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The Best Vlogging Cameras and Gear

Geoffrey Morrison

By Geoffrey Morrison , Arriana Vasquez and James Austin

Vlogging, or video blogging, is a way for you to share your life and interests with the world, potentially making money while you do it.

From cooking to travel, from makeup to hair care, from pugs to parakeets—whatever you’re into, someone else probably is, too.

The most popular platform for vlogging is YouTube, at more than 2 billion users. With enough viewers, you can monetize your videos, which gives you a share of the advertising profits.

You don’t have to enter the vlogging world with the idea of making money, but that potential is there. You can treat your channel like your feed on any other social media site, sharing your adventures and interests with friends. Eventually, though, with a bit of luck, work, and some compelling content, you can pass the magical 1,000-subscriber threshold and start making money from your hobby.

But first, you need a vlog. And to record a vlog, you need a camera, at the very least. We’ve put together a list of gear and some tips to help you begin, starting with a camera that you probably already have and working your way up through more expensive options as both your vlog and your experience grow.

The research

Why you should trust us, how to approach building a kit for vlogging, how we picked and tested vlogging cameras, smartphone accessories, for use with phones: our picks for better sound quality, best camera for vlogging outdoors and on the go: sony zv-1 ii, best camera for action vlogging: gopro hero12 black, best vlog-camera image quality for the money: sony α6700, best drone for vlogging: dji mini 4 pro, vlogging camera accessories, why not a video camera or camcorder.

Geoffrey Morrison has been a professional writer and photographer for 20 years. He has written extensively about cameras for multiple publications, and for most of the past decade he has been a digital nomad, doing travel writing and photography for outlets such as Wirecutter, The New York Times, CNET, and Forbes. He also has his own YouTube channel , which features lots of vlogging footage.

Arriana Vasquez is a senior updates writer for Wirecutter and has contributed to our guides to tripods , tripods for smartphones , and instant cameras . She is also a photographer at a product studio, where she shoots everything from antique charms to zebra-print leggings.

James Austin is a staff writer who covers games and hobbies and also serves as Wirecutter’s expert on drones . He has been following a variety of daily vloggers since 2010, and he has even made some vlogs of his own, chronicling the build season of his robotics team.

Vlogging can be a lot of fun, and if that’s the only thing you want from it, all you need is an idea and a video. However, if you want to make money, it is unquestionably a job. Many YouTubers get burned out facing the constant hustle of producing new videos that must perform, or else they lose their income. All that is to say, you’ll need to treat it like a job way before you’ll get paid like it’s a job.

What you don’t need is a lot of expensive gear, at least not to start. Your first videos likely won’t be seen by many people. It will take time for you to streamline your process, get used to being on camera, and figure out whether this is something you really want to do. Start with the gear you have, learn the job, and then upgrade your gear later, if you decide to stick with it.

But don’t take our word for it. Consider the advice of Kika and Dan, the duo behind Sailing Uma , a channel about buying an aging sailboat, fixing it up, and learning how along the way. They’ve been supporting themselves with YouTube videos (and Patreon ) as they’ve sailed around the world for the past six years. At this writing, their channel has 420,000 subscribers and over 95 million views.

We asked them what they would say to someone just starting out, and they told us, “The most important step is to just get out there, and do the best you can, with what you have at that point in time. With experience, you’ll learn what works and what doesn’t, and what gear fits into your own style and workflow.”

“To some extent, gear does matter,” Dan said via email. “But like my high school shop teacher used to tell me, ‘a good carpenter never blames his tools.’ Over the years we developed our own style, experimented, and slowly evolved our gear to help make our creative process flow smoother.”

We highly recommend their “ A ‘Master Class’ in Advanced Video Selfies ” video, which shows how they made this beautiful travel/day-in-the-life video .

Karl Smallwood, creator of Fact Fiend , has 753,000 subscribers and 320 million views at this writing. He’s able to support himself and a small staff from the channel’s income with his laid-back but highly informative videos about random facts.

He told us, “We’ve never particularly cared about visuals and instead focused on audio when upgrading and purchasing equipment, as more people than you’d expect listen to videos as background noise and, in our experience, people are more likely to forgive janky visuals than bad audio.”

A good mic is a crucial purchase, and we’ll discuss microphones for use with phones and with cameras below.

In the end, what makes a vlog successful is largely how much effort and time you’re willing to put into it, regardless of what you’re shooting with.

Three cameras lined up on a rock.

As the adage goes, the best camera is the one you have with you. This is true for vlogging, as well. Any current smartphone—even models a few years old—can record videos that look fine on YouTube.

The benefit of using your phone, or whatever camera you already have, is that you can get used to the process of making vlogs before you spend lots of extra money. It’s also easy and fairly inexpensive to boost the quality of what you can get out of your existing camera by purchasing some basic accessories, which we’ll discuss in a moment.

That said, upgrading your camera can result in better-looking video and help you get shots and clips not possible with a phone. In some cases, our pick for the best action camera is a logical option. As for other kinds of cameras, we’ve identified a few features specifically important for vlogging that we don’t focus on for our general camera guides:

  • Face recognition: This feature ensures that your face (and the face of anyone you might interview) is in focus at all times.
  • Flip-up or flip-out touchscreen: This kind of screen allows you to see where you are in the frame while you’re recording yourself.
  • Built-in Wi-Fi: Connectivity makes transferring still images or video clips to your smartphone or tablet quick and easy, and even more important, it lets you start or stop recording remotely.
  • Microphone input: This feature allows you to add a directional or wireless microphone, which makes your voice easier to hear when you’re recording in noisy situations.
  • 4K resolution: Compared with 1080p, 4K provides four times as many pixels. Even if you don’t plan on creating 4K videos, having extra resolution gives you options during the editing stage, allowing you to zoom in or crop differently. And in general, your video will have more apparent detail even if the end result is 1080p.
  • Slow-motion capabilities: If you want to create cinematic shots that increase your video’s apparent production values, slow motion is one way to do it.

We also favor more portable cameras for this purpose. DSLRs can provide great video, but they’re quite heavy and generally lacking in image stabilization, so we primarily focus on mirrorless and fixed-lens cameras for vlogging. (If you’re only ever going to stay in one place and produce cooking videos or makeup tutorials, though, heavier cameras like DSLRs can be suitable.)

If you’re planning to stream videos live instead of uploading individual vlog entries to YouTube, our picks wouldn’t work well for you. Most of them aren’t designed to handle a constant flow of video, and they are hard-coded to limit video clips to 30 minutes or less. If you’re looking for something that will help you make your own Let’s Play channel, for example, a webcam will serve you better.

If you’re wondering about camcorders, we address them in their own section .

A person's hand holding the DJI OM 5, a previous pick for the best gimbal for Androids and iPhones, with a phone attached.

Insta360 Flow

For smooth, stabilized cell phone video.

This gimbal effectively stabilizes video shot with even the shakiest hands, while offering useful features such as a built-in tripod and an integrated selfie stick.

Buying Options

Assuming that you already have a phone you like, we’ve found that a few accessories can improve the quality of any phone’s video. The first is a gimbal .

These motorized handles counteract your arm and hand movement, stabilizing the phone so that you can record smooth video with no distracting bouncing. Think of it as a hand-holdable Steadicam rig, one that you can get for well under $200.

The Insta360 Flow is the best phone gimbal because of its approachability, compact size, long-lasting battery, and helpful built-in accessories. It creates far smoother video than what a phone can do internally, or what you can get from any software stabilization you can add in post-production.

good camera for travel vlogging

Joby GorillaPod 1K Kit

A small tripod that can grip.

The GorillaPod works as a small tripod and a selfie stick, and it can grip surfaces for a variety of placement options.

May be out of stock

For many videos, you might not want to have to hold your phone or camera at all. Placing the phone on a desk, counter, or anywhere you’re recording a video is always, pun intended, handy. Doing so gives you many additional creative options, not to mention the freedom to use both hands. (If you like talking with your hands, it’s especially vital.)

For something small that can work as a handle and can grip fence poles, benches, railings, and lots of other objects for stability, we like the Joby GorillaPod 1K Kit . It’s light and highly adjustable, and it can grip onto things with its ball-jointed legs. It can also work as a short selfie stick.

To connect your phone to the tripod , you also need the Square Jellyfish Metal Spring Tripod Mount , which has a rotating mount that can hold any size phone comfortably and can serve as a stand on its own.

Bad audio will alienate potential viewers faster than anything else. No less a luminary than George Lucas once said , “Sound is half the experience in seeing a film.”

Even if you plan on recording only indoors, a good microphone will make your voice more prominent and more professional sounding, and it has the potential to reduce room noise and echoes.

Which of the many available microphone options will work best for you depends a lot on how you’re going to vlog and where. Just about any brand-name mic will sound better than the one built into your phone. Here are some options that we like for use with phones.

good camera for travel vlogging

Versatile desktop USB mic

This mic offers clear, full sound and easy connection to any computer.

If you’re sticking to vlogging at your desk, check out our favorite USB microphone , the Blue Yeti . The Yeti has been our pick since 2013 and has come out on top during every retest of available microphones.

In our testing, the Yeti produced clear, rich recordings and preserved the natural vocal warmth of our testers’ voices. This is a microphone that both amateurs and professionals turn to for their voice or music work, and it will last for years.

Note, however, that it’s a full-size, wired, desktop microphone, so if you plan on recording video on the go, this model won’t work well.

good camera for travel vlogging

Røde VideoMic Me

A convenient mic for your phone.

This mic mounts to your phone to give you better sound with minimal fuss. It includes a wind reducer to improve outdoor recording.

If you want something simple that attaches to your phone, check out Røde’s VideoMic Me. It comes in three flavors: the Me-L for Apple phones , the Me-C for Android phones with USB-C , and a version for any phone with a headphone jack .

It has a cardioid (heart-shaped) pickup pattern to better separate your voice from background noise. On the back is a headphone jack, which allows you to monitor or listen to your recordings without removing the mic. An included furry “ dead cat ” wind reducer helps keep your voice clear outside when it’s breezy.

Each version also comes optionally in a kit that includes a grip, an LED light, and a furry wind reducer. To hear how the VideoMic Me sounds and how the overall kit performs, check out Geoffrey’s review of the Røde Vlogger Kit on YouTube.

A Sony ZV-1 II camera.

Sony ZV-1 II

For vloggers ready to upgrade.

Compact, light, yet able to record stabilized 4K video, this made-for-vlogging camera represents a great step up for beginners.

When you’ve gotten comfortable with vlogging and are ready to step up your video quality, we recommend the Sony ZV-1 II . It’s designed explicitly to serve as a vlogging camera, with the ability to record 4K video at 30 frames per second and 1080p video up to 120 fps. It also records stereo audio with a clever top-mounted directional mic. The flip-out screen lets you easily frame selfie shots, and the built-in optical image stabilization smooths out your movements.

The ZV-1 II is capable of recording better video than a phone for two main reasons. The first is its 1-inch stacked sensor, which is significantly larger than the image sensors found in most mainstream cell phones. The second reason is that the ZV-1 II pairs the sensor with an f/1.8–4 Zeiss lens, which lets a lot of light fall on the sensor despite its compact size. It also offers a smooth 2.8x zoom, giving you an 18mm-equivalent wide angle and a reasonable 50mm-equivalent telephoto.

This lens isn’t as wide as what you can get from a typical cell phone camera, but at arm’s length you should be able to fit your face and shoulders in the frame, especially if you use any sort of selfie stick or handgrip.

A Sony ZV-1 II camera with the screen flipped out.

The ZV-1 II’s flip-out screen is easy to use and makes framing selfie footage simple. On the touchscreen, you can choose your focus point, start or stop recording, and access commonly used settings, including the shutter speed and ISO. Beyond the touchscreen, the menu systems and button layout on the ZV-1 II aren’t as intuitive as they could be; vloggers may find that Sony’s phone app ( iOS , Android ) offers a better way to adjust settings on the fly.

Numerous software features built into the camera make it great for vlogging, as well. For starters, with the touch of a button, you can enable a soft bokeh blur to separate you or your subject from the background. In addition, the fast autofocus can quickly lock in on you, on a separate subject, and then back to you. It can also identify your face and stay focused on you if you move around in the frame.

Although we still recommend a separate mic, the ZV-1 II’s internal mic works quite well and even comes with a furry windscreen “tribble” to keep wind noise at a minimum. A 3.5 mm microphone input and Sony’s MI Shoe mount on top allow you to add an external mic.

The body itself is nicely designed, too, with well-placed grips for you to hold the camera securely multiple ways. Plus, it’s small enough to easily fit in a jacket pocket or purse. On the downside, the screen might be hard to see in bright light, and the camera gives you no way to monitor your audio levels since it lacks a headphone jack.

The ZV-1 II doesn’t have in-body image stabilization (IBIS), but we found that enabling Sony’s software-based Active Steadyshot stabilization on 4K video produced relatively smooth footage. A grip or tripod such as the Joby GorillaPod 1K Kit or Sony’s own Bluetooth controller and tripod can further reduce shakiness. Turning on Active Steadyshot causes the camera to apply a slight crop to recorded clips, but we still fit comfortably within the frame for selfie footage.

Then there’s the matter of price. The ZV-1 II is $900 at this writing. For the features it offers and its overall performance, that is a very good price—in our research, we found many other cameras that offered less for more money. However, $900 is still a lot if you’re unsure whether vlogging is for you.

If you like the sound of the Sony ZV-1 II, but you’d like to save a little money, the original Sony ZV-1 , a former pick, remains a great option, and it’s occasionally available for as little as $650 (though its official retail price is $750). It’s similar to the ZV-1 II in size, shape, and capability, but it has a slightly tighter field of view, with a widest focal length of 23mm (in contrast to the ZV-1 II’s 18mm), and its touchscreen is less useful. On the plus side, the ZV-1 has IBIS, so its photos and videos are just a little less shaky than those of the ZV-1 II.

Our pick for best action camera overall, GoPro Hero12 Black.

GoPro Hero12 Black

Best for action vlogs.

Offering high-resolution, highly stabilized video, a forward-facing screen, and a waterproof body, this action camera is perfect for outdoor, active vlogs.

You save $50 (14%)

The GoPro Hero12 Black is our favorite action camera for two main reasons: image quality and stabilization. Both of those factors make it an excellent vlogging camera if your vlog includes any sort of energetic outdoor activity.

Maxing out at 5.3K resolution, the Hero12 Black offers far more detail than other action cameras do. That resolution allows you to crop your footage to zoom in. With its super-smooth stabilization, you likely don’t need a gimbal for steady shots, even when the camera bounces around during recording. It’s also waterproof down to 33 feet (10 meters). And its audio performance is good, thanks to a group of built-in microphones, though in most cases you should consider using an external mic.

The image quality is no match for what you can get with a larger-sensor camera such as the Sony ZV-1 II or especially the Sony α6700. However, the Hero12 Black creates a vibrant, detailed image in bright light and works fairly well in low light.

No action camera can handle true low-light situations. If you’re usually spelunking in dark caves or crawling through poorly lit abandoned buildings, consider a bigger camera with a larger sensor and lens, provided that you can afford to carry the weight.

The GoPro Media Mod, a plastic frame that goes around the camera and includes a microphone and mounts for accessories.

