The best travel cameras in 2026: here’s how to level up your holiday photos

Summer is just about here, and if you’re thinking about holidays already, the best travel cameras will help you capture your memories of your trips. Whether you’re looking to shoot photos, videos, or a little of both, the cameras on my list will help you capture vivid, detailed, dynamic imagery. If you’re sick of travel photos on your phone feeling bland and samey, the cameras on this list should be your port of call.

Even a small, light, self-contained camera will take significantly better images than your phone – as borne out by our full camera tests. As the magazine’s Technical Editor, I take on a lot of the camera testing work myself, and I have personally spent time using the cameras on this list. The number-one pick – the Fujifilm X-E5 – is genuinely my favourite travel camera. It’s a superb, well-balanced mirrorless model that takes brilliant images, and it delivers on everything the travel photographer is likely to need, without taking up too much space in a bag.

However, just because it’s my favourite, doesn’t mean it’s suitable for everyone – AP’s editor Nigel Atherton, for instance, favours the OM System OM-5 series – so I’ve packed out this list with options for all different use cases and budgets. If you want a genuinely great shooting experience for travel, I’m confident you’ll find it here. And if you need more inspiration and guidance for your next trip, we have a complete guide on how to take better travel photographs to help you out.

The best cameras for travel: our quick list

• Best travel camera overall: Fujifilm X-E5 – Buy now
• Best waterproof travel camera: OM-System Tough TG-7 – Buy now
• Best compact for travel: Fujifilm X100VI – Buy now
• Best long-zoom travel camera: Panasonic Lumix ZS99 / TZ99 – Buy now
• Best premium travel camera: Leica D-Lux 8 – Buy now
• Best pocketable compact: Ricoh GR IV – Buy now
• Best action camera for travel: GoPro Hero 13 Black – Buy now
• Best small travel camera: Sony RX100 VIIA – Buy now
• Best bridge camera for travel: Panasonic Lumix FZ82D – Buy now
• Best travel camera for video: Fujifilm X-S20 – Buy now
• Best weather-sealed travel camera: Olympus OM-System OM-5 II – Buy now
• Best full-frame travel camera: Nikon Z5 II – Buy now

Looking for the best deal on cameras for travel? Not only will you find the best travel cameras, but also some of the best deals, as our ‘Buy now’ buttons are setup to automatically take you to the best prices from trusted retailers. You’ll also find a list of other retailers below each camera, so you can find the right deal for you.

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The best travel cameras and vacation cameras: our full list

Best travel camera overall: Fujifilm X-E5

Fujifilm cameras have a lot of features that appeal specifically to travel photographers. Their slimline dimensions, attractive designs and dial-led controls make them enjoyable cameras to own, to hold and to use – the Fujifilm shooting experience is one of the best in all photography. And they’ve got it where it counts when it comes to imaging too, producing brilliant images straight out of camera thanks to Fuji’s hugely popular Film Simulations, which emulate the look of classic film stocks. If you want to produce dynamic and exciting travel photography without having to spend tons of time in editing, Fujifilm is the right choice.

So, why the X-E5? Put simply, this camera combines everything great about Fuji in a single package. It handles a lot like the phenomenally popular X100VI compact, only it doesn’t restrict you to just one lens, allowing you to chop and change X-mount glass. This is hugely beneficial for travel, where you’re likely to encounter very different shooting situations depending on your location. The X-E5 hold its ground whether shooting the sun-soaked streets of Valencia or the Tower Bridge in London.

It also borrows the Film Simulation dial introduced on the X-T50, allowing you to quickly move between standard Provia, warm Velvia, black, Acros and back again. This is a great way to stay in the moment while you’re shooting – which is a big part of travel photography. Also, if you’re someone who likes to customise the look of their images, the X-E5 makes it easy to tinker with these Film Simulation modes and create your own ‘recipes’, saving and storing them for future use.

I loved my time with the X-E5. It’s a joy to shoot with and produces brilliant results, punching well above its weight in terms of image quality. I could rescue detail from underexposed shots in post-processing, push the ISO up to high sensitivities without severely compromising image quality, and lock easily onto practically any subject thanks to intelligent autofocus. Kit yourself out with your preferred X-mount lenses, and you’ll have a travel photography setup that anyone would be envious of.

