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To paraphrase photographer Chase Jarvis, the best travel camera is the one you have with you. By extension, the best travel camera is the one you’re willing to carry. For some of us, that means the best camera is the one you can fit in your pocket. Others, like me, are willing to carry a small full-frame mirrorless camera for lens versatility and higher quality images.
I lived on the road, traveling the United States and Mexico for eight years, during which time I fine-tuned my travel camera kit to be exactly what I needed and nothing I didn’t have (read to the end for my personal setup). Based on that experience and nearly a decade of camera testing, these are the best travel cameras I’ve found for all kinds of travelers, whether you want a compact camera that fits in your pocket or a full-frame DSLR that requires its own suitcase.
For more camera choices, be sure to read all our camera guidesincluding the best compact cameras, Best mirrorless cameras, Best action cameras, How to choose the right GoProAnd How to buy a camera.
Updated January 2026: I’ve added the Ricoh GR IV now that it’s available, noted the Fujifilm X-E5, replaced the 360 camera with the GoPro Max 2, and added the Hover Air
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The best pocket travel camera
If you want a camera that has a capable zoom, takes excellent RAW images and stunning 4K/30fps video, and manages to fit in most pockets, the Sony RX100 VII is your best choice. The Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mm F2.8-4.5 zoom lens allows for a wide range of shooting from a pocket-sized camera, making it a great travel camera on its own. The 1-inch sensor produces 20.1 MP images (RAW or JPG or both) and while f/2.8 isn’t the fastest aperture, it’s enough to handle indoor shooting in moderate light. The pop-up EVF is small but functional. It’s what I use to compose 90% of the time with this camera, but if you prefer to shoot without it, the rear screen is bright enough except in direct sunlight.
The RX100 VII also has excellent tracking autofocus, which isn’t always necessary when traveling, but can sometimes be useful for fast-paced scenes. My experience with this camera has been such that I don’t feel like there is any scenario it can’t handle, making it very versatile and excellent for travel.
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The Best Travel Camera for Photographers
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Photography: Scott Gilbertson
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Photography: Scott Gilbertson
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Photography: Scott Gilbertson
THE Ricoh GRIV (8/10, WIRED recommends) comes from a different world, where digital video never existed and everyone just wants the smallest, lightest, purest camera that fits in your pocket. The GR series has been the pocket camera to have for years, dating back to the days when it was a film camera. The latest version continues this legacy, offering a redesigned 28mm lens, with improved corner sharpness, as well as a slightly larger 25.7-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor that has significantly improved image quality compared to its predecessor. Add to that a dust-proof mechanism that fixes the fatal flaw of early models (which were prone to leaving dust on the sensor), an improved autofocus and subject tracking system, and slightly reorganized rear dials that make controlling the camera much easier, and you have a true photographer’s camera, perfect for traveling.
The most important thing in the context of travel cameras is that the GR IV fits in your pocket. And I don’t mean that you have to do pocket yoga and it’s okay for you (looking at you, Fujifilm X100). In fact, the GR IV legitimately fits right into your pocket. Why do some people not like the GR IV? Well, it’s an opinionated camera. For example, the rear LCD screen does not move, rotate, or unfold in any way. No waist-level shooting for you. The video reaches 1080p and is frankly terrible. I really think this is here to make fun of you for wanting to shoot a video. You see, stubborn. Either you like it or it’s not the camera for you (if it’s not for you, stick with the Sony above).
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Best full-frame travel camera
If I were buying a camera today, this is the body I would get, traveling or otherwise. The A7C R is one of the smallest full-frame interchangeable lens cameras on the market. That’s why it’s our first choice for travelers in our guide to the best mirrorless cameras. The 61 MP sensor offers astonishing details and a very good dynamic range (14.7 EV). The super-fast autofocus system is among the best you’ll find in a mirrorless camera, and it also offers excellent subject tracking, making it perfect for shooting fast scenes on the go.
While Sony’s R-series cameras are primarily aimed at high-resolution stills, the video specs here are solid enough for the casual video user, with support for 4K/60fps video in full-frame mode (1.2X crop) or upsampled 4K/30fps video. Both support 10-bit 4:2 color depth, various log formats, and even 16-bit RAW output to an external recorder.
My main complaint about the A7C R is the same as in my first opinion. The viewfinder is cramped and low resolution (2.36 million dots). This isn’t a problem for me, but it’s something to keep in mind and a good reason to rent a camera before investing.
The big question with this camera is: what lens do you pair it with for traveling? There is a compelling argument to be made in favor of Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G ($1,398)which gives you everything from wide to portrait, with a little extra reach too. Another great option if you like prime numbers is the Sony 40mm f2.5 G ($798)making it a compact kit, and 40mm is a surprisingly good focal length for travel, in my experience.
★ Alternative: At $2,198, The Sony A7C II (note, no R) is a little cheaper. It uses Sony’s smaller 33 MP sensor, but it’s otherwise very close in size and capabilities, with many more video cuts than the A7C R. If you want to shoot video as well as stills, the A7C II is a better choice.