The two features of the Hero12 Black that help make it a great vlogging camera are its forward-facing screen and its multiple field-of-view options. The color forward-facing screen is small but lets you easily set up selfie shots. As for the “lens” options, you can choose from wide, linear, and narrow, which allows you to frame yourself and your adventure in more ways than you can with most action cameras.

In addition, the Hero12 Black lets you more easily record vertical and horizontal content at the same time. So if you create videos for YouTube (16:9 aspect ratio) and TikTok (9:16), for example, recording 8:7-aspect-ratio videos with the Hero12 Black makes it easier to use the same recorded footage for both.

For more advanced users, the Hero12 Black can also record 10-bit log for easier post-production color grading, and you can enable time-code synchronization to more easily sync footage across multiple cameras. This feature is also available in the slightly cheaper GoPro Hero11 Black , but the Hero12 Black has better battery life and is worth the extra money.

GoPro’s app, called Quik ( iOS , Android ), offers a variety of editing options, allowing you to trim and create videos without third-party editing software, though of course you can get better results in a professional-grade video editor.

One important GoPro accessory that’s worth the investment for any vlogger is the Media Mod . It includes a plastic frame that encloses the camera, plus a built-in microphone and two mounts for either a wireless mic or a small LED light. On the rear are a 3.5 mm audio input, a Micro HDMI port, and a USB-C port (since the frame covers the camera’s USB-C port).

Although the Hero12 Black is an excellent action camera, it is still an action camera. It doesn’t offer any sort of optical zoom, and the digital lens modes merely crop in on the image, so you’re essentially stuck with a wide-angle lens for every shot.

A Sony α6700 camera.

Better vlogging image quality, especially in low light

This APS-C mirrorless camera offers excellent image quality with 4K video, and it does so for a reasonable price. But it’s larger and far more expensive than our other picks.

When you’re ready to step up your game, the Sony α6700 offers the best combination of image quality, stabilization, and price. It’s easy to use for beginners, but it has advanced features that are useful for professionals and semi-professionals as well.

However, it’s quite expensive, so you should consider it only when you’re sure that image quality is what will take your content to the next level. Most likely this means you already have a monetized channel and know what you need from your footage. That said, this model is also a great option if you just want an excellent camera that you’ll also use for vlogging.

If that’s you, the α6700 offers a lot for the money. It can shoot extremely high-quality video, including 4K at 60 frames per second, with the option for 10-bit log recording for easier post-production color correction. This 4K footage is downsampled from 6K, so it’s extremely detailed. The α6700 can also record in-camera time-lapses and 4K at 120 fps for high-resolution slow-motion video.

This camera’s internal optical stabilization, with gyro data recorded for post-production use, can help smooth out bouncy videos, though the GoPro Hero12 Black or a gimbal is a better option if you’re doing anything particularly active. The flip-out, rotatable screen makes it easy to frame selfie shots, or when you’re holding the camera above your head or by your feet.

The APS-C sensor in this camera is larger than the one found in the ZV-1 II and significantly larger than what you get in phones and action cameras. As a result, it produces less noise in low-light situations, has a higher dynamic range , and creates a more professional-looking image overall. Fast and accurate autofocus, including eye and object tracking, helps it maintain sharp focus even when the subject is moving.

In addition, the α6700 has significantly longer battery life compared with the ZV-1 II. Sony estimates around three hours of recording time per battery, and of course you can always get another battery to swap in (and you should).

One of the biggest advantages of an interchangeable-lens camera like the α6700 is that it’s compatible with the many E-mount lenses from Sony and third-party manufacturers. That lets you greatly expand the type of videos you capture: Telephoto lenses can bring faraway subjects up close, wide-angle lenses can capture entire rooms in one shot, and so on.

Otherwise, the only issues are size and price. The ZV-1 II, the Hero12 Black, and your phone are all lightweight and easy to carry. The α6700 is small and light for what it is, but it’s a lot bigger than those alternatives. And while the α6700’s image quality is noticeably better in detail, color, and contrast, this camera typically costs more than twice as much as the ZV-1 II—and that’s without a lens.

A flying DJI Mini 4 Pro drone.

DJI Mini 4 Pro

The best vlogging drone.

This portable, light, and capable drone offers high-end features such as obstacle avoidance and an excellent camera. It’s a great option for walk-and-talks where you don’t want to be seen holding a camera.

Cinematography drones allow filmmakers to capture unique angles and wide vistas, bringing a distinctive look to videos. For vloggers, these small flying cameras work well for creating cinematic establishing shots, recording casual walk-and-talks, and capturing action that other vlogging cameras would struggle with. And they can serve as a tripod-free option when you want to talk straight to the camera (though you’ll probably want a separate microphone).

You’ll find no shortage of great drones to choose from , but for vlogging, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is the best option. For one thing, its sub-250 gram weight makes it easy to carry with you and means that it doesn’t require FAA registration for recreational use. (That said, if you’re planning on making money from videos that incorporate drone footage, you’ll need to get your FAA Part 107 license .)

But despite the Mini 4 Pro’s light weight, it retains plenty of crucial features. It includes a sharp, stabilized 38mm-equivalent camera with an f/1.7 aperture, as well as 360-view sensors that help prevent crashes and allow the drone to track and follow subjects without ending up stranded in a tree.

It shoots at up to 4K resolution and 60 frames per second with HDR (and slow-motion 4K at 100 frames per second without HDR). The lens’s wide aperture makes for surprisingly good low-light footage, even though it’s paired with a tiny, 1/1.3-inch sensor.

The Mini 4 Pro is a bit slower than DJI’s larger Air and Mavic drones , but it can easily keep up with a walking or running subject, and it even does a fair job of keeping up with a cyclist. It’s also quieter than its larger cousins, so it’s a little less distracting for other people when you fly it out in the world.

A few key accessories will improve your video and sound quality—and by extension, how “professional” your vlog looks and sounds.

A solid, adjustable tripod: The Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 263AB100 is perfect for many vloggers because it can extend horizontally to better position a camera over a desk or counter. Its legs can also pivot wider than those of most tripods , allowing you to position the camera lower to the ground. You could also use this tripod for vlogging with your phone (though that’s a bit overkill), as long as you add something like the Square Jellyfish Metal Spring Tripod Mount .

A good microphone: If you’re planning on staying in one place for your vlogs, such as at a desk and talking to the camera, the Blue Yeti is an excellent USB microphone and one of our longest-tenured picks. Read more about it in the section above .

For audio on the go, the Røde VideoMic Go is an affordable directional microphone that doesn’t take up too much space in a bag. Its only major downside is that it attaches to the camera, so you have to be attached to it, as well. For more freedom of movement, Røde’s Wireless Go offers a receiver that attaches to your camera and a transmitter that doubles as a microphone. You can also connect a lavalier mic . The Røde Wireless Go II adds a second transmitter, which is useful if you’re part of a vlogging couple or if you regularly interview people. It can also record internally.

Powerful editing software: To create a compelling, professional-looking video, you need to learn how to work with video-editing software, which allows you to add titles, insert graphics, combine multiple clips into longer videos, cut boring parts, and so on. It’s vital.

You can find a variety of free options, including iMovie, which is included with Apple devices. A full list of available editing apps is beyond the scope of this article, but finding one that works for you is worth the time. Popular options include Adobe Premiere Pro , Apple Final Cut Pro , and DaVinci Resolve from Blackmagic Design.

If you haven’t shot much video before, you might not know that a compact, mirrorless, or DSLR camera is typically limited to about 30 minutes of recording time for a video clip. (This is because video cameras are subject to higher import duties in some regions, notably the EU.)

If you want to record for longer stretches than that, you have to opt for a camcorder (or a Panasonic camera, since that company simply pays the duty). This restriction might make some potential vloggers think that a camcorder is a better option for their needs, but it really isn’t.

For one thing, 30 minutes is a long time when it comes to video. In general, you should keep each installation of your vlog shorter than 30 minutes in length. It’s rare that a vlog entry lasts longer, and even rarer that one would be longer than 30 minutes in a single, uninterrupted shot. It’s much more typical for a vlog post to consist of clips that are each five minutes or far less, strung together to make a final video.

Another reason is that with a camcorder you lose the great still-image capture that comes with the best vlogging cameras we’re recommending here. Even if you only rarely drop still images into your videos, you’ll be able to use your camera to capture stills for use outside of your vlogging.

Furthermore, the sensors in most reasonably priced camcorders aren’t as large as those in our picks, aside from the one in your smartphone. The larger sensors in our picks for the best vlogging cameras are better suited to capturing great video and stills across a wider array of situations.

This article was edited by Ben Keough and Erica Ogg.

Meet your guides

good camera for travel vlogging

Geoffrey Morrison

Geoffrey Morrison is Wirecutter’s former AV editor, current editor-at-large, and a travel writer and photographer. He covers action cameras, gimbals, travel backpacks, and other gear. He has been to all 50 states and 60 countries, and he is the author of Budget Travel for Dummies and the sci-fi novel Undersea .

good camera for travel vlogging

Arriana Vasquez

Arriana Vasquez is a senior updates writer for powering, home office, cameras, and hobbies at Wirecutter. Her hobbies include reading and photography. Her photos have won several awards in various online competitions, and she is the producer and co-host of Old Books Podcast .

good camera for travel vlogging

James Austin

James Austin is a staff writer currently covering games and hobbies, but he’s also worked on just about everything Wirecutter covers—from board games to umbrellas—and after being here for a few years he has gained approximate knowledge of many things. In his free time he enjoys taking photos, running D&D, and volunteering for a youth robotics competition.

Mentioned above

  • If you want to shoot sharp photos while using a slow shutter speed, we think the Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 263AB100 tripod is the best choice. The Best Tripod  
  • Joby’s GorillaPod 1K Kit and the Ulanzi ST-27 tripod mount are the best choices to steady your smartphone when shooting photos and video. The Best Tripod for iPhones and Other Smartphones  
  • The best instant camera for taking high-quality, retro-cool photos is the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40. The Best Instant Camera  
  • After testing 33 drones, we found the DJI Air 3 to be the best for most photographers and videographers. The Best Drones for Photos and Video  
  • If you want to take photos and videos in any situation, even extreme weather, the GoPro Hero12 Black is the best option for most people. The Best Action Camera  
  • If you’re unsatisfied with the camera that’s built into your computer—or if it doesn’t have one—the Logitech Brio 505 is your best option for sharp Zoom calls. The Best Webcams  

Further reading

Our three picks for best Android and iPhone gimbal, displayed in a row in tripod position, with a smartphone mounted on each one.

The Best Android and iPhone Gimbal

by Geoffrey Morrison and Signe Brewster

If you want smoother, more professional-looking video from your smartphone, the Insta360 Flow is the best gimbal.

A Sony point and shoot camera, Giottos Rocket Air Blaster, and Pec-Pad wipes sitting on a table.

The Best Camera Cleaning Gear

by Tim Barribeau and Ben Keough

Like anything, lenses and cameras need to be cleaned, and this gear will help you clean them properly.

Four cameras shown side by side on top of a wooden fence.

You Can Get Almost-New Camera Gear for a Fraction of the Cost. Here’s How.

by Ben Keough

Camera gear is expensive. Our expert camera editor shows you how to score significant bargains on used lenses, bodies, tripods, and more.

Five of the camera flashes we tested for this guide, with a couple of them attached to cameras, being displayed in front of an orange background.

How to Buy a Camera Flash

by Arriana Vasquez

A camera flash can take your photography to a new level of creativity, but picking one can be tricky. We explain how to choose the right flash for your camera.

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Notable Mentions

Recent updates, all reviews, the 6 best mirrorless cameras for travel - summer 2024 reviews.

Best Mirrorless Cameras For Travel

As is often the case, the best camera for the job is usually the one you've already got on you, and that's especially true when you're traveling and likely don't have the space to pack a bulky camera kit. A smartphone will suffice for most people, especially since smartphone cameras are getting more impressive by the year. But if you want to take your travel photography to the next level, a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera will get you there. While the battery life on mirrorless cameras isn't as strong as their DSLR counterparts, they're tough to beat on portability, making them great travel cameras if you also want the flexibility to shoot with different lenses.

We've bought and tested over 100 cameras in our lab, and below, you'll find our recommendations for the best mirrorless cameras for travel. In this article, we limit ourselves to mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses. If you'd prefer a fixed-lens compact camera, check out our  best compact cameras for travel instead. You can also check out our top vlogging cameras if you're a travel vlogger. Or, if you want a mirrorless camera for use beyond just traveling, see our recommendations for the best mirrorless cameras  overall.

Best Mirrorless Camera For Travel

Fujifilm X-T5 Design Photo

Among mirrorless options, the Fujifilm X-T5 stands out as one of the best for travel photography. It's aimed at enthusiast photographers, and it has old-school exposure dials that make it easy to adjust settings on the go. It also has a relatively portable, lightweight design and sturdy build, with weather-sealing for added peace of mind when shooting in poor weather conditions. Beyond its sleek exterior, it also comes equipped with one of the highest-resolution APS-C sensors on the market, with a whopping 40.2 megapixels, so it captures incredibly detailed images with plenty of leeway to crop and adjust your photos.

If that wasn't enough, it has an excellent battery life for a mirrorless model and features Fujifilm's most advanced autofocus yet, with intuitive AF tracking and subject detection for a wide range of subjects, including people, birds, and vehicles. Plus, the wide range of excellent, portable lenses available for Fuji's X mount is another bonus. Overall, the X-T5's combination of image quality, portability, and photography-first design make it our top pick for the intrepid travel photographer.

See our review

Best Full Frame Mirrorless Camera For Travel

Sony α7C II Design Photo

If you're looking for the best possible image quality, the Sony α7C II is hard to beat for high-level, National Geographic-worthy travel photography. It's one of the most compact full-frame bodies on the market, and while full-frame lenses are still bigger than APS-C or Micro Four Thirds alternatives, the compact body helps make a more portable kit. Its compact size does mean fewer custom buttons and an uncomfortably small viewfinder; however, these are small sacrifices to make if you need portability but still want the greater dynamic range and noise handling that comes with a full-frame sensor.

Though the camera's 33-megapixel sensor is its real selling point, it also boasts a long battery life, excellent weather-sealed build quality, and one of the best autofocus systems on the market, not to mention a wide range of both native and third-party lens options. If you want to save some money, you can find the original Sony α7C for a steal, considering how similarly it performs for photography, though it has a slightly lower-resolution sensor and uses an older version of Sony's AF.

Best Upper Mid-Range Mirrorless Camera For Travel

OM SYSTEM OM-5 Design Photo

Micro Four Thirds (MFT) models like the OM SYSTEM OM-5 are practically made for travel photography. Though there's a slight trade-off in low-light noise handling with an MFT sensor, the camera can still capture beautiful images, especially when paired with a good lens. Beyond that, it's packed with some neat computational features, like a digital ND filter and a high-resolution composite mode to capture stunningly detailed landscapes. Plus, the MFT system has a well-established lineup of lenses, including more compact options that'll make for a more portable overall kit.