Read my full Fujifilm X-E5 review

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Best waterproof travel camera: Olympus / OM System Tough TG-7

Waterproof tough cameras tend to be very popular for travel, as they can be used on the beach and in the sea without fear of them getting damaged. For your money, the best waterproof compact you can get is the OM System Tough TG-7, a capable little shooter with a useful zoom lens and the ability to take a beating.

Key to its attraction is its sheer robustness. The TG-7 is waterproof to 15m, shockproof to a drop from 2.1m, freezeproof to -10°C, and crushproof. It also boasts impressive close-up capability and an extensive range of underwater modes, plus an extensive range of lighting and lens accessories. While the sensor is a 1/2.3-inch type, meaning its quality is inferior to other cameras on this list, the TG-7 still dependably produces punchy images, particularly in bright conditions.

For outdoor adventurers, it also includes a suite of environmental sensors that allow you to keep track of your travels, including GPS with a compass, a thermometer, and an accelerometer.

Read our Olympus Tough TG-7 review.

Take a look at other waterproof and underwater camera options here: Best Waterproof and Underwater Cameras 

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Best travel compact: Fujfiilm X100VI

One of Fujifilm’s biggest success stories, the X100VI has been a victim of its own popularity, with stock selling out in moments and being notoriously hard to get hold of. A nice problem for a camera company to have, and Fujifilm deserves it – the X100VI is a delightful triumph of a camera. The intoxicating combination of a 40MP X-Trans APS-C sensor with a stunningly sharp Fujinon 23mm F2.0 II lens, all wrapped up in a retro-styled body with dial-led controls, makes for a camera that’s just a treat to use.

Since the lens is fixed, you are locked into a particular perspective – albeit with latitude to crop in thanks to the generous resolution. This means the X100VI is a camera more suited to city breaks and urban travel than landscape hikes or nature safaris, but its naturalistic focal length does turn its hand well to a surprisingly broad range of subjects.

As the newest camera in the series, the X100VI also benefits from the latest technological advancements, such as subject-recognition autofocus and in-body image stabilisation. It all adds up to a camera that helps you bag the shot more often than not – and, like all Fujifilm cameras, the X100VI can take advantage of the fantastic Film Simulation modes.

I already discussed these when talking about the X-E5, but they perfectly suit a take-everywhere camera like the X100VI, allowing you to quickly and easily imbue your images with dynamic, analogue-style looks. Fujifilm is one of the best photo brands – possibly the best – for producing images that look great straight out camera, with minimal editing needed, which is great news for travel photographers.

Slim, stylish and spectacular – the Fujifilm X100VI is a sublime travel camera, albeit an expensive one. If you like the sound of a compact but want something more affordable, I’ve included a few more options on this list, including my next entry.

Read our full Fujifilm X100VI review.

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Best long-zoom travel camera: Panasonic Lumix ZS99 / TZ99

There are many benefits to having a long zoom lens for travel – for sheer shooting versatility, a superzoom compact may well be the way to go. The ZS99 / TZ99 is a versatile pocket-sized superzoom with a lens that provides an impressive 30x optical zoom (that’s equivalent to 24-720mm), meaning you’re covered for a broad spectrum of shooting scenarios, from wide landscapes and street scenes to fine details and distant monuments. In fact the TZ in the name, stands for Travel Zoom!

The Lumix TZ99 doesn’t have a viewfinder; instead, you need to compose using the 3-inch TFT LCD touchscreen. This screen is a good size and is reasonably bright, but in very sunny conditions you might struggle to see it properly. Otherwise, the camera handles nicely with its rubber grip on the front and relatively small size. It’s the kind of camera that delivers great quality under optimal conditions, but that smaller sensor means it can struggle to hold onto detail when the light gets low, as our reviewer discovered in testing. However, I do appreciate the fact that it’s possible to achieve a shallow depth of field with this camera’s telephoto lens and relatively wide aperture, as this puts portrait-style images in play.

