nothing more frustrating than missing a good shot because the focus is all wrong.

With great autofocus performance, you can be assured that most of your photos and videos will be crisp, focused, and ready to use.

6. Low-Light performance

Yes, getting good images in low light comes down to knowing how to set your ISO, shutter speed, and aperture.

But no matter how good your technical skills are, you can’t maximize the photo if the camera simply isn’t equipped for it.

This could be a significant feature if you’re expecting to take photos in dark places, including at night.

Mirrorless VS Point and Shoot VS DSLR: What’s the difference?

You also need to consider what kind of camera you’re looking for. 

Here are the 3 main types of cameras available , and what each one has to offer.

Point and shoot

A point and shoot is the most common type of camera for casual, everyday use. It features built-in lens, autofocus, and flash, which all operate automatically.

This camera is known to be extremely user-friendly, light and compact. It’s a great choice for beginners who do not want to control any of the manual features.

While being fully automatic means it’s the easiest to use, you will have no control over the details. Some recent models allow you to adjust the aperture and exposure, but it’s still not much.

Another advantage of this fully digital camera is it’s very quiet. However, the fixed lens, shutter speed and autofocus won’t give you a free creative reign over your photos.

All in all, I’d recommend a point and shoot if you want something affordable, quick and easy. But don’t expect the professional-grade results you will get from a mirrorless or DSLR.

A mirrorless camera is exactly what it says on the tin: a camera that has no reflex mirror.

This means instead of seeing the image directly on a viewfinder, you see it on the LCD screen. Even if they have the familiar-looking viewfinder, it will be electronic.

The electronic viewfinder is actually one of its best features! You can use this to adjust things like exposure, saturation, and contrast even before taking the photo.

This type is probably the best best camera for YouTube. It comes equipped with the manual control of a DSLR, but is much lighter and more compact. I would say it’s the best of both worlds; the midpoint between a point and shoot and a DSLR.

Most mirrorless cameras also have an excellent video mode with better image stabilization. Its simple internal mechanism means you can shoot faster, which is brilliant for capturing the action!

On the downside, it has a short battery life and fewer accessories or lens options to choose from. While the autofocus technology is getting better, it still can’t compare with the DSLR.

When most people picture the typical photographer with their large camera and lenses, they’re probably picturing the DSLR.

This camera is your best bet for bagging excellent, professional shots. Its powerful sensors will give you the most HD photos, while the flexibility is astounding.

Let me just say, there’s no limit to how you can customize your DSLR. This includes the interchangeable lenses, which you can change depending on the result you want. Whether you want a wide angle lens, macro, fisheye, or just the standard!

You will have full control over the shutter speed, focus, and aperture. It also performs well in low light and has a longer battery life.

With that said, DSLR cameras are definitely the most expensive option, especially if you count all the extra accessories. It can be quite large and heavy, compared to the other types of camera.

Another thing to note is it requires some training and practice to master. It can be daunting for a beginner to use.

Overall, I’d say pick a DSLR if your blog is highly visual, or you simply enjoy taking the most stunning photos possible .

Other things to look for in your blogging/vlogging camera

Sensor - This is what captures light and transforms it into images. A larger sensor can record more light and produce better quality pictures.

LCD screen - You’ll use this to view your shots, change menu settings, and display photos and videos you’ve taken.

ISO range - ISO is essentially the sensitivity of your camera’s sensor. Lower ISO is good for less grainy photos in a bright environment, while high ISO can help you capture images in dark places.

Max burst rate - This is important if you want to take continuous shots of a fast or dynamic action. Max burst rate is the maximum number of frames the camera can take per second.

Video resolution - Consider getting a camera that supports high video resolution if you also plan to vlog in addition to blogging.

14 Other Great Cameras For Blogging

2. sony a7 iii - best camera for travel blogging.

Type of camera: Mirrorless

Weight: 650 g

Sensor: 24.2MP full-frame

LCD screen: Tilting touchscreen

ISO range: 100 to 51,200

Max burst rate : 10FPS

Video resolution: 4K

If travel is your blog niche, the Sony A7 III is hands down the best camera you can get. It’s a compact yet high-quality mirrorless camera that takes amazing photos with vivid details and accurate colors.

As you'll have already read, I LOVE the G7X Mark II. When I do finally decide to upgrade, this is the camera I will opt for next.

But seeing as it costs more than twice as much as the Canon G7X Mark II , I would say that it doesn't offer quite as much for it's money. Instead, if you're just starting out, testing the water, then the G7X Mark II is a safer bet.

However, if you're looking to upgrade, as we soon will be, and $1,500-$2,000 is an amount you're keen to spend, then go for the Sony A7 III. Unlike the Canon G7X, it also allows you to attach additional lenses so you can continue to improve your photography over time.

The Sony A7 III works incredibly well in low-light environments as it won’t produce grainy images even at high ISO. Even at ISO 12,800, you can get rich pictures without much noise, which is something any travel blogger could benefit from. For example, when photographing sunrise or sunsets, and unique architecture in a dark indoor space.

This camera also has a 5-axis sensor-based in-body image stabilization. It minimizes motion blur when shooting handheld, so you can get crisp images even when you’re moving quickly through a busy street.

Another notable feature from the Sony A7 III is the silent mode that lets you shoot without making any noise . It’s great for quiet environments or discreet photography when you don’t want to attract much attention.

Additionally, it has a tilting LCD touchscreen and 4K video resolution. These are great features to have in case you want to vlog or capture some videos during your travels too.

Read More: Best Lenses For Sony a7iii

Pros of the SONY A7 III for travel blogging:

• Amazing image quality
• Excellent low-light performance
• In-body image stabilization
• Silent shooting mode

Cons of the SONY A7 III for travel blogging:

• No built-in flash
• Only one card slot
• LCD screen does not flip

"The Sony a7III has definitely served my blogging career well as it performs spectacularly no matter the situation. I showcase a lot of architecture in my blog, and to shoot architecture, you need a camera that can shoot at a very high ISO without producing noise in your shots.

And that’s exactly what the Sony a7III is capable of. The image quality is simply impeccable.

There’s also an immense amount of amazing Sony a7III lenses to choose from. My favorite ones are the Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 for everyday shots and the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM for wide-angle shots."

3. Sony a7R III - Best camera for fashion blogging

Weight: 657 g

Sensor: 42MP full-frame

LCD screen: Tilting LCD

ISO range: 100 to 32,000

For fashion bloggers, it’s important to get a camera that could capture not only accurate colors but also the details of a clothing piece. This is where I recommend the Sony a7R III , which boasts an incredible 42MP resolution. 

Its redesigned shutter can shoot at 10fps and I reckon this would be useful during fashion shoots. You can easily capture still images with no motion blur, even as the model moves around to create beautiful silhouettes.

Additionally, the 399-point AF system also ensures faster and more refined focus under any lighting condition. You can use the joystick to adjust the focus point too.

Compared to the previous Sony a7R models, this one has improved battery life and dual SD card slots. Not to mention a 4K video resolution! So when coupled with different available lenses , it really is an epic camera to own.

However, the main highlight that any fashion blogger would appreciate is its flexible connectivity. You can use the built-in WiFi and NFC to instantaneously share photos from the camera to your other devices. Bluetooth is also available if you’re less techy.

This is definitely the best camera for Instagram fashion, general fashion, and everything else!

Read More: Best lenses for Sony a7riii

Pros of the Sony a7R III for fashion blogging

• 42MP resolution for detailed images
• High-quality images at continuous shooting mode
• Dual card slot
• Easy WiFi, Bluetooth, and NFC connectivity

Cons of the Sony a7R III for fashion blogging

• Only one of the card slots is UHS-II compatible
• No lossless RAW compression

"Sony A7RIII is my third camera I own and by far the best blogging camera I put my hands on. It is a very advanced camera and has hundreds of different settings which can be very difficult to beginners photographers but once you master it it will become an income source.

I bought this camera to get the best shots while travelling and also to use it for my nightlife vlogs. There are not many cameras on the market which can be used for both photography and videography, but i'm telling you, this is the one.

With the right accessories (good lens, microphone, strap, flash - if needed and a gimbal), this camera becomes your best friend. From my point of view, this is the second best camera on the market."

4. Canon 6D Mark II - Best camera for food blogging

Type of camera: DSLR

Weight: 765 g

Sensor: 26MP full-frame

ISO range: 100 to 40,000

Max burst rate : 6.5FPS

When it comes to food blogging, no camera is currently better than the Canon 6D Mark II . It’s a relatively affordable DSLR that could give you flexible camera control, from the aperture all the way to multiple focus points.

This camera has everything you need to produce the best possible food photos. An excellent 45-point Autofocus system , 26.2MP sensor, and wide ISO range of up to 40,000. As well as compatibility with a number of great lenses to further diversify the shots you can produce.

But what truly sets the Canon 6D Mark II apart from other cameras is its amazing low-light performance. You can get beautiful photos even in -3EV, while the built-in phase detection pixels ensure accurate autofocus in low light , which is great for photographing foods in natural light.

In terms of continuous shooting, the Canon 6D Mark II has a good JPEG and decent RAW buffer depth. This could be useful when you’re shooting cooking shots, where there are quick hand movements and ingredient flips.

Read More: Best lenses for Canon 6D Mark II

Pros of the 6D Mark II for food blogging

• Cheapest full-frame DSLR from Canon
• High resolution and incredible ISO performance
• Excellent for shooting in natural light
• Good JPEG and RAW buffer depth

Cons of the 6D Mark II for food blogging

• Poor dynamic range compared to predecessor
• Only 98% coverage in optical viewfinder
• Only one UHS-I card slot

5. Fuji X-T20 - Best camera for lifestyle blogging

Weight: 383 g

Sensor: 24MP APS-C

The Fuji X-T20 is the best camera for lifestyle blogging for a lot of reasons, but namely because it’s stylish and extremely lightweight. It’s the perfect option for fast movements, be it your daily activities or fashion-related shots.

It has a fantastic autofocus with 325 selectable AF points , where 169 of them includes phase detection. This autofocus comes in handy even in continuous shooting mode that will give you up to 8fps.

There are also five autofocus presets for different situations you may wish to document. For example, Preset 1 is the convention AF-C, whereas Preset 5 is designed to capture the more erratic movements in sports.

I also love the all-new touchscreen of the Fuji X-T20, which supports Touch Shooting and Touch AF. Plus, swiping through images and zooming in or out when reviewing your photos are easy!

As a cherry on top, this camera also supports 4K video recording. You can enhance your lifestyle blog by inserting some videos and vlogs too.

Pros of the Fuji X-T20 for lifestyle blogging

• Stylish design suitable for lifestyle bloggers
• Extremely lightweight for a mirrorless camera
• Excellent auto-focus, including in continuous shooting mode
• Five autofocus presets for different situations

Cons of the Fuji X-T20 for lifestyle blogging

• Continuous autofocus may disrupt low light performance
• Too responsive Auto mode could reset custom settings
• Inaccessible memory card slot when on tripod

"Fujifilm is known for the quality of their cameras, but they also make sure that they fit into any budget. The X-T20 is no exception--it's an affordable mirrorless DSLR and, if you're looking to buy your first camera or just want something new, the X-T20 is worth every penny.

It's not easy to find the perfect travel camera. It needs to do well in low light and harsh weather conditions, have a good zoom lens and be durable enough for your active lifestyle. The Fujifilm X-T20 ticks all these boxes.

It also has an intuitive interface for beginners, as well as sophisticated features for more experienced photographers.This amazing little machine will help you take stunning photos on your journeys around the world--without breaking your bank account."

6. GoPro Hero 9 - Best camera for adventure blogging

Type of camera: Action Camera

Weight: 158 g

Sensor: 23.6MP

LCD screen: Fixed LCD

ISO range: 100 to 6400

Max burst rate : 30FPS

Video resolution: 5K

You have no doubt heard of the GoPro, the king of all action cameras. Well, I’d say that the GoPro Hero 9 is the perfect camera for adventure blogging/

Sure, there are plenty of great GoPro alternatives out there. Many much cheaper with similar specs in some ways. But really, GoPro comes out on top.

I have been using the Hero 8, which offers all the same features, but am recommending the Hero 9 because it also features 5K video resolution. Just imagine the beautiful shots you can get of mountains, forests, and landscapes!

The GoPro Hero 9 is very tiny, compact and lightweight, making it easy to bring around with you. Its auto-stabilization with horizon leveling is incredible, so you can go on any crazy adventure and still have smooth shots.

It also has two screens: a front one for selfies and the regular touchscreen display. In addition to fun features like the 8X slow-motion and 10-meter waterproof capacity , you can take crisp photos too! The continuous mode can take up to 30fps in certain lighting conditions.

Top tip: Check out these awesome GoPro gimbals you can buy, allowing you to fully steady and photos and videos, helping make the GoPro an even better blogging setup.

Pros of the GoPro Hero 9 for adventure blogging

• Amazing 5K video resolution
• Ultra-small, light and portable
• Advanced auto-stabilization
• Two screens for vlog-style shots
• Rugged and waterproof

Cons of the GoPro Hero 9 for adventure blogging

• Slow rear screen performance and response
• Incompatible with old GoPro accessories
• Mediocre night-time performance

"Action camera which helps to capture quick shots in the moment while travelling, especially for story telling as a blogger. Hyper lapse, time-lapse, night lapse and burst shot are all exotic features to capture diverse view of a travel destination.

Remote control feature, small size and light weightiness makes it all pretty handy to carry this camera around throughout the journey- I hardly put this camera in a bag when I am travelling as it fits in my pocket. Custom presets are very handy to shoot different situations quickly.

Overall, GoPro is an easy camera solution to shoot all kinds of pictures in high quality including short videos. Stabilization feature makes it so easy to deal with video editing afterwards. Moreover, GoPro Hero 9 has a new feature front screen that helps with vlogging greatly."

7. iPhone 12 Pro - Best phone camera for blogging

Type of camera: Mobile Camera

Weight: 189 g

Sensor: Three 12 MP Cameras

LCD screen: Mobile Touchscreen

ISO range: 32 to 10,000

When it comes to smartphones with the most excellent camera quality, the iPhone 12 Pro is your best bet. I recommend this if you’re looking to find the perfect phone that could also be an excellent blogging camera.

Unlike the standard iPhone 12, the Pro model has a Telephoto lens to capture farther objects with greater accuracy and precision. This extensive zoom-in range is really incredible , especially for a phone camera.

Despite not providing much control over the manual settings, you can get stunning image results that will perfectly enhance your blog content. Yes, that means vibrant colors and excellent details.

There are some features you can’t get with more traditional cameras, like the Portrait, Pano, and Square Mode. The Night Mode is also quite impressive!

Finally, the iPhone 12 Pro features the LiDAR laser system for better autofocus performance. Even in a low light or high-contrast condition, you can get crisp and focused shots.

Pros of the iPhone 12 Pro for blogging

• Telephoto lens for accurate and precise zoom-in
• Options for Night, Portrait and Pano Mode
• Great autofocus performance in various conditions
• Time Lapse and Slo-Mo features

Cons of the iPhone 12 Pro for blogging

• No advanced control
• Weaker low-light performance compared to traditional cameras
• High price point for a phone

"If you hate carrying heavy gear around like me, this is the perfect choice. It is not only a phone it is a really powerful camera which I use both for taking pictures as well as videos. The camera comes with multiple options from an amazing portrait mode that captures the best photos for instagram as well as taking great panoramic photos.

All camera modes come with the use of wide angle, normal and telephoto lens. The night mode is absolutely stunning and captures incredible detail.The telephoto lens is an absolute success which offers great results at 6x zoom, perfect for tricky shots like safari adventures.

The videos taken are equally impressive and all my youtube videos are made with the iPhone 12 alone (except drone shots). I love it so much, I cannot even think of carrying a heavy DSLR around with extra batteries and gear."

8. Canon 80D - Best DSLR for Blogging

Weight: 1,270 g

Sensor: 24.2MP CMOS

ISO range: 100 to 16,000 (in Auto)

Max burst rate : 7FPS

If you’re looking the best DSLR for your blogging needs, I’d recommend getting the Canon 80D . It’s a versatile camera that offers stunning images in various lighting conditions, as well as Full HD videos.

Compatible with a wide range of great lenses depending on your photography needs.

The Canon 80D is a classic DSLR from Canon, nothing revolutionary, but featuring exactly what you need. In other words, perfect for blogging.

You can enjoy photos rich with details, vibrant color, and atmosphere. This model features an all-new sensor that could produce lower noise even in a low-light condition. 

This makes it one of the best DSLR cameras for travel and one of my overall favourite picks for cameras for blogging.

The AF system is also advanced, thanks to the Dual Pixel CMOS AF for live view focusing on stills and video. The 45-point phase-detection is also a massive upgrade from the 70D .

Read More: Best lenses for Canon 80D

Pros of the Canon 80D for blogging

• Excellent low and high ISO performance
• Extremely fast AF speeds
• Long 7.5x zoom kit lens
• Great built-in flash range

Cons of the Canon 80D for blogging

• Kit lens are not very sharp
• No clean HDMI output
• Limited dynamic range and high ISO performance

9. Sony ZV-1 - Best camera for beauty bloggers

Weight: 294 g

Sensor: 20.1MP CMOS 

ISO range: 100 to 12,800

Max burst rate : 24FPS

For the beauty bloggers out there, the Sony ZV-1 is an excellent camera for you.

It comes with a built-in beauty effect to give you softer skin , and generally enhances your appearance. The flip-out articulating LCD will be helpful when you’re trying to get selfie-styled shots.

In terms of image quality, the BIONZ X image processor ensures the most beautiful still shots that also support 24fps burst mode.

But the real strength is in its video mode, which not only offers 4K video but full pixel readout and super slow-motion recording. Not to mention the Real-Time Eye AF , so your face will always be in focus when taking photos or videos.

Meanwhile, the Face Priority Auto-Exposure (AE) function is also a great feature for beauty bloggers. The Sony ZV-1 can adjust exposure automatically as you move through different lighting conditions. Handy, right?

So if you do makeup tutorials on YouTube/Facebook or TikTok, then this is the best camera for makeup videos.

Pros of the Sony ZV-1 for beauty blogging

• Built-in beauty effect to enhance appearance
• Useful flip-out articulating LCD
• Excellent autofocus and face-detection

Cons of the Sony ZV-1 for beauty blogging

• Lack of headphone jack can be annoying
• No electronic viewfinder
• Electronic stabilization has rolling shutter effect

"The Sony ZV-1 is one of my favorite cameras. It’s small and compact, making it great for blogging, especially for those who are nomadic. The camera works great for taking photos in low light situations such as restaurants.

The built-in Wi-Fi makes it easy to instantly transfer my photos to my phone so I can quickly upload something to social media. The flip screen is useful for taking selfies and vlogging.”

10. Canon M50 - Best budget camera for bloggers

Weight: 387 g

Sensor: 24.1MP APS-C

ISO range: 100 to 25,600

If you’re looking for the overall best camera to blog with that won’t break the bank , the Canon M50 is your answer.

It’s got everything you need to start for a great price. From excellent photo qualities and 4K video recording, to space for an external mic!

It's also compatible with a wide range of different lenses .

Basically, this is a beginner-friendly mirrorless camera that can give you DSLR-level quality images. The Dual Pixel autofocus system can focus on an object of your choice even as it moves around.

The Canon M50 features a digital image stabilization for smooth results. And while it can shoot in 4K, it comes with a 1.6X crop factor so that the resulting video is a little zoomed in.

One of the best cameras for bloggers on a budget!

Read more: Best lenses for Canon M50

And: Best Canon M50 accessories

Pros of the Canon M50 for blogging 

• Beginner-friendly yet offers professional results
• Excellent sound quality with mic jack
• Quick and incredible autofocus system
• Amazing low-light performance

Cons of the Canon M50 for blogging

• 4K recording is cropped
• Autofocus doesn’t work in 4K
• No USB charging

"I love using my Canon M50 because it is a lot smaller and more lightweight compared to a DSLR. The quality is very comparable to the DSLRs I used before, which means I can now travel around easier without compromising my photos.

It is a relatively small investment, because with the adapter I can still use all my Canon lenses. And when you just get it you can start with a kit lens and slowly buy more if needed.

The camera is easy to use: you can use the viewfinder or the screen, depending on what is easiest. It connects quickly with a phone to use as a remote or download photos and can also make timelapses without you needing to make one yourself out of multiple photos."

11. Canon Powershot G7X Mark III - Best vlogging camera for beginners

Weight: 304 g

Sensor: 20.2MP full-frame

We’ve mentioned its predecessor earlier, but the Canon G7X Mark III offers an amazing step up . When it comes to affordable vlogging cameras, both are great choices, but, I’d recommend you start your vlogging journey with this one.

It has an improved sensor for a full-resolution 20 fps burst mode, or 30fps in RAW mode. The Mark III has a great built-in microphone and offers fantastic picture and video quality.

Most importantly, it features a built-in ND (neutral-density) filter that can make your footage look more vibrant and vivid in more conditions.

You can capture videos in 4K, which can be handy if you’re documenting a travel or graphic-intensive activity. Its flexible connectivity includes WiFi and Bluetooth for easy file transfers.

This is the newest and best point-and shoot camera for travel and certainly a great contender for the best camera for YouTube vlogging.

Lastly, I love that the Canon G7X Mark III is extremely lightweight and compact. Any beginner vlogger would really find this useful! 

Pros of the Canon G7X Mark III for vlogging

• Very lightweight and compact, ideal for vlogging
• Built-in ND filter
• Excellent continuous burst mode
• Manual controls available

Cons of the Canon G7X Mark III for vlogging

• No viewfinder
• 4K is not available in manual mode
• Soft corners in wide-angle shots

12. Fujifilm X-T4 - Best camera for professional travel photography

Weight: 607 g

Sensor: 26MP BSI-CMOS

ISO range: 80 to 51,200

The Fujifilm X-T4 is an all-round brilliant camera. I’d especially recommend this if you already have a working knowledge of travel photography and want to take it up a notch.

Its best feature would be the fast and accurate autofocus for both photos and videos . You can use the Tracking mode or Face/Eye detection system to ensure that your shots are always smooth and crisp.

The Fujifilm X-T4 also offers great video performance, with the Full HD/240p high-speed recording which gives you a maximum 10x slow-motion effect . It also has an in-body image stabilization.

In addition to being water resistant, this camera also has the trademark Fujifilm design that is well-recognised. It fits really well for a lifestyle brand!

I’d argue that this is the best camera for photography of all sorts!

Pros of the Fujifilm X-T4

• Fast and accurate autofocus system
• Up to 10x slow-motion recording
• Water-resistant for outdoor photography

Cons of the Fujifilm X-T4

• Autofocus tracking area could be smaller
• No headphone jack
• Articulating screen can be disruptive for still shooting

13.  Nikon Z50

Weight: 450 g

Sensor: 20.9MP APS-C

Max burst rate : 11FPS

Video resolution: 2160FPS

The Nikon Z50 is an overall good mirrorless camera that can give you high-quality photos and videos for blogging.

I would consider this a mid-price camera with excellent ergonomics . It’s easy and comfortable to use, while supporting a range of controls, as well as face and eye detection.

It’s also relatively lightweight and easy to travel with. Meanwhile, the touchscreen can tilt downwards so you can experiment with various angles.

While it does have on-sensor phase detection, the lack of in-body image stabilization can be annoying for video recording . You may find the range of in-camera special effects to be quite fun too!

Pros of the Nikon Z50

• Very good image and video quality
• Comfortable and user-friendly control
• Great dynamic range
• USB charging can be useful

Cons of the Nikon Z50

• Autofocus performance is quite slow
• AF Tracking is not the most accurate
• Limited lens availability
• No in-body stabilization

"The Nikon Z50 is a mid-priced mirrorless camera with a light-weight body and a good selection of lenses. Its screen flips out making it good for vlogging if you enjoy filming but it is still an incredible photography camera.

It’s reliable and not too expensive and perfect for beginners as well as intermediate photographers. If you travel a lot this is definitely the camera for you as it doesn’t require a huge camera bag and still produces beautiful photos."

14. Panasonic LUMIX GH5 - The “jack of all trades” Camera

Weight: 725 g

Sensor: 20MP 

ISO range: 200 to 25,600

Max burst rate : 12FPS

Perhaps you’re looking for the all-in-one best camera for blogging that could give you stunning results for blogging. Well, it’s time to check out the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 .

From regular photos to vlogging, this camera will do it all, and do it well. Some of its best video features include 4:2:2 color and 10-bit video , as well as 4K resolution. These are things that even professional videographers would approve of!

At the same time, it’s vlogger-friendly due to the articulating LCD screen. The buttons itself are easy to access and comfortable to hold, which can be great when you’re shooting for long periods of time.

I also think this can be a solid choice for travel bloggers , as its magnesium alloy body is splash, dust, and freeze proof.

The stills don’t disappoint either! The GH5 has an improved sensor for a higher image resolution without increasing noise levels. You can even get awesome action shots, thanks to the new autofocus system.

Read More: Best lenses for Panasonic GH5

Pros of the Panasonic LUMIX GH5

• Improved image resolution without increase in noise
• Big and high resolution viewfinder
• Great AF performance and customizability
• Impressive video quality (4:2:2 10-bit color, 4K/60p)

Cons of the Panasonic LUMIX GH5

• Lower viewfinder resolution during burst mode
• AF Tracking has to be ‘cancelled’ can be annoying
• Lower video quality during high frame shoots (180fps)

15. DJI Pocket 2

Type of camera: Mini Pocket Camera

Weight: 117 g

Sensor: 64MP CMOS

LCD screen: Mini LCD

ISO range: 100 to 3,200

Though they are best known for making incredible drones for travel , DJI have also entered into the wider market for blogging and vlogging cameras.

The DJI Pocket 2 is perhaps the lightest camera on our list today , and therefore the most portable. It’s pocket-sized and features a tiny camera perfect for recording special everyday moments.

You can use the DJI Pocket 2 to take crisp photos and smooth videos at a moment’s notice. I’d recommend this for lifestyle vloggers and bloggers who want stabilized videos without the extra gear.

This built-in stabilization technology is among the most advanced and comprehensive. Despite the camera’s tiny size, it is astoundingly smooth! This means you don’t have to carry bulky gimbals to capture professional shots.

There’s also an optional Do-It-All Handle you can purchase for some additional and fun features. This includes WiFi and Bluetooth connection, an audio jack, wireless mic receiver and tripod. All in one !

Pros of the DJI Pocket 2

• Most lightweight and portable
• Impressive built-in stabilization
• Optional Do-It-All Handle

Cons of the DJI Pocket 2

• Poor image quality when zoomed in
• May feel unbalanced when attached to phone
• Unable to record JPG+Raw together

Best Camera Accessories for bloggers

Once you’ve decided which is the best blogging camera for you, it may also be worthwhile investing in some added accessories.

Some of these are a must have for all blogs , others are useful depending on which niche you are in.

1. Camera Bag/Case/Backpack

Most cameras should come with a standard bag or carrying case, but sometimes buying a separate one could be better. 

Some camera bags can hold multiple cameras and have special compartments for the accessories. This will make carrying them around much easier! 

Especially if you opt for a DSLR that requires multiple lenses . Check out our guide on the best camera backpacks currently available.

Alternatively, check out these backpacks we have recently reviewed:

• Solgaard backpacks
• Tropicfeel Shell backpack

2. Memory cards

Memory cards are important to keep the files in your camera. Most cameras use an SD card, though this may vary depending on your device and manufacturer.

We use SanDisk or Samsung for our memory cards, and can recommend the SanDisk Ultra and Samsung Pro cards , and to this day have never experienced a corrupted memory card. 

Oh yeah, except that one time we inserted a pre-formatted card from our HP travel laptop into a friend’s Apple Mac - but that was our own fault!

A tripod is used to hold your camera completely steady, which is impossible to do by hand. You can choose from a pocket, tabletop to studio-grade tripod, depending on what you need.

For travel, I would opt for something lightweight but sturdy. Remember to consider the weight of the camera relative to the tripod.

If you want to time-lapse beautiful sunsets or sunrises in romantic destinations , then this is an essential item to pack with you. 

We did a lot of research into the best camera tripods for travel and settled on this one here from ESDDI . I can highly recommend it!

4. Camera Microphone 

Most cameras don’t have the best in-built audio for microphones. There are exceptions like the Canon G7X, but it’s generally better to have the option to add an external microphone. 

Look for cameras that feature a microphone jack, as this could be crucial if you’re planning to vlog.

Our top recommendation for an external mic would be the Rode VideoMicro . That’s what we use and works absolutely amazingly!

Read More: Best microphones for vlogging

5. Remote Control

You may want to consider cameras that come with a remote control , which lets you take photos by clicking the button instead of having to put your camera on timer.

There are a lot of uses for a remote control. From taking solo travel shots to slow shutter speed pictures that require the camera to be entirely still.

This is a really useful tool if you’re travelling as a couple and want those romantic moments captured together. 

If you’re a vlogger and want to create cinematic videos, a gimbal is essential . This pivoting platform lets the camera rotate around its axes to produce stabilized shots.

With a gimbal, you can remove any shaking or blur for smooth camera movements. It’s especially crucial when you’re recording a moving subject.

There are all kinds of gimbals out there, and may differ depending on the size and type of camera you opt for. I recommend checking out our guide on the best DSLR camera gimbals for more information.

7. Hard Drive

I’d recommend any blogger to keep a hard drive, as it could help you keep on top of your content. This allows you to directly delete unnecessary files from the memory card you’re using without completely losing them.

Having a hard drive also helps protect your footage so it doesn't get lost or corrupt. Some people even use two hard drives, in case something happens to the first one.

The two best brands in the market are WD and Seagate . Personally, we have always used the WD My Passport and have nothing bad to say.

What’s the best camera for video blogging in 2021?

Personally, I love the Canon G7X Mark II as it’s very lightweight and comfortable to handle. The perfect camera for vlogging! But the newer Canon G7X Mark III is an excellent choice if you want the added feature for 4K video.

What is the best affordable camera for travel blogging?

The Canon M50 is an all-round affordable camera with excellent features that you can use for travel blogging. It offers great photo quality and 4K video, while having a quick autofocus system. You’ll even have space to connect an external mic too. So if you’re looking for the best budget camera for travelling, then this is a brilliant choice. 

What kind of camera do Instagram bloggers use?

For Instagram bloggers, I recommend the Sony a7R III . Its stunning 42MP resolution can give you beautiful shots, be it fashion, travel or lifestyle-related. Yet the most important feature has to be the WiFi, NFC and Bluetooth connectivity, so you can easily transfer photos and videos to your phone.

How much does a blogging camera cost?

There really is no fixed range, as a blogging camera can cost as cheap or expensive as you want it to be. You can get a point-and-shoot for as little as $129, while mirrorless cameras are around $500. DSLRs are more expensive, and the accessories and lenses may also add up.

How much does a vlogging camera cost?

Referring to my earlier recommendation, or the Canon G7X Mark II , a good vlogging camera will cost around $455. However, note that this doesn’t include add-ons like battery pack, tripod, strap, etc. Meanwhile, the Mark III is higher at $649.

What is the cheapest camera for vlogging?

If you’re looking for the best cheap vlogging camera with a flip screen then it would be the Sony Cyber Shot. I didn’t include this in today’s list, but the Sony Cyber-Shot DSCHX80 could be an excellent choice. The camera is really cheap for the quality it offers, as well as being compact and lightweight. There is even a flip-screen, which is definitely essential for vlogging. If you’re looking for the best cheap camera for fashion photography then this camera would work too.

What is the best camera to buy for a beginner photographer?

The Sony A7 III is a great camera not only for travel bloggers, but anyone looking to get into photography. This compact mirrorless camera offers the best results any beginner would want. You also get enough manual control without it being too overwhelming. This is also a great Sony camera for vlogging.

If you're a beginner then why not check out the many online photography courses on offer - there are plenty of fantastic options for those who are just starting out.

Which camera is right for your blog?

I’ve tried to be as detailed as possible with the above. Helping you to choose the best camera for blogging, regardless of which sort of blog you are running.

But of course, there will be a lot of crossover.

For example, your lifestyle blog may well cover a lot of travel segments, in which case having the ability to vlog is likely important.

At the same time, you may well need 2 cameras (like us). One for day to day photography and another DSLR, specifically for capturing landscapes.

The choice is yours, and it’s always a fun experience trialling new cameras and seeing which suit you best!

Other top blogging cameras that didn't quite make this list, include:

• ‍ Sony a7ii
• Nikon D3100
• Nikon D3200
• Nikon D3300
• Nikon D3400
• Nikon D3500
• Nikon D5600

Now over to you …

Do you have a favorite blogging camera that we missed off the list?

Or perhaps another question we didn’t cover above?

Just drop a comment below!

Other gear reviews:

• Tropicfeel Shoes
• 15 best vlogging microphones
• 10 best travel drones
• 12 best laptops for travel
• 10 Best DJI alternatives

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19 Best Cameras for Travel Blogging & Vlogging in 2024

Table of Contents

Looking for the best cameras for travel blogging and vlogging? You’ve come to the right place! 

A travel camera is a stellar purchase for the blogger on the road because Google (and other similar search engines) LOVE original photos and videos. This means you need a travel partner that can help you make those gorgeous memories.

I’ve traveled with different photo and video-capturing devices through the years (hello, iPhone), and can attest to the importance of capturing the right shot while you’re on the road.

But there’s so much to choose from (seriously, the options are endless). From point-and-shoot cameras that can capture your meeting with Mickey Mouse to heavy-hitting DSLR cameras that let you capture the perfect time-lapse sunset — there’s a lot to think about.

The best part of the modern-day camera is that whether you’re going to shoot video or images, you can now do both with the same device… and that device can be something as small and portable as your current smartphone. You just need to figure out what you need in a device and see what fits your needs.

So, if you’re on a search for the best camera for travel blogging and vlogging, keep reading and we’ll take a peek through your options!

🏆 Buy the best camera for travel blogging here!

Comparing the Best Cameras for Travel Blogging

Best cameras for travel blogging & vlogging.

1. Sony A6000 Mirrorless

4.6/5 Rating (1,626 Reviews)

The Sony A6000 Mirrorless Camera is an advanced and flexible camera system. However, it’s still lightweight and compact enough to carry on your travels without adding a ton of extra baggage. It can capture stunning 4k video quality with a flip-up screen so you can capture yourself (or someone else) easily.

I particularly like that it has body image stabilization which helps produce sharp images in any situation. Weighing a packable 0.75 lbs, the Sony A6000 Mirrorless Camera also features an interchangeable lens system for even more creative control over your shots. It’s a pleasure to shoot with, regardless of where in the world you are.

📷 Buy Sony A6000 Mirrorless here!

2. Sony A7iii

4.7/5 Rating (1,940 Reviews)

The Sony A7iii is a great option for movie-making. Despite its small 1 lb 7 oz size, it can do some serious heavy lifting. Not only can it capture 4K video content, but you can shoot in RAW, JPEG and HEIF.

This mirrorless camera is a slightly older model, so it should be a little more affordable than something newer. But what I love best for travel bloggers is that you can easily charge its Z-series lithium battery with a USB-C cable (no extra battery needed).

I like that you can do some low-light photography with it and it has image stabilization so you’ll get a clear shot. The silent shutter means you can take sneaky (so long as they’re totally ethical) photos with the wide range of lenses available. Finally, it’s great for using on-the-go, because it’s both wi-fi and Bluetooth capable.

📷 Purchase Sony A7ii here!

3. Nikon D3400

4.7/5 Rating (2,953 Reviews)

The Nikon D3400 is a great option for starters looking for the best camera for travel photography, especially because it has a handy “help” feature that gives you guidance as you work. It can take incredible pictures once you learn how to set it up properly. Plus its lightweight and portable design make it perfect for travel blogging .

It features a telephoto zoom lens so you can take images from a distance, face detection and contrast-detection autofocus. There is a built-in flash, but the camera itself also supports an external one if you want to use it.

It’s Bluetooth capability (though no wi-fi or GPS tagging) and built with a rechargeable battery that lets you take about 1,200 shots before it needs to recharge. With all these features in one camera, the lightweight and rugged Nikon D3400 is truly a great starter camera for any photographer.

📷 Buy Nikon D3400 here!

4. Canon Powershot G7X Digital Camera

4.7/5 Rating (1,682 Reviews)

If you want a lightweight, travel-friendly point-and-shoot camera that produces high-quality photos, the Canon Powershot G7X Digital Camera is for you. It’s great for those just learning because there’s a handy LCD screen that you can check your shot through.

It has 4X zoom capabilities which makes it really great for taking photos of mountains or other high places (hello, hikers!). For even greater control over your photo, you can choose to enable shutter mode so you can focus on both image and background.

Perfect for bloggers on the go, it features wi-fi and GPS tracking capabilities, so long as it’s connected to your smart phone. You can record video, though it caps at 29 minutes and 59 seconds. However, it’s worth noting that the battery capacity isn’t the best.

📷 Purchase Canon Powershot G7X Digital Camera here!

5. Fujifilm X-T30 Camera

4.4/5 Ratings (60 Reviews)

The Fujifilm X-T30 Camera Mirrorless is one of the best compact camera, especially because it’s so moderately priced. It has incredible image quality and a nice autofocus sensor, making it ideal for bloggers looking for an all-inclusive camera.

The biggest complaint tends to be the battery life, so if you plan on doing extensive filming or shooting, you may need to bring an extra battery. Despite this, the X-T30 still offers clear and sharp videos even in low light environments, making it a great choice for high quality images.

All that said, it is worth noting the camera might be a tad bit too complex for brand new photographers. So, purchase at your own risk!

📷 Buy Fujifilm X-T30 Camera here!

6. Sony ZV-1

4.6/5 Rating (1,788 Reviews)

Travel bloggers looking for a light and compact device to tag along would be wise to take a peek at what the Sony ZV-1 has to offer.

It features SteadyShot advanced image stabilization so you can capture the action. The flip out screen with 3-capsule microphone allows you to capture decent front-facing video and audio quality. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to use.

I like this option for anyone wanting an all-in-one option. It’s perfect for everyday use, whether you’re headed to hike on the mountains or need to capture the perfect shot of your travel buddy pretending to knock over the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

📷 Purchase Sony ZV-1 here!

7. Olympus OM-D E-M5

4.6/5 Ratings (254 Reviews)

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 doesn’t have the right autofocus function for action shots, but that’s not a problem if you’re capturing a shot of your delicious lobster lunch. Its small body makes it highly packable, perfect for the average travel blogger . 

This is a great portable device if you’re shooting video. It features great stabilization capabilities, and a hot shoe and audio mic jack so you can add an external microphone (hello, vloggers!). 

There are plenty of lenses and accessories so you can customize the device to your liking. Ultimately, I like that this mirrorless camera comes at a more affordable price point than some of its similar competitors. If you want something simple and don’t need to be able to shoot action, this is for you.

📷 Buy Olympus OM-D E-M5 here!

8. Nikon Z50 Mirrorless

4.7/5 Ratings (318 Reviews)

Weighing in at a mere 0.87 lbs, the Nikon 750 is the smallest of their mirrorless cameras — perfect for the grab-and-go travel blogger. There’s no need to pack an extra bag , you can simply shove it into your carry on.

However, this isn’t a camera recommended for beginner photographers, it’s really more of an intermediate choice. But it shoots stellar photos in NEF (RAW) and JPEG, even though it’s not a full-frame camera.

It offers a sturdy and durable camera choice, both resistant to dust and rain. It’s small enough to easily fit into your bag. And you can upgrade it with professional lenses, but you’ll likely need an adapter. If that’s not a dealbreaker for you, this might just be the best budget camera for traveling for you.

📷 Purchase Nikon Z50 Mirrorless here!

9. Canon G7X M II

4.7/5 Ratings (1,682 Reviews)

The Canon G7X M II point and shoot camera is the perfect entry-level choice for new travel bloggers that aren’t ready to take the DSLR plunge. At 0.7 lbs, this is a highly lightweight and packable choice.

While it has a fixed lens, which means you can’t customize it as much as you might like, you can still shoot manual. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for something that you can grow with. And it’s more cost-friendly choice compared to big DSLR cameras with a dynamic shooting range.

Not only does it shoot great JPEG and RAW compression photos, but you can also shoot videos in full HD, MP4 and iFrame. The big downside is that the camera is NOT weather sealed, so be careful where you bring it. And it has a limited focal length which changes how you shoot. Ultimately this is a great travel blogging camera.

📷 Buy Canon G7X M II here!

10. Canon 6D Mark II

4.8/5 Ratings (1,138 Reviews)

Another stellar Canon choice is the 6D Mark II . It’s a popular full-frame camera with travel bloggers who recommend it for its easy of use and quality images. I particularly enjoy that it supports quiet shooting with its silent shutter mode, that way you can capture nature as it was intended.

If you like to capture in darker environments, it does have low light sensing ability. Along with an enabled GPS feature so it can store the location your image was taken. It also has built-in wi-fi, Bluetooth and NFT for added convenience when file sharing.

While it does capture video, it caps the shooting time to 29 minutes and 50 seconds. But you might want to bring along an extra battery (or simply make sure to charge it overnight) because you can only shoot around 1,200 shots before it needs a recharge.

📷 Purchase Canon 6D Mark II here!

11. Sony a7RIV

4.8/5 Ratings (309 Reviews)

If you’re looking for a camera that provides quality, high-resolution images, the Sony a7RIV is for you. Powerful features, including fast hybrid focus, autoshots, and built-in wifi and Bluetooth make it suitable for activities such as wildlife photography.

There are rechargeable batteries (as with any other camera) that can take up to 670 shots, which means you might need to bring an extra battery. It’s easy to use without a lot of set-up, but the large pixel dimensions do consume a lot of memory — so bring a backup card.

I should add that this device is a bit on the pricey side. But this Sony mirrorless camera is a joy to travel with due to its small size and the fact that it’s both water and dust resistant. There are a lot of travel bloggers happy with this device.

📷 Buy Sony a7RIV here!

12. Canon EOS M50 Mark II

4.7/5 Ratings (1,375 Reviews)

The Canon EOS M50 Mark II Mirrorless camera is perfect for both photography and videography. Not only can you shoot in RAW, C-RAW and JPEG formats, along with recording video in 4K, full HD quality, and MP4 format — perfect for YouTube .

This Canon features the ability to take beautiful photos with great low light performance and stellar long-exposure, so you can grab the shots you want. You can capture great photos with the dual pixel autofocus, and check them out in the large touch screen viewfinder. Plus, the lens can be changed out, and it’s styled like a mini DSLR, so it’ll look great on Instagram.

At 0.85 lbs, this device is both lightweight and packable. It’s easy for newbies to use but advanced enough for intermediate bloggers too. It is worth noting that the battery life isn’t amazing and there’s no USB charging, so you might want to pack an extra battery.

📷 Purchase Canon EOS M50 Mark II here!

13. Panasonic Lumix GX85

4.6/5 Ratings (791 Reviews)

The perfect travel blog camera is something tiny, and the Panasonic Lumix GX85 brings that to the table. It’s mirrorless with the ability to change lenses if you want to grab a different shot, and a silent shutter to help you sneak a shot (legally, of course).

It has some stellar features that can really enhance the end product. From a panorama setting to face and contract detection and autofocus, it’s got what you need. There’s a built-in flash, but you can also use a hot-shoe flash if you’d prefer. Plus it’s both wi-fi and NFC enabled.

However, it’s worth noting that this probably isn’t the best choice if you want a camera to primarily vlog. The built-in microphone isn’t anything to brag about, and the time frame caps out at 20-minutes. The battery life also caps out at 290 shots. So, you’ll want to make sure that this one will work for what you need.

📷 Buy Panasonic Lumix GX85 here!

14. Olympus-TG Compact Camera

4.5/5 Ratings (1,992 Reviews)

Another small point-and-shoot option is the Olympus-TG Compact Camera , and luckily it doesn’t require its own luggage to bring along. I like that it’s great at grabbing those great close-up shots — closer than the traditional DSLR cameras can go. However, it’s worth pointing out that the Zoom does leave you wanting.

It doesn’t have an amazing battery life, but it can be charged by a USB cable so you can charge on the go. It’s also not a full-frame camera, nor does it support an external flash. However, it stands up to the element — both water and shock resistant — which means you can grab those luxurious underwater shots you see online.

📷 Purchase Olympus-TG Compact Camera here!

15. DJI Mini Drone 3

4.6/5 Ratings (4,148 Reviews)

If your travel blogging or vlogging calls for a drone, the DJI Mini Drone 3 is where you should look. You can score it for less than $500, and it weighs less than 250g and can be picked up with a single hand. Honestly, it’s a great travel pick — one of the cheapest price points for a drone.

