10 best travel cameras

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Modern smartphones have already taken over a significant share of the functionality for photography, so for a significant proportion of consumers there is no need for a digital camera as a separate device. But for those who are used to bringing high-quality photo reports from travel, the question of a separate camera remains open.

The editors have prepared for you an overview of the best models of digital cameras, the characteristics of which are optimal for effective shooting on trips of varying degrees of dynamism. Our experts based their findings on the 2019 market research, taking into account the recommendations of top travel bloggers.

Rating of the best cameras for travel

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best compact cameras for travel	1	Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60 / TZ80	RUB 23 390
	2	Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100	RUB 23 980
	3	Canon Powershot SX740	28 283 RUB
	4	Olympus TG-5 Waterproof Camera	RUB 26,500
Best mirrorless cameras for travel	1	Canon M100	RUB 27 490
	2	Sony Alpha ILCE-6000 Kit	RUB 38,288
	3	Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III	RUB 40,590
	4	Fujifilm X-A5	RUB 27,990
Best DSLRs for Travel	1	Nikon D3500	RUB 28 490
	2	Canon EOS 200D Kit	34 880 rub.

The review is based on an analysis of the technical characteristics of cameras on the RankQuality.com portal.

Best compact cameras for travel

To begin with, let's consider a selection of cameras for those travelers who do not pretend to have a high professional level of photography, but the characteristics of even a flagship smartphone are not enough for them for their purposes. Compact 'soap boxes' in any case, on average, have a more capacious matrix than most smartphones. And what is perhaps the most important is the optical zoom, which, for obvious reasons, in a smartphone cannot even come close to comparing even with a very modest camera.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60 / TZ80

Rating: 4.9

The first number in the selection of compact devices is a very impressive in terms of functionality Panasonic 'soap dish' of the Lumix line. This is a logical continuation of the successful and popular ZS50 model, which is no longer in production. Sales started in March 2016.

Despite the 'soapy' form factor, the device is relatively large and massive – 112x64x38mm dimensions and 282g – weight including batteries. However, against the background of any DSLR, such dimensions remain within the compact category.

The device is equipped with a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens with 30x optical zoom, focal length 24-720mm, aperture F3.3-F6.4. A total of 12 optical parts in 9 groups, including aspherical lenses. The stock lens contains an optical stabilizer for photography.

The resolution of the 2.3-inch CMOS-matrix in this model is 19MP (effective 18.1 million pixels). Crop factor – 5.62. The ISO sensitivity range is from 80 to 3200.

To aim at the subject, you can use the electronic viewfinder or focus on the image displayed on the built-in 3-inch LCD screen. The user has a macro mode, express shooting at up to 10 frames per second, a timer for 2 and 10 seconds, four aspect ratios to choose from. Focus includes manual focusing, contrast autofocus, support for 49 illuminated focus points, face detection autofocus. The shutter speed range is from 60 to 1/16000 second. Aperture and shutter speed can be set manually.

The device can save the resulting images in lossless RAW format or in JPEG with two levels of compression. Supports SD, SDHC, SDXC memory cards and Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo for data storage. Connection to a computer – via USB2.0 (charging is supported), to a TV – via HDMI, wireless – Wi-Fi.

The camera is powered by a 1025mAh battery. The manufacturer correlates this capacity with conventional 320 images, but this ratio is very approximate. In general, the battery is not the strongest point of this model also due to its own unique form factor of the battery pack, which, if necessary, cannot be replaced with conventional batteries. But the practice of a unique battery format is practically the norm among manufacturers of photographic equipment, and in our review it will be encountered more than once.

Advantages

• comfortable body;
• optical stabilizer;
• powerful optical zoom;
• fast and accurate autofocus;
• RAW support;
• shooting video in 4K;
• Wi-Fi;
• mobile application for remote control.

disadvantages

• not too capacious battery of its own format.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

Rating: 4.8

The second issue in the review is to draw your attention to a compact camera made by Sony, which is in many respects similar in characteristics to the previous version, and has earned high marks from specialists. This is not the newest model, just like the previous one, but it has been tested by time and the experience of many travelers, including famous ones.