You can record video at 4K 30fps for up to 90 minutes and use the camera for vlogging thanks to the front-facing articulating screen. With the 4K photo option, you can pull stills from a video footage; this is particularly useful for fast-moving subjects like pets and children.

Read our full Panasonic Lumix ZS99 / TZ99 review.

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Best premium camera for travel: Leica D-Lux 8

If you’ve more budget to spend, or if you like the sound of the Fujifilm X100VI but can’t bear the thought of living without a zoom, I definitely recommend the Leica D-Lux 8, a compact sporting a zoom lens that provides a good level of compositional flexibility. When I reviewed it, I loved having the ability to change aspect ratios via a switch on the lens. It isn’t described as weatherproof, but I used it in a couple of light showers.

Leica have employed a smaller Four Thirds type sensor with a clever multi-aspect ratio design, which means you can easily create images in different proportions and sizes – useful for sharing on different platforms. This is joined by a 24-75mm equivalent zoom with a bright f/1.7-2.8 aperture.  It has traditional photographer-friendly controls for the main exposure settings, and a corner-mounted viewfinder in a flat-bodied ‘rangefinder-style’ design – these make it a joyous thing to use.

Continuous shooting is available at 11 frames per second, but this comes with focus fixed and in 10-bit raw, which limits post-processing flexibility. Drop the speed to 7fps, and you get live view between frames. At 2fps, the camera offers continuous autofocus and 12-bit raw output. All these options give you loads of real-world flexibility, allowing you to choose between whether you want as much speed as possible, or to sacrifice frames in favour of quality and compositional ease.

Read our Leica D-Lux 8 review

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Best pocketable fixed lens travel camera: Ricoh GR IV

If you’re the kind of traveller who values slipping a camera into your pocket and heading out without fuss, the Ricoh GR IV is one of the best companions you can bring along. The GR series has produced some of the best cameras for travel and street photography, with the GR III reaching such popularity that its price has even increased over the years. The latest, GR IV, brings important improvements like 5-axis stabilisation, expanded internal storage and USB-C charging on the go to an already compelling pocket-friendly compact.

Even though the 25.7MP sensor is an incremental upgrade from the GR III’s 24MP, it delivers excellent image quality that will cover not just social media posts but crisp prints up to A3 size. The 28mm equivalent focal length fixed lens is a sweet spot for capturing bustling street scenes, sweeping landscapes, or quiet alleyways without distortion. The F2.8 maximum aperture allows for fast shutter speeds in low light. Thanks to an in-camera crop option, you get a 35mm or 50mm equivalent focal length, which can be useful for portrait work, albeit with a resolution trade-off. It is also easy to capture close-up details in Macro mode, allowing you to focus as close as 6cm.

You can shoot at slower shutter speeds and avoid clipping thanks to the built-in ND filter, and introduce blur and motion to your images, like when photographing a busy market or street scene. This function further benefits from the 5-axis in-body image stabilisation, letting you shoot hand-held.

To keep the GR IV as compact as possible, there’s no viewfinder, so you rely on the fixed rear LCD screen for composing images. Similarly, the battery size is limited by the small body, but now there’s an option to charge using a power bank via the USB-C port. Plus, with 52GB internal storage, which is plenty of backup in case you manage to fill up the Micro SD card mid trip.

Also, if you’re more of a monochrome travel photographer, Ricoh has also announced the GR IV Monochrome, a purist version of this compact which – you guessed it – shoots images only in black and white. Interestingly, it replaces the GR IV’s built-in ND filter with a built-in red filter, allowing photographers to darken skies for a more dramatic look. However, at an asking price of $2,199 / £1,599 / €1,799, it’s considerably more expensive than the full-colour GR IV, so you’ll have to be a committed B&W enthusiast.

Read our full Ricoh GR IV review.

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Best action camera for travel: GoPro Hero 13 Black

Specifications at a glance:

Type	Action camera
Video	5.3K 120p, 4K 120p and 900p at 360fps
Waterproof	10m
Connectivity	Bluetooth, Wi-FI

With a tiny, pocket-sized form factor and the ability to record video that’s good enough for professional productions, the GoPro Hero 13 Black is very much the action camera to beat. Action cameras are quite specialised – I wouldn’t recommend them to all travel photographers and videographers. But if your holidays typically involve daring feats like bungee jumps or surfing sessions, and you want to capture it all as vividly as possible, getting a GoPro is a no-brainer.