On top of that, the OM-5 is weather-sealed and ruggedly built, giving you some peace of mind while traveling. Built-in image stabilization allows you to get clear shots at slower shutter speeds, and the camera has a decent autofocus system, though it falls short of the standard set by brands like Sony and Canon. Battery life is also underwhelming, but this model is still a sure bet if you're looking for a portable and feature-rich camera system at a reasonable price point. If you can find it for cheaper, the older Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III offers near-identical performance, though it uses an older sensor and lacks a few extra features found on the OM-5, like 'Live ND.'

Best Mid-Range Mirrorless Camera For Travel

Fujifilm X-T30 II Design Photo

As far as mid-range options go, the Fujifilm X-T30 II is an excellent choice with a highly portable body. Like the higher-end Fujifilm X-T5 above, it has a sleek retro-inspired design with the same exposure dial setup, giving you more hands-on control over camera settings on the fly. The camera's APS-C sensor also captures excellent image quality, with film simulation profiles that let you change up the look of your photos in-camera.

While competitors like the  Sony α6400  (or one of its α6x00 series siblings) might have better autofocus, the combination of physical controls and Fujifilm's excellent in-camera processing make this camera a blast to shoot with. Throw in a solid selection of fast prime lenses, and you've got a great camera for travel photography, particularly if you're interested in capturing people or street scenes. That said, unlike the OM SYSTEM OM-5  mentioned above, there's no IBIS here, and the camera is less versatile for videos and vlogs because of its tilt screen.

Best Budget Mirrorless Camera For Travel

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Design Photo

If you're on a tighter budget, the small and mighty Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV offers a ton of value for its price. Like its higher-end sibling above, it uses an MFT sensor, making for a more portable overall kit with a budget-friendly price tag. It's a great option for beginners, with simple controls and plenty of creative shooting modes that allow you to play with different photography styles.

Beyond that, this is one of the few cameras at this price point with in-body image stabilization, which can help reduce camera shake in videos or make it easier to get clear handheld shots at slower shutter speeds. That said, this model doesn't have the most reliable autofocus, so if that's important to you, the Canon EOS R50 is a good alternative with a larger APS-C sensor and a more effective AF system. Just be aware that there are fewer lens options for Canon's RF mount, and the lenses are generally bigger.

Best Mirrorless Vlogging Camera For Travel

Sony ZV-E10 Design Photo

If you're more inclined to shoot videos while traveling, consider a vlogging camera like the Sony ZV-E10. It's small and lightweight, so it's easy to toss into a bag and take on the go. While it doesn't have a viewfinder like the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV , its fully articulated screen is perfect for vlogging, allowing you to monitor yourself while shooting. It also has vlogging-friendly features like a detachable windscreen to reduce ambient noise, specialized focus modes, and a great battery life.

It's worth noting that the camera doesn't have built-in stabilization, and its e-stabilization feature can introduce a distracting wobble effect, so you're better off using an optically stabilized lens if you want to keep the camera shake to a minimum. Otherwise, the ZV-E10's relatively low price, convenient size, and great video quality make this the ideal mirrorless camera for travel vlogging.

  • Fujifilm X-T4: The Fujifilm X-T4 is the predecessor to the Fujifilm X-T5, and though it's a tad heavier, it's a great choice if you want to save money, offering many of the same advantages. It uses an older processor, a lower-resolution sensor, and a less reliable autofocus system. See our review
  • OM SYSTEM OM-1: The OM SYSTEM OM-1 is a fantastic Micro Four Thirds camera. It's more rugged and better built than the OM SYSTEM OM-5, but it's also pricier and likely overkill for most people. See our review

May 16, 2024: We replaced the Sony α7C with the Sony α7C II because it has better availability than its predecessor, but we still recommend the original α7C as a cheaper alternative.

Mar 20, 2024: We've reviewed the article to ensure the picks and text are up to date.

Jan 26, 2024: Replaced the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III with the OM SYSTEM OM-5, as it's more widely available.

Oct 27, 2023: Added mention of the Sony α7C II to flesh out the market context for the Sony a7C.

Aug 31, 2023: Added the Fujifilm X-T5 as the 'Best Mirrorless Camera For Travel' and shifted the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III down to the upper mid-range spot.

Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best mirrorless cameras for travel for most people to buy, according to their needs. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability (no cameras that are difficult to find or almost out of stock in the U.S.).

If you'd like to choose for yourself, here's the list of all our interchangeable-lens mirrorless camera reviews, ranked by their suitability for travel photography. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There is no single perfect camera. Personal taste, preference, and shooting habits will matter more in your selection.

The best travel camera for 2024: the finest choices for your adventures

The best travel cameras for your next big trip

  • Best overall
  • Best travel compact
  • Best-looking
  • Best action cam
  • Best tough camera
  • Best premium compact
  • Best small full-frame
  • Best hybrid vlogger

Best for moving subjects

  • Best superzoom

How to choose

  • How we test

Sony A6700 on an orange background

1. The list in brief 2. Best for most people 3. Best compact 4. Best-looking 5. Best action 6. Best tough 7. Best premium compact 8. Best small full-frame 9. Best hybrid travel vlogger 10. Best for moving subjects 11. Best superzoom bridge 12. How to choose 13. How we test

We’re often asked about the best travel camera, but the answer depends on what you plan to do with it. Adventurous travellers might want a rugged action camera; a city break will demand a discreet device that shoots sharp and steady handheld. There's no one size fits all and that’s why we’ve tested a wide range of travel cameras. In our round-up below, you’ll find everything from premium compacts to mirrorless hybrids – all ranked by our expert team.

After countless hours on the road, we think the best option for most people is the OM System OM-5. Thanks to a Micro Four Thirds sensor, it’s usefully portable. It’s also weatherproof and shoots better images than a smartphone, while offering the flexibility of interchangeable lenses. That said, we know it might not be the right choice for every traveller.

We recommend reading through our whole guide, to get a full picture of the best travel cameras you can buy right now. We’ve reviewed each model in the real world, to see how well it stacks up when shooting on the move. We assess factors such as handling, image stabilization and battery life, as well as image quality and autofocus performance. By listing the positives and negatives of each option, as well as who we think it’s best for, we’ve tried to make it as simple as possible to find your ideal travel camera. If compact size is your number one criteria, it's also worth checking out our best compact cameras guide. 

Tim is TechRadar's Cameras editor, with over 15 years in the photo video industry and most of those in the world of tech journalism, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with all things camera related. Tim notes: "There's no one-size fits all travel camera, but all of the options recommended here share a few key traits: each is relatively portable, handles well while on the move and is capable of producing impressive holiday photos."

The quick list

If you don’t have time to read our full list of the best travel cameras, use the summary for a quick overview of to the top options for your needs and budget. If you find one that takes your fancy, use the links to jump to our full write-up.

OM System OM-5 mirrorless camera on a white background

The best travel camera overall

Squeezing a host of features into a compact, weatherproof body that’s compatible with a range of lenses, the OM-5 is the ideal travel camera.

Read more below

Ricoh GR III

The best compact travel camera

If you want a camera that slips in your pocket but has smartphone-beating image quality, then the GR IIIx is well worth a look.

Nikon Z fc camera on a white background

The best-looking travel camera

Don’t be fooled by its lovely retro looks: the Nikon Z fc is every bit the modern travel camera, with a useful touchscreen and top image quality.

GoPro Hero 12 Black

The best action camera for travel

With superlative stabilization and a useful 8:9 sensor for sharing videos to social, this is the best action camera for capturing intrepid travels.

OM System Tough TG-7

The best tough travel camera

When travels get tough, you need a camera that can keep up – which is where the rugged TG-7 comes into its own, with a hardcore build and simple interface.

Fujifilm X100VI compact camera on a white background

The best premium compact

With a large sensor, 23mm focal length and small form factor, the X100VI is a powerful tool for street photography on your travels.

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Sony A7C R on a white background

The best small full-frame camera

Combining a small form factor with a high-res 61MP sensor and fantastic autofocus, the Sony A7C R is the best full-frame camera for travel photography.

Fujifilm X-S20 camera on a white background

The best hybrid for travel vlogging

A capable sensor and automated settings, including a Vlogging mode, make the Fujifilm X-S20 an accessible tool for stills and video on the go.

Sony A6700 mirrorless camera on a white background

The best for moving subjects

The compact A6700 uses AI-powered autofocus to reliably snap on to animals, insects, cars and more. The Fuji X-S20 is better for video, though.

Sony RX10 IV camera on a white background

The best superzoom camera

Even with a 1-inch sensor, the Sony RX10 IV delivers sharp stills and video, with the added versatility of a generous 24-600mm zoom range.

The best travel cameras in 2024

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.

Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best travel cameras in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.

The OM System OM-5 camera sitting on a tree branch

1. OM System OM-5

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

✅ You want a robust travel camera: Light enough to travel with but tough enough to deal with bad weather, the OM-5 is a ruggedly dependable camera.

✅ You shoot handheld a lot: The OM-5 has excellent image stabilization for stills, meaning you can cross a tripod off your packing list.

❌ You want the best image quality: Its Micro Four Thirds sensor is decent enough, but some rivals offer more pixels and better low light performance.

❌ You have large hands: Handling is surprisingly good for a small camera, but the grip is not very deep, especially for those with bigger hands.

The OM-5 is only a relatively minor update of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III , but its combination of talents make it an ideal travel camera in our book – particularly if you want the flexibility of interchangeable lenses. It shoehorns a lot of features into a compact, weatherproof body that's compatible with a wealth of equally small lenses. Most of its skills, including excellent in-body image stabilization and computational photography modes, are also designed with travelers and adventurers in mind.

Our tests found that the OM-5 delivers excellent video and stills quality for its size, helped by a stabilization system (good for 6.5-stops of compensation) that gives you a high hit-rate of keepers. We also enjoyed the high-quality feel of the camera's dials, as well as in-camera software tricks, like Live ND and in-camera focus stacking, which are ideal for macro shots or blurring skies for an ethereal effect. Less good are the fairly average EVF resolution, 4K /30p limit for video and relative limitations of its smaller sensor, but these are all acceptable trade-offs considering this camera's size and price.

Read our in-depth OM System OM-5 review

  • ^ Back to the top

A hand holding the Ricoh GR IIIx camera

2. Ricoh GR IIIx

✅ You go on city breaks: It's small and discreet for city photography, where its poor battery life and less than desirable build quality aren't so much of an issue.

✅ You want smartphone-beating picture quality: Being a niche camera is the GR IIIx's strength: its large sensor and sharp lens, together with gorgeous color profiles, make picture taking a joyful experience.

❌ You want a powerful zoom: The GR IIIx's lens is fixed, which means it's sharp but it can't zoom in on distant action and landmarks.

❌ You shoot video a lot: With a basic video spec of just FHD video and mono audio, the GR IIIx is a photography first camera way behind today's smartphones for video recording.

If you'd rather a truly pocketable camera with excellent image quality for city breaks over a rugged shooter for outdoorsy adventures, then the Ricoh GR IIIx is one of our top picks. It packs a larger APS-C sensor, the kind you get on much bigger cameras like DSLRs, and a fixed 40mm f/2.8 lens capable of pin sharp photos. It's a particularly popular camera with street photographers, and one of the few true compact cameras still being manufactured in 2024, thanks to some smartphone-beating features. 

You get a handy macro photography mode, clever snap focus setting for preset focus distances, and some lovely color profiles and in-camera photo editing – you might just discover a love for black and white photography with the GR IIIx. The 40mm lens is a versatile focal length for every day photography offering a similar perspective to the portrait lens on your phone, while the Ricoh GR III alternative has a wider 28mm lens and a similar field of view to your smartphone's main camera. 

The GR IIIx isn't perfect: there's no built-in flash, battery life is poor, the touchscreen is fixed and it won't stand up to rigorous treatment. However, you're making those compromizes to obtain what is the best image quality of any camera this small, and for city breaks its weaknesses aren't so much of an issue.  

Read our in-depth Ricoh GR IIIx review

The Nikon Z fc, one of the best travel cameras, camera on a park bench

3. Nikon Z fc

✅ You care about camera design: From the retro dials to the circular viewfinder, the Nikon Z fc channels classic style to fantastic effect.

✅ You like manual exposure control: Dedicated dials for ISO, shutter speed and exposure, complemented by a lens control ring, give excellent manual control.

❌ You need a wide choice of lenses: There are only a handful of Z-series kit lenses designed for the APS-C format, limiting your options for expansion.

❌ You want a rugged camera: Although it looks like the sturdy FM2, the Z fc isn’t weather-sealed, so it’s not one to take on rainy adventures.

Travel photography is all about capturing memories and Nikon’s Z fc fully embraces the concept of nostalgia: it’s a stunning homage to the 30-year-old Nikon FM2 – complete with retro styling, dimensions and dials. Despite the throwback design, it’s a very modern camera inside, sharing many of its specs with the capable Nikon Z50. While some photographers might wish for a full-frame sensor, the Z fc’s APS-C number does a stellar job of capturing stills and 4K video, aided by reliable tracking autofocus. Our tests found that its 20.9MP sensor had an excellent handle on noise, especially under ISO 800, while dynamic range was impressive.

Its vari-angle touchscreen is also a brilliant addition, making it easy to frame travel selfies – or folding away completely for a leather-back look that lets you pretend it's the Eighties. The Nikon Z fc isn’t as sturdy as the camera that inspired it (there’s no weatherproofing, for example), but it’s still a beautifully unique camera for casual use. And with dedicated dials for ISO, shutter speed and exposure, plus a customizable lens ring, it’s also an easy one to control on the go.

Read our in-depth Nikon Z fc review

A photo of the GoPro Hero 12 Black

4. GoPro Hero 12 Black

✅ You want a rugged travel camera: Waterproof down to 10m, the GoPro Hero 12 Black is a great choice for capturing action-packed travels.

✅ You plan to share on social: The 8:7 aspect ratio of its sensor gives you lots of flexibility to crop footage for social, including vertical videos.

❌ You plan to shoot in low light: Its 1/1.9in sensor shoots sharp footage, but it still struggles with noise handling in lower lighting conditions.

❌ You want a hybrid for stills: While the sensor can shoot 27MP stills, you’ll get a better photography experience from a standard alternative.

If you're looking for a high resolution action camera for your travels that's as comfortable shooting smooth videos as it is crisp photos, then the GoPro Hero 12 Black tops the bill. It was an underwhelming update of the Hero 11 Black, but that's not necessarily a bad thing because that camera was already highly capable. There's the same 1/1.9in sensor with versatile 8:9 aspect ratio – you can reframe footage for different social channels without sacrificing quality, and its max resolution of 5.3K/60p beats the DJI Osmo Action 4. You can capture dramatic TimeWarps at the full 5.3K resolution, shoot photo sequences as a rapid 30fps, and pull 24.7MP stills from 5.3K video.

Design-wise, there's no change to the Hero 11 Black, the two rugged models are physically identical and come with a large Enduro battery as standard, giving more time between recharges on the road. The same interface lets you tweak the user experience, with ‘Easy’ and ‘Pro’ modes to suit your skill level. Superior Horizon Lock and HyperSmooth 5.0 smarts do a remarkable job of stabilizing handheld video. Minor updates from the Hero 11 Black are mainly for pros, including flat Log color profiles, 10-bit video, and multi-channel audio capabilities. For most people however, there's little reason to upgrade or to pick the Hero 12 Black over its predecessor which could save you a little money. 