However, it does NOT come with a remote, which will set you back a little less. The camera has native vertical shooting capabilities, but it does not feature ActiveTrack or any obstacle avoidance section. Finally, while it supports QuickShots, it does lack the higher frame rate for those super clear images.

📷 Buy DJI Mini Drone 3 here!

16. GoPro Hero 11

4.4/5 Ratings (571 Reviews)

The GoPro Hero 11 is an impressive little device that is equipped with a sensor bigger than your average smartphone. You can shoot 27 megapixel photos and stunning 5.6k videos, perfect for capturing beautiful selfies, blogging, and even cinematic slow motion.

If you’re looking for a camera to bring along on your action-packed adventure, this is for you. It’s compatible with GoPro accessories, which you can switch out to enhance and change your experience. It also features a front-facing screen, so you can shoot a selfie and figure out what you’re looking at.

📷 Purchase GoPro Hero 11 here!

17. Google Pixel 7

4.1/5 Ratings (558 Reviews)

Not all travel bloggers go with a full-on camera, instead they use their phone. Smartphone cameras improve with each new upgrade and the Google Pixel 7 is no exception. If you already have one, it might be the best pick for you.

This instalment of the phone is capable of shooting 4K video with 60 frames-per-second in HDR, catching up to rivals. The selfie camera shoots 10 megapixel images in a variety of light conditions.

What I love best about this idea is that it’s short, narrow, and highly portable. You can charge it on the go, and you don’t need to pack anything extra!

📷 Buy Google Pixel 7 here!

18. iPhone 14

There’s basically a new iPhone every year, so by the time you read this it might be outdated (#SorryInAdvance). But the iPhone 14 has a great camera right in it — no need for extra baggage (pending you have one).

Made with a Ceramic Shield front, glass black and overall aluminium design, it’s a gorgeous device (that comes in 5 different colors). It has a dual camera system 12 MP main camera with sensor shift optical image stabilization and 100% Focus Pixels, and the second is a 12 MP ultra wide 120-degree field of view. The camera features 2X optical zoom with digital zoom up to 5X. It has everything from night mode, panorama and portrait mode with advanced bokeh and depth control.

Not only that, but you can shoot some killer video with it. It records in 4k videos, 1080p HD video and 720p HD video recording. Whether you’re trying to capture some action or want to create a cinematic travel video, you can do it with this bad boy. It’s worth noting that you can technically edit videos right on the phone too — granted you’ll be a bit limited, but its great for working on the fly.

Honestly, if you’re just starting your travel blogging journey and you’re not sure what you need in a camera, try your phone first. It’ll give you an opportunity to get a feel for what you need before you make an additional purchase.

📷 Purchase iPhone 14 here!

19. Fujifilm InstaMax  

I’ll be honest, the Fujifilm InstaMax is more of a fun camera , but you can still take it on the road with you. This is a point-and-shoot Polaroid-style camera that can print your pictures on the go. It’s an affordable and compact choice, and great for travel memories. But this isn’t going to be the go-to camera for the hard-core photographer and it doesn’t work for video.

It features a wide angle lens that covers 28mm equivalent angle of view (roughly the same as your smartphone). There is a micro SD card slot so that you can transfer photos to your device to post online, and you’ll need it because the internal memory only holds 45 images. All-in-all this isn’t an advanced camera, you won’t have any control over the autofocus points, white balance, or exposure compensation. Plus, you’ll need to buy film for it. But it can still be a fun pick.

📷 Buy Fujifilm InstaMax here!

Types of Cameras

There are many different types of cameras available on the market today, each offering unique benefits for travel bloggers and vloggers. Here are the ones you’ll want to know if you’re ready to snap some gorgeous images and shoot some film for your online fans:

The Digital SLR or DSLR is the big fancy cameras that everyone pictures when they think “professional photography.” It’s the workhorse of professional photography and is a pretty fancy device.

These types of cameras reflect light when it enters into the lens, and with the help of a mirror it provides you with an image on the viewfinder. They’re often packed with features like manual shooting, focus, changeable lenses, and image stabilization.

The catch with DSLR cameras is that they’re pretty dang big. They’re weightier than other options and will most often need a full separate case. You won’t be packing light with one of these devices in your bag.

Mirrorless cameras are considerably more compact than DSLR options since they don’t feature a mirror built into the body. They’re a lot easier to cart around than their bigger counterparts, perfect for everyday images, photoshoots, and trips!

The mirrorless camera design ensures that mirrorless cameras are far more discreet, allowing photographers to capture candid shots without drawing too much attention. And while you might need a little case for it, you should be able to drop it into your carry-on and head out.

Bridge Cameras

Bridge cameras are a great hybrid of point and shoot and DSLR technology, providing the best of both worlds. These types of cameras are great for action-shots like sports, wildlife and even astrophotography due to their large zoom range. However, these type of cameras have a fixed lens, which means you can’t change it, so there won’t be any fish-eye add-ons.

Point and Shoot

Chances are you’ve used a point and shoot camera if your family went on vacation in the mid-2000s — you know, that pink Cybershot that your mom carried around. These are small, affordable, and perfect for capturing everyday life.

Honestly, these cameras get a lot of flack but they can produce some seriously good content, especially if you have an eye for editing. The best part is, they tend to be less expensive than their bigger counterparts.

But point and shoot cameras don’t typically have changeable lenses, can’t connect to external hot shot flashes, nor can you usually hook up an external microphone. If you’re heavy into video shooting or need to take intricate photos — like night shots of the sky, for example — this isn’t going to be the choice for you.

Smartphones

There are a lot of stellar smartphone cameras out there which can be carted along your journey. Carrying your iPhone or Google Pixel while you travel means that you don’t need to pack more than necessary. Plus there are plenty of apps out there that can help you edit photos while you’re out and about.

However, not all smartphone cameras are made the same. Look into the camera you already have (pending you have one) and take a peek at what kind of content you can create with what you already have. Remember you can always upgrade if it’s not quite meeting your needs.

Underwater Cameras

If you’re itching to take shots of sea life while you dive off the Mexican coast, the underwater camera is for you. If you want to take a camera underwater you’ll need something that’s both shock resistant and waterproof — not water resistant. Don’t take any cameras into the water if you don’t 100% know they’re made for it!

Video Cameras

Video cameras are a bit of an old-school choice. Most travel bloggers and vloggers will probably be more comfortable with something that can capture both stellar images and great video. However, they are still a thing and the modern-day versions do come well-equipped. 

For those that are interested, you can still grab a video-first camera that shoots some killer film. If you want to shoot only videos, a hand-held video camera might be the right choice for you. But if you want to capture images, consider something that does both.

Features to Consider When Picking a Camera

Bringing a big camera like a DSLR will mean that you need to get it a (small-ish) suitcase of its own. The more lenses, flashes, and other fancy add-ons you have, the bigger the bag you’ll need to cart around. All of this packs on the extra weight, so consider whether or not you want additional baggage.

Not all cameras have interchangeable lenses, which will change your experience with the camera. So, consider whether the camera you’re looking at has detachable lenses — and whether or not you want it to be. You can’t go back and make it detachable after.

Not only does the weight matter, but the overall size does too. Let’s say you ditch the big DSLR camera and all of its accessories for something simpler — you still want to consider how big it is. How much room is it going to take up in your bag? And how much room do you have to give up?

What You Are Shooting: Photo vs. Video

Are you going to be shooting photos or capturing video? It’s important that you decide before you start looking for a camera. Video creators are going to need something different than photographers.

If you’re shooting video, consider things like 4K capabilities and optical image stabilization. But if you’re going to be photos-first, consider something that shoots RAW, fast autofocus and image stabilization. Also, think about the type of content — wildlife content versus action sports requires different abilities.

Using the right equipment for the job will ensure that your images and videos turn out exactly how you want them to.

The end result of what you’re going to be doing with the photos and images will also impact what kind of device you get. Are you selling photos and prints? Are you simply sharing them on social media?

For most travel bloggers, smaller file sizes will be better. But if you’re selling prints at the end, you’re going to want something that has a superior lens and camera body so you can capture every single pixel.

Battery Life

Just like when picking a laptop, you’ll want to consider how long the battery lasts. If you’re traveling somewhere that you’re not going to have regular access to power to charge your device, you’ll want something with a longer battery. However, it’s worth noting that even if you aren’t going to be lost in the wilderness, you still probably want a decent battery life.

Upgrades and Accessories

The final thing you’ll want to consider are any upgrades or accessories that you can get for your fancy new camera. Whether you want lenses, flashes or something else entirely, you’ll need to take that into consideration.

Not all cameras work with upgrades or accessories, particularly if you’re leaning towards a point and shoot or even wanting to travel smartphone only. If you have a particular accessory or upgrade in mind, you’ll want to make sure you’re looking at cameras that work with it.

Tips for Better Travel Photos

Rule of thirds.

The “rule of thirds” is an age-old photography trick. This means splitting your camera frame into thirds both horizontally and vertically, and then placing your subject in either the left or right third of the image. This will help create a more well-composed photo by using the rest of the space in interesting ways.

Take it one step further by lining up elements along these lines or place points of interest where they intersect for an even more pleasing composition. By utilizing these techniques, you can take visually stunning photos that’ll look stellar on your blog.

Reduce Noise

”Noise” makes your photo look blurry. One great tip for scoring a stellar photo is to make sure you reduce the noise. This grainy look can appear when you use a higher ISO setting, take a photo without a flash or don’t use a tripod.

To reduce the occurrence of noise, considering shooting in a RAW format (these are REALLY BIG photos, so make sure you have the room), use a tripod, try using a lower ISO setting (especially if you’re in low light conditions), and turn on the flash. Also, if you have a noise reduction filter option on your camera, consider trying it out.

Framing includes the “rule of thirds” but it also means taking a look at EVERYTHING in your photo before you hit that button. Make sure your photo includes a focal point (which is often the subject of your photo), and that you don’t have too much to look at in one frame. Look at the background of your photo, is it distracting? Make sure you cut everything extra that you don’t want.

Exposure is an important part of photography, and it can be tricky to get right. The best way to become familiar with exposure is to take pictures in different settings, and see what happens when you change your settings.

For example, if you have a low light setting on your camera, turn it on and try taking photos in low light. It‘s next to impossible to fix over or under exposure photos after the fact (like, during editing), so you want to make sure that it’s done correctly in the first place. So, learn exposure!

Shooting RAW

Shooting RAW is a great way to capture images because it is lossless, meaning no data will be lost in the process. However, these photos are quite large and take up a lot of space. This is beneficial in the long run though, as it gives you much more flexibility when it comes to editing your photos afterwards. RAW photos offer a vast range of options for post-processing and color grading, giving you more control over the final look of your image.  

Lightroom Presets

Editing photos can be a challenge if it’s a new thing for you, but it doesn’t have to be. Enter: Lightroom presets. Lightroom presets are a great way to quickly and easily get the look you want from your image. They also make editing fun! There are thousands of free Lightroom presets available online, making it easy to find ones that match your style. Plus your favorite creators out there often have their own for sale too.

Different lenses give you different options for photos. For example, a wide-angle lens is great for getting in close to the action, while a telephoto lens will help you capture long distance shots.

It’s best for you to get used to the one you have already before you dig into anything else. And remember that every additional lens you have not only comes at an extra cost, but you’ll need more space for it too!

As travel bloggers , we’re often looking to lighten our load — and a tripod won’t help with that. But it will help you capture some seriously stellar shots that have considerably less noise.  

The good thing is, you can get your hands on a portable, packable and inexpensive tripod. The key is to find yourself one that’s tough enough to handle adventure, but light enough for you to carry with you.

Even if your camera already has stabilization, it can always use more. Consider something with a good ole fashioned built-in leveling bubble, as it’ll help make it much easier for you to capture pictures that are perfectly level.

Conclusion: Best Cameras for Travel Bloggers

Finding the best travel camera for your blogging and vlogging adventures is important if you’re heading out on a grand adventure.

But before you buy, you want to make sure it has the right features that you need to get the content you want. If you’re running a YouTube channel, you’ll need to think about stellar (and easy) filming. However, if you’re a photo first kind of blogger, you might want something with all the lens bells and whistles. Plus, you’ll need to make sure whatever you’re looking at fits into the budget you’ve got.

When traveling with your fancy new camera, you’ll need to make sure to pack it properly. Cameras will need, at the very least, a sleeve or case to be carried in. When it comes to lithium batteries, you’ll need those to be stored in your carry-on bag (they can’t be checked), and a big camera like a DSLR will need its own bag for all its fancy accessories.

But the right camera is out there for every travel blogger (regardless of your budget).

With these tips for choosing the best one, you should have no problem finding it. Snap those gorgeous photos and shoot that engaging video so you can grow your audience.

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Nina Clapperton is a multi-6 figure travel blogger and the founder of She Knows SEO. After sharing her stories of living in over 12 countries in 10 years on all platforms and making $0, she learned SEO and scaled her blog to 50k sessions in 6 months. Within 13 months, she was making $30k/mo passively. Now Nina runs a portfolio of niche sites and helps over 3,500 students grow their blogs. She's on a mission to help bloggers achieve financial freedom via passive income from their hobby blogs.

The 11 BEST Cameras for Bloggers & Vloggers

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Are you looking at upgrading your blogging camera? From the Canon EOS-R to the Fuji X-T20, these are the best cameras for bloggers & vloggers right now!

Right, here are the best cameras for bloggers! If you’re a blogger or vlogger looking for the perfect camera this year then this is the post for you.

Let me speak from experience here. Finding the right camera for your blogging & vlogging needs can take a lot of time and even more money. That’s the horrible bit out the way.

When I upgraded from my Canon 6D to my Sony A7riii, I knew I wanted to switch from a DSLR to a mirrorless camera, I just didn’t know which one. It must’ve taken me at least 6 months to actually make a decision, and even then I wasn’t sure it was the right one.

To make your life a lot easier and to save you time and effort, I’ve put together the best cameras for blogging right now. Whether you’re a beauty blogger, a fashion blogger, a food blogger or a travel blogger, I’d really recommend one of these cameras to take your photos and videos to the next level.

Unlike a boring tech or camera website, I speak from personal experience. I only recommend the best blogging cameras, the ones that I know you’ll need. As I do this day in day out, I feel like I know what I’m talking about!

Into your photography and videography? Then check out my guides on whether you need specialist camera insurance for travelling, and how to find the best music for your travel videos .

The ultimate blogger camera: Finding the right one for you

A little bit about me. I first got into photography and videography about 10 years ago. I went travelling for 2 years, and as a present to myself I bought a Canon PowerShot bridge camera. Did I know what I was doing with it? Of course not. I used to just point and shoot. All my photos were in jpeg, low-resolution and generally a bit rubbish. Occasionally I’d take a photo I was very proud of though. And that was it, I fell in love with cameras and photography from that moment onwards.

Fast forward a few years and I’ve worked my way around most cameras. I’ve used Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Sony, all on professional shoots too. You name it and I’ve probably fired off a few shots with it at one time.

Now as a travel blogger who is on the road for most of the year, I know exactly what type of camera you need.

Light-weight, easy to use, multi-purpose shooting for photos and videos. We want it all and more. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back.

From the latest GoPro Hero 8 to the compact Canon M50 to the uber-advanced Sony A7riii, these are the best cameras for bloggers this year.

(A little note, this post contains affiliate links. However, clicking on them and buying something doesn’t cost you any extra at all; it just means I earn a little commission. I’ve stated all the cheapest prices I can find!)

Canon M50 – Best vlogging camera with flip screen

Every time someone posts in a travel blogger group on Facebook saying “I’m on the lookout for a new camera”, dozens of people respond suggesting the Canon M50.

This is the camera my partner Wanderlust Chloe uses so I know my way around it very well. At around £590 it is an absolute steal, and sometimes I actually prefer the images from this camera than to my Sony A7riii (priced £3,500 – yes, I actually mean that and it is very very annoying).

The Canon M50 is one of the best multi-purpose cameras for bloggers out there right now. It has interchangeable lenses for different scenarios, a flip-screen for vlogging, a microphone jack for an external microphone, Canon’s gorgeous colour profile on photos and it is very lightweight too. Oh, and it shoots 4K video and slow-motion too. As I said, it really does have it all.

If I had to pick an entry-level camera blogger camera I’d choose this one every time. It just ticks all the boxes and I feel like Canon specifically designed this camera with bloggers in mind. I love that.

If you’re a newbie blogger, you might think it’s expensive at £590, but I promise you it’s worth it. The M50 is a fantastic investment and I highly recommend it.

Specifications:

• Compact APS-C mirrorless camera
• 24-megapixel CMOS sensor
• DIGIC 8 image processor
• Built-in electronic viewfinder
• Vari-angle rear display
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF
• Up to 10 frames per second continuous shooting
• 4K video recording
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Cost – £599 with a 15-45mm kit lens

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II – Best point-and-click camera and perfect for vloggers

The Canon PoweShot G7 X Mark II has been a firm favourite among bloggers and vloggers for a long time now.

The best-selling feature of this camera is its size. It is so small you can shove it in any bag or pocket knowing it won’t take up a lot of space. Also, the picture quality is incredible for such a small camera.

The advantage of this camera is you can whip it out in almost all situations and it won’t raise any eyebrows. It will still give you amazing blog photos and videos but will get around the awkward “I have a massive camera and am obviously working” situation. Sometimes smaller is better.

You can film in 60fps (meaning you can shoot slow motion footage) and it comes with a touch screen too. However, if you’re a vlogger then there’s no jack for an external microphone which is very frustrating.

Priced at £499 I would say this is an excellent option as a cheap vlogging camera. However, if I had to choose between this and the Canon M50, I’d go for the M50 – it is much more versatile and the overall picture quality is better.

• 1-megapixel 1-inch sensor
• Full HD 60p video recording
• Digic 7 Processor
• Raw shooting
• f/1.8-f/2.8 lens
• 2x optical zoom (24-100mm equivalent)

Cost – £517 with a fixed lens

Fuji X-T20 – Best for travel and urban photography

For those of you who follow Joe Allam (one of my favourite YouTubers), you’ll know what Fuji cameras are capable of. To be honest with you, if I didn’t have my Sony A7riii I’d probably have this camera.  

The Fuji X-T20 is a mirrorless camera that is not only stylish but extreme lightweight too making it perfect for lifestyle and travel bloggers.

One thing that sets the latest Fuji cameras apart from most other companies is their build quality is next level. Everything feels so good in your hands – and trust me that’s a really important selling point.

The auto-focus on the X-T20 is amazing meaning you never rarely miss your focus point. Also, I really like the colour profile of Fuji cameras. They’re a bit more dreamy and vintage than other cameras on the market.

I would say that the Fuji X-T20 is much more geared towards photography than videography, so if that’s your priority then I’d definitely consider this camera. This is definitely one of the best cameras for bloggers right now and again, it comes very highly recommended.

• 24MP X-Trans CMOS III sensor
• Up to 325 selectable AF points (169 of which offer phase detection)
• 36M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder
• 3″ 1.04M-dot tilting touchscreen LCD
• 4K UHD video at up to 30 fps, with clean output over HDMI
• 8 fps continuous shooting with AF, 5 fps with live view
• 5mm jack for external microphone or wired remote control
• Dials for exposure compensation, shutter speed and drive mode

Cost – £859 with a 18-55mm kit lens

Sony A6000 – best camera for lifestyle blogging

I found it very difficult to choose between the Sony A6000 and the newer Sony A6500. I’ve gone for the A6000 because it’s an amazing piece of kit and half the price of the A6500.

This camera is quite similar to the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II in that it’s a really small camera that you can stuff into your pocket. However, the major bonus is the fact you can buy other lenses for this making it a much more versatile camera.

The processor is super-fast in this camera so as soon as you switch it on you can start shooting. Also the 179-point hybrid auto-focusing system means you’ll rarely lose focus of your face when vlogging. Compared to a lot of smaller cameras out there, the Sony A6000 is superb in low light conditions too.

If you’re more of a beginner photographer/videographer then this is definitely one of the best point-and-click cameras around and by far my favourite Sony vlogging camera. It basically means you don’t have to worry about all the technical side of photography or videography! As I said, this is probably the best camera for lifestyle bloggers out there.

You can find 22 of the best Sony A6000 lenses to buy in this comprehensive guide covering the pros of each particular lens.

24.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor

• Bionz X image processor
• Hybrid AF system with 25 contrast-detect and 179 phase-detect points
• Built-in flash + Multi-Interface Shoe
• 11 fps continuous shooting with subject-tracking
• 3-inch tilting LCD with 921,600 dots
• OLED electronic viewfinder with 1.44M dots
• Diffraction correction, area-specific noise reduction, and detail reproduction technology
• Full HD video recording at 1080/60p and 24p; clean HDMI output
• Wi-Fi with NFC capability and downloadable apps

Cost – £459 with a 16-50mm kit lens

Sony A7riii – Best high-end professional hybrid camera around at the moment

THE BEST BLOGGER CAMERA! Nah, I’m just kidding, I get protective.

This is my camera and at £2,450 (just for the body) it is one of the most expensive cameras on the list. Does having this camera make me a better photographer? No. Would I recommend you buy this camera? It all depends on what level you’re at!

For me, the reason I switched from my Canon 6D to this camera is because I was starting to film a lot more. My 6D was distinctly average at video and I knew if I wanted to shoot the films I wanted to make then I’d have to upgrade.

The Sony A7riii comes with a massive 42.4 megapixel sensor that can shoot speeds at 10 frames per second with full autotracking. For me though, the in-built 5-axis stabilisation is among the best around. Filming on the camera is like having a gimbal, it really is that good.

One major downside to this camera is there’s no flip-screen (it only tilts) but I discourage the use of a flip-screen anyway.

Personally, I think this is one of the best cameras for blogging & videography right now. If any one has any questions about this camera then feel free to ask me anything!

• 42MP BSI CMOS sensor
• Faster, lower-noise image processing
• 10 fps shooting with full AF, 8 fps with ‘live’ updates between shots
• 69M dot (1280 x 960 pixel) OLED viewfinder
• Improved autofocus, including more tenacious Eye AF mode
• 5-axis image stabilization, rated at 5.5 stops (CIPA) with 50mm lens
• 4K footage from ‘Super 35’ crop region oversampled from 5K capture
• Twin SD Card slots (one UHS-I and one UHS-II compatible)
• True 14 bit uncompressed Raw, even in continuous drive mode
• Use of phase detection (including Eye AF) at 3 fps with adapted lenses

Cost – £2,360 (body only)

Canon EOS-R – For diehard Canon fans looking to get into the mirrorless market

Welcome to the party Canon, you’re only about 5 years late! This one is for all you Canon vloggers.

For years and years Canon said they wouldn’t make a mirrorless camera. They wanted to focus on their bread and butter, their DSLR range. Oh how wrong they were.

While they were sitting on their hands both Fuji and Sony cleaned up the mirrorless camera market, to the point where they’re the market leaders now. People only used to talk about Canon and Nikon, but now more and more people are switching to Fuji and Sony.

Now that Canon have finally realised there’s such a high demand for mirrorless cameras they produced their first full-frame mirrorless camera – the EOS-R.

Is it any good? Yes and no. Yes if you’ve been shooting on Canon for years and already have all the best lenses (though you will need an adapter – grrrrr). No if you’re looking to buy a brand new camera.

This is the direct competitor of the Sony A7 range – the only problem being Sony released their first camera in 2013 so have 6 years of user data behind them. Also, the Sony sensor is better.

It has to be said this is an excellent camera though, so if you’re a diehard Canon fan and you’re looking to get into the full-frame mirrorless market then this is the one for you.

30MP full-frame sensor with Dual Pixel autofocus

• 69M dot OLED viewfinder
• Fully articulated rear LCD
• Autofocus rated down to -6EV (with F1.2 lens)
• Up to 8 fps shooting (5 fps with continuous AF, 3 fps ‘Tracking Priority mode’)
• UHD 4K 30p video from a 1.8x crop of the sensor
• Canon Log (10-bit 4:2:2 over HDMI or 8-bit 4:2:0 internal)
• USB charging (with some chargers)

Cost – £1,799 (body only) with a lens adapter

Panasonic GH5 – One of the best all-round cameras on the market

When it comes to the best cameras for bloggers, you’ll pretty much always find the Panasonic GH5 mentioned. The Panasonic GH5 isn’t going to win any beauty pageants but it is a damn good camera otherwise.  

I would say the GH5 is your classic “jack of all trades master at none” type of camera. If has a really broad spectrum making it a great camera for bloggers who do a mixture of photo and video.

The 5-axis image stabilisation is quality on this which is one of the reasons it’s so popular For in-camera stabilisation, it’s one of the best on the market. Also, it can shoot 4K at 60 frames per second, so very good for slow-motion footage. Another bonus is the flip-screen which vloggers love.

I would say a major downside of the Panasonic are the lenses though. They just aren’t as good as Canon, Nikon and Sony, so I always feel you’re loosing a lot of image quality there no matter how good everything else is.

• 20MP Four Thirds sensor (no OLPF)
• 5-axis in-body image stabilization system with ‘Dual IS 2’ support
• All 4K footage taken using full width of sensor (oversampled from 5.1K footage)
• 1080 video at up to 180p, enabling 7.5x slow-motion
• 9 fps shooting with continuous autofocus
• Dual UHS II card slots (V60 ready)
• Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth
• Pre-configurable rack focus mode

Cost – £1,699 with a 12-60mm kit lens

GoPro Hero 8 – Best camera for action and adventure

The bane of my life. For years I wanted to hate GoPro. I always felt photography and videography was so much more than selfie-sticks and pushing a button on auto.

However, with the GoPro Hero 8 I think they’ve finally won me over – this camera is so damn good. Why? Hypersmooth stabilisation.

I could get very technical here and explain all about warp image stabilisation and how you stablise footage in post-production but it’s all very boring.

Instead, all you need to know is that hypersmooth makes buttery smooth footage IN THE CAMERA. This means you can go skiing, film everything and all the clips will already be stabilised for you. I can’t tell you how useful that is from a filming perspective.

The sounds quality is so much better than on the GoPro Hero 6. Kane & Pia (two amazing YouTubers) did a really useful vlog all about the Hero 8 so I’d recommend watching that before you buy it. Also, check out this GoPro vlogging set up here – you really can vlog on this camera!

If you’re an adventure blogger then you really can’t go wrong with this piece of kit.

• 4K60/50, 2.7K120/100 & 1080p240/200
• 12MP + SuperPhoto With Improved HDR and RAW Photo Capture in All Modes
• HyperSmooth 2.0 (All Modes) + In-App Horizon Leveling
• Direct Live Streaming to Facebook Live

Cost – £322

Canon 80D – Best all-round mid-level DSLR camera

I’m very reluctant to put this camera on the list because it’s so old but hey, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

A bit like with the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II, this is still one of the best cameras for blogging.

When it comes to the specifications the Canon 80D doesn’t seem very good on paper – 24.2 megapixels, a slower processor than newer cameras and no 4K video.

However, you can’t ignore that this is the camera used by some of the biggest YouTubers like Casey Neistat. Even though it may not be the best on paper, it is definitely one of the easiest cameras to use. The autofocus is brilliant on the Canon 80D and it comes with a touchscreen flipscreen too. Also, as with all Canon cameras, the picture profile is really nice for photos.

I would classify this as a mid-level DSLR, and for those of you who are keen to take your photography to the next level then I’d really recommend this camera.

• 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor with Dual Pixel AF
• 45-point AF system with all cross-type points
• 3″ 1.04M-dot articulating touchscreen
• 1080/60p video capture
• 7 fps continuous shooting with AF
• Weather-resistant body
• 7560-pixel RGB+IR Metering Sensor
• Wi-Fi + NFC

Cost – £959 with an 18-55mm kit lens

Nikon D850 – Best full-frame professional DSLR camera for travel photography

You may have noticed that there aren’t many Nikon cameras in my list of best cameras for blogging. I’m not one of those Canon fans who never recommends a Nikon, I just think they’ve fallen a long way behind the current market of what shooters want.

Saying that, the relatively new Nikon D850 is probably one of the best full-frame cameras on the market at the moment. This is the direct competitor of the Canon 5Dmkiv – I think this camera is slightly better though.

The 45.7 megapixel sensor is one of the best around and the dynamic range of 64-25,600 ISO is incredible – so much data is captured here that you can draw out so much colour and detail when it comes to editing.

However, the major drawback of this camera (and the reason I sold my Canon 6D) is it is very big and bulky making it difficult for travel bloggers. Add a few lenses to your camera backpack and you’ll really notice the weight.

If you’re an old-school photographer though then you’ll simply love this camera.

• 45.7MP BSI CMOS sensor
• 7 fps continuous shooting with AE/AF (
• 153-point AF system linked to 180,000-pixel metering system
• UHD 4K video capture at up to 30p from full sensor width
• 1080 video at up to 120p, recorded as roughly 1/4 or 1/5th speed slow-mo
• Battery life rated at 1840 shots
• 2″ tilting touchscreen with 2.36M-dot (1024×768 pixel) LCD
• Illuminated controls
• Advanced time-lapse options (including in-camera 4K video creation)

Cost – £2,526 (body only)

Google Pixel 4 – Best best phone camera for blogging

I know, I know, what’s a phone doing in a list of the best cameras for bloggers. Well, I genuinely rate the Google Pixel 4 so highly. It’s the best camera phone I’ve ever had and I think it’s the best on the market at the moment too.

One thing I’ve learned from photography over the last few years is that the market is constantly downsizing. People aren’t attracted to big bulky DSLRs anymore, they want smaller mirrorless cameras or something to fit in their pocket. What’s next? More powerful smartphones that can do it all, and the Pixel 4 is an example of that.

Everyone considers the smartphone camera on the Pixel 4 the best around (which is why I got it). Long gone are the days where I have to shoot everything on my camera – this is a fantastic supplement to that. I even did this whole restaurant review just using my camera in really dark conditions. The photos really stand up.

Also, I’ve used the Pixel 4 a few times for my videos too. I even shot this whole video about taking on RideLondon (a 100-mile cycle race) all on my phone, so it’s pretty amazing the capabilities of phones now.

The way the industry and technology is heading, I wouldn’t be surprised if smartphones like this one became the number one item for bloggers and vloggers in the future. That’s how I feel anyway!

Cost – £575 with 64gb storage

What is the best camera for bloggers right now?

So, after all of that, I’m going to try and explain what is the best camera for bloggers.

Firstly, it always comes down to budget. If you’re on a low budget then your choices are limited. If you have all the money in the world, then you have a lot more choice. Simples.

However, I’m going to break it into 3 categories:

Around £500 – As it stands, I wouldn’t look past the Canon M50. As I’ve already said, this camera ticks all the boxes and then some. It is the perfect balance between photography and videography, and at £550 it is a bargain too. This is the best vlogging camera with flip screen. If you’re looking for something a bit cheaper, then check out this amazing guide to the best camera under £300 .

Around £1,000 – The X-T20. What Fuji are doing right now is remarkable and the X-T20 is one of their flagship cameras. Not only do you get to capture beautiful photos, you’ll look damn good doing it too.

More than £1,500 – Thankfully, I’d still say my camera, the Sony A7riii. I really don’t think there’s a better hybrid camera on the market at the moment. If you’re looking to really get into the professional photography/videography sphere, this is the camera that can help you with that.

When is the right time to buy a camera?

Never. I promise you as soon as you buy a camera or a lens, a month later someone else will release an even better one (trust me on that!)

On the Sony front, the Sony A6700 and Sony A7siii are to be released at some point this year, and both of them are meant to be absolutely incredible. Also, I’d expect Canon to update the EOS-R this year too.

Knowing when to buy the right camera is really difficult. A lot of it is gut instinct, but I can assure you if you want to take your blogging game to the next level then upgrading your camera is one of the best things you can do.  

What do you think is the best camera for bloggers right now? I’d love to know what you think in the comments below!

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About the Author

Macca Sherifi is the founder of the multiple award-winning blogs An Adventurous World and the Great British Bucket List. Every month he inspires over 200,000 avid readers to travel the world.

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• Best Camera
• Best Mid-Range
• Best Budget
• Best Point-And-Shoot

Notable Mentions

Recent updates, all reviews, the 4 best cameras for blogging - spring 2024 reviews.

Purchasing a "proper" camera can be a good way to step up your content game if you want to stand out from the sea of personal blogs online. While image quality is important, there are other things to look for when buying a camera that'll depend largely on what kind of blog you run. Travel bloggers might prioritize portability for easier storage and travel, while those planning on incorporating videos in their blogs might value a fully articulated screen and different frame rate options. Food bloggers might want a hybrid camera to take stunning photos and record video tutorials of their recipes. No matter what kind of blog you run, the good news is that most modern cameras are very capable for both photo and video work, and there are plenty of models for every budget and experience level.

We've bought and tested over 100 cameras in our lab, and below, you'll find our recommendations for the best blogging cameras. If you're mostly interested in the video side of things, you can also check out our picks for the  best vlogging cameras . Aspiring travel bloggers might also want to look at the  best travel cameras  or the best compact cameras  we've tested.

Best Camera For Blogging

The Canon EOS R10 is the best camera for blogging that we've tested. This entry-level APS-C camera offers a ton of value for its price and will suit most bloggers well for everything from capturing high-quality stills to incorporating short videos. Canon's user interface is very beginner-friendly, and the camera has great ergonomics, making for a very intuitive shooting experience. Beyond capturing high-quality photos, it's also a highly capable video camera, with 4k video recording at up to 60 fps (with a crop) and a dedicated slow-motion mode in 1080p.

You can also buy the R10 in a 'Content Creator Kit' bundle that includes a stereo mic and tripod grip to help you record vlogs and videos. If you do a lot of handheld video shooting, the Fujifilm X-S10 is a great alternative. It sits at a similar price point as the Canon but offers in-body image stabilization (IBIS) to help you get more stable handheld shots. However, its autofocus system isn't as reliable, and this model caps out at 30 fps in 4k.

See our review

Best Mid-Range Camera For Blogging

The Sony α6400 is the best mid-range camera we've tested for blogging. While its ergonomics and user interface aren't as intuitive as the interface on the Canon EOS R10 , this is still a well-rounded camera. What it lacks in ergonomics, it makes up for in portability, allowing you to easily take it on the go. Sony's E-mount also includes a wide selection of native and third-party lenses, making this a great choice if you eventually decide to upgrade to a full-frame model.

Beyond that, it has a highly reliable autofocus system, one of the best in its class, ensuring your subjects stay in focus. Battery life is very good for a mirrorless camera, too. Speaking of battery life, a DSLR like the Canon EOS Rebel T8i is a great alternative if you prefer an even longer battery life. It isn't as well-suited to video as a mirrorless option, and it's less portable, but it has comfortable ergonomics and a well-established lineup of relatively affordable lenses.

Best Budget Camera For Blogging

The Canon EOS R50 is hands down the best budget camera we've tested, and it's an especially great choice for beginner photographers and bloggers. Its portable design makes it easy to take anywhere, making it a good fit for travel blogs. Its high-resolution APS-C sensor can capture great images regardless of the subject. The Canon's auto and creative scene modes are also great for those who don't yet know their way around a camera.

If you're looking for a more portable overall kit, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is another good budget camera, though it's a tad more expensive than the R50. It's one of the few budget cameras to offer IBIS for steadier handheld shooting. Plus, it's part of the Micro Four Thirds system, which has a wider lens selection than you get with the R50. That said, its autofocus isn't nearly as reliable as the Canon's.

Best Point-And-Shoot Camera For Blogging

While an interchangeable lens model like the ones above will give you more versatility, a compact point-and-shoot camera is a great choice for bloggers who frequently shoot on the go. Enter the Sony ZV-1, which is portable enough to fit into a coat pocket or small bag. While it's designed specifically for vlogging, the ZV-1 is also a capable stills camera. Though its built-in lens doesn't have the longest zoom range, it still gives you a bit of flexibility to adjust your framing or capture subjects that are a little farther away.

The camera also has several helpful features for vloggers and bloggers, including a dedicated 'Background Defocus' button that toggles between a shallow and wide depth of field and a 'Product Showcase' mode that quickly shifts focus from faces to any objects held up in the frame. Of course, going with a point-and-shoot camera means sacrificing battery life, and overheating can be an issue for longer recording sessions, but this is still a great option for bloggers and vloggers who need something compact. The newer Sony ZV-1 II offers a wider-angle lens, but the ZV-1 is cheaper and includes optical stabilization, so it's still our top compact pick for blogging.

• Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III: The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a compact point-and-shoot camera with a built-in YouTube livestreaming feature and a more intuitive menu system than the Sony ZV-1. That said, its image quality and autofocus tracking performance are worse overall. See our review
• Nikon Z fc: The Nikon Z fc is a retro-inspired camera that will appeal to style-conscious photographers. However, you're paying a slight premium for the vintage look, and the lack of handgrip makes it less comfortable to shoot with than the Canon EOS R10. See our review
• OM SYSTEM OM-5: The OM SYSTEM OM-5 is a Micro Four Thirds camera that's cheaper and more portable than the Canon EOS R10. That said, the smaller sensor comes with a slight trade-off in image and video quality. See our review

May 24, 2024: We replaced the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III with the OM SYSTEM OM-5 as a Notable Mention because it's more widely available and features an improved processor.

Mar 28, 2024: We've reviewed the picks for price, availability, and accuracy and determined that the current selection of cameras is still the most relevant for users.

Feb 01, 2024: Reviewed that article is still accurate and up to date.

Dec 07, 2023: Replaced the Fujifilm X-S10 with the Canon EOS R10 as the 'Best Camera For Blogging' because it's more user-friendly and offers more frame rate options.

Oct 12, 2023: Added mention of the Fujifilm X-S20 and Sony ZV-1 II as possible alternatives to the Fujifilm X-S10 and Sony ZV-1, respectively.

Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best cameras for blogging 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 would like to choose for yourself, here's the list of all our reviews for cameras. 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.

• Electronics
• Camera accessories

The Best Vlogging Cameras and Gear

By Geoffrey Morrison , Arriana Vasquez and James Austin

Vlogging, or video blogging, is a way for you to share your life and interests with the world, potentially making money while you do it.

From cooking to travel, from makeup to hair care, from pugs to parakeets—whatever you’re into, someone else probably is, too.

The most popular platform for vlogging is YouTube, at more than 2 billion users. With enough viewers, you can monetize your videos, which gives you a share of the advertising profits.

You don’t have to enter the vlogging world with the idea of making money, but that potential is there. You can treat your channel like your feed on any other social media site, sharing your adventures and interests with friends. Eventually, though, with a bit of luck, work, and some compelling content, you can pass the magical 1,000-subscriber threshold and start making money from your hobby.

But first, you need a vlog. And to record a vlog, you need a camera, at the very least. We’ve put together a list of gear and some tips to help you begin, starting with a camera that you probably already have and working your way up through more expensive options as both your vlog and your experience grow.

The research

Why you should trust us, how to approach building a kit for vlogging, how we picked and tested vlogging cameras, smartphone accessories, for use with phones: our picks for better sound quality, best camera for vlogging outdoors and on the go: sony zv-1 ii, best camera for action vlogging: gopro hero12 black, best vlog-camera image quality for the money: sony α6700, best drone for vlogging: dji mini 4 pro, vlogging camera accessories, why not a video camera or camcorder.

Geoffrey Morrison has been a professional writer and photographer for 20 years. He has written extensively about cameras for multiple publications, and for most of the past decade he has been a digital nomad, doing travel writing and photography for outlets such as Wirecutter, The New York Times, CNET, and Forbes. He also has his own YouTube channel , which features lots of vlogging footage.

Arriana Vasquez is a senior updates writer for Wirecutter and has contributed to our guides to tripods , tripods for smartphones , and instant cameras . She is also a photographer at a product studio, where she shoots everything from antique charms to zebra-print leggings.

James Austin is a staff writer who covers games and hobbies and also serves as Wirecutter’s expert on drones . He has been following a variety of daily vloggers since 2010, and he has even made some vlogs of his own, chronicling the build season of his robotics team.

Vlogging can be a lot of fun, and if that’s the only thing you want from it, all you need is an idea and a video. However, if you want to make money, it is unquestionably a job. Many YouTubers get burned out facing the constant hustle of producing new videos that must perform, or else they lose their income. All that is to say, you’ll need to treat it like a job way before you’ll get paid like it’s a job.

What you don’t need is a lot of expensive gear, at least not to start. Your first videos likely won’t be seen by many people. It will take time for you to streamline your process, get used to being on camera, and figure out whether this is something you really want to do. Start with the gear you have, learn the job, and then upgrade your gear later, if you decide to stick with it.

But don’t take our word for it. Consider the advice of Kika and Dan, the duo behind Sailing Uma , a channel about buying an aging sailboat, fixing it up, and learning how along the way. They’ve been supporting themselves with YouTube videos (and Patreon ) as they’ve sailed around the world for the past six years. At this writing, their channel has 420,000 subscribers and over 95 million views.

We asked them what they would say to someone just starting out, and they told us, “The most important step is to just get out there, and do the best you can, with what you have at that point in time. With experience, you’ll learn what works and what doesn’t, and what gear fits into your own style and workflow.”

“To some extent, gear does matter,” Dan said via email. “But like my high school shop teacher used to tell me, ‘a good carpenter never blames his tools.’ Over the years we developed our own style, experimented, and slowly evolved our gear to help make our creative process flow smoother.”

We highly recommend their “ A ‘Master Class’ in Advanced Video Selfies ” video, which shows how they made this beautiful travel/day-in-the-life video .

Karl Smallwood, creator of Fact Fiend , has 753,000 subscribers and 320 million views at this writing. He’s able to support himself and a small staff from the channel’s income with his laid-back but highly informative videos about random facts.

He told us, “We’ve never particularly cared about visuals and instead focused on audio when upgrading and purchasing equipment, as more people than you’d expect listen to videos as background noise and, in our experience, people are more likely to forgive janky visuals than bad audio.”

A good mic is a crucial purchase, and we’ll discuss microphones for use with phones and with cameras below.

In the end, what makes a vlog successful is largely how much effort and time you’re willing to put into it, regardless of what you’re shooting with.

As the adage goes, the best camera is the one you have with you. This is true for vlogging, as well. Any current smartphone—even models a few years old—can record videos that look fine on YouTube.

The benefit of using your phone, or whatever camera you already have, is that you can get used to the process of making vlogs before you spend lots of extra money. It’s also easy and fairly inexpensive to boost the quality of what you can get out of your existing camera by purchasing some basic accessories, which we’ll discuss in a moment.

That said, upgrading your camera can result in better-looking video and help you get shots and clips not possible with a phone. In some cases, our pick for the best action camera is a logical option. As for other kinds of cameras, we’ve identified a few features specifically important for vlogging that we don’t focus on for our general camera guides:

• Face recognition: This feature ensures that your face (and the face of anyone you might interview) is in focus at all times.
• Flip-up or flip-out touchscreen: This kind of screen allows you to see where you are in the frame while you’re recording yourself.
• Built-in Wi-Fi: Connectivity makes transferring still images or video clips to your smartphone or tablet quick and easy, and even more important, it lets you start or stop recording remotely.
• Microphone input: This feature allows you to add a directional or wireless microphone, which makes your voice easier to hear when you’re recording in noisy situations.
• 4K resolution: Compared with 1080p, 4K provides four times as many pixels. Even if you don’t plan on creating 4K videos, having extra resolution gives you options during the editing stage, allowing you to zoom in or crop differently. And in general, your video will have more apparent detail even if the end result is 1080p.
• Slow-motion capabilities: If you want to create cinematic shots that increase your video’s apparent production values, slow motion is one way to do it.

We also favor more portable cameras for this purpose. DSLRs can provide great video, but they’re quite heavy and generally lacking in image stabilization, so we primarily focus on mirrorless and fixed-lens cameras for vlogging. (If you’re only ever going to stay in one place and produce cooking videos or makeup tutorials, though, heavier cameras like DSLRs can be suitable.)

If you’re planning to stream videos live instead of uploading individual vlog entries to YouTube, our picks wouldn’t work well for you. Most of them aren’t designed to handle a constant flow of video, and they are hard-coded to limit video clips to 30 minutes or less. If you’re looking for something that will help you make your own Let’s Play channel, for example, a webcam will serve you better.

If you’re wondering about camcorders, we address them in their own section .

Insta360 Flow

For smooth, stabilized cell phone video.

This gimbal effectively stabilizes video shot with even the shakiest hands, while offering useful features such as a built-in tripod and an integrated selfie stick.

Buying Options

Assuming that you already have a phone you like, we’ve found that a few accessories can improve the quality of any phone’s video. The first is a gimbal .

These motorized handles counteract your arm and hand movement, stabilizing the phone so that you can record smooth video with no distracting bouncing. Think of it as a hand-holdable Steadicam rig, one that you can get for well under $200.

