21 Best Travel Cameras to Make your Vacation Memorable

best travel camera to buy

Smartphone cameras have been improved a lot in recent years, still, they are not as good as a camera. So, you should own a good camera during your trips to capture your moments. But a camera to carry during your trips should not just be good enough in capturing photos but should also be compact. You cannot carry a bulky camera and big zoom lenses. So, the compact camera comes out to be the best travel camera.

How to Choose the Best Travel Camera?

Your choice of photography also affects the selection. So, choosing a camera for travel photography is different from choosing a camera for other things. There are several types of cameras and you should know what is suitable for you. Each of these has its own list of benefits. So, you need to first understand what is important to you. There are several factors including size, weight, price, and ease of use.

Point-and-Shoot Camera: If you want a compact but easy-to-use camera to click high-quality photos, you can go with this.  Point-and-Shoot Cameras are easy to use and compact. Few are as compact as a smartphone and you can even keep them in your pocket.

DSLR Camera: If you want to test your photography skills and know about manual control, you can go with a DSLR or mirrorless camera. DLSRs are bulky, so least recommended until you are into photography and need this.

Bridge Camera: Bridge Camera is an affordable alternative to a DSLR. It offers manual controls plus a huge zoom lens to capture everything from wide-angle to super-telephoto photography. It is basically a point-and-shoot style camera with a few manual controls and a long zoom without interchangeable lenses. Not as compact as point-and-shoots, but still relatively easy to use and affordable.

Mirrorless Camera: Mirrorless cameras offer DSLR-like control but in a compact body. It is basically compact DSLRs without a reflection mirror.

Action camera: Action is for people who are into extreme sports like skiing, skydiving, motocross, scuba diving, etc. So, you can record videos and capture photos. These cameras are rugged to use in any kind of condition.

Camcorder: If you prefer shooting videos instead of capturing photos, you can go with a camcorder. I am not mentioning any camcorder in the list as most Point-and-shoot or mirrorless cameras can record up to 4K videos and ultra slow-motion videos. So, it solves the video purpose as well. Otherwise, you have action cameras that make it easier to record your travel activity than a camcorder.

Planning a trip? 10 must-have gadgets you need For Your Next Long Weekend

I tried to tell you about different types of cameras in short. So, you can now decide what is your exact requirement. I don’t recommend DSLRs until you are willing to carry heavy DSLR bodies and lenses. If you want interchangeable lenses, go with Mirrorless cameras. I have listed all types of cameras in this article, so you will surely get one for yourself.

The next thing is the budget. Your budget is also a key part of choosing the right camera for travel. This is the reason, I have added the camera available in every price segment. So, you can go with what is suitable for your pocket.

Another important factor is how much gear you can carry. For example, if you regularly go trekking, you cannot carry a bulky DSLR with multiple lenses as it doesn’t make sense there. Similarly, if you go on adventurous trips, your camera must have a rugged body. So, think about how much gear you are willing to carry.

The camera can be as compact to fit in your pocket but it may be bulky for a photographer who also carries camera equipment and accessories. If you cannot carry bulky cameras, you can go with point-and-shoot cameras as it is portable. If you want a professional camera with interchangeable lenses but portability is also your need, go with mirrorless.

I have considered several factors while selecting the best travel camera. Photo quality, video recording capability, build quality, battery life, size, and weight are the primary factors for selection. Based on these, I have made this list.

Best Compact Cameras for Travelers

This is the list of best travel cameras that you can buy before going on your next trip. We made this list after doing deep research on each and every camera so that you buy the best compact camera on your budget.

Best Travel CameraPriceBuy Here
Point-and-Shoot and Bridge Camera
Sony RX100M7Rs. 96990Buy Here
Olympus TG-6Rs. 35370Buy Here
Nikon Coolpix P900Rs. 66851Buy Here
Panasonic DMC-FZ2500Rs. 97490Buy Here
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX10M3Rs. 105522Buy Here
Canon SX720 HSRs. 45739Buy Here
Nikon COOLPIX S9900Rs. 45739Buy Here
MirrorLess
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark IIRs. 2,89,999Buy Here
Panasonic Lumix GH5SRs. 1,73,800Buy Here
Fujifilm X-H1Rs. 1,31,915Buy Here
Sony Alpha a7IIRs. 1,24,766Buy Here
Fujifilm X-T20Rs. 88,300Buy Here
Sony Alpha ILCE-6500Rs. 85,990Buy Here
Panasonic Lumix G7Rs. 54,500Buy Here
DSLR
Nikon D850Rs. 2,79,000Buy Here
Canon EOS 750DRs. 48,400Buy Here
Nikon D3400Rs. 32490Buy Here
Action Camera
GoPro Hero 7 BlackRs. 37,000Buy Here
YI 4K SportsRs. 18,890Buy Here
Noise Play 2Rs. 9,990Buy Here

Point to Shoot Camera:

If you want the best compact travel camera, we will recommend you point and shoot camera. These are the slim and compact digital cameras that you can carry on your trips.

