canon travel camera review

The best travel camera in 2024: compact and portable cameras to take anywhere

The best travel cameras are small, lightweight, easy to use and offer a range of features – here are the ones to look at

The Quick List ↩

Best overall

Best full frame
Best budget
Best hybrid
Best for size
Best waterproof
Best action cam
Best for 360º
Best for vloggers
How to choose
How we test

The Quick List ↩ 1. Best overall 2. Best full frame 3. Best budget 4. Best hybrid 5. Best for size 6. Best waterproof 7. Best action cam 8. Best for 360º 9. Best for vloggers How to choose How we test

The best travel cameras have to do one crucial thing: be better than your phone. That means the best travel cameras need to combine compactness with image quality, advanced features with simple operation, and ideally the ability to share your holiday photos and vacation videos fast.

Even though the best camera phones can produce great images, you just don't get the same quality as you would if shooting with one of the best point-and-shoots or best mirrorless cameras . Smartphones are restricted by smaller sensors offering lower still and video quality, reduced low light performance, and minimal control over depth of field (for those blurry backgrounds).

We'll look at mirrorless cameras that offer better image quality and more versatility than compact systems but at the cost of increased size and weight. Compact cameras, perfect for keeping on you at all times, won't weigh you down, and are really simple to use – although they have smaller sensors and fixed lenses. And finally, action cameras that are robust cameras made for wild adventuring!

Gareth is the Reviews Editor at Digital Camera World, and the person in charge of approving all the latest camera-related tech. He never misses an opportunity to travel, or an excuse to take photos while traveling, so is best placed to judge what are the best travel cameras for all sorts of different vacations and adventures.

The Quick List

Fujifilm X100VI product image on a white background

Travel cameras should be small and light, but not lacking in features for amazing photos and video. The Fujifilm X100VI ticks all of those boxes, with a diminutive size, but 40MP images and 6.2K video. And does all this while looking great, with some stunning retro charm.

The best travel camera in 2024

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Fujifilm X100VI camera on a slatted wooden bench

1. Fujifilm X100VI

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

✅ You want a pocketable camera: the Fujifilm X100VI is a very compact camera, the whole package of camera and lens are so small that you can easily slip this into a jacket or rucksack pocket. ✅ You want a camera that looks good: The X100VI is easily one of the best-looking cameras you can buy. The stunning retro looks of old-school film cameras are matched with superb build quality.

❌ You want a range of lenses: the lens is fixed on the X100VI, so you are stuck with the 23mm focal length, although its digital cropping modes give the illusion (but not performance) of more focal lengths ❌ You want a cheap travel camera: the X100VI has a premium price tag, and there are options that produce a similar image quality, if you don't mind a different style of camera that is.

If you are looking for a camera for traveling, then one of the major things to look out for is something small and lightweight that can easily slip into a bag or a jacket pocket and won't be a drag to carry around for long periods – enter the Fujifilm X100VI .

The X100VI is a fixed-lens camera, which means that it has a single lens that can't be changed. The lens is 23mm, or equivalent to a 35mm length lens on on a full-frame camera, a perfect length for travel photography as it is wide enough to get in landscapes and street scenes, but narrow enough for portraits and family shots. While there are converters available for the X100V to change the length of the lens, I find these have an adverse effect on image quality. The X100VI does have a trick to crop images when taking them to give the illusion of additional focal lengths, although at a reduced size.

The X100V packs in some lovely 40MP photos, and while not the most ideal camera for video, you can get 6.2K (cropped), 4K, or HD video with slow motion reaching 240 frames per second. There is also human, animal, bird, and vehicle autofocus tracking, so you can snap away with confidence that your shots will be in focus. Finally, image stabilization helps cut out hand jitters in low light or shooting video, for more stable footage.

And for those who want to share travel snaps as you go, you get access to Fujifilm 's awesome film simulations and custom recipes, which takes the work out of editing, and with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity and the Fujifilm X App, you can quickly share ready to post photos and video to social from your phone.

The X100VI's design will catch a few eyes while traveling. The camera is lovely to hold, made with premium materials, and with a wonderful hybrid optical viewfinder that shows either the real picture or how it looks through the sensor with a flick of a button. However, as a major downside for travel, the X100VI lens is not weather-sealed without an adapter – at an additional cost.

Speaking of cost, this premium camera comes at a premium price, with some similar tech available for less in other models. But for the build quality and features, I think it does a lot to justify its higher price, but if you want the best compact camera, there is nothing better than this.

Read our full Fujifilm X100VI review for more

Back to the top ⇪

Best full frame on a budget

2. Sony A7 III

✅ You want full frame quality: full frame cameras can produce more focus separation and are better in low light, the A7 III is the most affordable step into full frame. ✅ You want a camera to use outside of traveling: the A7 III is a pro-level camera that is not just for travel, you can shoot brilliant photos all year round with a multitude of lenses available for different subjects.

❌ You don't want the expense of lenses: the cost of lenses can add up, especially ones for full-frame cameras, if you want to keep costs low, choose a fixed lens camera or an option with smaller cheaper lenses. ❌ You want a small camera: the A7 III isn't huge, but it also isn't small. With a lens attached, it is going to take up quite a bit of room in a bag, and won't be sliding in any pocket.

While the Sony A7 III might be the oldest Sony Alpha camera still being sold as new, even being replaced by a newer Sony A7 VI, it more than holds its own today. Any photographer looking for an excellent full-frame hybrid camera for traveling should seriously consider this camera as an option.

Why? Well, I don't think there is a better value full-frame camera out there, which when traveling can take some of the jeopardy out of damaging or losing your incredibly expensive kit.

It might be getting on a little, but the camera still has a very competitive 24.2MP back-illuminated image sensor, which delivers great tonal range and makes high ISO settings possible, which anyone who is shooting a lot in low light on their travels will really appreciate. A 5-axis image stabilization system also delivers less shake when shooting at night, or capturing video.

And if you are also looking to get some video footage on your travels then the A7III has very capable 4K video, although has been surpassed by a few other models on this list which would be more suitable if video is a priority.

The A7III has a speedy and accurate 696-point AF system, and while not the latest algorithms, the A7 III also has some solid human face and eye tracking, so you can take reliably focused photos of your friends, family, or any interesting denizens you meet out on your travels.

Whilst the A7III can be thrown a little off-balance with big pro lenses, Sony's lens range is extensive and there are many smaller primes to suit this camera perfectly for those who don't want to carry a lot while traveling. Or superzoom lenses like the Sony FE 24-240mm will empower you to capture everything from near to far.

Read our full Sony A7 III review

Best travel camera on a budget

A hand holding the best travel camera Panasonic Lumix G100

3. Panasonic Lumix G100D

✅ You want an affordable camera: the Lumix G100D is a great deal for the features it offers, and an affordable way to get great travel snaps. ✅ You want a range of small lenses: there are a lot of Micro Four Thirds lenses, so there is something for every occasion, and best of all, they tend to be on the smaller side for easy travel.

❌ You want the very latest tech: the G100D is a little on the older side and doesn't have Panasonic's latest autofocus, which puts it a little behind the competition. ❌ You want more serious creative video: intended as a hybrid camera, there are lots of video-focused features, but the camera lacks IBIS and a headphone jack/USB-C found in rivals.

Sometimes, you just want to create quality images and video while you are traveling, beyond what your phone is capable of, but you also don't want to pay a small fortune for the privilege. The Panasonic Lumix G100D is the best camera you can get for traveling that offers all the quality features you will need but at an affordable price.

The G100D is a super-small, super-cute camera with a Micro Four Thirds sensor. It is still easy to capture high-quality video and stills with simple controls, menus, and its approachable button layout. The camera can be paired with numerous dinky Micro Four Thirds lenses too, especially small pancake lenses to keep the overall size down. Micro Four Thirds also has the benefit of doubling the focal length, so 100mm becomes 200mm, so you can pair the G100 camera with telephoto lenses for capturing far away subjects like wildlife without having to carry huge lenses.

A downside though is there is some compromise for the low price, and the G100D is not the most technically advanced camera on this list, and its autofocus uses Panasonic's cruder contrast-detect technology, which is a little slower than other cameras and is notorious for "pulsing" and "hunting" during video.

Despite this, the G10S0 is also a perfect camera for vloggers, with an articulating screen and ready to share footage. But while there’s an inherent risk of dumbing things down too much when creating a camera for social media creatives, Panasonic has avoided that pitfall with the Lumix G100D, and this is a great camera if you're just as interested in vlogging as you are in travel photography.

Read our full Panasonic Lumix G100D review

Best hybrid travel camera

4. Fujifilm X-S20

✅ You shoot video and photos: the Fujifilm X-S20 is the best of both worlds, with great-looking photos and awesome video skills too! ✅ You want to balance price and features: the X-S20 offers a lot for its price, and it is one of the best-value cameras around, you will struggle to find matching video specs at this price point.

❌ You don't really care about video: there are other options that might suit photographers more than the X-S20 with higher megapixel counts. ❌ You might need weather resistance: the X-S20 is not weather-sealed, so if you plan to get adventurous, a camera that can handle dust and water might be a better choice.

When I tested the Fujifilm X-S20 I was just so impressed at the amount of features that Fujifilm had managed to squeeze into its petite body – it's not just a great stills camera, it is also one of the best video cameras available, and the cherry on top, it is really well priced! For anyone looking for a hybrid camera to shoot a mix of photos and video, I think this is the best camera for any traveler right now.

Fujifilm chose not to update the X-Trans IV sensor from the X-S10, but this sensor despite its age still holds up very well today when it comes to stills. The X-S20 is also able to use Fujifilm's excellent film simulations and programmable film recipes to create ready-to-use images straight from the camera, which makes any regular social media posting that much easier. The new X-Processor 5 also brings brand new subject recognition and tracking autofocus, making taking photos on the fly quicker and more reliable.

Despite its compact size, the X-S20 is a deceptively powerful video camera. The new processor combined with the modest resolution sensor means the X-S20 is capable of 6K video using the entire sensor (open-gate). The camera is also capable of numerous codecs and F-Log for getting in-depth with color grading. The subject recognition and tracking also carry through into videos and there are dedicated vlogging video features too.

Some might prefer the classic retro style like the X-T5 or X-T30 II, but with fewer manual dials, the X-S20 is a more user-friendly camera, with a more useful fully articulating screen than any of the X-T range. The camera is small, but handling is great with enough of a comfortable grip for long days, and the camera pairs really well with Fujifilm's small zoom and prime lenses, making traveling light with a kitted-out X-S20 a little easier. While the price is a little higher than the X-S10 that preceded it, I think the price bump is justified as this is one capable camera for traveling.

Best travel camera for size

Hands holding the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV best travel camera

5. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

✅ You want a small system: the whole OM Micro Four Thirds system is tiny, with small cameras and lenses, so you can take a lot more gear to cover more subjects. ✅ You want a good-looking camera: with a cool vintage style based on Olympus's OM film cameras, the E-M10 IV looks as good as the footage it shoots.

❌ You shoot a lot in low light: the Micro Four Thirds sensor in the E-M10 IV doesn't handle low light as well as larger sensors, not good for frequent nighttime shooters. ❌ You won't use the retro dials: if you are looking for just fast auto controls then the dials on the top of the E-M10 IV will be largely redundant for your needs.

When picking the best travel camera, we're focusing on portability, and the dinky but mighty Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is one of the best portable cameras around if you are looking for a whole system including lenses that can easily slip into a bag. The best Olympus lenses include positively tiny optics that can go a long way for travel photography, helping you keep your kit and weight size down. So if you are the type of carry-on-only travel photographer but with big photography ambitions then this is for you.

Not only does it have an incredibly lightweight body, but the camera will look great on your travels too, with a cool retro design that harks back to Olympus's long pedigree in film cameras. The camera has tactile dial-led controls for anyone who wants to get creative with manual photography, although don't let that fool you into thinking the camera is complicated, as there are lots of automatic modes and helpful features built into the camera.

The OM-D E-M10 Mark IV uses the smaller but still powerful Micro Four Thirds sensor. This has some slight disadvantages in terms of low-light capabilities, so if you like to go out a lot at night when you travel, then a larger sensor might be better for you.

But Micro Four Thirds does have one big advantage, it effectively doubles the focal length of any lens mounted to the camera; so a 50mm will behave like a 100mm, so if you are about to head off on safari, then this could make all the difference to getting up close to wildlife. Its snappy burst shooting, its accurate autofocus, and its impressive 4K video will also all assist you with creating amazing content. It's a terrific all-around camera.

Read our full Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV review for more

Best waterproof compact travel camera

6. OM System Tough TG-7

✅ You want a rugged adventure camera: the TG-7 can certainly withstand some serious adventuring with a rugged water/dust/freeze/drop-proof build. ✅ You want a photography-first adventure camera: the TG-7 puts photography first and foremost, offering a better experience than smaller fiddly action cameras.

❌ You want to strap the camera to things: while action cameras have numerous accessories to strap to your sports equipment, there is far less for the bigger TG-7. ❌ You only care about video: if you are just looking for the best rugged video camera for travel, then action cameras have you covered (see below).

Following the acquisition of Olympus's camera division, the OM System TG-7 is essentially an update to the much-loved Olympus Tough TG-6 under a new brand name. Although that camera has long been the top-regarded travel compact for adventurers who are as invested in photos as video. Action cameras might be smaller and just as hardy, but can't compete with the TG-7 for photography experience.

The TG-7 is ready for any travel adventure and is water-proof, dust-proof, crush-proof, drop-proof, and freeze-proof, so whether your hiking, climbing, swimming, or otherwise take you to the hottest deserts to the coldest tundras, the camera should come out the other side unscathed.

The TG-7 might have a relatively conservative 12MP resolution, although this helps dramatically when it comes to low-light images, as each pixel is larger allowing it to capture more light. Why is this important? Well if you are shooting in darker underwater environments, in gloomy forests, or at night, then you will get higher-quality images.

The Touch also has RAW images, so you can get even more creative control over the final edit of your images. The camera also has a pretty incredible macro mode as well if you find some small details on your travels that you have to capture.

While it might not be up to the same standard as the best action cameras for video (see below for that), the Tough can capture decent 4K video, and will get some perfectly serviceable footage for social and YouTube of your wild adventures!

Read our full OM System Tough TG-7 review

Best action camera for travel

7. DJI Osmo Action 4

✅ You want a camera that can keep up with your travel adventures: the Osmo 4 is hardy enough for whatever conditions you throw at it, weather-sealed and fantastic stabilized footage. ✅ You want a tiny camera: action cameras like the Osmo 4 are great as they are so small they are effortless to travel with.

❌ You want to shoot high quality photos: the 12MP photos from the Osmo 4 can't compete with more dedicated cameras, and the wide angle lens needs lots of corrections. ❌ You need accessories: the market for DJI accessories isn't as big as the more famous GoPro, so if you need niche or cheaper accessories, that might be the brand to choose.

For most adventurer-creators, the Osmo Action 4 is the perfect balance of quality and price. Stabilized 4K video looks great and the camera can take a lot – not just rough and tumble but temperature extremes and it's waterproof to 16m without a case. Best of all, it has a larger image sensor than any other camera on the list, so it is better in lower light, making it more flexible.

DJI did have an interesting experiment with modular design, now seemingly abandoned, with the Action 2, but they do retain powerful magnetic mounts which can even partially survive the heat of an oven (we tried accidentally – see our full review).

Like the more famous competition, DJI has high-quality horizon balancing and image stabilization, which has improved on the Action 3. The resolution limit is 4K, but in practice, this is the ideal resolution for action (and the limit of almost all TVs). More useful is the 120fps capability (or 240fps at 1080P).

The fact that Action 4’s isn’t interwoven with subscription software is one we wholeheartedly appreciate, too, but GoPro seem to finally growing out of this.

Read our full DJI Osmo Action 4 review

Best 360º camera for travel

8. Insta360 X3

✅ You want to capture everything: the Insta360 X3 can capture all that goes on around you, perfect for capturing immersive travel content. ✅ You want to travel light: the Insta360 X3 is very small and lightweight, and won't trouble your carry-on bag limits.

❌ You want a versatile camera: the Insta360 X3 is made for one thing, and that is great 360º footage, if you want to capture more, you might need to bring a second camera. ❌ You want artistic images: the Insta360 X3 has big 72MP images but the small sensor means they aren't as creative as a bigger camera.

The new Insta360 X4 has just launched offering 8K video and an updated design, but I still think the X3 offers great features for a much better value, so it remains in this guide for now!

There are times when handling even an action camera's wide-angle lens becomes a problem, and that's where a 360-degree action camera can step in. With two back-to-back lenses and enough smarts to eliminate a selfie stick from the footage, this almost magic camera can capture an image from a point within reach looking any direction you see fit.

I tried it with the bike attachment – which holds the camera a little way in front of the bike, over the front wheel – and was amazed at the footage which makes it look like I'm cycling toward a perfectly controlled drone. Better still, by syncing with my phone I could draw GPS data and have it overlaid, in the form of a speedometer, by the Insta360 app before sharing.

The only real worry is how naked those glass lenses are when the camera is in use; the joy of re-positioning the camera angle after the fact can be hours of fun. 5.7K is good enough for sharing, but more resolution would help pro work.

Read our full Insta 360 X3 review for more details

Best for travel vloggers

The best travel camera the Sony ZV-E10 sitting on a wall behind some leaves

9. Sony ZV-E10

✅ You want ready-to-share footage: this Sony is made for capturing footage with minimal editing to get up on YouTube and social media straight away. ✅ You want excellent audio: the ZV-E10 has built-in stereo microphones that capture some of the best audio possible on a camera without external mics.

❌ You are more interested in photos: the ZV-E10 is not a bad photography camera, but its video focused build means other cameras are better for stills shooters. ❌ You want a viewfinder for framing: if you love a viewfinder for framing shots, then the Sony A6400 is almost the same camera, but with an EVF.

The ZV-E10 makes for an excellent traveler's camera and is one of the cheapest vlogging-focused cameras yet. Combined with its slim dimensions, and wide choice of lenses, this makes it a perfect choice for travelers who want to shoot a lot of video.

The big selling point of the ZV-E10 over other cameras capable of similar video is that the ZV-E10 comes with sophisticated built-in mics and a clip-on windshield for noise reduction, making it much easier to get clean audio on your vlogs even outdoors – which works excellently. Sony has put its years of audio experience into this camera and it shows.

The ZV-E10's 4K UHD video is of excellent quality too, and as we've come to expect from Sony, the autofocus is best in class, whether shooting video or stills. The camera has tracking modes for easy autofocus and digital image stabilization that crops your footage slightly but attempts to iron out any shake, which works well except for in very heavy movement.

And a point worth mentioning is that, while the ZV-E10 may be optimized for vlogging, it's still a capable stills camera with a 24MP sensor, and 11fps burst shooting, so photographers needed worry about restricting themselves with it.

However, if you are more keen on photography than video, cameras in the Sony a6xxx range (like the Sony a6400 ) offer almost the same specs, but with a viewfinder, but you do lose the built-in stereo mics. Making it a tough choice for a hybrid shooter that might want the best of both worlds.

Read our full Sony ZV-E10 review

How to choose the right travel camera

These are five key things to look out for when choosing the right travel camera for your needs.

1) Image quality: Ask yourself how you will use any photos or videos you capture. If you only plan to share content online on social media then any of the above cameras will be suitable. If you plan to print your pictures, though, then mirrorless cameras with larger sensors and higher megapixel counts will produce better-quality results.

2) Focal range: What kind of range do you need for your traveling activities? Compact cameras can have impressive zoom ranges, but to achieve their tiny size they often lack quality compared to mirrorless cameras. For mirrorless cameras, what lenses are available? So-called standard zooms are a great option for all types of travel, but they can also be large and heavy. A wide-angle lens might be best for capturing cities and landscapes, or if you are going to see wildlife or a sporting event then a compact telephoto lens might be best.

3) Size and weight: If you're going on vacation then the last thing you want to take is a heavy kit – especially given things like baggage restrictions when traveling. With that in mind, both your camera and lens(es) need to be small and light. If you want something that can fit in your pocket, get a compact camera – but if you don't mind taking a bag, a mirrorless system with one or two lenses could be more versatile.

4) Simplicity: Don't want to get bogged down with camera settings? Most modern cameras have a range of auto modes – especially compact cameras, which take away the stress. Advanced modes and complicated controls don't usually mix with spur-of-the-moment snaps, so decide what is important to you and pick your camera based on that.

5) Price: The cameras in our list have a range of prices, and we try to include cameras that suit every budget. The price of a camera usually reflects its capabilities, although all the options listed here will take great images and video – so try to strike the right balance between what you need in a camera and what you can afford.

Is it better to use phone or camera for travel?

We covered this a little bit at the start of the article, but the answer is that it is always better to use a camera for stills or video when possible. So the question really becomes, "Do your travel plans make using a camera possible?" Phones are so small and quick to use that they go where cameras are too bulky and slow to shoot. A great compromise is a compact camera – or the Olympus Tough TG-6 , which is a weather-proof camera that goes the places that you wouldn't dare to use your phone!

Is a DSLR or mirrorless camera better for travel photography?

As a travel camera, mirrorless cameras are usually the better choice for most people. They are much small and lighter than DSLRs, and also usually have a selection of smaller and lighter lenses to match. This makes traveling easier as it takes up less space and weight in increasingly restricted carry-on bags. Mirrorless cameras also are generally newer than DSLRs and most likely have more modern technology, making photography and video easier to capture and of better quality.

What size camera lens is best for travel?

Again, this comes down to what your travel plans entail and what you plan to shoot. The kit lens that comes bundled with many cameras will cover the most commonly used focal ranges, so that's a good place to start (though kit lenses do not deliver the best image quality). We recommend checking out the best lenses for travel photography to see what's right for you.

How we test travel cameras

When we are reviewing cameras, we carefully think about what scenarios each camera could be used for. When considering which cameras would make ideal travel cameras, we judge each camera on how small and lightweight it is for easy packing and transport, as well as carrying for long periods of the day while out exploring.

We also consider the technical capabilities of each camera, and how suitable they are specifically for travel photography scenarios from beach vacations to safaris, to city breaks. Finally, we consider the price of the cameras to select options that cover a range of budgets and requirements.

We use our real-world experience with each camera and our in-depth camera knowledge to determine a final selection of top cameras that we would recommend as the ideal camera traveling companions.

Want to find out how we test and review DSLR and mirrorless cameras? We trial cameras both in real-world shooting scenarios and in carefully controlled lab conditions. Our lab tests will generally measure resolution, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio, which gives us a benchmark by which to compare cameras.

Resolution is measured using ISO resolution charts, dynamic range is measured using DxO Analyzer test equipment and DxO Analyzer is also used for noise analysis across the camera's ISO range. Our compact camera evaluations are based on real-world testing alone.

For our real-world testing, our reviewers spend time with each camera, testing it in a variety of shooting situations and providing their qualitative thoughts on how the camera was to use and evaluating the images and video it produced. Here's an example of how we literally take a camera on vacation to evaluate it!

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Gareth is a photographer based in London, working as a freelance photographer and videographer for the past several years, having the privilege to shoot for some household names. With work focusing on fashion, portrait and lifestyle content creation, he has developed a range of skills covering everything from editorial shoots to social media videos. Outside of work, he has a personal passion for travel and nature photography, with a devotion to sustainability and environmental causes.