The Insta360 Flow is the best phone gimbal because of its approachability, compact size, long-lasting battery, and helpful built-in accessories. It creates far smoother video than what a phone can do internally, or what you can get from any software stabilization you can add in post-production.

Joby GorillaPod 1K Kit

A small tripod that can grip.

The GorillaPod works as a small tripod and a selfie stick, and it can grip surfaces for a variety of placement options.

May be out of stock

For many videos, you might not want to have to hold your phone or camera at all. Placing the phone on a desk, counter, or anywhere you’re recording a video is always, pun intended, handy. Doing so gives you many additional creative options, not to mention the freedom to use both hands. (If you like talking with your hands, it’s especially vital.)

For something small that can work as a handle and can grip fence poles, benches, railings, and lots of other objects for stability, we like the Joby GorillaPod 1K Kit . It’s light and highly adjustable, and it can grip onto things with its ball-jointed legs. It can also work as a short selfie stick.

To connect your phone to the tripod , you also need the Square Jellyfish Metal Spring Tripod Mount , which has a rotating mount that can hold any size phone comfortably and can serve as a stand on its own.

Bad audio will alienate potential viewers faster than anything else. No less a luminary than George Lucas once said , “Sound is half the experience in seeing a film.”

Even if you plan on recording only indoors, a good microphone will make your voice more prominent and more professional sounding, and it has the potential to reduce room noise and echoes.

Which of the many available microphone options will work best for you depends a lot on how you’re going to vlog and where. Just about any brand-name mic will sound better than the one built into your phone. Here are some options that we like for use with phones.

Versatile desktop USB mic

This mic offers clear, full sound and easy connection to any computer.

If you’re sticking to vlogging at your desk, check out our favorite USB microphone , the Blue Yeti . The Yeti has been our pick since 2013 and has come out on top during every retest of available microphones.

In our testing, the Yeti produced clear, rich recordings and preserved the natural vocal warmth of our testers’ voices. This is a microphone that both amateurs and professionals turn to for their voice or music work, and it will last for years.

Note, however, that it’s a full-size, wired, desktop microphone, so if you plan on recording video on the go, this model won’t work well.

Røde VideoMic Me

A convenient mic for your phone.

This mic mounts to your phone to give you better sound with minimal fuss. It includes a wind reducer to improve outdoor recording.

If you want something simple that attaches to your phone, check out Røde’s VideoMic Me. It comes in three flavors: the Me-L for Apple phones , the Me-C for Android phones with USB-C , and a version for any phone with a headphone jack .

It has a cardioid (heart-shaped) pickup pattern to better separate your voice from background noise. On the back is a headphone jack, which allows you to monitor or listen to your recordings without removing the mic. An included furry “ dead cat ” wind reducer helps keep your voice clear outside when it’s breezy.

Each version also comes optionally in a kit that includes a grip, an LED light, and a furry wind reducer. To hear how the VideoMic Me sounds and how the overall kit performs, check out Geoffrey’s review of the Røde Vlogger Kit on YouTube.

Sony ZV-1 II

For vloggers ready to upgrade.

Compact, light, yet able to record stabilized 4K video, this made-for-vlogging camera represents a great step up for beginners.

When you’ve gotten comfortable with vlogging and are ready to step up your video quality, we recommend the Sony ZV-1 II . It’s designed explicitly to serve as a vlogging camera, with the ability to record 4K video at 30 frames per second and 1080p video up to 120 fps. It also records stereo audio with a clever top-mounted directional mic. The flip-out screen lets you easily frame selfie shots, and the built-in optical image stabilization smooths out your movements.

The ZV-1 II is capable of recording better video than a phone for two main reasons. The first is its 1-inch stacked sensor, which is significantly larger than the image sensors found in most mainstream cell phones. The second reason is that the ZV-1 II pairs the sensor with an f/1.8–4 Zeiss lens, which lets a lot of light fall on the sensor despite its compact size. It also offers a smooth 2.8x zoom, giving you an 18mm-equivalent wide angle and a reasonable 50mm-equivalent telephoto.

This lens isn’t as wide as what you can get from a typical cell phone camera, but at arm’s length you should be able to fit your face and shoulders in the frame, especially if you use any sort of selfie stick or handgrip.

The ZV-1 II’s flip-out screen is easy to use and makes framing selfie footage simple. On the touchscreen, you can choose your focus point, start or stop recording, and access commonly used settings, including the shutter speed and ISO. Beyond the touchscreen, the menu systems and button layout on the ZV-1 II aren’t as intuitive as they could be; vloggers may find that Sony’s phone app ( iOS , Android ) offers a better way to adjust settings on the fly.

Numerous software features built into the camera make it great for vlogging, as well. For starters, with the touch of a button, you can enable a soft bokeh blur to separate you or your subject from the background. In addition, the fast autofocus can quickly lock in on you, on a separate subject, and then back to you. It can also identify your face and stay focused on you if you move around in the frame.

Although we still recommend a separate mic, the ZV-1 II’s internal mic works quite well and even comes with a furry windscreen “tribble” to keep wind noise at a minimum. A 3.5 mm microphone input and Sony’s MI Shoe mount on top allow you to add an external mic.

The body itself is nicely designed, too, with well-placed grips for you to hold the camera securely multiple ways. Plus, it’s small enough to easily fit in a jacket pocket or purse. On the downside, the screen might be hard to see in bright light, and the camera gives you no way to monitor your audio levels since it lacks a headphone jack.

The ZV-1 II doesn’t have in-body image stabilization (IBIS), but we found that enabling Sony’s software-based Active Steadyshot stabilization on 4K video produced relatively smooth footage. A grip or tripod such as the Joby GorillaPod 1K Kit or Sony’s own Bluetooth controller and tripod can further reduce shakiness. Turning on Active Steadyshot causes the camera to apply a slight crop to recorded clips, but we still fit comfortably within the frame for selfie footage.

Then there’s the matter of price. The ZV-1 II is $900 at this writing. For the features it offers and its overall performance, that is a very good price—in our research, we found many other cameras that offered less for more money. However, $900 is still a lot if you’re unsure whether vlogging is for you.

If you like the sound of the Sony ZV-1 II, but you’d like to save a little money, the original Sony ZV-1 , a former pick, remains a great option, and it’s occasionally available for as little as $650 (though its official retail price is $750). It’s similar to the ZV-1 II in size, shape, and capability, but it has a slightly tighter field of view, with a widest focal length of 23mm (in contrast to the ZV-1 II’s 18mm), and its touchscreen is less useful. On the plus side, the ZV-1 has IBIS, so its photos and videos are just a little less shaky than those of the ZV-1 II.

GoPro Hero12 Black

Best for action vlogs.

Offering high-resolution, highly stabilized video, a forward-facing screen, and a waterproof body, this action camera is perfect for outdoor, active vlogs.

You save $100 (22%)

The GoPro Hero12 Black is our favorite action camera for two main reasons: image quality and stabilization. Both of those factors make it an excellent vlogging camera if your vlog includes any sort of energetic outdoor activity.

Maxing out at 5.3K resolution, the Hero12 Black offers far more detail than other action cameras do. That resolution allows you to crop your footage to zoom in. With its super-smooth stabilization, you likely don’t need a gimbal for steady shots, even when the camera bounces around during recording. It’s also waterproof down to 33 feet (10 meters). And its audio performance is good, thanks to a group of built-in microphones, though in most cases you should consider using an external mic.

The image quality is no match for what you can get with a larger-sensor camera such as the Sony ZV-1 II or especially the Sony α6700. However, the Hero12 Black creates a vibrant, detailed image in bright light and works fairly well in low light.

No action camera can handle true low-light situations. If you’re usually spelunking in dark caves or crawling through poorly lit abandoned buildings, consider a bigger camera with a larger sensor and lens, provided that you can afford to carry the weight.

The two features of the Hero12 Black that help make it a great vlogging camera are its forward-facing screen and its multiple field-of-view options. The color forward-facing screen is small but lets you easily set up selfie shots. As for the “lens” options, you can choose from wide, linear, and narrow, which allows you to frame yourself and your adventure in more ways than you can with most action cameras.

In addition, the Hero12 Black lets you more easily record vertical and horizontal content at the same time. So if you create videos for YouTube (16:9 aspect ratio) and TikTok (9:16), for example, recording 8:7-aspect-ratio videos with the Hero12 Black makes it easier to use the same recorded footage for both.

For more advanced users, the Hero12 Black can also record 10-bit log for easier post-production color grading, and you can enable time-code synchronization to more easily sync footage across multiple cameras. This feature is also available in the slightly cheaper GoPro Hero11 Black , but the Hero12 Black has better battery life and is worth the extra money.

GoPro’s app, called Quik ( iOS , Android ), offers a variety of editing options, allowing you to trim and create videos without third-party editing software, though of course you can get better results in a professional-grade video editor.

One important GoPro accessory that’s worth the investment for any vlogger is the Media Mod . It includes a plastic frame that encloses the camera, plus a built-in microphone and two mounts for either a wireless mic or a small LED light. On the rear are a 3.5 mm audio input, a Micro HDMI port, and a USB-C port (since the frame covers the camera’s USB-C port).

Although the Hero12 Black is an excellent action camera, it is still an action camera. It doesn’t offer any sort of optical zoom, and the digital lens modes merely crop in on the image, so you’re essentially stuck with a wide-angle lens for every shot.

Better vlogging image quality, especially in low light

This APS-C mirrorless camera offers excellent image quality with 4K video, and it does so for a reasonable price. But it’s larger and far more expensive than our other picks.

When you’re ready to step up your game, the Sony α6700 offers the best combination of image quality, stabilization, and price. It’s easy to use for beginners, but it has advanced features that are useful for professionals and semi-professionals as well.

However, it’s quite expensive, so you should consider it only when you’re sure that image quality is what will take your content to the next level. Most likely this means you already have a monetized channel and know what you need from your footage. That said, this model is also a great option if you just want an excellent camera that you’ll also use for vlogging.

If that’s you, the α6700 offers a lot for the money. It can shoot extremely high-quality video, including 4K at 60 frames per second, with the option for 10-bit log recording for easier post-production color correction. This 4K footage is downsampled from 6K, so it’s extremely detailed. The α6700 can also record in-camera time-lapses and 4K at 120 fps for high-resolution slow-motion video.

This camera’s internal optical stabilization, with gyro data recorded for post-production use, can help smooth out bouncy videos, though the GoPro Hero12 Black or a gimbal is a better option if you’re doing anything particularly active. The flip-out, rotatable screen makes it easy to frame selfie shots, or when you’re holding the camera above your head or by your feet.

The APS-C sensor in this camera is larger than the one found in the ZV-1 II and significantly larger than what you get in phones and action cameras. As a result, it produces less noise in low-light situations, has a higher dynamic range , and creates a more professional-looking image overall. Fast and accurate autofocus, including eye and object tracking, helps it maintain sharp focus even when the subject is moving.

In addition, the α6700 has significantly longer battery life compared with the ZV-1 II. Sony estimates around three hours of recording time per battery, and of course you can always get another battery to swap in (and you should).

One of the biggest advantages of an interchangeable-lens camera like the α6700 is that it’s compatible with the many E-mount lenses from Sony and third-party manufacturers. That lets you greatly expand the type of videos you capture: Telephoto lenses can bring faraway subjects up close, wide-angle lenses can capture entire rooms in one shot, and so on.

Otherwise, the only issues are size and price. The ZV-1 II, the Hero12 Black, and your phone are all lightweight and easy to carry. The α6700 is small and light for what it is, but it’s a lot bigger than those alternatives. And while the α6700’s image quality is noticeably better in detail, color, and contrast, this camera typically costs more than twice as much as the ZV-1 II—and that’s without a lens.

DJI Mini 4 Pro

The best vlogging drone.

This portable, light, and capable drone offers high-end features such as obstacle avoidance and an excellent camera. It’s a great option for walk-and-talks where you don’t want to be seen holding a camera.

Cinematography drones allow filmmakers to capture unique angles and wide vistas, bringing a distinctive look to videos. For vloggers, these small flying cameras work well for creating cinematic establishing shots, recording casual walk-and-talks, and capturing action that other vlogging cameras would struggle with. And they can serve as a tripod-free option when you want to talk straight to the camera (though you’ll probably want a separate microphone).

You’ll find no shortage of great drones to choose from , but for vlogging, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is the best option. For one thing, its sub-250 gram weight makes it easy to carry with you and means that it doesn’t require FAA registration for recreational use. (That said, if you’re planning on making money from videos that incorporate drone footage, you’ll need to get your FAA Part 107 license .)

But despite the Mini 4 Pro’s light weight, it retains plenty of crucial features. It includes a sharp, stabilized 38mm-equivalent camera with an f/1.7 aperture, as well as 360-view sensors that help prevent crashes and allow the drone to track and follow subjects without ending up stranded in a tree.

It shoots at up to 4K resolution and 60 frames per second with HDR (and slow-motion 4K at 100 frames per second without HDR). The lens’s wide aperture makes for surprisingly good low-light footage, even though it’s paired with a tiny, 1/1.3-inch sensor.

The Mini 4 Pro is a bit slower than DJI’s larger Air and Mavic drones , but it can easily keep up with a walking or running subject, and it even does a fair job of keeping up with a cyclist. It’s also quieter than its larger cousins, so it’s a little less distracting for other people when you fly it out in the world.

A few key accessories will improve your video and sound quality—and by extension, how “professional” your vlog looks and sounds.

A solid, adjustable tripod: The Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 263AB100 is perfect for many vloggers because it can extend horizontally to better position a camera over a desk or counter. Its legs can also pivot wider than those of most tripods , allowing you to position the camera lower to the ground. You could also use this tripod for vlogging with your phone (though that’s a bit overkill), as long as you add something like the Square Jellyfish Metal Spring Tripod Mount .

A good microphone: If you’re planning on staying in one place for your vlogs, such as at a desk and talking to the camera, the Blue Yeti is an excellent USB microphone and one of our longest-tenured picks. Read more about it in the section above .

For audio on the go, the Røde VideoMic Go is an affordable directional microphone that doesn’t take up too much space in a bag. Its only major downside is that it attaches to the camera, so you have to be attached to it, as well. For more freedom of movement, Røde’s Wireless Go offers a receiver that attaches to your camera and a transmitter that doubles as a microphone. You can also connect a lavalier mic . The Røde Wireless Go II adds a second transmitter, which is useful if you’re part of a vlogging couple or if you regularly interview people. It can also record internally.

Powerful editing software: To create a compelling, professional-looking video, you need to learn how to work with video-editing software, which allows you to add titles, insert graphics, combine multiple clips into longer videos, cut boring parts, and so on. It’s vital.

You can find a variety of free options, including iMovie, which is included with Apple devices. A full list of available editing apps is beyond the scope of this article, but finding one that works for you is worth the time. Popular options include Adobe Premiere Pro , Apple Final Cut Pro , and DaVinci Resolve from Blackmagic Design.

If you haven’t shot much video before, you might not know that a compact, mirrorless, or DSLR camera is typically limited to about 30 minutes of recording time for a video clip. (This is because video cameras are subject to higher import duties in some regions, notably the EU.)

If you want to record for longer stretches than that, you have to opt for a camcorder (or a Panasonic camera, since that company simply pays the duty). This restriction might make some potential vloggers think that a camcorder is a better option for their needs, but it really isn’t.

For one thing, 30 minutes is a long time when it comes to video. In general, you should keep each installation of your vlog shorter than 30 minutes in length. It’s rare that a vlog entry lasts longer, and even rarer that one would be longer than 30 minutes in a single, uninterrupted shot. It’s much more typical for a vlog post to consist of clips that are each five minutes or far less, strung together to make a final video.

Another reason is that with a camcorder you lose the great still-image capture that comes with the best vlogging cameras we’re recommending here. Even if you only rarely drop still images into your videos, you’ll be able to use your camera to capture stills for use outside of your vlogging.

Furthermore, the sensors in most reasonably priced camcorders aren’t as large as those in our picks, aside from the one in your smartphone. The larger sensors in our picks for the best vlogging cameras are better suited to capturing great video and stills across a wider array of situations.

This article was edited by Ben Keough and Erica Ogg.

Meet your guides

Geoffrey Morrison

Geoffrey Morrison is Wirecutter’s former AV editor, current editor-at-large, and a travel writer and photographer. He covers action cameras, gimbals, travel backpacks, and other gear. He has been to all 50 states and 60 countries, and he is the author of Budget Travel for Dummies and the sci-fi novel Undersea .

Arriana Vasquez

Arriana Vasquez is a senior updates writer for powering, home office, cameras, and hobbies at Wirecutter. Her hobbies include reading and photography. Her photos have won several awards in various online competitions, and she is the producer and co-host of Old Books Podcast .

James Austin

James Austin is a staff writer currently covering games and hobbies, but he’s also worked on just about everything Wirecutter covers—from board games to umbrellas—and after being here for a few years he has gained approximate knowledge of many things. In his free time he enjoys taking photos, running D&D, and volunteering for a youth robotics competition.

Mentioned above

• If you want to shoot sharp photos while using a slow shutter speed, we think the Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 263AB100 tripod is the best choice. The Best Tripod  
• Joby’s GorillaPod 1K Kit and the Ulanzi ST-27 tripod mount are the best choices to steady your smartphone when shooting photos and video. The Best Tripod for iPhones and Other Smartphones  
• The best instant camera for taking high-quality, retro-cool photos is the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40. The Best Instant Camera  
• After testing 33 drones, we found the DJI Air 3 to be the best for most photographers and videographers. The Best Drones for Photos and Video  
• If you want to take photos and videos in any situation, even extreme weather, the GoPro Hero12 Black is the best option for most people. The Best Action Camera  
• If you’re unsatisfied with the camera that’s built into your computer—or if it doesn’t have one—the Logitech Brio 505 is your best option for sharp Zoom calls. The Best Webcams  

Further reading

The Best Android and iPhone Gimbal

by Geoffrey Morrison and Signe Brewster

If you want smoother, more professional-looking video from your smartphone, the Insta360 Flow is the best gimbal.

The Best Camera Cleaning Gear

by Tim Barribeau and Ben Keough

Like anything, lenses and cameras need to be cleaned, and this gear will help you clean them properly.

You Can Get Almost-New Camera Gear for a Fraction of the Cost. Here’s How.

by Ben Keough

Camera gear is expensive. Our expert camera editor shows you how to score significant bargains on used lenses, bodies, tripods, and more.

How to Buy a Camera Flash

by Arriana Vasquez

A camera flash can take your photography to a new level of creativity, but picking one can be tricky. We explain how to choose the right flash for your camera.

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The Best Camera Gear for Travel Bloggers & Influencers

Nov 17, 2022

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I'm a travel creator and influencer coach based out of Arizona. This blog is where I share the best itineraries for US & beyond, 63 US National Parks , and influencer tips . Read More About Me ⟶

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Free Class: How to Get Paid as a Travel Influencer

As a travel photographer and blogger, the number one question I get about is what camera gear I use. And that’s exactly what we’re going to cover in this post!

As I grew more experienced with photography and became an Instagram influencer , I saw more of a need for better equipment.

The right gear can bring our imaginations to life and has the ability to help us tell a more complete story.

In the sections below, we’ll discuss what I consider the best gear for travel bloggers and influencers and why these are my fave suggestions for other creators.

Let’s begin!

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Disclaimer: Hey explorer! This post contains affiliate links which means I earn a small percentage of each purchase made through my links. I only ever recommend products I believe in and appreciate your support if you decide to use my links—thank you!

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What to Look For in the Best Travel Blogger & Influencer Camera Gear

When you’re looking for the best camera gear for travel bloggers and influencers, there’s a few things you have to consider:

• Weight of the gear —You don’t want your gear to weigh you down!
• Waterproof —You’ll probably be traveling to different environments and you don’t want your gear to get waterlogged.
• Battery life —You’ll be running around! You need gear that’ll last.
• Ease of use —You never want to miss a moment with complicated gear.

These are the four main considerations I took into account when choosing my gear. Don’t worry, we’ll dive more into these below.

The Best Travel Camera Bodies

Let’s start with camera bodies for travel bloggers!

Before you keep reading, I’d like to note that I’ve switched up camera gear a lot over the years, so I’m not necessarily loyal to one brand. Hence why you’ll find multiple options for each section.

Read Next: How to Become an Adventure Photographer

Cameras for Beginner Travel Bloggers

Sony a6400 Mirrorless Camera

The Sony a6400 is the mirrorless camera I started my travel blogger journey with!

If you’re an entry level travel blogger and influencer, I recommend you grab this guy.

It’s super lightweight, and at 26 megapixels, it’ll get you the high quality images you want for web and social.

I also love that it’s a perfect camera for shooting videos if you want to try out vlogging.

Canon EOS Rebel T7i / EOS 800D

The EOS Rebel T7i is one of Canon’s best entry-level DSLRs.

The camera sports a 24.2-megapixel sensor that also performs better in situations where one may need a higher ISO.

This camera body also has a great touchscreen feature, which adds ease to a workflow!

The Rebel is an excellent choice for beginners looking for a beginner body with high image quality.

Cameras for Experienced Travel Bloggers

Sony a7RIII Mirrorless Camera

Having a mirrorless camera can be a game changer.

They’re typically lighter than your traditional DSLR, making them easier to pack.

The Sony a7RIII is fast, lightweight, easy to use, and quite frankly hits all the boxes you could want in a travel camera.

Since it’s full frame, using it will improve your photo quality!

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR

Say hello to the Canon 5D Mark IV ! This camera is a beast. Its body is lightweight compared to most DSLR bodies, and is practically waterproof. I also love that the 5D Mark IV has a user-friendly menu.

The cherry on top? It has a touch screen which you can use to select your focus point, and even set to “touch to shoot.”

But as DSLR, in general, it can be cumbersome because the bodies are typically more massive than those of a mirrorless camera.

I don’t use a drone all the time, but when I do I use a DJI drone . The Air, specifically, is lightweight and has the ability to capture crisp images and videos.

And if you use a drone, make sure you’re only using it in permitted areas!

Travel Blogger & Influencer Must-Have

Apple iPhone

I don’t think I need to explain why an Apple iPhone is some of the best camera gear for travel bloggers and influencers!

With Stories , TikToks , Reels, and any other social media app, having an iPhone handy is a must.

Camera Lenses

I would argue that camera lenses are more important than the bodies themselves. Lenses are what can change the overlook of a photo and really bring an image to life.

24-70mm f/2.8

F/2.8 refers to the aperture. Without getting too technical, the “lower” the aperture number, the more background blur you can get with an image. This is great for portraits.

Example: f/2.8 has more blur than f/7. Anywho, these lenses are typically more expensive.

If you still want a 24-70 but aren’t ready to invest that much, I suggest trying a 24-70mm f/4 lens. Still a great lens for your photo needs!

Read Next: How to Be Safe as a Female Traveler

Sony 24-70mm f/2.8

This 24-70 lens is my all time favorite. From my experience, it gives you the most flexibility with your images.

You can capture portraits and landscapes without having to change lenses.

It’s great if you want a “no -brainer” lens and don’t feel want to always carry a ton of gear with you. AND, it’s sharp AF.

P.S. Going the DSLR route? Try the Canon 24-70 f/2.8 .

16-35mm f/4

If you think you’ll be capturing much wider scenes (think mountains or tall buildings), you need to snag a 16-35 f/4!

My 16-35 has helped me capture some of my favorite landscape images to date. You can also get a 16-35mm f/2.8.

Sony 16-35mm f/4

The Sony 16-35mm f/4 has been my go-to wide angle lens for a while.

Like I mentioned above, I love to use it for wider scenes.

When I’m writing up itineraries and travel guides about outdoor locations, I usually use a lot of horizontal images I captured with a wide-angle lens.

If you’ll be shooting a DSLR, I recommend the Canon 16-35 f/4 .

70-200mm f/2.8

I didn’t realize just how much I love getting realllyyyyy zoomed into scenes until I bought a 70-200mm f/2.8 .

Lenses at this focal range compress a scene, meaning objects in the distance appear larger.

These kinds of lenses can be great for portraits too because they bring a lot of attention to the subject.

Sony 70-200mm f/2.8

The Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 is a big boy, but completely worth it!

I love capturing more artsy travel photos with this lens.

Some of my most interesting and favorite nature photos were taken with it.

If you’re going withe a DSLR, grab a Canon 70-200 f/ 2.8 .

35mm f/1.8 Prime

A fixed lens means it stays the same focal length allll the time.

So you can’t zoom in or out, you’d have to physically move yourself or the subject. BUT lenses like these are FANTASTIC for travel bloggers because they’re lightweight and produce sharp images.

35mm is a great go-to focal length.

Sony 35mm f/1.8

The Sony 35mm f/1.8 is a great travel lens that won’t do you wrong. You can get just about every kind of image you need from this lens.

For an option that’s a bit more zoomed in, you can grab a 50mm f/1.8 — another popular choice.

Essential Camera Gear for Travel Bloggers

Below is my list of essential camera gear for travel bloggers and influencers. I don’t know what I’d do without these!

For Editing

Adobe Creative Cloud

Editing in Adobe Lightroom had a significant effect on my photography. I previously was editing jpeg files on free iPhone apps but decided it was time to give RAWS a try and switch over to Adobe Creative Cloud . I’m happy I did!

To edit all of my photos, I use a combination of Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop. You can get both programs with Adobe’s Photography Suite .

Apple MacBook Pro 1 3″

I LOVE my Apple MacBook Pro. It has become a staple part of my photography gear. I was previously a PC user but switched over because MacBooks are faster and have more capabilities when it comes to what we creative folks need.

The 13″ retina display also assures that I am viewing my images to the highest quality, allowing me to make the best edits possible.

SanDisk 64GB Extreme Pro SD Cards

SD cards are essential to photography. You can’t take photos without one!

I have used these 64G SanDisk cards for the past couple of years now.

We find that they write very fast (write = images are captured and processed).

1TB G-DRIVE Mobile SSD

If you take a ton of pictures and do not want to clog up your computer, I recommend grabbing an SSD .

SSD stands for “solid state drive,” meaning it does not have a fragile disk inside that will crash the drive if it gets banged around.

I always load images onto my SSD and edit them directly on the drive, then back them up to an external hard drive later

4TB G-DRIVE Mobile External Hard Drive

Backing up your photos is CRUCIAL. It would suck to lose all your travel photos!

I have had several hard drives fail on me. It stinks! But a 4TB hard drive has never let me down.

Hard drives are probably the one piece of travel blogger gear you need to buy. You can back up your blog files on them too!

Camera Accessories for Travel Bloggers

Peak Design Capture Camera Clip

Carrying your camera around your next, in your hands, or digging it out of your pack gets annoying. A Peak Design Capture Camera Clip removes all that from the equation by safely securing your camera onto a bag strap.

Now you’ll never miss a moment because your camera is at the bottom of your bag!

Not to mention, you can travel freely without worry about dropping your camera.

MeFOTO Classic Aluminum Roadtrip Travel Tripod

I don’t use tripods very often.

They can be bulky, and our style of photography doesn’t usually require that we use one.

However, MeFOTO tripods are great for taking travel selfies and couple’s photos.

So if you want to take your own pictures, grab this tripod!

JOBY Gorillapod

If you’re shopping for an ultra-light tripod for travel, I can’t recommend the JOBY Gorillapod enough.

Its legs flex and bend so you can take it anywhere. I use mine for a variety of things like vlogging.

You can also purchase a phone tripod to only use with your Apple iPhone .

Giottos Rocket Air Blaster

When your camera gets dusty, this little guy is the best cleaner, especially if you don’t have a clean cloth around.

And nobody like a dusty camera!

Camera Bags for Travel Bloggers

WANDRD PRVKE

I LOVE this camera bag.

The WANDRD PRVKE holds my laptop, camera body, lenses, hard drives and more.

It has been a recent addition to my travel blogger camera gear, and I can tell you right now that it is ten times better than any other camera bag I have owned.

Think of Ape Cases as packing cubes you can adjust to your needs. Each case has a Velcro wall inside that you can move around.

They’re great for keeping your gear protected as you travel. Plus they’re SUPER light, so they won’t weigh your bags down!

While Ape Cases have a use for a variety of travel blogger camera gear, I use them to hold my camera body, lenses, SD cards, and more.

My Final Thoughts on Travel Blogger & Influencer Camera Gear

Generally speaking, there are TONS of cameras for travel bloggers and camera gear for travel bloggers. It can get overwhelming.

If you’re just looking to start your gear collection, here’s what I recommend you grab:

4TB Hard Drive

WANDRD PRVRKE

Abobe Creative Cloud

Boom, keep it simple. The most important thing to remember with your journey is that STARTING is crucial. And you don’t need a whole ton of gear to start.

So there you have it, that’s the gear I use and happily recommend! I suggest you check out my other influencer tips next!

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This was super helpful! I now have a planned road trip and a full Christmas list, THANK YOU!

I’d like to explore more of my own country and has a lot of beautiful places the nature and scenery are beautiful in your post

Thank you! this was REALLY helpful :]

Last week my Video Camera was stolen from me and I don’t have money ( due to covid impact ) to buy another one. My camera is the most important tool…

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© Dani Rodriguez LLC 2024. All rights reserved. | Legal

I'm a burrito loving explorer who got fired from corporate America and turned that into my dream career as a photographer and blogger. Now I'm here to help you explore life's magic. Thanks for stopping by!

Official Guide to Camera Gear for Aspiring Travel Bloggers (2024)

By: Author Aly Smalls

Posted on Published: May 15, 2023  - Last updated: November 12, 2023

Share with your friends!

With the rise of social media and the growing popularity of travel content, now is the perfect time to share your adventures and make money as a travel blogger.

Since travel content is heavily visual, it’s crucial to equip yourself with the right camera gear to capture and showcase the beauty of the places you visit.

In this guide, we will explore the best camera gear options for aspiring (and seasoned) travel bloggers and recommendations for every budget .

Remember, the camera gear you choose will play a vital role in bringing your stories to life and connecting with your audience on a deeper level.

But even more important, taking your own photos (instead of using stock images) will signal to search engines that you have personally visited these places and therefore have the authority to create and share content about said places. 

Not everyone has the same needs or financial resources, so I’ve put together a range of options, from smartphones and action cameras to advanced mirrorless cameras and traditional DSLRs.

Each category offers distinct advantages, allowing you to find the perfect match for your travel blogging goals.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase I may make a small commission. I only share information about things I know, love and trust!

What Kind of Camera do Travel Bloggers Use?

These are the 4 most popular cameras travel bloggers are using in 2023: 

Google Pixel 6

The Google Pixel 6, with its powerful camera system and computational photography capabilities, is an exceptional smartphone choice for travel bloggers seeking stunning image quality and low-light performance on the go. 

The Google Pixel 6 is the camera I use for all of the photos on my travel blog (which receives over 400,000 pageviews per month). 

Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital Camera

The Sony Alpha a7R IV sets the benchmark for mirrorless cameras with its impressive 61-megapixel sensor, advanced autofocus system, and exceptional image quality.

It’s a top choice for travel bloggers aiming to capture breathtaking landscapes and detailed shots.

Nikon D7500 DSLR

The Nikon D7500 offers a perfect blend of versatility and reliability with its high-resolution sensor, fast continuous shooting, and robust build.

Travel bloggers who want to prioritize image quality and prefer the traditional handling of a DSLR will like this camera.

GoPro HERO10

The GoPro HERO10 is the ultimate action camera for adventurous travel bloggers.

It features 5K video, HyperSmooth 4.0 improved image stabilization, and rugged waterproof design, allowing you to capture thrilling moments and epic experiences in stunning detail.

Best Smartphone Cameras for Travel Blogging

Smartphone cameras offer a convenient and affordable choice for travel bloggers . 

They’re a budget-friendly option without compromising on image quality.

Let’s explore two top-notch smartphone models for travel photography:

iPhone 13 Pro Max

The iPhone 13 Pro Max is hailed as one of the best smartphones for photography, particularly for travel bloggers.

It features a triple-camera system with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, a 12-megapixel wide lens, and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens.

This combination allows you to capture stunning landscapes, intricate details, and zoomed-in shots with ease.

The Night mode feature enhances low-light photography, making it ideal for capturing mesmerizing nightscapes or dimly lit scenes during your travels.

Additionally, the Dolby Vision HDR video recording capabilities ensure cinematic footage for your travel vlogs.

The Google Pixel 6 is another exceptional smartphone with a powerful camera system that caters to the needs of travel bloggers, at half the price tag of an iPhone.

This is the camera I use for most of my photos on my own travel blog.

Equipped with a primary 50-megapixel sensor and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, it delivers remarkable image quality.

The Night Sight mode enables you to capture clear and vibrant photos even in challenging low-light conditions.

The Pixel 6 also excels in computational photography, allowing you to capture breathtaking HDR+ images that showcase the vibrant colors and intricate details of your travel destinations.

May favorite part about this camera is the built-in editing software that lets you edit out other people in your photos with one touch.

Essential Smartphone Accessories for Travel Photography

To enhance your smartphone photography capabilities, consider investing in the following accessories:

Tripod and Smartphone Mount

A sturdy and lightweight tripod is essential for capturing stable shots and long-exposure images.

Pair it with a smartphone mount to securely attach your phone to the tripod, giving you the flexibility to capture steady videos, group shots, or self-portraits.

External Lenses

Expand your creative possibilities with external lenses designed specifically for smartphones.

Wide-angle lenses help capture expansive landscapes, while macro lenses allow you to photograph intricate details up close.

These lenses easily attach to your smartphone and enhance the versatility of your camera.

Portable Charger

Traveling often means being on the move for extended periods.

To ensure your smartphone doesn’t run out of battery power when you need it most, invest in a portable charger.

Look for a lightweight and compact option with sufficient capacity to keep your phone charged throughout your adventures.

Best Mirrorless Cameras for Travel Bloggers

Sony Alpha a7R IV (High-end)

For travel bloggers who prioritize exceptional image quality and professional features, the Sony Alpha a7R IV is a top choice.

With its high-resolution sensor, advanced autofocus system, and robust build, it delivers stunning results in various shooting conditions.

Fujifilm X-T4 (Mid-range)

The Fujifilm X-T4 strikes a balance between performance and affordability, making it an excellent option for travel bloggers.

With its superb image quality, in-body image stabilization, and a wide range of compatible lenses, you’ve got unlimited creative flexibility on your journeys.

Nikon Z50 (Budget-friendly)

The Nikon Z50 is a budget-friendly mirrorless camera that doesn’t compromise on image quality or performance.

It features a compact and lightweight design, intuitive controls, and compatibility with Nikon’s excellent line-up of lenses, making it an ideal choice for entry-level travel bloggers.

One of the best features is the selfie screen, making this a favorite choice for travel vloggers . 

Recommended Lenses for Mirrorless Cameras

Wide-angle Lens for Landscapes

A wide-angle lens, such as the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM or the Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS , is perfect for capturing sweeping landscapes, cityscapes , and architecture.

It allows you to encompass more of the scene and create visually stunning images.

Telephoto Lens for Wildlife or Details

A telephoto lens, like the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS or the Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS , is essential for capturing wildlife, distant subjects, or detailed shots.

It brings faraway subjects closer and adds depth to your travel photography.

Prime Lens for Low-light or Portrait Photography

A prime lens, such as the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM or the Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1.2 R WR , excels in low-light conditions and is perfect for capturing portraits or street photography.

It offers a wide aperture, allowing for beautiful bokeh and excellent performance in dimly lit areas. 

Why Should You Use a Mirrorless Camera for Travel Blogging?

A mirrorless digital camera is a great choice for travel bloggers because it’s lightweight, takes high-quality photos, and has interchangeable lenses.

This allows you to capture a wide range of beautiful shots during your travels without lugging around heavy equipment.

Best DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) Cameras for Travel Bloggers

While mirrorless cameras have gained popularity, DSLR cameras continue to be a trusted choice for travel bloggers.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV (High-end)

The Cano n EOS 5D Mark IV is a flagship DSLR camera that offers exceptional image quality, advanced autofocus, and robust performance.

With its full-frame sensor, fast continuous shooting, and professional-grade features, it is the go-to choice for travel bloggers seeking top-notch image quality and versatility.

Nikon D7500 (Mid-range)

The Nikon D7500 strikes a balance between performance and affordability, making it an ideal option for travel bloggers.

It features a high-resolution sensor, excellent low-light performance, and a reliable autofocus system.

Its compact design and durability make it suitable for travel adventures, providing excellent image quality without the bulk.

Pentax K-70 (Budget-friendly)

The Pentax K-70 is a budget-friendly DSLR camera that doesn’t compromise on image quality or functionality.

It offers weather sealing, a high-resolution sensor, in-body image stabilization, and compatibility with a wide range of lenses.

Its affordability and robust features make it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travel bloggers.

What I like about this camera is that it’s fully weather-resistant and designed to resist water, fog, snow, sand and dust.

It’s the best performing camera in extreme weather conditions . 

Essential DSLR Accessories for Travel Photographers

Tripod with a Ball Head

A sturdy tripod with a ball head is a must-have accessory for travel photographers using DSLR cameras.

It provides stability for long-exposure shots, allows for precise composition, and enables you to capture sharp images in low-light situations.

Look for a lightweight and compact tripod that can be easily carried during your travels.

External Flash

An external flash provides additional lighting options, particularly in low-light conditions or when you need to fill in shadows.

It offers versatility and allows you to achieve better exposure and enhance the quality of your images.

Consider a compact and portable external flash that can be easily mounted on your DSLR camera.

Remote Shutter Release

A remote shutter release is useful for situations where you want to minimize camera shake or capture self-portraits without relying on a timer.

It allows you to trigger the shutter remotely, ensuring sharp and shake-free images.

Opt for a wireless remote shutter release that offers convenience and ease of use.

DSLR cameras are great choices for travel blogging because they offer exceptional image quality, work well in different situations, and lets you use different lenses to capture different kinds of shots.

With a DSLR, you can take professional-looking photos that show off your travel adventures in the best way possible. 

Best GoPros and Action Cameras for Travel Blogging

GoPro HERO10 Black (Mid-range)

The GoPro HERO10 Black is the flagship model, offering stunning 5K video and 20-megapixel photos.

It features a front-facing color display, improved HyperSmooth video stabilization, and a removable lens for added versatility.

With its advanced features and exceptional image quality, it’s the ultimate choice for travel bloggers seeking top-of-the-line performance.

GoPros were the original travel vlogging cameras, so you can’t go wrong with this camera veteran. 

DJI Osmo Action (Mid-range)

The DJI Osmo Action is a powerful contender with its 4K video, HDR support, and dual screens (front and back).

It features RockSteady stabilization, ensuring smooth footage even in the most dynamic situations.

The Osmo Action offers excellent image quality and intuitive controls, making it a reliable choice for capturing your travel adventures. 

What sets the DJI Osmo Action apart from the GoPro cameras, is that the battery life lasts longer and doesn’t overheat or turn off when cold (a common problem among GoPros). 

Insta360 ONE X2 (360-Degree Camera)

The Insta360 ONE X2 is a feature-packed 360-degree camera that captures stunning 5.7K video and 18-megapixel photos.

It’s got impressive stabilization, an intuitive touchscreen, and a range of creative shooting modes.

Using an Insta360 is the only camera of its type if you want to offer the immersion experience for your audience. 

These cameras are great for adventure-style travel bloggers because they provide a unique and interactive way to showcase travel experiences and allows viewers to explore the content from different angles. 

Succeeding in the travel blogging world is becoming harder, so using a unique camera style can help you stand out . 

AKASO EK7000 (Budget-friendly)

The AKASO EK7000 is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on performance.

You’ll love the 4K video recording, built-in Wi-Fi, and a waterproof case for underwater adventures.

With its affordable price point, it’s a great entry-level action camera for travel bloggers on a budget.

This is the best camera for beginner adventure travel bloggers , especially if your content will feature the outdoors, like camping, hiking, underwater sports or even motorcycle vlogging. 

Best Influencer Camera Kits

In addition to individual camera options, you might prefer to invest in comprehensive camera kits that come bundled with essential accessories.

These kits provide everything needed to kickstart your photography and video journey and ensure you have all the necessary gear to capture stunning travel content.

Here’s a closer look at my top choices and what most influencers use for camera kits.

Sony ZV-1 & Content Cre ator Kit

The Sony ZV-1 is the camera I use for my travel vlog YouTube channel .

This camera was specifically designed for content creators and is the perfect entry level choice.

It’s affordable, easy to use and has helped me grow my YouTube channel to over 30,000 subscribers in a little over one year.

This kit includes the camera and the wireless handheld grip, which can be used as a tripod, or for walking style selfie vlogs. 

Canon EOS M50 Mark II Influencer Kit

This kit includes the Canon EOS M50 Mark II mirrorless camera, which is known for its excellent image quality and versatile features.

It comes bundled with a 15-45mm lens, Rode VideoMic GO microphone for high-quality audio, a Joby GorillaPod tripod for stability, and an SD card for storage.

It’s an ideal option for travel bloggers who prefer a compact and lightweight setup.

Nikon D780 Influencer Kit

For those who prefer DSLR cameras, the Nikon D780 influencer kit offers a powerful setup.

It includes the Nikon D780 camera body, a versatile 24-120mm lens, a reliable Manfrotto tripod, an external flash for better lighting, and a camera bag for easy transportation.

This kit is suitable for travel bloggers looking for the traditional DSLR shooting experience.

Mirrorless vs. DSLR Cameras for Travel Blogging

When comparing mirrorless cameras to DSLR cameras for a travel blog, it ultimately depends on personal preference and specific needs. 

Mirrorless cameras are more compact and lightweight , making them easier to carry during travel, while still offering excellent image quality and advanced features. 

They are well-suited for bloggers who prioritize portability and versatility.  

On the other hand, DSLR cameras provide a traditional shooting experience, professional-looking image s, and a wider range of lenses to choose from. 

They are ideal for bloggers seeking robust build quality, precise optical viewfinders, and extensive control over their photography. 

Ultimately, the best camera for your travel blog depends on your individual shooting style, desired features, and willingness (or not) to carry slightly bulkier equipment.

What Lens do Travel Bloggers Use?

The most popular choice of lens among travel bloggers tends to be a versatile wide-angle zoom lens, usually the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM lens (or its equivalent for other camera brands).

This lens offers a wide-angle focal range of 16-35mm, allowing you to capture expansive landscapes, architecture, and cityscapes with excellent sharpness and image quality. 

The lens’s large maximum aperture of f/2.8 enables low-light performance and creative depth-of-field control , while its advanced optical design minimizes distortion and aberrations. 

This versatile lens suits a wide range of travel photography needs, providing the flexibility to capture sweeping landscapes, architecture, and even group shots , making it ideal for documenting travel experiences . 

Its focal length range strikes a good balance between capturing a wide field of view and minimizing distortion, allowing travel bloggers to capture the essence of their destinations while maintaining image quality.

While the quality of your camera gear is important, it’s equally essential to focus on the content you create and the stories you tell.

The camera is merely a tool to capture your unique perspective and experiences.

Happy travel blogging!

10 Best Cameras For Travel Bloggers [2024 Edition!]

If you are not sure what the best cameras for travel bloggers are, then you have come to the right place.

As a full-time travel blogger and 5+ year photographer , I understand the importance of having the ideal camera for the job. Most of your content are created with your camera, and there is nothing more frustrating than not being able to create to your fullest potential because of it.

I found the Sony a7C to be the overall best camera for travel blogging , especially considering its portability, quality of images and videos, and price. The Sony a7C is the smallest full-frame camera on the market (at the time of writing), offering travel bloggers extreme versatility and the ability to produce spectacular work.

Though the best overall travel blogging camera, there are many factors to consider when buying one. And depending on what niche you are in travel blogging, the a7C might not be the best travel blogger camera for you.

Below we will talk about the 10 best cameras for travel blogging based on different criteria, what to consider when buying a blogging camera for travel, and what travel blogging accessories you might need for your camera.

Sony a7C Mirrorless Full-Frame Camera

The Sony a7C is the world’s smallest full-frame mirrorless camera and offers incredible still images and above-average videos. It features excellent battery life, a fully-articulating screen, and a state-of-the-art autofocus system. For travel bloggers that don’t focus on high-end cinematic videos, the Sony a7C is the ideal choice.