Capable of capturing 5.3K video with a range of flexible options, the Hero 13 Black is a camera that very much punches above its weight. Stills-wise, it’s also no slouch, capturing imagery with vivid colours and plenty of detail, but video is really its primary raison d’être. 

Over the many years it has been producing action camera, GoPro has built up a formidable ecosystem of accessories and mounts – whether you want to mount the Hero 13 Black to your chest, helmet, handlebars or dog, you’re covered. 

We’ve also seen a few tempting price reductions that make the case even more strongly for the GoPro Hero 13 Black. If you like, you can also customise it with optional lens modules that transform the camera’s perspective, though these will all cost you extra, and I’m not sure if most users really need them, given that the baseline GoPro experience is so good.

For more options have a look at the GoPro Hero 13 Black vs DJI Osmo Action 6 – the top two action cameras right now.

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Best small camera for travel: Sony RX100 VII / VIIA

Specifications at a glance:

Sensor	20MP 1in sensor
Lens	24-200mm equivalent f/2.8-4.5
Burst	20fps
Viewfinder	2.36m-dot pop-up EVF
Screen	3in, 921k-dot tilting touchscreen

Sony’s RX100-series compact cameras are famed for fitting a lot of technology into a small, pocketable package, famously referred to as a ‘Pocket Zoom’ or ‘Travel zoom’. The latest model in the range exemplifies this, with a 24-200mm equivalent f/2.8-4.5 zoom, a 20MP 1-inch stacked CMOS sensor, a pop-up electronic viewfinder and a tilting rear screen, all in a body that’ll slip neatly into a jacket pocket.

What’s more, it’ll shoot at 20 frames per second and record 4K video. Compared to its predecessor, it gains an upgraded sensor that enables Sony’s AI-based tracking autofocus, along with a socket for an external microphone and a few interface improvements. Otherwise, the older RX100 VI offers most of the same features for slightly less money.

With 357 phase-detection AF points covering 68% of the frame and Sony’s Real-time Eye AF and Real-time Tracking on board, the RX100 VII has the most sophisticated autofocus of any compact camera. Set it to continuous focus and tracking, and you can almost forget about having to move the AF area or change focus modes ever again. This is very welcome, as in many respects the camera’s ambitious feature set has rather outgrown its simple control layout.

One area where the RX100 VII excels lies with composing your images, thanks to its large pop-up viewfinder and tilting rear screen. The lens is a strong performer too, especially when stopped down. Crucially, the camera delivers attractive images which are a noticeable improvement over older Sony models in terms of colour rendition. Also, note that it’s referred to as the RX100 VIIA in some territories – this was a minor reskin to get around EU regulations on USB-C charging; it’s the same camera on the inside.

Read our Sony RX100 VII review

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Best bridge camera for travel: Panasonic Lumix FZ80D / FZ82D

Specifications at a glance:

Sensor	18.1MP 1/2.3-inch MOS
Lens	20-1200mm equivalent f/2.8-f/5.9 lens (60x optical zoom)
Charging	USB-C in-camera
Video	4K/30p
Screen	3-inch 1840k-dot fixed touchscreen
Viewfinder	0.39-inch OLED LVF 2360k-dots
Stabilisation	Lens-based OIS

Bridge cameras combine long zoom lenses with SLR-styled handling in a body that typically costs significantly less than an equivalent setup would cost in an interchangeable-lens system. The Panasonic Lumix FZ80D / FZ82D (the name changes depending on where you are; hereafter I’ll call it the FZ80D for simplicity) is a fairly typical example of the form, sporting a 60x optical zoom (20-1200mm equivalent) f/2.8-f/5.9 lens and an 18MP 1/2.3-inch MOS sensor. At a tempting price of $479 / £429 and offers bringing it even lower, it’s a solid and inexpensive option for travel. 