James Artaius Editor

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Canon EOS R5 Travel Photography Review

Table of Contents

The Canon EOS R5 , a game-changer in travel photography, challenges the competition. I’ve had my hands on this masterpiece, and it’s nothing short of revolutionary; this will be my Canon EOS R5 travel photography review.

Its groundbreaking features make it stand out from the crowd; whether you’re shooting landscapes or capturing life’s precious moments at weddings, this camera does wonders.

The impact of the Canon EOS R5 on both professional and amateur photographers is immense – with its superior aperture control and top-notch screen quality – your subjects will thank you!

In terms of frame composition and light management, other cameras simply can’t compete.

So, if you’re looking for sample shots that’ll bring your work to life in ways words can’t describe, stay tuned for this comprehensive review.

Canon EOS R5

High Resolution (45MP)
Dual-Pixel Fast Autofocus (Industry-Leading)
8K Max Video Resolution
5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization
High Speed Shooting (20 FPS Max)
Overheating Issues at 8K
High Price Point
Large File Sizes
Limited Battery Life
Complex Menu System

See the full specs sheet here .

TL;DR Summary

The Canon EOS R5 is a game-changer for travel photography.

Its 45MP sensor delivers mind-blowing image quality. I have taken this bad boy on several trips and trust me, the detail in each shot is stunning. You can zoom in to see the texture of a leaf or the intricate patterns on an old door, it’s that good.

The In-body Image Stabilization (IBIS) is another feature that blew my socks off. Even when I was bouncing around on a jeep safari or trekking up steep hills, this camera kept my shots steady as a rock.

a photo of canon eos r5 on top of the bed sheet

Now let’s talk about speed. This beast offers 20 FPS continuous shooting which is perfect for capturing those fast-paced moments. Whether you’re trying to capture birds in flight or your kids running around at the beach, this camera doesn’t miss a beat.

And if you’re into videography like me, then get ready to be wowed by its 8K recording capabilities. The detail and color reproduction are out of this world! I’ve filmed everything from bustling cityscapes to serene sunsets and the results have been nothing short of spectacular.

But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows with the Canon EOS R5 . One downside I found during my travels was its weight – it’s not exactly light as a feather! After carrying it around all day with other gear, your shoulders will feel it.

Another issue I encountered was overheating when filming in 8K for extended periods in hot weather conditions. However, Canon has released firmware updates addressing this concern so make sure your camera is always updated!

In real-world usage though, these issues are minor compared to what this camera offers in terms of performance and features.

To sum up, if you want high-resolution images, steady shots even while moving, super-fast continuous shooting feature for capturing fast-paced scenes and advanced video capabilities – the Canon EOS R5 is your go-to camera for travel photography.

See a full video review here .

Key Features

High resolution 45 megapixel full-frame cmos sensor.

Alright, let’s dive into the meat and potatoes of this Canon EOS R5 travel photography review. The first thing that knocked my socks off was the high-resolution 45 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor.

I mean, come on! This is a beast of a camera. It’s like having your cake and eating it too with this bad boy.

So what does a full-frame sensor bring to the table? Well, for starters, it gives you better low light performance. I’ve taken shots in near darkness with this camera and they’ve turned out crisp and clear.

Moreover, there’s also a wider field of view to play around with. You know how sometimes you’re trying to fit everything into one shot but just can’t? Yeah, not an issue here.

Canon EOS R5 Camera that was placed on top of the wooden table

But wait! There’s more! With such a high megapixel count, the image quality remains superior even when cropping or resizing images. So if you’re someone who likes to play around in post-production (like me), this is perfect for you.

And speaking of perfect, let’s talk about landscapes. I’m an avid traveler and capturing breathtaking views is my jam. With its high resolution, the Canon EOS R5 has made my photos look like they’re straight outta National Geographic!

The level of detail capture with this mirrorless camera is simply exceptional. Whether it’s capturing the intricate patterns on a butterfly’s wing or the texture of ancient ruins during your travels – every little detail stands out beautifully in your pictures.

This isn’t just some fancy expensive camera that looks good on paper; it delivers where it counts – in actual use!

Now don’t get me wrong – no product is without its flaws and neither is the Canon EOS R5. One downside I found was that due to its high resolution and full frame sensor size , file sizes can be quite large which might be a concern for those with limited storage space.

But hey, if you’re serious about your photography and want to capture images that’ll make people’s jaws drop, this is the camera system for you.

It’s quite a step up from the Canon 6D and 5D series, offering more in terms of image quality and detail. The electronic viewfinder is another bonus – it offers a clear, bright view of your subject making it easier to compose your shots even in bright sunlight.

In-body Image Stabilization (IBIS)

I gotta say, the Canon EOS R5 ‘s IBIS system blew me away. You know how sometimes you’re out and about, snapping photos without a tripod? Yeah, I do that a lot when I’m traveling. And let me tell you, camera shake can be a real pain in the neck.

The image stabilisation on this bad boy is top-notch. It reduces those annoying camera shake effects like nobody’s business. Even at slower shutter speeds or when I’m shooting handheld, my images come out sharp as a tack.

But here’s where it gets even better: if you pair this camera body with some quality Canon lenses, the stabilization goes through the roof! The EOS R5 enhances lens stabilisation to give you super steady shots every time.

Now let’s talk about exposure compensation for a sec. With other cameras, longer handheld exposures usually mean more blur from camera shake. But not with the EOS R5 . This beast lets me take longer exposures without worrying about blur – and that’s a big deal for us travel photographers!

And speaking of travel photography – we all know how crucial it is to have gear that can keep up with our hectic schedules and varied shooting conditions. That’s where the EOS R5 ’s IBIS system really shines.

Picture this: You’re exploring some ancient ruins or trekking up a mountain trail – places where lugging around a tripod just isn’t practical. With the EOS R5 in your hands, you don’t need one! Its robust IBIS ensures your stills are always crisp and clear – no matter how much coffee you’ve had!

a whole body photo of Canon EOS R5 with a tripod

I also love how versatile this camera is. Whether I’m shooting under bright sunlight or in low light situations, adjusting the ISO on the fly is easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy!

Now, before we wrap things up here – let’s talk about the mechanical shutter. I’ve been using this camera for quite some time now, and let me tell you – it’s a beast! The mechanical shutter is reliable and durable, which is exactly what you need when you’re out capturing the world.

But hey, no product is perfect, right? While the EOS R5 ’s IBIS system is top-notch, it does drain the battery faster than I’d like. So if you’re planning on shooting all day long, make sure to pack a few extra batteries!

20 Frames Per Second (FPS) Continuous Shooting Feature

Let me tell you, the Canon EOS R5 ‘s 20 FPS continuous shooting feature is a game-changer. When I’m out and about, snapping pics of fast-moving subjects like birds in flight or athletes on the move, it’s a lifesaver.

Gone are the days of missing a perfect shot because my camera couldn’t keep up! With this bad boy, I’ve captured moments that would have otherwise slipped away. It’s all thanks to its high-speed buffer that lets me pop off numerous consecutive shots without slowing down.

I mean, who hasn’t been frustrated by their camera lagging right when they need it most? Not with the EOS R5 . This thing is rapid-fire ready at all times. It’s like having your own personal machine gun of photography!

But here’s where it gets even better: silent shutter mode. Yeah, you heard me right! The EOS R5 offers silent shooting even in continuous mode.

You know those moments when you’re trying to capture something without disturbing the scene? Maybe you’re at a serene wildlife reserve or photographing a quiet street scene while traveling. The last thing you want is your shutter clattering away and ruining the moment.

Well, say hello to stealth mode with the EOS R5 ! Silent shutter means I can snap away without making a peep. It’s ideal for discreet photography where noise can be an issue.

Now let’s talk battery life because we all know there’s nothing worse than running out of juice mid-shoot. Thankfully, despite its high burst speeds and frame rate, the EOS R5 has impressive battery longevity.

During my travels, I’ve been able to shoot extensively throughout the day without worrying about charging up every few hours. That’s pretty amazing considering how much power this frame camera is packing!

The drive mode options also provide flexibility for different shooting scenarios. I often switch between single shot and high-speed continuous when capturing landscapes or action shots. The DOF button is another handy feature that allows me to quickly check my depth of field before taking a photo.

But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. While the 20 FPS continuous shooting is fantastic, it does come at a cost: storage space. This thing eats up memory cards like nobody’s business! So be prepared to invest in some hefty SD cards if you want to make the most of this feature.

And let’s not forget about the electronic shutter.

Canon EOS R5 Camera in the middle of the dark

8K Video Recording Capability

The Canon EOS R5 ‘s 8K video recording capability is a game-changer, folks. I mean, it’s like having a mini cinema in your hands. This isn’t something you see every day in consumer-level cameras.

I’ve been using the EOS R5 for my travel photography and the video quality is mind-blowing. It’s so crisp and detailed that it feels like stepping into another world. There’s no comparison between this and 4K or even raw video footage from other cameras.

Now, let’s talk about future-proofing your content. With the way technology is advancing, we all know that higher resolution videos are becoming the norm. The EOS R5 keeps you ahead of the curve with its ultra-high-resolution video capabilities.

During my travels, I’ve shot some breathtaking landscapes in 8K with this camera. And guess what? Even after cropping and zooming during post-production, there was no loss in quality. That’s right! No pixelation or blurriness at all.

Another thing I love about the 8K feature is how it allows for high-quality frame grabs from footage. With each frame being a whopping 33.2MP, you can literally grab stills from your videos that are good enough to be standalone photos!

However, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows initially. The camera did heat up when shooting long-duration videos in 8K which was a bit concerning at first but after doing some research on various photography forums and Canon’s own resources, I found out that this is quite normal due to the sheer processing power required for such high-resolution filming.

To sum up my experience with the EOS R5 ’s 8k recording capability – it’s an absolute beast! It offers cinematic video quality rarely seen before now in consumer-level cameras while also future-proofing your content with ultra-high-resolution videos.

Dual Pixel CMOS AF II System

So, let’s dive right into the meat of this Canon EOS R5 travel photography review. And boy, are we going to talk about something that blew my socks off – the Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system.

I’ve used a bunch of cameras in my time, but nothing quite like this one. The autofocus system is so slick and fast it feels like it’s reading my mind.

Even when I was shooting in some pretty gnarly lighting conditions, the auto focus didn’t miss a beat. It was like having an extra pair of eyes that could see better than mine! No matter how challenging the light got, it nailed focus every single time.

But here’s where things get even more exciting. The advanced tracking features on this baby are next level. Perfect for capturing moving subjects – whether you’re shooting your kid’s soccer game or a bird in flight.

I remember trying to shoot a flock of seagulls at dusk once with an older camera model… let me tell you; it was no picnic. But with the EOS R5 ? A piece of cake!

Now let’s talk about eye-detection AF because this feature is a total game-changer for wildlife photographers like me. It works not just on humans but also animals! I tested it out on everything from dogs to deer and was seriously impressed by its accuracy.

And if you’re worried about using your old Canon EF lenses with this new RF mount beast, don’t be! With a lens adaptor, all your beloved glass will work just fine.

The touchscreen interface is another cool addition that makes selecting focus points super easy. You can literally touch anywhere on the screen to set your focus point – no fiddling around with dials or buttons required!

But hey, no product is perfect right? So here’s what rubbed me the wrong way: subject detection autofocus sometimes struggled to keep up with really fast-moving subjects. It wasn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re into sports or action photography.

Also, while the aperture priority mode worked like a charm most of the time, there were moments when I wished for more manual control over my settings.

All in all though, I’ve gotta say that the Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system on the Canon EOS R5 is seriously impressive. It’s quick, accurate and versatile – everything you’d want in an autofocus system for travel photography.

a portrait shot of canon eos r5 camera that was placed on top of the table

Buying Guide

When I first laid my eyes on the Canon EOS R5 , I was skeptical. The price tag had me wondering if it’s worth the investment. But trust me, folks, this ain’t your run-of-the-mill camera.

Before you shell out your hard-earned moolah for this beast of a camera, consider your budget. It’s no secret that the Canon EOS R5 isn’t exactly cheap. But hey, quality comes at a price.

Next up is assessing your photography needs. Are you an avid traveler looking to capture breathtaking landscapes? Or maybe you’re a wildlife enthusiast hoping to snap that elusive bird in flight? Whatever your needs may be, the Canon EOS R5 has got you covered with its top-notch specs and features.

Your skill level is another thing to ponder over before investing in this camera. If you’re a newbie just dipping their toes into photography waters, the advanced features of this camera might seem overwhelming at first glance. With some patience and practice, you’ll soon get the hang of it.

Canon Lenses

Now let’s talk about the best Canon lenses for travel photography – they’re like the bread to your camera’s butter. Investing in good quality lenses can truly maximize what this bad boy can do. They make all the difference between an okay-ish photo and one that knocks people’s socks off!

The viewfinder on this baby is simply stunning – bright and clear as day. You get what you see – no surprises there!

One thing I noticed while using this camera was how quickly my memory card filled up due to those large file sizes generated by its high resolution and 8K video capabilities. So if you’re planning on getting yourself an EOS R5 , better stock up on some high-capacity memory cards too!

I also found myself evaluating warranty options offered by Canon before making my purchase decision. It’s always better safe than sorry! And speaking of safety nets, don’t forget to check out the customer support services offered by Canon. In my experience, they’ve been nothing short of stellar.

The Canon EOS R5 is a game changer, no doubt about it. With its 45 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, in-body image stabilization (IBIS), and the ability to shoot at 20 frames per second, this camera is a beast that will take your travel photography to new heights. Not to mention the groundbreaking 8K video recording capability and the advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system – features you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.

But don’t just take our word for it! Grab one today and experience first-hand how the Canon EOS R5 can revolutionize your photography journey. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an aspiring shutterbug, this camera has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Elevate your travel photography with the Canon EOS R5. The world is waiting to see your story through your lens.

The Canon EOS R5 is a beast. Its high-resolution sensor captures stunning details, and its robust build quality can withstand the rigors of on-the-go shooting. The fast autofocus system ensures you never miss a moment, while the in-body image stabilization helps keep your shots steady even in challenging conditions.

Indeed, some might find the Canon EOS R5 a bit hefty compared to other mirrorless cameras . However, its solid build and professional features more than compensate for this slight weight issue. Remember that quality often comes with some heft!

The Canon EOS R5’s battery life is decent enough to last through a day of moderate shooting. However, if you’re planning on heavy use or won’t have access to power for an extended period, it would be wise to carry extra batteries.

Absolutely! The Canon EOS R5 isn’t just great for stills; it’s also an excellent tool for video capture with its ability to record in 8K resolution.

The choice of lens depends on what you plan to shoot during your travels. For landscapes and cityscapes, wide-angle lenses are ideal; telephoto lenses are perfect for wildlife or distant subjects; and prime lenses offer excellent low-light performance ideal for night scenes or indoor locations. Remember that investing in good glass will significantly improve your images’ quality! So don’t hesitate and grab that dream lens now!

The Canon EOS R5 is a significant investment, but its top-notch performance and features make it worth every penny for serious travel photographers. The camera offers everything you need to capture your adventures in stunning detail.

I’m a professional travel photographer, and I’ve been living the digital nomad lifestyle since 2016. I make money by working on client assignments, selling stock photography and helping other photographers by sharing my experiences on this website. I move around at my own pace (I hate fast-paced travel) and like to spend a few months getting to know each place I base myself in.

My writing and photos have been featured on industry leading websites such as Digital Photography School , Atlas Obscura and the world’s leading underwater photography resource The Underwater Photography Guide . I authored an eBook called “ Breaking Into Travel Photography: The complete guide to carving out a career in travel photography ” that has been published on Amazon. My stock images have also appeared in ads promoting destinations and companies that sometimes has been a surprise, even to me. But I guess that’s the nature of stock photography, you never know who will license them!

I’m always happy to connect, so feel free to reach out!

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Tech Essentials

The 13 Best Compact Cameras of 2024

These are the top point-and-shoot options for epic travel photography.

In This Article

Our Top Picks
Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust T + L

Travel + Leisure / David Hattan

What’s the best way to relive your favorite travel experiences over and over again? By taking epic photos that you can upload to social media or transform into a coffee table photo book, of course. Investing in a proper camera with a high-quality sensor and a decent number of megapixels will yield better, more printable results than your phone camera. But that doesn’t mean you need to lug a full-size DSLR and several interchangeable lenses around with you. You can get amazing results with a compact, or point-and-shoot, camera.

B&H Senior Technologist Mark Steinberg defines a compact camera as one that is “pocketable, with a minimum number of protrusions, that can be used one-handed.” They’re a great option for anyone who prioritizes easy portability or casual photographers who want good results without a steep learning curve. There are several different kinds of compact cameras, from the budget-friendly to the professional quality, and from digital to film and instant. We’ve researched them all to find the best options across several different categories.

Best Overall

Sony cyber-shot dsc-rx100 vii digital camera.

B&H Photo

It has a high-quality sensor, near-instant autofocus, and a lens that fulfills both wide-angle and telephoto functions.

It’s an expensive option for occasional use only.

Chosen by Mark Steinberg as the best overall compact camera, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII is the seventh generation of a series that has been raising the bar for compacts since its inception. It’s simple to use for novice photographers, with enough manual settings to allow for experimentation and growth. The 1-inch Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor is a major highlight, allowing for high sensitivity with a maximum resolution of 20.1 megapixels. With 8x optical zoom and 24–200mm equivalence, the ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lens gives you the freedom to switch between wide angle and telephoto photography for everything from landscapes to wildlife.

Whatever your subject, the 0.02-second hybrid autofocus ensures sharp images in both still and video mode. You can shoot single, continuous, burst, and self-timer images and set an upper or lower limit for your ISO up to a maximum of 12800 for impressive low-light results. If film is your passion, you’ll love the camera’s 20 frames-per-second, 4K video for its smooth movement and cinema-quality resolution. When it comes to viewing your footage, framing (and taking) your shot, or scrolling through the menu, use the 180-degree-flip LCD touchscreen. In high-glare conditions, you can also revert to the pop-up electronic viewfinder.

The RX100 VII offers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for instant uploads to social media.

Best Image Quality

Ricoh gr iiix digital camera.

This camera uses advanced lens and sensor technology to deliver undistorted, true-color images with a high level of sharpness across the entire frame.

If video is a priority, bear in mind that the GR IIIx shoots Full HD rather than 4K.

Suitable for all experience levels, the Ricoh GR IIIx Digital Camera was designed with the express purpose of providing superior image quality. The 26.1mm GR lens offers a 40mm angle of view in the 35mm format that’s meant to mirror your natural field of view. It also uses premium technology to eliminate distortion, render colors accurately, and create amazingly sharp images. This is complemented by the camera’s high-resolution CMOS image sensor, which captures HD detail suitable for large-scale prints with up to 24.2 megapixels.

Other highlights include the camera’s impressive shake reduction technology and its fast, precise hybrid autofocus with eight focus modes to choose from including one that automatically detects the eyes and faces for perfect portraits. We love that you can shoot in macro, while an interval composite shooting mode allows you to capture star trail images (you’ll need to buy a tripod separately.) These are the unique images that set your travel shots apart. The camera offers Full HD video, a LCD touch screen with instantly adjustable brightness, and 2GB of built-in memory — a lifesaver when your memory card malfunctions at the crucial moment.

Best Full-frame Compact

Sony cyber-shot rx1r ii digital camera.

This camera packs the full-frame sensor of a professional DSLR into an unbelievably compact, travel-sized body.

You could buy a good DSLR body and lens for a similar price.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II is meant for professional photographers with a price tag and learning curve to match. The 35mm full-frame back-illuminated CMOS sensor is the largest available, offering more light, more information, better quality, and a greater dynamic range than the APS-C frame found in standard compact cameras. With 42.5 megapixels and the ability to shoot in uncompressed 14-bit RAW, this camera will produce pro-quality, large-scale prints with an astonishing amount of detail.

The ZEISS Sonnar T* 35mm f/2 lens is fixed with no optical zoom, making it best for wide-angle and close-up subjects (and especially, street photography). The large aperture allows you to work in low light and use an unusually shallow depth of field. And, if you’re familiar with terms like moiré and aliasing, you’ll appreciate the inclusion of the world’s first optical variable low-pass filter for reducing these kinds of distortion. Other perks include super-fast hybrid autofocus, Full HD video with the ability to capture slow-motion HD video, an electronic viewfinder, and an adjustable 3-inch LCD screen.

Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200D Digital Camera

You can bring subjects 15 times closer without sacrificing image quality, thanks to its optical zoom.

It’s slightly heavier and bulkier than some of the other compact cameras on this list.

If you want to be able to photograph animals, birds, or any other subject from a distance without forking out thousands of dollars for a DSLR with a telephoto lens, the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200D is an excellent option. The Leica DC Vario-Elmar 24–360mm lens offers a 15x optical zoom — which brings subjects 15 times closer without any of the pixelation associated with digital zoom. Optical Image Stabilizer technology means your photos won’t suffer from blurry camera shake either.

The 1-inch MOS sensor with 20.1 megapixels results in bright, colorful images that lend themselves well to print. You can expand your photographic skills by playing around with traditional aperture and shutter priority modes, or use preset scene and filter modes for instantly different effects. We especially love the camera’s Post Focus feature, which varies the focal point while taking 30 photos per second so that you can go back afterwards and select the best one. In terms of video, shoot in 4K or use high-speed Full HD for instant 120 frames-per-second, slow-motion playback.

Best Splurge

Leica q3 digital camera.

This is a professional camera that pays equal attention to still images and video, delivering best-in-class results for both.

It’s not the best choice for those who want telephoto functionality.

The Leica Q3 is an ultra-exclusive option limited to one purchase per customer. And don’t be fooled by its compact size — coming in at just under $6,000, it’s a premium product for serious professionals. It boasts a full-frame BSI CMOS sensor for unparalleled photo and video quality. With a maximum aperture size of f/1.7 and a maximum ISO of 100000, it performs unbelievably well in low light conditions. The Summilux 28mm fixed lens includes an integrated macro mode, making the camera ideal for close-up work as well as wide-angle street photography.

There’s no optical zoom. However, Triple Resolution Technology with up to 60 megapixels means you can use the digital zoom without losing significant detail. You can also shoot in 36 or 18 megapixel mode to save space on your memory card. Video is equally versatile with multiple formats to choose from including 8K, 4K, ProRes, and Full HD. All of your work benefits from hybrid autofocus and subject tracking, while the Leica FOTOS app can be used for audiovisual content creation. Finally, you can frame shots using the 3-inch display or the OLED viewfinder.

Best for Videos and Vlogging

Canon powershot g7 x mark iii camera.

Designed to shoot high-quality video in vertical or horizontal formats, this camera offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and can live-stream direct to YouTube.

To realize full vlogging potential, you may need to purchase a tripod and remote control separately.

Looking for the best camera for filming quality reels? The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is designed especially for this purpose with 4K and Full HD video, the ability to shoot horizontally or vertically, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity to social media, and the ability to live stream straight to YouTube. Whether you’re shooting video or still photos, the fact that you can tilt the LCD touch screen by 180 degrees makes it ideal for framing quality selfies.