The device is slightly smaller and noticeably lighter than the previous one – dimensions 102x58x36mm and weight 213g. The standard lens is Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar with 7 optical elements in six groups. The optical zoom is only 3.6x, and in this the device is much inferior to the previous one, but this is not its drawback, but a noticeable advantage of the above model. The focal length is from 28 to 100.8 mm.

The matrix in this model is a little more interesting than the previous version – 20.2 million effective pixels at 13.2×8.8mm (1 inch) allows you to shoot with a maximum resolution of 5472×3648. Crop factor – 2.7. The sensitivity of the matrix ranges from 80 to 3200ISO.

The shooting modes and capabilities of this device are almost completely similar to the previous one. There is an 'express' mode with a speed of up to 10 frames per second, a macro mode, a timer for 2 and 10 seconds, support for four different frame formats (aspect ratios), optical stabilizer, manual and automatic white balance. Video shooting is possible in resolution up to FullHD 1920×1080 with high frame rate – up to 60fps.

The viewfinder is not provided in this model; when shooting, you should be guided by the 3-inch color LCD screen. Shutter speed and aperture can be manually set or auto mode with either shutter or aperture priority. The minimum distance to the subject is 0.05m.

The configuration of memory and interfaces here is also almost exactly the same as the previous model: saving images in JPEG and RAW formats; support for memory cards, including the Memory Stick family; USB 2.0 and HDMI ports are used to connect to a computer or monitor (TV).

To summarize, thanks to the combination of an unusually large sensor, as for a 'soap dish', a fast lens and high-quality optics, this camera shows impressive results when shooting in low light conditions. The device minimally 'noises' at high ISOs and copes well with contrasting scenes.

Advantages

• brand;
• large matrix;
• image stabilization quality;
• RAW support;
• high quality images in low light conditions;
• optical stabilizer.

disadvantages

• weak optical zoom.

Canon Powershot SX740

Rating: 4.7

Another compact travel camera comes from a manufacturer that doesn't need a special introduction – Canon. In aggregate performance, this model outperforms the Panasonic travel camera described above at an even more affordable price.

The first thing that pleases me in this model is a long optical zoom of 40 times. With a 1 / 2.3-inch sensor with a maximum aperture of f / 3.3, there are characteristic and inevitable 'pitfalls', such as the 'drop' of the same aperture to f / 6.9 at maximum zoom. You need to be prepared for this, but the powerful zoom is definitely worth it on the trip.

Camera dimensions – 110x64x40mm, weight – 299g including battery (own form factor). The focal length of the lens is 24-960mm. 13 optical elements in 11 groups, including aspherical and low dispersion lenses. The viewfinder is not provided, visual control of aiming is carried out through a 3-inch color swivel LCD screen.

The matrix with a resolution of 20.3 million effective pixels allows you to take pictures with a resolution of 5184×3888. The sensitivity of the matrix is ​​100-3200 ISO. Crop factor – 5.62. In video mode, the camera is capable of delivering 4K quality 3840×2160 at a frame rate of 25-30 per second. When lowering the video resolution to at least FullHD 1920×1080, the frame rate can be increased up to 60 per second. The maximum allowable size for a video file is 4GB.

A number of important points in this model coincide with the previous two: automatic and manual white balance (including from the list of presets); optical stabilizer; macro photography; express mode 10 frames per second; timer for 2 and 10 seconds; support for four aspect ratios.

The potential resource of exposure in this model is 15-1 / 3200s, with the possibility of automatic and manual setting. There are manual and automatic focusing modes, including face. The minimum effective shooting distance is 0.01m.