1. Sony RX100M7


The Sony company claims that Sony RX100M7 has a 1.0-type stacked CMOS image sensor with a DRAM chip and BIONZ X. The camera can record High-image-quality 4K movie recording and also record movies in super slow motion at up to 960 fp. It has features like real-time tracking, real-time Eye AF, animal eye AF, silent shooting, and an anti-distortion shutter.

This is Ultra-fast 0.02-second AF with a 357 phase-detection points camera. If you want an overall package this Sony compact camera for travel is the best one that can easily fit into your pocket.

Key Features:

  • Weight:299 grams
  • 1.0-type stacked CMOS image sensor
  • DRAM chip and BIONZ X
  • 4K video capability for high-resolution video
  • Blackout-free Shooting at up to 20fps
  • Ultra-fast 0.02-second AF with 357 phase-detection points

Price: Rs. 96,990

Buy Now: Amazon

2. Olympus TG-6 Waterproof Camera

Olympus TG-6 is also an excellent camera that can be a tour companion during travel. The most notable thing is that the camera is waterproof up to 15m, Dustproof, Crushproof to 100kgf, and Freezeproof to -14 degrees celcius. It also has an Anti-Fog lens. It offers excellent photo quality and a good video recording experience. This is one of the best pocket-size cameras.

Key Features

  • 12 megapixels sensor
  • Dual Quad-Core TruePic VIII Image Processor
  • Dustproof, Crushproof, Freezeproof, Shockproof
  • TruePic VIII processor
  • 4x zoom lens
  • 4K and slo-mo video recording

Price: Rs. 45,739

Buy Now: Amazon

3. Nikon Coolpix P900

Nikon Coolpix P900

Nikon Coolpix P900 is the bridge camera with 83X optical zoom. If you are not comfortable with DSLRs and want an easy-to-use camera with high Zoom capability, this one is for you. It comes with 16 megapixels CMOS sensor and has an 83x Optical Zoom NIKKOR Super ED VR Lens. It has Electronic Viewfinder and Vari-Angle TFT LCD Screen. If you are looking for the best superzoom camera, this one is for you.

Key features:

  • Weight: 900 grams
  • 3 inches Display
  • 83X optical zoom
  • 24-2000mm 35mm Equivalent Focal Length.
  • Sensor Size: 1/2.3 inch
  • WiFI and NFC

Price: Rs. 66851

Buy Here: Amazon

4. Panasonic DMC-FZ2500

Panasonic DMC-FZ2500

This is another good compact camera for travelers. It comes with 20.1 megapixels MOS sensor and LUMIX FZ2500 Venus Engine for image processing. It even offers 20X optical zoom. It can record 4K videos and slow-mo videos. It can also capture Hybrid Photo. It also has fast focus. You can even perform macro photography at a distance of 3 cm.

Key features.

  • Weight: 966 g
  • 20.1 megapixels sensor
  • Macro Photography to 3cm
  • 4K Photo and 4K videos
  • Slo-mo videos
  • Video-Based GUI
  • 20X optical zoom
  • 3.0-inch Display
  • OLED electronic viewfinder

Price: Rs. 97,490

Buy Now: Amazon

5. Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX10M3

Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX10M3

This is another good camera with easy to use functions. It haa s 20.1 megapixels CMOS sensor and 25x optical zoom lens. It packs BIONZ X Image Processing Engine. It also features 0.09 seconds fast focus. It can also record 4K movies. Optical image stabilization is also there to give you blur-free shots. It also features Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity to share your photos on the go. It can also record super slow motion movies at up to 960/1000 fps.

Key Features:

  • Weight: 1.09 kg
  • ISO 100 to ISO 12800
  • 25X optical zoom
  • 20.1 megapixels CMOS sensor
  • 4K Movie Recording
  • Wi-Fi and NFC

Price: Rs. 1,05,522

Buy Here: Amazon

6. Canon SX720 HS:

Canon PowerShot SX720 HS

Canon PowerShot SX720 HS camera is a slim and compact digital camera with the superzoom camera lens. It has a 20.3 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor and a 40x Optical Zoom lens which is capable of giving you a clean zoomed image. It has built-in Wi-Fi technology to share your photos and videos on-the-go.