The Best Camera for Travel Bloggers

• Sony a7C – Best Camera For a Travel Blogger Overall
• Sony a7IV  – Best Camera For a Professional Travel Blogger
• Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 VII  – Best Compact Camera For Travel Blogging
• Canon PowerShot G7X III  – Best Vlogging Camera For Travel Bloggers
• Sony a6000 Mirrorless  – Best Camera For Bloggers On a Budget
• iPhone 13 Pro – Best Phone for Travel Blogging
• DJI Mini 2 – Best Drone For Travel Bloggers
• Go Pro Hero10 – Best Action Camera For A Travel Blogger
• Fujifilm X-T4  – Best Travel Blogging Camera For Cinematic Videos
• Insta360 One X2 – Best 360 Camera For Travel

Reviews of The Best Cameras for Travel Bloggers

1. Sony A7C

Weight:  509 g (1.12 lb / 17.95 oz) with battery Sensor Size:  35.6 x 23.8 mm (full frame) Megapixels:  24.2 MP Video:  4K at 30/24 fps LCD Screen:  Fully Articulated Max. Burst Rate:  10 FPS Type: Mirrorless Best For: Overall

As the world’s smallest full-frame mirrorless camera , the Sony a7C is the overall best camera for travel blogging. Its most astonishing feature is fitting a full-frame sensor into its ±1 pound body, which means you can have the amazing dynamic range and low-light performance you don’t get with a cropped sensor.

Besides the extreme portability of the a7C, it features a fully-articulated screen for getting the shot from difficult angles or for looking at yourself when used as a vlogging camera. It also has a continuous shooting speed of 10 FPS, a reputable amount for getting nice natural-looking shots when you take photos of yourself.

The only department it is somewhat lacking in is the video department. Yes, it does shoot 4k at 30/24 fps, which is enough for small projects. But if you are a travel blogger who focuses on videos, the sony a7C might not be ideal for you.

2. Sony A7 IV

Weight:  659 g (1.45 lb / 23.25 oz) with battery Sensor Size:  35.6 x 23.8 mm (full frame) Megapixels:  33 MP Video:  4K at 60 fps LCD Screen:  Fully Articulated Max. Burst Rate:  10 FPS Type: Mirrorless Best For: Professional photographers and travel bloggers

If you are looking for a professional camera for all aspects of travel blogging , then the Sony a7 IV mirrorless camera is perfect for you. As the successor of the Sony a7III, a camera with plenty of praise, the Sony a7 IV builds upon that legacy.

Just out of the box, you can see that the Sony a7 IV Mirrorless Camera has a full-frame sensor, so you know its image quality and low-light performance are excellent . It also shoots 4k video at 60 fps , meaning that you can the tools to create some incredible footage even for the toughest projects.

Sony a7 IV’s most iconic feature is its world-class simply but powerful autofocus system . Its autofocus has machine-learning built in, so you can teach it how to recognize different subjects and where to focus. Most users love the incredible autofocus system and praise it for its effortlessness and accuracy.

The autofocus system also translates to video capturing, so you don’t have to take blurry footage anymore!

It also has a fully-articulated LCD screen so you can position it anywhere you want and a 10 FPS continuous shooting speed to capture motion easier in your photos.

The only downside to the Sony a7 IV is its price. But for a camera that can do it all, it is not a bad price to pay! If you can’t afford it, check out its previous model Sony a7 III , it is also quite good, especially for the value-for-money.

3. Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 VII

Weight:  302 g (0.67 lb / 10.65 oz) with battery

Sensor Size:  1″ CMOS sensor

Megapixels:  20 MP

Video:  4K at 30 FPS

LCD Screen:  Articulated (180 degrees up or down)

Max. Burst Rate:  20 FPS

Type: Point-and-shoot

Best For: Compactness and Portability

The Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 VII is one of the smallest travel cameras on this list, weighing less than 1 lb with battery included. It is the best camera if you want something that can fit in your pocket and take with you anywhere you go.

Sometimes you just don’t want to draw attention to yourself in a sketchy city in Latin America, or maybe you are going on a long hike and don’t want to be weighed down by your camera.

Though tiny, the RX100 VII isn’t a terrible camera. It shoots amazing images with its high-quality 24-200mm f/2.8-4.5 built-in lens . With this camera, you don’t have to worry about what the different interchangeable lenses you need to bring you on your travels. It has Sony’s renowned autofocus system, so even a beginner travel blogger can take images without worrying about out-of-focus images.

The biggest drawback of the RX100 VII is definitely its sensor size. Because it only has a 1-inch sensor, the low-light performance is quite bad, so I recommend to avoid taking photos at night time with the RX100 VII!

4. Canon PowerShot G7X III

Weight:  304 g (.67 lb / 10.7 oz) with battery

Sensor Size:  1″ sensor

Max. Burst Rate:  30 FPS

Best For: Vlogging

The Canon PowerShot G7X III is a powerhouse for travel bloggers who do vlogging. In fact, the Canon PowerShot G7X series features many vloggers’ favorite vlogging cameras of all time.

The most unique features of the G7X III are the built-in Youtube live streaming feature and the vertical video capture . The Youtube live streaming feature allows the user to instantly connect with all the audience on Youtube, potentially bringing in tons of engagement and subscribers at ease.

The vertical video capture is ideal for Instagram reels and Tiktok , two of the most important social media engagement platform and tools a travel blogger can have.

Besides these two unique features, the G7X III has the perfect setup for vlogging with its fully-articulated screen and lightweight body . Just turn it on, flip up the screen and start recording right away!

With a reliable built-in Wifi and Bluetooth (something that you shouldn’t take for granted in cameras), you can transfer your content straight away to your phone or computer and upload it right away! The Canon G7X III makes your vlogging steps so much easier.

The only downside to this camera is its 1″ sensor. It is small, so if you are not shooting under the ideal lighting situation, your photo quality might suffer.

5. Sony a6000

Weight:  344 g (0.76 lb / 12.13 oz) with battery

Sensor Size:  23.5 x 15.6 mm (APS-C)

Megapixels:  24.3 MP

Video:  1080p at 60 FPS

LCD Screen:  Tilting (90 / 45 degrees)

Max. Burst Rate:  11 FPS

Type: Mirrorless

Best For: Budget Travel Bloggers

The Sony a6000 is an affordable entry-level mirrorless camera. When it comes to specifications, there isn’t anything from the a6000 that jumps out at you. It has a cropped APS-C sensor, shoots 1080/60fps video, and a tilting camera. Those features aren’t too impressive, but for the price and its size, it is something that is worth mentioning.

The Sony a6000 is a great camera for anyone that is new to travel blogging . Maybe you are just discovering what niche in travel blogging you would like to get into.

But still, you can expect some pretty good image quality from the Sony a6000, especially if you are shooting landscapes in good lighting conditions. It also has a decent autofocus tracking system, so you can get some sharp photos even with moving subjects.

This is especially good for travel bloggers who take wildlife photography.

6. iPhone 13 Pro

Weight:  204 g (0.45 lb / 7.19 oz)

Sensor Size:  1/1.9″

Megapixels:  12MP both front and rear

Cameras: Telephoto, wide, ultrawide

Video:  Up to 4k at 60fps

Type: Phone Camera

Best For: Camera Phone

Phone cameras have come a long way. Nowadays, some of them are even as good as entry-level cameras, thanks to the amazing processing power that some of these phones have, such as the iPhone 13 Pro .

On the surface, the sensor size of the iPhone 13 Pro is tiny at 1/1.9″, but the computing power of the photo edits every image and video you take to create a final result that looks like it could come from a professional camera .

One of its most unique features is its 3 different types of lenses : telephoto (3x zoom), wide, and ultra-wide. All of those three cameras are capable of producing high-quality shots, and the travel blogger doesn’t have to worry about bringing three different lenses with him or her.

The iPhone 13 Pro also has a new Cinematic Mode when it comes to video, allowing users to create an easy depth-of-field look. It is essentially what people called “Portrait Mode on Video” . With countless other features, the iPhone 13 Pro is capable of creating very creative videos easily, something that would create hours of editing if filmed on a traditional camera and edited in Adobe Premiere Pro.

All-in-all, the iPhone 13 Pro is an excellent travel camera for bloggers, especially if you are not working with brands that demand professional-level work. Its compact size and portability are just an added bonus!

7. DJI Mini 2

Weight:  249 g (0.55 lb / 8.78 oz)

Sensor Size:  1/2.3″

Megapixels:  12MP

Lens: 24mm f/2.8

Video:  Up to 4k at 30fps

Maximum Flight Time: 31 minutes

Best For: Drone Footage

The DJI Mini 2 is a valuable tool in every travel blogger kit. It allows travel bloggers to diversify the type of content they produce and offer a more comprehensive profile of the destination. When it comes to a drone camera for travel bloggers, you want one that is portable and takes pretty decent photos and videos, such as the DJI Mini 2.

At 249g, the DJI Mini 2 can easily fit inside your pocket . Despite the size, it has a flight time of 31 minutes , which is more than plenty to get the shot you want, even if you are a beginner and have to try many times.

When it comes to photo quality, the DJI Mini 2 can shoot 12 MP RAW photos. While that isn’t the best, travel bloggers can get a lot done in post-processing with the RAW photos . For videos, it shoots at 4k/30 fps or 2.7k/60 fps, quite a respectable feature considering its size and weight.

If you are a travel blogger, we don’t recommend just getting the DJI Mini 2 as your main camera. You will want at least a nice phone camera to complement the bird’s-eye images and videos from your drone camera!

8. GoPro HERO 10 Black

Megapixels:  23 MP

Video:  Up to 5.3k/60 fps and 4k/120fps

Best For: Action Camera

Features: Built-in stabilization, waterproof up to 33 ft, 8x Slo-Mo videos, and TimeWarp 3.0

The godfather of action cameras, the GoPro, is unquestionably the best action camera for travel bloggers. And there is nothing that represents the spirit of an action camera than its latest release – the GoPro HERO 10 Black .

The latest GoPro HERO 10 Black comes with the industry-revolutionary HyperSmooth 4.0 video stabilization , something that allows users to shoot smooth footage without the use of a gimbal. It is also capable of producing 5.3k videos at 60 fps and 4k at 120 fps , a resolution that we cannot take for granted for such a small camera.

For creative travel bloggers, you can utilize many of the built-in video modes such as TimeWarp and Slo-mo to create diversity in your content. Like all GoPro’s, it is waterproof , and this one up to 33 ft or 10 meters.

On paper, the GoPro sounds like a really amazing camera, and it really is – for action. Because of its tiny sensor, photo and video quality aren’t the best. If you want to take photos at night with the GoPro, you should just forget about it.

It is quite common to make the mistake of getting a GoPro as the first camera for a travel blogger, but it is definitely not enough if you want some good quality photos. So make sure you get another camera to complement the parts that the GoPro lacks!

9. Fujifilm X-T4

Weight:  607 g (1.34 lb / 21.4 oz) with battery

Megapixels:  26 MP

Video:  4K at 60 FPS

LCD Screen:  Fully Articulated

Best For: Cinematic Videos

The Fujifilm X-T4 is an APS-C mirrorless camera capable of producing great images and incredible videos . For starters, it can shoot 4k video at 60fps, something that only the best cameras in the industry can do.

Additionally, the X-T4 features in-body video stabilization , so there is less camera shake when you are shooting handheld. That reduces the number of situations you need to carry a bulky gimbal with you.

Along with Fujifilm’s built-in video tools , the X-T4 allows users plenty of creativity when it comes to capturing footage. The camera’s sublime ergonomics mean you won’t tire when shooting videos and images for an extensive time.

If you are looking for a video camera for a travel blogger, the Fujifilm X-T4 is ideal for you.

10. Insta360 One X2

Weight:  149g (0.33 lb / 5.25oz)

Photo Resolution: 6080×3040 (360 degrees) / 4320×1440 (Panorama)

Lens: 7.2 mm f/2.0

Video:  Up to 5.7k at 30fps

Maximum Run Time: 80 minutes

Best For: 360 photos and videos

As a travel blogger, you want to get creative with your content, both for photos and videos. That is why the Insta360 X2 camera is perfect as it allows you to create spectacular 360-degree photos and videos .

When you take a photo or video the “traditional” way, it often lacks depth , meaning that the view can’t imagine themselves there. But with a 360-camera, it is much easier for the readers to immerse themselves in the settings your photos and videos have created.

The Insta360 X2 is capable of taking 360-degree photos with 18 MP (6080×3040) and panoramas with 6.2 MP (4320×1440), big enough for most use cases. Travel bloggers can shoot videos up to 5.7k at 30fps or 4k at 50fps, which is quite an incredible achievement for a small camera.

Though the resolution is plenty, the quality cannot compare to some of the more “professional cameras” on the list, but you have to remember that it is a 360 video. The same goes for photos, which isn’t surprising with its tiny sensor.

In general, the Insta360 X2 is a great addition to your travel photography kit, but should not replace your main camera.

Guide to Buying The Best Camera For Travel Blogging

In this section, I will talk about some of the things to be aware of when buying a camera for travel blogging.

Camera Type: Mirrorless vs DSLR

One of the biggest debates in the camera world is which type of camera is better – mirrorless or DSLR .

For travel blogging, the best type of camera is mirrorless.

Compared to traditional DSLR cameras, mirrorless cameras are smaller in size and lighter in weight. They produce equally stunning photos and generally better video footage. The only downside is that they are usually more costly and their battery runs out quicker.

Size and Weight

Size and weight are two of the most important specifications for a travel blogging camera . That is because if you are a travel blogger, you will be on the road quite often. Whether that is just traveling from country to country or going on long excursions, you will need something that is portable. My photography teacher always said:

“The best camera in the world is the camera you have with you.” -Sean’s photography teacher

So highly consider size and weight when purchasing your camera for travel blogging.

Sensor Size and Quality

The sensor is one of the most overlooked features of a camera, though it is arguably the most important. With bigger and better sensors, you can take better photos in low light and your colors are less likely to be distorted.

The cameras with bigger sensors are better for travel bloggers that take a lot of photos at night. But in exchange, a bigger sensor equals a bigger camera, so beware of that.

Here are the sizes of the popular sensors:

• Full-Frame: 24mm x 36mm
• APS-C: 23.6 × 15.6 mm
• 1″ sensor: 12.8 x 9.6 mm

Maximum Burst Rate (Continous Shooting Speed)

Another overlooked feature of the camera, maximum burst rate refers to how many photos a camera can take continuously before it needs to rest. While this feature isn’t super important for landscape travel photographers, it is essential for travel bloggers that take photos of themselves with a tripod.

High continuous shooting speed allows you to have movement in your poses so they look more natural. Whether that is just walking back and forth, doing a hair flip, or something else, high maximum burst rate makes taking the perfect picture much easier.

I recommend a minimum of around 8 to 10 FPS (frames per second).

What Type of Content You Will Be Creating?

Before you jump onto the most expensive camera with the best specifications on this guide, consider what type of content you will be producing. Are you are a travel blogger who does a lot of vlogging? Are you someone that produces stunning landscapes or do you prefer more portrait-style images? What about video? Is your work mostly high-quality cinematic footage?

Still Images

If you are a travel blogger whose outlet is still images, then you want a full-frame camera with high resolution. The full-frame sensor will give you the dynamic range and low-light performance that you need for every scenario.

A camera with high resolution will have lots of pixels so you can have a nice image even if you crop a big chunk of the image out.

Another thing you might want to consider is the variety of lenses that you have access to with a certain camera. If you shoot stills such as landscapes and cityscapes, you might need a wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens.

So consider what lenses are available to you before buying your camera for travel blogging.

If your main focus is stills, then we recommend the Sony a7 IV or the Sony a7C.

Cinematic Videos

Taking cinematic videos requires a very specific set of equipment, and a good camera is the core of it all. Without the proper camera, your video might not be in the ideal resolution (think 4k or 6k video), proper fps (frames per second), or you might have a hard time doing color correction in post-processing.

If your main focus is shooting cinematic videos, look for something with at least 4k footage at 60 fps and 8-bit capture. Not only will this make video editing much easier, but the colors and smoothness of your final product will be better as well.

The Sony a7 IV, which shoots at 4k/60fps at 10 bit is a good candidate. The Fujifilm X-T4 can also shoot at 4k/60fps at 10 bit, but it also captures at 1080p/240 fps. This is ideal for creating seamless slo-mo footage!

It is 2022 and vlogging is big! If you are a travel blogger who vlogs, then you will need a camera that is portable and with a fully-articulating screen so you can see yourself when you talk to the camera. The video quality isn’t as important as cinematic videos, so while it is nice to capture 4k footage, it is not a necessity.

If vlogging is your mode of content creation as a travel blogger, then consider the Canon PowerShot G7X III. It is lightweight, small in size, and takes decent videos!

The Best Cameras For Travel Bloggers Comparison Table

Best travel blogging accessories.

Having the ideal camera for travel bloggers is only part of the battle to creating awesome content, here are some accessories you might want to consider when taking your camera to travel!

San Disk 128GB Extreme Pro SD Card

Surprisingly, cameras don’t come with a complimentary SD card, so there’s no way to save the images and videos you capture. We recommend the San Disk 128FB Extreme Pro SD Card because you will have lots of images and videos to store as a travel blogger and the transfer between computer and SD card is much faster with the Extreme Pro version!

Seagate 2TB External Hard Drive

What do you do when you run out of space on your SD card? Get a new one? No! You transfer all your content onto a reliable hard drive like the Seagate, reformat your SD card, and use it like it’s new! Get an external hard drive to make sure you have all the space you need to store your content!

Manfrotto Traveler Tripod

Do you travel solo? Then make sure you grab a lightweight and reliable tripod like the Manfrotto Traveler Tripod. It folds up compactly, perfect for travel bloggers that are constantly on the move. With a tripod, not only can you take amazing images with yourself in it, but you can also take the dreamy long-exposure shots that everyone will love!

Altura Lens Cleansing Kit

As travel bloggers, we have to document the good times and the bad times. That means using our cameras when there is a chance of getting them dirty. As a travel blogger myself, I always bring a lens cleaning kit. I love this Altura one as it has all the things I need for even the worst-case scenarios!

Tarion Waterproof Camera Backpack

If you are a travel blogger, you tend to carry lots of camera accessories – lenses, filters, cleaning cloth and more. To safely protect all your equipment, it is important that you have the proper camera backpack. The Tarian camera backpack is not only waterproof, but it has sections dedicated to different items of photography so you can organize your things much easier.

DJI RSC 2 – 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer

A gimbal is a must for travel bloggers that do cinematic videos. If you don’t do that, then you don’t need a gimbal. But if you do, the price and quality of the DJI RSC 2 is hands down one of the best on the market right now!

Travel Blogging Camera FAQs

What should i look for in a camera for travel blogging.

When buying a camera for travel blogging, consider a mirrorless camera that is lightweight with a good sensor size (1″ or above).

Which is better mirrorless or DSLR?

Mirrorless cameras are much better for travel blogging due to their compact size and ease of use. They are also often better for taking videos.

Is a GoPro a good camera for travel blogging?

GoPros are incredible action cameras, but they lack the image and video quality that professional travel bloggers might need. It is best to complement the GoPro with another camera, ideally one meant for photos and videos.

Those are the 10 best cameras for travel bloggers! It is important that you choose one based on your method of content creation is. Or if you aren’t sure, then the Sony a7IV is going to check off every box for you with its superb image and video quality and portability.

Just be careful though, the Sony a7IV is not cheap by any means!

Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission at  no extra cost to you ! The money will help run this site! Thank you !

World Traveler, Travel Blogger, Photographer

LivingOutLau

Sean is the founder of the travel blog, LivingOutLau. He has been to over 30 countries in over 5 years of travel. Every day, he is traveling and sharing his discoveries of the world through exceptional travel guides on his blog!

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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.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

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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What’s in My Camera Bag – Photography Essentials and Best Cameras for Travel Bloggers and Travel photography

What are the best cameras for travel bloggers and travel photography? What equipment do I use as a travel blogger and professional photographer? In this blog post, I’m going to walk you through everything that’s in my camera bag.

Travel photography is more than a source of income for me. The photos I took during the past 10 years of my travels are my most precious souvenirs.

My pictures remind me of where I’ve been, what I’ve done, and who I became. Whenever I go through my photos, I relive the emotions and those special moments of my past.

I can only confirm the famous quote by Fred R. Barnard: one picture is indeed worth more than a thousand words!

“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.” Aaron Siskind

People often leave nice comments on my photos . I like to believe that my pictures are good, although I feel that there’s always room for growth and improvement.

I also get asked a lot what camera I use and what the best cameras for travel blogging and travel photography are.

Taking a good photo isn’t just about having the ‘best’ camera. Capturing the ‘perfect’ image has also a lot to do with light, composition, being at the right place at the right time, etc.

Photography is for me a mixture of technical skills, intuition, creativity and having the right gear to capture all of this in an image that speaks to people, tells a story, provokes an emotion.

See all my photos in my Travel Photography Portfolio

Having a good camera will definitely make a difference though. Not only will the quality of your photos improve, it will also motivate you to grow and become better at photography. At least, that’s what happened to me.

In 2011, at the beginning of my nomadic life and when travel photography was merely a hobby, I started out with a cheap point-and-shoot Nikon Coolpix. This camera enabled me to practice my skills and I got some good shots but the quality wasn’t the best.

I then switched to Canon, of which I used several different DSLR’s. I was pretty happy with those cameras but they were so bulky and heavy! As I traveled full-time for many years, I constantly had to carry ALL my gear, and, trust me, you feel EVERY kilogram!

Even when I go on hikes and I can store my belongings somewhere, I still have to carry my photography equipment as I need to create content and photos for my work. So it’s very important for me that I can travel light!

Out of all the different brands I’ve used, I’ve been the most satisfied with the Panasonic LUMIX G cameras. I’m not just saying this because I’m currently working as a Panasonic LUMIX ambassador.

The Lumix G cameras and lenses are compact, light, and very versatile and the quality of my photos has visibly improved since I started working with them!

If you think I’m exaggerating about the Lumix G camera equipment being light, let me tell you this.

When my camera bag is fully packed with all my travel photography gear, it weighs around 5 kilograms! This is much lighter than what most other (professional) photographers travel with!

Let me now walk you through everything that is in my camera bag. Here’s an overview of my travel photography gear and the cameras for bloggers I recommend.

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

best Cameras for travel bloggers and travel photography

I want to be able to carry my equipment on my hikes and adventures so weight and size are important factors. I believe that the Lumix G series is the best combination of performance and quality within a lightweight and compact mirrorless camera.

I’m also traveling with two cameras. I occasionally go on photography assignments and I really can’t afford it if something happens to my main camera. That’s why I always have a back-up camera in my bag.

1. Main camera for outdoor and travel photography: Panasonic Lumix G90/G95

I’ve been using the Panasonic Lumix G90 for almost 3 years now. The majority of my photos on this blog are shot with this camera. The Lumix G90 weighs less than 500 grams, has 20.3 megapixels, records 4K photo and video, and is a micro four-third camera with interchangeable lenses.

The Lumix G90 is weather sealed , so the camera can withstand the most challenging conditions. I used it on my desert trip in Morocco , during my kayaking adventures in Canada , and on my treks in the mountains of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan .

The camera is still alive and fully functioning after all these adventures, even after getting caught in a sand storm in the Sahara desert and being soaked during heavy rainfall in the Kyrgyz mountains.

Read my full review on the Lumix G90/G95 !

2. Camera for travel bloggers and street photographers: Panasonic Lumix GX9

I love using the Lumix GX9 for portraits and street photography as it’s a small and discreet camera. I’ve used it a lot to take portraits of the Moroccan people .

The Lumix GX9 is smaller than the Lumix G90. It weighs 450 grams , has 20.3 megapixels, records 4K photo and video, and is also a micro four-third camera with interchangeable lenses.

Read my Photography Tips for Morocco: How to Take Portraits of People in Morocco?

The LumixGX9 isn’t weather resistant so that’s why I prefer using my Lumix G90 on my hiking and outdoor adventures. It’s a great back-up camera for these adventures though, as it doesn’t take up much space and weight in my bag.

3. Camera for travel vloggers: Panasonic Lumix G100

The Panasonic Lumix G100 is the latest addition to my cameras.

This micro four-third camera with interchangeable lenses is very small (it has the size of my hand) and only weighs 342 grams . The G100 has 20.3 megapixels, shoots 4K photos and videos (24fps and 30fps), and full HD video (up to 60fps).

I’ve had the G100 for a couple of months now and only used it for photography so far. I’m very pleased with the quality, so this camera is very likely going to replace my Lumix GX9.

While my other cameras are perfectly usable for both photo and film, the G100 is specially developed for vloggers. It has the ability to film vertically without rotating the camera, so it can film in both 16:9 and 9:16.

The G100 has three built-in microphones so you can film without needing an extra microphone on the hot shoe. The camera also comes with the DMW-SHGR1 grip that includes a start-stop button and can serve as a tripod.

I haven’t recorded many videos with it yet but I’m planning on getting into videography this year and will test the G100 extensively in the near future.

My favorite lenses for travel photography

1. travel blogging lens: lumix g vario 14-140mm/f3.5-5.6.

The Lumix G Vario 14-140mm  is the lens that I use most often when I’m on the road. This is, in my opinion, the best all-round lens as it’s small and light (265g) so it doesn’t add much more weight to the camera body.

It covers the focal length of a 28-280mm full-frame lens which gives me a great versatile zoom capability. I can capture great landscape shots and adventure scenes while having the ability to quickly zoom in for a detailed picture of a subject further away.

The Lumix G Vario 14-140mm is also weather resistant . Combined with a weather-sealed camera body like the Lumix G90, I don’t have to worry about dust or water and I can take it on all my outdoor adventures.

2. Architecture and Landscape Lens: Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm/f2.8

If you’re into architecture and landscape photography, you’d want to use a wide-angle lens that captures wide shots. I often used the Leica 8-18mm to fit the gorgeous architecture in Uzbekistan into my frame.

The Leica 8-18mm weighs 315 grams and braves the elements in nearly any kind of weather as it’s splash-, dust- and freezeproof.

3. Travel Documentary and Portrait Lens: Leica DG Summilux 15mm/f1.7

I recommend the Leica DG Summilu x 15mm for portraits and casual documentary photography. I like using this lens in combination with the LumixGX9.

Due to the small size of both the camera and lens, you’ll blend in your environment a little more. You won’t intimidate your subjects as much as when you’d be using a big camera and pointing a huge lens in their faces.

This prime lens has a fixed focal length of 15mm (30mm full-frame equivalent) and with its small depth of field, you can isolate your subject and create a dreamy out-of-focus background.

The wide-aperture allows more light into the sensor so this lens is also great for indoor photography and shooting in low light.

4. Telephoto Lens: Lumix G II Vario 45-200mm/f4.0-5.6

I don’t really use the Lumix G II Vario 45-200mm very often but it’s a great lens if you want to photograph sports, wildlife, or people from a distance on your travels.

This lens covers a wide focal length range (90-400mm full-frame equivalent) and yet, it’s compact and weighs only 380 grams. That’s more than 1 kilogram lighter than f.eg. the 1570 gram giant (Canon) telephoto lens covering the same range as the Leica 45-200mm!

Essential Camera Accessories for Travel Photographers

1. sd cards.

You’re going to need at least one memory SD Card for your camera to save photos.

I exclusively use Sandisk Extreme Pro SD cards for my cameras and drone.

They come in different storage amounts but with the 64GB or 128GB you’ll never run out.

I have one 128GB for my main camera and drone, one 64GB for my back-up camera, and a 32GB one as a backup.

If you’re wondering which SD card to buy, keep in mind that each camera model has a different size file. If you shoot videos and/or photos in RAW format, you’ll need more memory than if you shoot only photos in JPEG.

My suggestion is to get a 64GB SD card if you’re only shooting photos (JPEG or RAW). Get a 128 GB SD Card if you’re intention is to shoot video as well.

2. Multiple Spare Batteries

There’s nothing worse than going on a photoshoot and having your battery die on you. You should bring at least one spare battery . If you’re out camping or traveling in places where you don’t have electricity for days, take multiple with you. I always bring at least two spare batteries.

You have 2 options for buying extra batteries: get native batteries or buy 3rd party (non-native brand) batteries.

3rd party batteries will be cheaper but you really got to make sure you buy quality ones. These batteries usually don’t last as long as the native batteries. BM Premium is a non-native brand that sells Lumix batteries. I haven’t tried these batteries yet so I really can’t say if they’re quality ones!

Native batteries are more expensive but they’ll be of the highest quality. For the Lumix G90/G95, you need DMW-BLC12E batteries. The Lumix GX9 and the Lumix G100 both run on DMW-BLG10E batteries.

3. Power bank

Two years ago, I invested in the Anker PowerCore II 20000 and it was a game-changer!

This power bank is super reliable and gives me at least 4 cycles of phone or camera battery charge. This is especially useful when I’m on a multiple-day trek in the mountains without a source of electricity. It has 2 USB points so I can charge my phone and camera battery or two batteries at the same time.

I don’t often use filters but they can add a whole new dimension to your photos.

They help with reducing the harsh light of the sun, eliminating reflections on water, smoothening out fast-flowing water, adding extra color to the sky or trees and – last but not least – protect your lens from scratches.

Tip 1: Don’t budget on filters. If you’re planning on using them, make sure you have quality ones or your pictures will be crap…

Tip 2: Make sure to check the thread size of the filter so it matches the front of your lens. It would suck to buy an expensive filter that is too big or too small for your lens…

Here are 2 types of filters that can be useful:

1) Polarizer Filter

If you want to invest in one type of filter, I’d suggest you get a polarizer one.

Not only will they protect your lens from scratches and dirt, they’re especially useful for outdoor and lanscape photography.

They’re great to use on bright days as they will minimize the glare from the sun on bodies of water, add clarity to the sky and deepen colours.

I have a Hoya 58mm Pro- 1 Circular Polarizer that matches my all-round Lumix G Vario 14-140mm lens .

2) Neutral Density Filter

A Neutral Density Filter (ND Filter) controls the amount of light entering the lens. This is especially useful for outdoor and landscape photography.

When you combine a longer exposure time with an ND filter, you can capture blurry, smooth, misty or silky images of water, even in bright conditions. This effect is very beautiful when shooting moving water. It’s like you’re adding motion or blur to your images and you’ll bring otherwise static scenes to life.

Be aware that there’s a difference between standard ND filters and graduated ND filters. Graduated filters will darken the background of a scene, usually the sky, and leave the foreground untouched. This is useful when you want to take photos of f.eg. a waterfall on a very bright day.

If you want to learn more about ND filters to know whether you’d need one or not, here’s a comprehensive guide .

I have the Hoya 58mm Neutral Density NDX400 .

5. Lightweight and Portable Tripod

Tripods are very useful for long exposure shots, astrophotography and taking photos of yourself.

I don’t really use my tripod so much as both my Lumix G90 and Lumix GX9 have an integrated stabilizer in the camera that corrects movement and handshake in photos.

When I really want to make sure that my long exposure photo is going to be crystal-clear, I use my Compact Action Tripod by Manfrotto.

This sturdy tripod is easy to set up, has a comfortable grip and an ergonomic joystick head with an easy-to-use, intuitive scroll-wheel locking mechanism. It doesn’t take much space as the minimum height is 44 cm and with its 1.2 kg, it weighs light compared to most other tripods.

Tip: if you buy this tripod, order an extra Manfrotto RRound-PL Compact Action Plate . You need this plate to attach your camera to the tripod. I’ve lost mine in the middle of nowhere and without this plate, my tripod is useless. Now I always carry a spare one!

6. Spare lens caps

Talking of loosing stuff.

Over the years I’ve lost quite a few of my lens caps. While there’s always a creative solution (wrapping your lens in plastic bags being one of them), it’s usually not the best option to protect your lens.

I’ve learned to have at least 1 spare lens cap for each of my lenses, just in case…

7. Camera Strap

Most cameras will come with a standard strap that you can hang around your neck.

I don’t really like them because:

• they’re not very comfortable as they start digging into your neck and shoulders after hours of walking and
• they have the brand all over it and you don’t want to draw too much attention to your camera in certain places.

I first starting using a vintage camera strap . These straps look very colorful and cute and are easily mistaken for a bag strap. I recommend them for city trips and general travel photography.

Nowadays I have a Peak Design Slide camera strap . I highly recommend this one if you want to take your camera on long hikes and other outdoor activities as they’re very sturdy, comfortable and practical.

The straps are made of the same sturdy material as seat belts. They have extra padding for comfort and on one side a rubber grip to stop it from sliding off your shoulder. The straps also have innovative metal slides so you can easily adjust the length on the go.

8. Waterproof dry bag

I once got surprised by heavy rainfall during a horseback trek in Kyrgyzstan . All my belongings, including my camera, got soaked. I was fortunate that my camera can withstand some water as it’s weather-sealed, but ever since this experience, I always have a waterproof dry bag with me.

A quality dry bag will protect your electronics from rain and humidity, especially useful when hiking in the mountains or in tropical destinations. Even if your bag happens to become fully immersed in water during a kayaking trip , it will keep your belongings air-tight.

9. Camera cleaning kit

You’d be surprised how quickly bits of dust and dirt will cover your camera, especially if you use it outdoors often. That’s why I always travel with a basic camera cleaning kit.

You don’t need an expensive and extensive kit. Some lens wipes, a spotting brush, and a small rocket blower will do the job.

Important: Don’t clean your sensor unless you know 100% what you’re doing. If you scratch the sensor, your camera is very like going to be ruined. If your sensor is very dirty, take it to a camera store to get it professionally cleaned!

10. Universal travel adaptor

Instead of buying a new adaptor for every single country, get a good quality adaptor that will plug into any wall. I highly recommend a universal travel adaptor with multiple USB-ports as it will charge multiple devices and batteries at the same time, no matter where you are in the world.

Camera and photo storage

1. camera bag.

I have to admit something, I don’t travel with a camera bag. I use a regular hiking backpack in which I store my camera in a shockproof c a m e r a case and my lenses in padded pouches .

Reasons why I don’t use a regular camera bag/ backpack:

1) most camera bags don’t have space enough for my hiking essentials ,

2) camera backpacks with enough space for other belongings are usually way too big and/or not comfortable/suitable for a multiple-day trek,

3) I don’t find the compartments inside a camera backpack handy as I’d have to take off and dig in my backpack every time I want to get my camera or change lens. I prefer putting the lens pouches in a small shoulder bag that I can easily access being on the move.

So far I’ve been very happy with my current set-up.

My 20 L hiking backpack has the perfect size to store my camera, lenses, drone, water, and some spare clothes like a rain jacket and sweater when I go on a long day of hiking. It also has a pocket on the side, meant for hiking poles, but I mostly use it for my tripod.

I also use this hiking backpack as my small travel bag during my long-term travels as it also has a pouch for my laptop and external hard drive.

This bag NEVER leaves my side. Whenever I hitchhike or take public transport, I never put this backpack in the boot of a car or in the designated storage space. I always have it on my lap or near my seat.

Another advantage of using a regular hiking backpack is that it doesn’t look professional and doesn’t have THERE’S EXPENSIVE GEAR INSIDE OF ME written all over it. A backpack like this won’t catch as much attention as a professional-looking camera bag would.

If you’re often spending time outdoors and want to have the same set-up as I do, I recommend buying a water-and shockproof case for your camera and waterproof padded pouches for your lenses which you can all store in a comfortable hiking backpack .

If you’re looking for a good everyday travel backpack with a special camera compartment, I’d get the Peak Design Everyday 20L Backpack .

2. External Hard Drive

I have two external hard drives to store all my photos. One I travel with and one that I store at my home base.

I travel with the Lacie Rugged Thunderbolt 2TB . This hard drive is drop-proof, shockproof, waterproof, and dustproof. In other words, this drive can withstand extreme conditions and is ideal to use on the road.

If you need more storage, depending on how long you’re traveling and whether or not you’re shooting video, you can also buy the Lacie Rugged Thunderbolt 4TB (or even get two of them).

Tip 1: Get an extra hard drive cable in case it dies or you loose it. It’s really not that easy to find a replacement cable abroad…

Tip 2: The Lacie Rugged hard drives last a long time (I’ve had mine for several years) but make sure to replace them every 3 to 4 years. My first one died on me and if I hadn’t created a back-up at home, I would have lost all my photos…

I’ve learned the hard way to ALWAYS have a back-up hard drive, especially while traveling long-term.

Now that I’m a semi-nomad with a home base, I transfer all my photos as soon as I get home. Before I had a home base, I used to have a back-up hard drive (a WD My Passport ) at my mom’s place who I visited about once a year.

However, creating a back up of all your photos once a year isn’t enough. I once lost hundreds of photos when my first Lacie Rugged died on me after 4 years of extensive usage. So trust me when I tell you that having a second hard drive is really worth the investment…

Another option that I’ve been looking into and that seems ideal for long-term travelers and digital nomads is to set up a NAS system (Network Attached Server) .

You can set this up at a safe place – your home base, at your parents’ place, … – and you can upload your photos and files to the NAS wherever and whenever you have internet.

Here’s a great article that explains how a NAS device works.

Drone for Travel Photographers

I’ve been traveling with the DJI Mavic Pro since 2017. It has now been replaced by a newer version, the DJI Mavic Pro 2.

Both versions are very compact and easily fit in a backpack. If you plan on purchasing the DJI Mavic Pro 2, get a polarizer filter to add that extra pop to your drone photos.

I also have two spare DJI Mavic Pro batteries because they only last for 25 minutes and I don’t always have access to electricity. They don’t weigh much and easily fit in your backpack as well.

However, before you get all excited and buy your drone, be aware that a lot of countries have drone restrictions and will even confiscate your drone upon arrival.

Yes, you can take amazing aerial footage with the DJI Mavic Pro (2) but it would be a bummer if you’d get fined or even have the drone confiscated if you’d fly it in a restricted area without realizing it.

That’s one of the biggest reasons why I don’t use my drone as often as I would like to.

Reading tip: The Best Drones for Travel Photography and Videography

I hope this article was useful and that my tips have helped you choosing what to bring on your next travel blogging/ travel photography trip.

For more useful tips and stories on travel photography , read my other posts:

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The best cameras for vlogging 2024: top choices for every budget

The best cameras for vlogging, whatever your budget

• Best budget
• Best compact
• Best premium
• Best hybrid
• Best full-frame
• Best beginner
• Best mid-range
• Best purpose-built
• Best action cam
• Best miniature
• Best smartphone gimbal
• Best 360-degree

How to choose the best vlogging camera

How we test vlogging cameras.

1. The list in brief 2. Best budget 3. Best compact 4. Best premium 5. Best hybrid 6. Best full-frame 7. Best beginner 8. Best mid-range 9. Best purpose-built 10. Best action cam 11. Best miniature 12. Best smartphone gimbal 13. Best 360-degree 14. How to choose 15. How we test

The best vlogging camera is the one you have with you. But if you’re looking to upgrade your vlogging game, the options are plentiful. Look at our list below and you’ll find huge variety: from pocket-friendly gimbal cams to premium mirrorless hybrids. We’ve tested each one extensively and they all rate highly, in their own way, as vlogging cameras. 

Based on hours and hours of testing, we think the best camera for most vloggers in 2024 is the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 . It’s genuinely pocket-friendly and uses a 3-axis stabilizing gimbal to shoot smooth 4K content. Auto-tracking smarts make it easy to vlog solo, while pairing it with the DJI Mic 2 results in quality audio. It’s so good, we use it to shoot TechRadar’s TikTok content. That said, we know it might not be the right choice for your vlogging plans.

The idea behind our round-up is to make it easy for you to find your ideal vlogging camera, whatever your budget. To that end, our experienced team has extensively tested a whole range of vlogging options out in the real world. We assess factors such as image stabilization, handling, autofocus and connectivity, as well as overall video quality. You’ll find our honest feedback broken down for each entry, as well as the niche we think it fits best.

Tim is TechRadar's Cameras editor, with over 15 years in the photo video industry and most of those in the world of tech journalism, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with all things camera related. He notes, "any video camera can technically record a vlog, but the models we’ve recommended here make it as easy as possible to shoot high-quality content. Because vlogs span a variety of genres, we’ve tried to cover the full spectrum of options in our round-up, ranging from compact action cameras to full-frame mirrorless models."

The quick list

If you're short on buying time, use the summary below for a shortcut to the best vlogging cameras. When you find one that fits your needs and budget, follow the links beneath each entry to jump down to our in-depth explainers.

The best budget vlogging camera

Combining gimbal stability with a super-portable design and accessible price, the DJI Pocket 3 is a fantastic tool for solo vloggers.

Read more below

The best compact vlogging camera

With a compact build, superlative autofocus and side-flipping screen, the Sony ZV-1 puts powerful vlogging abilities in your pocket.

The best premium vlogging camera

A Micro Four Thirds camera for filmmakers, superb handling and image stabilization make the GH6 a great choice for vlogging.

The best hybrid vlogging camera

With a dedicated vlogging mode and impressive video features, the Fujifilm X-S20 makes it easy to create quality content.

The best full-frame vlogging camera

With simple controls and a capable full-frame sensor, the Sony ZV-E1 makes it easy to shoot high-quality 4K vlogs in any light.

The best beginner vlogging camera

A user-friendly yet generously equipped camera for vloggers, the Nikon Z30 represents excellent value for beginners.

Load the next 6 products...

The best mid-range vlogging camera

Effective stabilization and uncropped 6K recording make the Panasonic Lumix S5 II a versatile option for vlogging on social.

The best purpose-built vlogging camera

Designed to make vlogging a cinch, the Powershot V10 isn’t perfect, but its size and price make it appealing for novices.

The best action camera for vlogging

An action camera with an arsenal of video modes, the Hero 12 Black is a reliable tool for those who shoot adventurous vlogs.

The best miniature vlogging camera

A micro camera with a clever remote control charging case, the Insta360 Go 2 is a tiny tool for impromptu vlogging.

The best smartphone gimbal for vlogging

A stabilized grip with clever tracking features, the DJI OM 5 uses a gimbal to enhance your smartphone's vlogging skills.

The best 360-degree vlogging camera

The best-ever handheld 360-degree camera boasts 8K video, powerful performance and neat 360-degree effects.

• ^ Back to the top

The best cameras for vlogging in 2024

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.

Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best vlogging cameras in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.

1. DJI Pocket 3

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

✅ You shoot handheld solo vlogs: ActiveTrack is your personal cameraman while the three-axis gimbal offers unparalleled stabilization.

✅ You value portability: As the name suggests, the Pocket 3 is superbly portable and easy to carry for any vlogging situation.

❌ You shoot a lot of photos, too: While improved, the 1-inch sensor is still lacking in low-light photo quality and features less resolution.

❌ You’re happy with your smartphone: A gimble mount like the DJI OM 5 could work for you if you prefer to shoot solely with a phone.

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a superb compact vlogging camera, and one that massively improves on the formula of the highly-rated DJI Osmo Pocket 2 . Not only do you get a pocket-friendly form factor and silky smooth footage thanks to a three-axis gimbal, but its video quality is surprisingly capable of keeping up with much larger devices like the Sony ZV-1. New features like a 1-inch sensor and 2-inch rear LCD cement its place as the best vlogging camera for most people. The former not only improves the Pocket 3’s low-light capabilities and resolution but also crucially ramps up support for multi-aspect video.

Picking up the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 will give you a substantial upgrade versus a smartphone when it comes to vlogging. Not only do you get support for 4K 120p (fantastic for slo-mo footage), but its pocket-friendly size and gimbal make it much more convenient than an interchangeable lens camera. It supports remote mics too, although the onboard mic is more than enough for decent audio quality. With a handy rotating touch-screen rear display, switching between a vertical square aspect ratio or traditional horizontal 16:9 is seamless – and the resulting footage is fantastic, as you’re not losing out on any detail. 

Read our in-depth DJI Pocket 3 review

2. Sony ZV-1

✅ You want a pocketable vlogging tool: Compact yet packed with features, the Sony ZV-1 offers a fantastic balance of portability and vlogging performance.

✅ You want best-in-class autofocus: Powered by a Bionz X processor, real-time Eye AF tracks and locks on to subjects with unrivalled speed and accuracy.

❌ You want the smoothest footage: Active SteadyShot stabilization works well, but it’s no match for the steadying gimbal of the DJI Pocket 2.

❌ You vlog in all conditions: The ZV-1 is a well-made vlogging camera, but the lack of weather-proofing means it’s not one to use in the rain.

Compact and powerful, we think the Sony ZV-1 nails what most people want from a small vlogging camera. Its compact packaging gives it excellent versatility, as do its hotshoe, mic port, and fully articulating touchscreen. In field testing, we found its real-time tracking and Eye AF to be best-in-class and the 1-inch sensor was capable of producing crisp, detailed 4K/30p video. Our review also confirmed that the ZV-1 offers a huge amount of depth for a compact camera, with handy features like a built-in ND filter and S-Log2 profiles for those who want to embrace color grading. 