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The best fixed lens travel camera
THE Leica Q3 is an almost perfect travel camera for some photographers and absolutely bad for others. Most Leicas, and certainly the Q3, are small and light (for a full-frame camera), and they’re less intrusive when you hold them up to someone’s face to take a portrait. All of this is to say that if your travel photography is what the Leica Q3 excels at (the fixed 28mm lens makes it ideal for street, landscape, and portraits), it’s an incredible camera.
The 60 MP sensor is capable of creating truly stunning RAW files with 15 stops of dynamic range and Leica-matched color rendition. The Summilux APSH 28mm f1.7 lens is capable of manual focus, autofocus, and macro shooting, giving it a bit more versatility. The autofocus system uses both phase and contrast detection, and it works quite well, although it struggles in situations where movement is faster. The good news is that the 5.76 million-dot OLED viewfinder is bright and sharp and makes manual focusing almost as easy as the automatic system. Again, this isn’t a camera for everyone, but for the right person, it’s as close to perfect as it gets.
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The most stylish travel camera
THE Fujifilm X100VI is everyone’s darling. It doesn’t quite fit in your pocket (well, maybe it does). it depends on your pants), but it is compact and easy to carry around all day. The 40MP APS-C sensor rivals full-frame sensors in terms of resolution and detail, and the 35mm equivalent lens is perfect for everything from street to landscape, making it a good all-around travel lens. It’s a fixed lens, but I’ve never found it particularly limiting, especially for travel photography. Don’t forget Fuji’s cinematic simulations, which are legendary for a reason. They’re a perfect way to capture creative looks without spending a lot of time editing them. And the X100VI with the Fujifilm app on your phone makes it easy to share those vacation snaps on social media.
The X100V has six levels of in-body stabilization, which means it works quite well even in low light conditions. The hybrid LCD/optical viewfinder is excellent. 6.2K/30fps or 4K/60fps video is more than sufficient for most use cases. There are also some nice extras here, like the internal ND filter and the fact that it has a leaf shutter with flash sync speeds of up to 1/2,000 of a second.
★ Alternatives: If you like the look of the X100IV, but want to use multiple lenses, the new Fujifilm X-E5 offers what you want. Combine it with the 23mm f/2.8 pancake lens and the 35mm f/1.4 for a great 35mm/50mm travel kit.
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Best action camera for travel
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Photography: Scott Gilbertson
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Photography: Scott Gilbertson
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Photography: Scott Gilbertson
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Photography: Scott Gilbertson
The GoPro Hero 13 Black is my first choice when hitting the road. The interchangeable lens system gives it an advantage over other action cameras, providing shooting possibilities that simply don’t exist with others. Throw the Hero 13 Black and the ultra-wide lens in your bag and you have a great way to capture everything you do: climbing, hiking, diving, snorkeling, and other situations where a traditional camera or even your phone would potentially be destroyed. The GoPro won’t blink. Check out the rest of our Best Action Camera and Best GoPro choice for more information.
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The best 360 camera for travel
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Photography: Scott Gilbertson
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Photography: Scott Gilbertson
GoPro’s new Max 2 is the best 360 camera for traveling. The Max 2’s two 14mm (35mm equivalent) lenses each record onto a 1/2.3-inch chip, producing what GoPro calls “True 8K” (10-bit) video. The result is that GoPro’s sensors are larger than the competition’s, which means more pixels for sharper, clearer images. There’s also support for 10-bit colors in log files, or, if post-processing isn’t your idea of fun, the natural-looking color rendering in the default profile is the best I’ve tested.
You get all the usual GoPro video modes, including HyperSmooth video stabilization, horizon leveling, time warp, and more. You can also enable single lens mode and it transforms into a Hero-style 4K action camera with all the same features. As with the Hero mounting system, the Max 2 can be mounted to just about anything using the bendable fingers, tripod hole, or magnetic mount.
The main reason I choose this over Insta360 X5 for travel, apart from superior video quality, these are the lens covers. Replacing them when you’re on the road is very simple: just unscrew them with your fingers and install new ones. The only downside is the audio quality, which is not great. Luckily, you can pair it with any Bluetooth microphone and this problem is solved.
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The best drone for traveling
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is the best travel drone. It weighs less than 250 grams, which means you don’t need to record it in most places and it produces excellent video footage. The 1/1.3-inch 48 MP sensor can shoot 4K/60 fps and 4K/100 fps slow motion. You also get premium features like 10-bit D-Log M support for post-production color grading and HLG support for better HDR images.
The Mini 4 Pr o also has excellent obstacle avoidance features which are essential when flying in unfamiliar places. Sensors point in all directions to prevent the drone from crashing into trees, walls, utility poles and other potential hazards. Flight times are around half an hour (34 minutes on average in my testing), so I recommend the Fly More package which gives you a few extra batteries.