The technology is impressive, too. We’re talking a 1-inch stacked CMOS sensor paired with a DIGIC 8 image processor for exceptionally fast autofocusing, with facial recognition that puts you in the center no matter how much you move around. The 24–100mm lens is suitable for a versatile mix of wide-angle and short telephoto shots, while the f/1.8-2.8 aperture performs well in low light conditions. Finally, the Optical Image Stabilizer reduces camera shake for clear, crisp results. Adding other gadgets is easy. The camera has a 3.5mm microphone terminal and can be purchased as part of a video creator kit that includes a tripod grip and remote control.

Fujifilm X100VI Camera

This camera combines state-of-the-art technology with a vintage aesthetic and a full range of film simulation modes.

The lens is fixed, so any zoom comes with the compromise of digital cropping.

First off, the Fujifilm X100VI just looks cool, with a gorgeous silver-and-black or all-black aesthetic reminiscent of a vintage film camera. Beneath the retro exterior lies a cutting-edge X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor with a revolutionary image-processing algorithm for efficient light reception and amazing image resolution at any ISO sensitivity. Thanks to the fixed 23mm f/2 lens, you’ll also get 35mm equivalency in terms of low-light performance and the ability to achieve a shallow depth of field — for a much lower cost than a full-frame compact camera.

You can zoom digitally by 1.4x or 2x. The 425-point intelligent autofocus system is super fast, while built-in image stabilization reduces the appearance of camera shake by up to six f-stops. And when it comes to video, you can switch between 6.2K, 4K, and Full HD at will. Above all, we love that this camera includes 20 simulation modes inspired by iconic Fujifilm film types ranging from Eterna Bleach Bypass to Nostalgic Neg. You can even shoot using a Grain Effect that replicates the textured look of vintage film photography.

Kodak Ektar H35 Half Frame Film Camera

It’s an inexpensive and easy-to-use film camera for maximum fun.

There’s a limit to how much you can do with such a basic setup, so it may not be ideal as your primary travel camera.

Perhaps you feel nostalgic for the days of film, or perhaps you grew up in the digital era and want to experience photography as it used to be. Either way, the Kodak Ektar H35 Half Frame Film Camera is great for film novices, those wanting to stretch their abilities as a photographer, and those who just love the retro look of original film. It’s inexpensive in terms of initial layout and because the half-frame format gives you twice as many images per roll as you’d get from a full-frame camera.

Weighing in at just three and a half ounces, this pocket-sized camera is made for on-the-go convenience. It features a 22mm f/9.5 lens — so with no zoom and no autofocus, it’s best for wide-angle shots and back-to-basics experimentation that’s as fun as it is challenging. You can frame shots using the optical viewfinder and deploy the built-in flash in low light or at night. The camera is compatible with black-and-white and color film and requires one AAA battery to work. Choose yours in Black, Brown, Sand, or Sage.

The Details: 22mm lens | 4.3 x 2.4 x 1.5 inches | 3.5 ounces | Optical viewfinder

Best Instant

Fujifilm instax mini evo instant camera.

Not only can you print photos instantly, you can also save a digital version to your smartphone via the app.

You’ll need to recharge after approximately 100 photos.

Available with a retro black or brown leather effect, the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Instant Camera lets you create 2 x 3-inch prints of your images in approximately 16 seconds. It features an autofocusing 28mm f/2 lens and uses automatic shutter speed and ISO for fool-proof results. Expressing your creativity is easy, with 10 lens effects (including Light Leak, Double Exposure, and Soft Focus) and 10 film effects from Vivid to Sepia. You can use these interchangeably for a total of 100 different possibilities.

Other features include a built-in flash, a self-timer, a selfie mirror, and a 3-inch LCD screen. What makes this instant camera different from the Polaroids of the past is the ability to use it in conjunction with the INSTAX app. This means being able to use your smartphone as a remote for releasing the camera shutter (handy for group shots and selfies) and being able to save a digital version of your instant prints complete with an INSTAX frame. From there, you can upload them to social media. You can even use Bluetooth to send pictures from your smartphone to the camera to print.

Best Durable

Ricoh pentax wg-90 digital camera.

Drop it, crush it, take it out in a sandstorm or underwater and this camera should still emerge in one piece.

If you’re looking for an underwater camera for scuba diving, scroll on — we’ve found ones with better depth ratings.

When it comes to durability, B&H’s Mark Steinberg recommends the Ricoh Pentax WG-90 above all others. It lives up to its armored appearance with some pretty impressive technical specs. It’s waterproof up to 46 feet underwater for up to two hours of continuous operation, making it ideal for surface water sports or snorkeling. It’s also shockproof against falls from five feet, crushproof against 220-pound-force weights, and dustproof. Heading somewhere cold? Unlike many of the cameras on this list, this one will still operate in temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit.

Toughness aside, it’s also a great little camera from a photography perspective. The 16-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor offers high sensitivity and minimal noise, even when using the maximum ISO setting (6400.) A built-in ring light and flash help out in low-light situations, while the 28–140mm equivalent lens is suited to both wide-angle and short telephoto use with a 5x optical zoom. Choose from a range of shooting modes including Fish-Eye, Sports, and Handheld Night; or capture moving images with Full HD video.

Best for Action Sports

Gopro hero12 black.

This camera stands out for its Emmy Award-winning video stabilization, 177-degree field of view, and action-ready, rugged build.

With a super wide-angle lens and no zoom functionality, this is a specialist camera for POV filming and photography only.

GoPro’s reputation precedes it in the action sports category, and the latest Hero12 camera really is a thing of wonder. Film High Dynamic Range (HDR) video in 5.3K, 4K, 2.7K, or Full HD. Revel in the 177-degree field of view that shows more of your daredevil POV than ever before. And know that whether you’re jumping out of an airplane or racing at high speed down a mountain, the camera’s HyperSmooth 6.0 video stabilization ensures the footage is super smooth. Turning a full 360 degrees? Horizon Lock keeps the horizon level throughout.

You can film vertically for direct upload to social media and slow things down by up to eight times for an epic fast-action/slow-motion effect. Meanwhile, Bluetooth audio support allows you to connect headphones for sound recording and remote voice commands. The camera also takes 27-megapixel still photos. Or, you can grab 24.7 megapixel stills from your video. The GoPro 12 is waterproof to 33 feet, can run continuously for over two and a half hours on Full HD, and features a new Enduro battery especially for temperatures down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit.

Best Waterproof

Sealife micro 3.0 digital underwater camera.

This camera dives as deep as you can and takes the stress out of O-ring maintenance with a permanently sealed body.

It’s very definitely geared towards underwater photography rather than as an all-rounder for topside travel shots.

Unlike the other waterproof cameras on this list, the SeaLife Micro 3.0 is designed with scuba divers in mind. It’s waterproof to 200 feet (exceeding recreational dive limits) and is permanently sealed making it suitable for even the most careless or inexperienced underwater photographer. Use the 100-degree wide-angle lens to get as close as possible to your subject for the best results. You can rely on the built-in underwater color correction to counteract the loss of red tones; or, for the more advanced, there’s a manual white balance option.

We love the large, f/2.8 aperture for its ability to make the most of limited ambient light. But if you tend to dive deep, the camera is also compatible with single or double after-market strobe sets. The camera delivers high-quality, 16-megapixel images in single or burst shooting mode and can also film 4K or Full HD video. And if you get all the way out to the dive site and realize you’ve left your memory card at home? No problem, the 64GB internal memory’s got your back. Finally, Piano Key controls make for easy menu navigation, even with dive gloves on.

Best Budget

Kodak pixpro az255 camera.

This is the ideal camera for beginners who want to learn, with automatic and manual settings at a very reasonable price point.

It requires two AA batteries.

If you’re just getting into photography and don’t want to make a major investment just yet, the Kodak Pixpro AZ255 offers plenty of functionality for roughly nine times less money than our overall winner. It uses a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor and is well suited to most kinds of photography with a wide-angle 24mm lens and a 25x optical zoom that brings you significantly closer to your subject without compromising image quality. You can also use the 4x digital zoom, although you should expect some pixelation.

Optical Image Stabilization helps eliminate blur, a continuous shooting mode ensures you never miss that action shot, and a built-in flash allows for nighttime shooting. And although the autofocus isn’t nearly as advanced as the more expensive models on this list, you’ll still benefit from subject tracking and face detection. Our favorite feature? The ability to keep things simple with 22 preset scene modes or to experiment with aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual settings. You’re not limited to still photos — this camera also shoots Full HD video.

Tips for Buying a Compact Camera

Understand the specs.

Before purchasing a compact camera, it’s important to understand some of the key specifications to look out for.

Sensor size: Sensor size has the greatest impact on photo quality and clarity, especially in low-light conditions. The larger the sensor, the better your image quality will be with greater sensitivity and less noise (or graininess). B&H Senior Technologist Mark Steinberg says that BSI, or Back Side Illumination, sensors are superior for their ability to increase light-gathering efficiency.

Megapixels: A megapixel equals one million pixels. Pixels are the tiny digital squares that make up your image and the more you have, the more detail you’ll capture. Most digital cameras offer sufficient megapixels for viewing on a screen. But the number of megapixels becomes important when zooming in on an image, cropping it, or printing it. Look for a higher number of megapixels if you plan on printing your photos, but bear in mind that more megapixels means larger files and less space on your memory card.

Zoom: If you plan on photographing wildlife or anything else that requires a zoom, it’s important to understand the difference between optical and digital zoom. Optical zoom brings the subject closer before capturing the image, with a lens that extends outwards from the camera body. This preserves photo quality. Digital zoom simply crops and resizes a smaller section of the original image, resulting in a blurrier, grainier picture.

LCD screen: The LCD screen is important because it allows you to view and compose your image before taking a picture. It also allows you to play your images back and scroll through the settings menu. Therefore, it’s important to choose a high-resolution LCD screen that displays colors accurately, even in bright light. It also needs to be big enough for you to see details clearly. Some point-and-shoots offer touchscreen capability for increased ease of use.

Viewfinder: Many compact cameras lack a traditional viewfinder (the hole you look through to view and frame your image). But if you plan on shooting in bright conditions, investing in a camera with a viewfinder is helpful for when glare impacts your ability to see the LCD screen clearly.

Video resolution: Video resolution refers to the number of horizontal and vertical pixels. The more you have, the more detailed your footage will be. Look for Full HD (1920 x 1090 pixels) as a minimum or 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) for premium, cinema-quality video.

Prioritize quality

It goes without saying that for the best results, you should spend as much as you can afford on the best quality camera possible. All of the specifications detailed above are worth considering, but if you focus on just one thing, Steinberg says that the most important factor in terms of image quality is the type and size of the sensor. If you plan on printing your vacation photos or using them to create a photo book or other memento, a reasonable number of megapixels (10 or more) is key. Finally, Steinberg points out that build quality and manufacturer support are also important.

Choose a camera based on your skill level and goals

Having said that, there’s no point in spending a fortune on a high-end compact camera with advanced specifications if all you really want is a simple way of capturing fun vacation snaps for social media. Beginners should prioritize cameras that are intuitive and simple to use. If your goals are more ambitious, Steinberg recommends looking for manual settings that will allow you to fine tune shutter speed, aperture size, and ISO for the best results.

It’s also worth considering where you’re traveling and your planned activities. If your camera will be exposed to dust, sand, humidity, or water, then looking for one that’s IP rated against dust and water ingress is crucial. When it comes to interpreting IP numbers, remember that the first number after the IP relates to dust while the second number relates to water. Only water ratings of seven or higher are fully waterproof. Scuba divers should be sure to check depth ratings.

In addition to considering all of the specifications listed above and how they relate to your requirements, Steinberg says it’s important to consider the ergonomics of the camera. Does it feel comfortable in your hands and next to your face? Are the controls and buttons easy for you to access and operate? Can you view the LCD screen clearly and does the menu navigation system make sense? You should also think about the ease of use. If you’re not sure, consider booking a free in-person or virtual appointment with a B&H expert to talk through different options.

Absolutely, and especially if you choose one with a decent number of megapixels. It’s generally accepted that in order for an image to be made into a high quality print, it needs to have 300 pixels per inch (300 PPI). The number of megapixels required to achieve this depends on how big you want your prints to be. For a standard 6 x 4 inch image, you’d need at least 2.2 megapixels. For a 5 x 7 inch image, you’d need at least 3.2 megapixels. It’s also worth remembering that good printing results are dependent on printer and paper quality too.

Before we tackle this question, it’s important to note that while compact cameras lack a mirror (and mirrorless cameras are more compact than DSLRs), mirrorless cameras are not the same as compact cameras for the purpose of this list. We’ve focused on point-and-shoot cameras for novice photographers and more advanced photographers who prioritize portability. Advantages of point-and-shoots over DSLRs include reduced size and weight, ease of use, and cost.

Mirrorless cameras were introduced in 2004 and have since evolved to compete with DSLRs as the category of choice for intermediate and professional photographers. They have a larger sensor than a traditional point-and-shoot, offering superior image quality. They’re bulkier, cost a lot more, and come with interchangeable lenses. The key difference between mirrorless and DSLR cameras is that mirrorless cameras let light hit the sensor directly whereas DSLRs use a mirror to reflect light onto the sensor.

This difference makes mirrorless cameras quicker and quieter — key advantages for fast-action and wildlife photography. High-end mirrorless cameras can also offer superior autofocus and better performance in low light conditions. DSLRs still hold the edge in terms of viewfinder accuracy, battery life, and a greater range of compatible lenses.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Jessica Macdonald has been writing about travel gear for more than a decade. She’s also a professional photographer who has sold images to many publications including Travel + Leisure. Although she typically shoots with her trusty Nikon DSLR, she has often used compact cameras especially for underwater photography. For this article, she conducted hours of online research and consulted the opinion of Mark Steinberg , a B&H Senior Technologist.

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The 10 best compact cameras, according to National Geographic

From budget-friendly point-and-shoots to high-tech wonders designed for wildlife photography, check out these recommendations from our photo engineering team.

Studio photograph of a collection of cameras for the National Geographic 2023 travel camera guide

Things may still be far from “normal,” but our desire for adventure remains the same. Whether it’s spotting a rare bird in your local park or exploring an ancient wonder in a far-flung destination, technology has made it easier than ever to capture and preserve precious moments.

A powerful travel image not only has the ability to tell a story but also reminds us of the extraordinary beauty the world offers. “As a biologist and conservation photographer, I’m always amazed by the diversity of life on the planet,” says Jen Guyton, photojournalist and National Geographic Explorer . “Traveling to see and photograph nature’s riches allows me to learn new things and appreciate the abundance of this planet.”

With that in mind, we tapped the photo engineering team at National Geographic for which compact cameras they recommend—and why. They design and build custom equipment for professional photographers and test consumer products for this annual guide. Here are their picks for travel:

Fujifilm X-T5

The XT series from Fujifilm—often our top pick—has had a major revamp this year with the XT-5. It can go toe-to-toe with professional full-frame mirrorless models and DSLRs in performance, autofocus, image quality, and handling. While the X-T5 has gotten a little smaller than the X-T4, it gained the fantastic 40 megapixel (MP) sensor from the X-H2, one of the most detailed APS-C sensors on the market, which makes it—in the authors’ opinions—the reigning champion of 2023 travel cameras.

One of the most impressive things about the X-T series is that it provides an enjoyable shooting experience for amateurs and pros by blending vintage dials with modern, professional-grade controls, weather sealing, and ports for video or still photography. For more: Fujifilm

Ricoh GR III and GR IIIx

Studio photograph of the Ricoh GR III camera, made for the 2023 National Geographic 2023 travel camera guide

The GRIII packs some serious photographic power into a pocketable size. It has a stabilized 24 MP APS-C sensor, dual-type autofocus, a responsive touch screen, and an easy-to-navigate menu system. It’s suits for casual point-and-shoot photography, or more controlled manual shooting. If you find the 28mm f/2.8 effective focal length too wide, the GR IIIx, released in 2021, is identical to the GR III in every way except for its lens, which is a slightly tighter 40mm f/2.8 equivalent lens. For more: Ricoh

Tip : The camera’s battery does not have a high capacity, but the built-in USB-C port makes it simple to top off the battery with a phone charger.

Fujifilm X100V

Studio photograph of Sony RX100VII camera, made for the 2023 National Geographic 2023 travel camera guide

When it was first released in 2011, the original X100 rocked the digital camera industry, revitalizing this legendary camera film brand and bringing retro styling to the forefront of camera design.

The latest, the X100V, brings a few significant changes. The lens has the same value (35mm f/2 equivalent), but the new design significantly increases sharpness corner to corner, both for wide-open and close-up images.

The camera’s body design adds nearly full weather sealing, a flip-out screen, and a slightly changed grip, as well as improvements to the control layouts (including a control stick). Fujifilm cameras produce the best JPEGs in the industry, with amazing film simulations; cameras in the X100 line are often the backup of choice for photojournalists. This one has a leaf shutter that can sync to high speeds with a strobe and a built-in neutral-density (ND) filter for combatting bright sunlight. For more: Fujifilm

Tip : When photographing with the Fujifilm X100 always pack a hot shoe thumb rest, a lens hood, and a wrist strap. These allow you to ditch the camera bag and lens cap.

Sony RX100VII

Despite being more than three years old, the seventh-generation RX100 line remains as one of the most versatile ultra-compact cameras. This version comes with real-time autofocus from Sony’s pro line, giving photographers highly reliable eye/face autofocus that now works with animals. No other camera in this size has autofocus or shoot speeds close to this little wonder. Plus, it shoots electronically with almost no distortion of moving subjects.

( These photos from the Nat Geo archives capture extraordinary moments in time .)

This means silent shooting and high shutter speeds for working in bright light. The RX100VII sports a 24-200mm equivalent zoom lens that, while not as bright as we would like, covers a wide range for the traveler. Tom regularly describes this camera line as his “desert island” choice. Does it command a high price for such a small camera? Yes, but it delivers outstanding performance. For more: Sony

Leica Q2 and Q2 Monochrom

Studio photograph of the Leica Q2 camera, made for the 2023 National Geographic 2023 travel camera guide

Though expensive, the venerable Q series cameras are wonderful to use. The Q series comprises These full-frame, fixed-lens cameras with full-frame, fixed-lens cameras with a 28mm f/1.7 lens providing built-in stabilization. Since the first-generation Q and Q-P have been discontinued, we recommend the modern Q2 and Q2 Monochrom, which both have a 47.5 MP sensor, a larger battery, and full weather sealing.

The Q2 Monochrom is nearly identical to the Q2, except that it shoots only in black and white and has a sleek black paint job. Removing the color filter stack (or Bayer array) makes for astounding black-and-white images; it also increases sharpness and high ISO performance because more light reaches the pixels. If you prefer color, the Q2 will be more to your liking. For more: Leica

OM System OM-1

The OM System (aka Olympus cameras) just released the flagship OM-1 camera, a major upgrade from the beloved Olympus E-M1 series.

The OM-1 has a similar layout to the E-M1 series but it packs a super fast stacked sensor for high-speed stills shooting at up to 10 FPS mechanical and a blazing 120 FPS electronic. An updated sensor brings better low light performance and subject detection autofocus algorithms that can detect cars, planes, animals, and humans.

This model also has hand-held high-res shooting (you can take 50 MP images out of a burst of 16 frames) and the Live-ND filter, which simulates a neutral-density filter. In addition, computational photography for handheld shooting emulates some tripod-based long exposure shooting (for example, a blurred waterfall). The pro line lenses have a high-quality build, integrated lens hoods, smooth zoom and focus rings, and round bokeh visualization (background blur).

The OM-1’s lens options make it ideal for birders and wildlife watchers. The new 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO gives you a lightweight 300-800mm range and an integrated teleconverter up to 1000mm handheld. Tom tested this lens/camera combo and had a blast photographing birds in his neighborhood without his arms getting too tired. For more: OM Systems

Tip : The best lenses include the Olympus 12-100mm F/4 IS PRO (24-200mm), 12-24mm f/2.8 II PRO (24-80mm f/2.8 equivalent), 40-150mm F/2.8 PRO (80-300mm pro zoom), 7-14mm PRO (wide-angle zoom), 300mm F/4 IS PRO (600mm F4 equivalent), 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO (300-800mm f/4.5).

Fujifilm X-S10

With an internally stabilized 26 megapixel APS-C sensor, the X-S10 features impressive ergonomics despite its smaller size. It also has contemporary unmarked command dials and a mode selector, compared to the retro style used on other Fujifilm bodies.

What do you give up for the affordability and compact size? It has a smaller battery, a single card slot, a smaller viewfinder, no weather sealing, and a slightly lower top shutter speed. But these are all fair trades in our book. For more: Fujifilm

Tip : Thanks to its ergonomic grip, this camera pairs well with an all-around zoom lens. The Fujifilm XF18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR makes the perfect single lens travel kit.

Nikon Z30

Nikon’s new Z30 is the third version in the company’s Z-mount APS-C lineup. Its compact size sets it apart. That’s thanks in part to not having an electronic viewfinder or a 30-minute recording limit, plus a vari-angle (or “tilty-flippy,” if you prefer) screen.

Although it’s considered an entry-level camera, the Z30 is capable of 4K 30p recording without a crop, which cannot be said of its bigger, full-frame brother, the Z5. Its stills credentials are impressive as well, with the same amazing low-light performance, an 11fps mechanical shutter with AF tracking, strong AF performance, and the option to save images as high-quality raw files.

More importantly, it’s light, easy to carry around all day, and just plain fun to shoot with. It’s a perfect match for Nikon’s compact DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR, which makes for an excellent setup to document your adventures. For more: Nikon

Tip : If range is more of a concern than camera size, consider adding the Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR to your camera bag. At effectively 375mm on the long end, with five stabilization stops, you’ll have no trouble capturing brilliant images of distant subjects.

Canon EOS R7

The R7 is among Canon’s first APS-C RF mount cameras (announced in May of 2022 alongside the trimmed down R10). The largest camera on this list justifies its size with impressive features, including one of the best APS-C sensors on the market (X-T5 has the crown now) at 32 megapixels.

Additional features include an in-body stabilization that can auto-level your horizons, a 15fps mechanical shutter (and a blistering 30fps electronic), two UHS-II card slots, and a comfortable ergonomic grip that houses the same LP-E6NH batteries used by its full-framed siblings, giving it a very dependable battery life.

We’ve also been impressed by its auto-focus on objects—using the same deep learning algorithms as the R3—but the face and eye detection performance leaves something to be desired. Its weather sealing means you can feel comfortable taking it just about anywhere, making it a solid action and adventuring companion. For more: Canon

Tip : Pair this powerhouse body with a good lens. We recommend purchasing a Canon EF-RF mount adapter so that you can take advantage of the countless affordable used EF DSLR lenses on the market.

Studio photograph of the Sony a7C camera, made for the 2023 National Geographic 2023 travel camera guide

The a7C lost out last year to the Canon RP (the first full-frame, interchangeable lens camera to make our list). But the a7C offers some noteworthy features. It’s remarkably compact for a full-frame camera.

Our research suggests this camera body has the smallest full-frame, interchangeable lens with a mechanical shutter or stacked sensor on the market. This is an important distinction because there are smaller full-frame cameras, but they either have a fixed lens or do not possess a shutter/fast read out sensor. As a result, photographing moving subjects is impaired.