Read our in-depth hands-on GoPro Hero 12 Black review

A guide light accessory on the OM System Tough TG-7 camera

5. OM System Tough TG-7

✅ You want a hardcore camera: With a case that’s waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof, the OM System Tough TG-7 is built to take a beating.

✅ You like a simple interface: Premium features include RAW shooting and 4K video, but the camera itself is easy to operate, even in tricky conditions.

❌ You want the best image quality: Results from the 1/2.3in sensor are fine, but the TG-7 tends to overexpose, and detail is lost at the telephoto end.

❌ You like using a viewfinder: The Tough TG-7 doesn’t have a viewfinder, and the 3-inch LCD screen has limited visibility in bright sunlight.

Tough cameras like the TG-6 are freeze-proof, shockproof and waterproof and can therefore be used in scenarios that you simply wouldn't consider with your phone or expensive camera, and for that reason the TG-7 is still one of the best travel cameras you can buy. Its industrial design feels reassuringly rugged, while large buttons make it convenient to operate beneath the waves or while wearing gloves, plus its 3-inch LCD display offers decent visibility in most conditions. 

We found image quality to be reasonable for a camera with a 1/2.3-inch sensor, with nice, rich colors – although there was a tendency to overexpose and blow out highlights. An equivalent zoom range of 25-100mm is fair, plus the inclusion of 4K video and raw shooting enhance flexibility. Its image quality might not match your phone for regular photos, but the TG-7 will allow you to be capturing extreme travel memories when you otherwise couldn't, plus there's a range of useful accessories such as a ring light for close up photography. 

Read our in-depth OM System Tough TG-7 review

Front of the Fujifilm X100VI reflected in glass table

6. Fujifilm X100VI

✅ You're exploring the city: With a fixed 23mm f/2 lens, Fujifilm's best autofocus, tilt screen and hybrid viewfinder, the X100V is a fantastic choice for street photography.

✅ You want a premium camera: From its retro design to its metal body, the X100V feels well-made and looks the business.

❌ You don’t want a fixed focal length: The 23mm lens is fantastic, but some users will find it limiting, especially if you value the ability to zoom.

❌ You’re on a tight budget: The X100VI is a popular but niche premium camera, and its increased price will put it out of budget for many.

We'd class the Fujifilm X100VI as a niche premium compact camera, but the range is more popular than ever. The sixth-generation model keeps all that users have grown to love about the X100 series: sharp fixed lens, large sensor, retro design, and unique hybrid viewfinder. But it also builds on the X100V with a higher-resolution 40MP sensor and in-body image stabilization. The result is a significantly more versatile camera, for example the digital teleconverter can crop into the full image for 50mm (at 20MP) and 70mm (at 10MP) focal length looks, while stablization lets you shoot slower shutter speeds in low light.  

Other key improvements over the X100V include more detailed 6K video and Fujifilm's best-ever autofocus that includes advanced subject detection for photo and video. You can rely on the X100VI as a discreet everyday camera to document the world around, especially your travels, and it comes with 20 film simulation color profiles inspired by actual Fujifilm 35mm film that you can customize with recipes to develop your own style. 

Read our in-depth Fujifilm X100VI review

Sony A7C R camera outside on a wooden table

7. Sony A7C R

✅ You want the sharpest stills: With a 61MP full-frame sensor, you won’t get sharper travel snaps from any other camera in this list.

✅ You want a small, powerful camera: Despite the full-frame sensor inside, the A7C R is very compact and fits neatly in the hand.

❌ You value good handling: The small design has drawbacks, including a compromised viewfinder and absent AF joystick.

❌ You plan to use big lenses: Its compact proportions mean the Sony A7C R is mismatched with larger telephoto lenses.

By combining a small, travel-friendly form factor with a 61MP full frame sensor and fantastic autofocus, Sony has created arguably the ultimate travel camera. Successor to the Sony A7C – already one of our favorite travel photography tools – and announced alongside the A7C II , the A7C R fits nicely in the hand, while a flip screen and new dials offer welcome control.

Equipped with Sony’s top-grade autofocus and AI-powered subject tracking, the A7C R can cleverly and reliably track a broad range of subjects. You won’t find a better full frame sensor, either: borrowed from the A7R V , it captures stunning, pin-sharp stills in all conditions. Cropping potential is vast, and video footage is decent too.

There are trade-offs, though. In testing, we found that the A7C R’s compact proportions come with handling compromises, especially compared to the traditional design of the A7R V. The viewfinder feels small and fiddly, and we wish Sony had included an AF joystick. It’s also not a camera to pair with large telephoto lenses. But the real kicker is the cost: it’s significantly more expensive than the A7C II. That premium means it’s only a camera to consider if you need absolutely the best possible image quality on your travels.

Read our in-depth Sony A7C R review

Fujifilm X-S20 camera in hand

8. Fujifilm X-S20

✅ You value longevity: The X-S20 has double the battery life of the X-S10, making it a great choice for long days of travel photography.

✅ You shoot video, too: Capturing sharp 26MP stills and 6K/30p open gate video, the Fujifilm X-S20 is a true mirrorless hybrid.

❌ You need weather proofing: Build quality of the X-S20 is good, but you’re better off with the Sony A6700 if you need a weatherproof camera.

❌ You have a limited budget: Its additional features come at the cost of a steep price hike compared to the Fujifilm X-S10, which makes it a harder sell.

Channelling everything we liked about the X-S10 – including a compact, well-balanced body – the Fujifilm X-S20 cements its position as a fantastic mirrorless cameras for travel. It handles comfortably, with simplified dials making it accessible for beginners. In testing, we found new novice-friendly features – such as a dedicated Vlogging mode – also make the X-S20 a forgiving camera for touring first-timers.

The X-S20 is blessed with a proven shooting system, utilising the same 26.1MP sensor as the X-S10 and X-T4 to produce quality stills. It also eases the way for beginners with an automatic scene detection mode, which harnesses the power of Fuji’s latest X-Processor 5 to reliably choose the correct settings. From our first impressions, it works better than the automatic subject tracking, which was a little hit and miss.

With 6K/30p 4:2:2 10-bit internal video recording also on offer, plus in-body image stabilization that worked well in testing, the Fujifilm X-S20 is a solid option for content creators on the move. The lack of weather-sealing will discourage adventurous travellers, while the price tag means it isn’t one to leave in an unattended bag. But at just 26g heavier than its predecessor, the X-S20 is a very capable all-rounder for travel.

Read our in-depth Fujifilm X-S20 review

Sony Alpha A6700 mirrorless camera outside on a wall

9. Sony A6700

✅ You want a capable travel hybrid: A sharp APS-C sensor, five-axis stabilization and AI autofocus make the A6700 a great all-rounder to take on the road.

✅ You like to get hands-on: A more ergonomic grip and lots of direct-access buttons make the A6700 a nice camera to handle and use.

❌ You shoot mostly video: The A6700 can record sharp video, but there’s a heavy 1.6x crop on 4K/120p slow-mo and Active SteadyShot stabilization isn’t the best.

❌ You like simple menus: The interface on the A6700 has quite a learning curve, and it can be tricky to navigate when shooting out and about.

It's a close-run thing between the Sony A6700 and the Fujifilm X-S20 above, but if you shoot a lot of moving subjects then the Sony should be your choice. Like the Fuji, it has a 26MP APS-C sensor and comes in a compact, travel-friendly form. And like the Fuji, it's a genuine hybrid, offering decent video options to go with its stills prowess. But there are some key differences.

First, the good: the A6700 has the same AI-powered chipset as the far more expensive Sony A7R V , and this helps it deliver incredible subject tracking; seriously, this camera will lock on to humans, animals, insects, cars, trains, aircraft and more, then follow them unerringly around the frame. However, its video chops aren't as impressive as those of the Fuji. 4K 120p slow-mo footage is subjected to a heavy 1.6x crop, while the five-axis stabilization doesn't work as well when filming as it does when shooting stills. The complex menu system also leaves something to be desired.

Still, it handles well, has a great battery and would make an excellent all-rounder for your next trip - so long as you're slightly more focused on images than video.

Read our in-depth Sony A6700 review

Sony RX10 IV, one of the best travel cameras, being used by someone

10. Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV

✅ You like to zoom in: With a sharp, fast 24-600mm, the RX100 IV offers fantastic versatility to capture a range of subjects on your travels.

✅ You want an all-in-one option: The RX100 IV is a high-end bridge camera with a big zoom range, high-quality EVF and capable AF system.

❌ You want a small camera: While it ticks most of the boxes for travel photography, the RX100 IV is bigger and heavier than many rivals.

❌ You like a slick touchscreen: Its tilting touchscreen is a useful addition, but you can’t use it to navigate menus or swipe through images.

In terms of offering something for everybody, the RX10 IV ticks a lot of boxes. It's like having a bag full of lenses, but with the benefit of never having to change them. There's a very long zoom (going all the way from 24-600mm), while the maximum aperture is pretty wide throughout the lens. 

The RX10 IV's sensor might not be as a large as the ones you'll find on a mirrorless camera or DSLR, but Sony's 20.1MP one-inch chip proved itself to be very capable in our tests. Noise was well-controlled, and you'd have no problem making an A3 print from one of its files (particularly if you shoot at under ISO 800). 

You also get 24fps shooting, cracking 4K video quality and handling to rival a DSLR. The major downside? The high price – if your budget is tighter, don't forget about this camera's predecessor, the RX10 III .

Read our in-depth Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV review

How to choose the best travel camera for you

Picking the right travel camera can be trickier than finding affordable flights. You’ll want a shooting tool that’s compact enough to conveniently carry on your travels, yet still capable of capturing sharp stills and stable video of your jet-setting adventures.

There are a few key things to keep in mind when choosing your ideal travel camera. Among the most important is size. While pocketable compacts offer convenience, the quality of your travel snaps will be boosted by the bigger sensors of larger mirrorless models.

If your adventures are likely to involve going off the beaten track, it’s worth considering a travel camera with rugged credentials. This could be one of the best action cameras , such as the GoPro Hero 11 Black – perfect if you plan to shoot quick, slick travel clips. Or it could be a sturdy compact such as the Olympic TG-6, which is one of the best waterproof cameras .

It’s also worth thinking about what subjects you might be shooting on your trip. A long zoom range will be handy on safari , while something light and fast is better for capturing street snaps on a city break. Travel compacts, such as the Panasonic Lumix ZS200 / TZ200, usually use a zoom lens to cover a range of shooting scenarios. Interchangeable lens cameras like the Fujifilm X-T30 II can similarly offer the flexibility of both worlds, but only if you’re happy to travel with extra barrels in your backpack.

Fujifilm X-S20 camera in hand

Which type of camera is best for traveling?

Travel cameras come in a range of shapes and sizes. Which style is best for you will depend on how you like to travel, what you like to shoot and how much gear you’re willing to cart around.

Travel zoom compacts such as the Panasonic Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 are pocket friendly, yet offer a broad scope for capturing a range of subjects. Thanks to generous zoom ranges, they give you the opportunity to get close to the action, or to shoot wide. The trade-off for having all of this flexibility in a compact body is generally a smaller sensor, which is less useful for shooting in low light.

If you’d like neat proportions but don’t need the versatility of a zoom lens, premium compact cameras could be worth considering. Models such as the Fujifilm X100V sacrifice zoom range in favour of larger sensors that are better at gathering light – usually a one-inch or, in the case of the X100V, an APS-C chip.

Between compacts and mirrorless cameras is where you’ll find bridge cameras. Bulkier than a standard compact, they offer more comfortable handling and a large zoom range, but without the need to carry different lenses. New bridge cameras are increasingly rare, but the Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV remains a great example.

If you don’t mind traveling with multiple lenses, many of the best mirrorless cameras have been specifically designed with travel in mind. In the case of models like the OM System OM-5 , that means a portable, weatherproof body, useful image stabilization for shooting on the move, plus a versatile Micro Four Thirds sensor that balances size and performance. And with lots of different lenses to choose from, you can pack different optics depending on the type of trip you’re taking – or opt for a reliable all-round option.

Is a DSLR or mirrorless camera better for travel photography?

When it comes to travel photography, most photographers look for a balance between portability and performance. If this is the combination you’re after, mirrorless cameras will almost aways have the edge over their DSLR rivals. Mirrorless models are generally smaller and lighter than DSLRs, making them easier to wield and travel with.

Despite their more compact proportions, many of the best mirrorless travel cameras can also match or outclass DSLR cameras when it comes to image quality, as well as autofocus abilities and video features. This makes them versatile tools for shooting on the move, especially if you choose a model with in-body image stabilization for sharp handheld results. If you pick a mirrorless camera with an established lens mount system, you’ll also find no shortage of glass to pack for your trip.

That said, there are reasons why you might still want to consider a DSLR camera for travel. Some photographers prefer the chunkier ergonomic grip for which the DSLR format is famous, especially if they plan on shooting for hours on end. The best DSLR cameras also offer superlative battery life, which can be useful if your travel plans include days away from electricity.

Budget might also be a factor, especially if you’re concerned about taking an expensive camera on your travels. Older DSLR cameras can offer great value, as can second-hand mirrorless models. It’s also worth looking at our round-up of the best cheap cameras , which includes some options that are a good fit for travel photography.

  • Read our in-depth DSLR vs Mirrorless comparison

OM System OM-5

How we test travel cameras

Buying a camera these days is a big investment, and travel cameras are no different – so every camera in this guide has been tested extensively by us. For travel cameras in particular, real-world tests are the most revealing way to understand a camera's performance and character, so we focus heavily on those, along with standardized tests for factors like ISO performance.

To start with, we look at the camera's design, handling and controls to get a sense of how suitable it is for life on the road, and any particular features that might be particularly useful for globe-trotters. When we take it out on a shoot, we'll use it both handheld and on a tripod to get a sense of where its strengths lie, and test its startup speed.

When it comes to performance, we use a formatted SD card and shoot in both raw and JPEG (if available). For burst shooting tests, we dial in our regular test settings (1/250 sec, ISO 200, continuous AF) and shoot a series of frames in front of a stopwatch to see if it lives up to its claimed speeds. We'll also look at how quickly the buffers clears and repeat the test for both raw and JPEG files.

Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II

In various lighting conditions, we also test the camera's different autofocus modes (including Face and Eye AF) in single point, area and continuous modes. We also shoot a range of photos of different styles (portrait, landscape, low light, macro/close-up) in raw and JPEG to get a sense of metering and its sensor's ability to handle noise and resolve fine detail.

If the camera's raw files are supported by Adobe Camera Raw, we'll also process some test images to see how we can push areas like shadow recovery. And we'll also test its ISO performance across the whole range to get a sense of the levels we'd be happy to push the camera to.

Battery life is tested in a real-world fashion, as we use the camera over the course of the day with the screen set to the default settings. Once the battery has reached zero, we'll then count the number of shots to see how it compares to the camera's CIPA rating. Finally, we test the camera's video skills by shooting some test footage at different frame-rates and resolutions, along with its companion app.

We then take everything we've learned about the camera and factor in its price to get a sense of the value-for-money it offers, before reaching our final verdict.