The bad news is that since December 23, 2025, DJI is no longer allowed to sell new products in the United States. No one seems to be completely sure what this means for existing products, most of which are still available for sale, but it does mean that firmware updates and replacement parts can be difficult to find. I don’t think it’s a deal breaker, but if the idea of no support bothers you, the best alternative for traveling is Air X1 Pro Max overview. It’s expensive, but it’s smaller and lighter, offers excellent image and video quality, and automated flight modes make it easy to film yourself on the go.
Accessories and extras for travel photography
Courtesy of Lexar
Once you have a camera you love, make sure you have everything you need to get the most out of it. Here are some of the things I like to travel with:
Extra batteries: No matter how long your camera battery lasts, you will need additional batteries, ideally several. I also like to bring a dedicated charger so I can leave the batteries charging overnight.
SD cards: The more, the merrier. I use them and recommend them Lexar Professional 2000x SD Cards. For microSD cards I like it Samsung’s Pro Plus modelwhich I use in my GoPro Hero 13.
A camera bag: The perfect camera bag is different for everyone. We have put together a complete guide to camera bags and straps to help you determine the best way to transport your camera.
Tripod: I rarely take a tripod when traveling, but when I do, I like to keep it as small and light as possible. By far the most popular travel tripod is The Peak Design carbon fiber tripod. I also like Sirui’s carbon fiber tripod.
What makes a great travel camera?
The answer to this question will depend on what you want to photograph, but for most of us, a good travel camera is a small camera. This doesn’t necessarily mean you should stick to compact cameras, but no one wants to lug around a huge DSLR just to take a few family photos. Hell, even the pros on a mission don’t do it to want to lug around huge cameras and lenses, but at least they get paid to do it. If you’re not getting paid, I suggest sticking to something small. Here are some other things to look for in a travel camera:
- Image quality: This is subjective to some extent, but aim for the best possible image quality. This doesn’t necessarily mean the largest sensor size, as other factors such as lens and processor also matter. When considering a new camera, I like to browse photo sites like Flickr, filtering for my camera model, to see what kind of images people are producing. Given a large enough sample size, this gives me an idea of where the camera succeeds and where it struggles.
- JPEG quality: This is related to the above, but focuses specifically on JPGs that come straight out of the camera. RAW files are nice when you have time to develop them, but it’s handy to be able to get great-looking JPGs straight from the camera to send to friends and family or post on social media. Fujifilm and Panasonic Lumix cameras excel here, with tons of “recipes” for achieving great, creative looks without a lot of RAW processing.
- Autofocus: The faster the autofocus, the more likely you are to capture the image, especially if your travel photography includes children. The best autofocus systems are usually found in large camera bodies, but in recent years Sony, Canon, Nikon and Lumix have all increased autofocus speeds in their smaller, more compact cameras.
- Image stabilization: Every camera on this list has some sort of built-in image stabilization. In-body stabilization (IBIS) is what you want here. It will compensate for a certain level of shake, allowing you to shoot in low light without needing a flash. Good low-light performance is essential if you want to capture evening or night scenes. Also look for a camera with a high ISO rating (4,000 or higher) if you plan to take a lot of photos in low light.
- Video Capabilities: At this point, if you plan to shoot video, get a camera that can shoot 4K video at 30 frames per second or better.
- Lens zoom range: Zoom lenses give you a level of versatility that most people, especially beginners, will find useful. Our top pick ranges from a 24mm wide-angle lens to a 200mm telephoto lens. That’s enough to cover just about every situation you’re likely to encounter while traveling.
- Weather resistant: The weather doesn’t always cooperate with our travel plans, which means it’s nice to have a camera that can get at least a little wet. That said, filming in a downpour is unlikely to end well for your camera, regardless of the situation. IP rating East.
Why not use your smartphone?
You certainly can. Cameras in today’s smartphones, especially those Pixel 10 Pro and the iPhone 17 Proare very capable, and for many people, they will be enough. They also mean you don’t have to carry anything extra.
But I guess if you’re reading this, you probably don’t want to settle for just your phone. Personally, I don’t like dialing on a phone. As a result, I don’t get as many images as I like from a phone, no matter how good the phone’s lens, sensor, and computing smarts are. A viewfinder provides a more immersive experience that allows me to see the scene in front of me more clearly and compose better images.
I don’t mind a larger camera for traveling, so I stuck with my A7R II. I would love to have the A7C R for the rangefinder design (as a right-eye shooter, I like rangefinders mainly because I can use my left eye to track the entire scene while composing with my right), but I can’t justify the expense.
For lenses, I have manual focus Voigtlander 40mm f/1.2 which I use 75 percent of the time. While it’s certainly not for everyone, it’s my all-time favorite Sony lens. I also have the Zeiss Sonnar 55 f/1.8which I tend to use a portrait lens. I wouldn’t buy it today at full price, but you can find them used for around $400. Finally I also have the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4Gwhich I use primarily for video and occasionally for ultra-wide images.
I sometimes bring my Peak Design Travel Tripodand I have a few ND filters and a Godox flash setup, but that’s it for the extras. I also have a GoPro Hero 13 Black with the ultra wide lens, which I use around water and on my bike.