Despite its small size, the a7C comes loaded with Sony’s quick and dependable real-time autofocus system. Pair this camera with one of the ultra-small prime lenses from Sony, such as the Sony 24mm f/2.5, 35mm f/2.8, 40mm f/2.5, or 50mm f/2.5. Doing so will give you a wonderfully compact travel camera that keeps a full frame sensor in your hands. For more: Sony

7 video cameras we love for every kind of traveler

The Masterclasses 2023: 10 practical tips to help you succeed as a travel photographer

For hungry minds.

How I got the shot: Ben Pipe on coming face to face with a lion

The 9 best digital cameras for travelers, according to National Geographic

How I got the shot: Jonathan Stokes on distilling Marseille's past, present and future

How I got the shot: Richard James Taylor on capturing Mekong sunset magic in Laos

How I got the shot: Richard James Taylor on capturing Dubrovnik's golden hour

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Canon EOS R6 review: A superb mirrorless camera that never misses a shot

The canon eos r6 offers incredible autofocus, image stabilization and low-light abilities — for a price.

The Canon EOS R6 full-frame mirrorless camera. This shot shows it from the front, with the 27-70mm lens attached

Tom's Guide Verdict

The Canon EOS R6 full-frame mirrorless camera offers incredible autofocus, class-leading image stabilization and excellent low-light abilities. It's not cheap and its video skills fall short of the very best, but as an enthusiast stills camera it's easy to recommend.

Magical autofocus

Class-leading image stabilization

Superior low-light abilities

Crisp and detailed stills

Handles well

Overheats for 4K video

Resolution lower than rivals

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

Sensor: 20.1MP full-frame CMOS Image processor: Digic X Image stabilization: 5-axis, up to 8 stops AF points: 6,072 Dual Pixel CMOS AF II Viewfinder: 0.5-inch OLED EVF, 3,690k dots, 100% coverage, 0.76x magnification, 120fps refresh rate Display: 3-inch fully articulating touchscreen, 1,620k dots ISO: 100-102,400 (expandable to 50-204,800) Max video resolution: 4K at 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p Ports: USB-C, micro HDMI, mic, headphone, E3 remote, 2x UHS-II SD/SDHC/SDXC Wireless/Bluetooth: Yes Shooting speed: 12fps mechanical, 20fps electronic Battery life (CIPA): 510 Size/weight (body): 5.4 x 3.8 x 3.5 inches; 21 ounces

It took Canon a while to find its feet with mirrorless cameras, but the Canon EOS R6 is proof that those faltering days are well and truly over.

A quick look at its spec list shows it’s capable of going head-to-head with the best mirrorless cameras from Sony , Nikon and Fujifilm and indeed beating them in some regards. How so? Well it’s a 20.1-megapixel full-frame camera that comes with class-leading image stabilization, a 6,072-point dual-pixel autofocus system, 12fps burst shooting, 4K video and high-res OLED electronic viewfinder.

In short, it has almost everything you could want in an enthusiast mirrorless camera, and with only a couple of minor drawbacks. Chief among them are that it lacks the really high megapixel count enjoyed by its more expensive 45MP sibling, the Canon R5 and the similarly priced 33MP Sony A7 IV, while video falls short of the absolute best.

But make no mistake: the Canon R6 is right at the top end of full-frame mirrorless cameras and I’ve enjoyed every second of my time with it. It's an obvious choice for our best mirrorless cameras list, and indeed our best cameras list overall. Find out what makes it so special in this full Canon EOS R6 review.

Canon EOS R6 review: Price and availability

The Canon EOS R6 came out in July 2020 and costs $2,499 for the body alone. It’s also available with two kit lenses: the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM for $2,799 or with the RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM for $3,599.

I tested it with the excellent RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM lens, which costs $2,399 on its own. But don’t think you’d have to spend that much, as Canon now has a 24-model strong range of RF lenses, all of which are compatible with the R6. These range from the $199 RF 50mm f/1.8 STM to the $12,999 (yes, really) RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM.

You can also use any of the dozens of older EF lenses by adding a $99 adapter, or there’s a $199 adapter that also gives any EF lens the special control ring function found on all RF lenses. There’s also a battery grip ($349).

To find some discounts, head to our Canon promo codes page.

Canon EOS R6 review: Design

The Canon EOS R6 full-frame mirrorless camera. This shot shows it from the rear

Some of the best mirrorless cameras have real flair about them, but the Canon R6 is not one of them. There’s no retro charm as on Fujifilm’s or Olympus’ cameras and no real attempt to move away from the look of older Canon DSLRs. That’s clearly a deliberate decision, too; Canon’s own marketing for the camera talks about how anyone who’s used an EOS camera before will find it “reassuringly familiar,” and it is. But while that decision makes a lot of sense, it also makes for a fairly nondescript camera.

But looks aside, the R6’s design has a lot going for it. The body is mostly crafted from magnesium alloy but Canon added tactile rubber bits where your hands rest, and the grip is big and provides plenty of purchase. It’s quite a large camera — more than 15% bigger and slightly heavier than the Sony A7 IV, for instance — but it’s very well built, offering full dust and moisture resistance so you can shoot in poor conditions without worrying about damage.

The electronic viewfinder is excellent. It’s a large 0.5-inch OLED EVF with a high resolution of 3,690k dots and a fast 120 fps refresh rate, although its 0.76 magnification is a tiny bit behind its key rivals the Sony A7 IV and Nikon Z7 II. But don’t worry too much about that — it’s big, bright, easy to shoot through and covers 100% of the view.

The Canon EOS R6 full-frame mirrorless camera. This shot shows the flip-out screen

The LCD screen is similarly impressive. It’s a 3-inch touchscreen LCD panel with a 1,620k dot resolution; while it doesn’t have quite as many pixels as the Sony A7 IV, it beats that rival by being able to flip out and round so you can shoot selfies while seeing what’s on the screen. That’s particularly useful if you use it for video streaming, and it also helps when shooting stills in awkward positions.

One final bonus is that it comes with dual SD card slots; hardly surprising at this price point, but welcome all the same.

Canon EOS R6 review: Controls

The Canon EOS R6 full-frame mirrorless camera. This shot shows it from above

When it comes to controls, the Canon R6 feels very DSLR-like. There are certainly plenty of options: 16 buttons plus three control dials, a mode selector, on/off switch and AF joystick. And of course you get touch controls too. Add to that the fact that all RF lenses have an extra control dial on the lens itself, and you have plenty of ways to control the camera.

That doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll always know what you’re doing, though. In theory, the three control dials give you control over your main shooting options, but because they aren’t labelled and can be customized to your heart’s content, you’ll need to spend some time with the R6 before it all becomes second nature.

That’s particularly apparent when you’re changing settings in the R6’s menus, with one control dial scrolling through categories, one moving through pages within each section and the third scrolling through the various options on each page. I regularly found myself using the wrong one and jumping to another section when I just wanted to move down a list — though I imagine I’d get used to it in time. Personally, I prefer Fujifilm’s standard practice of a dedicated ISO dial and aperture controls on the lens, but that might just be familiarity.

The Canon EOS R6 full-frame mirrorless camera. This shot shows the controls on the rear right

Most of the buttons are more straightforward, although several serve more than one purpose depending on what else you’re doing at the time. The inclusion of a dedicated button for rating images seems unnecessary, but the fact there’s a ‘Q’ quick menu option is welcome.

The joystick should be useful, but I found it slightly too shallow for my liking, and my thumb had a tendency to slip off it in use. Then again, autofocus is so special here that you may not use it much anyway.

Canon EOS R6 review: Performance

Autofocus is handled by an incredibly adept dual-pixel CMOS AF II system which offers a scarcely believable 1,053 AF zones and 6,072 AF points. But don’t worry too much about the numbers, because all you really need to know is that it works superbly.

First things first: it’s fast. I would say it’s blink-and-you’ll-miss-it fast, except that it’s probably faster than that, too. Quick as it is to lock on to subjects, though, its tracking capabilities are probably even more impressive. Not only can the R6 focus on and track people and eyes, but it also works with animals (specifically dogs, cats and birds) and vehicles.

Fortunately, I have a suitable test subject in the form of a very energetic 15-month old chocolate Labrador that regularly moves too swiftly and unpredictably for most cameras. The R6 couldn’t quite capture every frame of his leaping and bounding, but it came damn close, giving me a far greater percentage of keepers than I could have hoped for. It’s even advanced enough to track an animal’s eye while it’s moving; truly this is witchcraft.

The below shot is cropped in to show just how good it is — the dog is mid-bound but is perfectly captured and in focus.

A shot taken with the Canon EOS R6 mirrorless camera. It shows a chocolate Labrador jumping towards the camera.

What’s more, it has amazing light sensitivity: the EOS R6 can go down as low as EV -6.5, making it possible to lock on seamlessly without hunting, even in dim conditions.

If the autofocus is excellent (and it is), the image stabilization is every bit its equal. As well as having 5-axis IS in the camera body, it can work together with any IS-equipped Canon lenses to provide up to an astounding 8 stops of IS. In practice, I could usually get sharp shots at 2 seconds and sometimes even as much as 4 seconds. Great news for photographers, less so for tripod manufacturers.

The shot below was taken indoors at night, in fairly dim lighting and at f/8 — all conditions which should challenge most cameras. However, the R6 was able to get a super-sharp image at just 1/10 second.

A shot taken with the Canon EOS R6 mirrorless camera. It shows a Bluetooth speaker on a table.

Not all Canon lenses will get the full 8 stops, but even those without lens-based stabilization will get some benefit from the IS and if you’re lucky enough to own one of the five RF lenses that do give you the maximum effect, you’re in for a treat.

Of course sometimes you’ll want a short shutter speed rather than a long one, and here the Canon R6’s burst shooting comes into its own. It’s capable of hitting 12 fps with the mechanical shutter and 20 fps with the electronic one. Almost as importantly, it can do so for absolutely ages; you can take 1,000 JPEGs or 240 RAW images before its buffer fills up, which should be more than enough for anyone.

Canon EOS R6 review: Image quality

With all of the above in mind, it should be no surprise that the Canon EOS R6 takes lovely stills. In fact, the combination of fast and accurate autofocus and subject tracking, speedy burst shooting and excellent image stabilization means that there are very few areas where the R6 trips up at all.

Some people might feel that 20.1 megapixels isn’t enough for them, particularly given that many of the R6’s direct rivals have more — sometimes a lot more. But the relative lack of pixels does have some obvious benefits. Speed is one of them — it’s why the R6 can shoot so fast for so long without filling its buffer — but the other concerns light sensitivity. With fewer pixels packed on to the sensor, the R6 can make each one bigger — and that in turn gives it serious low-light capabilities.

That’s apparent with ISO sensitivity, which goes from 100 up to 102,400 (or 50-204,800 in expanded mode), and which is usable all the way across that range. Sure, at 102,400 there’s a fair amount of noise, but not to the extent that much detail is lost and you could confidently shoot at ISO 6400 the whole time and not regret it.

Below, you can see its ISO capabilities in full effect: on the left is a shot taken at ISO 200, on the right one at 102,400. Sure, the left image is sharper, but you can still clearly make out the shutter speeds etched on to the front of the old film camera.

Though resolution may not be as high as on some cameras, there's still plenty of detail available. In another shot of Rigby the Labrador, you can see individual drops of water on his nose and fine whiskers on his chin.

A shot taken with the Canon EOS R6 mirrorless camera. It shows a chocolate Labrador sitting with his tongue out.

Fine details are also apparent in this shot of him meeting another Lab, where veins can be seen on individual leaves around their feet.

A shot taken with the Canon EOS R6 mirrorless camera. It shows two Labrador dogs playing in the woods.

There are a wealth of different settings to delve into if you want to play around with the R6’s images, including several HDR options. The R6 can also output in the HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) format that you might be familiar with from iOS devices. This lets you shoot higher-quality images than JPEGs — they can display 10-bit color rather than 8-bit, but without larger file sizes, for instance. Just bear in mind that to use them you’ll need to enable the HDR PQ setting and use the mechanical shutter.

Canon EOS R6 review: Video

Video is not a particular focus of the R6, so I didn't make it a particular focus of my testing. It's certainly good enough to satisfy a stills shooter who wants to take videos occasionally on vacation, but YouTubers will be better looking at one of the best cameras for vlogging .

As you'd expect, it can shoot 4K video at up to 60fps, albeit with a small crop of 1.07x. There's also 1080p capture at up to 120fps, which could make for some lovely slow-motion videos. Plus, all of the various autofocus modes, and the image stabilization, are available in video as well as with stills.

The quality of the footage isn't the issue here — it's crisp and colorful, while the built-in IS, high sensitivity, full-frame sensor and superb autofocus all help you get smooth, well-exposed and in-focus footage. No, the problem is one of overheating: in 4K mode it gets seriously hot, so Canon limits it to just 30 to 40 minutes of footage if you're shooting at 60 fps. You get more than an hour at slower speeds, and there's no restriction in 1080p mode, but anyone who takes video footage seriously rather than just using it occasionally will probably find it too restrictive.

Canon EOS R6 review: Verdict

The Canon EOS R6 full-frame mirrorless camera. This shot shows it from the front, with the 27-70mm lens next to it

The Canon EOS R6 is a superb full-frame mirrorless camera for advanced amateur photographers, particularly those who spend more time shooting moving objects and portraits than they do landscapes.

The combination of incredible autofocus — seriously, it works like magic — with class-leading image stabilization and super-clean high ISO settings mean it's a supremely capable performer in almost every situation. It barely tripped up once in my time with it and if I wanted a camera to take on vacation with me tomorrow, I'd be asking Canon to lend me one.

It's not cheap, but you're getting a lot of camera here and it's no more expensive than its main rival, the Sony A7 IV.

Landscape photographers might prefer a higher resolution and committed YouTubers will also want to look elsewhere, but for anyone else this is an easy camera to recommend.

Formerly Editor in Chief (U.K.) on Tom’s Guide, Marc oversaw all gaming, streaming, audio, TV, entertainment, how-to and cameras coverage, and was also responsible for the site’s U.K.-focused output. He is now U.K. Editor in Chief on TechRadar. Marc previously edited the tech website Stuff and has tested and written about phones, tablets, wearables, streaming boxes, smart home devices, Bluetooth speakers, headphones, games, TVs, cameras and much more. He also spent years on a music magazine, where his duties mainly involved spoiling other people’s fun, and on a car magazine. An avid photographer, he likes nothing better than taking pictures of very small things (bugs, his daughters) or very big things (distant galaxies). When he gets time, he also enjoys gaming (console and mobile), cycling and attempting to watch as much sport as any human can. He's also fallen in love with Wordle over the past six months and is the author of our today's Wordle answer column, in which he supplies hints and strategy tips for the mega-popular word game. Given he's completed every single Wordle so far and only lost once , and analyzed every Wordle answer in search of patterns , he's well qualified to help you safeguard your streak.

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Canon R6 review: The 2024 Ultimate Travel Camera?

Portability

20-megapixel full-frame sensor
4K video recording capabilities
Fast and accurate autofocus system
In-body image stabilization
Average battery life
No built-in flash
Limited dynamic range in high ISO settings

If you love to travel and create content, you know the importance of having a reliable and versatile camera that can capture your experiences in stunning detail. That’s where the Canon R6 comes in. This full-frame mirrorless camera is a powerhouse of features and performance, making it an ideal choice for anyone who wants to push the boundaries of their photography or videography.

Whether exploring a new city, hiking through rugged terrain, or documenting your everyday life, the Canon R6 has much to offer. Its fast and accurate autofocus system, in-body image stabilization, and 20-megapixel full-frame sensor combine to deliver sharp and vibrant images in a wide range of shooting scenarios. Plus, with 4K video capabilities, dual card slots, and a weather-sealed body, the Canon R6 is a versatile tool that can handle whatever challenges you throw its way.

In this review, we’ll closely examine the Canon R6 and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses. We’ll consider factors like image quality, autofocus performance, battery life, and more to help you decide whether this camera is right for your travel and content creation needs. So if you’re in the market for a new camera that can take your photography or videography to the next level, read on to find out if the Canon R6 is the one for you.

Page Contents

Unique Features of the Canon R6

The Canon R6 is a full-frame mirrorless camera with a few unique features that make it an excellent choice for photography and video. One of its most significant selling points is its advanced autofocus system , powered by Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II technology. This system provides fast and accurate autofocus across the entire frame, making capturing sharp images and video easy even in challenging lighting conditions. The R6 also features eye-detection AF , particularly useful for portrait photography, and animal-detection AF, which can help you capture stunning wildlife images.

The Canon R6 ‘s 20.1-megapixel CMOS sensor is another unique feature differentiating it from its competitors; the sensor has a low-pass filter that reduces moiré and false color, making it ideal for capturing images with high levels of detail and sharpness. The R6 also has an ISO range of 100-102400, allowing you to shoot in low-light conditions without worrying about excessive noise.

When it comes to video, the Canon R6 is a top-performing camera that can shoot 4K video at up to 60 frames per second . This is thanks to the camera’s powerful DIGIC X image processor, which provides excellent image quality and color accuracy. The R6 also features Canon Log (C-Log) and HDR PQ video formats, which are essential tools for professional videographers looking to achieve high-quality footage with extended dynamic range.

Another unique feature of the Canon R6 is its dual card slots, which allow you to shoot with two memory cards simultaneously. This provides peace of mind, as you can simultaneously set the camera to record to both cards, ensuring that you always have a backup copy of your footage or images.

Canon R6 overview - Canon R6 review: The 2024 Ultimate Travel Camera?

Canon R6 Video

The Canon EOS R6 is a powerful camera for video, with a range of features that make it a popular choice among content creators and filmmakers; one of the most important video functions of the R6 is its ability to record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. This means it can capture high-resolution footage with excellent detail and clarity while allowing for slow-motion effects. The R6 also supports the All-I and IPB compression formats , allowing users to choose between higher quality or smaller file sizes, depending on their needs.

Another significant feature of the R6 is its Dual Pixel CMOS AF II autofocus system, which is one of the best in the market. This system has 6,072 selectable AF points covering almost 100% of the frame and can track the faces and eyes of humans, animals, and birds. When recording video, this autofocus system can track moving subjects with impressive accuracy and speed, making it easier for users to keep their subjects in focus while filming. The R6’s autofocus system also allows setting specific focus areas, adjusting the tracking sensitivity, and using touch-to-focus, which can be incredibly helpful in different video shooting scenarios.

In addition to its autofocus capabilities, the R6 also features a 5-axis in-body image stabilization system that provides up to 8 stops of compensation when used with certain lenses. This stabilization system is highly effective in reducing camera shake and helping to produce smoother, more stable footage. It also makes the R6 more versatile and suitable for handheld shooting, especially in challenging shooting conditions.

Finally, the R6 features Canon Log (C-Log) support, which is a highly desirable feature for video production. C-Log is a flat color profile that allows for greater dynamic range and more flexibility in post-production color grading. This means that users can adjust their footage’s color, brightness, and contrast without losing any detail or quality. The R6 also supports HDR PQ and Canon’s own HDR-PQ format, allowing users to capture high dynamic range footage with improved brightness and contrast.

Canon R6 vs Sony A7III

The Canon EOS R6 and Sony Alpha 7 III are full-frame mirrorless cameras offering excellent still photography and video capabilities. The R6 has a 20.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, while the Sony A7III has a 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, which gives the Sony A7III a slight advantage in resolution. However, the R6 offers faster autofocus performance thanks to its Dual Pixel CMOS AF II autofocus system, which provides 6,072 selectable AF points and can track moving subjects with speed and accuracy. The Sony A7III ‘s autofocus system is also excellent, but it has fewer AF points than the R6.

When it comes to video, both cameras can shoot 4K video, but the R6 can shoot up to 60 frames per second, while the A7III can shoot up to 30 frames per second. This means that the R6 can capture more frames per second, resulting in a much smoother and more detailed video output than the A7III . In situations involving fast-moving subjects, such as sports or action scenes, the R6 could capture more detailed and smooth footage with less blur and stuttering.

However, it’s worth noting that shooting at a higher frame rate can also have some downsides. For example, it can require more storage space and processing power, which can be considered when choosing between the two cameras. Additionally, higher frame rates can result in a more “cinematic” look, which may or may not be desired depending on the creative goals of the video.

The R6 also supports Canon Log (C-Log) and HDR PQ formats, which can be useful for professional video production. Additionally, the R6 has a higher burst shooting rate, at 12 frames per second, compared to the A7III ‘s 10 frames per second.

The R6 has a slightly better grip and weather-sealing design, making it more comfortable and durable in adverse conditions. The A7III , on the other hand, has a slightly larger viewfinder and a longer battery life.

Canon R6 vs Nikon Z6 II

The Canon EOS R6 and Nikon Z6 II are full-frame mirrorless cameras offering high-end performance and features. The R6 has a 20.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, while the Z6 II has a 24.5-megapixel CMOS sensor, giving the Z6 II a slight advantage in resolution. However, the R6 offers faster autofocus performance thanks to its Dual Pixel CMOS AF II autofocus system, which can track moving subjects with speed and accuracy. The Z6 II ‘s autofocus system is also excellent but has fewer AF points than the R6.

When it comes to video, both cameras can shoot 4K video, but the R6 can shoot up to 60 frames per second, while the Nikon Z6 II can shoot up to 30 frames per second.

In terms of design, the R6 is slightly smaller and lighter than the Z6 II , making it more portable and easier to carry around. The R6 also has a more advanced LCD display, with higher resolution and touch sensitivity, making it easier to use for both still photography and video. The Z6 II , on the other hand, has a higher-resolution electronic viewfinder and two memory card slots, which can be useful for professional photographers.

Canon R6 vs Panasonic Lumix S5

The Canon R6 and Panasonic Lumix S5 are both high-performance full-frame mirrorless cameras. While the S5 has a slightly higher resolution with a 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, the R6 boasts faster autofocus performance due to its Dual Pixel CMOS AF II autofocus system. Both cameras can shoot 4K video, but the R6 can shoot at a faster frame rate of up to 60 frames per second and supports additional video formats like Canon Log (C-Log) and HDR PQ.

In terms of burst shooting, the R6 offers a faster rate of 12 frames per second, while the S5 offers seven frames per second. The Lumix S5 ‘s autofocus system is also excellent but has fewer AF points than the R6. Overall, the R6’s faster autofocus and higher burst shooting rate make it a better choice for capturing fast-paced action and sports, while the S5 ‘s higher resolution sensor may appeal more to photographers who prioritize image detail.

Travel photography with the Canon R6

Canon R6 with 70 200mm - Canon R6 review: The 2024 Ultimate Travel Camera?

If you are a photography enthusiast who loves to travel, the Canon R6 could be the perfect camera for you. With its advanced features and lightweight design, the R6 is an excellent choice for capturing stunning photos and videos while on the go.

One of the key advantages of the Canon R6 is its portability. This camera is much lighter and more compact than many other high-end cameras, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go. Whether you’re walking through a bustling city or trekking through the wilderness, the R6 won’t weigh you down or take up too much space in your backpack.

In addition to its lightweight design, the Canon R6 is packed with features that make it a great choice for travel photography. For example, the R6 boasts an advanced autofocus system that can precisely track moving subjects, making capturing sharp, clear photos of wildlife, athletes, and other fast-moving subjects easier.