The footage can be saved to standard external memory cards, but only in JPEG format. Connection to a computer via USB2.0 interface with charging support or via Wi-Fi.

Advantages

• powerful zoom;
• high matrix resolution;
• shooting video in 4K;
• Wi-Fi;
• in general, the best value for money.

disadvantages

• RAW is not supported.

Olympus TG-5 Waterproof Camera

Rating: 4.6

Rounding out the selection of the best compact travel cameras according to the version that our experts included in the review especially for those who are inevitably in intense contact with the water during travel. Olympus offers a well balanced solution.

This model is not just waterproof in terms of protection from getting wet. Everything is much more serious here – with the Olympus TG-5, you can really conduct underwater photography with a dive to as much as 15 meters. In addition, the camera is equipped with shock protection – independent studies show that the device is not afraid of falls from heights of up to 2 meters. Unlike many other inexpensive and compact 'underwater' solutions, there is a full 4x optical zoom with no external moving parts.

The dimensions of the device are 113x66x32mm, weight is 250g together with a battery of its own form factor. The robust metal case is available in three colors – red, blue, black. The device is equipped with effective dust protection and anti-fogging. The lens contains 9 optical elements in 7 groups, including aspherical lenses. The focal length is 25-100mm. Aperture – F2-F4.9. You can install replaceable nozzles.

The matrix of this model is weaker than that of the previous ones, but in the context of potential exploitation this is a minor disadvantage against the background of advantages. Its size is 1 / 2.33 “, 12 million effective pixels, crop factor – 5.7, sensitivity – 100-3200ISO.

Another feature of this travel camera that can be considered outstanding is its shooting speed potential. In fast mode, photos can be shot up to 20 frames per second (for the RAW format, the maximum burst is 14 shots), which is already twice as long as any model described above. As for video, here the capabilities of the device reach exorbitant values ​​of 480 frames per second. But this is only at resolutions below HD. In 4K 3840×2160 resolution, the maximum frequency does not exceed 30 frames per second.

Among the useful additional features of this model, it is worth highlighting the wireless Wi-Fi connection, the ability to recharge 'on the fly' from almost any compatible source via USB 2.0, connection to the monitor via HDMI. A nice bonus for traveling is the presence of a GPS navigation module.

Against the background of such bright characteristics, the battery is slightly upsetting. A regular battery is enough for ordinary shooting. But for a high frame rate and top-end resolution, you need a full charge, which will quickly be 'eaten up'. The possibility of recharging 'on the fly' from a power bank, and then only not under water, partly saves the situation.

Advantages

• effective water, dust, shock protection;
• GPS module;
• Wi-Fi;
• shooting in HDR mode;
• on-the-fly recharging;
• outstanding frame rate.

disadvantages

• the battery keeps resource-intensive modes only on a full charge.

Best mirrorless cameras for travel

There is an intermediate link between compact 'soap dishes' and full-fledged SLR cameras – mirrorless cameras. Many travelers find this form factor optimal for themselves, especially if it involves a level of shooting with a claim to professionalism. The main advantages of such a solution over 'soap cameras' are interchangeable lenses, a large matrix, and generally higher image quality. brings to your attention a selection of models that have received high marks from our specialists and the expert community as a whole.

Canon M100

Rating: 4.9

Let's start with another successful and commercially successful Canon product for quality amateur travel photography – the M100 series interchangeable-lens mirrorless camera. Standard lens is included in the delivery set, mount – Canon EF-M. The model entered the market in October 2017.

This model is equipped with a large APS-C CMOS sensor, similar in format to those found on DSLR cameras. Matrix size – 22.3×14.9mm. But, there is still a crop factor – 1.6. The number of effective pixels of the matrix is ​​24.2 million, the resolution is up to 6000×4000. Recognizes shades up to 42-bit with 100-3200ISO sensitivity. There is a matrix cleaning function.