It weighs 245g which makes it extremely light digital camera. Therefore, it is a perfect compact camera for travelers. If you have a budget of Rs. 35,000 this pocket-size camera is perfect for you.

Key Features:

  • Weight: 245 g
  • Powerful 40x Optical Zoom with Intelligent IS
  • 4 X Digital Zoom
  • Image stabilization
  • Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC
  • 20.3 Megapixels CMOS sensor
  • Good low light photos
  • 1080p Full HD video at 60p with stereo sound
  • Large 3.0-inch LCD (approx. 922,000 dots)

Price: Rs. 34,500

Buy Here: Amazon

7. Nikon COOLPIX S9900

Nikon COOLPIX S9900 compact camera

The Nikon COOLPIX S9900 captures amazing photos and Full HD 1080p videos of your travels. It has a powerful 30x optical zoom telephoto lens with Vibration Reduction (VR). The camera also has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, and onboard GPS for instant photo sharing.  It has high-resolution 3.0″ LCD.

Key Features: 

  • Weight: 290 grams
  • 16 megapixels telephoto lens with Vibration Reduction
  • 30x optical zoom
  • 3.0-inch 921,000-dot Vari-Angle LCD
  • 60x with Dynamic Fine Zoom
  • Swiveling vari-angle display
  • Wi-Fi and NFC

Price: Rs. 38,803

Buy Here: Amazon

Here are more Point to shoot cameras that you can buy before going on your next trip:

Mirrorless Camera:

If you are looking for a mirrorless camera, here is the best one to consider. I have included for every price segment. So, select the best one based on your budget. Mirrorless camera offer DSLR like control in a compact body. So, you need to prefer Mirrorless over DSLR for comfortable travel.

1. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II 4K Mirrorless Camera

The Olympus OM-D-E-M1 mark ii has 20MP Live MOS sensor with 5-axis in-body image stabilization system. This Mirrorless compact camera has a lightweight magnesium alloy weatherproof body that makes it easy to carry during travel.

If you have a big budget for camera and you have great photography skills, Buy this camera.

Key Features:

  • Weight: 499 g
  • 20.4 Megapixel Live MOS Sensor
  • TruePic VIII Dual Quad Core Image Processor,
  • 3″ LCD display
  • Image stabilization system
  • 121-pt hybrid AF system
  • 60 fps burst shooting
  • High-res electronic viewfinder
  • Cinema (DCI) and UHD 4K video
  • Weather-sealed body
  • USB 3 (Type-C)

Price: Rs. 2,89,999

Buy Now: Amazon

2. Panasonic Lumix GH5S

Panasonic Lumix GH5S compact camera for travelers

This Panasonic Lumix gh5s has magnesium alloy with die-cast front and rear frames which makes it strong. It features a durable design that also incorporates extensive sealing at each joint, dial, and button. This makes it splashproof, dust-proof as well as freezeproof to 14°F.

I think these features are enough to invest in this mirrorless camera for traveling.

Key Features: 

  • Weight: 662 g
  • 10.2MP high-sensitivity MOS sensor
  • multi-aspect and dual native ISO (400 & 2,500)
  • DCI and UHD 4K Video Recording
  • 3.2″ 1.62m-dot rear RGBW LCD monitor
  • touchscreen
  • Dual UHS-II SD card slots
  • Backup Recording

Price: Rs. 1,73,800

Buy Now: Amazon

3. Fujifilm X-H1

Fujifilm X-H1

The Fujifilm X-H1 camera is one of the most video-capable cameras. It has 24MP APS-C size X-Trans CMOS III sensor and 5.5 stops in-body image stabilization. If you want a camera especially for videos, you can buy this camera for your next trip.

Key Features:

  • Weight: 998 g
  • 24.30 Megapixels APS-C size X-Trans CMOS III sensor
  • 5.5-Stops In-Body Image Stabilization
  • Magnification ratio of 0.75x and 3.69M dot resolution
  • Touch sensitive rear LCD
  • 1080/120P high-speed video mode
  • Slow motion 1080
  • Wi-Fi with Bluetooth

Price: Rs. 1,31,915

Buy Now: Amazon

4. Sony Alpha a7II

Sony Alpha a7II

Sony Alpha a7 II is an image-stabilized full frame mirrorless camera. It has improved hybrid AF system with 25 contrast-detect and 117 phase-detect points. Alpha A7 also has E-mount with support for FE, E, and A-mount lenses (with adapter).  It also has Wi-fi and NFC connectivity to share photos instantly.