City Photography

In bustling cities, the R6’s fast autofocus system is a huge advantage, allowing you to quickly capture candid moments on the street. Its compact size also makes it easy to carry around, so you can be ready to shoot at a moment’s notice. The camera’s image stabilization system is also useful when shooting in low light, reducing camera shake and producing sharp, clear images. The Canon R6 ‘s Dual Pixel CMOS AF system also excels at tracking moving subjects, which is especially helpful when capturing action in crowded environments.

Landscape Photography

For landscape photography, the R6’s full-frame CMOS sensor, and high-resolution image quality are major assets. The camera captures stunning, detailed images that showcase the beauty of the natural world. The R6’s dynamic range is also impressive, allowing you to capture both bright highlights and shadow detail in your images. The camera’s image stabilization system is also helpful when shooting handheld in windy conditions, which is often the case when photographing landscapes.

Best Canon EOS R6 Lenses to travel with

When it comes to lenses, the Canon R6 is compatible with a wide range of high-quality Canon lenses. For travel photography, we recommend bringing the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM lens for capturing wide-angle cityscapes and sweeping landscapes. The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens is also an excellent choice for travel, offering a versatile zoom range that can handle a variety of shooting situations. You can find more lens recommendations in our guide highlighting Canon Lenses to Travel With .

In Summary: Is the Canon R6 worth buying in 2024?

The Canon R6 is a highly capable and versatile camera that offers a lot of value for its price. It boasts a 20-megapixel full-frame sensor, fast and accurate autofocus, 4K video capabilities, and a robust image stabilization system. Its weather-sealed body, ergonomic design, and intuitive user interface make it a joy to use for both amateurs and professionals.

If you’re a photographer or videographer who’s looking for a camera that can handle a wide range of shooting scenarios, from landscapes and portraits to sports and action, the Canon R6 is definitely worth considering. Its autofocus system, in particular, is one of the best in the market, allowing you to easily capture sharp and detailed images of moving subjects. The camera’s video features, including high-resolution recording, 10-bit color depth, and dual-pixel autofocus, also make it a great choice for content creators who want to produce high-quality footage.

Of course, no camera is perfect, and the Canon R6 does have some drawbacks. Its battery life is only average, and its high-speed shooting modes come with some limitations in terms of autofocus and image quality. Additionally, the camera’s price point may be out of reach for some budget-conscious buyers, especially if they already have a collection of EF-mount lenses that require an adapter to work with the R6.

In-body image stabilization (IBIS)
Dual card slots (SD and CFexpress)
Weather-sealed body
Intuitive user interface and ergonomic design
Excellent low-light performance
Wide range of compatible lenses
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
Some compatibility issues with EF-mount lenses (requires adapter)
Relatively high price point compared to some other cameras
Some users may find the control layout unintuitive or confusing.

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Best Travel Camera 2020: The 12 best holiday cameras you can buy

Best Travel Camera: we test and compare the latest travel cameras from Canon, Panasonic, Sony, DJI, GoPro and more.

One of the best times to invest in a new camera is just before you head off on a big trip abroad.

Whether you’re looking for a pocketable smartphone upgrade or a way to upgrade your travel photography, there are lots of cameras that are built specifically for life on the road.

Right now, the best advanced travel camera you can buy is the Fujifilm X-T30 . If you’re looking for a compact travel zoom for under £400, though, then the Canon Powershot SX740 HS (or perhaps even its predecessor, the SX730 HS) is your best bet.

We test for colour, since different sensor and camera image processors can interpret colour differently, as well as shifting at different ISO sensitivities. We then get down to the nitty-gritty of resolution, with our lab tests showing us exactly how much detail each camera’s sensor can resolve.

Even though cameras can share identical pixel counts, some perform better than others. Then we look at image noise, since different cameras can produce cleaner images at higher ISOs than others.

Finally, we get out and shoot with every camera in real-world conditions, just as you will, to find out how it will perform in day-to-day use. All results are analysed by the very best industry software, making our reviews the most authoritative of any you’ll read.

1. Fujifilm X-T30

Compact form and great lenses make this a brilliant travel camera

Read our Fujifilm X-T30 review

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2. Canon Powershot SX740 HS

If it’s zoom you need, it’s hard to look beyond this all-seeing travel cam

40x optical zoom
Largely accurate autofocus
Good photo quality in daytime
Shoots 4K video at 30fps
Small sensor restricts low light performance
No option to shoot in Raw
Screen isn’t touch-sensitive

Smartphones have caught up with compact cameras in lots of ways, but one thing they can’t offer is 40x optical zoom – and that’s what makes the Canon SX740 such a fine travel camera.

Not that it’s just a basic, pocket-friendly camera with a big zoom clamped on the front. The SX740 is packed with lots of handy features, including five-axis image stabilisation, 4K video recording and the ability to fire off stills at 10fps.

Its performance largely matches this features list too, with generally speedy autofocus and vibrant stills, at least when you’re shooting in good light. The SX740’s one major downside is that its 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor struggles a little in lower light, with a slight of lack of detail and a little smudginess in places.

Unless you’re willing to splash out a little more on a compact with a one-inch sensor, like the Panasonic TZ200 or Sony RX100 VI below, that’s to be expected of a compact camera at this level, and the SX740 otherwise does more than enough to justify its price tag and its status as one of the most versatile travel compacts you can buy.

Read our Canon Powershot SX740 HS review

3. Panasonic Lumix TZ200

A fine, premium all-rounder for your holiday carry-on

Stellar zoom range
Respectable image quality
Very usable electronic viewfinder
Good grip in the hand
Effective image stabilisation
Average JPEG quality
Rear LCD doesn’t tilt
Controls don’t suit viewfinder shooting
Slow maximum-aperture zoom is soft at telephoto

Panasonic essentially invented the ‘big zoom, small body’ travel camera – and the TZ200 takes things to another level. Following 2016’s game-changing TZ100, this 2018 update adds two major improvements: a much better electronic viewfinder and a 15x, 24-360mm equivalent zoom.

That lens is the headline feature. It’s longer than anything else you’ll find on a compact with a 1-inch sensor, providing fantastic flexibility when you’re shooting on the road. The compromise is a lower maximum aperture, down to f/3.3-6.4. Combined with a minimum aperture at all focal lengths of f/8, you get limited versatility at the far ranges of the zoom. Images are less detailed at the long end, too, and in low light you’ll have to boost ISO sooner.

Still, optical image stabilisation does well to tackle blur, and the 20.1-megapixel sensor delivers best-in-class image quality across almost all shooting conditions. The new viewfinder helps, too: it’s larger than before, with a higher 2.33m-dot resolution, and the LCD’s refresh rate makes flicker near-invisible. As a result, it’s a pleasure to shoot with.

In the hand, the TZ200 is almost identical to the TZ100, but for extra rubber on the grip, which makes it far less slippery than its predecessor. That said, the layout and small size of certain buttons is unhelpful – particularly when using the viewfinder – while the zoom control can be quite jumpy.

A true all-rounder, Panasonic’s small-aperture superzoom isn’t flawless, then, but for sheer versatility it’s hard to beat. Equipped with a raft of shooting modes and tools – including an intervalometer for time-lapse shooting and new Bluetooth functionality for remote smartphone control – there’s little the TZ200 can’t do. Add in 4K video at 30fps and respectable battery performance and you’ve got a pocket-friendly powerhouse.

Read our Panasonic Lumix TZ200 review

4. Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI

One of the priciest compacts around, but also one of the best

Small and lightweight
Tilting screen
Useful electronic viewfinder
Large sensor & fast frame rate
4K video recording
Very expensive
Buttons are fiddly

Sony’s latest RX100 model emerged in July 2018, and (unsurprisingly), the Sony RX100 VI is the best one yet. For the first time ever, you’ve got a fairly long zoom, with 24-200mm (8x optical) on offer – putting it close to the TZ200.

Something has to be sacrificed to get that extra zoom length though, and in this case it’s at the expense of super wide aperture. The previous model (RX100 V) offered f/1.8-f/2.8, but the Mark VI narrows that down to f/2.8-4.5. Now, if we’re talking about your average travel shot, the zoom is more important, but if you find yourself often shooting in dark situations, you might miss that wider opening.

As always, this is by no means a cheap camera. It’s not even in the “reasonable” category to be honest – it’ll set you back £1200. But you do get an astonishing amount of tech in a teeny tiny body, and that’s arguably worth paying for.

Body wise, buttons are few but useful – if a little on the small side – and for the first time ever, Sony has put touch-sensitivity on the RX100’s screen.It’s still not perfect, but at least you can give a little tap to set the AF point, which is always handy.

As with the previous generation of the camera, the autofocus is extremely fast and it also offers ridiculously high-speed continuous shooting at 24fps. That makes it useful for capturing fast moving subjects, which on your travels could include all sorts of exciting things.

The Sony sensor delivers lovely vibrant images, with bags of detail and a good degree of exposure control. If it’s prohibitively expensive, take a look at older RX100 models to save a bit of cash – particularly if you crave the wider aperture options.

Read our Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI review

5. Panasonic Lumix LX100 II

Going on a city break? This is one of the best street photography snappers around

Large, Four Thirds sensor
Small and light
Tactile controls
No tilting screen
Fairly small upgrade from predecessor

If you’re looking for a top-notch camera to take on your travels, that doesn’t see too much of a compromise in image quality – the LX100 II is an excellent choice.

Thanks to its Four Thirds sensor, you’re getting exactly the same imaging power that you would in one of Panasonic’s compact system cameras, but you can fit it in your jacket pocket (or even your jeans if wear fairly loose fitting ones).

The LX100 II came to the market some four years after the original, but despite having to wait that long, the upgrades are a little bit incremental. There’s a better sensor, and an improved EVF, plus the screen is now touch-sensitive.

A big disappointment is not to have a tilting screen, which can be useful for composing from awkward angles, but is less likely to be bothersome to somebody using it primarily as holiday camera. Having an EVF to switch to when bright sun prohibits the use of the screen is also handy too.

Read our Panasonic Lumix LX100 II review

6. Sony A6400

A small, powerful all-rounder that’ll take your travel snaps to the next level

Superb autofocus Good range of lenses Front-facing screen handy for vlogging Impressive dynamic range

No in-built image stabilisation Fiddly handling

If you’re looking for a mid-range mirrorless camera to take on your travels, there’s very little to choose between the excellent Sony A6400 and Fujifilm X-T30 (see above). But if you like shooting videos to camera or want the best autofocus in the business, then the Sony A6400 might just be your perfect holiday ally.

Can’t quite stretch your budget to afford the A6400? There is definitely still a case for considering the Sony A6000, which is available at half the price. But while that older A-series model is good value, it can’t match the A6400’s autofocus or video performance.

Like the Fujifilm X-T30, the A6400 is a fantastic all-rounder thanks to its class-leading autofocus (which now includes Animal Eye AF for pet or safari snapping) and burst shooting speeds, which reach an impressive 11fps with the mechanical shutter.

The only real downside to the A6400 is its occasionally awkward handling, with some fiddly buttons and an under-cooked touchscreen experience. And the fact that the Fujifilm X-T30 is the slightly more impressive all-rounder.

But if you prefer its more modern design and its 180-degree flipping screen, then the Sony A6400 is a great choice for both travel and general day-to-day photography.

Read our Sony A6400 review

7. DJI Osmo Pocket

For cinematic holiday videos, this gimbal-stabilised pocket camera is hard to beat

Shoots smooth, gimbal-stabilised video
Incredibly small
Auto-tracks subjects and faces
App gives you lots of manual controls
Average audio quality
Needs accessories to unlock its full potential
Not waterproof without an optional case

If you’re looking to mostly shoot videos, timelapses and clips to camera on your travels, then it’s hard to beat DJI’s unique Pocket camera.

It’s the world’s smallest 4K camera with a three-axis gimbal, which means it shoots super-smooth video in all lighting conditions (even gloomy lighting, which can trouble cameras that mostly rely on electronic stabilisation).

On its own, the DJI Osmo Pocket makes a great walkaround travel camera for video and 12-megapixel stills, but plug your Android or iPhone smartphone into its side and you get loads more effects like automatic subject tracking and motion timelapses.

The Pocket’s 1/2.3in sensor (in the ballpark of most compacts and flagship smartphones) means it won’t trouble premium compacts like the Sony RX100 VI or Panasonic TZ200 for stills quality, but it produces the best video quality from a camera of this size. Which is to say, one that’s about the size of a Mars bar.

The combination of its gimbal and app mean that even novices can shoot cinematic panning shots, while those with more experience will be happy to find full manual controls and histograms in the settings.

You might need to add one or two of the Pocket’s optional accessories, such as the 3.5mm microphone adaptor, to unlock its full potential, but on its own it’s still a fantastic holiday companion and a nice upgrade from your smartphone’s video capabilities.

Read our DJI Osmo Pocket review

8. Panasonic G90

A fine travel camera with weatherproofing and built-in stabilisation

Weatherproof design
Versatile screen is good for vlogging
Impressive photo and video quality
Unlimited 4K video recording
Larger than its Sony and Fujifilm rivals
Smaller sensor than similarly priced cameras

Looking for an interchangeable lens travel camera with both weatherproofing and in-built image stabilisation? The Panasonic G90 is the best mid-range option with those features right now. Its 20.3-megapixel Four Thirds sensor is smaller than the APS-C chips in the Sony A6400 and Fujifilm X-T30, and it is a bulkier camera overall. But that does mean it has room for that built-in IS, which you won’t find in either of its rivals.

The Panasonic G90’s autofocus isn’t quite as sharp as those two cameras, but it is fast to get a lock in most situations, including when tracking moving subjects. Also pretty rapid is its burst shooting speed, which hits 9fps at full resolution and 30fps in 4K Photo mode resolution (which is about eight megapixels).

In other words, it’s a fine all-rounder for pretty much any situation, except challenging low light scenes, where its smaller sensor is pushed to the limits (even if built-in IS helps you preserve image quality). Still, vloggers will really appreciate its side-flipping screen, while the G90’s 4K video quality is really strong and aided by the bonus of unlimited 4K video recording.

Right now, there’s an argument that the larger and older Panasonic G9 actually offers better value, thanks to its superior video recording and two card slots. But for hobbyists and travellers, the G90 is the sweet spot.

9. Panasonic Lumix GX800

One of the best value compact system cameras you can buy

Small and easy to use
Capable of 4K Video and 4K Photo
Cheapest Panasonic CSC around
No viewfinder

Panasonic’s cheapest compact system camera might be simpler than its GX8 and GX80 siblings, but it’s unbeatable as an entry-level travel camera.

Closer in size to a premium compact, it’s the manufacturer’s smallest CSC and, with the 12-32mm kit lens fully retracted, it will happily slip into a large pocket. Despite that, it benefits from a 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, which does without an optical low-pass filter in favour of greater detail in shots.

Although it sits at the bottom of the Panasonic lineup, you get two killer features: 4K Photo, which lets you pull stills out of 4K video shot at 30fps, and Post Focus. The former is useful for action photography, while the latter’s option to retrospectively change the point of focus is great if you’re into macro.

You won’t find too many controls on the body, which speaks of the model’s beginner status, but what’s there is grouped well and makes for easy one-handed shooting. You’ll need to look elsewhere if you want a viewfinder, though. However, in its place is a touch-sensitive, flip-up LCD that’s responsive and intuitive, making it an ideal option for those stepping up from smartphones.

Fitted with the 12-32mm kit lens, the camera starts up quickly and is largely fast and accurate. Lock-on can be a challenge in low light, but it’s otherwise reliable and tracking is reasonable, provided you’re following something predictable. Overall image quality is excellent, with warm colours and rich detail. The highest ISO levels are best avoided, but in most conditions you’ll get well-balanced results – and it’s a similar story with 4K footage.

If you’re looking for budget performance that’s a step up from your smartphone or compact, the GX800 is a very capable option. And if that viewfinder is a deal-breaker, Panasonic’s GX80 isn’t too much more expensive.

Read our Panasonic Lumix GX800 review

10. Canon G1X Mark III

This pro-friendly compact is ideal for anyone looking for a mini version of their DSLR

Class-leading image quality
Excellent control layout
Robust construction
Lens offers little creativity
Relatively poor battery life
No 4K video recording

Styled like a mini-DSLR, the G1X Mark III is the ideal travel camera for those who want a more portable version of their full-size camera. With its pro-friendly controls and built-in electronic viewfinder, it’s a premium zoom camera for enthusiasts rather than beginners.

A 24-megapixel APS-C sensor is hidden in its compact shell, delivering image quality to match some DSLRs, while Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology means on-chip phase detection for rapid and accurate autofocus. Canon’s Digic 7 processor is there, too, serving up processing tricks that tackle difficult lighting conditions with aplomb.

There are limitations, though. At £1149, you’re paying a serious premium for that compact performance, while the built-in 24-72mm equivalent lens isn’t perfect, either. The range is usable enough, but its f/2.8-5.6 maximum aperture is relatively limited compared to contemporaries, restricting background blur at the business end of the zoom.

Battery is also a blight on all-day shooting, with stamina that’s good for just 200 shots on a single charge, while certain controls are laid out in an awkward way.

All of that being said, the G1X has some real highlights. One of them is the electronic viewfinder, which sits centrally above the fantastic flip-out touchscreen. A 2.36m-dot OLED unit, it’s bright, accurate and clear, and feels like the best way to shoot with the Mark III.

Canon has also made it very easy to connect the G1X to other devices. Besides Dynamic NFC and Wi-Fi, always-on Bluetooth is a real stand-out feature, letting you use your phone as a wireless remote and to fire up the Wi-Fi for advanced remote shooting.

Flaws and all, this is a remarkable camera. Squeezing an APS-C sensor and zoom lens into such a small body is no mean feat, and paired with quick autofocus and class-leading image quality, it’s up there with the best.

Read our Canon G1X Mark III review

11. GoPro Hero 7 Black

Still the ideal rugged, waterproof camera for adventure holidays

Fantastic image stabilisation
Waterproof without a case
Livestreaming available
Great video, audio and stills quality
Can get hot recording 4K
Occasionally sluggish
Relatively expensive

If it doesn’t count as a holiday if it didn’t include some kind of action or adventure element, then you may want to pick up a camera to document all of your travels with.

GoPro has become the go-to name for action cameras, and its latest incarnation, the GoPro Hero 7 , shows us exactly why the company dominates the market so heavily.

Its headline features include 4K/60fps video with electronic images stabilisation, waterproofing without need for a case, plus the ability to livestream. We’re not talking about a massive overhaul from the GoPro Hero 6, but pricing is sensible enough to tempt you towards the newer model.

Read our GoPro Hero 7 Black review

12. Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV

A fantastic bridge camera all-rounder with DSLR-beating speed

Huge zoom range
Fast, accurate autofocus
Excellent image quality
Screen only tilts up or down
Lacks some expected features
Bluetooth used for geo-tagging only

Anything that promises all-in-one performance has a lot to prove, but the original RX10 showed that adding a larger sensor to a bridge camera could achieve peerless versatility. Five years later, its fourth generation raised the bar to staggering heights.

Sony has overhauled the internals, adding a 20.1-megapixel stacked CMOS sensor and Bionz X processor. In consequence, it’s blisteringly fast – to a degree that eclipses most DSLRs. It will shoot at 24fps with continuous autofocus, while its silent electronic shutter can deliver speeds of 1/32,000sec. That chip even has enough power to buffer 110 RAW files.

What’s more, there’s on-chip phase detection which, combined with 315 focus points, allows the camera to group points around a moving subject for supreme accuracy.

The RX10 IV’s lens has an equivalent range of 24-600mm, offering incredible versatility without switching lenses. While the maximum aperture is f.2.4-4, things do change quickly as you zoom, with f/4 your lot beyond 100mm. Still, with the ability to focus just 3cm from the front element at wide angle, it’s a very flexible setup.

Enthusiasts might rightly bemoan the lack of several features, including in-camera RAW conversion, an intervalometer and a greater variety of aspect ratios, while Bluetooth LE is limited to geo-tagging only – but the breadth of the RX10 IV’s shooting capabilities is hard to fault.

Video options are similarly comprehensive, with 4K at 25fps, along with manual exposure control, the option to re-focus while recording, and the ability to pull 8-megapixel stills from 4K footage. There’s even a limited but impressive High Frame Rate mode that can capture at up to 1000fps.

In short, the RX10 IV really is an all-in-one answer to the travel camera conundrum. It will tackle almost any situation and subject and, short of the usual 1-inch sensor noise at higher ISOs, performance is almost flawless.

Read our Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV review

Best travel cameras buying guide – six things to look out for

1) Viewfinders

Even the best screens can be hard to see in direct sunlight. If you’re heading somewhere sunny, it’s worth considering a camera with a viewfinder. Less common on budget models, viewfinders are protected from the light, so offer an unhindered shooting experience in which the image and framing can be seen clearly.

DSLR cameras often carry optical viewfinders, which give the eye an unaltered, natural image, while many premium compacts and CSCs use electronic viewfinders. These relay a bright, clear preview to a small, high-resolution display. Better EVFs can give a truer impression of what the camera will capture and are very useful at night, but less-effective variants can suffer from flickering and lag.

2) Weather-proofing

Unless you’re a fair-weather traveller, it makes sense to consider weather-proofing when buying a camera. Fully rugged cameras are designed to withstand knocks, drops and even immersion in water for extended periods, so you’ll want one of these if you’re going on an adventure holiday.

Most standard cameras are less extreme, but many offer a degree of weather protection. Some of the premium compacts in this list are dust- and drip-proof, which should give you peace of mind when shooting in the rain, while it’s also possible to find weather-sealed DSLRs that rely on rubber housings and seals to keep moisture out – although lenses also have to be weather-sealed for full protection.

3) Connectivity

Many cameras in this list ship with Wi-Fi built in. Use it to connect wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet and you’ll be able to transfer your latest holiday shots across for editing and sharing on the go, without a PC or cable in sight.

Certain models also offer NFC, which similarly permits contactless file transfers to NFC-enabled phones. Bluetooth, on the other hand, is generally used for controlling your camera from your phone, but not all of our picks implement it in the same way. Choose a model with a partner app and you’ll likely be able to trigger the shutter from afar for the perfect postcard selfie.

4) Dimensions vs battery life

Size is everything when it comes to travel cameras, and not all are created equal. If you’re travelling light and rucksack space is at a premium, a compact is your best bet, since these tend to be smaller and lighter, yet still versatile enough for most shooting conditions. DSLRs, on the other hand, are weightier and any extra lenses will add bulk to your bag – although image quality is the big selling point.

Compact system cameras sit somewhere in the middle, offering decent performance and the option of multiple lenses, with less heft than DSLR equipment. The flip-side is that bigger cameras tend to offer better battery life. Compacts frequently sacrifice longevity to achieve their diminutive proportions, so you’ll usually need a spare battery for all-day shooting.

5) Image stabilisation

Travel photography often involves shooting on the move, which is where image stabilisation (or IS) comes in handy. This technology reduces the effect of hand-shake or camera movement on photos.

Different manufacturers give it different names but there are essentially two types: sensor-shift, where the sensor moves to compensate for shake; and lens-shift, where the lens adjusts instead. Whichever system is used, the result is sharper shots even when the camera isn’t kept still. This is also a boon when you’re shooting at slower shutter speeds or long zoom lengths, both of which would otherwise magnify any movements.

