Use your smartphone
If you mainly share photos on social media and want to travel light, a modern smartphone is often all you need.
Travel Gear
Travel cameras for better adventures.
Capture your trips with compact cameras, mirrorless systems and action cameras designed for travel.
Why take a dedicated travel camera?
Modern smartphones take excellent photos, but a dedicated travel camera can deliver better image quality, improved zoom, superior low-light performance and more creative control. Whether you are exploring historic cities, hiking through mountains or filming your adventures, the right camera can help you capture memories that your phone simply cannot.
Quick summary
In a hurry? These are our top travel camera picks for different types of traveller.
- Best overall compact: Canon PowerShot V1
- Best vlogging compact: Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
- Best beginner mirrorless: Canon EOS R50
- Best enthusiast mirrorless: Fujifilm X-S20
- Best action camera: GoPro HERO13 Black
Travel camera comparison
A quick overview of our recommended cameras before you choose.
| Camera | Type | Best for | Video | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PowerShot V1 | Compact | Best overall | 4K | ££££ |
| Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III | Compact | Vlogging | 4K | £££ |
| Canon EOS R50 | Mirrorless | Beginners | 4K | £££ |
| Fujifilm X-S20 | Mirrorless | Enthusiasts | 6.2K | ££££ |
| GoPro HERO13 Black | Action | Adventure travel | 5.3K | £££ |
Our verdict
If you want one camera that does almost everything brilliantly, the Sony RX100 VII is our top recommendation thanks to its outstanding image quality, excellent zoom and genuinely pocket-sized design. If you're looking to get into interchangeable-lens photography, the Canon EOS R50 offers exceptional value, while the GoPro HERO13 Black remains the best choice for adventure and action travel.
Which type of travel camera is right for you?
Not every traveller needs the same camera. Choose the type that best matches how and where you travel.
Choose a compact camera
Ideal for most travellers wanting noticeably better image quality than a phone without carrying interchangeable lenses.
Choose a mirrorless camera
Best for photography enthusiasts who want interchangeable lenses, creative control and the highest image quality.
Choose an action camera
Perfect for hiking, cycling, skiing, beaches and adventure travel where durability and video performance matter.
Choose your travel camera
Different cameras suit different styles of travel. Start with the category that best matches how you plan to use it.
Most travellers
Compact travel cameras
Pocket-sized cameras offering excellent image quality without the bulk of interchangeable lenses.
Compare cameras
Photography enthusiasts
Mirrorless cameras
Interchangeable-lens cameras offering the highest image quality and creative control.
Compare cameras
Adventure travel
Action cameras
Waterproof, rugged cameras built for hiking, cycling, skiing and outdoor adventures.
Compare camerasBest compact travel cameras
Compact cameras offer significantly better image quality than most smartphones while remaining small enough to carry all day. They are ideal for city breaks, sightseeing and travellers who want excellent photos without changing lenses.
Best overall
Canon PowerShot V1
Best for: Most travellers wanting outstanding photo and video quality
Why we recommend it
The Canon PowerShot V1 combines excellent image quality, fast autofocus and a compact design, making it an outstanding all-round travel camera for city breaks, sightseeing and everyday adventures.
Pros
- Excellent image quality
- Fast autofocus
- Great for both photos and video
- Compact enough for travel
Cons
- More expensive than entry-level compact cameras
Price guide: ££££
Check latest price
Best for vlogging
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
Best for: Travel vloggers and content creators
Why we recommend it
A favourite among YouTubers thanks to its excellent video quality, flip-up screen and compact design. It is equally capable for both photography and travel video.
Pros
- Excellent 4K video
- Flip-up touchscreen
- Compact and lightweight
- Great colour reproduction
Cons
- Limited zoom range
Price guide: £££
Check latest price
Best value
Sony ZV-1 II
Best for: Travellers wanting excellent value and video performance
Why we recommend it
Designed with creators in mind, the ZV-1 II delivers impressive image quality and superb video in a compact package at a lower price than the RX100 VII.
Pros
- Excellent value
- Fantastic video quality
- Compact design
- Easy to use
Cons
- No viewfinder
Price guide: £££
Check latest priceBest mirrorless travel cameras
Mirrorless cameras deliver the highest image quality and allow you to change lenses to suit different types of photography. They are ideal for travellers who enjoy photography as part of the trip, rather than simply recording memories.