This is one of the best lightweight cameras by Sony. You can buy it and use it during your trips for amazing shots.

Key Features:

  • Weight: 599 g
  • 24.3MP Full Frame CMOS sensor
  • 5-axis sensor-based image stabilization
  • Bionz X image processor
  • 3-inch tilting LCD with 1.23 million dots (640×480, RGBW)
  • 2.36M dot OLED viewfinder
  • 1080 footage at up to 50Mbps (XAVC S)
  • Wi-Fi with NFC capability and downloadable apps

Price: Rs. 1,24,766

Buy Here: Amazon

5. Fujifilm X-T20

Fujifilm X-T20

Fujifilm X-T20 is a midrange SLR-styled mirrorless camera. It is heavier than all the cameras listed here but has 24MP CMOS sensor and image processor, faster burst shooting, any improved autofocus system, 4K video capture and more.

Key Features:

  • Weight: 1.59 Kg
  • 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III APS-C sensor
  • 3.0″ tilting Touchscreen panel
  • 4K video using the x series’ famous film Simulation effects (including ACROS)
  • Af-c custom settings for moving subject
  • 4K UHD video at up to 30 fps, with clean output over HDMI
  • 2.5mm jack for external microphone or wired remote control

Price: Rs. 88,300

Buy Now: Amazon

6. Sony Alpha ILCE-6500

Sony Alpha ILCE-6500

Sony Alpha ILCE-6500 is a compact camera with interchangeable lens. It has 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor with in-camera 5-axis optical image stabilization, touchscreen control, super-speed AF and High-density Tracking AF Technology.

All these features make this camera perfect for your travel.

Key Features:

  • Weight: 454 g
  • 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor
  • BIONZ X Image Processor
  • 5-axis optical image stabilization
  • XGA Tru-Finder 2.36m-Dot OLED EVF
  • 3.0″ 921.6k-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
  • Internal UHD 4K Video & S-Log3 Gamma
  • S&Q Motion in Full HD from 1-120 fps
  • Built-In Wi-Fi with NFC
  • Touchscreen control
  • Up to 11 fps Shooting and ISO 51200

Price: 85,990

Buy Now: Amazon

7. Panasonic Lumix G7

Panasonic Lumix G7

This is an old camera but was recently introduced in India. So, I decided to include it. I recently used it during one of my trips and was impressed with its performance. It offers excellent photo and video experience. Being a mirrorless camera, it is compact And is capable of shooting in 4K. It also supports 4K burst shots.  If you cannot afford high-end mirrorless cameras, this affordable but excellent Lumix G7 should be your choice.

Check this: Panasonic Lumix G7 Mirrorless Camera Review: The Video-centric Budget 4K Camera

Key Features

  • Weight: 408 grams.
  • 16-megapixel MFT sensor
  • 2.36-million dot EVF
  • 4K video capture
  • Electronic View finder

Price: Rs. 53,990

Buy Now: Amazon

Also, Read: Mirrorless Camera under Rs. 50000 in India

DSLR Camera:

We are not making a big list of DSLR cameras. It is because DSLR cameras are not compact and it is not easy to handle these during travel. Only professional photographers can think of carrying DSLRs. This is the reason, I have listed budget DSRLs as these come with the relatively lighter body. The first one is the best DSLR you can buy.

1. Nikon D850

Best DSLR for travel photography

Nikon D850 is one of the best DSLR you can buy to have awesome photography experience. It is the best full frame DSLR with 51 AF Points. It comes with 45.7 Megapixels sensor.

Key Features: 

  • Weight: 1.5kg
  • 45.7MP BSI CMOS sensor
  • 3.2″ tilting touchscreen with 2.36M-dot (1024×768 pixel) LCD
  • 7 fps continuous shooting with AE/AF (9 with battery grip and EN-EL18b battery)
  • full-frame 4K UHD and Full HD movie
  • 19.4MP DX crop (or 8.6MP at 30fps for up to 3 sec)
  • 1080 video at up to 120p, recorded as roughly 1/4 or 1/5th speed slow-mo
  • 1 XQD slot and 1 UHS II-compliant SD slot
  • Illuminated controls
  • SnapBridge full-time Bluetooth LE connection system with Wi-Fi
  • Advanced time-lapse options (including in-camera 4K video creation)

Price: Rs. 2,79,000

Buy Now: Amazon

2. Canon EOS 750D 

dslr for travelers

Canon EOS 750D is another good budget DSLR camera you can buy for your next trip. It also has a relatively smaller body and weighs around 500grams. This camera has 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor and features DIGIC 6 image processor. It has 19 cross-type AF points for focusing and ISO Range from ISO 100 – ISO 6400.

