A quality camera can be a valuable travel companion, allowing you to take pictures of your trips abroad to share with friends and family. The most popular camera for traveling is the one that you’ve carried around in your purse, which is your smartphone. If you’re looking to improve your videography skills, however, many top-quality cameras don’t require a lot of space in your bag. While it’s not easy to choose the best travel camera, it’s essential to consider factors such as portability, battery durability, build quality, your personal preferences for ergonomics, and your budget.
We’ve tried and purchased more than 50 cameras. Below are the best travel photography cameras to consider for purchase in 2026.
5 Best Travel Cameras You Can Buy in 2026
1. OM SYSTEM OM-5
The OM SYSTEM OM-5 is the best travel camera that we’ve tried. It’s part of the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) system, which provides an ideal blend of portability, durability, and image quality. While it’s not as powerful as more expensive models, such as the OM System O-1 Mark II or the older Olympus OM-D E-1 Mark III, it has a smaller body, making it more suitable for traveling. It’s also compatible with a variety of MFT lenses that can help reduce the overall dimensions of your kit to a minimum.
In addition to its compact dimensions, the camera is weatherproof and well-constructed overall. It comes with a fantastic five-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system that helps you take more stable images at slower shutter speeds and when recording videos. However, the OM-5 doesn’t have the longest-lasting battery life, so you may require an extra battery or portable power bank to last for a long time in the field. However, overall, this is the best camera for travel to take on the road at a reasonable cost.
Key Features
- 20MP Micro Four Thirds (MFT) sensor
- 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS)
- Weather-sealed, compact body
- Wide MFT lens ecosystem
- Fully articulating screen
Pros
- Lightweight and extremely travel-friendly
- Excellent IBIS for sharp handheld photos & vlogs
- Rugged, weather-sealed design
- Great color performance for landscapes
Cons
- Average battery life — needs a spare
- Not as fast/powerful as higher-end OM System models
- Smaller sensor than APS-C or full-frame
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2. Sony α7C II
If image quality is your primary concern, then the Sony A7C II is among the best travel cameras you can purchase. It’s among the few cameras with full-frame sensors of the same size. It’s by far the largest camera on the list, and full-frame lenses tend to be larger as well. It’s remarkable how compact Sony has made this camera, even with features such as IBIS and a fully articulated display.
The main feature is the camera’s high-resolution Full-Frame sensor, which offers a wide dynamic range and excellent noise management in more challenging lighting situations. Additionally, the camera boasts an amazing battery life and an extremely durable, weatherproof body. However, the ergonomics leave something to be desired, especially when you shoot through the small viewfinder.
Key Features
- 33MP full-frame sensor
- 5-axis IBIS
- Compact full-frame body
- Fully articulating LCD
- Excellent autofocus system
Pros
- Outstanding dynamic range and low-light performance
- Great battery life for long travel days
- Full-frame quality in a compact design
- Ideal for photography and hybrid shooters
Cons
- Larger and heavier than APS-C/MFT options
- Full-frame lenses can be bulky and costly
- Small viewfinder and average grip
3. Fujifilm X-T30 II
If you’re able to live without IBIS and are looking for an affordable best travel camera, the Fujifilm X-T30 II is an excellent mid-range choice. It features an APS-C camera and boasts a compact, lightweight body, making it perfect for traveling. Although it lacks more expensive features, such as weather sealing or advanced video specs, it’s a solid camera. Additionally, its specially designed exposure dials allow you to have greater control over the camera’s settings.
In addition to its flexibility and portability, it also has portability. X-T30 II utilizes a tried-and-true APS-C sensor that produces excellent image quality right out of the box. Film simulation profiles can make the camera fun to use, allowing users to alter the appearance of their images without any post-processing. Additionally, the camera features an excellent autofocus system and a long-lasting battery, making it the best travel camera.
Key Features
- 26MP APS-C sensor
- Classic Fujifilm manual control dials
- Compact, lightweight design
- Film Simulation modes
- Fast autofocus
Pros
- Superb color science with film simulation presets
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Sharp image output straight out of the camera
- Fast performance for street and travel photography
Cons
- No in-body stabilization (IBIS)
- No weather sealing
- Limited video features compared to newer Fuji models
4. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
The Olympus E-M10 Mark IV is among the best cameras for travel photography for those on a budget. Similar to the more expensive OM SYSTEM OM-5, the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV features a Micro Four Thirds sensor, offering a truly lightweight camera kit, with a range of affordable and lightweight lenses. It’s also a good option for novices due to its simple controls and inventive shooting modes.
It’s also one of the best travel cameras at this price, featuring IBIS that allows handheld photography at lower shutter speeds. It also helps in stabilizing videos. But it’s still a budget camera, and doesn’t have the best build quality. The autofocus feature can slow down when the subject is moving faster.
Key Features
- 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor
- Built-in 5-axis IBIS
- Flip-down touchscreen
- Lightweight, beginner-friendly design
- Creative shooting modes
Pros
- Great value with IBIS included
- Super portable and beginner-friendly
- Wide and affordable MFT lens options
- Good image quality for casual & hobbyists
Cons
- No weather sealing
- Entry-level build quality
- Autofocus slows down with fast-moving subjects
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5. Sony RX100 VII
A high-end point-and-shoot such as the Sony RX100 VII. It is the best compact camera for travel, performing like your smartphone camera. This model from the RX100 range has been well-received for several iterations, and for a good reason. stacked sensor, meaning that its image quality is quite good for its class. It’s also among the few cameras that are easily carried in a pocket, which means you can take it along wherever you travel as its built-in lens is quite large in terms of zoom, making it ideal for taking travel photos of anything from distant landscapes to distant objects.
Key Features
- 1-inch stacked CMOS sensor
- 24–200mm equivalent zoom lens
- Fast autofocus tracking
- 4K video support
- Pocket-sized body
Pros
- Truly pocketable — perfect for carry-anywhere travel
- Excellent zoom range for landscapes & distant subjects
- Great autofocus system
- Strong performance for photos and quick vlogs
Cons
- Limited battery life
- Expensive for a compact
- Smaller sensor vs APS-C
- Low-light performance is decent but not class-leading
Comparison Table: Best Travel Cameras
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re backpacking across mountains, strolling through historic cities, or vlogging your trips, there’s the best travel camera for your style:
- Best Overall: OM SYSTEM OM-5
- Best Image Quality: Sony α7C II
- Best Mid-Range: Fujifilm X-T30 II
- Best Budget: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
- Best Compact: Sony RX100 VII
FAQs: Best Travel Cameras
What is the best travel camera for beginners?
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is ideal for beginners due to its lightweight Micro Four Thirds sensor, in-body stabilization (IBIS), and simple controls. It’s budget-friendly and easy to carry during trips.
Which travel camera offers the best image quality?
The Sony α7C II is a full-frame camera with a high-resolution sensor and excellent low-light performance, making it perfect for travelers who prioritize image quality.
Can I take professional-quality photos with a compact camera?
Absolutely. Cameras like the Sony RX100 VII and Fujifilm X-T30 II deliver excellent image quality despite their compact size, making them travel-friendly yet capable for professional-looking photos.
Pocket zoom travel camera?
Sony RX100 VII's 8x 24-200mm equivalent catches wildlife discreetly
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