Image quality from the FZ80D is certainly nothing special – you’re not going to get amazing results from a sensor that small. However, the real selling point of a camera like this is that enormous lens, and it does indeed offer tremendous versatility – you can get useable images of subjects from a tremendous distance, then zoom all the way out to get a wide-environmental shot. 

In these days of better-than-ever smartphone quality, I’d only really recommend bridge cameras to those who are really going to make use of those long focal lengths. It’s only at the outer edge of the zoom lens that you’ll get shots substantially better than what your phone could achieve at the same distance. On the other hand, the FZ80D is quite a bit cheaper than a modern smartphone.

Read our full Panasonic Lumix FZ80D review

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Best travel camera for vlogging: DJI Osmo Pocket 4

The latest in a line of hugely popular vlogging cameras among YouTubers and content creators, the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 is in my view, the best option for travel vlogging right now. It’s a gimbal camera, meaning it’s built around a mechanical stabiliser that makes it possible to capture smooth, professional-looking handheld footage, even while on the move. A mechanical gimbal is always going to beat out the stuffing out of an in-camera IBIS system, making the DJI Osmo Pocket cameras one of the most cost-effective ways to get professional-looking footage.

The DJI Osmo Pocket 4 uses a 1-inch sensor and a 20mm equivalent lens, mounted on the aforementioned 3-axis gimbal. Our editor Nigel Atherton took an Osmo Pocket 4 to Cape Town, South Africa, and was hugely impressed by the quality of video it was able to capture in a host of different lighting situations. A 1-inch sensor certainly isn’t the largest, but nevertheless, the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 proved able to produce a good level of detail in highlights and shadows in bright outdoor conditions and dim interiors alike.

The stabilisation works extremely well, producing smooth movement even when you’re moving at pace – you have to actively try to get footage that judders. The handling of the Osmo Pocket 4 is great too, with the handy rotating screen that move to vertical orientation when you’re shooting in that aspect ratio – as you will be if you’re producing content for TikTok or Reels.

While it’s not really designed to be a stills camera, the Osmo Pocket 4 can capture photographs and does a credible job of it. You have the option of both JPEG and raw formats, with an optional SuperPhoto mode providing 7680×4320 pixel images (33MP) in 16:9 or 6144×6144 (37MP) square images in 1:1. There’s also a panorama mode allowing you create a stitched super-wide image.

But really, the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 is a vlogging camera for sharing your adventures on social media, and it’s the best in its class at doing that – not to mention much more affordable than a full mirrorless system. Note that due to ongoing trade restrictions, the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 is not currently available in the US.

Read our full DJI Osmo Pocket 4 review.

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Best weather-sealed travel camera: OM System OM-5 II with 12-45mm F4 PRO lens

Olympus and OM-System cameras are known for offering high performance in a compact form factor, and the OM System OM-5 II delivers on this principle particularly well. It’s one of the smallest mirrorless cameras you can get, while still benefiting from a fully weather-sealed body and an impressive set of external controls. What’s more, you don’t have to spend a huge amount of money to get a matching sealed optic from the biggest lens offering of any brand out there.

With the new CP button (computational photography) on the top plate, you have access to settings that are usually hidden deep in the camera menu. It offers a selection of features especially useful for travel photography: 50MP High-res mode, Live ND (1-4EV, up to ND16), Focus stacking, HDR and multi-exposure right at your fingertips. This not only makes switching between features quicker but also helps you carry less equipment as you travel. The Live ND filter is supported by 5-axis in-body image stabilisation, so you can shoot artfully blurred long exposures of flowing water without the need for a tripod or external ND filters.

It also inherits features from the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III / OM System OM-1, including Starry Sky AF (for astrophotography) and improves on the OM System OM-5‘s low light shooting capabilities with a new “Night Vision” and Live Time and Live Bulb, which allow you to watch long exposures build up in real time on the screen. You can also capture 4K video, along with support for vertical video recording to use for Instagram reels or TikTok. 