Key Features:

  • Weight: 508 g
  • 24.2 megapixel
  • CMOS image sensor
  • 3″ LCD Display
  • Fast AF
  • DIGIC 6 image processor
  • TFT color liquid-crystal monitor
  • 7 levels of manual brightness adjustment
  • ISO sensitivity: Auto ISO 100 – ISO 6400
  • Wi-Fi and NFC

Price: Rs. 48,400

Buy Now: Amazon

3. Nikon D3400

Nikon D3400 24.2 MP Digital SLR Camera

Nikon D3400 is an entry-level DSLR that puts less pressure on the pocket. It has a large 24.2MP APS-C sensor to deliver good photos. D3400 also offers good battery life that makes it good for travel. Its body is not much big and it is easy to carry with an 18-55mm kit lens. You can also invest in 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD superzoom lens. It is 222x ultra-telephoto all-in-one zoom Lens.

Key Features:

  • Weight: 445 g
  • 24.2 Megapixels Resolution
  • Very compact and lightweight body
  • 3 Inches Screen Size
  • Good single-shot AF performance
  • Very compact and quiet kit lens
  • NEF 12 bit RAW recording full HD (1920 x 1080) movie at 60/50/30/25/24p;

Price: Rs. 32490

Buy Here: Amazon

Here are more options in DSLR:

Action Camera

Action cameras are the best camera for adventures trips. They have a tough casing that protects them from dust, water, and freezing weather. They can survive in extreme weather conditions.

1. GoPro Hero 7 Black:

gopro hero 7 action camera for travel

GoPro Hero 7 black is the best action camera you can get for your trips. It is a small Sports & Action Camera which records 4K60 Video + 12 MP Photos. HERO7 Black predicts the movements and adjusts for camera shake to deliver very smooth footage just like Gimbal and capture decent photos along with shooting high-quality videos. This stabilization is so impressive that you can even mount it on your body while engaging in an sport and record your activities.

It has advanced features like Voice Control, Exposure Control, and a compact design. This camera is waterproof up to 10 m without a housing. The GoPro Here 7 also comes in white and grey color with low specifications than black.

If you are going for scuba diving or trekking or any other adventurous sports, do carry this action camera with you.

Buy Now: Amazon

Key Features

  • Weight: 454 g
  • Smile + Scene Detection
  • HDR and RAW photography
  • 4K60 Video + 12 MP Photos
  • Good dynamic range
  • Good Low light performance
  • Voice controls
  • Waterproof without a housing to 10 m
  • HyperSmooth Stabilisation

Price: Rs. 37,000

Buy Now: Amazon

2. YI 4K Sports and Action Video Camera 

YI 4K camera

If you GoPro is out of your budget, you can go with Yi 4K camera. It can Records 4K/30fps (60mbps), 1080p/120fps, 720p/240fps video and capture 12MP photos using. Even if this works good and shoots good quality videos and photos, there are a few cons that make it cheaper. It does not come with a waterproof case or mount. Buying that separately will add more cost.

Key Features:

  • Weight: 95.3 g
  • 12 megapixels
  • 155-degree wide-angle lens
  • 1/2.3in sensor
  • Good Battery life

Price: Rs. 18999

Buy Now: Amazon

3. Noise Play 2

Noise Play 2

Noise Play 2 is a budget action camera with 4K video recording capability. It comes with a 16 MP CMOS sensor. It can even capture high-quality RAW images. This action camera also comes with a waterproof casing. It can also record slow-motion videos. It also packs 1200 mAh battery.

Key Features: 

  • 2.0-inch TFT LCD Touchscreen
  • 4K recording
  • Burst mode
  • 170-degree FOV
  • Slow-mo recording
  • RAW Photo
  • Manual Mode

Price: Rs. 9999

Buy Now: GoNoise

Here is the list of other options in Action Cameras that you can use in your next trip:

Also, Check this list of 9 Best 360 Degree Cameras with Price in India

So, these all are the cameras that are best for travel. We made this list according to camera types to make it easy for you to select the best one as per your need. Do share your experiences with us after using one travel camera from this list on your first trip.

Share this article
Shareable URL
Prev Post

Best Redmi Note 6 Pro Case, Covers and Tempered Glasses

Next Post

10 Best Gaming Monitors in India For Every Budget | 2019

Leave a Reply
Read next
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get notified of the best deals on our WordPress themes.