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Tim is the Cameras editor at TechRadar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other. 

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good camera for travel vlogging

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

Fujifilm X-S20 digital camera

  • 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 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.

Read more below ↓

Stock image of a Sony digital camera on a white background

Despite aging a little, the Sony A7 III still offers some features that are competitive with new models like IBIS, auto-tracking, and 4K video. Best of all, the camera is incredibly well-priced, making it the best option for traveling without worrying too much about damaging expensive kit.

Panasonic Lumix G100

If you want a small camera that shoots great stills and video, and cost costs the earth the Panasonic Lumix G100D is the best budget option out there for travel. Although the G100D is only a slightly newer G100, which is much the same, but with a USB-C port and upgraded EVF.

Fujifilm X-S20 camera on a white background

The Fujifilm X-S20 is a camera for everyone, with great quality stills, but is set apart by its deceptively powerful video skills. This makes the X-S20 the perfect travel camera for any hybrid creator who is a versatile and lightweight camera, all at a price tag that won't break the bank. 

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

When picking the best travel camera, we're focusing on portability. If you want to fit a whole photographic kit – that's a camera and several lenses into a bag, then the dinky but mighty Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is one of the best portable cameras around.

OM System Tough TG-7

If you're planning on a coastal adventure then you need a camera that is fully waterproof and rugged enough to take on the most challenging adventures. This camera offers better stills than your average action cam, so if photos are your main priority  – the Tough TG-7 is for you.

View the full list ⇩

DJI Osmo Action 4 on white background with screen on

This is a camera that can withstand some serious adventuring, action cameras are made for extreme conditions, and the best of the bunch is the Osmo Action 4. The Osmo 4 offers an incredibly wide field of view, image stabilization, and waterproofing for action-packed vacations.

Insta360 X3 on white background

If you want to remember every little bit of your vacation, then you can't go wrong with a 360º camera to capture not what only is going on in front of you, but all around you. The Insta360 X3 is the best all-encompassing camera you can buy, best of all it is easy to slip into a pocket or bag for travel.

Sony ZV-E10

If you are looking for a small yet mighty all-in-one camera with quality video and audio made to go straight on social media or YouTube then the Sony ZV-E10 is the best choice. It does take decent pictures, but if you are looking for something more hybrid, check out the X-S20 above.

The best travel camera in 2024

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

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

Sony A7 III

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

Fujifilm X-S20 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.

Read more: Fujifilm X-S20 review

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

A red OM System Tough TG-7

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

DJI Osmo Action 4

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

Insta360 X3

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.

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The best vlogging cameras for 2024

Youtubers and video pros have never had more choices..

If you’re a content creator or YouTuber, camera companies increasingly want your business. Last year was no exception, with several new vlogging-specific models released by Canon, Sony, DJI and others. That means there are now over a dozen on sale, alongside regular mirrorless cameras that also do the job well. Models specifically designed for vlogging include Sony’s new ZV-E1 full-frame mirrorless that launched last year, DJI’s Osmo Pocket 3 or Canon’s compact PowerShot V10. Others, like the new Panasonic G9 II and last year’s Canon EOS R6 II are hybrid mirrorless cameras that offer vlogging as part of a larger toolset. All of them have certain things in common, like flip-around screens, face- and/or eye-detect autofocus and stabilization. Prices, features and quality can vary widely, though. To that end, we’ve updated our guide with all the latest vlogging cameras designed for novice to professional creators, in all price ranges. Engadget has tested all of these to give you the best possible recommendations.

DJI Osmo Pocket III (Creator Combo)

Gopro hero12 black, dji osmo action 4, insta360 x3, sony zv-1 ii, canon g7 x mark iii, panasonic lumix g9 ii, sony alpha zv-e1, sony alpha zv-e10, fujifilm x-s20, panasonic lumix g100, canon eos r6 ii, factors to consider before buying a vlogging camera.

Vlogging cameras are designed for filmmakers who often work alone and either use a tripod, gimbal, vehicle mount or just their hands to hold a camera. It must be good for filming yourself as well as other “B-roll” footage that helps tell your story. The biggest requirement is a flip-around screen so you can see yourself while filming. Those can rotate up, down or to the side, but flipping out to the side is preferable so a tripod or microphone won’t block it.

Continuous autofocus (AF) for video with face and eye detection is also a must. It becomes your camera “assistant,” keeping things in focus while you concentrate on your content. Most cameras can do that nowadays, but some (notably Canon and Sony) do it better than others.

If you move around or walk a lot, you should look for a camera with built-in optical stabilization. Electronic stabilization is another option as long as you’re aware of its limitations. You’ll also need a camera with a fast sensor that limits rolling shutter, which can create a distracting jello “wobble” with quick camera movements.

4K recording is another key feature. All cameras nowadays can shoot 4K up to at least 24 fps, but if possible, it’s better to have 4K at 60 or even 120 fps. If you shoot sports or other things involving fast movement, look for a model with at least 1080p at 120 fps for slow-motion recording.

Video quality is another important consideration, especially for skin tones. Good light sensitivity helps for night shooting, concerts and so on, and a log profile helps improve dynamic range in very bright or dark shooting conditions. If you want the best possible image quality and can afford it, get a camera that can record 4K with 10-bits (billions) of colors. That will give you more options when it’s time to edit the footage.

Don’t neglect audio either — if the quality is bad, your audience will disengage. Look for a camera with a microphone port so you can plug in a shotgun or lapel mic for interviews, or at least one with a good-quality built-in microphone. It’s also nice to have a headphone port to monitor sound so you can avoid nasty surprises after you’ve finished shooting.

You’ll also want good battery life and, if possible, dual memory card slots for a backup. Finally, don’t forget about your camera’s size and weight. If you’re constantly carrying one while shooting, especially at the end of a gimbal or gorillapod, it might actually be the most important factor. That’s why tiny GoPro cameras are so popular for sports, despite offering lower image quality and fewer pro features.

The best action and portable cameras

If you’re just starting out in vlogging or need a small, rugged camera, an action cam might be your best bet. In general, they’re easy to use as you don’t have to worry about things like exposure or focus. Recent models also offer good electronic stabilization and sharp, colorful video at up to 4K and 60 fps. The downsides are a lack of control; image quality that’s not on par with larger cameras; and no zooming or option to change lenses.

Late last year DJI unveiled the Osmo Pocket III and I called it “maybe the only vlogging camera you need.” It now has a big 1-inch sensor, the same size found on Sony’s ZV-1 II compact camera. That boosts image quality considerably, particularly in low light. It also has a new, large swiveling touchscreen that makes it easier to switch between horizontal and vertical video.

What really makes it great for vlogging are the follow modes combined with face tracking. If you’re working solo, you can simply set it up and it’ll rotate and tilt to follow you around. That also applies for walk-and-talk vlogging, so you don’t have to worry about focus or even pointing the camera at yourself. The main drawbacks are the reduced resolution (which means it’s not ideal for photos) and a price that’s considerably higher than the previous model.

The Hero 12 Black is a fairly small upgrade over the Hero 11, but is still the best action camera available. You can record videos at up to 5.3K at 60fps in 10-bit color with high data rates, and 8:7 capture that uses the entire sensor now works in all modes. The battery lasts around 10-15 percent longer than before, and it has a new quarter-inch tripod mount. Otherwise, the Hero 12 still has the best digital stabilization (aka Hypersmooth) of any action camera, a full-color front screen and the best image quality, overall, of any action camera – and it’s also reasonably priced.

DJI’s Action 4 is a step down from the GoPro 12 in terms of resolution and stabilization, but it does beat its rival in one key way. It now packs a large 1/1.3-inch sensor (the same one on the Mini 4 Pro and Air 3 drones), which, compared to the 1/1.9-inch sensor on the Hero 12, gives it better low-light image quality. Other key features include 4K 120p video capture (with 10-bit log), a nifty magnetic locking system, compatibility with GoPro accessories and 150 minutes of recording time, with just 18 minutes of charging to get the battery to 80 percent. The downside is the low 12-megapixel resolution and relatively high price.

If it’s 360-degree video you need, with the option to easily convert to regular video, the Insta360 X3 has been a popular choice of late. It’s one of the easiest models to use, has a huge screen and shoots 360 video at 4K 60p, or regular video at 4K 30p. It also has a “Me” video mode that keeps you centered in the frame. The drawback is that its image quality isn’t on par with rivals.

The best compact vlogging cameras

Compact cameras are a step up from smartphones or action cameras, with larger sensors and much better image quality. At the same time, they’re not quite as versatile as mirrorless or DSLR cameras (and not necessarily cheaper) and they lack advanced options like 10-bit video. For folks who want the best possible quality without needing to think too much about their camera, however, they’re the best option.

Sony’s latest compact vlogging camera came out last year to replace the popular ZV-1 and it offers a few key improvements. The ZV-1 II has the same 1-inch, 20.1-megapixel sensor as before, allowing for solid image quality, but now has an 18-50mm (full-frame equivalent) f/1.8-4 lens that’s much wider than the 24-70mm lens on the past model. That means it’s finally wide enough to vlog at arm’s length, particularly since the electronic stabilization crops in on the image.

As before, it offers a lightweight body, built-in high-quality microphone (plus a microphone port), flip-out display, best-in-class autofocus and excellent image quality. It also has vlogging specific features like “product showcase” and background blur. While the $750 ZV-1 can’t shoot 10-bit video, it comes with Sony’s S-Log picture profiles (including a new Cinematic Vlog setting) that give you increased dynamic range for shooting in challenging lighting conditions. If you’re a creator looking to step up from a smartphone, it does the job nearly perfectly.

Canon’s G7 X Mark III should also be front of mind for vloggers looking for a compact option. It also packs a 20-megapixel 1-inch sensor, but has a 24-100 mm f/1.8-2.8 35mm equivalent zoom — quite a bit longer than the ZV-1 at the telephoto range. It can shoot 4K at up to 30 fps, while offering optical image stabilization, a microphone input (though no headphone jack) and even the ability to livestream directly to YouTube. The downsides are contrast-detect only autofocus and a screen that tilts up but not to the side. For $679, it’s still a great option, though.

The best mirrorless/DSLR vlogging cameras

This is the class that has changed the most over the past couple of years, particularly in the more affordable price categories. Interchangeable lens cameras give you the most options for vlogging, offering larger sensors than compact cameras with better low-light sensitivity and shallower depth of field to isolate you or your subject. They also offer better control of your image with manual controls, log recording, 10-bit video and more. The drawbacks are extra weight compared to action or compact cameras, more complexity and higher prices.

Panasonic’s G9 II is the company’s first Micro Four Thirds camera with phase-detect autofocus and is now the company’s best vlogging camera in that sensor category by far. Given its price, I think it’s the best vlogging camera overall as well. That’s down to the significantly improved autofocus that eliminates the wobble of past models, along with high-end video specs like 5.7K 60p or 4K 120p 10-bit V-log capture. The built-in stabilization reduces shake by up to 8 stops and is highly effective even when walking. Other features for vloggers include a flip-out display, direct SSD capture and more.

It’s also worth a look at the GH5 Mark II , which is not only cheaper but particularly well suited for live-streamers. It’s not a huge upgrade over the GH5, but does more than most rival cameras for the price, offering 4K 10-bit 60p video, a fully articulating display and excellent in-body stabilization. As with the GH6, the main drawback is the contrast-detect autofocus system.

Sony has no less than five models in its content-creator ZV lineup, and the ZV-E1 is its latest and most capable by far. Based on the video-centric A7S III, it has an outstanding feature set for video including 10-bit 4K at up to 120p, and is a low-light champ to boot. It also offers cool AI features like auto-framing and dynamic stabilization that are very handy for vloggers. The main drawback is a lack of sharpness, but at a price $1,300 cheaper than the A7S III, it’s a highly recommended vlogging camera.

The best Sony APS-C camera for vlogging is now the ZV-E10 . While using many of the same aging parts as the A6100, including the 24.2-megapixel sensor, it has a number of useful features for self-shooters. High on the list is Sony’s excellent autofocus, which includes the same background defocus and Product Showcase features found on the ZV-1 compact. It also offers electronic SteadyShot, a fully articulating display and more. The biggest drawback is rolling shutter that can get bad if you whip the camera around too much. If you can find one, it’s priced at $700 for the body or $800 in a bundle with Sony’s 16-50mm F/3.5-5.6 power zoom lens.

Much like the X-S10, Fujifilm’s 26-megapixel X-S20 is a solid APS-C hybrid camera that ticks nearly all the boxes for vloggers. Features include in-body stabilization (now upgraded to seven stops), 10-bit 4K external video with F-Log and F-Log 2 recording (at up to 60fps) along with 1080p at a stellar 240 fps, a screen that flips out to the side and easy-to-use controls. It also comes with a headphone jack and USB-C port that doubles as a headphone jack. The main downside is the limited touchscreen controls, but you get a lot of camera for the price.

Panasonic’s G100 is purpose built for vlogging like the ZV-1, but also allows you to change lenses. It has a fully-articulating flip-out screen, 5-axis hybrid (optical/electronic) stabilization, 4K V-Log-L video at up to 30 fps (though sadly cropped at 1.47X for 4K video), 1080p at up to 60 fps, and contrast detect AF with face/eye detection. The coolest feature is the Nokia OZO system that can isolate audio to a specific person via face-detection tracking — something that can theoretically improve audio quality.

Canon’s EOS R6 II is the company’s mainstream full-frame mirrorless camera , offering some nice features for content creators. Video specs are solid, with full sensor 4K supersampled from 6K at up to 60 fps. Autofocus is quick and more versatile than ever thanks to expanded subject detection. It’s still not quite up to Sony’s standards, though, and the micro HDMI and lack of a CFexpress slot isn’t ideal.

If you want to look great while vlogging, check out Nikon’s stylish Z fc . It’s largely identical to the Z50, with features like a 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor, 4K at 30 fps and a reliable phase-detect autofocus system with face detection. However, the Z fc brings a vari-angle touchscreen to the party and has a beautiful vintage body covered with convenient manual controls. It doesn’t have built-in optical stabilization, but you can get that via a lens. The best feature, though, is the price – you can get one for around $1,100 with a 16-50mm lens.

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Vlogtribe

TOP 5 Best Travel Vlogging Cameras in 2024

Most of the popular vloggers and YouTube channels are about travel. These vlogs are usually extremely active and developers often do not need an extra vlogging camera.

Most of these creators separately use vlogging cameras for traveling for a number of reasons, including extra camera capabilities, extra battery life, a different shooting angle, quality, and the convenience of the camera itself.

This post reviews the best travel vlogging cameras that can be used as additional or main.

Best Cameras for Travel Vloggers

1. canon powershot g7x mark iii – top travel vlogging camera for all kinds of trips.

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III Digital Camera with Advanced Accessory Bundle – Includes: SanDisk Ultra 128 GB SDXC Memory Card, Spare Extended Life Battery, 57”Professional Tripod, Carrying Case & More

The PowerShot G7X Mark III – one of the most popular cameras that most travel vloggers are using in 2024.

This version is an upgrade of the most popular camera for vlogging Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II . So if you are on the budget, you could check that one too.