Its 20MP sensor includes on-chip phase detection that provides 121 focus points spread across the entire image area. You get 30 frames per second with the electronic shutter, a decently large viewfinder, and a fully articulated screen. The camera also produces very attractive JPEG images, with well-judged exposure and white balance that complements the firm’s signature punchy colour reproduction. A truly versatile travel companion that

Read our full review of the OM System OM-5 II

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Best full-frame camera for travel: Nikon Z5II

If you really can’t do without full frame, mirrorless models are ideal for travel, as they’re smaller and lighter than their DSLR counterparts. It’s also possible to get all-in-one superzoom lenses for them that deliver very creditable results. I’ve chosen the Nikon Z5 II, as it’s available in a kit with the firm’s Z Nikkor 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR for a decent discount over buying the two separately.

The Z5II addresses several shortcomings of the Z5 by adding an un-cropped 4K 30p video option and a new, fully articulating and brighter touchscreen, which helps you to get down to street level and shoot in a bright sunny location.

One key area where the Z5 shines is its comprehensive subject recognition modes with people, animal, bird and vehicle, the latter including cars, motorbikes, trains, and planes. This is supported by generous 15fps burst shooting in raw and 30fps in JPEG, and to top it off, 3D tracking and pre-release capture. A perfect all-rounder that can handle a variety of subjects.

Its 24MP sensor resolves just as much detail in good light, and with the new Expeed 7 processor and extended ISO range boosting low-light performance. The body may be small, but it has plenty of external controls, along with a dependable battery that can easily last a full day. Dual SD card slots offer the option of backing up your images for peace of mind, while in-body IS means you can often do without a tripod. A range of fine fast primes is also available for low-light shooting.

Read our full review of the Nikon Z5 II

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Best travel cameras: specs compared

How to choose the best camera for travel

So, what features might be most desirable for a travel camera? Small size and light weight are a given, and we’ve assumed that most users will prefer using a zoom lens, quite probably with an extended range. This could be complemented by a couple of small primes, for shooting in low light or going out in the evening. It might also make sense to add an ultra-wide-angle zoom for architecture, landscapes or interiors.

As such, where we’ve picked an interchangeable lens camera, we’ve also provided a lens recommendation, generally one that you can buy bundled with the camera. The fixed-lens compact cameras we’ve picked generally have generous zoom ranges, with the exception of the Fujifilm X100VI, which is loved by travelling street photographers for its super-sharp 35mm prime. This is one we’d recommend for city breaks rather than countryside hikes.

In general, the cameras we’ve chosen in this guide also include fully manual control, a built-in viewfinder and raw format image recording. In order to attain a certain level of image quality, most also use sensors of the 1-inch type or larger. The exceptions are the Olympus Tough TG-7 and Panasonic Lumix TZ99/ZS99, which we have chosen for what they offer in such a small package.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Recent updates

• May 2026: Added the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 as the best travel camera for vlogging, replacing the Fujifilm X-S20. Added a comparison table for easy side-by-side specs comparison.
• February 2026: Links checked, and text updated for clarity to highlight each key features of each camera more clearly. GoPro Hero13 Black updated to include the option of the DJI Osmo Action 6 as an alternative.
• January 2026: Nikon D5600 removed as the best DSLR for travel, as the team have decided we no longer need to recommend DSLRs to most people. Ricoh GR IV entry updated to mention the new Ricoh GR IV Monochrome, a specialised (and expensive) B&W-only alternative.
• November 2025: Nikon Z5 replaced by the latest Nikon Z5 II as the best full-frame mirrorless for travel. Specifications tables updated with viewfinder information.
• October 2025: Prices updated. The Olympus OM-5 has been replaced with the OM System OM-5 Mark II as the best weather-sealed travel camera, since it offers more features. ‘How we test travel cameras’ section has been updated and expanded to add clarity and additional information.
• September 2025: Prices updated. Ricoh GR IV has been added as the best travel compact with an ND filter.
• August 2025: Fujifilm X-E5 added as best travel camera overall.

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Take a look at our latest buying guides for more great options.

Related content:

• The DSLR is dead, long live the compact
• Flying with camera kit: how to do it
• Do travel photography like a street photographer
• How to take great travel photos with a smartphone

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