While the newer Sony ZV-1F offers a wider 20mm lens and smartphone-style interface for a lower price, its older contrast AF system and coldshoe mount mean it can’t oust the original from the top spot. Nor can the Sony ZV-1 II , the pricier successor to the ZV-1 that features a wider lens but no in-body stabilization. These are great cameras, but their feature sets don't merit the extra cost - especially when Sony is continuing the sell the the ZV-1.

Read our in-depth Sony ZV-1 review

3. Panasonic Lumix GH6

✅ You want a video powerhouse: With a full suite of shooting modes and features, the Panasonic GH6 is monster when it comes to shooting video.

✅ You appreciate good handling: The Panasonic GH6 is well-built and lovely in the hand, with tidy proportions and a rugged magnesium alloy frame.

❌ You need a full-frame sensor: The GH6 delivers great results with its Micro Four Thirds Sensor, but full-frame rivals fare better in low lighting.

❌ You wan’t the latest autofocus: Contrast-based autofocus works fine, but Sony and Canon’s hybrid systems are faster and more accurate.

Panasonic ’s GH5 II was one of our favorite cameras for vloggers, offering plenty of creative potential in compact packaging. The GH6 tops it on almost every metric, however. Equipped with a sharper 25.2MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, it can shoot 5.7K footage at 60fps and offer a massive arsenal of formats, frame rates, and resolutions. These include a larger catalog of 10-bit modes and forced-fan cooling means limitless recording times. Connectivity options are also comprehensive, although the GH6 does lack the live-streaming capabilities of the GH5 Mark II.

While it’s marginally larger than the GH5 Mark II, it still retains a relatively portable form factor. Its robust build is complemented by familiar controls and new tally lights front and back. The 3-inch rear touchscreen flips, twists, and tilts, while a second video record button on the front now makes it easier for vloggers to start rolling. There’s still no phase detection AF, although contrast-based autofocus performance does seem improved from the GH5 Mark II. Stabilization is superior too, courtesy of an algorithmic upgrade that makes the GH6 one of the best cameras for smoothing out walking motion in a natural way.

Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix GH6 review

4. Fujifilm X-S20

✅ You want top video specs: 6K/30p 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording puts the X-S20 right up there with the best vlogging cameras in terms of video quality.

✅ You want a camera to grow with: It’s not cheap, but the X-S20 is accessible for beginners to use, yet also has the features to let you improve.

❌ You need a tough camera: The X-S20 is very well put together, but no weather sealing means it isn’t a camera that can survive in all conditions.

❌ You’re on a tight budget: Even with updates aplenty, a steep price hike over its predecessor means budget-minded buyers might think twice about the X-S20.

The Fujifilm X-S20 takes everything that made the X-S10 one of our favorite vlogging cameras and introduces features that make it feel like a more user-friendly option for fledgling content creators. Inheriting the well-balanced body of the X-S10 means the X-S20 sits very comfortably in the hand, while our first impressions in testing found that simplified dials on the top plate make it easier to get to grips with what is quite an advanced shooting tool. It also inherits the same 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor as the X-S10 and X-T4 , which we already know from our previous tests is a top performer. 

The X-S20 boosts things further by offering 6K/30p 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording, which is close to overkill. Improved in-body image stabilization also worked well in testing. With a bigger battery on-board, we think this all adds up to a great mirrorless all-rounder. Its price hike will be a drawback for many beginners, while the lack of weather sealing is a broader disappointment. The older X-S10 is still available at a lower price, but features such as a dedicated Vlog mode – which puts neat creative settings a tap away – make the X-S20 the more tempting proposition for vloggers.

Read our in-depth Fujifilm X-S20 review

5. Sony ZV-E1

✅ You’re a solo vlogger: Small and light, the ZV-E1 is properly portable, while AI tech assists content creators by taking care of focus and framing.

✅ You want rapid output: AI tools like Auto Framing reduce the editing workload, while the Cine Vlog setting produces lovely footage out of the camera.

❌ You’re a video pro: A single card slot, recording time limits and no cooling vents mean the Sony ZV-E1 isn’t a camera for power users.

❌ You don’t shoot slow-mo: If you don’t shoot vlog content at higher frame rates, you might find better value from the Sony ZV-E10.

A good vlogging camera should be compact and easy to operate, boxes both ticked by the Sony ZV-E1. As the smallest, lightest full-frame camera with image stabilization, we found it a winner for solo vlogging. The ZV-E10 is even more portable, but you won’t get the same video quality from its smaller APS-C sensor. It’s not perfect for heavy use, with no cooling vents and just one card slot. We also found it tricky to pick out details on the vari-angle touchscreen when working outdoors. But if you’re a content creator operating solo, we still think the ZV-E1 is the ultimate full-frame choice for 4K vlogging.

Our tests found it capable of capturing crisp 4K 60p footage in all lighting conditions, thanks to a full-frame sensor borrowed from the revered A7S III. We were also impressed by its in-body image stabilization, which produced superbly smooth handheld footage that almost makes a gimbal unnecessary. Cutting-edge AI smarts also leave very little to fix after the fact: Auto Framing reliably tracks subjects across the image, which we think is a big win when you’re recording alone.

Read our in-depth Sony ZV-E1 review

6. Nikon Z30

✅ You’re in the spotlight: Designed with vlogging in mind, the Nikon Z30 is a compact option with a vari-angle touchscreen and useful tally light.

✅ You want easy, quality video: Equipped with a proven 20.9MP APS-C sensor, the Z30 produces stellar uncropped 4K footage out of the box.

❌ You want the best autofocus: The Z30 detects people with ease when vlogging, but the ZV-E10 has more powerful autofocus.

❌ You need to monitor audio: With no headphone jack, there’s no way to monitor sound in real time when recording vlogs.

The Nikon Z30 is a compact APS-C camera pitched squarely at vlogging beginners. With no viewfinder, it goes all in on a vari-angle touchscreen. Strikingly similar to the Sony ZV-E10, that setup makes it Nikon’s smallest and cheapest APS-C mirrorless camera yet. Despite its compact proportions, our tests found that a generous grip made the Z30 comfortable to handle, even when self-shooting. The 3.0-inch display was also intuitive to use. Flip it for vlogging and the camera switches to selfie mode, reliably tracking your face with sticky autofocus. What you can’t do in selfie mode is visually check sound levels. With no headphone jack, this leaves audio monitoring to guesswork.

Nikon’s APS-C lens range remains limited, but the 16-50mm kit glass is impressively sharp. And because the Z30 records using the whole width of the sensor, you can utilise the lens’ full field of view. Electronic vibration reduction also stabilizes handheld vlogging, although its 1.3x crop is restrictive at arm ’s length. But with EV-R disabled, the Z30 can shoot uncropped 4K/30p and HD 120p video. Together with a range of color profiles and neat touches like a tally lamp, the Z30 shapes up as a competent offering for fledgling creators.

Read our in-depth Nikon Z30 review

7. Panasonic S5 II

✅ You shoot vlogs for social: By recording uncropped video using the full sensor, the S5 II gives you lots of flexibility for framing vlogs to fit different platforms.

✅ You record run and gun vlogs: Phase detect autofocus, excellent image stabilization and a lightweight build make the S5 II a fantastic handheld tool.

❌ You shoot a lot of slow-mo: The S5 II has limitations when shooting at higher frame rates, with a significant 1.5x crop on 4K/60p video.

❌ You have an eye for design: The angular design of the S5 II won’t be to every taste, and there are better-looking vlogging options in this list.

A full-frame camera will be overkill for most vloggers, but if you want to record vlogs using a larger sensor, we think the Panasonic S5 II is a good bet. It’s lighter than the Panasonic GH5 (above), yet still feels solid in the hand. A tally light would be handy when working solo, but we otherwise found its controls intuitive in testing, with an articulating display that’s crisp and useful for framing. Panasonic has finally embraced phase detection AF for video on the S5 II. Paired with effective image stabilization, the result is dreamy smooth video even when shooting handheld.

In our review, we found that the S5 II excels when shooting video. It produced excellent 6K/30p footage, with rich colors and wide dynamic range. Helpfully, it can record uncropped video using the full 3:2 aspect ratio of the sensor, which means you can easily crop content for different social platforms. Depending on your lens choice, some vloggers will find the 1.5x crop on 4K/60p video limiting, while you’ll need the premium S5 IIX for features like wireless IP streaming. Still, we think the S5 II is a compelling hybrid package for vloggers, especially with the excellent 20-60mm kit lens.

Read our in-depth Panasonic S5 II review

8. Canon Powershot V10

✅ You want a simple vlogging camera: Designed as a point-and-shoot solution for vlogging, the Powershot V10 is stripped back to the core features.

✅ You want a travel-friendly camera: With a flip-up screen and flick-out stand, the Powershot V10 is functional yet inherently portable.

❌ You want the best-quality video: It’s unique, but dated tech means many of the best camera phones can shoot 4K vlogs that look just as good.

❌ You value manual control: Designed not to be intimidating, the Powershot V10 limits user control to a manual exposure mode, so it’s not one for pros.

Purpose-built for vlogging, the Canon Powershot V10 is the first of a new breed designed to rival the phone in your pocket. It uses the same 1-inch sensor as the Powershot G7 X III from 2019, but optimised to work with a fixed 18mm F2.8 lens to rival the Sony ZV-1F. While dated in some ways, it has a natural advantage over most smartphones, producing sharp, detailed results in bright conditions, aided by subject-tracking that proved reliably sticky in testing.

We found its form factor curious during our review, with room for a few design improvements, but it handles well on the whole. Though it would benefit from better front-on visibility, the 2-inch flip-up touchscreen is useful for framing, while the simple control setup – including a big record button – proved pretty foolproof. We also found that its built-in stand makes life easier when working solo. Digital image stabilization is a little jittery when smoothing footsteps, but this will likely improve with future firmware updates. Straightforward wireless live-streaming also enhances the camera’s vlogging chops. So while it can’t compete with the latest alternatives, the Powershot V10 makes sense as a pared-back choice for vloggers who want point-and-shoot simplicity.

Read our in-depth Canon Powershot V10

Also consider...

9. GoPro Hero 12 Black

✅ You shoot vlogs for social: Thanks to a sensor with an 8:7 aspect ratio, the GoPro Hero 12 Black lets you easily create quality vertical videos.

✅ You want high-quality video: 5K/60p footage is slick, while the 10-bit mode is a big win for those who like to color grade in post-production.

❌ You need a low-light champ: The Hero 12 Black doesn't have a big sensor, and its low-light footage reflects that.

❌ You want magnetic mounting: The DJI Osmo Action 3 and 4 plus Insta360 Go 3 all offer snappier magnetic mounting.

If your vlogs are more adventurous, we think the GoPro Hero 12 Black is the best action cam for vlogging. It builds on the already impressive Hero 11 Black, introducing some pro focused features that includes Bluetooth support, dual channel audio, better battery life, a tripod thread, plus the full 8:7 sensor area is now available for all video modes, with GoPro's log profile and HDR video. You also get the same 5.3K video up to 60fps from the 8:7 sensor – ideal for reframing footage in multi-aspect ratios like for social – with Horizon Lock and HyperSmooth 5.0 that do a remarkable job of keeping videos perfectly level when vlogging handheld, letting you create content that you couldn’t replicate with a smartphone.

Both models are physically the same - barring the Hero 12 Black's addition of a tripod thread – and use the same battery even though the new model's battery life is much better. The sensor is the same, too, so low light performance underwhelms when compared to the DJI Osmo Action 4 – and means the Hero 12 Black isn't a perfect vlogging tool. And if you don't need its pro-focused video tools, then the Hero 11 Black could be a more sensible option given it costs less. However, as our review notes, the Hero 12 Black is an action camera "edging closer to perfection".

Read our in-depth GoPro Hero 12 Black review

10. Insta360 Go 2

✅ You want a tiny vlogging cam: Mini dimensions and lots of mounting options make the Insta360 Go 2 a seriously versatile little camera.

✅ You value quality video: Resolution is limited to 1440p, but the results are very impressive, particularly for a camera that’s so small.

❌ You like to compose shots: The Go 2 only has a simple monochrome display, so you’ll need to use your phone as a wireless display for framing vlogs.

❌ You want to shoot in 4K: The Go 2 captures impressive detail, but a resolution of 1440p leaves little room for cropping footage after the fact.

Few cameras offer the vlogging portability of the Insta360 Go 2. Hitting the scales at a mere 26.5g, the camera itself is a tiny, pared-back pebble that’s capable of capturing detailed and dynamic 1440p footage at up to 50fps. In our review, we found its stabilization isn’t up to GoPro standards, but the FlowState software does a reasonable job of mitigating walking motion, especially if you process video with your laptop rather than the Insta360 app. There’s no display on the camera itself, which will be a dealbreaker for some, but the app can be used for a wireless video preview. 

We did find the protective charging case very useful in testing: home to two buttons and an OLED readout, the controls and camera face the user when the Insta360 Go 2 is docked, making it an ideal handheld vlogging setup. The case also features fold-out legs for tripod duties and works as a remote for wireless camera control. At 30 minutes, battery life isn’t the best, but with a single microphone that renders vocals with decent punch and clarity, the Insta360 Go 2 is an easy, properly pocketable option for recording quick clips and vlogs on the go.

Read our in-depth Insta360 Go 2 review

11. DJI OM 5

✅ You want a compact gimbal: A smaller battery and fewer ports make the DJI OM 5 a smaller, lighter device that fits in a large pocket.

✅ You vlog with your smartphone: Attach your mobile to the OM 5 and you get powerful three-axis image stabilization and an extending selfie stick.

❌ You don’t need a selfie stick: If you don’t need the OM 5’s telescopic arm, the OM 4 might be better value, particularly with its power bank functionality.

❌ You want a traditional mount: The OM 5 uses a convenient magnetic attachment system, but it requires a grip to live on your phone.

Today’s smartphones are already excellent vlogging tools, but DJI’s stabilized handles are a great way to add to your mobile’s video skills. With a smaller battery than previous editions, the latest model also sacrifices power bank functionality in favor of a more refined, compact design. 

In testing, we thought the OM 5 felt more elegant and premium than previous editions. We also felt that the option to extend it into a selfie stick added useful creative scope, even if it proved a little fiddly – and offered a less versatile roll range than the OM 4 before it. We found that the 3-axis gimbal still did a great job of keeping footage smooth and steady. Improved active tracking and ShotGuides in the Memo app were also a hit in testing. If you’re happy to have a grip attached to your phone, this tool will transform it into a clever videography combo.

Read our in-depth DJI OM 5 review

The best 360 degree vlogging camera

12. Insta360 X4

✅ You want vlogs with a difference: Some of the X4's shooting modes such as bullet time can give your vlogs a creative edge.

✅ You want a mult-purpose vlogging camera: The X4 is more than 360-degree: it's also a fabulous single-lens action camera and capable dash cam. 

❌ You don't want to edit much: If you're new to 360-degree video, you'll need to invest the time to produce the best quality results.

❌ You don't want large file sizes: Insta360 has done a great job keeping the 8K file sizes down, but they're still pretty big.

The waterproof Insta360 X4 won us over during testing. Not just for its novel 360-degree features and best-ever 8K video with superb image stablization, but also for its versatility – in its single-lens mode you can shoot 4K 60p video, which considering its fully waterproof makes the X4 a legitimate action camera. You can go places and do things with the X4 for your vlogs that you simply can't do with other vlogging cameras, like the DJI Pocket 3, which isn't built to withstand tough weather or take a dip in the ocean.

We had so much fun trying out the bullet time, hyperlapse and timelapse modes, while the increased 8K resolution sensor improves just about every shooting mode. For example, FreeFrame can shoot single-lens videos in multiple aspect ratios – you pick if you want vertical or horizontal, ideal for getting your content out in multiple versions for different platforms. It may be a 360-degree camera, but the Insta360 X is the swiss army knife in the video world, and one of its tool is defintely vlogging.   

Read our in-depth Insta360 X4 hands-on review

From premium webcams to mirrorless models, the best vlogging cameras come in a range of shapes and sizes. The features you need will vary depending on what and how you like to shoot.

If you’re a solo filmmaker, for example, you’ll probably want a camera with an articulating touchscreen which makes it much easier to frame shots when working by yourself. Equally, if a lot of your content involves speaking to the camera, you’ll need an external microphone input to ensure you capture top-notch audio for your audience. Reliable face-tracking autofocus will also mean that your subject stays sharp, even if they move within the frame.

A lot of vloggers like to walk and talk at the same time. If this is your style, you should consider a camera with in-body image stabilization. This will help to smooth out any shaky motion caused by your footsteps and make footage much more watchable. Some cameras go a step further with an integrated gimbal which counteracts motion on several axes to stay level, like the DJI Pocket 2.

Almost all of the best vlogging cameras can now shoot in 4K resolution as standard. But it’s important to look beyond resolution alone. High frame rates of 120fps and above will allow you to shoot stunning slow-motion footage, for example. And if post-processing is part of your workflow, 10-bit color depth will give you greater flexibility in the editing room.

What kind of camera do vloggers use?

As you can tell from the buying advice above, vloggers use a wide range of different cameras depending on their specific needs. 

Many vloggers favor mirrorless models for their combination of image quality, performance and flexibility. The best mirrorless vlogging cameras feature high-resolution sensors, in-body image stabilization for smoother footage, plus the option to swap lenses to suit different shooting scenarios – all in packages that are relatively portable. Mirrorless cameras are also more likely to feature ports for connecting external accessories, such as microphones, headphones and hot-shoe lights.

That said, some vloggers prefer to prioritize portability. Truly tiny cameras like the Insta360 Go 2 sacrifice total creative control in favor of quick, simple accessibility for capturing off-the-cuff footage. Compact cameras like the Sony ZV-1 can represent a good middle ground for a lot of vloggers, offering solid image quality and manual control options, yet still in a form factor that can comfortably slip into a pocket.

Other vloggers choose cameras which are specifically suited to their shooting needs. Rugged models like the GoPro Hero 10 Black, for example, offer advanced connectivity and live-streaming options, plus plenty of creative modes, in a sturdy package that makes it easy to shoot vlogs even in extreme weather conditions.

Vloggers who stream from a seated position will often favor a premium webcam like the Razer Kiyo Pro, which deftly fills a unique niche. Equally, those who want a dedicated tool to record while they walk-and-talk might use something like DJI’s Pocket 2.

The most important features for a vlogging camera are its video quality, autofocus, in-body image stabilization and audio options, so those are the main areas our tests focus on. 

To review the video quality, we shoot at the camera's highest resolution and frame-rate in a variety of handheld scenes, including the popular walk-and-talk style, to see how it handles colors, skin tones, detail and rolling shutter. We also include high-contrast scenes to test how well the auto-exposure and white balance adapt to changes in lighting.

These tests are also a good opportunity to the test the vlogging camera's Face and Eye tracking autofocus, along with the quality of its stabilization (both electronic and mechanical, if available). Another thing we test in these scenes is an oft-overlooked part of the vlogging equation, the built-in microphones. If the camera has a microphone input, we'll also use it with an external lav mic to see how the quality compares to its internal audio.

Many of the latest vlogging cameras include additional features like flat color profiles, articulating touchscreens, built-in ND filters and, in Sony's case, a 'product showcase' feature that's ideal for those who run a YouTube channel from home. If available, we test all of these functions to see how they fare compared to their closest rivals, then wrap up our conclusions based on our various impressions of the camera's build quality, design, video quality, audio quality and features.

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Tim is the Cameras editor at TechRadar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other. 

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

The Best Travel Camera: Compact, DSLR, Mirrorless & Phone!

Last updated: June 2, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 167 Comments

I’m a professional travel photographer, and one of the most popular questions I’m asked by readers and students on my travel photography course is what the best travel camera is.

With that in mind, I wanted to put together a definitive (and regularly updated) guide to the best travel camera out there.

This guide covers everything you need to know to help you choose the best camera for travel, based on your needs and budget, as well as a guide to all my favourite cameras.

This is a detailed post, in which I’m going to cover my top picks for the best camera across a range of categories, including smartphones, compact cameras, mirrorless cameras and DSLR cameras, to name just some of the options.

These travel camera picks will suit a wide range of budgets, needs, and expertise levels. Our picks are ordered in approximate order of budget, from lower budget models through to higher end models.

I’m also going to go through in detail what you need to look for when buying a camera for travelling, and why each specification is important, so you can make the best choice for you.

Remember, the best camera for travel is going to be very dependent on your needs and situation, but after reading this post you should be able to pick the right camera for you – even if it’s not one we suggest!

I also have a guide to the best cameras for hiking and backpacking which contains some different options specific to those requirements, as well as a guide to the best action cameras .

This guide will also work if you are looking to buy a camera for someone else, and I recommend taking a look at our photography gift guide for more ideas of what to buy a photographer too.

Now, before we dive into individual travel camera recommendations, let’s get started by looking at what you need to think about when picking a camera for travel.

I think this is essential reading, as understanding what you are looking for when buying a camera will help you make a truly informed decision.

What To Consider When Picking A Travel Camera

Budget – how much do you have to spend on a travel camera.

This is an important one. Cameras vary wildly in price, from a couple of hundred dollars up to thousands of dollars. So you definitely need to think about how much you want to spend.

Also, this is a travel camera. Whilst you want to get the best shots, travel can expose you to risks, from loss to theft. Obviously, these are things that can be mitigated against with insurance, but it’s something to bear in mind when making an investment – the more pricey the camera, the higher the insurance premium.

Finally, don’t forget that the camera is only a part of the puzzle. You will also need things like memory cards, spare batteries, lenses – as well as possibly a tripod and filters. Your needs will vary, but don’t forget to include them in your overall budget – I’ve written a post on travel photography accessories to give you some pointers, as well as a guide to picking the best lens for travel photography .

Weight – How much are you willing to carry around?

This is a really important question. If you’re the kind of person who likes to travel light, then you’re not going to want a bulky DSLR. Having the best travel camera that sits in your hotel room while you’re out having fun isn’t going to be much use.

Even a mirrorless system might be too much for you if you want something that will truly fit in your pocket or purse, and your best bet is probably a smartphone or compact camera.

On the other hand, if image quality and low-light performance are more important to you than weight, and you’re happy carrying spare lenses, filters, and other accessories, then you’ll likely be looking at a mirrorless or DSLR system.

Remember, as a general rule of thumb, the bigger the camera, the more room it has for a larger sensor. A larger sensor means the camera can capture more light, which means you’ll get sharper, cleaner images even when shooting in darker situations.

Use – What are you going to be taking pictures of?

The type of photography you’re going to be doing makes a big different to the type of travel camera you will be buying. If your main goal is to take nice travel photos for your albums, social media, and to post to friends and family online, then any of the camera types will likely do the job.

However, if you’re going to be doing a lot of action photography, or need the camera to be fully waterproof, then something like a GoPro is going to be the best option.

If you like astrophotography, you’re going to need a camera with a big sensor to let in plenty of light and you might want to invest in a DSLR. Conversely, if you just want a general purpose camera with plenty of flexibility for a variety of travel scenes, from food to landscapes to people, then something like a mirrorless system will most likely be best, offering the best performance for the weight.

Extra features to look for in a Travel Camera

A lot of cameras these days come with extra features that you may or may not care about. I’m talking about touchscreen interfaces, built-in GPS, WiFi, weather resistance, pivoting screens, and so on.

The main features you should be looking at in terms of actual image quality are the sensor size, aperture range, level of manual control, and, for cameras without an interchangeable lens, the optical zoom. Beyond that, which features you are interested in depend on your needs.

For example, you may also want to take videos with your camera. Some cameras are much better at video than others – notably Panasonic’s range of Lumix cameras are known for their video performance.

Personally, I love having a camera with GPS and WiFi capabilities so I can easily remember where my shots were taken, plus I can remote control my camera from my smartphone. On the other hand, a touchable, pivoting screen isn’t a deal breaker for me.

What works for me might not work for you though, so think about which features are important to you when making a purchasing decision. The best camera for travel photography definitely varies from person to person, but hopefully the information in this post will help you make the right decision.

Photography Terminology to Know When Buying a Camera for Travel

Like any subject, photography brings with it a raft of terminology – some of it is important to know about, other things are manufacturer buzzwords that don’t really make any difference to your photography. Here are the important terms to look for when buying a camera for travel, and what they mean.

Aperture. The aperture is the hole in the lens that lets light in, and is one side of the exposure triangle . Aperture is measured in numbers, with an “f” preceding the number, for example, f/1.8, f/2.2. The smaller the number after the “f”, the bigger the hole, and the more light that gets in. Look for smaller numbers, which will let you get better pictures even when there is less light available, and also allow you to better control depth of field .

Optical zoom. This represents the difference between the smallest and largest magnification that the camera’s lens can achieve. So a camera with a 10x optical zoom can make objects seem 10x bigger in the image compared to when the camera is zoomed out.

Digital zoom. A totally pointless feature that some manufacturers add to their cameras. It’s basically a software zoom – the same effect you get if you zoom in on your PC or smartphone when you have an image. Avoid using it.

Focal length. Focal length is the proper photography term for optical zoom, and is a standard across lenses and manufactures. Optical zoom is an easy to understand number that you will find in point and shoot cameras. Focal length, measured in mm, is the number you will find on cameras with interchangeable lenses. The bigger the focal length, the more magnification the lens offers.

EVF. An electronic viewfinder. This means that the camera has a viewfinder, but rather than being a glass based version that shows the scene in front of you as your eye sees it, instead there’s a small electronic screen which shows what the camera sensor is seeing – the same as the display on the back of the camera. You generally only find these on high end mirrorless cameras.

Megapixels. Megapixels just refers to the number of pixels the camera’s sensor has. Mega means million. So 12 megapixels is 12 million pixels, and would be an image 4000 pixels wide and 3000 pixels high. 4000 * 3000 = 12 million.

Thankfully, manufacturers are nearly over the megapixel war, which is a good thing, because as long as you have over about 12 megapixels, you’re good to go. In some cases, such as smartphones, less megapixels is actually better, as you’ll probably get better low-light performance as each pixel on the sensor might be bigger. But yes, unless you’re planning on printing out your images on billboard sized canvases, you can essentially ignore the megapixel marketing.

OIS / EIS. These are image stabilisation technologies, either Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) or Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS). OIS is found in a number of camera and lens systems, and a small number of smartphones, and is a mechanical system that compensates for small movements of the camera system, such as your hand. EIS is generally only found in smartphones, and is a software solution for motion compensation. OIS generally achieves better results.

Sensor size. The size of the sensor inside a camera is one of the most important specifications to be aware of. The bigger the sensor, the more light it can capture, and so the better it will perform in conditions where there is less light.

Sensor sizes range from tiny, such as those found in smartphones, and generally increase in size as the size of the camera increases. Here’s a diagram to show different sensor sizes, and you can read more about different formats here .

Do be aware that manufactures can be a bit sneaky when it comes to describing sensor sizes, particularly in compact cameras. They might for example, talk about having a “1-inch” sensor.

This refers to the type of sensor, rather than it’s physical size. So whilst a 1/2.3 inch sensor is smaller than a 1-inch sensor, neither sensor is actually close to 1/2.3 inch or 1 inch. See more on how physical sensor sizes map to actual sensor sizes here .

RAW. RAW is a file format that more advanced cameras use, allowing you to save the unmodified image data that the camera has captured, rather than the edited JPG version.

This gives you much greater control over the final look of your images, with the downside that file sizes are much bigger, and you have to edit them on your computer in an image editing program before you can use them anywhere.

Many cameras give you the option to shoot in RAW, JPEG/JPG, or to shoot in both. We recommend shooting in both even if you plan only to use the JPG version for now – in the future as your photography skills develop, you’ll be pleased to have the option to go back and edit the original RAW files. You can find out more about RAW in my guide to RAW in photography .

If you are interested in learning more about photography and understanding in detail all the terms above and how they affect your shots, check out my travel photography course , which has all the photography answers you need.

The Best Travel Camera

I’ve divided this list into the different types of camera for travel, with some information on what to look for in each category. I will keep this post updated with the latest travel camera options as they are released. You can see the last date of update at the top of the post.

Each section has a series of the best travel camera recommendations ordered approximately by price, from lowest to highest. Note that prices change and sales occur, which is why we link you to the relevant pages on Amazon and other camera retailers for up to date pricing information.

This should give you everything you need to know to help you make a decision on which would be the best travel camera for you to buy, based on your budget, usage scenario and luggage space.

Best Smartphones for Photography

Why pick a smartphone for travel photography.

If you care about portability, ease of use, and not having to carry another device around with you, then my advice is to get a smartphone with a decent camera, and just use that.

A smartphone can certainly make for a good travel camera, and the latest smartphones take excellent photos in a wide variety of situations.

They also have more features than your average small travel camera – you can share the images directly from the smartphone to your favourite social media platforms, plus have them automatically back up to the cloud as you go using something like the Google Photos app.

In addition, since a smartphone is a device that nearly all of us will be travelling with anyway, choosing one which takes good photos is a cost-effective way of buying a camera.

The main disadvantages are the lack of lens options, reduced manual controls, and generally poor performance in low-light due to the small sensor. But if you want something you’re always going to have on you, a smartphone is hard to beat.

Finally, I’d also add that it’s worth picking a smartphone with a good camera even if you plan on buying a standalone camera. It will serve as a good backup, and you are likely to always have it on you.

What to Look for When Buying a Smartphone for Travel Photography

Manufacturers are fairly inventive when it comes to squeezing tech into tiny smartphone bodies, but obviously there’s a limit to what can be achieved in such a small form factor.

Features to look out for include a wide aperture, which will let more light in, and let you capture shots in low light conditions. Another good feature is an optical zoom, which will let you capture images of further away subjects. This is usually achieved either with a clever nifty periscope zoom, or through the use of multiple cameras as different focal lengths.

Some smartphone manufacturers talk about having bigger pixel sizes. This relates to the physical size of the pixels on the sensor, a number measured in µm, or micrometers. Larger pixel sizes are good as they are more light sensitive and help low light performance.

Speaking of pixels, be wary of high megapixel numbers. In my opinion, anything above 16MP is a warning sign that the manufacturer is trying to win you over with high numbers – you really want less megapixels, as each pixel can then be bigger to capture more light.

Other features to look out for are some form of stabilisation, either optical or electronic, which will let you get photos in lower light and compensate for your hand movement. Better smartphones will have more manual controls to give you more options for your photos. There are different types of focusing system, but I’ve never found a lot of variation between them. Waterproofing can be a benefit, meaning you can get photos in the rain or at the beach.

Also if you plan to travel internationally with your phone a lot, try to choose an unlocked phone so you can put a foreign SIM card in, and that works on multiple frequencies so you still get 3G, LTE/4G and 5G (for more recent phones). That means you can still easily use it to call, text, and get online when travelling internationally. Here’s an excellent resource for finding out which phones work on which networks in which countries.

The Best Smartphone for Travel Photography

Here are five suggestions for current phones which I think are some of the best smartphones for travel photography and should definitely at least get you started in your search. Prices are for the unlocked version of the phones, you might be able to get a better deal through a carrier on a contract.

1. Google Pixel 8

Launched in late 2023, the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro offer a combination of reasonable price and excellent camera performance. They can take great pictures in the majority of lighting situations, including in low light, when it switches into a low light mode.

Most users will likely be happy with the Pixel 8 version. This comes with a 50MP wide angle camera (which outputs 12.5MP images) and a 12MP ultrawide camera, as well as an 8MP front facing camera. It comes with a 1/1.31” sensor and a f/1.7 aperture. The wide-angle camera has 1.2µm pixels, whilst the ultrawide uses 1.25µm pixels

You also get 4K video support as well as built-in image stabilization. The standard Pixel has no optical zoom, but it does support shooting in RAW. Being a smartphone, it has a touchscreen, and it’s also water resistant.

You can also upgrade to the Pixel 8 Pro if you want an additional 5x telephoto lens, although it does cost a bit more.

This would be our pick for the best reasonably priced smartphone for travel photography.

Check latest price here .

2. Fairphone 5

Since 2013, Fairphone have been manufacturing smartphones that are fairly made. What does that mean? Well, the idea is that the production of their devices is made in a sustainable way, with practices that benefit everyone involved.

That includes the people involved in everything from the mining of the materials that go into the phone, through to you, the consumer. Over the years, smartphones have become increasingly hard for consumers to repair, with the industry moving towards a more disposable model.

Fairphone wants to change that, with phones that are user repairable and upgradeable, as well as relatively affordable.

Now, to be honest, the first few phones from FairPhone weren’t class leading. Building a device that meets all their requirements is tough. But they have continued, and the latest iteration, the Fairphone 5, is actually solid performer when it comes to general use, and also as a camera.

You get two main cameras. The first is a 50MP f/1.9 aperture camera with a 1/1.56″ sensor, 1 μm pixels and optical image stabilization. The second is an ultrawide 50MP with an f/2.2 aperture, 0.7um pixels and a 1/2.51″ sensor.

Now, the image quality from other phones on our list will be marginally better, but the green and environmental credentials of the Fairphone are world leading for smartphones.

3. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Samsung’s flagship Galaxy phones are known for their superior photography capabilities, and the 2023 Galaxy S23 Ultra is no exception.

You get four rear mounted lenses, a boggling 200MP f/1.7 wide angle, a telephoto 10MP f/4.9, a second telephoto 10MP f/2.4 and an ultrawide 12MP f/2.2.

This range of lenses gives you a 10x optical zoom, as well as impressive digital zoom capabilities which go all the way up to 100x! The front facing camera is no slouch either, offering a 12MP f/2.2 wide angle.

Pair that with pixel sizes from 0.6µm-1.4µm pixels and OIS – all packaged in a water-resistant smartphone, it’s no wonder that it is usually found at the top of the pile when people review cameras for smartphones. This is the smartphone I currently own and use for my mobile travel photography needs. Check latest price here .

4. iPhone 15 Pro Max

The latest iPhone Max model offers a range of photography focused features that make it a worthwhile upgrade over previous iPhone models. You get 3 cameras in total.

There’s a main 48MP camera which also offers a 2x 12MP zoom. Then there are 2 12-megapixel cameras, one which offers an ultra-wide lens, and one with a 5x telephoto zoom. This latter is the biggest optical zoom of any iPhone to date.

There’s also a built in LIDAR scanner, which makes for wonderful night photos, as well as a RAW mode. A great choice if you’re an Apple person.  Check latest price here .

Best Compact Camera for Travel Photography

Why pick a compact camera for travel photography.

A compact travel camera offers a number of advantages. First, they offer larger sensors than most smartphones, so image quality and performance is usually improved. They are pocketable, so easy to take with you.

Compact cameras also tend to be designed to be more user friendly (hence the nickname point-and-shoot cameras) and are generally much less expensive than mirrorless and DSLR camera systems. Many models offer manual controls, and having a separate device means you can keep on taking photos even if your smartphone battery is on the way out.

One of the biggest advantages though, and the reason to pick a compact travel camera over a smartphone, is the optical zoom. All the compact travel cameras we feature have an optical zoom (except the GoPros), letting you get shots of distant objects that you wouldn’t be able to get with a smartphone.

The main disadvantages are the smaller sensor sizes compared to a mirrorless or DSLR and the lack of interchangeable lenses.

If you’re interested in buying a compact camera, see our detailed guide to getting the most out of a compact camera here for some tips and advice.

What to look for when buying a Compact Travel Camera for Travel Photography

There are a variety of features that compact travel cameras offer for travel photography. Key features to look for are the optical zoom, and specifically, how much optical zoom the camera offers.

Other features include the size of the sensor – the bigger the sensor, the better the performance – the maximum aperture, and whether or not there is some form of image stabilisation technology built in.

Any camera with a long optical zoom needs excellent image stabilisation, as the more you zoom in, the more exacerbated tiny movements become.

Other features to consider depending on your needs include GPS, WiFi and touchscreen capabilities. Some more advanced compact travel cameras also include manual modes, which can really help you get the most out of them, and some even shoot in RAW. Let’s take a look at our pick of the best compact travel cameras.

The Best Compact Camera for Travel Photography

Here are a number of my top suggestions for compact travel cameras which I think are some of the best options for travel photography.

Note, many manufacturers have ramped down production of their compact cameras and new models are not being released. This is largely due to the popularity of smartphones.

The main impact is that many of the models I recommend are now older models.

This means stock and availability of some compact camera models can be very low. This is especially the case at the lower price points.

I’d suggest checking used camera sites like KEH or MPB if you are struggling to find a specific model.

1. Panasonic Lumix ZS70 / (TZ90 in UK)

With a 30x optical zoom lens, a 20.3MP 1/2.3 inch sensor, OIS, full manual controls and RAW support, this camera puts out some great shots at an excellent price for what you get. It even has an electronic viewfinder, which is rare in a compact camera and can make composing images in bright sunlight easier.

A newer model was released in 2019 – the ZS80 . This adds Bluetooth and a higher resolution EVF but not much else. We’re not sure that is a sufficient upgrade to justify the price difference, but it’s up to you. If you find them at the same price, then you might as well get the ZS80, otherwise the ZS70 remains our pick while it’s still available.

Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

2. Sony RX100

It also has a fast f/1.8 aperture and a 3x optical zoom. It’s a little long in the tooth now, but you can pick one up for a great price, hence the inclusion in this list. You can also get newer models with newer features at increasing price points.

We use and love the RX100 version V , which offers a number of upgrades over this model and is available at a reasonable price. You can see the bottom of this section for the latest and greatest version as well.

Check price on Amazon here

3. Canon Powershot SX740

At 1/2.3in, the sensor is similar to other cameras at this price point. Also, as with other cameras with a long zoom, it comes with the tradeoff that the maximum aperture only goes to f3.3, and at maximum zoom, is all the way down at f/6.9.

Still, it’s one of the best zoom cameras in our list of point and shoot travel cameras, especially at this price point, and the price is excellent for what you get.

4. Olympus TG-7 Waterproof Camera

If you need a camera that will survive nearly everything you throw at it, including drops and being submerged in water, then this Olympus is a great option.

It’s particularly focused on those looking for underwater photography, and unlike the GoPro mentioned below, it features a 4x optical zoom lens. This is also optically stabilized.

This camera also has RAW shooting, 4K video support, a fast f/2 lens and built in GPS, as well as a variety of dust, shock and waterproof features. Of all the cameras in our list, this is probably the one with the most survivability!

5. Canon Powershot G9 X Mark II

It has more manual controls, allows for RAW shooting, and an aperture that starts at f/2. The optical zoom isn’t too impressive at 3x, but you definitely get improved image quality from that larger sensor.

6. Sony Cybershot HX99

With an excellent 28x optical zoom packed into a small body, the camera offers an 18.2-megapixel 1/2.3in sensor, flipping touch screen, 4K video support, electronic viewfinder, manual modes, RAW support, Bluetooth and 10fps shooting support.

It’s an excellent choice for a compact zoom camera, with good image quality and solid features. It’s also reasonably priced for what it offers.

Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here .

7. Panasonic Lumix ZS100 (TZ100 in UK)

Panasonic’s 1-inch sensor camera model is no slouch, with an f/2.8 aperture lens and an impressive 10x optical zoom. It also has full manual controls, a touchscreen interface, EVF, OIS and RAW shooting.

It’s a little more pricey than other options in our list, but that optical zoom is a definite bonus in the 1-inch sensor category. There is also a newer model, the ZS200 , which costs a bit more and also has a 15x optical lens, although it has a narrower aperture as a result.

8. Panasonic Lumix LX100 II

We’re moving up a price point now with the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II. This is unique amongst the compact cameras in our lineup, as it uses a micro four thirds sensor.

This larger sensor results in better low light performance, but does mean the camera is larger and heavier. The sensor offers 17MP of resolution in a 4:3 aspect ratio. The camera comes with a 24-75mm equivalent lens (approximately 3x optical zoom) which offers a variable aperture of f/1.7 – f/2.8.

You also get a touch screen, electronic viewfinder, optical image stabilization, full manual controls, and RAW support. The screen however doesn’t flip out.

Overall, this is an excellent option for those who don’t mind trading absolutely portability for improved image quality. If you fall within this category, you may also consider the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III , which has an even larger APS-C sized sensor in an even larger body.

9. Sony RX100 VII

There’s a big jump in price to Sony’s latest RX100 model, the RX100 VII. Released in August 2019, in our opinion this is one of the best compact travel cameras money can buy. If your budget can stretch to it then this would be our pick for the best compact camera for travel.

Like the previous model in the lineup, the VI, this camera is a leap over previous cameras in the RX100 lineup as it has a far more impressive optical zoom, equivalent to 8x, with a 24mm – 200mm lens.

This compares very favourably to the previous optical zoom of models in the range (versions I – V), at 3x.

It still retains the 1-inch sensor, so you get better image quality than your average compact camera. It’s also the first in the series to feature a variable aperture which is slightly slower – however we feel this is a reasonable trade-off due to the zoom capability. It also has image stabilisation, a tilting screen and an electronic viewfinder.

We would argue that this is the best small camera for travel photography, if you have the budget for it, although the improvements over the VI are not too significant, so if you can find that for a lower price, that might be the one to go for. We personally have the version V model which we got for a great price during a sale event.

The Best Action Camera for Travel Photography

Why pick an action camera for travel photography.

If you are going to be spending time doing any kind of adventure activities, from snorkelling and swimming to skiing or snowboarding, an action camera is likely going to be the best option for you.

These tiny cameras are designed for use in more extreme environments, including total water immersion, and are perfect for capturing moments that other cameras simply wouldn’t survive.

That survivability does come with a trade-off of course – most action cameras don’t have manual controls, optical zoom or the ability to change aperture settings. However, when you’re catching the perfect wave you are unlikely to be wanting to fiddle with that sort of thing anyway – you just want something that works.

We’d generally say that an action camera is going to be best as a secondary camera or if you plan on making a lot of video. It can work as your primary camera, if you are happy to live with the restrictions.

What to look for when buying an Action Camera for Travel Photography

Most action cameras are fairly similar in size and features, although there are a few things to look out for.

Obviously, the environments the camera can survive in are important to consider. Some action cameras are totally waterproof for example, whilst others will need a special housing.

The interface is also important. These cameras are very small, so having a simple interface is key so you aren’t fumbling with setting when trying to get the shot.

Other features to look out for are image or video stabilization, size of the screen, if it has a touchscreen for control, additional features like voice commands and the resolution of the video and photo files. Support for 4K video for example should be the default for any action camera you buy for travel.

It’s also worth checking to see what accessories the camera comes with, as this can add a lot to the price. Some cameras come with a lot of accessories out of the box, whilst others will require you to spend quite a bit on additional accessories to meet your needs.

Best Action Camera for Travel Photography

Here are some of our suggestions for the best action cameras for travel photography. We also have a more complete guide to the best action cameras if you want some more suggestions.

1. Akaso Brave 7 LE

Despite the lower price, this camera doesn’t skimp on features. It supports video at up to 4K at 30 frames per second, 20MP still image capture, voice commands, electronic image stabilization, a large touch screen for control, and a second front facing screen which is perfect for selfies. It’s even water resistant without the case down to a metre, or 40 metres with the case.

Check price on Amazon here .

2. GoPro Hero

The most well-known brand in action cameras has to be GoPro, and specifically the GoPro Hero range of action cameras. Whilst they tend to be the more expensive option, they excel at action photography and video.

If you need something that’s going to survive water and action, then the GoPro line is the best option out there.

Advantages of the GoPro are that it is waterproof without a housing down to 10 metres (with housings available deeper than this), and they have fantastic image stabilization. It also has voice activated commands.

The disadvantage is that to get the best shots you are going to need to buy a number of accessories so you can mount the GoPro wherever you want. These can add up a bit. You’re also likely to need additional batteries.

Still, if you want the best action camera out there for image quality and features, the GoPro series is the one to go for!

Check price on Amazon here and  B&H here  

3. Insta360 Go 3

If you can’t decide between an ultraportable action camera and one with a screen, then we’d highly recommend checking out the Insta360 Go 3, which offers the best of both worlds, and is one of the action cameras we currently use.

The camera itself is tiny, weighing around 35g (1.2oz). Despite the diminutive size it’s still fully featured though, supporting 2.7K video. It’s also waterproof without a housing and features a powerful magnet system which allows you to mount and attach it almost anywhere.

If you use the camera on its own then there’s no screen. However, pop it into the “action pod” and it turns into a more traditional looking action camera with a full size tiling touchscreen, control buttons and additional battery life.

4. Insta360 X3

Most cameras on the market today shoot what’s in front of you. However, if you want to capture all the action, then you might consider a 360-degree action camera.

If that’s the case, then the brand we recommend is Insta360. They’ve been making 360-degree cameras for a number of years, and we have used a number of their cameras on trips around the world.

Their latest 360 action camera is the Insta360 X3 . It comes with two cameras, meaning it can capture a 360-degree view of the world at 5.7K. It’s no slouch at photography either, able to capture a 72MP 360 degree photo.