In size and weight, this model surpasses the above-described compact devices, but not too much: 108x67x35mm dimensions and 302g – weight including the battery. There is no viewfinder, the image is displayed on hover on a 3-inch swivel LCD touch screen.

The main parameters and features of M100 shooting are as follows. The speed of photographing is up to 6.1 frames per second. Continuous shooting up to 89 images per burst for JPEG and 21 for lossless RAW. There is a timer for 2 and 10 seconds of delay. Endurance resource in standard configuration – 30-1 / 4000s. Aperture and shutter speed can be manually adjusted separately. There are functions for automatic exposure processing, exposure metering and exposure compensation. Autofocus – phase with 49 focusing points, including face or manual.

The device is also capable of shooting video in MP4 format with FullHD 1920×1080 quality with a frame rate of up to 50-60 per second. The maximum video file size is 4GB. All footage is saved on popular memory cards – SD, SDHC, SDXC. You can also transfer data wirelessly via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, or directly to a computer via USB 2.0. A useful bonus is the presence of a short-range wireless communication module NFC.

Useful additional functions of this model: orientation sensor, control from a computer or remote control, HDR shooting mode.

Advantages

• compact and lightweight;
• large matrix of APS-C format;
• high quality shooting;
• shooting video in FullHD 60 fps;
• many well-thought-out shooting modes;
• touch screen.

disadvantages

• not the most convenient proprietary software.

Sony Alpha ILCE-6000 Kit

Rating: 4.8

Continuing a selection of the magazine's best mirrorless cameras for travel, he is already somewhat a veteran of the super-dynamic camera market. This model entered the market in 2014, but it turned out to be so successful and collected such powerful positive feedback from users that it still remains in high demand among travelers and just photography lovers.

It is worth emphasizing at once one feature of this model, which may be decisive for many users. The delivery set includes a kit lens on a Sony E mount. But due to its small flange distance, the device allows you to install almost any third-party lenses through adapters.

Dimensions of the device – 120x67x45mm excluding the lens, weight without battery – 285g. The body can be of three color options – black, white, silver. In addition to the 3-inch swivel LCD screen, you can use the EVF with a 100% field of view for guidance.

Like the previous device, it uses a 23.5×15.6mm APS-C matrix with 24.3 million effective pixels. Exactly the same maximum resolution – 6000×4000 and a similar crop factor – 1.5. Sensitivity – 100-3200ISO. There is a cleaning function.

Opportunities in terms of exposure in this model is quite expectedly wider than in any of the above-described 'soap dish'. Shutter speed and aperture can be adjusted automatically or manually. There is automatic exposure processing with different priorities (shutter or aperture), three metering options, exposure compensation and bracketing. Autofocus hybrid, with illumination, guidance on the face and the possibility of manual adjustment.

Opportunities in terms of shooting high-quality video in this model are slightly wider than in the previous one. The device can record the stream in FullHD 60fps quality and even shoot in 3D. Photo shooting speed – up to 11 frames per second.

You can save material in JPEG, RAW – photo or AVCHD, MP4 – video. The device supports a variety of memory card formats, including the high-performance Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo. Data transfer alternatives – connection via HDMI, USB2.0, Wi-Fi.

The battery capacity of its own form factor is here at 1080mAh, which roughly corresponds to 360 captured frames, according to the manufacturer, which is generally true.

Advantages

• reliability and reliability;
• quite compact;
• shooting video in FullHD 60fps;
• 3D shooting;
• Wi-Fi;
• high compatibility with different lenses (through adapters).

disadvantages

• separate claims of a highly specialized nature from users.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III

Rating: 4.7

Our review continues with a striking example of the achievements of Olympus in the field of photographic equipment production. This is a bright representative of the Mark series, which, although much more expensive than the above-described Sony camera, but in terms of functionality, fully fulfills the price difference. The model entered the market in September 2017.