The PowerShot G7X Mark III measures only 2.4 x 4.1 x 1.6″ and perfectly fits into almost every pocket. The camera uses a new sensor that features fast autofocus.

Besides, the camera can shoot in RAW format at 30 fps. The G7 X Mark III uses a 1″ 20MP sensor with a DIGIC 8 processor that provides an excellent point-and-shoot experience. The camera offers not only a 1080p Full HD video shooting.

It gets better:

If you set the mode dial, you will get additional options, including 4K quality.

The device is well-built and sits comfortably in hand. The is a grip and rubber points for security, so you won’t drop the camera that easily. It is lightweight and offers a comfortable filming experience.

Main features:

  • Sensor – 20.1MP BSI 1-inch stacked CMOS sensor
  • Lens – 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8
  • Screen –  3″ tilting touchscreen
  • Viewfinder – no
  • Continuous Shooting – 20 fps, 30 fps in Raw mode
  • Video resolution – 4K and Full HD 1080p
  • Battery – 265 shots + 30-40 mins of recording
  • Dimensions – 105.5 x 60.9 x 41 mm (4.13 x 2.39 x 1.61 inches)
  • Weight – 304 g (0.67 lbs)
  • Sturdy build quality and comfortable handling
  • Responsive AutoFocus and Face Detection feature
  • Clear tiltable touchscreen
  • The excellent Image Stabilization feature
  • 4K movie resolution
  • No hot shoe or cold shoe for external accessories

The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III faces strong competition. However, with the high 4K quality and excellent autofocus, it is a perfect and travel-friendly vlogging camera. It has a 3-tiltable touch screen with clear and detailed quality that it makes it easy to vlog.

The Canon PowerShot G7 Mark III is one of the best cameras for amateur travel vloggers. It strongly focuses on video quality and specific settings that improve it. Also, the camera offers a high degree of control over the camera's operation. Despite some negative reviews - it is a new version of the most popular vlogging camera ever, and delivers a great result.

Check the Price

2. Sony a5100 – Budget-Friendly Superb Camera for Travelers

Sony a5100 16-50mm Interchangeable Lens Camera with 3-Inch Flip Up LCD (Black)

Sony a5100 is one of the world’s smallest cameras that offers an interchangeable lens. Also, it provides a 24.3MP Exmor CMOS sensor combined with a Fast Hybrid AF system.

The Bionz X image processor ensures fantastic 1080p Full HD quality with sharp and detailed images. The a5100 camera also comes with a 3″ tiltable touchscreen – a useful feature for all types of vloggers.

Besides, you won’t have to worry about battery life as this camera can last up to 400 shots and record approx 30-40 mins of video footage.

If you are looking for the best camera for making vlogs during your trip, the Sony a5100 could be your best choice. A significant Fast Hybrid AutoFocus system allows the camera to track moving objects and keep them in focus. It means that you can easily vlog your journey while on the go.

The Sony a5100 is stated to be one of the best mid-range cameras for capturing moving objects.

  • Sensor – 24MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
  • Lens – Sony E lens mount
  • Screen –  3″ tiltable touchscreen
  • Continuous Shooting – 6 fps
  • Battery – 400 shots + 30-40 mins of recording
  • Dimensions – 110 x 63 x 36 mm (4.3 x 2.48 x 1.4 inches)
  • Weight – 283 g (0.62 lbs)
  • Tilting touchscreen that allows you to see yourself while vlogging
  • Built-in Wifi connectivity for faster and easier data transfer
  • Excellent Fast Hybrid AF system that allows the camera to track moving objects
  • The camera doesn’t have an EVF
  • Although it has a touchscreen, the controls are limited
  • No mic jack input

One of the main reasons why you should consider buying the Sony a5100 camera is because of the fast autofocus system. If you want a perfect and smooth travel vlog, this camera can ensure that you will have one. Besides, it offers a full 1080p HD video recording and superb built-in audio quality.

It is one of the best vlogging cameras on the list which undoubtedly will give you fantastic quality for your YouTube travel vlogs.

3. GoPro HERO 10 Black – Best Action Vlogging Camera for Travelers

GoPro HERO10 Black - Waterproof Action Camera with Front LCD and Touch Rear Screens, 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video, 23MP Photos, 1080p Live Streaming, Webcam, Stabilization

Here’s the deal:

Even though GoPro Hero 11 Black is already on the market, we still highly recommend the Hero 10 Black if you are looking for an affordable, action, compact and pocket camera at the same time while traveling.

With GoPro cameras being a leading brand of action cameras, it’s no secret they had to go bigger and better with their latest model the GoPro Hero 10 Black.

Solid built with waterproof capability, the Hero 10 Black will be perfect for your travel adventures whether Mountain climbing or diving in the sea. The semi-hard case that comes with the camera is also awesome as you can keep your GoPro camera safe while still having space for other travel accessories.

Another incredible feature is the class-leading Hypersmooth 4.0 image stabilization which can capture smooth, steady videos in any weather. Its horizontal leveling and motion stabilization is top-notch as it will ensure your footage stays stable even in harsh situations.

In addition, the camera captures a 5.3K video resolution which records at an incredible 60 fps as well as 4K at 120 fps in case you want to shoot videos in slow motion. The 23.6 megapixels is also impressive as it enables the resolution to produce visible photos and videos alike.

Here is the best part:

Apart from the front touchscreen display that is great for filming your traveling vlogs, the Hero 10 comes with a back touch screen that is super responsive.

The built-in microphone is excellent too and should be more than adequate when recording your travel vlogs.

The Wi-Fi connectivity makes it easy to transfer your videos and photos to your smartphone. However, if you can’t access Wi-Fi, you have the ability to hardwire your GoPro to your smartphone via a USB cable and transfer your videos and photos in a second.

  • Sensor – 23MP Sensor
  • Lens – SuperView, Wide, Linear, Narrow
  • Screen – 2.27″ Fixed LCD touchscreen
  • Stabilization – HyperSmooth 4.0
  • Video resolution – 5.3K60,4K 120, 2.7K 240 and 1080p 240
  • Battery – 56 minutes of video recording in 5.3K/60 and 76 minutes in 4K/60
  • Dimensions – 71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6 mm (2.8 x 2.0 x 1.3 inches)
  • Weight – 153 g (0.33 lbs)
  • Fixed touchscreen that allows you to see yourself while vlogging
  • Beautiful, Small, pocket-sized camera
  • Powerful GP2 processor
  • Superior image stabilization which delivers smooth and steady 5.3K at 60
  • New Hydrophobic lens coating
  • Live-streaming feature
  • The same small sensor as the GoPro Hero 9
  • Overheats in high frame rates
  • Short battery life

Though it shares some similar features with Hero 9, The Hero GoPro Hero 10 Black is much more user-friendly. From the new GP2 processor, HpyerSmooth 4.0, to the horizon leveling that goes up to 45 degrees, your travel vlogs will be at par with other vloggers.

If you aren’t convinced yet, what about the wired data transfer modes that are quite useful when away from the Wi-Fi range? Moreover, the waterproof coating enables you to enjoy the water activities to the fullest.

4. Olympus Tough TG-6 – Best Vlogging Camera for Adventurous Travelers

Olympus Tough TG-6 Digital Camera, Red

While traveling, it is excellent if you have a weather-resistant and sturdy device to film your journey. You won’t have to worry about dropping or damaging your equipment.

For this reason, we offer a solidly built Olympus Tough TG-6 camera. We can say that this camera body is “ everything-proof ,” and it is essential to have that type of device for travel vlogs.

The camera comes with a 12MP 1/2.3″ sensor, which is smaller than the TG-4 model that has 16MP + 4K and full HD recording quality.

However, having fewer pixels means that your camera will be better in low lighting or when you are shooting underwater. As we mentioned, The TG-6 camera can shoot at 4K at 30 fps and 1080p up to 120 fps.

Impressive!

  •   Sensor – 12MP 1/2.3-inch sensor with raw and JPEG shooting
  • Lens – 25-100mm, f/2-4.9
  • Screen –  3″ 1,040K dots
  • Viewfinder – n/a
  • Continuous Shooting – 20 fps
  • Video resolution – 4K/30 fps
  • Battery – 340 shots, approx. 10 minutes of video recording in 4K and 30 minutes in Full HD
  • Dimensions – 66.04 x 111.76 x 33.02 mm (2.6 x 4.4 x 1.3 inches)
  • Weight – 126 g (0.27 lbs)
  • An internally stacked lens that adds more security
  • Raw image shooting and 4K video recording
  • The camera is sturdy and strong
  • Image quality could be better while filming in bright lighting
  • No electronic viewfinder

Even though the Olympus Tough TG-6 camera doesn't come with an electronic viewfinder and the image quality could be better in bright lighting, we can say that this is one of the best camera for travel vlogging in 2024. It is easy-to-use, lightweight, and travel-friendly.

The TG-6 camera is waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and delivers 4K video resolution simultaneously. If you are looking for a great device to travel with - choose the Olympus Tough TG-6, and you won't be disappointed.

5. Canon EOS M10 – Perfect Streamlined Entry-Level Travel Camera

Canon EOS M10 Mirrorless Camera Kit with EF-M 15-45mm Image Stabilization STM Lens Kit

Looking for a comfortable and compact vlogging camera to take to your next adventure? Don’t hesitate to get the Canon EOS M10. It might be the best compact camera for a very cheap price.

Moreover, it is comfortable to carry and easy to use, making it a great camera for travel.

An interchangeable lens camera, the M10 body is well designed and is quite solid for its class. It also has a tilting touchscreen display with over 1000 dot resolutions which is super sharp and bright enough to use outdoors even on a sunny day.

You will also love the touchscreen AF assist and the capture mode as well. The AF assist comes in handy when you want to change something, since it saves you the time of going into the menu system.

What’s more amazing is that the screen is able to flip up, therefore enabling you to show your face when recording yourself or just taking selfies.

Equipped with an 18-megapixel sensor, the M10 captures reasonably sharp images with a good level of detail. The M10 Hybrid CMOS AF II autofocus system is also beneficial to vloggers since it accurately brings images into focus.

When it comes to video, the camera records up to 1080p @30 fps as well as 720p @60 fps. This frame rate is perfect for vloggers as it enables you to post your videos on YouTube as well as other media platforms.

  • Sensor – 18MP APS-C size CMOS sensor
  • Lens – 22mm f/2 STM
  • Screen – 3″ Tilting LCD touchscreen
  • Viewfinder – No
  • Video resolution – 1080p 30/24 fps, 720p/ 60 fps
  • Battery – 255 shots
  • Dimensions – 108 x 66.6 x 35 mm (4.2 x 2.62 x 1.38 inches)
  • Weight – 301 g (0.66 lb)
  • Small, lightweight and easy to use
  • Good image quality
  • Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC for easy transfer of videos and photos
  • Great tilt touchscreen
  • Streamlined, comfortable camera body
  • Excellent touchscreen menus
  • In body flash
  • Adapter available for Canon SLR lenses
  • No 4K video capture
  • Does not have a mount for an external microphone
  • The camera has no high frame rate video option

When it comes down to it, the Canon EOS M10 is really decent choice for travel vlogging. Small and easy to carry, it also boasts of perfect video quality and the flip-up screen doesn’t disappoint.

The menu is very easy and simple to navigate and even though the camera has many shooting options, the auto setting is a blessing to vloggers as you get to concentrate on shooting entirely. Therefore, whether you are exploring nature or shooting in urban areas, the Canon EOS M10 has you covered.

Key Features for Travel Vlogging Camera

A camera that has high-quality video will deliver a lot of views of your travel vlog, that is for sure!

There are a lot of options that you can choose from 720p HD, 1080p Full HD, and even 4K Ultra HD quality. Well, if you want to have an excellent video resolution, we suggest having a camera that provides at least 1080p quality.

If you are looking for the best camera for travel vlogging, it should be lightweight and easy to carry around.

DSLR cameras might have the best video quality and image stabilization features. However, they are heavy and bulky.

Keep in mind, if the camera is small and compatible – it is travel-friendly. It should be easy to pack and should be a point-and-shoot type of camera. Some people like to use SLRs and even smartphones for vlogging .

A lot of vloggers like it when their camera has a tiltable screen ( flip-screen camera ).

If your camera has this feature, you can make sure that you are always in focus. Also, if you look messy, you can see that immediately. Having a vari-angle LCD screen is useful when you are a vlogger.

Well, this feature is useful to have, not only in travel-friendly cameras. The AF means that you don’t have to worry about focusing on your face.

Besides, autofocus allows you to point-and-shoot and always maintain autofocusing while filming. No more blurry videos!

While traveling, you will be moving a lot, right? Do yourself a favor and get a camera for travel that has a great image stabilization feature. It ensures that your video will be smooth and steady, even if you are running up a mountain.

Besides, if you wish, you can get a tripod for vlogging , making camera handling easier.

A good travel vlog is not only about video quality. You should have high audio quality if you want to explain where you are traveling and sightseeing.

Sometimes, it is not enough to have a great built-in microphone (windy or rainy days, noisy and crowded places). If your camera has an audio input, you can easily connect an external microphone for better audio quality.

Well, this is not a common feature that most travel vloggers are looking for; however, it is super helpful.

Image if you are traveling near the water (sea, ocean, or lake). Having a waterproof camera , or at least a case for it means that you don’t have to worry about getting your travel camera wet. You can even go snorkeling or surfing with a camera and record your experience.

It would surprise you how a camera with a rugged design helps for travel vlogging.

Imagine yourself climbing up a mountain and vlogging your emotions, and suddenly, you drop your camera, and it cracks or breaks. Your vlog is lost, and you won’t be able to record anymore.

Well, with a robust and rugged design, you would be safe that drooping a camera won’t affect your traveling.

If you are choosing a travel vlogging camera, you should know what type of features you are looking for. The main criteria are that the device needs to be lightweight and easy to use.

You don’t want to waste a lot of backpack space and carry a bulky DSLR to have that perfect quality. As you can see from this guide, there are a lot of small compatible cameras with a 4K movie resolution and excellent image stabilization.

  • If you are more like a super adventurous traveler, the GoPro Hero 10 Black or Olympus Tough TG-6 cameras would be the best option for the waterproof and shockproof features.
  • If you want to record your trip most simply, point-and-shoot or compact cameras are what you should look for.

We hope that you like this guide and that now you know how to choose the best cameras for travel vlogging.

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good camera for travel vlogging

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Best Camera for Travel Vlogging: A Must-Read Guide

Table of Contents

So, you’re an aspiring traveler, and you’re looking for the best camera for travel vlogging. It’s not just about capturing your travels— it’s about creating engaging content to share with your audience . The quality of your video can make or break viewer engagement. In an era where travel vlogging is skyrocketing in popularity, the pressure is on to deliver top-notch content.

a woman checking the board for flight at airport

Successful travel photographers and vloggers use a diverse range of cameras to capture their adventures, but how do you choose? Your choice impacts not only your travel videos but also your travel photography . See how you can use photography to make better travel videos. . Whether it’s crisp handheld footage or stunning landscapes , every detail matters.

So, let’s dive into finding that ideal camera for all your travel vlogging needs!