That means that you can get the shot and then crop down as you wish to frame the exact action moment you want. Alternatively, you can shoot with a single lens if you want. Both front and rear facing cameras are equipped with a 1/2″ 48MP sensor. It also supports HDR mode and is waterproof to 33ft (10 metres).

Check price on Amazon here and  B&H here 

Best Mirrorless Camera for Travel Photography

Why pick a mirrorless travel camera for travel photography.

A mirrorless travel camera is a relatively new development in the travel camera space. They are similar to DSLR cameras; however they do not have an internal mirror to reflect light from the lens to the optical viewfinder.

This means that they can be smaller, lighter and more portable – making them a top contender for the best camera for travel.

Mirrorless cameras also have all the other benefits of a DSLR – larger sensors, manual controls, excellent image quality and interchangeable lenses.

In terms of disadvantages, they are of course larger and heavier than smartphones or compact travel cameras and are more expensive, especially when you factor in one or two good lenses.

Compared to DSLRs, they generally have poorer battery life, and less lens choice – although this latter is improving as mirrorless systems mature.

What to look for when buying a Mirrorless Travel Camera for Travel Photography

Mirrorless cameras come with different sensor sizes, from the micro 4/3 format up to full frame. All of these are larger than those you will find in compact travel cameras or smartphones, and again, the larger the sensor, the more light the camera can capture in any given situation.

Another key factor to consider is the lens selection. Different manufacturers offer different lens systems, so it’s worth investigating to be sure there are sufficient lens choices for the kind of photography you want to be doing. Also be aware that whilst most mirrorless cameras ship with a kit lens, you can also buy them without a kit lens and then buy a more suitable lens for your needs.

Other considerations include the screen type, if the camera has an EVF, WiFi, water resistance, type of focus system and so on.

Also be aware that all of the camera manufacturer’s below have a range of mirrorless options – I’ve done my best to highlight those that offer the best combination of price and features for travel photography.

Based on a few years of experience shooting with a variety of different mirrorless camera systems, and feedback from fellow travel photographers, we’re put together our list of the best mirrorless cameras for travel.

If you choose one of these, we also recommend reading our guide to how to use a mirrorless camera to get you started!

1. Canon EOS R100

With a large APS-C size sensor as found in their consumer DSLRs, the Canon EOS R100 is one of the best budget travel camera options to consider. It took Canon a while to get into the mirrorless camera game, but their “R” series is now a serious line-up of excellent cameras.

The R100 is the entry level model, launched in July 2023. You get an APS-C sized 24.1MP sensor, a superb autofocus system, support for a wide range of lenses as well as built in Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth. The relatively large sensor offers good performance, and I’ve personally always found the Canon menu system to be the most intuitive to use.

There’s no touchscreen, which is a logical omission at this price point, but other than that you are looking at perhaps the best entry-level mirrorless camera for beginners.

Check price on Amazon here and B&H here .

2. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

The Olympus has an excellent in-camera stabilisation system, an EVF, a (fixed) touchscreen and WiFi connectivity. There’s also a wide range of micro 4/3 lenses available.

3. Sony a6100

Sony have been making mirrorless cameras for a long time, and the a6000 was our model of choice for a long time. However, the camera was released in 2014, and is now getting a bit long in the tooth.

Today, we recommend the a6100 which was released in 2019. This features an APS-C sized sensor (the same as you find in most DSLR’s), fast autofocus, a tilting touch screen, EVF, and a wide range of lenses, plus WiFi, and is an excellent bit of kit for the price. The main omission is weather sealing, for which you’d want to consider the a6400 or a6600 .

Sony have a number of models in the a6xxx range. These include the a6000 (2014, discontinued), a6300 (2016, discontinued), a6500 (2016, discontinued), a6600 (2019), a6400 (2019) our current recommendation, the a6100 (2019) and the a6700 (2023).

Each of these offers different features and capabilities over the a6100. Differences include battery life, autofocus, touch screen capabilities and image stabilization.

Depending on your budget, you might find one of these suits your needs better. The a6600 in particular is an excellent choice as it offers in camera image stabilization as well as a touch screen, weather sealing and much improved battery life.

However, as of writing we think the a6100 is one of the best budget mirrorless cameras for travel.

4. Nikon Z50

Nikon was late to the mirrorless camera game, but they’ve now released a number of mirrorless camera models including full frame and DX sensor models.

The Z50 is their more entry level mirrorless camera, which features a DX sized sensor, similar to the APS-C sensor in other cameras.

It has a 20.9MP sensor, 11fps burst shooting, 4K video support, a tilting touchscreen display and an OLED viewfinder.  You also get Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, with battery life rated to around 300 shots.

If you are an existing Nikon user looking to make the leap to mirrorless, this is an excellent option. It’s a great lightweight alternative to something like the D7500, and has compatibility with most of Nikon’s lenses via an adaptor.

If you’d prefer a full frame option, consider the Nikon Z6 II or Z7 II .

Price: Check price on Amazon here , B&H here , and Adorama here

5. Panasonic Lumix GX9

To start with, Panasonic cameras are known for excellent video performance, and if this was a round-up of the best travel video camera, it would have many more Panasonic cameras in!

The GX9 also has the advantages of a fully tilting touchscreen, 4K video, excellent sensor based optical stabilisation, a wide lens choice (most micro 4/3 lenses will work). Unfortunately, unlike the GX8, this doesn’t have a weather sealed body.

6. Fujifilm X-T30 II

The X-T30 II features an APS-C sized 26.1MP sensor, excellent build quality and a reputation for taking superb, sharp photos.

You also get an EVF, a tilting touch screen and WiFi.

If you want a more traditional mode dial interface, check out the Fuji X-S10 which offers similar specifications but with the addition of in-body stabilization.

7. Canon EOS RP

This is the first full frame option in our list. I wanted to include full frame cameras in this list, despite them being a little larger and often more expensive than cameras with smaller sensors.

A full frame camera has a sensor that is approximately equivalent to a frame of 35mm film, and they generally offer the best image quality and low-light performance, at the downside of a higher price and larger physical size.

Canon’s full frame mirrorless range launched in 2018 with the Canon EOS R , and the RP is the more budget friendly offering, which has an excellent feature set in a very compact offering.

For your money you get a full frame sensor in a lightweight, weather-resistant body. There’s a flipping touchscreen, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, and a 26.2-megapixel sensor.

The best news though is that if you are an existing Canon user, there’s a lens adaptor. This will let you use all your existing EF and EF-S Canon lenses with the camera, meaning you don’t have to re-invest in all new lenses.

There are a few omissions – there’s no in-body image stabilization, and burst rates max out at 5fps. However we think this is an excellent option, especially if you already have some Canon lenses.

If your budget stretches to it you might instead consider the more recent Canon EOS R8 , but for the money I think the RP is a bargain full frame option.

8. Canon EOS R7

Launched in 2022, this APS-C camera is packed with the latest technology. In fact, a lot of the technology in this camera, especially around autofocus, is borrowed from Canon’s high-end EOS R3, a camera which retails in excess of $6,000 USD.

At the heart of this camera is a 32.5MP APS-C sized sensor. That is fully image stabilized, and it supports shooting at 15 frames per second (mechanical) and a staggering 30 frames per second (electronic).

Perhaps the most impressive feature though is the autofocus. This can identify and track a range of subjects, including animals and birds. I have used this system extensively and it is amazing how well it can lock onto even a fast moving subject to enable you to get sharp shots every time.

You also get a touch-enabled flip screen, weather sealing, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and compatibility with a massive selection of Canon lenses. Battery life is reasonable at 660 shots, and the weight without a lens is also good at 612g/ 21.58oz.

If the price is a bit much, consider instead the Canon EOS R10 . The sensor has fewer megapixels and you lose image stabilization and weather sealing. However, it weighs a lot less and you still get a very powerful camera for your money.

Price on B&H here  and  Adorama here

9. Sony Alpha 7c II

If you like the look of the Sony A6xxx line but want something with a full frame sensor, look no further than the Sony A7C.

Somehow, Sony has managed to fit a full frame sensor into a body that is almost identical in size and weight to the A6600, making it one of the smallest full frame mirrorless cameras on the market today.

They haven’t cut corners in terms of features either. You get a 33MP sensor, 10fps shooting, in body image stabilization, 4K video, WiFi, bluetooth, vari-angle touchscreen and weather proofing.

It even manages 540 shots on a charge. A fantastic option if you want something with a full frame sensor but in a relatively compact size.

Check latest price on Amazon here , B&H here , and Adorama here

10. Canon EOS R6 Mark II

In 2020, Canon launched two spectacular mirrorless camera options, namely the Canon EOS R6 and the Canon EOS R5 .

These were the first full frame mirrorless cameras from Canon featuring in-body image stabilization, offering an amazing 8 stops of stabilization when used with a compatible lens.

In 2022, a new model of the R6 was released, the R6 Mark II. This features improved battery life, a slightly larger sensor, and a much faster burst shooting speed compared to the original R6. It also retails at the same original MSRP of the R6, so would be the camera we recommend.

Compared to the R5, the R6 Mark II is the lower priced version, and the one we would recommend for most travel photographers. The R5 is an amazing bit of kit, with 8K video support and a higher megapixel sensor. We personally use the R5 (see our full Canon EOS R5 review here ), and love it.

However, the R6 Mark II offers a very similar experience with a much-improved price point, so unless you really need the 8K video support or higher megapixel count, we think the R6 Mark II is a great option.

Specs wise the Canon EOS R6 gives you a 24.2MP full frame sensor, autofocus that can track people, animals, and vehicles, up to a staggering 40 frames per second burst shooting, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth, 4K video, as well as a flip-out touchscreen. It’s also dust and drip-proof.

As with the Canon EOS RP above, there’s a lens adaptor which will let you use all your existing EF and EF-S Canon lenses with the camera, meaning you don’t have to re-invest in all new lenses. If you have the budget, this would definitely be my camera of choice for travel photography.

You can see our full Canon EOS R5 review here , which covers a lot of the features of the R6 Mark II, to see if it might be the camera for you.

Check price on Amazon here , B&H here  and Adorama here .

11. Sony Alpha a7 IV

Sony effectively started the mirrorless camera revolution, and the Sony a7 IV, as the name suggests, is the fourth iteration in the excellent a7 range.

It comes with a full frame 33MP back side illuminated sensor, flip out LCD display, a high refresh rate EVF, WiFi, 10fps burst shooting and a fast autofocus system that includes animal and people eye tracking.

It also has excellent battery life at 610 shots per full charge, and includes weather sealing.

Of course, all these features do mean the price is relatively high. The good news is that you can still pick up previous models in the range, including the A7 III and A7 II . You lose some of the latest technology, but you still get great performance at a much lower price.

Check price on B&H here and Adorama here .

Best DSLR Cameras for Travel Photography

Why pick a dslr travel camera for travel photography.

Honestly, if this is your first travel camera purchase, then I suggest that a mirrorless camera is a better choice for most travel photography use compared to a DSLR. They offer all the control you need in a smaller, lighter package, with an ideal balance of portability and image quality.

For a time DSLR’s had a better choice of lenses and improved battery life over their mirrorless counterparts, but those areas have been significantly improved with modern mirrorless cameras and so this is no longer a good reason.

The main disadvantage of a DSLR is the weight – the weight in particular, especially when you add in some high quality lenses, is a real issue for many users.

That said, at the entry level especially, you can pick up some real bargain DSLR cameras. So if you are just starting out and want something to learn photography with, a DSLR can be a solid budget option, giving you full manual control over your photography.

Just be aware that the main manufacturers are almost exclusively focusing on mirrorless cameras going forward, which would appear to be the future of photography.

What to look for when buying a DSLR Travel Camera for Travel Photography

DSLRs tend to be the largest type of camera, so one thing that is important to look for is that the camera is comfortable in your hand. My suggestion is to visit a store and try the camera in hand, with a variety of lenses attached, to see how they perform before making a purchase. Canon and Nikon still rule the cameras in this category.

Features are fairly similar across most DSLR’s in terms of capability. They’ll either offer an APS-C sized sensor, or, more expensively, a full frame sensor.

Other features to look for include the ISO range, lens selection, weather resistance, GPS, WiFi, touch screen, autofocus system and number of control dials. More dials can be a good thing – letting you quickly set the camera up for different needs without having to dive into menu options.

If you do purchase a DSLR camera, do also take a look at our guide to using a DSLR camera to help you get the most out of it.

Best DSLR Camera for Travel Photography

We personally travel with both mirrorless camera’s and DSLR’s – for our work as travel photographers we still love our full frame DSLR – the image quality and lens selection still make these a great choice for us. Based on our experiences, here are the top five DSLR travel cameras available at the moment:

1. Nikon D3500

For the money you get a 24.2 APS-C sized sensor, solid performance and an excellent selection of lenses. To be honest, there’s not much between this and the more expensive Canon below other than this doesn’t offer 4K video support. It really depends what works for you and your budget.

2. Canon Rebel SL3 (EOS 250D in Europe)

The Canon Rebel line is an excellent series of good value entry-level DSLR cameras (my first DSLR was a Rebel), and the SL3 is no exception.

It’s one of the smaller SLR cameras Canon has made, and offers great performance for an excellent price. Specs include a touchscreen, 24.2MP sensor, WiFi, 1070 shot battery capacity, 4K video support, and compatibility with all of Canon’s lenses (and a great many third party lenses.).

The SL3 was released in April 2019, and it’s predecessor (and our previous pick), the Rebel SL2 , is likely to be available at a good price as a result. It’s a very similar camera, featuring the same sensor, but has around half the battery life and doesn’t support 4K video.

3. Nikon D7500

Moving up into the “prosumer” category of DSLR camera’s, and Nikon’s version is the D7500. This is Nikon’s high end APS-C camera, with a 20.9MP sensor, fast autofocus, a weather sealed body, and Wi-Fi. It also has a tilting 3.2″ touchscreen.

If you’re looking to upgrade from an existing consumer focused Nikon to something a bit more professional from the Nikon range, this is a good choice. However, you might prefer the lighter and just as fully featured Nikon Z50 instead.

4. Canon EOS 90D

5. Canon EOS 6D Mark II

Compared to its predecessor, and our previous favourite travel camera the Canon EOS 6D, the Mark II adds a touchscreen which swivels.

It’s solidly built, and well priced, having seen some great discounts since it launched at $1800. For a full-frame travel DSLR, we think this is a great bit of kit.

Just be aware that it’s only compatible with “EF” mount lenses – any “EF-S” mount lenses from other Canon bodies won’t work. If it’s a bit pricey, do consider the original 6D, which is still a fantastic travel camera and is very competitively priced nowadays.

What is the Best Budget Travel Camera?

As a bonus section – this is one of the most popular questions I’m asked when people ask me to help them choose the best travel camera, so I thought a section to help those of you with a fixed budget would help.

My suggestion for the best budget travel camera is one of the following cameras. Note that some of these are older and may no longer be in stock. As a result, you might want to pick them up second hand, see my guide to buying used cameras for tips on how and where to do that.

1.  Nikon D3500

It also comes with the advantage that you get access to all the Nikon and Nikon compatible lenses, which is a huge choice. If you’re keen on an SLR, this is a great option at a fantastic price point.

2. Olympus OM-D EM-M10 III

It’s also cheaper since the launch of the Mark 4, meaning you can pick it up with a lens and be right on budget!

3.  Sony RX100

With full manual controls and the ability to shoot in RAW, plus a 1-inch sensor and excellent image quality, this is far more than “just” a point and shoot.

As mentioned in the compact camera section above, there are various iterations of this model available, and you can pick up one of the earlier versions for a great price.

If you’re looking for a quick summary of the best travel camera on the market today, these would be our picks, ordered by camera type.

• Sony RX100 range : If you’re just looking for a point and shoot camera that will take great photos with minimal input, then I’d suggest this range as a great option.
• Panasonic Lumix ZS70 : If you are constrained by budget but want a good zoom, this is the best budget compact travel camera with a decent zoom.
• Sony a6600 : If you want a great compact mirrorless camera, the Sony a6xxx range is the one to go for. The entry level model is the Sony a6100 , (discontinued in late 2021 but stock is still available) but if you can stretch to the a6600 that’s a better option as it has image stabilization and a touch screen.
• Sony Alpha 7c II – if you want all the benefits of a full frame camera but in a compact package, this is the camera to go for. I think it’s the ideal camera for hiking or backpacking .
• Sony Alpha a7 II – for a budget full frame mirrorless camera, this would be our choice. It’s also fantastic value. Note this is a bit older now, so the A7 III or A7 IV might be a better option depending on your budget.
• Nikon D3500 : If you are looking for a DSLR for travel photography, I’d recommend this Nikon at the entry level
• Canon EOS 6D Mark II : This is our pick for our favourite high end DSLR for travel photography, although we’d recommend a mirrorless camera to most users
• Canon EOS R6 Mark II – An excellent compact full frame mirrorless camera with all the features you need. If your budget will stretch to it, also consider the Canon EOS R5 which is the camera I currently use

Hopefully this summary helps with your purchasing decision! If I was purchasing a camera today with no previous lenses, I would likely go with the Sony Alpha 7c if I wanted something lightweight.

As a Canon user with lots of lenses though, I’d go with the Canon EOS R6 Mark II or Canon EOS R5 . If you are a Nikon user with existing lenses, then I’d suggest the Nikon Z50 , the Nikon Z6 II or Z7 II .

When upgrading, it’s often easier to stay with the same manufacturer as the menu systems are usually going to be familiar, and your existing lenses might carry over.

Accessories for your Travel Camera

When budgeting for your travel camera, don’t forget to think about any accessories you might need.

If you’re planning to buy an interchangeable lens camera like a mirrorless or DSLR system, then you will obviously need a lens. Check out our guide to the best travel lenses here for some recommendations across a range of systems.

We’d also recommend considering some of the following accessories.

Travel can be rough on your photography gear, and so I recommend investing in a good photography bag.

Camera bags are specially designed to provide padding and protection for your gear, and many of them also come with rain covers. This means that you have somewhere safe, protected and padded to put your gear.

Personally, I use Vanguard photography bags and I’ve been an ambassador for Vanguard for many years now. If you see something on their store that works for your equipment, you can save money using our exclusive Vanguard discount code. This will give you 20% off everything in the  Vanguard store.

Just use the code  FindingTheUniverse for your discount! This code works in the Vanguard USA, UK, Australia, Spain, and Germany stores.

There are of course a range of other camera bags available, you can see the options on Amazon here and B&H Photo here .

External Hard Drive

When you travel, it’s important to be able to store your photos somewhere safe. To do this, we recommend investing in an external SSD.

The price of external SSDs has come down in recent years, so we would recommend one of these over a mechanical version as they are much faster, smaller, as well as being far less prone to losing data.

The external SSD we currently use by Adata is ruggedized and dust and water resistant. It also supports both Mac and PC users.

Photo Editing Software

To get the best out of your photos you are going to want to edit them, and to do that you’ll need a photo editing application!

There are a number to choose from, including paid options like Adobe Lightroom Classic CC , Skylum Luminar AI , and ON1 Photo RAW , as well as free options like Darktable and Fotor .

Deciding which to go for is a whole other decision. To help you out, I’ve put together a guide to the best photo editing applications , which has both paid and free options.

Accident Protection

A camera is a significant investment, and as such you might want to protect yourself from accidental damage.

The price of this varies depending on the cost of your camera gear, but a relatively small investment can provide peace of mind against a variety of common accidents, from liquid spills, to accidentally dropping it.

For some examples, here’s a 3 year accident protection plan for electronics valued between $1500 and $1999.99, whilst this one covers products between $800 and $899.

Note that both of these are only valid for qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. If you are shopping elsewhere, or direct from the manufacturer, check what they have available before purchasing if this is important to you.

It’s also possible to take out separate insurance, or that your homeowners insurance for example covers such things.

Backup Software

If you aren’t already backing up your photos, now is the time to change that. There’s no point having an awesome laptop to edit your photos on if you lose them all!

We have a complete guide to how to back up photos , which has a range of options and covers what to look for.

However, if you want an easy to use option with unlimited backups, then we use and recommend Backblaze . It’s well priced and in our experience is just works. You can try it out for free here .

Further travel photography reading and resources

And that summarizes my guide to the best travel camera for travel photography! Hopefully you found it useful. I’ll be keeping it up to date as new camera models come out and prices change.

In the meantime, if you’re looking for more resources to help you make the most out of your travel photography, check out the following resources I’ve put together:

• My guide to picking the best lens for travel photography , which will be useful if you have a camera with interchangeable lenses.
• My always expanding series of Photography Location Guides , to help you get the best shot in locations around the world.
• I have a review of the Peak Design camera strap system as well as the Peak Design travel tripod
• Photos need editing to get the best out of them. See our guide to the best photo editing software for our suggestions. If you’re looking for something to edit your photos on, see our guide to the best laptops for photo editing
• An overview of my Travel Photography Gear , in case you wondered what a professional photographer has in his bag
• Our guide to what to buy a photographer , which has gift ideas at every price point and experience level. For more general gift ideas, see our gift guide for travelers , and our tech gift buying guide .
• A  Beginners’ Guide to Improving your Travel Photos
• My series of Photography Tips , which I am always expanding and updating with posts like this one. See our guides to northern lights photography , lens compression ,  back button focus ,  fireworks photography ,  taking photos of stars ,  cold weather photography ,  long exposure photography ,  RAW in photography , use of  ND filters ,  depth of field  and  photography composition , which should get you going
• If you like the photos on this blog, you’ll be pleased to hear they are all available for sale. Head on over to our photography sales page to place an order.

Looking to Improve Your Photography?

If you found this post helpful, and you want to improve your photography overall, you might want to check out my online travel photography course .

Since launching the course in 2016, I’ve already helped over 2,000+ students learn how to take better photos. The course covers pretty much everything you need to know, from the basics of how a camera works, through to composition, light, and photo editing.

It also covers more advanced topics, including astrophotography, long exposure photography, flash photography and HDR photography.

You get feedback from me as you progress, access to webinars, interviews and videos, as well as exclusive membership of a facebook group where you can get feedback on your work and take part in regular challenges.

It’s available for an amazing one-off price for lifetime access, and I think you should check it out. Which you can do by clicking here .

And we’re done! Thanks for reading – if you’ve got any comments, feedback or suggestions, just let me know in the comments below.

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Ian Andersen says

28th January 2024 at 10:29 am

Thanks for great and thorough reviews. I did not read through all of them and I was wondering if you could say which travel (super zoom) camera WITH GPS is better.

Laurence Norah says

28th January 2024 at 5:58 pm

Unfortunately, the majority of newer cameras don’t come with built-in GPS tagging functionality on the camera. Instead, if you find a camera which has WiFi and a companion smartphone app, they tend to pull the GPS info from the companion app. So really what you want is one of the travel cameras which has this feature. The Sony cameras in this list such as the RX100 do support this, and I believe the Panasonic ones do. However I’d recommend doing a search for each camera to ensure it does meet your requirements. Do you have a short list of cameras you like already, and I can look at trying to help.

29th January 2024 at 6:29 am

Thanks Laurence, I was a satisfied Lumix TZ user for many years up to – was it TZ 60 or 70 that still had the GPS built in. The argument for losing it was saving battery power but I found that carrying extra batteries was way simpler than using their clunky iPhone app. My latest is a TZ 202. Great pictures but annoying not to gave them tagged. I tried to switch to the SONY DSC-HX90V hoping for easier operation of the phone connection. Again, great photos but clunky GPS solution. So I am really hoping for a small (belt-carried) camera with GPS so I can get away from almost exclusively using my iPhone 15 pro.

29th January 2024 at 4:05 pm

I assure you, I feel your pain. I shot on a Canon 6D for a very long time and one of the features I loved was the built-in GPS tagging. Now I have an R5, and I have to use the Canon companion smartphone app for GPS tagging. Whilst it works pretty well, it’s another step I have to remember to do. It also eats up my smartphone battery if I forget to shut it off after shooting. About the only system I know of that still has built in GPS on a relatively compact camera is the Olympus Tough TG6, but that doesn’t have much of a zoom and is more designed as a rugged camera. So I’m not sure it will meet your needs, but one to look at.

Happy shooting 🙂

Farhana Farid says

29th September 2023 at 6:22 am

This guide on the best travel cameras is a game-changer for wanderlust enthusiasts like me! The detailed reviews and recommendations provide a clear understanding of which cameras are most suitable for capturing those breathtaking moments on the go. The consideration of factors like portability, image quality, and versatility is spot on. Thanks for making my travel photography decisions so much easier!

1st October 2023 at 10:13 am

My pleasure Farhana, I hope you find a great camera for your travels 🙂

Kevin Nalty says

15th October 2023 at 1:43 am

Hi. Agree- this is really thorough and didn’t overwhelm me. I’m curious what you think of the Canon EOS R50. I did a review of it in my blog (Willvideoforfood) but I’m not even remotely as informed. -Kevin

15th October 2023 at 12:14 pm

Thanks very much! So I think Canon has been hitting it out of the park recently with their mirrorless camera options and to be honest it’s almost hard to go wrong with whatever recent mirrorless model you pick up. The R50 specifically offers tremendous value and you get a lot of features, especially the autofocus system, which has the same features as you would find on their super high-end models like the R5 (which is what I use). In the old days of Canon they arbitrarily kept some features for their higher end models only, but that approach seems to be changing for the better which is good news for us consumers. The main downside with the R50 as you note in your review is a lack of optical image stabilization. I would also add that I don’t create video, so those areas of a camera are something I don’t review or use.

For anyone else reading this, now is honestly a great time to be buying a camera. The vast majority of recent releases have been excellent, with superb image quality and a solid range of features. As I said, it’s almost hard to go wrong 🙂

Thanks for stopping by!

Gurshabad Bakshi says

9th September 2023 at 6:02 am

Hi, awesome post. Very thoughtful and comprehensive. I have been reading your bogs and planned a visit to Bali based on your suggestions. I want to carry a leisure photography budget camera, that can click good photos and underwater videos and stuff. I have some questions for that. For what all activities and where all do you use Akaso Brave 7 camera? Is its image quality good enough? And if you could share some sample pics and viseos, it would be so very wonderful and helpful.

10th September 2023 at 3:02 pm

Hi Gurshabad!

So we honestly only use the Akaso (and any other action camera for that matter) for specific situations like underwater photography. The reason is that we personally have other cameras that are better for things like landscapes, and wildlife photography, but the Akaso is the only camera we have for underwater photography. So whilst it definitely works for that, we wouldn’t personally use it for everything just because we have other camera gear. However, if you are happy with the limitations, like not being able to zoom or adjust many settings, it could certainly work. I’m on a trip right now so don’t have access to all my images, so I can’t share samples unfortunately.

Hopefully this helps a bit. Have a great time in Bali 🙂

William says

22nd August 2023 at 11:10 pm

Great review and suggestions!. Thank you.

23rd August 2023 at 10:35 am

Thanks William!

Rachel says

3rd June 2023 at 8:47 pm

Thank you for this great article! I’m going to be traveling for my honeymoon soon, and decided I should upgrade from using my smartphone for all my photos to using an actual camera so I can get some printable quality photos. I’ve read a few lists like this one, but yours is the only one I’ve read that doesn’t just feel like a paid advertisement. I appreciate all the tips and advice you listed here. I now have a camera on my wishlist, thank you!

4th June 2023 at 7:03 pm

Hey Rachel! I’m so glad you found my article helpful, and many thanks for taking the time to let me know. I hope you enjoy your new camera, and if you have any questions as you continue your photography adventure feel free to reach out!

Claude AYMARD says

31st January 2023 at 8:15 pm

Hello, for you which can be the best safari travel camera easy to used for good photo quality -canon sx70 hs -canon m200 with 55-200mm -lumix tz100 -Lumix GX9 with 14-140mm thank’s in advance

1st February 2023 at 10:40 am

I do have a guide to the best safari cameras here which might help. However, from your list I would probably lean towards the Canon SX70HS for ease of use and also the great zoom means you can get good shots of further away subjects. My dad actually has the SX60 and he really likes it, we’re on safari right now and he is using it with good results.

Let me know if you have any more questions and bon voyage 🙂

9th August 2022 at 2:04 pm

10th August 2022 at 12:38 pm

Thanks Tanis!

9th July 2022 at 8:13 pm

Hello! I am so happy that I stumbled upon your website when researching for a trip to Iceland. I fell in love with photography when I was on my high school’s yearbook staff, a long long time ago. I have collected many SLR cameras over the years, manual and digital along with lenses (Nikon and Canon). Sadly, none of them have been used for several years and when I recently pulled them out, I realized how outdated they are. So…I am looking to sell everything (thanks for your amazing article on how to do that!) and start fresh. If you were me, with a budget of $2k-$4k, looking for a very high quality, relatively light weight camera system with the latest and best technology, what would you recommend? I would like one camera with two lenses at the most. Light weight enough that it’s easy to carry and use, without sacrificing image quality. Something that I can ‘grow into’ as a I renew my love of photography. Many thanks for sharing your expertise. Cheers!

10th July 2022 at 9:59 am

It’s great to hear from you, and I’m so pleased you have been finding the site useful so far!

With your requirement for something lightweight but that also has great image quality (and within budget of course) I would probably suggest the Sony Alpha 7c . Excellent autofocus, in body image stabilization, a full frame sensor and a weather sealed design, somehow all in a body that weighs about a 1lb.

If you wanted lighter, the Canon EOS RP is another full frame option which is fractionally lighter and also significantly cheaper, however you lose in body image stabilization and the focus tracking system isn’t quite as accomplished as the Sony in this model. It’s also slightly larger, despite being less heavy.

Both cameras have an excellent selection of lenses to choose from depending on what you want to photograph 🙂

Let me know if I can help any more!

17th April 2022 at 12:56 am

Hello Laurence, First off let me say thank you for such great articles, guides, advice and overview for someone who’s never been to Scotland and interested in touring the NC500. With that said, there are many great choices concerning camera & lens combinations in your article. Getting specific addressing the NC500 route, just what would be your best advice for focal lengths in reference to 35mm full frame? I see many wide to ultra wide images in the article, so inquiring about specific needs. Want to pack a 1-2 lens kit for this specific trip, and of course I’m thinking a tripod will be handy also!

17th April 2022 at 10:21 am

It’s our pleasure, I am pleased to have been of help. So I primarily travel with two lenses, a 16-35mm and a 70-200mm. Most of the landscape shots I take are with the wide angle, although there are sometimes nice opportunities to use the longer lens for isolating a subject. But if I was going to only take one lens it would be the wide-angle all the way.

Hopefully this answers your question! Let me know if I can offer any further input, I’m happy to help.

Edward says

31st January 2021 at 9:50 am

Hi, I was happy to read where you wrote “Personally, I love having a camera with GPS”. So do I, or rather so would I, but I am having trouble finding one that I like the look of. All I want is a compact camera with GPS and a viewfinder, with a useable zoom (say up to 200mm equivalent) and good image quality (which today would imply a sensor of 1″ or bigger). There is no such unicorn.

So what do you use, please, that gives you GPS? Or do you use an “add-on later” method like recording a GPS track and geotagging your photos later? I personally am reluctant to do that for a number of reasons, mainly that I travel for 3-6 months at a time (or at least I did when I could) without carrying a computer, so I would not only have a lot of geotagging to do later, but the on-the-road backup to Dropbox would not be geotagged.

31st January 2021 at 2:11 pm

I currently use a Canon 6D, which is a full frame DSLR. For a while Canon added GPS units to a number of their cameras, but unfortunately this useful feature has been missing from their newer models. For me it’s one of the most useful features to have, so I don’t like the omission. The reasoning is to do with battery life I suspect. GPS units take up power, and newer mirrorless cameras are already battery hungry. So leaving off the GPS is done in an effort to conserve battery power I suspect.

The good news is that many cameras today include the ability to pair with a smartphone app over Bluetooth or Wifi. When the camera takes a picture, it polls the smartphone app for location data, and embeds that in the photo. This of course does require extra setup, remembering to connect the camera to the phone before every shoot, and can drain your smartphone battery too. So it’s not amazing as an alternative, but it does at least work.

I believe that the Sony Image link app supports this for the Sony RX100 series, so with your requirements of a 200mm zoom and a 1″ sensor, the Sony RX100 VI or higher would be an option. Another option I believe would be the Panasonic ZS200.

Finally, another option, as you mention, is to use a third party GPS logger, either a standalone device or an app on your phone, that records the data and saves it, which you can then manually sync later. Again, it’s more work.

Overall, I would much prefer that manufacturers just add the GPS device and let us as users decide for ourselves if we want to use it and use up battery life. Hopefully it makes a reappearance as a standard feature!

1st March 2021 at 5:06 pm

Hello, thanks for the well thought-out response. It gives me a lot to think about, and if I do have to give up one or more of my checkboxes (or at least half of one, by needing to use a separate app), I may rethink them all – take a step back and ask myself what I really want to do, rather than ask what equipment will satisfy what I think are my wants. I suspect that the RX100 VI plus the app would be the nearest I could get. Or the Panasonic SZ200/TZ200 (or SZ100) plus its app. It is ironic that it seems that 1-inch sensor compacts really took off in the mid-2010s, just as manufacturers were deciding to drop GPS.

2nd March 2021 at 4:37 pm

My pleasure Edward! I would say that one of those would be the best option. It is certainly disappointing that this is no longer a standard feature!

Kyle O'Donnell says

16th December 2020 at 8:30 am

awesome list, you put it together very well 🙂 i got a Sony A6400 from amazon, it’s absolutely amazing, it really show in my vlogs.

16th December 2020 at 11:12 am

Thanks Kyle!

Charles Haskins says

29th April 2020 at 10:19 am

I have been reading through your responses to questions and I am astonished by the detail and the thoughtfulness of your answers. Quite apart from the photography info, it is a great lesson in human decency – great “customer service” for people who aren’t even customers really. I will definitely be following you in the future! Thank you!

29th April 2020 at 10:21 am

Hi Charlie,

Thanks very much, that’s kind of you to say. We do our best to try and answer everyone’s questions, be it photography or travel related 🙂 If folks have taken the time to read and leave a comment, then we feel it’s only right to answer if we can!

Thanks again for your comment, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions of your own!

All the best

29th February 2020 at 11:15 pm

I am quite new to photography. I purchased the M50 last summer (my first non-compact). I don’t know if it is my skills, the camera, or that I need better lenses, but so far I haven’t had much success getting sharp images.

1st March 2020 at 10:52 am

Sorry to hear about your issues. There are so many variables that go into what could make an image less sharp, from incorrect focus through to a lens issue. It’s hard to diagnose without seeing an image – do you have one somewhere online you can link to that I can take a look and provide some more insight? It would be best if it also shows the camera settings at the time – usually a site like flickr will save this info.

1st March 2020 at 4:27 pm

These aren’t all from the M50, but several of them are. Also, these happen to be the better ones: https://www.flickr.com/photos/me77777 . I feel like I have to sort through so many that aren’t as sharp as these to find a good one, but even some of the ones I’ve posted could certainly be sharper.

1st March 2020 at 4:41 pm

Thanks for sharing. So, some initial thoughts:

On this image of the lighthouse: https://www.flickr.com/photos/me77777/49596740501/in/photostream/

The camera is set to f/29. This is a super narrow aperture. Most lenses produce their sharpest images at around f/8, with sharpness falling off towards the edges wider than f/8 (i.e. f/5.6, f/4 etc). Above f/16, sharpness dramatically reduces due to an effect known as diffraction. It’s generally not advisable to go above f/16 for this reason. Performance will vary by lens, but as a general rule, f/8 – f/12 is a good range.

Of course, this doesn’t consider depth of field for composition. For landscapes, a wider depth of field is usually preferable, so you’d be looking at f/8 – f/16 in most cases. For portraits, a shallow depth of field would be preferable. Softness in portraits is less of an issue as you wouldn’t normally have the subject on the edge of the shot, so the softness wouldn’t be too noticeable.

Now, here’s another image of a church in a city: https://www.flickr.com/photos/me77777/49503917028/in/photostream/

So this was shot a 1/40th of a second at 200mm focal length. The longer the zoom, the harder it is to hold a camera steady. As a general rule of thumb, shutter speed should not be lower than the inverse of the focal length. So if you are shooting at 200mm, you would not use a shutter speed slower than 1/200th of a second. A 50mm focal length would be 1/50th of a second.

The file format you are shooting in will also make a difference. If you’re shooting in JPG, then the compression setting and sharpness setting in camera will make a big difference to the final image sharpness. Ideally you’d want to shoot in RAW, so you can edit sharpness after the fact.

These are just some ideas to start with. Something like this shot looks wonderfully sharp to me: https://www.flickr.com/photos/me77777/49498974486/in/photostream/

Happy to provide any more feedback if you have more specific images of course 🙂

https://www.flickr.com/photos/me77777/49503917028/in/photostream/

2nd March 2020 at 4:34 am

Thanks for taking the time to give feedback. You have an amazing site.

2nd March 2020 at 11:19 am

Thanks Craig – my pleasure 🙂

Natalie says

24th December 2019 at 1:05 pm

Thank you very much for collating all this information together- I do not feel nearly as overwhelmed as I did before!

I am going away travelling to India and South East Asia, and would like to both take great pictures in low light, and film a short documentary (so stability is also key without lugging a tripod around (Oof).

I am looking into purchasing a DSLR, budget however is a concern. This will be my first time camera, however I have a little experience in film cameras (mostly SonyPMW200).

I am currently looking at the Nikon D750…can you recommend something cheaper and still great for filming? I guess the Nikon D5300?

Nikon also seems to be cheaper for lenses than Canon- what would you reccomend?

Any suggestions would be great. Thanks so much

24th December 2019 at 2:53 pm

Hi Natalie,

Thanks very much!

So I have to be honest, video is not an area of expertise for me. However, if you want to shoot stable video without a tripod, you are going to need to think about how you are going to stabilize your camera. Without a tripod, your best bet is going to be some kind of camera stabilization. Currently, the Canon and Nikon DSLR’s don’t offer this in camera, so you would need to rely on a lens with image stabilization built in.

Alternatively, you could look for a camera with image stabilization built in. I’m not sure what your budget is all in, but one of the micro four thirds cameras from Olympus or Panasonic might be a good option. These are notable for producing great video, have a wide choice of lenses, and most importantly, have built in image-stabilization in the camera body. The Olympus Om-D E-M10 Mark 3 is currently on sale all over the place with a lens. For video and low light, you will benefit from a wide aperture prime lens, such as the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 .

I appreciate this might not be the answer you were looking for, but if video is important, I think this might be a better direction to go in than a DSLR. All the capabilities are the same, the only disadvantages are a reduced battery life and a slightly smaller sensor. However, by using a wide aperture lens you can make up for the reduced low light performance.

I hope this helps – I’m happy to discuss further of course!

20th December 2019 at 1:17 am

Sorry I visited your site but couldn’t read a thing. Please fix the site. Best regards

20th December 2019 at 10:46 am

Thanks for your comment. Could you clarify perhaps what you couldn’t read and what i need to fix? The site loads ok on all our devices, but if you can let me know what device and browser you are using, and what specifically is not working, then I will be happy to take a look,

Martha Dobson says

3rd November 2021 at 4:02 pm

Website was beautiful, I think that this man is lying to you about the website not being legible.

3rd November 2021 at 6:07 pm

Thanks Martha!

Marije says

17th December 2019 at 8:47 am

Hi Laurence,

Thank you so much for this very insight- and helpful review. I’m looking to buy a compact camera with good optical zoom possibilities for photographing people, landscapes and wildlife during my holidays. As I’ll be visiting Swedish Lapland for a week of winterfun, I would like a camera that will also be Able to capture the northern light (autora). Which compact camera will be a good or even the best choice. Was Leaning towards a Sony Cybershot DSC-RX 100 series but found vi and vii quite expensive anD not shure about optical zoom of v. Love to hear your opinion.

17th December 2019 at 9:14 pm

So I would say probably the next best option after the RX100 would be the Panasonic Lumix ZS100 or ZS200. The Canon Powershot G3X is another good option as it has a 1 inch sensor and a 25x zoom lens. I have to say, northern lights photography is a challenge for any camera though, even a full frame DSLR. So while you will definitely be able to get photos with a compact camera, just be aware of its limitations. I have some tips on taking taking photos of the northern lights here , which might be worth a read.

Otherwise, let me know if you have any more questions – and have a great trip!

22nd October 2019 at 8:36 am

How about the Panasonic G90/95? It has all bells and whistles of GX9 and much more (like UHS-II support, stronger IS and focus stacking). It has a comfortable grip and a rugged body, a swivel touch screen, unlimited video shooting, mic and headphones port (hello vloggers!). Similar to GX9 it can be charged via usb but comes with an external charger and both can be charged via a powerbank with 2 ports! I’m almost happy with my gx9 but miss the weather sealing and the mic port. If Pana doesn’t release a gx10 with these 2 features I’ll go for the G90.

24th October 2019 at 12:51 pm

The G90/95 is certainly an excellent camera, although is at a bit of a price premium compared to the GX9 so isn’t directly comparable in my mind. However, if it fits what you are looking for you should definitely go for it – this list is by no means definitive (hence the long section at the beginning to help people decide).

Enjoy your new camera, whatever it turns out to be!

lalan kalansooriya says

15th September 2019 at 12:36 pm

Hi I am bigginer to the photography and i wish to buy a camera. I love to travel photography. My budjet is about 300$. So I would like to know what are the recomended cameras for me

15th September 2019 at 2:25 pm

At $300 you will definitely be looking at either a mid-range compact camera or a lower end DSLR. There aren’t many mirrorless cameras at that price point unfortunately, unless you go second hand. In terms of compact cameras, I’d suggest either the Lumix DC-ZS70 or the Sony RX100 .

For DSLRs, consider the Nikon D3400 or the EOS Rebel T6 .

10th August 2019 at 8:23 am

Hi Laurence and Jessica, Just a quick thank you message to say that this is the first article I read (and I ‘ve read quite a few!) that really explains things about cameras in a clear way! Im new to travel photography and was looking for info on how and where to start from. Thanks a lot!

11th August 2019 at 11:38 am

Our pleasure! We’re always happy to hear that we’ve been able to help people, and believe me, I know that photography is not the easiest topic to get to grips with 🙂 Let us know if you ever have any questions!

Stuart Svoboda says

21st July 2019 at 6:03 pm

Thanks for your thoughtful and comprehensive advice. Obviously, budget plays a big role in most people’s decisions and there are few aspects of photography that don’t involve some compromise. However, for those who are willing to part with a bit more cash in pursuit of a supremely capable yet practical alternative, you missed at least one significant choice and that’s the Lumix G9. My G9, battery grip, lenses (mostly Leica, covering the 35mm-eq range from 16-800mm), spare batteries, flash/soft box, filters, etc. (including an Olympus TG-5, which I agree is a great, bomb-proof, go-anywhere camera) all fit into a small pack that weighs 6400) ISO noise with moving subjects. Big deal (looks more like film anyway). A much more compact (although not pocket-sized) and far cheaper alternative that still produces great IQ (stills and 4K video–much better than a 1/2.3) is the Lumix FZ1000. The first-gen (which I got for c.US$600) is still available and a great bargain (IMHO, the best price/performance value currently available). The Mk II adds some nice features but has the same great 1″ sensor and 25-400mm-eq Leica lens. If you can’t get great images under most conditions with that, it’s not the camera… And no, I don’t work for Panny–they just make great cameras (performance and ergonomics). Bottom line: the IQ achievable in most conditions from even “mid level” cameras these days is more than enough for most purposes–much beyond that is overkill (but some of us like overkill on occasion).

Thanks for your blog.

21st July 2019 at 6:32 pm

Thanks Stuart! We also like the Panasonic gear, I’ve had a G6 and still use the GX8 on a regular basis. There just wasn’t room for every camera on the list, but we certainly appreciate your recommendation and no doubt folks reading the post will find your input useful as well 🙂

Sandra says

11th July 2019 at 7:50 pm

Thanks for such a great article! I am wondering what you think of the new Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II which was announced July 9th and is due in stores August 1st. How do you think it compares to others in your compact camera list? I am taking a 3-week trip to China in September and want a great travel camera. Looked at the Sony RX100 VI but it felt very small in my 73-year-old hands and I missed it not having a grip. I am replacing a very old Canon G16. Thanks for any input you can share!

12th July 2019 at 4:19 am

I’ve been reading up on these two cameras and they both look very promising. I would say that they would probably be excellent, but I’ve not been able to personally try them out as yet. However, if you are used to Canon, it would be a logical step to buy one of these two, and I am confident you will be happy with the performance. I’ll be updating this post in the near future, but likely after your trip. In the meantime though, I am still happy to recommend them on spec as the price / specifications are great.