One of the main differences of this camera from the two previous mirrorless cameras is the presence of an optical stabilization system in the carcass itself, and this system, according to professionals, is of high quality. The dimensions of the device are 122x84x50mm excluding the standard lens. Weight – 410g including its own battery. Two colors are offered – black or silver case. Micro 4/3 bayonet. There is a digital viewfinder and an LCD touch screen.

This model has a Live MOS sensor of a different format than the previous two. This is the MFT standard (Micro 4: 3 17.3×13.0mm), which is slightly smaller than the APS-C, but this does not significantly affect the image quality. Crop factor – 2. The number of effective pixels – 16.1 million. The limiting shooting resolution is 4608×3456. Recognition of shades with a depth of 36 bits. Sensitivity – 100-3200ISO. There is a cleaning function.

The shooting speed in the photo mode of this device reaches 8.6 frames per second. A burst can hold up to 22 sequential RAW shots. There is a Time-lapse mode. Timer for 2 and 12 seconds. Exposure options vary within 60-1 / 16000 s, there is a possibility of automatic and manual adjustment, auto exposure processing, exposure compensation and bracketing. Contrast AF with 121 focus points, face and manual.

The camera's potential for travel video deserves special praise. So, you can record videos in MOV format at 4K 3840×2160 resolution. At 1920×1080, a frame rate of 60fps is possible, and at 1280×720 it is twice as much. HDR mode supported.

The camera supports the most popular memory cards – SD, SDHC, SDXC. There are also other available ways to connect and transfer data – USB 2.0, HDMI, Wi-Fi. The estimated resource of the standard battery is 330 shots. This would not be a problem if the camera could be recharged via USB at least from a power bank, but unfortunately this option is not implemented in this model.

Advantages

• optical stabilizer in the 'carcass';
• clear and fast autofocus;
• shooting video in 4K;
• Wi-Fi;
• a large number of shooting programs;
• Compatible with a variety of lenses.

disadvantages

• cannot be recharged via USB.

Fujifilm X-A5

Rating: 4.6

Rounding out our selection of the best mirrorless travel cameras in 2018 is the Fujifilm X-A5 hobby camera. With all its amateur status, the device has a number of important features at the level of professional models. It goes on sale as a complete set with a standard lens (Kit), and as only a 'carcass' at a lower price.

The size of the device is 117x68x40mm excluding the lens, the weight is 361g with a battery (own form factor) and 311g without. Mount Fujifilm X Mount. The case is made in a classic, almost vintage style and is available in four basic colors. The viewfinder is not provided, the image is displayed on a 3-inch LCD touch screen.

The stock lens received some high marks from our experts, not least due to high-quality optical stabilization. There is no stabilizer in the body of the camera.

The 23.5×15.7mm APS-C CMOS sensor contains 24.2 million pixels, all effective. Crop factor – 1.5. The limiting resolution is 6000×4000. Sensitivity – 100-3200ISO. There is a cleaning function.

The shooting speed in the photo mode reaches 6 frames per second. There is a Time-lapse mode and continuous shooting of up to 10 photos in JPEG. Timer for 2 and 10 seconds. The shutter speed is set within 30-1 / 32000 seconds in automatic and manual modes. There is exposure compensation, exposure metering and bracketing. Hybrid autofocus with 91 focusing points is one of the weak points of this model, some users note its slow and sometimes unpredictable operation.

The possibilities for shooting video in this model are almost similar to the previous one – the resolution is up to 4K 3840×2160, in the resolution mode 1920×1080 the frame rate is up to 60fps.

The device has all the necessary set of wired and wireless interfaces: USB 2.0 with charging support, HDMI, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. You can control the unit from the remote control. The estimated battery life is about 450 shots, according to the manufacturer.

Advantages

• high-quality matrix;
• shooting video in 4K;
• charging via USB 2.0;
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth;
• vintage design.

disadvantages

• slow autofocus.