Best beginner
Canon EOS R50
Best for: Travellers buying their first interchangeable-lens camera
Why we recommend it
The EOS R50 is easy to use, lightweight and produces excellent stills and 4K video. It is one of the best-value mirrorless cameras for beginners.
Pros
- Excellent image quality
- Beginner-friendly controls
- Lightweight body
- Great autofocus
Cons
- Limited native RF-S lens range
Price guide: £££
Check latest price
Best enthusiast
Fujifilm X-S20
Best for: Photographers wanting outstanding image quality
Why we recommend it
Combining excellent image quality, in-body image stabilisation and Fujifilm’s renowned colour science, the X-S20 is a fantastic all-round travel camera.
Pros
- Outstanding image quality
- In-body image stabilisation
- Excellent battery life
- Fantastic colour reproduction
Cons
- More expensive than entry-level models
Price guide: ££££
Check latest price
Premium choice
Sony A6700
Best for: Experienced travellers wanting top performance
Why we recommend it
The Sony A6700 combines exceptional autofocus, excellent low-light performance and professional-level video features in a compact body that is ideal for travel.
Pros
- Industry-leading autofocus
- Excellent low-light performance
- Superb 4K video
- Compact for an APS-C camera
Cons
- Premium price
Price guide: ££££
Check latest priceBest action cameras
Action cameras are designed for adventure. They are compact, rugged and waterproof, making them ideal for hiking, cycling, skiing, beaches, water sports and capturing immersive travel videos.
Best overall
GoPro HERO13 Black
Best for: Adventure travel and outdoor activities
Why we recommend it
The GoPro HERO13 Black continues to set the benchmark for action cameras with outstanding stabilisation, excellent video quality and a huge range of accessories.
Pros
- Excellent image stabilisation
- Waterproof without a housing
- Huge accessory ecosystem
- Outstanding video quality
Cons
- Battery life can be limited during heavy use
Price guide: £££
Check latest price
Best alternative
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
Best for: Travellers wanting excellent stabilisation and battery life
Why we recommend it
A serious competitor to GoPro, offering impressive video quality, excellent low-light performance and long battery life in a rugged waterproof design.
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- Superb image stabilisation
- Dual touchscreens
- Great low-light performance
Cons
- Smaller accessory ecosystem than GoPro
Price guide: £££
Check latest price
Best 360 camera
Insta360 X5
Best for: Travellers wanting immersive 360° photos and videos
Why we recommend it
Capture everything around you and choose the perfect angle later. The Insta360 X5 is ideal for creators and travellers who want unique perspectives without worrying about camera positioning.
Pros
- Capture every angle
- Excellent stabilisation
- Powerful editing software
- Unique creative possibilities
Cons
- Editing 360° footage takes longer
Price guide: ££££
Check latest priceTravel camera FAQs
Common questions about travelling with a camera.
Are travel cameras better than smartphones?
For many travellers, modern smartphones are good enough. However, dedicated cameras generally offer better image quality, improved zoom, superior low-light performance and greater creative control.
Should I buy a compact or mirrorless camera?
Compact cameras are ideal if you want excellent image quality in a pocket-sized package. Mirrorless cameras are better if you enjoy photography and want interchangeable lenses and maximum image quality.
Are action cameras only for adventure sports?
No. Action cameras are also excellent for city walks, beaches, road trips and travel vlogging thanks to their stabilisation, durability and compact size.
Do I need to buy extra lenses?
Not necessarily. Most beginners will be well served by a camera with the standard kit lens, which is versatile enough for general travel photography.
Can I take camera batteries on a plane?
Yes. Spare lithium-ion batteries should normally be carried in your hand luggage rather than checked baggage. Always check your airline's latest guidance before travelling.
Is a travel camera worth buying?
If you enjoy photography, want better image quality than a smartphone or plan to print your photos, a dedicated travel camera can be an excellent investment.
Related travel essentials
Other useful items and services to help you plan and pack smarter.
Power banks
Keep your camera, phone and other devices charged while travelling.
View guideTravel tech
Essential gadgets to help you stay connected, productive and entertained.
View guideCabin bags
Choose the perfect cabin bag to carry your camera and travel essentials.
View guideReady to plan your next adventure?
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