Candy Luong says

24th June 2019 at 8:45 pm

Thank you for the well-written review! I am on the market to purchase an upgrade from a 2011 Canon Rebel T3i with a couple of EF lens. I am conflicted between upgrading to a DSLR or mirrorless camera for travel and leisure photography. What I look for in an upgrade is WIFI, GPS, lightweight, adaptability to the canon lens, and does not break the bank (max $1500) for a full kit. Is there a mirrorless camera that has a proven adapter for canon lens? I’ve looked into the Canon EOS RP but the price point for a full kit is insanely expensive. What would you recommend?

25th June 2019 at 1:38 am

So the Canon EOS RP would be my recommendation – with the adaptor the body only should come in under your budget, and it will work great with the Canon lenses you have. If you move to another manufacturer, I think you will struggle to get a full frame camera for any less money, and the adaptors are not so good as they have to do a conversion between the electronic systems, which usually results in slower performance. The only thing missing from the EOS R is built in GPS, however the low energy bluetooth capabilities mean you can sync GPS from your phone without too much battery drain.

If it’s still too much, you might consider a second hand Canon 6D or 6D Mark 2, which are both great cameras. I still shoot full time with the original 6D and have no complaints. GPS is one of my favourite features on it, and I wish more cameras had it as a default!

I hope this helps!

Kathy Golden says

17th June 2019 at 11:27 pm

I just happened upon your website while researching DSLR cameras and I found a treasure-trove of information! Thank you so much for this thorough and informative blog. It is very helpful. I hope to compare mirrorless and DSLRs for both travel and “family” photography.

19th June 2019 at 4:18 pm

My pleasure, let me know if you have any questions!

6th June 2019 at 11:50 am

Really found this article useful – thanks!

Soon, I am quitting my job and going travelling for the ‘foreseeable future’ – yay fun!

I love taking pictures generally (e.g., smartphones or on friends cameras). But knowing I am going travelling, I would love to capture some great quality shots and edit them myself etc along the way. Although a ‘first purchase’, I need it to be high quality so that it is worthwhile over a smartphone, worth the financial investment, and worth carrying around. I am very likely to take a look into some of your courses too before I go (so that I actually CAN capture some good moments) – with this in mind, what would you recommend?

Many thanks in advance!! Flo

6th June 2019 at 12:02 pm

My pleasure! So it will depend on how much you want to carry with you. If it’s a minimal amount, then you’d be better off with a high end point and shoot, like the Lumix ZS200 or the Sony RX100 series. These both take excellent photos, have full manual controls and even shoot in RAW.

If you want to step up above that there are many choices. For travel, I’d recommend probably a mirrorless camera to keep the weight down, paired with one or two lenses. At this point it will come down to your budget – all the mirrorless cameras on this list will do a great job, but they are at different price points, starting with less expensive and then getting more expensive! At the higher end, I’d suggest perhaps the Canon EOS RP, whilst at the lower end, the Sony a6000 or Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III.

Let me know if I can help any more 🙂

6th June 2019 at 7:32 am

Hi thank you for such wonderful tips. Im no expert. I would really appreciate some guidance. I own iphone x and photos are great. But for travel I d also need a solid zoom for vast landscapes. I ve been looking into Panasonic, I like idea of Leica lens… what I d like is what can i get up to 1000 usd ( preferabbly less) that would make sense to get better photography then iphone x, a good zoom and still a nice looking not too big camera. Thank you 🙂

6th June 2019 at 11:40 am

So based on your requirements for a smaller camera, I’d say either the Sony RX 100 VI or the Lumix ZS200. They both offer a good zoom range and good image quality, as well as manual controls.

You could look into mirrorless cameras too, but to get a good zoom you’d need a larger lens, and it wouldn’t be so compact!

Let me know if you need any more information, I’m happy to help 🙂

12th May 2019 at 10:46 am

Hi .. I am a Nikon d5300 (with two lenses 18-55mm and 55-200mm lenses) user and I need to buy a compact camera with dslr quality lesser in weight .. please suggest

12th May 2019 at 7:16 pm

So if you want something really compact then the Sony RX100 range is a good option. The quality is great for a compact camera, and you also get full manual controls. If you just want something a bit smaller, then you might consider one of the mirrorless options, but they aren’t always a lot smaller, so a compact is likely to be a better option.

Thomas Mygind says

1st June 2019 at 7:38 am

If you want the smallest Full Frame option – then this basis option weighs 450 gram + EF-lenses. Cannon M100 + Viltrox 0.71x adapter makes your APS-C into a full frame eqvivalent.

Then add any EF-lens you like -for example: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Lens 33.5 oz (950g) 3.3 x 4.9″ (83 x 124mm) 77mm 2002 Canon EF 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens 13.4 oz (380g) 2.9 x 2.8″ (73 x 70mm) 67mm 1996 Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens 23.7 oz (670g) 3.3 x 4.2″ (83.5 x 107mm) 77mm 2005 Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM Lens 13.2 oz (375g) 2.8 x 3.0″ (72 x 75mm) 58mm 2000 Canon EF 28-105mm f/4.0-5.6 USM Lens 7.4 oz (210g) 2.6 x 2.7″ (67 x 68mm) 58mm 2002 Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens 19.1 oz (540g) 3.1 x 3.8″ (78 x 97mm) 72mm 1998 Canon EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM Lens 17.6 oz (500g) 3.1 x 3.5″ (78 x 90mm) 72mm 2000

9th May 2019 at 11:20 am

Hi, I’m relatively new to serious photography, but I’ve long had an interest in photo editing and am now wanting to learn more about the actual photography part of it. As it is, you’ve pretty much sold me on the Nikon D3500 since it sounds like an excellent option to learn from without being too expensive, though I’m also considering the D5300 for its video capabilities (from what I’ve found) and the GPS option. Can you recommend a few additional lenses, ideally at least one for further away shots? Particularly for some darker areas.

Whatever the case, this guide has taught me quite a bit and given me a lot to think about. Thank you for that.

11th May 2019 at 9:03 pm

Delighted to have been of assistance. So my first recommendation would be to check out our guide to the best travel lenses, which has a number of options for Nikon. You can see that here:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/best-lenses-for-travel-photography/

The criteria you have (long lens that is good in low light) does unfortunately bring you into the more costly type of lens – you need a wide aperture to capture more light, and all the glass ends up costing more. I’d suggest looking for a lens with a f/4 or faster aperture (f/2.8 would be ideal), and 200mm to 400mm focal length.

Happy to provide some more specific suggestions if my linked post doesn’t do it for you 🙂

13th May 2019 at 9:39 am

Hey Laurence,

You make a compelling point, as did the price tags once I looked into what you suggested. I’ll add that to my “eventual” list once I’ve gotten good enough to justify the cash.

I ordered a D3500 bundle “w/AF-P DX 18-55mm & 70-300mm Zoom Lens” and “55mm Wide Angle & Telephoto Lens”. Seemed like a fair way to start (though I wish I’d have ordered it a few hours prior because I missed a nice sale, haha).

I’m keeping this page bookmarked, there’s so much to learn and I appreciate the help. I had to check out your guide on San Francisco since that’s part of why I wanted a new camera: I’m taking a trip up that way later this year and am planning on making the most of it – I live in California, but I’ve never spent much time that way since it gets expensive fast – including a few museums, Grace Cathedral, Chinatown, and several other areas. Now I’ve just got to practice a lot in the next 3 1/2 months so that I can manage something awesome by then.

Thanks again, this has been incredibly helpful.

13th May 2019 at 6:34 pm

It’s absolutely my pleasure, and please do reach out if you ever have any more questions about photography or travel, and I’ll do my best to help out. Enjoy your new gear, I’m sure you’ll be very happy with it!

4th May 2019 at 10:06 pm

Great website!

I will be going to Europe this summer and I intend to take many HDR pics. I currently have a Nikon D3400. (I prefer the APS-C cameras to the full frame cameras because I like the lighter weight, especially for travel.). I like the camera except for the fact that it has no exposure bracketing at all. This makes HDR photography, especially of tourist sites that might have people walking in the distance, slightly difficult. My question is: Should I take the D3400 to Europe or purchase the latest Canon Rebel, with which I can do 3 quick shots continuously?

Please consider: I have compared my Nikon to my old Canon T3i. Using the same settings for both, the Nikon seems to take better pictures when I compare the exact same shots side by side. Is that just my imagination or is that due to the very slightly larger sensor?

So, again, the choice is: 1) take the Nikon, which seems to take good pics, and be forced to take all my HDR shots manually? (The advantage there is that I could take 5 or more.); OR 2) buy a new Canon T7 or T7i and be able to take 3 quick shots at different exposures? (I don’t mind the extra cost if you find it is the best choice.)

I would appreciate any advice you can provide.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration to this matter.

5th May 2019 at 9:48 am

Thanks! So the sensor size probably doesn’t make that much difference, but the sensor technology likely will. The T3i was released in 2011, and it’s hard to really compare that against a much newer camera, as sensor technology moves on every year. I would say that the newer Canon would likely be comparable. It’s definitely frustrating that the Nikon cameras in the D3xxx range don’t have exposure bracketing, that’s a real omission by Nikon. I would say that if this is something that is important to you, and you don’t have a wide selection of Nikon lenses, that you might find the Canon more suited to your specific needs. I also can’t speak for the T7i, but on my Canon 6D, I can set it to take 3 or 5 shots for the exposure bracketing 🙂

Best of luck, and have a great trip!

22nd April 2019 at 7:03 am

Thank you for your great article. It is well-written and informative. I notice in your picture comparing sensor size, that Nikon’s aps-c is larger than the Canon aps-c. Is Nikon’s significantly better than Canon’s in terms of the final picture? What is the measurable difference between the two, in terms of pixels and/or quality? Should I base my decision on that? Thanks again

22nd April 2019 at 10:30 am

There is not a big difference between the two to be honest, the small size difference is not big enough to make a real world difference in my opinion, certainly not enough to make a purchase decision on 🙂

Mohit Chupra says

21st April 2019 at 9:57 am

Hi , after read the content i understand that there a lot of good value entry -level DSLR cammers .

21st April 2019 at 11:22 am

That is correct, DSLR cameras are great value for sure 🙂

20th April 2019 at 2:27 pm

Hi, I currently have galaxy s10 and thinking of buying Famon g7x for travelling. The main purpose of the trip is the northern lights. Would g7x worth buying? Or would s10 do the trick? Thanks

20th April 2019 at 3:25 pm

So the Canon G7x does have a larger sensor than a smartphone, and will therefore be better for northern lights photography. Smartphones are capable of taking pictures of the northern lights, but they won’t produce the best results. Either way, you will definitely want a tripod as otherwise you will get blurry pictures. I have a full guide to taking pictures of the northern lights you might want to check out too.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Sanjeev Rai says

12th April 2019 at 7:34 pm

I am going on a family trip to Europe covering Italy Switzerland and Paris . Looking into various videos of gopro I am inclined to buy go pro but not sure how much I will utilize as I am not into adventure sports. Although I feel a good family video covering mountains and beach will be cool. Also thinking of buying Nikon D3500 or May be both . Totally confused . I am not a photography enthusiast but regularly travel and wants to keep memories of my trips . Pleas guide

12th April 2019 at 7:44 pm

Hey Sanjeev,

So a GoPro is good as a general point and shoot action camera that will survive most situations. It’s also great for video. However, it has limitations – you can’t zoom, and it takes very wide angle photos. So things will seem further away. This is great for action sports and so on, but not really ideal for landscape photography.

If you want something pocketable that does great quality, I’d probably suggest one of the compact cameras on our list, or a mirrorless cameras. Most of these also do good video as well 🙂

Sanjeev says

13th April 2019 at 11:50 am

Thanks Laurence

I have budget of USD 500 . Will see which one fits the budget. Also may be GOPro + IPhone 7

13th April 2019 at 2:18 pm

Best of luck 😀

7th April 2019 at 7:18 pm

Hi – I’ve been a portrait photographer for too many years to say 🙂 and have always used Canon. At the moment we have 2 5d mark iii and one 7d at the studio with multiple lenses. I have finally made a decision to follow my passion and start traveling to shoot more landscapes and small towns. Weight is the biggest issue for me, however, quality of camera and lens is too. I’ll be headed for Europe then Asia this fall so I have some time but I’m trying to figure it out now. Any advice would greatly be appreciated.

7th April 2019 at 7:27 pm

Ah, the old conundrum – weight vs quality! Personally, we travel with a pair of Canon 6D’s and usually three lenses, a wide angle, a 70-200 (plus 2x convertor for wildlife) and a fast prime.

The key is a good strap for the camera (we love the Peak Design straps) and a good bag.

If I was you, and used to the Canon system (which I am), I would stay with it. I’d probably also suggest sticking with full frame. If size is the predominant issue, mirrorless cameras can help a bit, but not as much as folks might make out, because often so much of the weight is in the lens anyway.

I would probably be tempted by the Canon EOS RP. It’s a full frame mirrorless camera that, with a mount, will be compatible with all your EF (and even EF-S) lenses. It’s very compact for a full frame mirrorless camera.

If you want to just start over, and don’t mind investing in new lenses, then I might suggest something like the Fuji X-T30, which produces really lovely images. My only concern with shifting to a new system is that Canon is really great and colour, and other camera systems may not be as good as you used to (this is a reason many photographers I know have not shifted to the Sony mirrorless system for example).

I hope this response helps a bit! Let me know your thoughts 🙂

7th April 2019 at 10:04 pm

Hi Laurence, Thank you for your quick reply. I agree about the Sony, as we are so invested in all Canon lenses it makes it hard to change. I have, however, been very interested in the mirrorless camera and now with Canon’s out I have contemplated it but don’t see it being so much better than the 5diii except of course the weight, (which is what I need) I also worry that the battery doesn’t last long and even if I use an attachment won’t it slow down my lens? Deb

7th April 2019 at 11:38 pm

Canon has designed the mount adaptor so it just works like a passthrough. There’s no impact on the lenses. I know this has been an issue with other systems, like using the Canon lenses on Sony cameras, you lose autofocus speed and sometimes stops of light, but Canon didn’t want that to happen so the lenses should work just as well as if they are native.

To be honest, the performance won’t be massively improved over the 5D Mark III which is a great camera. If you are happy travelling with that, then go for it. But if size is a consideration, I’d say it’s the best option that would also let you use your existing lenses.

Carrie says

4th April 2019 at 9:16 pm

Thanks for the reply.

It’s a little difficult for me to describe how looking through a viewfinder on a non-DSLR camera affects my eyes. For many photos I prefer using the viewfinder, but for other photos I really like having the articulated screen.

I’m leaning toward the Canon EOS Rebel SL2 or one of the Nikon’s with an articulated screen (the good thing about a Nikon is my boyfriend has Nikon cameras and we might be able to share lenses). It’s just a matter of finding the right Nikon.

5th April 2019 at 12:04 pm

My pleasure. So it sounds like a DSLR is the right kind of camera for you. I would definitely recommend Nikon if your boyfriend has Nikon already, as this will save you the hassle of multiple lenses. When Jess and I got together, she had Nikon and I had Canon, and we just decided we’d merge everything to Canon to make life easier.

In terms of cameras, the Nikon D5600 is probably the best option as it comes with the tilting screen. You could also pick up the D5500 for a lower price if budget is a concern.

3rd April 2019 at 10:09 pm

The current camera I’m using is a Nikon B700, which I like for its small size, articulated screen, and super-zoom. However, the image quality seems to have deteriorated a lot in the two years I’ve had it and I now am having issues with using the viewfinder (my dry eyes are making it difficult to see what I’m trying to focus on because I’m looking at a tiny screen). So I think it’s time to switch to a DSLR or mirrorless camera. Mirrorless might be better because of the smaller size, but having never used one I don’t know how my eyes will handle it.

Any recommendations for a good, smaller DSLR or mirrorless with a good zoom and an articulated screen? My father has been using Panasonic Lumix cameras for years and has been very happy with his results.

4th April 2019 at 12:12 pm

So for DSLR and mirrorless cameras, these don’t come with a fixed lens, meaning you can change the lens to something that meets your requirements. However, there are not many lenses out there that would offer the sort of zoom you might be used to with the B700, that would also be smaller. So even if the camera body ends up being smaller, the overall package would be fairly large. Bridge cameras like the one you have are a fairly specific product and the main way they have been able to differentiate from all the other types of camera out there is by offering these pretty incredible zoom lenses.

I am a little confused though – the B700 has a screen, so I am wondering why you would not be using that for the focus? If the viewfinder is too small, this will be a similar problem with viewfinders on other cameras too I think.

I just don’t want to recommend a camera that doesn’t actually solve the problem!

2nd April 2019 at 6:52 pm

Hi, I have been looking into the Sony RX100 VÍ and the brand new Lumix FZ 1000 II. I want zoom, big sensor, tilting LCD, and low light capability. My only concern is size of the Lumix since my primary use will be for travel. Please help! What are your thoughts?

2nd April 2019 at 7:12 pm

So both cameras actually have the same size sensor, which is the 1″ sensor. The FZ1000 II definitely has more zoom, but it is much less compact. However, it also has a longer battery life and a tilting / swivel screen.

Personally if a compact camera is what you want, I would go for the Sony as it will slip into a pocket or purse. The Lumix definitely won’t. I don’t think image quality will be much different, although there are not many reviews on the FZ1000 II as it’s so new.

I hope this helps 🙂

2nd April 2019 at 7:24 pm

Thank you so much. It definitely helps.

Donna F. says

26th March 2019 at 1:43 am

This article is super! And, so is findingtheuniverse.com – I’ve learned so much as I am researching what camera to purchase. Any recommendations would be welcomed. I want a compact camera to travel with me on my motorcycle. It will need to endure a lot of vibration. I’d like for it to fit in a jacket pocket or tank bag. And, I’ll be taking pictures of landscapes, awesome views and interesting people.

26th March 2019 at 1:53 pm

Thanks very much Donna – delighted to be able to help!

So if you think the camera is going to be subjected to a pretty rough time, you might consider the Olympus TG-5 Waterproof Camera . It’s a good camera, although the 4x optical zoom, whilst good, may not be perfect for everything. It’s certainly the toughest camera in our list though.

If image quality and more zoom is more important, and you think you can trade off a bit of the survivability factor, I might consider either the Panasonic Lumix ZS100 or the Sony RX100 VI . These both have more manual controls as well as a larger image sensor, so the image quality will be higher. The Sony is at quite a premium price point though, so you would definitely want a good case to protect it!

I hope this helps a bit 🙂

Let me know if I can help out any further!

Nowshad Rahman says

24th March 2019 at 4:18 pm

I was looking for features the basic travel camera and this helped a lot. Thanks for the insightful article. Sony RX100 VI is good for travel?

24th March 2019 at 4:24 pm

It certainly is. It is definitely a premium compact camera, but the combination of image quality, manual controls, and the impressive zoom and autofocus performance make it probably the best compact camera for travel on the market today 🙂

Mallory J says

20th March 2019 at 4:42 am

Looking for some input… I have a Nikon D80. I used to do newborn photography some years ago. It worked fine for me then. Had my own kids, moved on in my career and on the side we travel a ton. The Nikon is clearly older and the whole set up is too heavy to travel with (I have 4 lenses total for it, however only use the my 24mm and 50mm. Rarely the 125 as I felt the quality was bad and never the telephoto that I bought with it. Anyhow, years later I know nothing about photography anymore and am looking for something other than my phone (iPhone xsmax). I want better, easier and more convenient than the D80. I like the blurry backgrounds (see I can’t even remember the correct terminology for this) and clear photos for nature and sports. My questions is, right off the bat, is there a camera that stands out? Do I go Nikon and continue to use my lenses and forgo the weight? Do I get something new, compact, same brand, different brand?

20th March 2019 at 10:22 am

Hi Mallory,

The word you are looking for is bokeh 😉

Ok, so this is a bit of a challenging question. SInce you already have lenses, my initial response would be to consider maybe the Nikon Z6 . Whilst this is pretty much identical in size to the D80, it’s a mirrorless camera with a full frame sensor, so you will be getting a marked step up in image quality and capability in a camera that is the same size. There’s also a Nikon adaptor so your existing lenses should work, although you’ll want to check compatibility. You should also find it easier to pick up as the menu system will be similar.

If size / cost is more of a consideration, then I think you would want to consider a mirrorless camera and look to invest in a couple of lenses. If you are happy with prime lenses then this is great because they tend to be cheaper and higher quality.

I’d say perhaps the Canon RP, or the Fujifilm X-T30 would be a great starting point, depending on budget 🙂

Happy to answer any follow up questions of course!

5th March 2019 at 9:33 am

Hi, thanks for you great article about various compact/travel cameras. I am planning to buy a new camera. I am trying to decide between Canon m50, Canon 200d, Nikon d5600 as well as Canon g3x. I live in humid area & that’s why I am concerned & also bit worried about that. I don’t have budget to buy expensive camera that have weather sealing. Canon g3x. does have weather sealing but then it have only 1 inch sensor (I do need camera which takes great quality images, video making is not my priority). Moreover, I also want to have a touchscreen. Kindly help me in this regard. Thanking you for the same

5th March 2019 at 12:09 pm

So based on your requirements and budget (I am assuming your budget based on the cameras you are looking at), I am going to suggest a totally different camera to those which you have been looking at.

My suggestion is either the Pentax KS-2, the Pentax K70 or the Pentax KP.

These are all APS-C sized sensor SLR camera which are weather sealed. They are also great value for a weather sealed camera.

The only disadvantage is that they do not come with touchscreens. I know this is something you want, but it might be a decision between weather sealing and a touchscreen at this price point. If the touchscreen is more important, I would suggest the Canon m50.

8th March 2019 at 11:35 am

Thanks for your reply. Kindly let me know why you suggested Canon m50 and also are mirrorless camera more sensitive to moisture/dust than DSLR? Thanks

8th March 2019 at 2:13 pm

So a mirrorless camera is more sensitive to dust than a DSLR. This is because there’s no mirror protecting the sensor, and every time you change lenses the sensor is exposed to the elements. In terms of moisture, I would not say there is a significant difference. A mirrorless camera has more electronic parts if you include the screen, so in theory more could go wrong, but I would say in the real world this isn’t likely to be a big issue.

I recommended the M50 as it’s a great compact mirrorless camera that is easy to use and produces quality results. However, a compact DSLR from Canon or Nikon would also be a good choice. Honestly, most cameras these days will take great photos in the right hands, the technology has come along very far. It’s just question of what has the specific specifications you need.

8th March 2019 at 2:26 pm

Thank you sooo much for your swift response. And thank you for clearing my doubts too. Actually I had almost decided to buy canon m50 but due to doubt about absence of mirror may make it more sensitive, I have narrowed down my choices to Nikon D5600 and Canon 200d. But still confused cause Nikon D5600 have 39 AF points whereas Canon 200d have just 9 and canon have dual pixal Autofocus. My priority is for stills. Kindly let me know if more Autofocus points are really that important. And please help me to decide between these two models. Thank you soo much for helping me out.

8th March 2019 at 7:49 pm

A lot of autofocus points can be useful if you are shooting fast action or wildlife photography. Otherwise it’s not too critical. I have a Canon 6D which is my primary camera, which I think has 9 autofocus points, and I’ve never found I needed more!

4th March 2019 at 8:24 pm

Hello, hope you’re doing well. I love your web page ❤️ I have some months suffering and searching information about a digital camera. I am interested for full frame & Mirrorless Camera for my work as a Aesthetician , and for travel also , I have considered Canon G7 X Mark II but im not pretty sure if it good for photography. Suggest me one good camera or good lenses for travel, fashion, makeup . Good bless you and thankful if you wanna respond

5th March 2019 at 3:03 pm

If you’re interested in a full frame mirrorless camera, I’d say that the Sony A7II would be a good option. The G7X Mark II is a lighter and more compact camera, but you can’t change the lenses, and it doesn’t have a full frame sensor.

Other options include the Canon EOS RP, Canon EOS R, Nikon Z series, and the more recent Sony A7 III, although this is somewhat more expensive now than the version 2.

For lenses, there’s a huge choice. I’d suggest a walk around lens for general travel photography, and then a fast prime lens for portrait work. A 50mm f/1.8 lens would be good for that. I have a guide to travel lenses you can see here:

Mick England says

3rd March 2019 at 3:53 pm

This may have been written before the D7500 came out as you state: “This is Nikon’s high end APS-C camera, with a 20.9MP sensor, fast autofocus, a weather sealed body, dual SD card slots and Wi-Fi.” In fact Nikon actually dropped the dual card slot that was present in the 7200 but the D7500 is nevertheless an excellent camera and I have never had a card fail on me.

3rd March 2019 at 4:05 pm

Hi Mick! Thanks for the catch 🙂 I’ve updated the description of the D7500. I too have never had an SD card fail on me in any camera, although I appreciate some folks like the peace of mind – especially for critical work like weddings and other event photography.

22nd February 2019 at 12:54 am

Hi, I have come across your website while I am searching for best travel camera. I am very limited knowledge about camera and planning to get my first ever camera. Thinking of getting either sony or canon. I am going to visit Euroup in 2 months and need travel camera for both photo and video capturing. May I request for your recommendation please? Thanks in advance ~

23rd February 2019 at 7:27 am

I would likely recommend a mirrorless camera like the EOS M100 as they are easy to pick up and use, and also easy to learn. However, I don’t know your budget – the M100 is at the low end of the budget (although it’s still a great choice). However, if you have more money to spend, there are other options too 🙂

12th February 2019 at 9:36 am

Hey there, I want to buy a travel system camera because my DSLR is just too heavy to carry around all the time. I‘m currently trying to decide between the sony a6000 and sony a63000. So far, from what i‘ve heard it seems like there‘s no big difference between the two cameras that justifies the much higher price of the newer model. However, since i‘m planning to go to south east asia, i‘m not sure how important it is for me to have a camera that‘s water and dust resistant (as the a6300 is). What‘s your experience? Is the a6000 likely to survive rainy season (pf course i‘m going to put my camera in the rain either way) or is worth investing 300€ more for that feature? Thank you!

12th February 2019 at 5:31 pm

I would probably lean towards the a6000 – it’s less costly, and weather sealing won’t make a camera waterproof unfortunately – you’re better off just trying to keep it dry 🙂 The a6300 is a decent camera, but I think for the price difference it’s not that much better.

Have a great trip!

11th February 2019 at 6:38 am

hi, thanks for your such informative blog. I am considering to purchase Fujifilm X-T20 with 18-55mm lens or Canon M50. And, my usage is more to photo shoots instead of video shoot.

I appreciate if you could give advise on this,

13th February 2019 at 9:17 pm

Both are excellent cameras, so it is hard to really decide between them. The Canon is slightly better for videos, and the Fuji might give slightly better photo performance, but the difference is very small. The main difference is the lens options – I would say there are more better value lenses for the Canon than the Fuji, but to be honest, both are really great cameras and I don’t think you will be disappointed with either choice!

Roxanne says

5th February 2019 at 6:58 am

What camera would you recommend for the following.. Indoor for a convention I will be attending Site seeing photos Novice photographer Selfies Price isn’t a deal breaker, so as long as it’s going to last me Captures my memories Ease of grab and shot Social posting Printing

Also considering a upgrade on cell too. To have both a camera and cell phone handy for just in case. I currently have a iPhone 7plus. But open to a smartphone that offers better photo capabilities.

Thanks in advance for your help!

5th February 2019 at 11:44 am

Hi Roxanne!

So the most challenging scene you’ll be looking at shooting will be the indoor scenes, which is where many cameras will struggle due to a lack of light.

If you wanted a capable smartphone, I currently use the Google Pixel 3 which is excellent for a wide range of shooting scenarios, including low light. I’ve not tried out the latest iPhone though.

In terms of a camera, for point and shoot I’d have to suggest either the ZS100 / ZS200, or one of the Sony RX100 options. However, the smaller sensor might not give the best results for indoor work.

So if you don’t mind a slightly bigger camera, I’d probably recommend the Fujifilm X-A5. This has a flipping screen for selfies, a large sensor that performs well in low light, and is still quite portable and easy to use.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any more questions 🙂

Ranjeet Kaur says

19th January 2019 at 6:47 pm

Hi guys, thanks so much for creating this page its an amazing read… i had a dslr camera for 10 years but it has now broken i also have a small canonn camera very small.brought in 2005 takes a card of 2gb but thats givent up as well. I i belive its time to up grade…. i use the camera for travling, gathering and amy social events. I also use it with work when i go and look at properties… so with this in mind im strugling to decide which camera to buy as i would like to get a small compact one…. what would you recommend?

19th January 2019 at 6:55 pm

Hi Ranjeet!

Our pleasure. So if it’s a small compact camera you are after, that is the section of the post to look at. We also have an expanded version of suggested compact cameras here . It’s hard to recommend without knowing your budget, but that page should give you lots more options!

4th January 2019 at 1:05 am

I’m hoping you can help as I am probably comparing apples to oranges. I’m looking for a travel camera for an amateur that is fairly compact, has an auto function, can take selfies, and takes bright, crisp pictures. Deciding between the Canon EOS M50 and the Sony RX100 iii. Any advice?

4th January 2019 at 9:47 am

Sure thing! So the RX100 will be more compact than the M50, but my personal preference would be the M50. It has a larger sensor, meaning images will be higher quality in a variety of shooting situations, has the full auto function, and also has a fully articulating screen for selfies. So that would be my preference of the two.

Another option is the EOS M100, which is a bit smaller, but has similar features. It’s also less expensive. It might be a good balance between the two options 🙂

26th December 2018 at 9:41 pm

What would your opinion be with getting the 200d with a 35mm prime and an ultrwide zoom? Do you have any suggestions as to which lenses I should look at? Total budget would only be around 700 I think at this stage. It would be used for travelling (cities and mountains) as well as a little bit of filming in the woods, but this is very much a secondary use

Many thanks

26th December 2018 at 10:01 pm

So that would be a great combination. Assuming a total budget of $700 to include the 200d, which is around $400 body only, then my suggestion would be the Canon 10-18 ultrawide angle , and the Canon 50mm f/1.8 , which is an amazing lens for the price.

That will take you to $794 all in, which is pretty decent for what you are getting 🙂

26th December 2018 at 10:06 pm

Sounds just about perfect, thanks for the speedy reply

If I remember I’ll try to post how I get on with them, such a good thread I’ll probably have a read over in a few months again XD

Thanks for the help, Flo

26th December 2018 at 10:17 pm

My pleasure 🙂 I’d love to hear how that combination works for you, so do pop back and let me know 🙂

We keep this post up to date as newer models come along, we also have a guide to travel lenses if you want another post to read 🙂 https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/best-lenses-for-travel-photography/

Have a wonderful 2019!

26th December 2018 at 7:23 am

Thanks for your article, it was really helpful. I was already considering the Nikon D3500 with an 18- 140mm lens as an alround in-expensive travel camera for an upcoming trip where we really only want to travel with the bare minimum. We can get this as a kit lens in Aus. However, I was wondering about the comparison between the D3500 and the D5600 with the 18-140 mm which is also available as a kit?

26th December 2018 at 11:09 am

Hi Helen, and thanks!

So there is not a great deal of difference between the two. They have pretty much the same specification, the main difference is that the D5600 has a moveable touchscreen and the D3500 has a fixed, non touch-screen. The D5600 is a bit heavier too, but they are otherwise dimensionally identical.

So really it comes down to whether or not the moving touchscreen is something you would want, as otherwise these two cameras are pretty much identical.

Hope this helps!

valina1981 says

11th December 2018 at 6:03 am

Absolutely love this post! Thank you. I’ve spent the last few weeks drowning in information and agonizing over which camera will be the best for me. As a complete beginner who wants to capture great images but wouldn’t have the slightest idea where to start with changeable lens this guide is ideal. Thank you

11th December 2018 at 10:06 am

My pleasure!

9th December 2018 at 7:21 am

I found this very helpful and an now as subscriber. I was going to sign up for your course, but got confused (my constant state) when I was about to pay and was greeted by a different instructor (‘Nomatic” Matt, or something like that). I now have a little over and hour experience reading your material and felt there was a good match, so didn’t sign up with Matt, if that is what I was doing. May be I missed something. Please let me know if you are in fact the instructor. Thanks

9th December 2018 at 10:31 am

Sorry about that confusion, I should probably try to make it clearer. So the course that you are talking about is my course, I wrote the whole thing, and all the homework / feedback comes to me. The course is just hosted at the Nomadic Matt site as he has a number of courses that compliment each other, plus it means I don’t have to worry about server hosting and the technology of the course – I just run it 🙂

But yes, that’s the one to sign up for to get to me 🙂

9th December 2018 at 5:06 pm

Thanks for the quick response and clarification. I will be signing up.

9th December 2018 at 7:11 pm

Thanks Steve, looking forward to helping you out 😀

Shirzad says

27th November 2018 at 1:13 am

You are a star!! Thank you, very informative.

27th November 2018 at 11:21 am

My pleasure! let us know which one you chose 🙂

David Stepenberg says

19th November 2018 at 1:56 am

Outstanding publication that was informative and easily understood. I appreciate your sharing your experience and expertise.

I’m interested in a digital camera that produces extremely high quality photos for canvas enlargement, has a large sensor, image stabilization, and is compatible with a high quality long range zoom lense. Based on this publication I’m assuming a DSLR is best, but I’m not sure which one and would appreciate your feedback.

19th November 2018 at 10:13 am

Thanks very much 🙂

So based on your requirements, you’d be looking at a fairly high end camera. You have a few options, depending on your budget:

The Canon 5D Mark IV The Sony A7r III The Nikon D850

These are all roughly the same price. For your specific needs, I would probably lean towards the Sony a7 rIII, which is a mirrorless full frame camera, with in body image stabilization and a high megapixel sensor which means you’ll be able to get those high quality images you’re after.

The 5D is a great camera, but the sensor doesn’t have so many megapixels. The Nikon is also excellent, with a fantastic (Sony made) sensor, but has no in body stablization.

Of course, both Nikon and Canon offer stabilised lenses, so you can get the same effect with a lens.

I hope this helps. There are other options at lower (and higher!) budgets, but this would me my starting point without knowing your exact budget 🙂

26th October 2018 at 4:13 pm

Nice article..! Any reason to choose D3300 over D3400?

26th October 2018 at 6:07 pm

In terms of the cameras under $500, I wanted to pick a great value camera, and the D3300 certainly fits that bill, especially since the D3400 and D3500 have since been released. However, if you have the budget, the newer models are definitely worth checking out 🙂

17th October 2018 at 9:22 pm

I feel you are missing a well known and loved travel camera. The Ricoh GR &/or GRii essentially the same, is ultra light, a somewhat fast 2.8 for low light, no AA filter that delivers sharp images and can be found used $350 or brand new $600. Yes, it has a fixed 28mm lens but it’s also so sharp with an aps-c sensor That cropping into a RAW image is still sharp after digital processing. Not the fastest auto focus but for those who focus on setting up their image or are patient for the scene to develop, it’s sufficient.

Great blog. Thanks for the work.

18th October 2018 at 5:43 pm

Thanks very much! There are a lot of great cameras out there for sure, and thanks for recommending your favourite. Hopefully someone finds your recommendation useful 😀

7th October 2018 at 2:10 pm

Absolutely brill article thankyou! I have a question for you . . . Im a land artist in the UK and currently looking to invest in a camera to capture my artwork. Been using a samsung galaxy phone up till now but seriously need to upgrade as Im being asked for large prints! Im good with light and composition but have very little tech knowledge! So looking for the smallest simplest camera that is not a phone! that shoots in RAW for high quality large prints that I can carry easily and not have to think about! Ive been looking at the Sony RX100 V and wondering if the image quality will be good enough . . friends saying Sony Alpha series is better! Help! Getting confused with so much choice! Would really appreciate your opinion or advice :)) *artwork ranges from small macro creations to much larger woodland or river work

10th October 2018 at 4:59 pm

So for something small the shoots in RAW, a higher end point and shoot should work fine for your specific needs 🙂 The Alpha series from Sony is a great choice too, but they are certainly bigger than a point and shoot, and also a bit more complicated to use. So I would advise something like the Panasonic or Sony in this post. We also have a more comprehensive Point and shoot camera guide here with even more choices 🙂 https://independenttravelcats.com/best-compact-camera-travel-point-and-shoot-cameras/

Let me know if you have any more questions!

Cecilia Lawrence says

11th September 2018 at 1:22 am

Hi there! Thank you for taking the time to write up this list! I was wondering if you could give me some camera recommendations. I’m an amateur photographer and I mostly use my camera for taking interior photos (like architecture or portraits) for art references. The things I’m looking for are:

1.) Long battery life (when traveling) 2.) Under $500 3.) Good in low-light settings

I’m trying to find either a good point-and-shoot or a mirrorless camera that fits in my budget. I was told that the Canon Rebel t6 is a good DSLR for what I’m looking for, but I’m wondering if it might not be a little too cumbersome when traveling. Any suggestions?

11th September 2018 at 10:34 am

Hi Cecilia!

My pleasure. So, your wishlist is quite a challenge I have to be honest 🙂

For a long battery life, your best option is going to be a DSLR, as mirrorless cameras use up more battery due to not having an optical viewfinder, which means you always need to be powering a screen.

Low light is the hardest environment for a camera to work in. My suggestion for the type of photography you are wanting to do would be to invest in a tripod, which can help get around some of the challenges of shooting in low light by letting you use longer exposures.

My suggestion would be perhaps the Canon M100 . This has the same sensor has the Canon DSLR cameras, but is in a smaller body, so it is quite compact. It comes in under budget including a lens. The only issue is that the battery life is not going to be as good as a DSLR.

let me know how that sounds!

11th September 2018 at 6:06 pm

Thank you so much for your quick response! This camera looks perfect–exactly what I was looking for. Thank you again!

11th September 2018 at 6:09 pm

My pleasure Cecilia 🙂 You inspired me to add it to the post as well, I think it’s an excellent option at this price point 🙂

Prashanth says

31st August 2018 at 9:17 am

Hello, thank you for an excellent article. I’ve got a tough one for you – my trusty Panasonic FZ300 has checked itself out after three terrific years. I can’t seem to find anything else that matches its set of amazing features. Can you help? Thanks!!

31st August 2018 at 10:31 am

Hi Prashanth,

I think the logical replacement would be the new Panasonic FZ330, which seems to have a similar set of features and upgraded technology 🙂

1st September 2018 at 6:00 am

Oh wow Laurence, thank you! I can’t believe I wasn’t able to find it myself. I kept searching for “FZ300 successor” but apart from a few forum postings on what a potential successor should look like, I only saw pages from four years ago that declared that the FZ300 was a successor to the FZ200! I noticed that you don’t have a section for bridge cameras on your blog – from my own experience, I found the FZ300 the most versatile cam I’ve used. I go on an annual 5500+ meter trek (Kailash Manasarovar yatra if you’re interested), and I’ve really put the weather sealing capabilities of the FZ300 to the ultimate test! The ultrazoom really comes in handy on the trek (to scope out far away features or wildlife) and the insane feature set (from 4 years ago!) – 4k video, timelapse, wifi, multiple zoom controls, touchscreen, etc. make this camera an absolute treat to use. If at all anything could be improved, it would be the sensor, because it isn’t good at all in low light (thats when the RX100 comes out of my pocket ;-)). I look forward to checking the FZ330 out – thanks again!

1st September 2018 at 6:04 am

Oops! I had just replied to your comment Laurence, but I’m afraid the FZ300 and the FZ330 are exactly the same 🙁 “There is no functional difference as far as I know. It is a brand / labeling thing. The FZ330 IS the FZ300.”

1st September 2018 at 10:54 am

You are right! I am so sorry, I just found that and figured it must be the latest version of it as that’s what Panasonic has on their website. They don’t seem to have anything newer with the same sort of features, and I can’t find anything else that is the same sort of bridge design with the same feature set. The FZ300 / 330 seems to still be the only option. So I’m not sure if you’ve considered just buying another one?

You are definitely correct that this guide is currently missing bridge cameras, the only reason being I don’t have personal experience with them so it’s hard for me to give good advice!

2nd April 2019 at 7:07 pm

Hi again Prashanth!

A bit of a delay, but I thought you’d be interested in the recently launched FZ-1000 II. It doesn’t have quite the zoom of the FZ330, but the sensor is both bigger and has higher megapixels, so when you crop the image you will likely end up with the same results. It’s also somewhat more expensive. But in case you were still looking, I thought you’d like to know 🙂

2nd August 2018 at 7:15 am

Thank you so so much for this. This helped me so much

2nd August 2018 at 10:00 am

My pleasure Rachel 😀

Techwhippet.com says

23rd May 2018 at 3:55 pm

Hi findingtheuniverse, This article is very much helpful. But still I have question on it should I ask here ?

23rd May 2018 at 7:36 pm

If you have a question you are welcome to ask it 🙂

nick esposito says

16th March 2018 at 4:23 pm

6D II has a swivel screen and a touchscreen..your info is wrong in the article.

16th March 2018 at 4:29 pm

Thanks Nick – I’ve fixed that in the article 🙂

Gezina Uys says

21st February 2018 at 12:59 pm

I have been looking for a travel camera for a long time now, but not one can can do everything I want it to do. 1. It must be lighter than my Canon EOS . 2. Must take superb photo’s because I print a lot and enlarge them. 3. Large sensor. 4. Good optical zoom lens. 5. Image stabilization. 6. Build in flash with range more than 10m. 7. Megapixels – more than 20.

Please advice me what to buy. I go on a holiday in August and must have the camera by then. My Canon is just to heavy to carry around.

21st February 2018 at 1:13 pm

That is quite a list 🙂

Getting everything you want in one camera is going to be quite hard – a large sensor will require a larger camera body, that’s just how it works. I’d also add that very few built in flashes are either that powerful or produce good results – this is why pretty much every professional level camera doesn’t even have a built-in flash.

It’s hard to give specific advice without a budget in mind. However, my advice to you would be to consider the Sony mirrorless systems, and in particular the Sony Alpha a7II ( http://amzn.to/2CbOehK ) for your requirements. This has nearly everything you have asked for:

1 – mirrorless, so smaller and lighter than EOS full frame cameras, weighs 1.32lbs 2 – takes great photos 3 – full frame sensor 4 – lots of lenses available 5 – built in 5-axis image stabilisation 6 – no flash (see above for why) 7 – 24.3MP

21st February 2018 at 1:37 pm

To follow on from your e-mail where you say that Sony are leaving the South African market (!). This is definitely a problem, as there aren’t any other full frame mirrorless cameras that I’m aware of, other than the Leica range, which are really expensive.

So my advice would be to look instead at the APS-C sized sensors on mirrorless cameras. These still produce great image quality and come in a smaller format. I’d specifically advise either the Fuji XT2 or the Fuji XT20, depending on your budget, both of which offer superb image quality. I know a number of professional photographers who love these cameras and use them as their main cameras day in and day out.

Techwhippet says

15th February 2018 at 7:22 am

Hi Mate! I just bought the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III, and am curious, do you ever take prime lenses when travelling? I’ve seen some amazing travel pictures taken with Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III. Amazing blog, keep up the great work!

17th February 2018 at 8:36 pm

Thanks very much! I don’t usually take prime lenses, I usually have a wide angle and a telephoto, and find that is enough to carry!

Greg Kennon says

3rd February 2017 at 4:05 pm

Wow! Awesome in depth post! We recently bought a Sony point and shoot camera and we have loved it. We have used a DSLR before but they are so heavy to take on long walks/hikes! Thanks for the great post! I will definitely reference this when it’s time to upgrade:)

Laurence says

3rd February 2017 at 4:09 pm

Thanks Greg, pleased you find it useful!

Leslie Hoerwinkle says

24th January 2017 at 3:53 am

So, which camera is the best? ????

13th February 2018 at 10:23 pm

It really depends on what you want to do with it, and your budget! I’d suggest checking out the post and making a decision on the best travel camera for you 🙂

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31 Most Famous Travel Photographers to Follow in 2024

Want to know the best travel photographers to follow on Instagram? Get inspired by these 31 incredible travel photography accounts!

Famous Photographers | Learn | By Jeff Collier

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You’re about to discover 31 of the best travel photographers on Instagram in 2024.

I’ll introduce you to award-winning travel photographers who fly around the world in search of the most incredible photos.

I’ll also answer some frequently asked questions related to travel photographers in general.

You’ll find a ton of inspiration for your own travel photography in this guide.

You should also check out our related guides:

• Most famous photographers in the world
• Most famous celebrity photographers
• Most famous street photographers
• Most famous fashion photographers
• Most famous underwater photographers

Table of Contents

Who Are The Most Famous Travel Photographers in 2024?