Best DSLRs for Travel

The third mini-selection of cameras includes already full-fledged 'DSLRs'. For travel, this is the most difficult option in every sense, but for shooting that claims to be professional, you don't have to choose too much. As part of this review, our experts decided to pay attention to only two manufacturers – the kings of the market Nikon and Canon. Based on the cumulative analysis of the experience of famous photographers and travel bloggers, the models presented below received the highest ratings in the affordable price category.

Nikon D3500

Rating: 4.9

One of the most notable combinations of price, performance and features is demonstrated by Nikon's D3500 series. The price of the device is even cheaper than many mirrorless cameras, and the price includes a standard lens.

The dimensions of the device are 124x97x70mm excluding the lens, and the weight is 365g excluding the battery. The case is classic, only in black. Mount – Nikon F. Optical SLR viewfinder, plus 3-inch 921,000-dot LCD screen.

The device is equipped with an APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5×15.6mm) with 24.2 million effective pixels. Sensitivity – 100-3200ISO, crop factor – 1.5. Recognition of shades with a depth of 36 bits. The resolution limit is 6000×4000. The shutter speed range is 30-1 / 4000 s, there are four modes of exposure metering, bracketing. Phase detection autofocus with 11 focusing points; manual focusing mode, face focusing, electronic rangefinder are provided.

The photographing speed in this model reaches 5 frames per second. The timer has 4 modes – 2, 5, 10 and 20 seconds. Videos are recorded in MOV format up to 1920×1080 resolution at up to 60 frames per second. Photo formats for saving – JPEG and RAW.

To connect the camera, there are USB 2.0, HDMI, and wireless Bluetooth interfaces. Supports SD, SDHC, SDXC memory cards. The capacious battery of its own form factor correlates with about 1550 captured photos.

A separate note should be made here to warn our readers against delusion. Many resources, including reputable ones, indicate in the descriptions of this model that the camera contains a 'screwdriver' (autofocus drive). In fact, there is no 'screwdriver' in the body of the device, which means that only those lenses that contain their own drive can fit it, and they are much more expensive in mass.

Advantages

• brand;
• image quality;
• ease of use;
• capacious battery;
• ergonomics;
• relatively affordable price.

disadvantages

• does not shoot video in 4K.

Canon EOS 200D Kit

Rating: 4.8

At the end of our review, let us consider a device that is practically similar in key characteristics to the previous one with a number of advantages that determined its higher cost. By and large, the most important difference between them is the brand, in the context of the eternal debate 'which is better – Canon or Nikon?' The model entered the market in July 2017.

Camera dimensions without lens – 122x93x70mm, weight including battery – 456g. Mount – Canon EF / EF-S. The case is classic, the quality of parts and workmanship is beyond doubt, although some are confused by the plastic. The optical mirror viewfinder with a 95% field of view is complemented by a 3-inch swivel touchscreen. A fairly powerful built-in flash 'finishes off' almost 10 meters of effective lighting for photos.

The characteristics of the matrix here are practically one-to-one repeating the previous model with minimal differences. So, in this case, the size is slightly different – 22.3 x 14.9mm, but the resolution and capacity are exactly the same – 24.2 million pixels and 6000×4000 maximum resolution. The shade recognition depth is noticeably better – 42 bits. Crop fator – 1.6.

In photo mode, the speed reaches 5 frames per second. In video mode, you can record videos in 1920×1080 resolution with frame rates up to 60fps in MOV format with MPEG4 codec.

The set of interfaces includes USB 2.0, HDMI video output, audio inputs / outputs, remote control connector, Wi-Fi wireless modules, Bluetooth, NFC. In terms of autonomy, this model is no longer as remarkable as the previous one, but 660 conditional evaluative shots on a single charge are also a very decent result.

Advantages

• high quality shooting;
• ergonomics;
• combination of price and features;
• ease of use;
• wi-fi, Bluetooth and NFC;
• capacious battery.

disadvantages

• does not shoot video in 4K.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.