6) 4K video

While most cameras are capable of shooting video in 720p or 1080p, only some can do so in 4K. Whether you need the added resolution depends on how you watch your videos. It’s worth bearing in mind that 4K footage takes up a lot more storage space than HD, too.

If you want to shoot video as you travel, there are several choices in this list that can deliver both high-quality stills and smooth 4K footage at 30fps. Some also give you the option of picking out individual video frames as still shots, which is useful for capturing fast action.

Mark was previously acting editor of Stuff.tv, as well as features editor and reviews editor on Stuff magazine. He has contributed to a variety of publications, including The Sunday Times, The Daily T…

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The 6 Best Travel Cameras To Take Better Photos On Your Next Vacation

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No matter how great your smartphone is, its camera can’t quite compete with a great dedicated camera. Travel cameras allow you to take excellent photos using a compact device that easily fits in a bag or even a pocket, so it doesn’t weigh you down on a trip. We think the OM System OM-5 is the best travel camera overall because it has excellent image stabilization and can take interchangeable lenses.

Sometimes you want more than a phone camera to document your epic trip. These are some of the best ... [+] travel cameras.

There are great models for amateurs and professionals alike, ensuring anyone can take their travel photography to the next level. After testing and extensive research, we’ve narrowed down hundreds of options to recommend quality models for every shooter in a variety of price ranges and with a variety of features.

Best Travel Camera Overall: OM System OM-5 Camera (Body Only)
Best Budget Travel Camera: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Camera
Best Compact Travel Camera: Fujifilm X100VI Camera
Best Point-And-Shoot Travel Camera: Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 VII Camera
Best Travel Camera For Vlogging: Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera For Content Creators
Best Travel Action Camera: GoPro Hero12 Black Action Camera

Best Travel Camera Overall

Instantly level up your travel photography, om system om-5 camera (body only).

Best for: Getting the best travel photography in a compact package.

Those looking for a high-end travel camera in a compact body with versatile functionality should buy the OM System OM-5. The camera is a particularly good choice for photographers who want the flexibility of interchangeable lenses—of course, adding one or multiple lenses makes it slightly less portable than some of the other options on this list. The camera boasts a huge range of features, including things like in-body stabilization and interesting computational photography modes. In particular, this camera boasts great in-body stabilization, ensuring crisp and detailed images even for longer exposures.

The camera is a little more expensive than some might want, especially amateurs who only want something to use on vacation. Additionally, the camera has a slightly older processor, and it charges through a Micro-USB charging port instead of the USB-C charging port we would expect in 2024. Those, however, are relatively minor issues considering the stunning image quality for the price.

What the reviews say: Reviewers on Amazon are particularly impressed with the image stabilization. “Excellent camera for vacations and general photography. Sharpness and image quality is very good. Image stabilization is outstanding. I can hand-hold 1/2 second exposures and get a sharp image.”

Interchangeable lenses
Excellent image stabilization
Cool retro design
Less compact with interchangeable lenses
Micro-USB charging port
Slightly aging processor

Best Budget Travel Camera

Up-to-date image quality with a retro body, olympus om-d e-m10 mark iv camera.

Best for: Top-tier travel photography at a reasonable price.

It’s worth paying a little for a decent camera if you want something better than your phone, but you don’t necessarily have to pay more than $1,000 or so. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a perfect example of this. It’s not necessarily cheap , but it is more affordable than many of the other options on this list, while still offering an excellent image quality and solid video quality. The camera has five-axis stabilization for more crisp photos, and it has a three-inch display that can flip down for easier viewing depending on your positioning. It’s very compact, too, and it supports hundreds of relatively affordable, compact lenses.

There are some trade-offs when you buy a more affordable camera. This camera also has a Micro-USB port, and there’s no microphone input to be able to sync audio from an external microphone. Some may consider the 4K 30fps video to be a little low, however it’s to be expected for a camera in this price range. However, the camera still gets the basics right—like a solid image quality with good stabilization. As an added bonus, it has an awesome retro design, too.

What the reviews say: Reviewers on Amazon found the camera to be high-quality, while being highly portable. “I bought this for a month-long trip through Europe and it served me well. The pictures are high quality and clear, while the camera is lightweight and durable.”

Hundreds of affordable lens options
Reasonable price
Great image and video quality
Micro-USB port
No microphone input

Best Compact Travel Camera

Keep your camera in your pocket, fujifilm x100vi camera.

Best for: Excellent image quality in an ultracompact camera that can fit in your pocket.

Those who want something ultracompact should buy the Fujifilm X100VI. You may note that the dimensions of this camera are similar or even slightly larger than some of the other cameras on this list, but this camera does not have interchangeable lenses, and instead has a relatively slim lens fixed to the body. Thankfully, the camera still boasts an excellent image quality with good depth, and it can capture high-resolution video, at up to a 6.2K resolution. It has good in-body stabilization too, which helps produce crisp images.

Unfortunately, the camera is more expensive than many of the alternatives, but since you have to buy separate lenses for other options, that gap closes a little. Additionally, the focus on the camera isn’t super fast, but thankfully it’s not overly slow either.

What the reviews say: Reviews by customers on B&H note that the camera is a worthy upgrade from other Fujifilm models. “The camera is awesome. I was afraid it wasn’t worth upgrading. But it is such an improvement from the X100F.”

Compact build
High-resolution video
Good image stabilization
Lens focus isn’t super fast

Best Point-And-Shoot Travel Camera

Easy to use at a moment's notice, sony cyber-shot rx100 vii camera.

Best for: Quick photography when you need it.

Those looking for a super compact point-and-shoot camera to take on their travels should buy the Sony RX100 VII. This camera is small but mighty, offering a host of high-end features and the ability to take excellent photos despite its small size. Notably, it has some of the best autofocus tech in the game, meaning that you can take photos faster than ever. While it has a built-in lens, it’s relatively versatile and can zoom to up to 8x. The camera offers digital-stabilization tech that’s generally good for shooting casual video.

Be a little careful when using the camera, as it isn’t the most rugged, and there’s no waterproofing. Additionally, the camera is a little more expensive than other options, even those that offer more features and versatility. However, if you’re looking for ultracompact and don’t mind spending a little to get it, then the Sony RX100 VII is the way to go.

What the reviews say: Reviewers on B&H note that the camera is a powerhouse for its size. “This little camera is truly remarkable. I’m a professional photojournalist and own a number of mirrorless alpha bodies; I bought this camera for hiking and skiing because it fits easily into almost any pocket.”

Highly versatile lens
Very portable size
Sleek design
Not the most rugged
A bit expensive

Best Travel Camera For Vlogging

A content-creation powerhouse in a tiny body, sony zv-1 digital camera for content creators.

Best for: Vloggers who want solid video and audio on the go.

Vloggers or videographers who want something high-end to take on the go should buy the Sony ZV-1. This camera offers a range of features to make vlogging even easier, plus it has a compact build that makes it easy to pack it in a bag or pocket. Perhaps the best feature is the side-flipping camera that allows you to see your shot when you’re filming yourself. Video quality is excellent, and the camera is able to capture bright, vibrant video all the time. Additionally, the camera has a hot shoe and 3.5mm microphone port, so you can easily set up external microphones for better audio.

The camera is able to capture 4K video at up to 30 frames per second, which may be too low for videographers who rely on slow-motion shots but still want 4K footage. Thankfully, it does support up to 120 fps when shooting at a 1080p resolution. Additionally, while colors are bright and vibrant, the video stabilization isn’t as great as some more expensive options. But it’s still not terrible, especially given the price of the camera.

What the reviews say: A reviewer on Amazon noted that the camera is perfect for their content creation needs. “As a content creator and vlogger, this camera has become an indispensable tool for capturing high-quality videos and photos. The image and video quality is outstanding, with crisp details and vibrant colors that make my content pop.”

Relatively inexpensive
Excellent video quality
Side-flipping screen for self-video
4K maxes out at 30fps
Video stabilization is only fine

Best Travel Action Camera

Capture your skydiving—or just your pool-diving, gopro hero12 black action camera.

Best for: Capturing the action other cameras wouldn’t survive in.

GoPro has long offered the best action cam experience, and the GoPro Hero12 Black is the best one yet. This camera offers a massive range of features for those who want to capture the action, including the ability to capture footage at a hefty 5.3K at 60 frames per second or 4K at 120 fps. Downgrade to a still-solid 2.7K and you can capture footage at 240 fps—perfect for those ultra slow-mo shots. The camera has a display on both the front and the back, making it a great choice for those who want to capture themselves.

It’s a little hard to compare this camera with others on this list and talk about image quality. It’s true to say that the Hero12 Black has the worst image quality of any camera on this list. But it’s also a totally different type of camera—built for high-frame-rate video. And, to be fair, it offers among the best image qualities of any action camera out there. It also has a compact body and the ability to survive almost anything. It takes a little time getting used to the menu system, and it costs more than many of the other action cams out there, but it’s worth the price and the time you spend learning how to use it.

What the reviews say: One reviewer on Amazon was particularly impressed with the number of accessories available to the camera. “Video and picture quality is awesome and, with so many accessories available, the options for use and function seem limitless.”

Very portable
Tons of video options
Works with a large range of accessories
Slightly tricky to navigate
A bit pricey for an action cam

The 8 Best Foundations For Combination Skin, According To Experts

The best murphy beds to make the most out of your bedroom space, why trust forbes vetted.

At Forbes Vetted, we’re proud of our large library of tech and camera articles . We offer dozens of guides about all kinds of cameras, including mirrorless cameras and dash cams .

This guide was written by Christian de Looper , who has over a decade’s worth of experience writing about consumer technology.
All picks in this guide were approved by Rebecca Isaacs , Forbes Vetted’s tech editor, a consumer technology expert who has years of experience writing about and covering all the latest gadgets.
The world of tech and camera equipment moves fast, so we make every effort to keep our content accurate and up-to-date. This article was last updated in May 2024.

How We Chose The Best Travel Cameras

In building this list of the best travel cameras, we leveraged our own expertise and years of experience covering the consumer technology and camera industries as well as reviews from users.

We identified the different categories of travel cameras, and narrowed our list down to the top products that we’ve tested that are consistently recommended in those categories.
Factors we considered included things like image quality, video features, portability and when relevant, water-resistance.
We also pored over reviews from real buyers to make sure others’ experience aligned without own. We didn’t include any options that weren’t top-rated by reviewers.

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Travel Cameras

Best Travel Cameras
Recommended Travel Lenses

Portable and lightweight

Our portable cameras are ideal for travel, balancing compact design with functionality. Light enough for any adventure, they fit easily into a backpack or bag, ensuring you're ready to capture every moment without being weighed down. Starting from just 365g, njoy the ease of travel with a camera that's built to be both small and powerful, perfectly suited for capturing all your journeys.

Stand out image quality

Our travel cameras, with their large sensors, capture strikingly detailed and vibrant images. These high-quality captures ensure your travel memories are preserved with clarity and colour depth, and work great in low-light conditions. Plus, they’re packed with resolution so you can crop and print without losing any detail

Flexible and versatile

Whatever you need for your trip, our travel cameras offer incredible versatility. Switch between different lenses to adapt to various shooting conditions and subjects from wide-angle for capturing sweeping landscapes, to telephoto for distant details. With manual controls, enjoy flexibility and greater creative freedom with control over settings such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO for the ultimate travel shots.

EOS R100 356g

EOS R50 375g

EOS R10 429g

EOS R8 461g

Product image of the EOS R7 mirrorless camera

Capture subjects in their natural habitat with speed and performance that will blow you away. With 30fps continuous shooting and intelligent autofocus, keep your subject in focus.

View camera

EOS R6 Mark II

A full frame mirrorless option for shooting high performance photo and video, with explosive speeds of up to 40fps.

Capture sharp details with the EOS RP's 26 megapixel full frame sensor and up to 4779 selectable AF point positions.

2024 Travel Cash Back

Simply make an eligible purchase from an authorised Canon Australia retailer between 18 March to 3 June 2024, then make your claim online.

RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM

Shoot many scenes from wide angle landscapes to portraits with a 130g lens that won't weight you down.

RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM

Get closer to the action with this telephoto lens great for wildlife and sports.

RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM

Shoot with confidence handheld with this versatile lens with 4.5 stops in-lens Image Stabilization.

RF 50mm f/1.8 STM

This nifty fifty prime lens is a must-have if you like to capture photos and videos of people or food on your travels.

Turn Up Your Travels with the EOS R50

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From waterfalls and glaciers to wild horses and black-sand beaches, photographer Steph Vella shares her advice on capturing the spectacular natural beauty of Iceland.

Tokyo and Kyoto: Photography Guide from @itchban

Photographer Benjamin Lee (@itchban) shares his favourite locations in Tokyo and Kyoto, as well as packing advice and tips on how to capture the magic of Japan for yourself.

The Canadian Rockies Through Tony Irving’s Lens

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Discover Egypt and Jordan with Jona Grey

Discover Egypt and Jordan with Photographer Jona Grey

Discover the most spectacular photography locations in Egypt and Jordan with travel tips from Jona Grey.

Photographing Peru with Jordan Hammond

Photograph the best of Peru’s colourful culture and dramatic landscapes with this travel guide from Jordan Hammond

Melissa Findley’s Guide to Photographing India

Discover the Enchanted Beauty of India with Melissa Findley

Travel and photograph your way through the vivid colours of India with these essential tips from travel photographer, Melissa Findley.

Landscape image of travel photography by Matt Cherubino

Taking the Path Less Travelled: A Travel Photographer's Journey

Matt Cherubino, a Melbourne-based travel and lifestyle photographer, opens up about the unique career path he's taken. Read more.

Photographing Finland with Elaine Li

Elaine shares her favourite photography locations in Helsinki and Lapland. From snow-white fields to ethereal pine forests, Finland sure has a lot to offer.

Discover Morocco with Photographer Brook Rushton

Travel photographer Brook Rushton shares his favourite photography spots in magical Morocco. Plus recommended camera gear, and tips on what to pack.

How to travel with camera gear?

Is it worth buying a camera for travel, what camera is best for travel photography, how to keep your camera safe when travelling.

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Canon EOS RP Full-Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera + RF24-105mm Lens F4-7.1 is STM Lens Kit- Compact and Lightweight for Traveling and Vlogging, Black (3380C132)

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w/ Mount Adapter and EF 24-105mm lens

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w/ Accessories Starter Kit for EOS RP

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About this item.

Compact, Lightweight and High-Quality RF Lens with a Versatile Zoom Range of 24-105 millimeter
Optical Image Stabilization at up to 5 stops of shake correction
Maximum Magnification of 0.4x and Minimum Focusing Distance of 0.66 feet in Auto Focus.
Maximum Magnification of 0.5x and Minimum Focusing Distance of 0.43 ft. when using Center Focus Macro.
Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your Canon camera into a high-quality webcam, or do the same using a clean HDMI output.
Video capture resolution: 4K UHD 2160p

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Canon EOS RP Full-Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera + RF24-105mm Lens F4-7.1 is STM Lens Kit- Compact and Lightwei

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Canon EOS R7 RF-S18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Kit, Mirrorless Vlogging Camera, 32.5 MP Image Quality, 4K 60p Video, DIGIC X

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Camera Body & Lens

From the manufacturer

EOS RP RF24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM Lens Kit

Lightweight, compact, feature-packed—the EOS RP mirrorless camera and RF24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM lens let you capture everything from stunning portraits to landscapes with ease. Featuring a 26.2 MP CMOS sensor, 4K video, a versatile zoom range* and more, it's the photo enthusiast's perfect match.

Canon, Canon EOS, Canon mirrorless camera, Canon mirrorless, Canon EOS RP, EOS RP, RP, full frame

The EOS RP Mirrorless Camera

Stepping up to a full-frame camera has never been easier. The EOS RP mirrorless camera is the lightest and most compact full-frame EOS camera to date,** packed with powerful features that help you capture your world with the quality, control and ease you crave.

Full-frame CMOS Sensor

High-quality imagery.

The CMOS sensor helps capture phenomenal images with rich detail and color, great for large prints.

High-speed Focusing

Fast autofocus.

Dual Pixel CMOS AF can achieve incredibly smooth and accurate autofocus in approx. 0.05 seconds.***

Expansive AF Area

Incredible coverage.

An AF area of approx. 88% x 100%^ means fast and impressive focusing even for off-center subjects.

EV -5 Low Light

Autofocus in the dark.

Amazing for nighttime photography, the AF system can operate in light ratings as low as EV -5.^^

Variety of AF Modes

Customizable af area.

A range of sophisticated AF modes help achieve sharp focus to suit specific subjects and situations.

EOS RP Features & Lens Comparison

Stunning 4K

The EOS RP's 26.2 MP full-frame CMOS sensor and fast DIGIC 8 image processor help deliver not only high-quality stills, but also incredible 4K and Full HD video for those once-in-a-lifetime moments.

Touch and Drag AF

Touch and Drag AF makes it easy to select and move focus points on the touchscreen LCD. Simply point to the area of focus and the EOS RP does the rest, displaying the chosen point in the viewfinder.

Creative Assist

Creative Assist makes it simple to see the effects of camera settings in real time—ideal for creators looking to experiment with different tones and moods to suit various subjects and situations.

Canon lenses, cannon, canon rf lenses, rf lens,

Seamless Mobile Operation

With Canon’s Digital Photo Professional Express software and Camera Connect app, editing and sharing pictures and movies on a compatible handheld device is a breeze.

RF24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM Lens

The compact, lightweight RF24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM lens makes a versatile addition to your gear bag, boasting a flexible zoom range, excellent close-up focusing with 0.5x maximum magnification, a leadscrew-type STM motor for smooth autofocusing and more incredible features.

RF24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM Lens Features

Broad 24-105mm Zoom Range

Covering macro-like, wide angle, normal and telephoto, the wide zoom range offers amazing versatility for EOS R series cameras. Go from shooting landscapes to portraits without a single lens change.

Center Focus Macro for Impressive Close-ups

The RF24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM lens achieves a maximum magnification ratio of 0.5x when using Center Macro Focus, making it easy to take photos from as close as one inch away.

Optical IS Technology

The RF24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM lens works with EOS R series cameras to deliver up to 5 stops^^^ of image stabilization. Whether shooting still or video, users can achieve impressively clear results.

Leadscrew-type STM Motor

The RF24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM lens features a leadscrew-type STM motor, enabling smooth and precise autofocus for stills and video. This helps you capture fast-moving subjects with incredible accuracy.

EOS RP + RF24-105mm F4–7.1 IS STM Lens Kit

Built-in OLED Electronic Viewfinder

The 0.39-inch OLED EVF displays a bright 100% view of the subject plus relevant shooting information. It’s remarkably comfortable for composing and reviewing images, even when wearing glasses.

The convenient Mode Dial provides quick, easy access to various shooting modes and settings. Fv mode allows users to adjust settings like aperture and ISO, and individually set them to Auto or Manual.

3.0” Vari-angle Touchscreen LCD

Bright and clear, the 3.0-inch 1.04 Megapixel LCD II vari-angle touchscreen is easily positioned for shooting from numerous angles, makes taking selfies simple and folds away when not in use.

Quick Control Ring

Turn the Quick Control Ring to enable quick changes of camera settings or images in review. Conveniently positioned, this dial allows for fast and intuitive operation while shooting.

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Product information

Warranty & support, product description.

The EOS RP and RF24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM lens kit is a compact and lightweight RF-series kit that offers a versatile zoom range, capturing different subjects with ease. For macro enthusiasts, the EOS RP and RF24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM lens kit is particularly advantageous, offering an impressive maximum magnification of 0.5x using Center Macro Focus helping you snap photos from as close as one inch away. Your images and videos will remain clear and steady, too, thanks to a leadscrew-type STM motor that enables smooth autofocusing, and optical image stabilization with up to 5 stops of shake correction. And, with a control ring that allows for quick setting changes, including shutter speed and aperture, the EOS RP and RF24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM lens kit puts quality, convenience and control in your hands, making it perfect duo for every day use.

Customer reviews

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the value, quality and sturdiness of the digital camera. They mention that it does its job for its price, produces stunning photos and that the autofocus is quick and spot on. They are also happy with ease of use, performance, and lighting. However, some customers have reported issues with the battery life.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the image quality of the camera. For example, they say the HDR function produces stunning photos, the colors are amazing in every picture, and it gets everything in the shot. Some mention that the battery life is hell.

"...However, I've found that 1080p meets my needs just fine and looks absolutely gorgeous ...." Read more

"...The image quality is a significant upgrade on my 5d Mark 2, low light performance is great, autofocus is super fast and accurate, and it's very..." Read more

"...The colors are amazing in every picture . I do recommend purchasing the flash attachment that I didn't realize was sold separately...." Read more

"...speed to 1/60 and increase the ISO to 10,000 to get clear but low resolution pictures ...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the sturdiness of the digital camera. For example, they mention it's a great camera for professionals and semi-pros, with sharp pictures and an excellent at its class. Some say it'll be a perfect camera for all occasions and has a superb AF system that covers 80% of the frame.

"...As for the body of the camera itself, it feels incredibly well made . Grabbing my T3i now feels like a cheap plastic toy compared to this thing...." Read more

"...The R series cameras are amazing and this is no exception especially considering the price...." Read more

"...All in all, it seems to be a very good camera . Other than the resolution, I still prefer the images from my 6D but as I said, its early yet...." Read more

"...This really is a fantastic camera , and I'm glad I suck it up, paid the price to own it...." Read more

Customers like the value of the camera. They say it's a great upgrade, and a cost effective way to explore this technology.

"... Well worth the money ." Read more

"...a lot of practical convenience features that make this one hell of a camera for the price ." Read more

"...of this model and STM lens design in the winter were not worth the live preview , quiet shutter operation, and lack of viewfinder blackout...." Read more

"...it gets 4 stars for being able to produce high-quality images for a good price ." Read more

Customers like the autofocus on the camera. They say it's quick, accurate, and spot on. Some mention that the camera is a manual focus dream, and can use eye detection for focusing. They also say the face detecting autofocus works great, and nearly all of their shots are perfectly in focus.

"...HUGE step up from the T3i. The face detecting autofocus works great and nearly all of my shots are perfectly in focus unless it's super dark which..." Read more

"...on my 5d Mark 2, low light performance is great, autofocus is super fast and accurate , and it's very light weight...." Read more

"...And it can use eye detection for focusing and show you the results in the viewfinder...." Read more

"...part, the RP performs beautifully, especially in low-light, and slow-paced portraits ...." Read more

Customers like the performance of the camera. They say it works fantastic, beautifully, and has wonderful features. They are also pleased with the results, saying it operates smoothly and has no issues. Some say the remote camera operation via iPhone works flawlessly. Customers also mention that the eye detection works well.

"...The eye detection works well , and it's worth buying for this reason alone if you're using a lens with a shallow depth of field like a 50mm...." Read more

"...The Canon adapter works great as well.Where I ran into issues was highlight blowouts despite ISO being bottomed out...." Read more

"...The eye detect focus from my limited use is very fast and does a great job ...." Read more

"...I got it with the 24-105 kit lens. Nice range and operated smoothly , but poor sharpness. Unusably soft in all edges and corners...." Read more

Customers find the digital camera fairly intuitive and easy to use. They also appreciate the viewfinder and ergonomics. They say the interface is aok and the files are more manageable.