Chris burkard.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by ChrisBurkard (@chrisburkard)

Burkard is a self-taught photographer who has truly mastered the art of taking breathtaking landscapes and action-filled portraits.

• What is the Best Camera for Travel Photography?

Lauren Bath

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Lauren Bath | Australia (@laurenepbath)

Her Instagram feed showcases her unique perspective in highly saturated landscapes and atmospheric wildlife photography .

She also gives you behind-the-scenes photography insights into how she goes about capturing her travel photos.

Joshua Cripps

@joshuacrippsphotography

Joshua Cripps is a well-known American photographer , international speaker, and tour leader. His epic landscapes are somehow able to capture the feeling of being there yourself.

Melissa Hie

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by ❤️ Mel’s Food & Travel log (@girleatworld)

This concept allows her to share tiny moments from around the world in fun and unique ways.

• Read more: What hashtags get the most attention on Instagram?

Lucy Rose Laucht

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Lucy Rose Laucht (@lucylaucht)

As a Leica ambassador, her passion and dedication to her craft shows up in every image, from beach scene to cityscape.

Even now, when most people take photographs with their phones, there’s still a lot to learn from film photography where every shot is precious.

• Best travel camera for blogging

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Sam Horine (@samhorine)

His Instagram account features life around him, with images from the city and the natural wonders his day job brings him to document.

Chase Guttman

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Chase Guttman (@chaseguttman)

He uses a drone to shoot amazing landscape photography in a different light, and he finds beauty in the repeating patterns you can see from above.

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• What is the best lens for travel photography?

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Gab Scanu | Travel • Photography (@gabscanu)

His duo-toned landscape shots are framed with a manmade element that helps the viewer focus on the natural beauty of the outdoors and be reminded of man’s interaction with it.

Glenn Lee Robinson

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Adventure Enthusiasts (@adventurenthusiasts)

From snowy mountains in Yosemite to a bird’s eye view of Lake Tahoe, his photos highlight the sheer beauty of California’s national parks and forests.

Senai Senna

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Senna Relax (@sennarelax)

In the meantime, I like to look at his tagged locations for travel inspiration and where I want to go next.

Lisa Michele Burns

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Lisa Michele Burns (@the_wanderinglens)

The pastel colors of sunset and the misty aura of waterfalls and ocean spray fill her feed with calming energy.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Gary Arndt (@everythingeverywhere)

While he doesn’t post new images often, his reputation as a three-time Travel Photographer of the Year means that every post or reel is a must-see.

• Who are the 33 most famous architecture photographers?

Manuel Dietrich

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Manuel Dietrich | Germany 🇩🇪 | Travel | Hiking (@manueldietrichphotography)

Dietrich’s Instagram grid showcases his teal-orange-green style in a way that’s deeply inspiring. Instead of applying a filter to any photograph, he makes sure his subject fits into his style.

Laurence and Jessica Norah

View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Laurence Norah (@lozula)

As full-time photography bloggers, they share their expertise in planning trips and documenting them.

Their Instagram feed is an approachable portfolio of experiences that almost anyone can learn from and emulate on their next big trip.

Colby Brown

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Colby Brown (@colbybrownphotography)

One feature of Brown’s photograph descriptions is the camera settings or equipment he uses. For most shots, he lets you know which lens and body he used, which is helpful when you’re ready for an upgrade.

Richard Bernabe

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Richard Bernabe (@bernabephoto)

His adventure photos from around the world move people to think about conserving the natural environment that he is so good at capturing.

• Read more: How do I start adventure photography?

Alex Strohl

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Alex Strohl (@alexstrohl)

His Instagram feed is more like a collection of mini blog posts behind the scenes of taking and producing images that you can share with the world.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Sam (@sam.vox)

Don’t miss out on Vox’s reels which provide a behind-the-scenes look at the day’s work. Some photos are taken with a small point-and-shoot which proves that the best camera is the one that you have with you.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Art Wolfe (@artwolfe)

His extensive archive of Instagram images showcases why he’s known as a master of color, composition and perspective.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Bob Krist (@bobkristphoto)

Because of his experience, his Instagram travel photographs have a range of styles and subjects that I – and many others – look to for inspiration.

Timothy Allen

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Timothy Allen (@timothy_allen)

Paul Nicklen

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Paul Nicklen (@paulnicklen)

Nicklen’s skill in composing his photos is something I study before going on a trip and again before I edit my shots. His use of framing and composition takes his photos from snapshots to masterpieces.

Michael Yamashita

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Michael Yamashita (@yamashitaphoto)

His books, workshops, and lectures help him share his passion for historic explorers and the landscapes that they would have seen in ancient times.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Yosigo (@yosigo_yosigo)

Whether it’s a trip to the beach or an abandoned parking garage, he has the ability to portray the modern world in a fresh light.

Navaneeth Unnikrishnan

View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Navaneeth Unnikrishnan (@navaneeth_unnikrishnan)

Ami Vitale is a renowned photographer who has travelled to over 100 countries and published a book showing pandas being released into the wild.

Lola Akinmade Åkerström

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by PhotoShelter (@photoshelter)

Jord Hammond

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by JORD | TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY (@jordhammond)

Eric Rubens

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Eric Rubens 🌅 Travel & Photography (@ericrubens)

Though the colors in his landscapes must be highly edited, his skill in knowing what to highlight and when to stop makes his dreamy seascapes something special.

• Read more: Who are the most famous landscape photographers?

Elia Locardi

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Elia Locardi (@elialocardi)

From a once-in-a-lifetime photo of the Northern Lights to a series of shots documenting the city’s skyline, he knows how to draw you into his world.

Matjaž Krivic

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Matjaz Krivic Photography (@krivicmatjaz)

The emotion of the trip is evident in every shot, which he shares on his Instagram feed.

FAQs about Travel Photographers

What is considered as a travel photographer?

Anyone who uses a camera to document the world and showcase what makes a location unique. Instagram travel photographers may have a defined vision or may take inspiration from an area’s landscape, food, people and history.

Is it hard to be a travel photographer?

It takes dedication, and it can be hard at times. My favorite photographers are skilled with both a camera and a computer, and they work almost as hard at marketing themselves and teaching others as they do in capturing the perfect picture.

Are travel photographers in demand?

Yes! The travel industry is not slowing down, which means that the demand for new photographs and videos of exciting locations around the world is still high.

Does travel photography pay well?

Instagram travel photographers may be paid by brand sponsorships and marketing agencies for the trips they take. They can make money selling prints of their work directly online or through galleries . Many even guide trips and have online classes teaching others how to recreate their style.

Check out these 8 essential tools to help you succeed as a professional photographer.

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You'll Also Like These:

Jeff Collier is an experienced film photographer who enjoys experimenting with modern digital photography equipment, software and apps. He’s also an ex-world champion triathlete and avid cyclist, clocking hundreds of km each week in the beautiful Tweed Valley of northern NSW, Australia.

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3 Cameras for Travel Photography This Summer

The summer season is fast approaching, and many of us are preparing to jet off on our summer vacations to destinations all over the world. Whether you are going for a beach vacation or lounging around the pool with your family, having a camera at hand is always a great way to capture those special moments.

Summer can be a tricky time for some types of photography. Those very early mornings to catch the sunrise or very late nights for the sunset can be a bit of a pain, especially if you value your sleep! We also have to deal with harsh light conditions as the sun beams down from high above us for many hours of the day, but there are still plenty of opportunities to be had no matter where you are.

Summer Ideas

In the Northern Hemisphere, summer is the best time to photograph the Milky Way core. If you find yourself in an area with little to no light pollution, take advantage of those beautiful night skies and find new and exciting compositions.

Summer is also a fantastic time to photograph new and exciting wildlife around the world. Many seabirds, such as gannets and puffins, come to land during the summer for their breeding season, so this is the best opportunity to photograph wildlife that you do not see the rest of the year.

Other species such as bears and foxes will have cubs, so another amazing opportunity for wildlife photographers. High up on my list is to travel to places such as Finland or visit the Grand Tetons in the US for its amazing wildlife. One day I hope!

Summer landscapes are something I have always loved to capture whenever I am traveling. Here is one image from a stunning lighthouse in Wales.

Why not also capture portraits of your loved ones, friends, or even clients during those beautiful summer evenings while on your travels? Many folks want nice shots for their Instagram, which can be them enjoying their vacation, and you can certainly give them that helping hand.

These are just a few ideas that you can do over summer, but you are certainly never limited. Whether you want to try street photography, photograph seascapes, capture your kids playing on the beach, and much more, you are sure to have an amazing time capturing moments that you can be proud of.

Cameras ideal for travel come in all different shapes and sizes and will really depend on what your goals are. Below, I will pick a few camera systems that I think will be great options for traveling this summer that are available on  MPB.com,  where you can get some fantastic savings.

Fujifilm X100V

With a 26 effective megapixel APS-C sensor and weighing in at only 1.1 lbs, this camera is small and lightweight for you to carry around anywhere on your travels and will fit in your bag nicely. The camera features a fixed 23mm f/2.0 lens, which is equivalent to 35mm on full frame. For travel and street photography, this is a really nice focal length to have as well as capturing special moments with your family.

Whether you are using this camera for stills or for video, there is something for everyone in this camera body, and it weighs the same as the Fujifilm X100V at 1.1 lbs. One extra benefit of this Sony model is you can use the vast range of lenses that are available for E mount.

This camera features some of the incredible features that have been passed down from the Nikon Z8 and Z9, such as the processor and also the autofocus system, so for the price, you are getting one hell of a camera for your travels. This camera is on the heavier side at 1.6 lbs, but I guess that is to be expected with the extra oomph this camera packs.

One thing I have always appreciated with Nikon is that they always seem to get the ergonomics right on their bodies, and I am sure this system will look and feel great in your hands.

This camera also packs a punch with an extremely fast 30 fps burst rate with a silent mechanical shutter and a 14 fps burst rate with a mechanical shutter, so you will never miss a moment, especially as pre-capture is also available in JPEG.

We are spoiled right now with so many amazing cameras available and the technology moving so fast. There really is something for everyone, and I highly recommend that before making your next purchase, visit MPB.com , where you can make some fantastic savings on second-hand gear, and you will also be covered by their six-month warranty.

Capturing the world can be done in so many different ways, all of which will give you moments to cherish.

There is a whole world to visit out there, and it is easier than ever to hop on a plane to visit locations far and wide. With that being said, I want to end this article with a quote from the great poet Rudyard Kipling:

Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it.

Greg Sheard is a Scottish based photographer, focusing on wildlife, landscape and portrait work. Greg's mission in life is too help those who suffer with mental health issues and be a voice for the millions of people around the world who need that care, attention and awareness.

I believe the X100V has 26MP.

It sure does, I wrote the X100VI's megapixel count in error 🤣

Level Up Your Travel Photos This Summer With These Pro Tips

Y our summer vacations are the perfect time to capture amazing photos you'll want to look at for years to come. And you don't have to be a professional photographer to preserve all the gorgeous sights and memorable experiences you'll encounter on your trip. Today's cameras make it easier than ever to take good-looking images. But simply pointing your camera at something and pressing the shutter button isn't necessarily going to score you the best results.

Taking photos that you'll want to print for your wall or put in a photo book takes more understanding, but with just a bit of effort you'll be able to turn your everyday vacation snaps into award-worthy pieces of travel photography. 

In the first part of my two-part travel photography guide , I took you through the kit you should consider taking with you, whether it's a great phone like the iPhone 15 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or a dedicated camera like the Canon EOS R5. 

Read more: Best Camera to Buy in 2024

Now I'm going to take you through the tips I keep in mind as a professional photographer while traveling the globe. 

Get to know your kit

Learning how to operate your camera will not only help you get better, more creative shots, but will help you snap those shots quicker, as you won't have to fiddle around with settings. Some of the most exciting travel shots can come and go in a split second, so whether you're capturing the running of the bulls in Pamplona or a snowboarder launching off a mogul in Switzerland, you'll need to learn to shoot quickly.

Spend time with your camera in manual mode before you go away. Learn how to change shutter speed, aperture, ISO speeds and white balance and experiment with what happens to your images when you change these settings. A good camera will be able to capture some great shots in auto mode, but when you want to get more creative, you'll need to take control. 

Shoot in raw

If your camera has it (and almost all cameras and even most phones do), shoot in raw format. Yes, it creates bigger files, but memory cards are so cheap now that it's worth carrying an extra couple of 64GB cards with you. Raw shooting allows you to change white balance after your shot and capture more details in the very bright and very dark areas, letting you tone down any blown-out skies or lighten some shadows in Photoshop.

Read more: Best Camera Phone of 2024

Although it's always best to get the shot right when you first take it, raw processing gives you much more flexibility to rescue a shot that's not quite right. 

Do your research

Search for your location on Google and visit travel websites to find out more about where you're going. Not only will that help you make the most of your trip, you may find out about local events or particularly photogenic locations you may otherwise have missed.

You might also find out about photography restrictions that may land you in hot water -- as a general rule anywhere, avoid photographing government buildings, and if you're unsure, ask permission.

Search for your destination on Instagram or on photography websites such as Flickr and 500px for inspiration on what to see. It's handy to get an idea of the shots other people have taken -- either to replicate them yourself or to avoid taking the same generic shot the internet has seen hundreds of times before.

Composition is key

Good composition will make or break a photo, and unlike white balance or color tone, poor composition can't be fixed in post processing. The morning light bouncing off that rustic church won't count for much if you've accidentally chopped off the spire in your hurry to take the shot.

A generic shot of a popular spot can be transformed into an unusual and creative artwork simply by changing your angle. Take a moment to look at the scene before you shoot and don't be afraid to move around to get the best angles. Struggling with a beach scene? Walk farther down the coast to find boats, nets or rocks that might add foreground interest. Shooting in the city? Get up a tall building for dramatic urban cityscapes. Even just kneeling down and shooting from below can make a difference.

Find the details that matter

Capturing a beautiful, wide view of the stunning European city you're visiting is great for a nice print to hang on your wall, but it's those smaller details that really tell the story of your trip. Maybe it's the food market you visited, a weather-worn old door, a vintage scooter or a shop sign that hasn't been repainted in years. 

All of these small elements will not only help capture the essence of the location you're visiting but also help bring back more memories for you when you look at them as each image will tell such a strong story. It's up to you to decide what those small details might be to look out for, but my advice is to always have your camera ready to shoot so when you see something that speaks to you -- a stack of lobster pots in a harbor, perhaps -- you're ready to take your shot. 

Don't be afraid of the dark

Just because the sun has gone down, it doesn't mean your photography needs to stop. It's a great time to get creative with slow shutter shots. Long exposures blur motion, turning regular car headlights on a city street into creative, abstract light trails, streaking through the darkness. Use a narrow aperture -- around f/12 -- and a long exposure to turn points of light into gorgeous starbursts.

You'll need to secure your camera firmly in place -- with a tripod -- and if you're playing with exposures longer than a few seconds, you'll need to be careful about the breeze or people walking by adding any vibrations. If you want to do long exposures in the daytime, you'll need a dark neutral density filter, such as the Big Stopper by Lee Filters, to let you take minute-long exposures in the middle of the day.

If you're shooting on a modern camera -- especially with a larger, full frame sensor -- then you can also likely increase your ISO speed above 3,200 without seeing too much degradation from image noise. Coupled with a wider aperture of f/2.8 or more, you may have more luck shooting handheld scenes in low light. If this is a priority for you, cameras that also offer in-body image stabilization (like the Canon EOS R5) should be on your list; this stabilization lets you use slower shutter speeds without needing a tripod.

Be a people person

It's often the people you meet as much as the places you see that makes traveling and exploring so interesting. People make fantastic subjects to photograph, whether they're wandering the streets, relaxing or hard at work.

Naturally, not everybody will want to be photographed so, out of politeness if nothing else, it's a good idea to ask the person's permission beforehand if you're trying to take a portrait of someone. It'll help if you do your research and learn a few key phrases of the local language to not only ask permission, but be able to understand the response. If they say no, it's important to respect that.

Otherwise, heading to busy areas like local markets will allow you to take more street-style photographs with candid moments of people going about their day. Again, it's still important to respect peoples' space here and keep in mind that some countries may have laws against this type of photography.

Set your alarm

The middle of the day may be the nicest time to wander around Tuscan streets, grab a hot chocolate on the mountainside or order a third cocktail on the beach, but the midday sun doesn't usually offer the best light for dramatic photographs.

It's the early morning light, casting its long, golden shadows that will really make a place look its most beautiful. Setting your alarm for sunrise on holiday may seem like the worst thing in the world, but it's worth trying -- even just once -- to see what sort of shots you get. Scout out locations beforehand to make sure you don't waste the precious early hours trying to find somewhere to shoot.

Revisit the scene

When you stumble upon a particularly picturesque scene, don't just visit it just the once. While a bay may look delightful in the daytime, it will look different again at night, with all the lights of nearby buildings stretching out across the water. If you know a great spot, do your best to come back to it to find out when it looks best.

Play with processing

Although you should always try to get the best shot you can when you first take it, some well-placed post processing can turn a good photo into a great one. If you're shooting raw files, you'll need to process them anyway, so it's worth trying out a few of the sliders in Adobe Lightroom while you're at it.

With your raw files, the first thing you'll need to do is correct the white balance. Have a play with the color temperature slider and see what tone suits best. Summer evening shots will benefit from a warmer color tone, while chilly February city streets will look best with something a bit cooler.

Toning down the highlights can help keep a bright sky under control, while lifting the shadows will help make darker areas more visible, without affecting too much of the rest of the scene. It's important not to go overboard on this, as it can make your images look a little unnatural. From that point on, have a play with your editor of choice and see what you like. There's no one right way to edit your shots -- no matter what anybody says -- it's all about what you prefer. 

Do your own thing

Sure, rules such as "take the lens cap off before shooting" should always be followed, but never be afraid to try an unusual angle, play with your settings or experiment with new editing techniques in Lightroom.

If everybody always followed the exact same format, everybody's photography would look the same. Use these rules as guidelines and play with angles, settings and editing as much as you want to find what works for you.

I'm Blown Away by These Photos I Took on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra

The best travel tripod in 2024: from full-size sticks to bag-sized mini-tripods

The best travel tripods have to be small enough to pack, light enough to carry, and sturdy enough for shake-free photos!

The Quick List

Best tripod overall, best for sturdiness, best lightweight tripod, best with 3-way head, best for versatility, best alloy tripod, best budget carbon.

• How to choose
• How we test

The Quick List ↩ 1. Best tripod overall 2. Best for sturdiness 3. Best lightweight tripod 4. Best with 3-way head 5. Best for versatility 6. Best alloy tripod 7. Best budget carbon How to choose How we test

I like to travel light, whether I’m walking city streets, trekking across the countryside or jetting off to the other side of the world. Conventional full-sized tripods tend to be big, heavy, and unwieldy – so I often leave mine at home, making it completely useless. By contrast, the best travel tripods literally take a load off. They’re made to be compact and lightweight but, in the past, they’ve often been notorious for being flimsy, relatively unstable, and too small to offer a useful operating height. The new breed of travel tripods tempt me with the promise of giving me the best of both worlds.

Most modern travel tripods have legs that swing upwards for storage, so that the head is encircled by the feet. This typically reduces the folded height by as much as 4" / 10cm. Some also include as many as five sections in each leg, and a two-section extending center column, reducing the folded height even further, while still enabling reasonably lofty shooting. I find they take longer to set up and fold away but it’s a trade I’m willing to make for smaller stowage.

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is an encyclopedia when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers, and inks, and just about anything imaging-related.

Here's a quick rundown of all the lenses in this guide. Scroll down for a more in-depth look at the individual products.

It's the first tripod Peak Design has ever made, but it's the best travel tripod I've ever seen! There is an aluminum version that's a massive 40% cheaper, however, which has all the same design features but just a little less vibration resistance. Read more below

This is no ordinary tripod; it folds down to just 35cm, opens to a height of 146cm, and has a huge 30kg payload. I like that its detachable monopod leg can be used as a mic or camera boom, and it has a Tri-Mount system for adding accessories. Read more below

I like that this is one of the outright lightest travel tripods on the market but still packs plenty of useful features. It’s equally adept for taking selfies as much as for shooting landscapes and the like, making it right up my street. Read more below

Ball heads are all the rage but there are times when I prefer a 3-way head for making precision adjustments. This Manfrotto kit obliges by bucking the trend, and I find it’s well suited to shooting video as well as stills. Read more below

This Benro carbon tripod's 6-in-1 billing could fool me into thinking that it's all about versatility, but it's a very good travel tripod. Even at full height, it's impressively stable, and it packs extra features that could come in handy whether shooting with a camera or a phone. Read more below

I often love the creative potential of shooting at really low level and the Corey 2.0 gives me all the flexibility I need to make dramatic shots without the fuss. It’s not a carbon fiber tripod but made from top-notch magnesium alloy. Read more below

Load the next products ↴

I generally prefer carbon fiber tripods to metal ones, for a saving in weight and enhanced resistance to vibration. I’m not so keen that I often have to pay a whole lot more for the privilege but the Rhino is great value for money. Read more below

The best travel tripods we recommend 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. Peak Design Travel Tripod

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

✅  You like innovative design and photographic kit that makes a real statement.

✅  You want a travel tripod that has the slimmest possible profile, thanks to specially shaped legs.

✅ You don’t mind paying top-dollar for a travel tripod, and can make use of all the features.

❌  You don’t want to pay over the odds for an aluminum or carbon fiber travel tripod – there’s no denying it’s pricey.

❌  You don’t need a mobile phone mount, which is a bit fiddly to get at.

❌ You’d rather have a different type of head, although an adapter is available separately.

The Peak Design Travel Tripod may be the first tripod that Peak Design has made, but it's hands-down one of the best travel tripods that I've ever used! There is an aluminum version that's a massive 40% cheaper, however, which has all the same design features, just a little more weight and less vibration resistance. A couple of the other tripods here will go higher, but the Peak Design will still go to eye level for an average-height person, and it packs down to just 39cm in length.

I like that it's designed to cut out the dead space between the legs and the column when packed, which means it's not just short when folded but very slim too – I can put this inside my camera bag or cabin bag instead of just strapping it to the outside. The low-profile ball head is simple but brilliant, there's a phone holder hidden inside the center column, and best of all for me, the tripod feels seriously rigid.

Read more:   Peak Design Travel Tripod review

• Back to the top ⤴

2. 3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0

✅  You want to choose your own head, although you can buy the legs on their own.

✅  You don’t like fiddling with lots of leg clamps and dual center column clamps.

✅ You’re keeping an eye on the bottom line – it’s a pricey travel tripod.

❌  You want to choose your own head, although you can buy the legs on their own.

❌  You don’t like fiddling with lots of leg clamps and dual center column clamps.

❌ You’re keeping an eye on the bottom line – it’s a pricey travel tripod.

The 3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0 is no ordinary tripod. It folds down to just 35cm in length but opens out to offer a maximum height of 146cm and a huge payload capacity of 30kg. That far exceeds the weight of any of my camera and lens combinations but the net result is great rigidity.

I like that it has a detachable monopod leg which can also be used as a microphone or camera boom, a Tri-Mount system for adding accessories, and an innovative two-section center column. That helps it to fold down really small yet reach a decent maximum operating height. You can buy the legs on their own but I’d get the complete kit with 3 Legged Thing’s new and improved AirHed Pro Lever ball head.

The Leo 2 is not the smallest travel tripod you can get, and not the cheapest, but its ratio of folded length to maximum height, combined with its all-around versatility, make it one of the best.

Read more: 3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0 + AirHead Pro Review

3. Vanguard VEO 3GO 235CB

✅  You want a tripod that includes a smartphone adapter and even a Bluetooth controller.

✅  You’d like a tripod that works as a monopod and selfie stick as well.

✅ You want one of the absolute lightest travel tripods on the market.

❌  You want a heftier maximum load rating than 4kg.

❌  You’d rather have a taller maximum operating height than 136cm.

❌ You don’t feel the need for a low level adapter or dual rubber pad and spiked feet.

With five sections in each swing-up leg and a two-section center column, this Vanguard folds down to just over a foot long yet gives a reasonable maximum operating height. I find it can easily fit into my daily bag or backpack. It’s also very lightweight although, as expected, the alternative aluminum version is a little heavier. The bottom leg sections are quite spindly, with a diameter of just 11mm, but stability is pretty good even at full stretch.

As well as giving a typically quick and easy change to monopod configuration, the Vanguard is more unusual in coming complete with a smartphone adapter. I like that it works well as a monopod and even a selfie stick, so I only need to take one support for the journey rather than two or three.

Read more: Vanguard VEO 3GO 235CB review

4. Manfrotto Befree 3-Way Live Advanced

✅  You like the idea of a hybrid travel tripod, with a head that works well for video as well as stills.

✅  You feel reassured by buying a tripod from one of the biggest names in the business.

✅ You like flip locks rather than the more usual twist locks for leg clamps.

❌  You’d rather have a tripod kit that has a more usual ball head.

❌  You don’t shoot video, but stick to stills.

❌ You’d prefer a carbon fiber travel tripod rather than an aluminum one.

The Manfrotto Befree 3-Way Live Advanced is a lightweight photographer’s travel tripod paired with a three-way head. Although ball heads have become hugely popular, I actually prefer a 3-way head for the likes of architectural and close-up shooting, where precise adjustments can be critical. The 3-way fluid head in this case uses a hydraulic damping system to make it easy for smooth, fluid camera movements, so I find it also works well for shooting video.

The tripod, meanwhile, provides a good balance between capacity, weight, and price. It’ll take 6kg of kit and only weighs 2kg itself. I’ve tested lighter and stronger tripods, but they tended to be more pricey than this one.

It’s not as tall as some of the other tripods in this guide, and doesn’t fold down particularly small, the latter not helped by having a 3-way rather than ball head. But, for the vast majority of purposes, this is an impressive all-around package and merits serious consideration for any traveling photographer or videographer.

Read more: Manfrotto Befree 3-Way Live Advanced tripod review

5. Benro MeFoto RoadTrip Pro

✅  You like different color options for the finish, instead of just black.

✅  You’d like a tripod that can adapt for tabletop and other uses.

✅ You want a tripod that comes complete with a smartphone mount.

❌  You don’t need a tripod with the extra versatility, which can be fiddly.

❌  You’d rather save money and buy the aluminum version of the tripod.

❌ You don’t like having so many leg and column clamps to deal with.

I thought the headline attraction of the so-called ‘6-in-1’ Benro MeFoto RoadTrip Pro would be its versatility. That’s obviously a headline feature but I’ve found that it's also a very good travel tripod, pure a simple. Even at full height it's impressively stable for its build, and it packs a few extra features that come in handy when I’m shooting with a camera or a phone.

I’ve found that it's an excellent travel tripod and, again, thanks to its versatility, it works well as a monopod and also as a mini table tripod, which are genuinely valuable additions. It's great that things like the hex key, small tripod legs, and smartphone clamp are contained within or attached to the tripod, making it much less likely that I’ll leave them behind or lose them along the way. The flip side is that the extra bits and pieces make the tripod a little heavier than it needs to be.

Read more:  Benro MeFoto RoadTrip Pro Carbon Fiber review

6. 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey 2.0

✅  You’re happy with a magnesium alloy rather than carbon fiber travel tripod.

✅  You want great performance and versatility at a bargain price.

✅ You like the ability to shoot creatively from really low levels.

❌  You’d rather spend more on a carbon fiber tripod that’s not cold to the touch.

❌  You’d rather have something simpler, with less leg and column clamps to operate.

❌ You don’t need the 14kg payload because you’re using lightweight kit.

I find that all of the Punks tripods from 3 Legged Thing are very travel-friendly, but the Corey 2.0 is the smallest and easiest to pack for the journey. It has the usual swing-up legs to save stowage space, this time with five sections in each, plus a two-section head, enabling a decent maximum operating height but a very small stowage size.

Don’t be put off that this one’s not a carbon fiber tripod. It’s actually made from aerospace grade magnesium alloy and the upshot is that it’s still lightweight yet very strong, with a hefty 14kg maximum load rating.

It ticks another two boxes on my  wish list by easily converting to a monopod, and enabling ultra-low-level shooting with the option of attaching the ball head directly to the canopy (leaving the center column out of the equation). All three legs are removable, and Vanz footwear (sold separately) transforms the Corey 2.0 into a stylish tabletop tripod.

Read more: 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey 2.0 review

7. Benro Rhino 05C (Zero Series) VX20

✅  You want a really small, lightweight tripod that still has a hefty 10kg load rating.

✅  You’re after a carbon fiber tripod that’s reasonably priced.

✅ You can make use of the secondary pan axis for shooting panoramas and video.

❌  The monopod configuration is nice to have but only stretches to a maximum height of 141cm.

❌  You’d like a travel tripod with a quick setup time.

❌ You’d prefer a tripod with feet that have metal spikes as well as rubber pads.

A plus point for me when space is at a premium is that the Benro Rhino 05C VX20 (also called the Rhino Zero Series VX20) is the smallest in a group of four recently launched Rhino travel tripods. Compactness doesn’t equate to flimsiness though and I’ve found that it’s remarkably rigid and robust for such a compact tripod. Another nice touch is that Benro’s companion VX ball heads have a secondary pan axis just under the camera plate. It’s great for taking sequences of panned shots to stitch into a panorama, and shooting video, as the panning axis remains on the level without the need to meticulously level the legs as well as the head.

I find that travel tripods have limitations, including a lower maximum working height and longer ‘unfolding’ time, but this goes with the territory and I can’t criticize the Rhino for that. Sure enough, this Benro doesn't extend to a particularly tall height, and outright rigidity can feel a little compromised if I fully extend all of the leg sections and both of the center column sections. When it’s not at full stretch though, I find this Benro is as rigid as much bigger and heavier tripods.

Read more: Benro Rhino 05C VX20 review

How to choose the best travel tripod

It’s good to be choosy when picking your perfect travel tripod for your needs and budget. Here’s a few things to bear in mind…

Carbon fiber is pricier than aluminum, but is it worth the extra?

Up-market tripods are usually made from carbon fiber instead of aluminum. They have a more luxurious feel, a smarter looking finish, and can be slightly more resistant to vibrations. Carbon fiber can also feel less cold to the touch. But the main advantage of carbon fiber is that it’s more lightweight than aluminum, giving it a clear advantage when you’re trying to shed weight. However, there can be diminishing returns. Although the weight-saving can be substantial in full-sized tripods, it’s much less noticeable in relatively small tripods. For many travel tripods that are available in both aluminum and carbon fiber options, the latter typically only saves around 200g in weight, little more than 10 per cent. Considering that the carbon fiber editions are often about 50 per cent more expensive to buy, aluminum travel tripods can be more cost effective.

How small is the tripod when folded?

A decade ago, the Giotto’s company launched a series of Vitruvian tripods, named after Leonardo da Vinci’s drawing, ‘The Vitruvian Man’. As in the drawing, the legs swing upwards but, in the case of the Giotto’s tripods they swung up completely, adopting a vertically upright orientation for stowing away. The trick was that, by fully extending the center column before swinging the legs up, the tripod head no longer extended beyond the length of the legs, making the carrying size much smaller. Many recent travel tripods fold down small enough to fit inside a bag or backpack, rather than needing to be tethered to the outside.

Can I save space by using a tripod as a monopod as well?

A neat trick of many recent travel tripods is that you can unscrew one of the tripod legs, detach the center column, and join the two together for use as a monopod, complete with ball head. That can be a real space saver if you like using a monopod as well as a tripod, as you only have to carry one bit of kit.

What’s so good about multi-angle legs?

Pretty much all travel tripods these days have legs that can be locked at multiple angles to the center column. Typically either two or three alternative angles are available, in addition to the legs being able to swing up vertically. This can help when you’re shooting on uneven terrain, or when there are obstacles in the way. For example, you might need to use one or two legs in a near-horizontal orientation and place the feet on a wall or table to get into your desired shooting position. Another bonus is that, by splaying the legs to a wider angle when shooting at low operating heights, you can increase stability and reduce the risk of the tripod toppling over if knocked.

How low can you go when shooting with a tripod?

Multi-angle legs help to reduce the minimum shooting height but the limiting factor is generally the point at which the center column touches the ground. The minimum height is therefore the height of the center column plus the ball head. A two-section extending center column can help to further reduce the minimum operating height, as well as the carrying height.  Some tripods are supplied with a short, stubby ‘low angle adaptor’. You can attach this to the tripod head and use it instead of the center column. The center column is also removable in most tripods, so you can invert it and shoot from between two of the legs with the camera upside down, right down at ground level.

What’s best for feet, pads or spikes?

Rubber pads are the normal footwear for tripods these days. They work well on solid ground as well as on grass and sandy areas. For soft surfaces like carpet, spikes can offer a more assured footing. Some tripods are supplied with both rubber pads and metal spikes, so you can swap between them as needed. Another option that used to be more common in the past is rubber pads on a threaded mount, so you can screw them in to reveal metal spikes beneath.

How we test travel tripods

We measure the maximum operating height of each tripod and its folded height for carrying, complete with head attached. We also measure the combined weight of each set of tripod legs and head, using electronic scales, and measure the diameter of all leg sections, from the widest to the thinnest, using digital calipers. We check the ease of use, smoothness and precision of all available adjustments in each set of tripod legs and heads. This ranges from adjusting leg sections and pivot facilities (where available), to the locking mechanisms of the head, as well as independent pan and friction damping adjustments, where fitted. To check overall stability, we shoot with a range of camera bodies fitted with wide-angle, standard, telephoto and macro lenses. We look for good resistance to flexing and vibrations throughout the whole range of operating heights, including the tallest available settings with the legs and center column fully extended.

You can find out more about how we test and review on Digital Camera World .

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Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 

His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 

In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.

• James Artaius Editor

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7 bloggers who’ll take you across Russia (PHOTOS)

1. Ksenia Minerva

Ksenia, 25, still lived in St.Petersburg in early 2021, working as a motion designer who daydreamed of adventure. She bought a mobile home in June, took her dog Busty along for the ride and the pair began travelling Russia.

She uses a gas cooker to prepare food, sleeps in the mobile home and a tent, replenishes her water supplies at gas stations, charges her equipment using solar batteries and even manages to use a hair straightener with the aid of a small power generator. 

She travels the taiga, the Far North, as well as southern Russia and likes to stop overnight in the mountains, woods and even desert islands. All of this beauty is, of course, shared with her followers. She also does streams to talk about the difficulties of living in the wilderness.

More here: Instagram , TikTok

3. Anna Korob

In 2018, Anna accidentally came across an old silver ruble from the time of Nicholas II’s reign. This led to an obsession with numismatics, followed by history and Russian architecture. She began collecting coins, studying the past, visiting old mansions and churches across the country and documenting it all in her blog.

“Each trip is like a little lifetime of its own. Thousands of kilometers by car through swamps, fields or highland serpentines, morning coffee at gas stations, misty dawns, interesting new acquaintances and stories told by locals, as well as chance encounters with wild animals and so much more…” Anna writes. 

With her blog, she seeks to draw attention to disappearing architectural monuments, claiming that there are thousands to explore - from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok. 

5. Artem Ray

Given that international travel was temporarily halted during the pandemic, Artem set about traversing Russia. 

Half a year ago, he began showing interesting Moscow and regional spots on his Instagram account. As a result, his blog turned into a mixture of the coziest and most atmospheric locations with wooden ‘izbas’, French-style castles, lighthouses and the most beautiful mansions across Russia.

“This life with its daily grind sucks you in like quicksand. You’re constantly solving issues related to work, studies and accommodation and, at some point, you begin to realize that you’re living the same scenario over and over again, while new experiences are reduced to a minimum… Traveling across Russia and blogging about it, therefore, are a source of inspiration, motivation and of sense of purpose, as well as a source of pleasure,” Artem writes. 

YouTube equipment checklist: All the gear you need to create great videos

Create awesome videos by finding the perfect YouTube equipment for you.

YouTube has opened the door for creators big and small to produce amazing videos, no matter what equipment they have. Whether you’re a big budget YouTuber or you’ve set up a channel as a side hustle, anyone can pick up a camera and create magic.

Deciding what equipment to get can be a bit of a minefield. You want to get the right gear for the types of videos you’re creating, but there’s still a lot of choice out there.

We’re here to guide you through the pieces of kit you’ll need, no matter if you’re creating large scale set pieces or looking for portable gear to help you capture footage on the move.

Follow our checklist to learn more about the ideal cameras for capturing eye-catching footage, microphones that record crystal clear audio, lighting equipment to shine on your content, and all the accessories you need to avoid any creator catastrophes.

• Get the perfect camera

Sound great with a microphone

• Shine with lighting
• Be prepared with accessories
• Create magic with editing software

Find the right camera for YouTube

It goes without saying that you’ll want your videos to look good, and that’s why getting the perfect camera is so important. Different creators will have different needs for their kit, so take time to consider what it is that you want your camera to excel at.

Use your smartphone

The easiest solution for creating great video is something that a lot of people will already have in their pocket, their smartphone! The technology that’s available in your humble phone is improving all the time.

Models like the iPhone 14 Pro, the Google Pixel 7Pro, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 are all capable of capturing 4K, or even 8K, video footage. When you combine the quality of the filming with the ultra portability, it’s a pretty compelling reason why you might want to stick with what you already have.

Capture extreme action shots

Sometimes you’ll want something as portable as a smartphone, but capable of handling itself in tougher locations if you’re filming out and about. You can get incredible footage like YouTube explorer FunForLouis and filmmaker Hugh Hou by using smaller handheld cameras that are built to stand up to a beating!

Cameras that can film anywhere

GoPro is the go-to when it comes to handheld cameras that pack a punch. Their latest model, the GoPro HERO Black 11, is a great option for creators that post content on different platforms with its 8:7 aspect ratio capable of producing both horizontal and vertical footage.

Previous GoPro models can also handle 4K footage, so you can hunt around for a bargain without sacrificing the best video quality too.

Cameras that get the impossible shots

360 cameras and drones are great options for active creators, and used to great effect by YouTube royalty Casey Neistat.

If the name doesn’t give it away, 360 cameras allow you to film the full 360 around you. This also gives you a wider angle that you can edit down later if you don’t want a full 360 shot. The Insta360 ONE X3 is a great option for filming in 5.7K with in-built stabilization to help you capture smooth footage.

Alternatively, drone cameras open up the skies for creators looking to film larger landscapes and get truly unique shots. DJI has produced some incredible drones capable of filming in 4K, albeit the likes of the DJI Mini 3 Pro and the DJI Air 2S will take a decent chunk of your budget!

Get professional quality gear

It used to be that to get the best quality footage, you’d need to splash out on professionally priced equipment, but that’s all changed. There are high spec digital cameras for a wide range of budgets, including lots of mirrorless and DSLR cameras that capture stunning footage.

For professional quality filming, the Fujifilm X-H2S is a powerful piece of kit that can shoot industry-standard footage, albeit with a higher price tag. A cheaper option for creators would be the Panasonic Lumix S5, a compact mirrorless camera that produces great video for significantly less than the X-H2S.

Cameras used by content creators

If you’re starting out with digital cameras, the Canon EOS 250D is one of the smaller DSLRs and also one of the easiest to get the hang of. Similarly, the Canon EOS M50 is a great entry-level camera that’s used by lots of YouTubers and won’t break the bank.

Great sound quality is just as important as capturing amazing footage! Viewers are way more likely to switch off if they have to suffer through poor audio, so do yourself a favor and make sure you’ve got a microphone that can capture sound that is as crisp and clear as your visuals.

Most cameras can capture audio too, but you can’t always guarantee that it’s going to be high quality. Investing in a microphone is a surefire way to capture awesome audio, no matter what situation you’re filming in.

Focus on your voice with a shotgun microphone

Make your voice the star of the show with a directional shotgun microphone. They can often be mounted to your camera and are designed to capture sound from a single, focused direction. This makes them great for capturing speech, whether you’re filming a vlog or recording an interview, although you do need to make sure the mic is pointing directly at your subject!

Shotgun microphones are very affordable with both the Rode VideoMic GO II and the Rode VideoMic Pro offering professional quality recording at budget-friendly prices.

Capture the full sound with a lavalier microphone

If you’re looking to capture all-round sound from your shoot, small multi-directional lavalier microphones that can clip to your clothing are the way to go. Being multi-directional means that they’ll pick up background noise to help contextualize your footage, but be careful how you set up your microphone if you want to be able to hear your subject too!

These small but mighty microphones can come with equally tiny prices too. The Shure MVL produces great quality audio and can be easily fastened to your subject, while the Deity V.Lav is another omnipresent microphone preferred by creators.

Look your best with lighting

Let your videos shine by investing in a lighting setup. Not only will lighting make your content look consistent and professionally shot, it also ensures that you can capture quality footage in any lighting conditions.

Ring lights

For filming on the go, ring lights offer a portable solution at affordable prices. They can provide an even distribution of light on your subject and some can even be mounted to your camera. A lot of creators favor the Neewer Ring Light, but you can find plenty of options to suit your budget by scouring Amazon.

As an alternative, softboxes are generally larger but can create a brighter, more natural looking light. In essence, they consist of a lamp within a large box that helps to soften the light that comes out and create a more flattering image. They tend to be more expensive than ring lights, but you can still find affordable options, like the MountDog Softbox Lighting Kit.

Natural light

The cheapest option is to use natural lighting and take advantage of what videographers call the golden hour, when light is best for capturing footage. You can use apps like Magic Hour to help you figure out what time of day you should film at, meaning you can get great lighting completely free!

Pack a creator survival kit with essential accessories

Even if you invest in the best quality equipment you can afford, the last thing you want is for your video shoot to be ruined by technology letting you down. Make sure you’re prepared and consider the accessories below so that you can capture great content whatever happens.

No-one wants jerky footage that makes viewers feel seasick! Keep your camerawork stable by picking up a tripod with lots of great options for different types of camera or phone. Consider creator favorites like the smaller Joby GripTight PRO and Joby GorillaPod, or the David & Sanford FM18 for a larger piece of kit that can give stability to bigger cameras.

Every filmmaker dreads running out of juice on a shoot so save yourself the pain by getting spare batteries for your camera and keeping them charged up. You don’t need to spend the big bucks with cheap batteries available on Amazon for any make of camera.

An alternative is to get a portable power bank that lets you charge up your gear when you’re out and about. The Anker PowerCore 20, 100mAh power back and the iMuto 20,000mah power bank can both hold a considerable amount of charge for your devices, but do double-check that your camera can be charged via USB!

Similarly to running out of battery, there’s nothing worse than setting up the perfect shot and realizing you don’t have enough space on your camera to film it. Sandisk SD Cards are very affordable and allow you to record high quality footage.

External hard drive

Editing your videos can take up loads of space on your computer and ultimately make it run very slowly. Save yourself the headache by getting an external hard drive like the Samsung T5 and get into the habit of saving old projects externally so you can edit your videos at full speed.

Some external hard drives, like the LaCie Rugged Raid Pro, can even take your footage directly from an SD Card, which could be a lifesaver if you’re looking to back up your files without your laptop.

Now you’re fully kitted out, you’ll want something to help you transport your gear and keep it safe when you’re heading out filming. You can get backpacks that have been specially designed with creators in mind, not least Nomatic’s McKinnon Camera Pack 35L which has been created in collaboration with YouTuber Peter McKinnon. Alternatives from Lowepro and Tenba might be slightly kinder on the wallet though.

Edit your masterpiece

A big part of creating great videos is applying those final touches and adding an awesome soundtrack in post-production. You might even have editing software on your computer or phone already!

Free editing tools

Lots of computers come with Apple iMovie or Windows Video Editor already installed, or you can look to download free software like DaVinci Resolve to give you the basic tools you need.

Pro post-production options

Alternatively, you can invest in one of the professional standard applications, like Adobe Premiere Pro CC or Apple Final Cut Pro, to get a wider range of tools for editing your videos.

Free music for creators

One of the most important parts of the editing process is finding the perfect soundtrack for your video. It can make the difference to your content and really hook your viewers in. Check out Uppbeat’s awesome catalog of copyright-free music and start downloading tracks for free.

Find the right YouTube gear for you

Whatever type of creator you are and however big your budget is, you’ll be able to find the perfect cameras, microphones and lighting to improve your videos. Although it’s worth remembering that having the fanciest, most expensive kit isn’t necessarily the best way to make awesome content.

Look back at the earliest videos from your favorite creators and there’s a good chance they’ll have started out using pretty basic gear. You can check out our list of 18 free YouTube tools to grow your channel and get more views too!

Taking the time to consider what types of equipment you need is an important step for any creator and will help you to make better quality videos. Ultimately, the right gear will make viewers more likely to enjoy your videos and subscribe to your channel.

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