Key Highlights

  • Mirrorless cameras are a great middle ground between bulky DSLRs and limited point-and-shoot cameras.
  • But if size and weight are a concern, there are some excellent point-and-shoots on the market.
  • A flip-out screen is essential, as is the ability to attach an external microphone.

Top 3 Best Cameras for Travel Vlogging Ranked

Canon EOS R5

#1 Editor’s Choice – Canon EOS R5

Canon G7X III

#2 Editor’s Choice – Canon G7X III

Sony a6600

#3 Editor’s Choice – Sony a6600

Decoding key camera features for vlogs, resolution and frame rate.

One of the most critical features to consider when selecting the best camera for travel vlogging is resolution and frame rate. This is what determines the quality of your video. For instance, a 4k video resolution will capture more detail than a standard HD camera. This means that your viewers can see every detail in your videos, making them feel as if they are right there with you.

The frame rate is another essential feature. A higher frame rate allows for smoother footage, especially when filming fast-moving scenes or actions. Cameras with a high frame rate can shoot up to 120 frames per second (fps), perfect for slow-motion videos.

three old men taking a video using dlsr cameras

Autofocus and Image Stabilization

Autofocus plays a significant role in ensuring your videos are crisp and clear. When you’re on the move, you need a camera that can quickly focus on different subjects without any manual adjustment. Cameras with reliable autofocus systems track moving objects effectively, ensuring they remain sharp in your footage.

Similarly, image stabilization helps maintain smooth footage by compensating for camera shake or movement. Whether you’re walking down a busy street or hiking up a mountain, image stabilization ensures your videos remain steady and professional-looking.

Canon EOS M50 Mark II offers Dual Pixel CMOS AF for precise autofocus and built-in digital image stabilization to help content creators produce smooth videos while on the go, making it one of our top recommended Canon vlogging cameras .

a camera capturing roses

Low-Light Performance

Low-light performance is crucial if you plan on shooting video in diverse lighting conditions. Whether filming at dawn or dusk or inside dimly lit buildings, having good low-light performance ensures that your footage maintains its clarity and color accuracy even under less-than-ideal lighting conditions.

live bands

The Panasonic Lumix GH5S is known for its excellent low-light performance, allowing you to capture high-quality video in various lighting conditions.

Battery Life

Long battery life is essential for uninterrupted travel filmmaking . There’s nothing worse than running out of battery in the middle of capturing an exciting moment. Look for cameras with a long battery life or consider carrying extra batteries or a portable charger.

Portable charger for DLSR Camera

The Nikon Z50 has a robust battery that allows for extended shooting sessions without needing frequent recharging.

Flip-Out Screens and External Mic Input

A flip-out screen is another vital feature to consider when choosing the best camera for travel vlogging. This feature helps frame your shots accurately, especially when you’re in front of the camera. Plus, it’s handy when shooting at different angles or heights.

DLSR Flip out Camera Canon EOS

Moreover, having an input for an external mic can drastically improve your video’s sound quality. Built-in mics often pick up background noise, but an external mic can focus on your voice, making your content more professional sounding.

Budget-friendly vs Premium Vlogging Cameras

Cost-effectiveness assessment.

Choosing the best camera for travel vlogging requires a careful cost-effectiveness evaluation. It’s not about just getting a budget camera; it’s more about understanding your vlogging needs and how well the chosen camera can meet them.

Different camera for sale at stall

For instance, if you’re a newbie in travel vlogging looking for a beginner camera , starting with a budget-friendly option might be the best move. You can find decent cameras under $500 that offer good video quality and lightweight setup, perfect for on-the-go shooting. This way, you get to learn the ropes without breaking the bank.

However, as you advance in your vlogging journey, you might find that investing in a premium camera is worthwhile. High-end cameras often come packed with superior features such as 4K recording or advanced autofocus which significantly enhance your video quality.

Trade-offs of Budget Cameras

While budget cameras are indeed wallet-friendly, they may have some trade-offs to consider:

  • Lower fps: Many budget cameras don’t support high frame rates like 60fps or 120fps.
  • Limited features: They often lack advanced features like image stabilization or low-light performance.
  • Build Quality: These cameras may not be as durable or weather-resistant as their premium counterparts.

Nevertheless, these limitations shouldn’t deter you from starting your vlogging journey with a budget option. A lot depends on your skills and creativity too!

Premium Camera Value Addition

On the other hand, splurging on a premium camera could unlock new possibilities for your travel vlogs:

  • Superior Video Quality: With options like 4K recording at higher fps (like 120fps), expect nothing but crisp and smooth footage.
  • Advanced Features: From advanced autofocus systems to pro-level color grading options – premium cameras have it all.
  • Better Build Quality: Most high-end models are built to last with robust construction and weather-sealing.

iPhone 12 Pro Max Camera

Take, for example, the iPhone 12 Pro Max. It’s not just a phone but a powerful vlogging tool with its Dolby Vision HDR recording and ProRAW capabilities. Or consider the Sony A7S III, renowned for its exceptional low-light performance and high-quality 4K video.

As you can see, choosing between budget-friendly and premium vlogging cameras isn’t an easy decision. It largely depends on your needs, skills, and of course, budget. So take your time to weigh the pros and cons before making a choice!

Mirrorless vs DSLR vs Point-and-Shoot Cameras: A Comparison

Portability, image quality, and versatility.

Mirrorless cameras, as the name suggests, lack a mirror mechanism. This makes them lighter, smaller and more portable than their DSLR counterparts. However, don’t let their compact size fool you. These cameras pack quite a punch.

Different set of camera

If you want to find out more about different camera types, check out our guide to the best overall camera for travel , which covers all types of cameras and for all kinds of photographer, not just vloggers.

Mirrorless Camera

With advancements istreetn technology, mirrorless cameras now boast high-megapixel sensors that deliver sharp and vibrant images. They also offer a versatile camera experience with interchangeable lenses that can be swapped out depending on the shooting scenario.

a man holding a mirrorless fujifilm camera

DSLR Camera

On the other hand, DSLR cameras are known for their superior image quality thanks to larger sensors and advanced processing capabilities. But this comes at the expense of size and weight making them less ideal for travel vlogging where portability is key.

Canon DSLR camera

Point-and-Shoot Camera

The point-and-shoot digital cameras are the most compact of all but they fall short in terms of versatility and image quality due to smaller sensors and fixed lenses.

Sensor Size Impact

The sensor size plays a crucial role in photography as it directly affects image quality.

  • Mirrorless cameras have been catching up with DSLRs in terms of sensor size , offering models with full-frame sensors matching those found in top-tier DSLRs.
  • DSLR cameras traditionally have larger sensors which allow for better low-light performance and greater depth of field control.
  • Point-and-shoot cameras typically feature smaller sensors which limit their performance especially under low light conditions.

setting up camera settings

Lens Compatibility & Upgrade Potential

When it comes to lens compatibility and upgrade potential:

  • Both mirrorless and DSLR cameras shine with their interchangeable lens system allowing users to swap out lenses for different shooting scenarios.
  • However, mirrorless cameras have an edge due to their shorter “flange distance” which allows for the use of virtually any brand’s lenses with the right adapter.
  • Point-and-shoot cameras lack this feature as they come with fixed lenses.

a dslr camera with upgraded  lens

User-Friendliness: Beginners vs Professionals

For beginners, point-and-shoot digital cameras are the easiest to handle given their simplicity and compact design. However, for professionals or those looking to upgrade their photography skills, both mirrorless and DSLR cameras offer more manual controls and customization options.

You might also like: Best Camera for Travel Photography Beginners Chosen by Experts

compact camera for beginners

Flip Out Screen & External Mic

A flip-out screen is a handy feature for vloggers allowing them to frame themselves correctly while shooting.

Most mirrorless and DSLR cameras come equipped with this feature while it’s less common in point-and-shoot models.

The ability to attach an external mic greatly improves audio quality during video recording. Again, most mirrorless and DSLR models support this feature but it’s rare among compact cameras.

flip-out camera

Canon EOS R5

Standout features for vlogging.

Canon EOS R5

The Canon EOS R5 is a game-changer in the world of travel vlogging. It boasts several features that make it an ideal choice for content creators on-the-go.

Imagine capturing every minute detail of your adventures with stunning clarity. With the ability to record 8K RAW video, this camera ensures you don’t miss a single moment.

You can also capture smooth, steady footage without the need for bulky equipment thanks to the EOS R5’s 5-axis In-body Image Stabilization (IBIS).

Read our full review of the Canon EOS R5 .

  • Outstanding image quality
  • High-speed, high-precision autofocus system
  • Excellent 8K video recording
  • Robust weather-sealed body
  • Consumes battery quickly in high-resolution shooting modes
  • Overheating issues with 8K video recording
  • Large file sizes can clog up storage

Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system means the camera also focuses quickly and accurately, making sure your subjects always stay sharp.

Finally, think of the convenience of monitoring your framing while recording yourself. The vari-angle touchscreen LCD, a flip-out screen, is a game-changer for vloggers. This camera truly stands out for all the right reasons.

Customer Reviews: Real-World Performance

Customer reviews provide a wealth of information about the real-world performance of the Canon EOS R5 .

One of the most applauded features is its high-resolution video capture. Users have noted that the footage they capture looks professional and cinematic, a testament to the camera’s capabilities.

The camera’s image stabilization feature has also been highly praised, particularly by vloggers. The vloggers, who frequently shoot handheld, appreciate the stability that the camera provides. This feature allows them to produce clear, steady footage, even when they are on the move.

Canon EOS camera

The autofocus feature of the Canon EOS R5 is another aspect that users have commented positively on.

They have noted how quickly and accurately it works, even in low light conditions. The speed and precision of the autofocus ensure that users never miss a moment, capturing high-quality images effortlessly.

Lastly, the flip-out screen has been a standout feature for self-shooters. They have described it as a “game-changer” as it allows them to see themselves while recording. This feature is particularly useful for vloggers and content creators who need to frame themselves in their shots.

Flip-Out Screen: A Key Feature

The flip-out screen deserves special mention as it’s such an essential feature for vloggers. It allows you to frame your shots perfectly, even when you’re recording yourself. This is particularly useful for travel vloggers who often have to shoot in unpredictable environments.

Canon EOS R5 Flip out screen feature

The screen on the EOS R5 is a 3.2-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD. This means it’s not only fully articulating but also touch-sensitive, allowing you to change settings and navigate menus with ease.

Canon G7X III

Canon G7X

The Canon G7X is a top-tier choice for travel vloggers. This compact powerhouse boasts features that make it a standout option, even in the crowded field of vlogging cameras.

One of the standout features for vlogging with the Canon G7X is its compact size. This small, easily portable camera is perfect for on-the-go shooting, making it an ideal companion for travel vloggers. It can easily slip into pockets and bags, ensuring you’re always ready to capture the perfect moment.

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Good image quality for a point-and-shoot camera
  • Great for vlogging with flip-up screen
  • In-built Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity
  • No viewfinder
  • Limited zoom range
  • Fairly poor battery life
  • Bare minimum weather sealing

Another feature that makes this camera a favorite among vloggers is its flip-out screen. This vital tool allows you to frame your shots perfectly, even when you’re filming yourself. With this feature, you can ensure that every shot is just as you want it to be, without the need for a second person to check your framing.

Canon G7X Flip-out screen

When it comes to travel vlogging, lighting conditions can often be unpredictable. That’s where the Canon G7X ‘s excellent low-light performance comes into play.

With its large 1-inch sensor and bright lens, this camera performs exceptionally well in low-light situations. You won’t have to worry about losing quality or clarity, even when the lighting is less than ideal.

Finally, the built-in Wi-Fi feature is another standout feature of this camera. It allows for instant sharing of footage, which can be crucial for maintaining regular updates on social media platforms . With this feature, you can share your adventures with your audience in real-time, ensuring that they are always up-to-speed with your travels.

Customer Reviews Analysis

Relying solely on specs isn’t enough; we need to consider real-world performance. Here’s what users have to say about the Canon G7X :

  • Many users praise its exceptional video quality, noting that videos are sharp with vibrant colors.
  • Users also love the flip-out screen, stating that it’s not only useful for framing shots but also adds a touch of professionalism to their vlogs.
  • Some users mention the excellent battery life as another strong point – a critical factor when traveling and shooting all day long.

However, some users have pointed out minor drawbacks such as lack of external microphone input and occasional overheating during prolonged use.

Flip-Out Screen Utility

The flip-out screen is more than just a convenience— it’s practically a necessity in today’s world of self-filming content creators.

The flip-out screen offers a number of utilities that can greatly enhance your photography experience. One of the primary advantages is the ability to frame your shots perfectly. With a flip-out screen, you can see exactly what your camera sees. This ensures that you are always in frame and in focus, allowing you to capture your intended subject with precision.

Canon G7X Mark III flip-out screen camera

The flip-out screen also provides an exceptional degree of flexibility. No matter what angle you’re shooting from, whether it’s high, low, or even in selfie mode, the flip-out screen adjusts accordingly. This flexibility is crucial in helping you get your shot right, regardless of the shooting conditions or angle.

Lastly, the flip-out screen gives you confidence in your work. It allows you to see what’s in your frame at all times. This means you can confidently go about creating content without worrying that you might miss anything important. You can focus on your creativity and composition, knowing that the flip-out screen has you covered.

Standout Features for Vloggers

Sonny a6600

The Sony a6600 is not your average camera. It’s a vlogging powerhouse with features that make it stand out in the crowded market of travel vlogging cameras.

Firstly, its compact size and lightweight design make it an ideal companion for travel vloggers. The body is robust, yet portable, allowing you to capture high-quality footage on the go without feeling weighed down.

  • Superior Autofocus system
  • Good low-light performance
  • Long lasting-battery life
  • Crisp and detailed 4K videos
  • Heavy rolling shutter in 4k video mode
  • Absence of front dial for controlling exposure parameters
  • No neutral density or ND filter built-in for video shooting
  • Very small EVF (Electronic View Finder)

Secondly, the Sony a6600 boasts superior image quality with its 24.2-megapixel APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor. This ensures crisp and clear footage even in low-light conditions, which is crucial when you’re traveling and don’t have control over lighting conditions.

Thirdly, the camera’s built-in 5-axis image stabilization system helps to reduce camera shake during handheld shooting – a common scenario in travel vlogging. This feature can significantly enhance video smoothness and overall quality.

Lastly but certainly not least, the Sony a6600 has an impressive battery life – one of the longest among mirrorless cameras on the market today. This means less time worrying about charging your camera and more time capturing those unforgettable moments during your travels.

Real-World Performance from Customer Reviews

Now let’s move onto real-world performance as per customer reviews:

  • Users rave about the fast autofocus system of the Sony a6600 which utilizes both phase-detection and contrast-detection methods for quick and accurate focusing.
  • Many praise its high ISO performance that allows for excellent low-light shooting capabilities.
  • Customers also appreciate its weather-sealed construction which enables them to use it in various weather conditions without worrying about damaging their equipment.
  • However, some users have noted that while its compact size is great for portability, it can be uncomfortable to hold for extended periods due to its small grip.

Sony RX100 VII

Sony RX100 VII

The Sony RX100 VII stands out as one of the best camera for travel vlogging due to its unique features. This model is a compact, pocket-sized powerhouse that doesn’t compromise on quality. It boasts a 20.1-megapixel sensor, which ensures high-resolution images and videos. The fast Hybrid AF system with 357 phase-detection points allows for quick and precise focusing.