"...You get the beautiful Canon color and easy to use ergonomics ...." Read more

"...The pictures are clear and sharp, the menu is pretty easy to navigate , and the high ISO handling saved my butt because I forgot to bring my flash in..." Read more

"...shooting with this camera - I find that it is fairly intuitive and easy to use . Battery life is decent but will add a second battery soon...." Read more

"...The kit lens isn't a bad lens, it's just a very challenging lens and definitely made me think more critical about my f/stop and focal length since it..." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the lighting of the camera. They mention that it has a better low light capability and higher ISO. They also appreciate the great autofocus features and say that it does wonders with well-lit subjects.

"...The low light performance is so much better and the size of these photos is insane...." Read more

"...The image quality is a significant upgrade on my 5d Mark 2, low light performance is great , autofocus is super fast and accurate, and it's very..." Read more

"...That's about it. This camera has wicked low light capability at high ISO with very little noise...." Read more

"...The low light performance is very good , and you can get very respectable images even beyond 12800 ISO with a little work...." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the battery life of the digital camera. They mention that it dies quickly, and the clean feed only lasts for 30 minutes.

"...weddings where I'm firing away on the shutter button, and the battery dies despite being fully or nearly fully charged..." Read more

"...The only con? Short battery life . Buy extras. Mine crapped out after a few hours on the water, but I had a backup so it wasn't a problem...." Read more

"...the Canon RP will shut down after 30 minutes no matter what!..." Read more

"... Battery life is decent but will add a second battery soon. Overall exciting to keep learning with the Canon EOS RP and can definitely recommend it." Read more

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Canon Confirms Development of EOS R1 Flagship Camera

The first details on the Canon's long-awaited flagship mirrorless R1 camera are slim, even though it's expected to debut within the year.

Canon's mirrorless system is finally getting a 1 series camera, and it's happening this year. This morning Canon confirmed that the EOS R1, a mirrorless sequel to its professional 1D X Mark III SLR, is under development. Details are pretty scant—we don't know how many pixels it has or how quickly the full-frame sensor will focus and fire—but we do know the camera is planned for release this calendar year and that Canon is already working on field tests ahead of releasing full details on the camera.

Expect to See R1 at the Olympics

Historically, the 1D SLR series was Canon's best built and fastest focusing line of cameras. It was made to satisfy the needs of photographers gathering news in all areas of the world, including conflict zones, and to tackle subject matter that demands a fast focus response and drive rate. Plenty of professional sports and wildlife photographers rely on a 1D body for their work.

Canon is clearly aiming the EOS R1 at the same market. While we don't know much about how it will work, Canon says the R1 includes autofocus features that no other cameras have. The camera uses deep learning tech to realize fast, accurate subject detection and tracking. For team sports, Canon promises the R1 can keep track of the same player, even if others wearing a similar uniform pass in front of the lens and obstruct the view. That's not unheard of, but the R1's Action Priority focus mode is an innovation; it can recognize the motion of athletes and shift focus to the player getting ready to take a shot all on its own.

Given the sports-focused feature set and timing of the development announcement, it's fair to expect to see the R1 in use at this summer's Paris Olympics. By making the camera public now, Canon is free to test the EOS R1 to capture the highest levels of athletic competition in full view of international broadcast TV cameras without having to worry about internet sleuths spotting it and stealing the thunder away from an official announcement.

Improved Processing Versus EOS R3

Currently, Canon's fastest full-frame camera for action and reportage is the EOS R3 . It earned high marks when we tested it and remains competitive against fresher competition like the Nikon Z 8 , but Canon has been careful to point out that it does not consider the R3 a flagship camera. This sets the bar pretty high for the R1, as creators will rightfully expect it to eclipse the R3's already fantastic autofocus performance, sublime ergonomics, and 14-bit Raw 30fps continuous focus drive rate.

To support this, the R1 includes a multi-processor imaging engine. In addition to the Digic X, also found in the R3, the R1 includes a new Digic Accelerator chip to support the upgraded focus features, improved noise reduction, and to enable the camera to process a large volume of data at high speed.

Canon is keeping details about the R1's full-frame CMOS sensor close to the vest, so we don't know exactly what type of chip it uses, how fast it will read out, or the still image and video resolution options. It's all speculation at this point; we'll have to wait and see if the R1 includes a global sensor readout to match the Sony a9 III's unique action-freezing capabilities, or instead goes with a traditional line-by-line readout sensor with a short readout time, the type of chip you find in Stacked CMOS camera like the EOS R3, Nikon Z 8 and Z 9 , and Sony a1 .

Available This Year, Probably

Canon says it is "aiming" to deliver the EOS R1 to market in 2024, wording that indicates it's likely going to be a fourth-quarter release but may slip to early 2025. We expect to see more details on the camera, as well as a firm release date, later this year. As for pricing, there's nothing on that front, but we expect it to cost more than the EOS R3, a camera that debuted at $5,999 but has since enjoyed a permanent price reduction and now carries a $4,999 sticker price, with occasional discounts. At press time the R3 is on sale for $4,499.

We'll report more on the R1 as details become available.

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About Jim Fisher

Images, and the devices that capture them, are my focus. I've covered cameras at PCMag for the past 10 years, which has given me a front row seat for the DSLR to mirrorless transition, the smartphone camera revolution, and the mainstream adoption of drones for aerial imaging. You can find me on Instagram @jamespfisher .

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Canon EOS R7 Camera Review

The Canon EOS R7 is a mid-range APS-C camera that sits below the Canon EOS R6 Mark II in Canon's mirrorless lineup. It's been touted as a spiritual successor to the sports-and-wildlife-oriented Canon EOS 7D Mark II DSLR from 2014. With all the advantages of modern mirrorless technology, however, it's versatile enough for all kinds of photo and video work. With a high-res sensor, responsive autofocus and quick burst shooting, as well as in-body image stabilization (IBIS), it's a dream for photographers and hybrid shooters who don't want or need a full-frame sensor.

Our Verdict

The Canon R7 is great for travel photography. It isn't the most portable camera, but it has a fantastic battery life for a mirrorless model. It's also well-built and weather-sealed to give you some added peace of mind when shooting in adverse weather conditions. The image quality is also great overall, and it has a snappy autofocus system for moving subjects.

Impressive battery life.
Well-built, weather-sealed construction.
Excellent autofocus.
Not especially portable for travel.
Noise handling is just okay.

The Canon R7 is good for landscape photography. Its high-resolution sensor gives you some leeway to crop your photos, and the image quality is great for an APS-C sensor. However, it doesn't have as much dynamic range as full-frame models, so it can't capture as much detail in high-contrast scenes. Its noise handling is just okay in low light, but the overall image quality is still great. It's also a well-built camera with a relatively long battery life for longer shooting days.

Great dynamic range.

The Canon R7 is excellent for sports and wildlife photography. It has a very quick max burst rate and a fairly large image buffer. Its autofocus system supports human, animal, and vehicle subject detection and is quite effective at tracking fast-moving subjects. The image quality is also great, though its noise handling in low light is okay. Beyond that, it has a very good battery life for a mirrorless camera.

Very fast burst shooting.

The Canon R7 has good RAW photo performance. Its sensor has a great dynamic range, so it can capture a wide array of detail in high-contrast scenes. Images also have plenty of fine detail thanks to the sensor's high resolution, which gives you a bit more leeway to crop your photos. Unfortunately, the camera's noise management is just okay, so it doesn't perform amazingly well in low-light conditions where you have to bump up the ISO.

High resolution sensor captures good amount of fine detail.

The Canon R7 is good for vlogging, especially for sit-down vlogs. It isn't particularly portable for on-the-go recording; however, it does feel comfortable to shoot with and has a fully articulated screen that makes it easy to monitor yourself while recording. The video quality is great, and the camera's autofocus is incredibly reliable, ensuring your face stays in focus while you record.

No recording time limit.
Rolling shutter can be quite noticeable.

The Canon R7 is fantastic for studio video. It can record 4k video at up to 60 fps without a crop and supports internal 10-bit 4:2:2 video recording in C.LOG 3 format, giving you plenty of leeway to color-grade and process your videos. It also has an incredible battery life for video recording and doesn't overheat during long sessions. On top of that, there's no recording time limit. That said, its APS-C sensor doesn't have as much dynamic range as full-frame alternatives.

Internal 10-bit 4:2:2 Log recording.

The Canon R7 isn't meant for a POV-style action video, though it does a good job if you want to record the action from the sidelines. It has plenty of frame rate options, including a high frame rate mode in 1080p for super slow-motion clips at 120 fps. However, it isn't the most portable camera and isn't designed to be mounted to action video rigs.

Limited selection of high frame rates in 4k.
Not especially portable for action video.
8.1 Travel Photography
7.6 Landscape Photography
8.7 Sport & Wildlife Photography
7.5 Raw Photo Performance
7.7 Vlogging
9.0 Studio Video
5.7 Action Video
Updated Mar 21, 2024: We've updated some of the text throughout this review for clarity and accuracy.
Updated Jan 29, 2024: Added text to 'Raw Photo Performance' verdict box.
Updated Jan 29, 2024: Converted to Test Bench 0.12.1 .
Updated Nov 01, 2023: Added a link to the Sony α6700 in the 4k Video Frame Rate box.
Updated Sep 08, 2023: We retested this camera's dynamic range with converted DNG files for consistency with the methodology used when testing other recent Canon cameras. The score has been adjusted slightly. We've also updated the values for 'Bitrate Maximum in 4k' and 'Bitrate Maximum in FHD' and adjusted the 4k and FHD 'Video Internal Recording' scores accordingly since the camera can achieve higher bit rates when the 'HDR PQ' setting is enabled. Lastly, we corrected the processor name from 'Digic X' to 'DIGIC X'.
Updated Aug 11, 2023: Added mention of the Fujifilm X-S20 to the 'Portability' section.
Updated May 10, 2023: Added a link to the Canon EOS R8 in the 'Photo RAW Noise' box.
Updated May 04, 2023: Added a link to the Fujifilm X-H2 in the 'Viewfinder' box.
Updated Apr 05, 2023: Review published.
Updated Mar 28, 2023: Early access published.
Updated Mar 21, 2023: Our testers have started testing this product.
Updated Mar 17, 2023: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
Updated Mar 13, 2023: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The Canon R7 comes in one color variant: Black. You can see our unit's label here .

You can buy the camera body on its own without a lens or bundled with the Canon RF-S 18-105mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM kit lens. There's also the Content Creator Kit bundle, which includes the camera body, the RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM kit lens, a Canon DM-E1D stereo microphone, a windscreen to cut down on ambient noise, and an extra battery.

Compared To Other Cameras

The Canon EOS R7 is an enthusiast-oriented APS-C camera. It's one of the most well-rounded crop sensor cameras on the market. Like the Canon EOS 90D , it uses a 33 MP APS-C sensor. However, as a mirrorless model, it offers some advantages over DSLR alternatives, including a stellar autofocus system and powerful video specs. Aside from that, it also boasts a very quick burst rate, in-body image stabilization, and an excellent battery life compared to its mirrorless peers. That said, it isn't the most portable camera, especially among crop sensor options, and lens selection for Canon's RF lens mount is still somewhat limited compared to competitors like Sony.

For more options, check out our recommendations for the best cameras for wildlife photography , the best 4k cameras , or the best mirrorless cameras .

The Canon EOS R7 and the Canon EOS R8 are both great cameras, but they're aimed at different users. The R7 is a higher-end APS-C camera that's better suited to sports and action photography. It's sturdier, has a mechanical shutter, and has a longer battery life. The R8, on the other hand, is an entry-level full-frame camera, so it offers better dynamic range and low-light capability. However, it doesn't feel as well-built and has a poor battery life.

The Canon EOS R7 and the Canon EOS R6 perform similarly overall, using different-sized sensors. The R7 has an APS-C sensor, so it's a tad more portable. It also has a slightly longer battery life and a faster max burst rate. The R6, meanwhile, delivers better overall image quality and is better suited to low-light situations because of its full-frame sensor.

The Canon EOS R7 is a more capable camera than the Canon EOS R10 . The R7 has an in-body stabilization system and a higher-resolution 32.5 MP sensor and uses a higher-capacity battery that yields a longer battery life. Unlike the R10, it also supports C-Log 3 and can record oversampled 4k video at up to 30 fps or uncropped regular 4k video at 60 fps. While the R10 is noticeably smaller and lighter, the R7's body also has the advantage of being weather-sealed, and it features both twin UHS-II card slots and a headphone jack, though there's no pop-up flash like there is on the R10.

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II and the Canon EOS R7 are great cameras but use different-sized sensors. The R6 Mark II uses a full-frame sensor, so it's better suited to low-light shooting than the R7, which uses an APS-C sensor. Both cameras have excellent autofocus performance and boast advanced video specs and quick burst rates, but the R6 II is the way to go if you need full-frame image quality.

The Sony α6700 and Canon EOS R7 are both excellent APS-C powerhouses that can handle a range of photo and video work. The Sony is a bit more tailored towards hybrid shooters, with more video frame rate options and neat features like Auto Framing that make it easier for single camera operators to capture dynamic footage. The Canon, on the other hand, still offers excellent video specs, but it's more explicitly geared towards wildlife and sports photography, with faster burst shooting, a faster max shutter speed, a larger, more comfortable EVF, and dual SD card slots. However, it's notably bulkier than the Sony.

The Canon EOS R7 is better overall than the Canon EOS 90D , but they use different camera technologies. The R7 is a mirrorless model, so it has the advantage of being a bit more portable and has a newer, more advanced autofocus system. Unlike the 90D, it includes in-body image stabilization, more advanced video specs, and dual SD card slots. The 90D, on the other hand, is a DSLR, so it has a much better battery life and a more established lens ecosystem.

The Canon EOS R7 is better overall than the Canon EOS RP . It's better-built and has a more effective autofocus system, faster burst shooting, in-body image stabilization, a longer battery life, and much better internal video recording capability.

The Canon EOS R7 is better than the Canon EOS R50 , which isn't surprising given that it sits at a significantly higher price point. The R7 is better built and has better ergonomics, faster burst shooting, a more effective autofocus system, and better video capabilities. It's much bulkier than the R50, though.

The Sony α7 III and the Canon EOS R7 use different-sized sensors, so one may suit you better than the other. The Canon is better-suited to sports and wildlife photography, with an APS-C sensor, faster burst shooting, and more effective autofocus tracking. It also has more advanced video capabilities. The Sony camera's full-frame sensor offers more dynamic range and better low-light performance. It also has a more established lens ecosystem.

The Canon EOS R7 is better overall than the Canon EOS R , but the R has a larger full-frame sensor, so you may still prefer it if you do a lot of low-light shooting. The R7 is the better choice for faster subjects, action photography, and video work, with a more effective autofocus system, faster burst shooting, in-body image stabilization, and better video specs. The R has a higher-resolution viewfinder and better noise handling in low light.

The Canon EOS R7 is a bit better than the Nikon Z 5 but uses a smaller APS-C sensor. The Canon offers more unless you need full-frame image quality and low-light performance. It has a much faster burst rate for action photography and a more effective autofocus system. It's also more capable for advanced video work and has better battery life. That said, the Nikon is a great deal if you need a full-frame camera that's relatively affordable.

Test Results

The Canon EOS R7 isn't the most portable crop sensor camera. It's much heavier and notably bulkier than peers like the Sony α6600 or the Fujifilm X-S20 . However, it's still smaller than most full-frame alternatives.

The build quality is great. The camera feels sturdy, with materials that feel fairly high quality. The texture around the grip and thumb rest feels sufficiently grippy. The screen articulation mechanism also feels solid. There's a locking hinged door covering the battery compartment and a sliding door for the SD cards, both of which feel secure. That said, some of the buttons and dials feel a bit mushy.

Like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II , the R7 includes Canon's new 'multi-function shoe' rather than a standard hot shoe, though it's backwards compatible with most accessories. It includes a new 21-pin electronic interface that, according to Canon, offers more functionality, like power supply, and more efficient communication with newer accessories, including speedlights and microphones. However, some accessories, like certain weather-sealed flash units, may require the use of an AD-E1 adapter .

Canon EOS R7 camera body
Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens
Rear lens cover
Hot shoe cover
Shoulder strap
1x Canon LP-E6NH battery
Battery charger
User manual

The Canon R7 is very comfortable to shoot with. It has a large, roomy handgrip suitable for most hand sizes. The buttons and dials are well-placed for the most part, though having the back dial around the joystick is an odd choice. It makes the joystick somewhat awkward to use, making it easy to accidentally hit the joystick and change a focus point when trying to adjust the dial or vice versa. The On/Off/Movie Mode switch can also be a little finicky, making it easy to unintentionally switch into Movie Mode when simply turning the camera on. Still, there are plenty of physical controls that you can remap to your preference, and overall, the ergonomics are highly intuitive and comfortable.

The EVF is only 2.36 million dots, which is still good, but higher-resolution viewfinders are increasingly becoming the norm. While it makes sense to see a lower resolution here than what you get with the Canon EOS R6 Mark II , it's still a bit disappointing, given the R7's price point. That said, it's still a very effective EVF—there's little, if any, lag, and it's large enough to comfortably get a clear view of your subjects. It also sticks out from the body a fair amount, so you don't need to squish your face against the camera. The soft rubber eyecup feels quite nice, too. Still, if you'd prefer a camera with a higher-resolution viewfinder, check out the Fujifilm X-H2 .

The screen is fully articulated and includes full touch capability. You can use it to navigate the menus, select focus points, or convert it to a touch shutter. The resolution is high, so you can accurately review your photos on the monitor, and it gets bright enough to combat glare on sunnier days.

The user interface is fantastic. It's essentially the same menu found on recent Canon mirrorless cameras, including the Canon EOS R6 Mark II . The settings are extensive, but the menus are logically organized and easy to navigate. A very useful 'Help' function explains certain settings and features in-depth when you press the 'Info' button while browsing the menu.

The Canon R7 uses a 32.5 MP APS-C sensor, likely modeled after the sensor found in the Canon EOS 90D and improved upon. It also uses the same DIGIC X processor found in higher-end models like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II .

The camera's battery performance is impressive. It's CIPA-rated for 660 photos on a full charge when using the LCD, which is fantastic for a mirrorless camera. However, that number drops to 380 when using the viewfinder. When using the camera's power-saving settings, those numbers increase to 770 and 500 shots, respectively. CIPA figures can vary drastically depending on how you use the camera in real-world scenarios, but they do give you some idea of what to expect and how the camera compares to other cameras. Naturally, its battery life is much shorter than DSLR alternatives, but it's still very good overall.

Meanwhile, video battery life is exceptional. In our testing, the battery lasted over 2.5 hours of continuous video recording in 4k. We didn't experience any overheating interruptions, either, which is excellent.

The Canon EOS R7 has a very quick max burst rate. Its mechanical shutter can shoot at up to 15 fps, which is fantastic for capturing bursts of fast action. Switch over to e-shutter mode, and you can get bursts of up to 30 fps. However, rolling shutter distortion can be an issue when using the electronic shutter, so that mode is best suited to more stationary subjects.

The photo buffer is fairly large. However, it takes a bit of time to empty if you manage to fill it up. When shooting in RAW, the empty time also doubles to around 16 seconds, which can disrupt your shooting when timing is critical.

The Canon R7 has an excellent autofocus system overall. It can detect between people, animals, and vehicles and includes more precise eye tracking. Overall, the AF does an amazing job of keeping moving subjects in focus. With more erratic movements, it can lose focus but quickly recovers its target, so you'll likely have a very high keeper rate in most situations.

When using a center AF point without tracking, the autofocus is incredibly reliable. The camera is quick and accurate. As long as you keep your subject behind your chosen focus point, you'll likely have a very high hit rate.

The Canon R7 has in-body image stabilization, which works in tandem with optical image stabilization on RF and RF-S lenses. We tested stabilization using the optically stabilized RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens. Overall, the camera's stabilization is remarkably effective, letting you capture clear handheld shots at very slow shutter speeds. That said, stabilization performance will vary depending on many factors, including your lens, focal length, and how steady your hands are.

The Canon EOS R7 has a great dynamic range. It's on par with other APS-C cameras with IBIS implementations, like the Fujifilm X-T4 . At base ISO, it can capture a pretty wide range of highlight and shadow detail.

The R7 uses a high-resolution sensor and does a very good job of resolving fine detail. However, this is most noticeable when cropping heavily or pixel-peeping.

RAW noise handling is okay overall. Noise is slightly more pronounced in low light than on competing APS-C cameras, but it isn't far off of other Canon crop sensor models, like the Canon EOS M50 Mark II . If you'd like a similarly priced camera with better noise handling, check out the full-frame Canon EOS R8 .

Canon EOS R7 Sample Gallery - Skate Park

The camera can record standard 4k resolution video but also includes a '4k Fine' option, which is oversampled from the full 7k resolution of the sensor. In '4k Fine' resolution, the camera can only record at 24 or 30 fps.

In addition to supporting Canon Log 3, the R7 includes a handy 'View Assist' feature that applies a LUT to your footage in-camera, so you can preview how the footage will look after color-grading while you shoot.

Note: All-I is only available in time-lapse mode.

The camera can record at up to 60 fps in 4k without a crop, which is fantastic for capturing smooth action footage or incorporating slow-mo shots into your videos. If you need a camera that can record 4k at 120 fps, check out the Sony α6700 .

The camera's 4k internal recording capability is fantastic. It supports 10-bit 4:2:2 recording internally when recording in C.LOG 3 to capture a wider range of detail and color, giving you more flexibility with your footage in post. Like other Canons, there's an 'HDR PQ' mode with a gamma curve tailored for content on HDR displays. The camera records its highest bit rates with 'HDR PQ' enabled. There's no recording time limit, either, which is great. The camera also has excellent heat management, with no overheating interruptions throughout its over two-hour battery life for video.

The camera's autofocus is incredible in 4k video mode. The camera supports both face and eye detection, and it does a fantastic job of keeping moving subjects in focus, whether you manually select a target or let it automatically detect a subject. Shifts in focus are quick and smooth. You can also fine-tune the AF settings to adjust its speed and sensitivity, depending on how you need the AF to behave.

The 4k video quality is great. In more controlled lighting conditions, videos look crisp, with colors that pop straight out of the camera. It performs well in low light, too. It preserves a lot of shadow detail, and noise is fairly minimal.

If you want even higher quality video, you can also set the resolution to '4k Fine,' which is oversampled from 7k. You can see a test scene extract of '4k Fine' footage here .

In standard 4k resolution, the rolling shutter effect isn't too bad. There's some noticeable skewing with vertical lines, but it's most apparent with quick or sudden camera movements.

When shooting in '4k Fine' resolution, the rolling shutter is much worse, with a 9.3º angle of distortion (which would result in a 'Rolling Shutter Effect' score of 4.3). You can see the rolling shutter effect in '4k Fine' resolution here .

In 1080p, the camera can record regular video at up to 60 fps. It also has a 'high frame rate' mode that can record slow-motion videos at 120 fps, with a playback speed of 30 fps for 4x slow-motion. There's no audio in this mode.

Internal recording is similarly excellent in 1080p. You get 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, high bit rates, and no video time limit.

The autofocus performs just as well in FHD as it does in 4k. It has very little trouble keeping up with moving subjects in video.

Canon EOS R7 FHD Test Scene Extract In FHD

The 1080p video quality is great. Videos look relatively sharp and detailed. The camera also handles low-light conditions well, with minimal noise and good detail preservation in the shadows.

The rolling shutter effect is still present when recording in 1080p. You'll notice some skewing with vertical lines when panning the camera. It gets quite bad with very fast camera movements.

The Canon EOS R7 includes two SD card slots, which is great for those who like to keep a running backup or separate JPEG and RAW files. They're also conveniently placed on the side of the camera, making it easy to switch out cards when using a tripod.

The inputs and outputs are on the camera's left side and covered by rubber flaps with gaskets to keep moisture out. There's both a headphone and microphone jack, along with a Micro HDMI port, so you'll likely need an adapter to connect an external recorder or display.

Fast wide angle prime/zoom for travel.

I currently shoot with 22mm, 15-45mm and EFS 10-22, 55-250mm on M50 and M200.

I am looking lighter and possibly brighter lens to replace EFS 10-22 and the adapter for travels. Recently announced Sigma 10-18 for RF would have been a ideal fit, are there any EF/S primes or zooms that go wider that 15mm?

ExplorerXIII wrote: I currently shoot with 22mm, 15-45mm and EFS 10-22, 55-250mm on M50 and M200. I am looking lighter and possibly brighter lens to replace EFS 10-22 and the adapter for travels. Recently announced Sigma 10-18 for RF would have been a ideal fit, are there any EF/S primes or zooms that go wider that 15mm?

Just the 10-18mm f /4.5-5.6 IS STM which is cheap, smaller and stabilised but still too big for everyday use on EOS M in my opinion. I had the EF-S 10-22mm and changing to the EF-M 11-22mm f /4-5.6 IS was one of the best things I did. That lens justified the M system by itself.

Sittatunga wrote: ExplorerXIII wrote: I currently shoot with 22mm, 15-45mm and EFS 10-22, 55-250mm on M50 and M200. I am looking lighter and possibly brighter lens to replace EFS 10-22 and the adapter for travels. Recently announced Sigma 10-18 for RF would have been a ideal fit, are there any EF/S primes or zooms that go wider that 15mm?

I used the 10-18 on the M50-2, but after selling the cam I bought the 11-22 for my M200. I still use the 10-18 on my 90D. It's very light, 20 grams less than the 11-22.

Got that backwards 11-22 is 20 grams lighter!

“Sharpness is a bourgeois concept"

Tokina has the 11-16mm f/2.8 and 11-20mm f/2.8, both for Canon crop DSLR. These would be brighter, but probably not smaller or lighter.

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Canon EOS R8 review: full-frame, simplified

Does this mashup of the eos rp and eos r6 mark ii hit the sweet spot.

Canon EOS R8 camera on a tripod with rocky background

TechRadar Verdict

The Canon EOS R8 is one of the cheapest full-frame cameras on the market, and while it is missing some high-end features you won’t find a better full-frame camera for this price. Its design and handling are beginner-friendly, but if you’re more advanced then you’ll likely outgrow this camera before long.

Excellent tracking and autofocus

Very affordable for a full-frame camera

Lightweight and compact form factor

Low-resolution EVF and LCD screen

Small battery means shorter battery life

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Price and availability
Features and performance
Image and video quality
Early verdict
Also consider
How I tested

If you’re looking for an entry-level full-frame camera that’s ridiculously affordable, look no further than the Canon EOS R8. Of course, there are some trade-offs, such as the lack of IBIS, a small battery and only a single card slot; but if those aren’t dealbreakers, this could be the camera for you.

It’s a compact, travel-friendly hybrid camera that can comfortably handle most shooting scenarios, and it even gives some more expensive models a run for their money, particularly if size and weight are big factors for you. It has the same 24MP full-frame sensor as the Canon R6 Mark II, but it’s more than just the baby brother to that camera. Think of it as the Canon RP meeting the R6 Mark II – it’s the size of the former camera, but has many of the same inner workings of the latter.

Canon EOS R8 camera on table and closeup of top plate with plain background

I was really impressed with the image quality the camera produced, and its ease of use – it’s an absolute dream to shoot with. There are, however, a few things that make it obvious that this is more of an entry-level camera, in particular the EVF and the LCD screen, neither of which is particularly high in resolution.

This would be a great camera for anyone who wants to up their photography game but who doesn’t have the budget for meatier full-frame cameras. It would easily lend itself to most shooting styles, is extremely user-friendly, and will be able to handle almost anything you throw at it.

Canon EOS R8 price and availability

Released April 18 2023
$1,499 / £1,699 / AU$2,489 body-only
Cheaper than its direct rivals with a lot of similar features

The Canon EOS R8 is the newest full-frame camera in the Canon R lineup. It’s priced at $1,499 / £1,699 / AU$2,489 body-only, and $1,699 / £1,899 / AU$2,699 if you purchase it with Canon’s new RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 collapsible kit lens, making it one of the most affordable full-frame cameras on the market from any brand.

This camera is receiving a lot of attention because it’s so much cheaper than its closest rivals – it’s around $1,000 / £1,100 cheaper than the Canon EOS R6 Mark II.

Given that there’s nothing else available at around $1,500 / £1,700 that can compete with what this camera has to offer, you might be wondering what the catch is. How can Canon create such a good entry-level full-frame camera for that price? And there are, indeed, some trade-offs which go some way to explaining the lower price point, which I’ll get into in the course of this review.

Value score: 4.5/5

Canon EOS R8 camera on table with plain background

Canon EOS R8: Specs

Canon eos r8: design.

Essentially the same as the Canon RP
Compact and lightweight
Comfortable to hold, though you can get a separate grip

The body of the Canon EOS R8 is essentially the same as the Canon EOS RP. The only real difference between the two is that on the R8 the on/off/lock are combined into one switch, and there’s a separate photo/video switch where the on/off switch used to be on the other side of the top plate. It also has a new sensor – it’s the same one that’s in the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, which was released in late 2022, which is an advantage, especially when Canon could have easily used an older sensor to keep the cost down.

In terms of ease of use and comfort, I got on incredibly well with this camera. It fit really well in my hands, and it felt like it was made just for me – though it’s worth noting that I do have small hands, so this may not be the case for everyone. It measures approx 132.5 x 86.1 x 70.0mm and weighs just 461g (with the battery and card), so it’s extremely light and compact, which makes it a dream to use.

Canon offers the EG-E1 Extension Grip that attaches to the bottom of the camera and gives you a bit more to get hold of, which could make it a lot more comfortable to hold if you have larger hands or are using the camera for longer periods. Canon is asking $80 / £89.99 for this grip, and it doesn’t do anything other than give you more to hold onto, and specifically somewhere for your little finger to sit; it’s not big enough to house an extra battery and there are no vertical shooting controls.

The camera is weather sealed, though not to the same extent as models aimed at more serious photographers and pros. During the few days I spent shooting with the camera, the weather was fair, but it’s safe to say you wouldn’t want to shoot for very long in a downpour, where you should err on the side of caution.

I did identify a few niggles in terms of usability, one being the lack of an AF joystick. You can just tap the screen to focus and take a photo, but it would make life a lot easier if Canon had included a joystick on the back of the body for adjusting the focus point, rather than making users wholly dependent on the touchscreen. There are also no dials on the D-pad on the back of the body, which would’ve been helpful. There are only two control dials, but it would be really helpful if the user was able to control all three elements of the exposure triangle independently when shooting in manual mode.

I also didn’t love that the menu button was on the left of the body, where it felt like it was rather out of the way. I like to be able to get to all the controls easily, and the button’s placement became annoying when I wanted to access the menu while holding the camera, as I had to adjust my grip in order to be able to press it. That said, once I’d configured the customizable buttons and got everything how I wanted it, I didn’t have to go into the main menu much when I was out shooting.

Design score: 4/5

Canon EOS R8: features and performance

Can shoot up to 40fps
Impressive tracking and autofocus

One of the major strengths of the Canon EOS R8 is its autofocus tracking. For a long time, Sony was known for being the industry leader when it came to this technology; however, this camera, along with other newer Canon cameras that I’ve used, are giving Sony a real run for their money in this area, and some are outright better.

It has the same autofocus system as the Canon R6 Mark II, which is really impressive when you consider the R8 costs $1,000 / £1,080 less. This means you get the same subject detection that can track people, faces, and animals, and which can effortlessly detect subjects and remain locked onto them as they move through the frame.

When I was out testing the camera I came across several dog walkers who were happy for their pets to be used as test subjects, and while none of them were especially cooperative, the AF still managed to track their faces and eyes effortlessly, and all the shots I got were in focus. It also worked really well on my black cats, animals that are notoriously difficult to photograph; many cameras wouldn’t even recognise that there’s a face in the frame, and cats aren’t known for being the most obliging sitters even at the best of times, so I was particularly impressed.

Canon EOS R8 camera on table, rear screen, with plain background

There’s also a new subject detection feature which is super useful if there’s more than one face in the frame. When this feature is enabled and you’re looking through the viewfinder, you can just tap the screen and toggle through the different faces in the frame until you settle on the one you want to focus on (particularly useful if you’re shooting weddings, for example).

Another notable feature of the R8 is its ability to shoot up to 40fps which is, quite frankly, ridiculous. However, this is only achievable in electronic shutter mode. If you shoot in electronic shutter first curtain, it’s more like 6fps when you’re shooting in raw, which, for most situations, is still enough, though there isn’t an option to use a mechanical shutter. I actually found 40fps to be a bit much, particularly as it filled up the buffer a lot faster and it took longer for it to clear before I could start shooting again. Compressed raw basically gives the same results in terms of image quality, but the smaller files allow improved performance for continuous shooting.

Another downside of this camera is that the battery is very small, which may be great for keeping the size and weight down, but isn’t so great for battery life on long shoots, particularly on a camera this powerful. At least the small size of the battery means it’s easy to carry a couple of charged spares with you, so this isn’t a dealbreaker. I took the R8 out to shoot some friends rollerskating in a car park and ended up taking over 1,000 shots, and the battery life was more than enough for that.

Features and performance score: 4/5

Canon EOS R8: image and video quality

Can shoot 4K 60p uncropped video
Great colors straight out of the camera
No IBIS, but most lenses have image stabilization

In terms of image quality, the EOS R8 performs very well. I tested it in a poorly lit car park where the camera set the ISO to 16000 and, although there is noticeable noise in the images, they’re still pretty decent, and usable. I did notice a bit of banding and rolling shutter, so if you’re going to be shooting fast-moving subjects in bad light, this may be an issue for you. There were also a couple of occasions where the autofocus missed the subject. Its high-ISO noise-handling capabilities would make it a great camera for astrophotography, though, and where shots are underexposed you can still bring out a lot of detail in the shadows during editing.

I tested the R8 with the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, and I was able to capture images with beautiful bokeh, images that were pin-sharp from the center to the corners, and images with great dynamic range. I was also impressed by how accurately it reproduced colors, particularly on a fairly overcast day.

Overall, the Canon EOS R8 is a pretty solid offering in terms of its video package. It can shoot uncropped, oversampled 4k 60p video which, for the price point, is quite good. You can also shoot slow motion at up to 1080/120p – the quality isn’t amazing, but it’s a useful feature to have.

One downside of this camera is that it doesn’t have IBIS, but most Canon lenses do offer some kind of image stabilization. That said, there is a digital image stabilization mode for video – footage does still have a slight wobble, but overall it’s pretty good. I still wish there was a full IBIS system within the camera itself, but most serious video shooters will be using a gimbal anyway, and when you remember that this is a $1,500 / £1,700 camera, it’s hardly a surprise that IBIS is one of the features Canon omitted.

Image quality score: 4/5

Should I buy the Canon EOS R8

Buy it if....

You want a small, compact camera

If you want a camera setup that you can easily take with you on your travels, and which can handle whatever you throw at it, the R8 would be a great option. It’s small enough to carry around without issue, but still packs a punch for both photo and video.

You have a smaller budget

The Canon R8 is a fantastically affordable camera, especially for full-frame. While there are definitely some trade-offs for the price, this camera is solid and dependable if you don’t have a huge budget to spend.

The lack of some features isn’t a dealbreaker

The main downsides of this camera are the lack of IBIS, a smaller battery, and only one card slot. For most non-professional uses, though, whatever they’re shooting, none of these things will be a real problem.

Don't buy it if...

You want something to use professionally

For shooting in professional settings, like weddings or for portraits, you’d likely want to go for something a bit heftier that has a few more features than the R8. It has the basics, but the lack of dual card slots and the small battery could make life a lot more difficult.

You don’t want to invest in expensive lenses

Currently there aren’t any third-party lenses available for the Canon R or RF mounts, so purchasing a lens for your Canon camera is not cheap. If you want more lens options, you may want to look at a Sony or Nikon camera.

You already have a decent camera

Unless you’re going to use this as a second camera, it’s unlikely that you’d ever be buying this camera as an upgrade to your existing one, unless all you have is a very old DSLR or compact.

Canon EOS R8 on a table with no lens and full-frame sensor

Canon EOS R8: Also consider

Before you leave our Canon EOS R8 review, it's worth considering these alternatives that offer some of the same advantages for either stills or videos (or both).

Canon EOS R7

Although the Canon EOS R7 is an APS-C camera, it gives the R8 some stiff competition, and, in some areas, is outright better. It’s the same price, yet the R7 has IBIS, has more megapixels on a smaller sensor, and has two card slots. However, the R8 has a wider ISO range and more autofocus points. All told, for more casual, non-professional uses, I’d give the R7 the edge.

Read our full Canon EOS R7 review here

The closest rival to the R8 in the Nikon lineup is the Nikon Z5. It offers similar image quality and nice handling, but is more affordable, and has nicer controls and a better EVF. But if you’re more into video, the R8 wins for 4K video as well as for its better autofocus system.

Read our full Nikon Z5 review here

How I tested the Canon EOS R8

I tested the Canon EOS R8 over several days, with the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L lens, around my local area.

In the short time I had with the camera, I wanted to capture a number of different subjects to see how well the camera performed in different environments. I tested it in daylight and low-light situations (though sadly the weather didn’t allow for any astrophotography), and I tried to capture a range of different colors, as well as contrasting light and shadows. I also enjoyed testing the eye autofocus on a number of different animals.

As a photographer, I know that choosing a camera is a serious decision, so I tried to test this camera in a way that reflects many of the ‘real-world’ situations that photographers will encounter, and with a focus on the features and specs will be most important for most users.

First reviewed March 2023

Kimberley Lane is a landscape & seascape photographer living in South Wales. Originally using photography as a way to cope with health issues, she aims to portray a feeling of calm and peace through her images. Her work has been featured in a number of national photography magazines and she has also written for Space.com.

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Canon RF 24-105mm f2.8 L Review: The Sharpest Zoom Lens on the Market

Chris Gampat The Phoblographer Canon RF 24-105mm f2.8 L IS review product images 41-50s400 3

Last Updated on 05/13/2024 by Chris Gampat

Be careful what you wish for: at least, that’s what I thought about the Canon RF 24-105mm f2.8 L lens when I reviewed it. For a long time, I’ve dreamed about something like this — though I’ll admit, I never dreamed of owning one. Canon’s major innovations come from their lenses, and this one is no exception. After two weeks with it, I can this with confidence: it’s the most Sigma-like lens Canon has. That means that you’re going to need to do a lot of exercise if you’re dreaming about carrying this lens around for a long gig. Don’t skip leg day — or bicep day, or core day. In fact, get swole. If you think I’m joking about the statement, you’re not prepared.

Table of Contents

The Big Picture: Canon RF 24-105mm f2.8 L Review Conclusions

The Canon RF 24-105mm f2.8 L is an incredible lens. Overall, this is perhaps the sharpest zoom lens that I’ve seen from Canon. In fact, I’d rate this the sharpest zoom lens overall that I’ve tested in a while. That’s a good thing for many of you who want to do a lot of post-production or don’t mind doing it. I, on the other hand, much prefer their prime lenses and the gentle beauty they bless the heroes of your photos with. But I absolutely cannot deny the incredible innovation Canon has with this lens. No one else on the market has it. And if you’re a hybrid production shooter, then you’ll probably really like the Canon RF 24-105mm f2.8 L.

When I put it in the hands of many others, they loved it overall. Indeed, considering the autofocus, build quality, responsiveness, and image quality, this is the best Canon lens that we’ve seen from a technical standpoint. From a technical standpoint, it’s also much better than the f4 variant. But if you want to be nimble and realize that the image quality won’t matter all that much when you’re not pixel peeping, then you’ll be find with the Canon RF 24-105mm f4 L .

I only fear that Canon is going to start making lenses too sharp — which would break my heart as I adore many of their L lenses.

The Canon RF 24-105mm f2.8 L receives five out of five stars and our Editors’ Choice award. Want one? Pick it up at Amazon , Adorama , Lensrentals , or Ali Express .

Super sharp
One of a kind
Hybrid Functionality
Internal zooming
Solidly built
Do your pushups

Who Should Buy the Canon RF 24-105mm f2.8 L?

The Canon RF 24-105mm f2.8 L is for event photographers and photojournalists. If you own the F4 variant, I’m not sure that I’d upgrade. Carrying two Canon cameras with two lenses for a long gig will be pretty painful on your back and core after a while. I’d personally prefer to be quicker on my feet with a 24-105mm f4 and raising the ISO up or using a flash. As it is, I really like using a flash.

Innovations

The Canon RF 24-105mm f2.8 L is unique in that it’s the first lens of this type designed for hybrid shooting with a constant f2.8 aperture within this range.

The Canon RF 24-105mm f2.8 L we used was a loaner from Lensrentals. We used it with the Canon R5 and Canon R3 , which are long-term loaners provided by Canon. We also included the Canon EOS R , Profoto B10 , and Elinchrom One , which are our own units.

This is a big lens. Seriously, I couldn’t fit it attached to any of the Canon cameras I’ve got around the office inside a camera bag. Instead, I’d have to detach them each and every time I wanted to store the two away. That, immediately, is a bit annoying. But once you’ve got the lens attached to a camera, everything else from the other camera brands feel like the inferior puny water bottles stuffed with glass that they are.

I’m kidding — Sony’s lenses are allergic to water.

Of course, there’s a lot to think about with this lens. The Canon RF 24-105mm f2.8 L has a bunch of controls. There’s an aperture control towards the back — which doesn’t work for still photography in my tests. In front of that is the zoom ring, which is well-placed. In front of that is the manual focus ring and the clicky function ring. On the side are tons of switches to control the lens even further. Plus, there are buttons on the lens, too.

By all means, this is a big piece of hardware. You’re not going to want to use this for a really long period of time. I strongly suggest bringing this lens out when you need it and then switching back to a 24-105mm f4 or the 50mm f1.2 L . The latter is my favorite lens from Canon as of the publishing of this lens review.

We took the Canon RF 24-105mm f2.8 L out into a small rainshower, and it held up against the rain with no issues. We expect this from Canon’s L lenses.

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For years, here at The Phoblographer we’ve done tests on cameras, lenses, bags, computers, lights, and more. And we know that your warranty doesn’t always cover the damage. Plus, accidents can happen on set.

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Autofocus on the Canon RF 24-105mm f2.8 L is fast, snappy, and accurate. In fact, I didn’t miss a single shot with this lens at all. However, that has more to do with Canon’s cameras — and in this case the lens a first-party option. Even in low light, the Canon RF 24-105mm f2.8 L could find people of color with melanin in their skin when paired with the company’s cameras.

More importantly, we mostly shot with this lens in Servo mode — and it didn’t disappoint. Even when shooting in single autofocus mode, it performed stellar. That just makes sense for a $3,000 lens.

Any event photographer would be well served by this lens.

Ease of Use

There are lots of rings, buttons, and switches on this lens. And truly, I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone that isn’t an experienced photographer. It’s still a set-it-and-forget-it style of affair when shooting. However, the weight will mean that it’s difficult to work with at times. Also, for what it’s worth, it’s huge. I’m pretty sure I whacked a few people in the face with it.

My friend enjoyed nearly killing me when taking me for a ride in his mid-life crisis mobile — otherwise known as a Miata. As he did donuts in Long Island’s suburban streets, I tested the Canon RF 24-105mm f2.8 L at slower shutter speeds. The shot above was done at 1/30th with my arms pretty outstretched. After being unwillingly reminded of what my lunch tasted like, I realized that the Canon EOS R5 and Canon RF 24-105mm f2.8 L did a great job together at 1/30th while also driving pretty damn fast.

For the record, in order to be part of Phoblographer’s review team, you have to be able to handhold a camera and lens for longer than a second and get no camera shake. I could easily do it with this combo.

Image Quality

Let me be frank, the sharpness of this lens doesn’t need to be increased at all — especially when shooting portraits and using a flash. It’s already very sharp. You also don’t need to add clarity to your images. Due to the close focusing, you’ll appreciate the bokeh you can get. It’s really pretty beautiful, and it’s also the reason why you’d buy a lens like this. When running the images through Capture One, it also couldn’t find any issues with distortion at all.

Truly, these days, image quality is a negligible factor. The other members of TIPA and I all came to that conclusion at this year’s conference.

Extra Image Samples

The Phoblographer has been huge on transparency with our audience since day one. Nothing from this review is sponsored. Further, many folks will post reviews and show lots of editing in the photos. The problem then becomes that anyone and everyone can do the same thing. They’re not showing what the lens can do. So, we have a section in our Extra Image Samples area to show edited and unedited photos. From this, you can decide for yourself.

Taken from the Lensrentals listing.

COMMENTS

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The best travel camera in 2024: compact and portable cameras to take anywhere

Best overall

The Quick List

The best travel camera in 2024

1. Fujifilm X100VI

Specifications

Best full frame on a budget

2. Sony A7 III

Best travel camera on a budget

3. Panasonic Lumix G100D

Best hybrid travel camera

4. Fujifilm X-S20

Best travel camera for size

5. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Best waterproof compact travel camera

6. OM System Tough TG-7

Best action camera for travel

7. DJI Osmo Action 4

Best 360º camera for travel

8. Insta360 X3

Best for travel vloggers

9. Sony ZV-E10

How to choose the right travel camera

Is it better to use phone or camera for travel?

Is a DSLR or mirrorless camera better for travel photography?

What size camera lens is best for travel?

How we test travel cameras

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Canon EOS R5

TL;DR Summary

Key Features

In-body Image Stabilization (IBIS)

20 Frames Per Second (FPS) Continuous Shooting Feature

8K Video Recording Capability

Dual Pixel CMOS AF II System

Buying Guide

Canon Lenses

The 13 Best Compact Cameras of 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Overall

Best Image Quality

Best Full-frame Compact

Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200D Digital Camera

Best Splurge

Best for Videos and Vlogging

Fujifilm X100VI Camera

Kodak Ektar H35 Half Frame Film Camera

Best Instant

Best Durable

Best for Action Sports

Best Waterproof

Best Budget

Tips for Buying a Compact Camera

Prioritize quality

Choose a camera based on your skill level and goals

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

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Fujifilm X-T5

Ricoh GR III and GR IIIx

Fujifilm X100V

Sony RX100VII

Leica Q2 and Q2 Monochrom

OM System OM-1

Fujifilm X-S10

Nikon Z30

Canon EOS R7

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Canon EOS R6 review: A superb mirrorless camera that never misses a shot