  • Ideal for travel with its compact size
  • Fast autofocus and continuous shooting capabilities
  • Excellent zoom range
  • Articulated LCD good for vlogging
  • Lacks weather sealing
  • Battery drains quickly
  • No headphone jack

One of the most notable features is its Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF capabilities. These allow for seamless tracking of subjects, making it ideal for vloggers who are often on the move or capturing dynamic scenes.

pyramid of stones in water splashes

Another standout feature is its flip-out screen, an essential tool for any serious vlogger. The screen can tilt upwards 180 degrees and downwards 90 degrees, allowing you to easily frame your shots from various angles.

  • High-speed continuous shooting at up to 20 fps
  • Blackout-free shooting
  • Silent electronic shutter
  • Anti-distortion shutter

Let’s delve into some customer reviews to understand how these features perform in real-world scenarios.

Customer Reviews Insights

Customer reviews provide valuable insights into the real-world performance of the Sony RX100 VII as a travel vlogging camera. Many users have praised its compact size, stating it’s easy to carry around when traveling especially on planes. .

Vloggers particularly appreciate the flip-out screen feature, stating that it makes self-recording much easier. They also lauded the image stabilization feature that helps reduce shakiness in videos – a common issue when filming on-the-go.

However, few customers have raised concerns about battery life – something important to consider if planning long shooting sessions without access to power sources.

Here’s what some customers had said:

  • “The autofocus is so quick and accurate; it never misses!”
  • “The flip-out screen makes self-recording so easy.”
  • “Image stabilization is a game-changer for my travel vlogs.”

Flip-out Screen

The flip-out screen of the Sony RX100 VII deserves special mention. It’s not just a gimmick, but a practical tool that can significantly enhance your vlogging experience.

Sony RX100 VII flip-out screen feature

With this feature, you can easily frame yourself in the shot without guesswork. This is particularly useful when you’re filming solo and need to ensure you’re properly centered in the frame.

Moreover, the flip screen allows for creative framing and shooting from unique angles. Want to shoot from low down or high up? No problem – simply adjust the screen accordingly.

Sony A7 IV

The Sony A7 IV is a game-changer in the world of travel vlogging. It brings to the table features that are not just impressive but specifically tailored for bloggers.

  • Stunning image and video quality- excellent dynamic range and color rendering
  • Professional features like dual card slots
  • Exhaustively customizable
  • Improved battery life
  • Base ISO not as clean as one might expect in shadows
  • Menu is complex to navigate
  • No in-camera flash
  • Body could be more ergonomic for handling

One of the standout features for vlogging is the flip-out screen. This feature is crucial as it allows you to see yourself while recording. This ensures that you’re always in the frame, making it easier to create engaging content. The flip-out screen is an essential tool for vloggers to monitor their shot in real-time, ensuring they capture the perfect angle and expression.

Sony A7 IV flip-out camera feature

Next, we have stabilization. The in-body image stabilization is a game-changer for vloggers. It helps produce smooth, professional-looking footage, even when on the move. This feature is particularly useful for vloggers who capture their content on the go. It eliminates the need for bulky stabilizing equipment and allows for more spontaneous filming.

Lastly, the advanced autofocus system with eye-tracking is another standout feature. This advanced system ensures your face stays sharp and focused, no matter how much movement there is. The autofocus feature is particularly useful for vloggers who move around a lot in their videos. It automatically adjusts the focus to keep the subject sharp, allowing vloggers to concentrate on their content rather than worrying about technical details.

These features aren’t just bells and whistles; they make a real difference when you’re out in the field, trying to capture your adventures.

Customer Reviews: Real-world Performance

To get a sense of how this camera performs under real-world conditions, let’s look at some customer reviews:

  • “The flip-out screen has been a game-changer for me. I can finally see what I’m filming without any guesswork.”
  • “I’ve tried other cameras before, but none have delivered such smooth footage while moving around.”
  • “The autofocus is amazing! My face stays sharp even when I’m constantly moving.”

These reviews highlight the practical benefits of these features from people who use them regularly.

Flip-Out Screen: Essential Tool for Vloggers

One feature that sets apart the Sony A7 IV from many others is its flip-out screen – an essential tool for every vlogger.

The flip-out screen is a crucial tool for vloggers, offering several key benefits. One of the most significant advantages is the ability to monitor your framing in real-time. This feature ensures that you’re capturing the desired scene correctly and that all the essential elements are within the frame. It eliminates the need for guesswork, providing you with the confidence that your videos will come out as envisioned.

Sony A7 IV flip-out screen feature

Furthermore, the flip-out screen is a game-changer for self-shooting. It eradicates the need for an additional person to monitor the recording. This feature is particularly beneficial for solo vloggers who often work alone. With a flip-out screen, you can ensure that you’re in the frame and that the video is recording as it should be.

Lastly, the flip-out screen allows for on-the-go adjustments. This means that you can modify the settings as you record, without having to interrupt your video. It allows for a seamless recording experience, making it easier to capture your content in the way you want. This feature is particularly useful for vloggers who record in dynamic environments where conditions can change rapidly. With a flip-out screen, you can adapt on the spot, ensuring the best possible outcome for your video.

Having a flip-out screen means less guesswork and more control over your footage which results in higher quality vlogs.

OM System OM-1

OM System OM-1

The OM System OM-1 is a game-changer in the realm of travel vlogging. This camera brings to the table a set of features that sets it apart from its competitors.

  • Exceptional in-body image stabilization
  • Limited rolling shutter in video modes
  • Compact and easy to carry around
  • Good Wi-Fi capabilities
  • Not great for low light conditions
  • Battery life is subpar
  • More expensive than similar models from competitors
  • Lacks dual SD card slots for extra storage

One of the standout features is its flip-out screen . This feature allows vloggers to frame their shots with ease and precision, ensuring they always capture their best side. The flip-out screen also aids in self-recording, making it an essential tool for solo travelers who want to take photos and videos of themselves. .

This model also has superior image stabilization technology, which means you can say goodbye to shaky footage. Whether you’re hiking up a mountain or exploring bustling city streets, your videos will be smooth and professional-looking.

Two people hiking in a snowy mountain

Let’s not forget about its impressive video quality. With 4K resolution and high-speed shooting capabilities, your travel adventures will look stunningly vivid and lifelike on screen.

Diving into customer reviews gives us an insight into how this camera performs in real-world scenarios.

Users rave about the portability of the OM System OM-1 . Its compact design makes it easy to carry around during long trips without weighing down your luggage.

Customers have also noted how user-friendly this model is. Even if you’re new to vlogging, you’ll find navigating through its settings and options straightforward and hassle-free.

However, what truly sets this camera apart according to users is its durability. Reviewers note that it holds up well under various conditions – from sandy beaches to snowy landscapes – proving itself as a reliable companion on any adventure.

Flip-Out Screen Advantage

The flip-out screen on the OM System OM-1 deserves special mention due to its significant benefits for vloggers:

  • Self-Framing : With a flip-out screen, you can see exactly what your camera sees while recording yourself.
  • Flexibility : The screen can be adjusted to various angles, making it easier to shoot from creative perspectives.
  • Protection : When not in use, the flip-out screen can be turned inward to protect against scratches or damage.

Essential Accessories for Vlogging Cameras

Steady shots with tripods or gimbals.

Let’s cut right to the chase. No one enjoys watching shaky videos. It’s a surefire way to lose viewers and subscribers. That’s where tripods and gimbals come into play. These little gadgets are absolute lifesavers for content creators.

Tripods provide stability for video cameras during recording sessions. They’re especially handy when you’re capturing static shots or filming in windy conditions. On the other hand, gimbals offer a whole new level of steadiness for dynamic shots, thanks to their motorized systems that counteract camera shake.

a camera set-up with tripod

The Jobe Gorillapod is also a popular option with vloggers because if its small size and versatility for mounting on different objects.

Enhancing Audio Quality with External Microphones

Now let’s talk audio quality because it matters just as much as video quality—maybe even more so! An external microphone can drastically enhance audio clarity by reducing background noise and focusing on your voice.

Rode VideoMic Pro+ is a favorite among vlogging enthusiasts due to its excellent sound quality and compact size. Another great option is the Shure MV88, which connects directly to your device via USB—a huge plus for travel vloggers who need portable gear.

  • Rode VideoMic Pro+ : High-quality directional microphone.
  • Shure MV88 : Portable digital stereo condenser microphone with USB connectivity.

Extra Batteries or Portable Chargers: A Must-Have

There’s nothing worse than running out of battery while filming a captivating scene during your travels! Extra batteries or portable chargers are essential accessories that every travel vlogger should pack in their bag.

Consider investing in high-capacity power banks like Anker PowerCore 20100mAh – Ultra High Capacity Power Bank. Or, you could opt for extra batteries specific to your camera model. Either way, these accessories ensure you can keep filming without interruptions.

anker portable charger

  • Anker PowerCore 20100mAh : Ultra high capacity power bank.
  • Canon LP-E6N : Replacement battery for Canon cameras.

Protective Cases or Bags: Safety First

Finally, let’s not forget about protective cases or bags. These are crucial in keeping your vlogging gear safe during travels . A sturdy case like the Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW II can accommodate your video camera, SD card, and other accessories while offering excellent protection against bumps and drops.

  • Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW II : Backpack style bag with multiple compartments.
  • Pelican 1510 Case : Hardshell case with foam interior for maximum protection.

different types of camera for travelling

Upcoming Trends in Travel Vlogging Gear

Ai and 8k resolution cameras.

The future of travel vlogging is bright with the anticipated advancements in camera technology. Imagine a vlogging tool that can predict your needs, adjust settings automatically, and create the perfect shot every time. That’s what we’re looking at with the advent of AI in photography .

AI-powered cameras are set to take travel vloggers to the next level. They will be able to detect scenes and subjects, optimize settings accordingly, and even edit videos on-the-fly. This means less time fiddling with settings and more time capturing those unforgettable moments.

Another game-changer is the rise of 8K resolution cameras. With four times the resolution of 4K, these cameras promise ultra-clear images that will make viewers feel like they’re right there with you. For travel bloggers who want their audience to experience every detail of their adventures, 8K resolution is a dream come true.

Drone Footage: A New Perspective

Drone footage has been making waves in the blogging world for a while now, but it’s predicted to become even more prevalent in travel vlogs soon. Drones offer an entirely new perspective on locations that can’t be captured by traditional handheld cameras.

For instance, imagine showcasing sweeping aerial views of majestic mountains or bustling cityscapes from above – this adds an extra layer of depth and interest to any travel vloggers’ content. Drones also allow for smooth tracking shots that would otherwise require expensive equipment or tricky maneuvers.

VR and 360-Degree Cameras: Immersive Experiences

Virtual reality (VR) and 360-degree cameras are another trend poised to revolutionize the way bloggers create content. These technologies allow viewers to immerse themselves fully into the scene as if they were there themselves.

Imagine exploring a bustling market or walking through peaceful woodland trails – all from your living room. This level of immersion is something that traditional video simply can’t offer. It’s a thrilling prospect for vloggers and viewers alike.

Need Some Vlogging Inspiration?

Casey Neistat is a phenomenal mind in the YouTube sphere, and watching his content can serve as a pool of inspiration.

His unique storytelling approach, where every video feels like a short film, has earned him millions of subscribers and made him one of the most popular vloggers globally. With an eye for compelling visuals that touch the emotions, Casey’s videos often coincide with cinematic elegance while delivering everyday life stories or reviewing tech gadgets, including cameras: he doesn’t just review them; he weaves them into his narratives making you see their potential in real life scenarios.

Furthermore, Neistat’s creativity is not only limited to his footage but also evident in his DIY style production techniques – it’s raw yet sophisticated.

Whether he’s embarking on adventurous pursuits or offering insights into productivity tips, each video transports you into his vivacious world. It’s this authentic connection to real-life experiences and contagious creative energy that makes Casey Neistat a great YouTuber to turn to for inspiration.

Wrapping Up the Vlogging Camera Showdown

Alright, folks! We’ve gone on quite a journey exploring the ins and outs of vlogging cameras. From breaking down key features to comparing different types, we’ve walked through some top-notch models like Canon EOS R5 , Sony a6600 , and OM System OM-1 . Whether you’re leaning towards budget-friendly or premium options, mirrorless or DSLR, our guide’s got your back.

But remember this – the best camera is one that suits your style and needs. It’s not always about having the most expensive gear but using what you have to create compelling content. So go ahead, pick your weapon of choice from our list, and start sharing your travel stories with the world!

What are some essential accessories for vlogging cameras?

Some must-have accessories include tripods for stability during shooting, external microphones for better sound quality, extra batteries to keep you powered up when on-the-go, and memory cards to store all your footage.

Are there any upcoming trends in travel vlogging gear I should be aware of?

Yes! Look out for cameras with built-in image stabilization features as they can help reduce shaky footage especially when you’re moving around a lot while vlogging.

Is it worth investing in a premium camera model?

While premium cameras offer advanced features and superior image quality, it ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re just starting out or on a tight budget, there are plenty of affordable options that still deliver great results.

What’s the difference between mirrorless and DSLR cameras?

Mirrorless cameras tend to be lighter and more compact than DSLRs making them ideal for travel vlogs. However, DSLRs offer an optical viewfinder which can provide a clearer view of what you’re filming.

Can I use my smartphone for vlogging?

Absolutely! While a dedicated camera may offer better features and quality, smartphones these days come equipped with excellent cameras that can be great for beginners or casual vloggers.

Charlie Gardiner

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!

good camera for travel vlogging

Best cameras for vlogging

Updated Nov 22

Whether you’re just sharing clips with friends or you’re launching an online on-camera career, vlogging matters. And there’s a point at which your smartphone may not give you the look or control you’re after. With 180-degree selfie screens, wide-angle lenses, microphone inputs and great video quality, more and more dedicated cameras offer just what you need to look and sound your best.

Here are our top picks, giving particular attention to 4K video quality and dependable autofocus.

Best camera for vlogging: Sony ZV-E10

good camera for travel vlogging

What we like:

  • Simple and reliable autofocus
  • Detailed 4K video capture
  • Good mic and heaphone options
  • Great battery life

What we don't:

  • Significant 'jello' effect in 4K video
  • No in-body stabilizer
  • Touchscreen, overall interface are clunky

The ZV-E10 is the interchangeable lens option in Sony's vlogging lineup (we also quite like the smaller-sensor ZV-1, but were less impressed by the ZV-F1). The ability to add other lenses gives the E10 a level of flexibility a smartphone just can't match, along with genuine shallow depth-of-field that's never going to accidentally blur out the wrong thing, as phones can still be prone to.

The ZV-E10 has excellent autofocus and a product showcase mode that will refocus to anything you hold up in front of the camera to show your audience. In video terms, Nikon's Z30 is a little better, showing less rolling shutter than the Sony and not having to crop in for its 4K/30 footage, but the choice of lenses, provision of a headphone port and autofocus give the ZV-E10 the edge, we feel.

Read more about the Sony ZV-E10

Sample photo

To start your own channel: Sony FX30

good camera for travel vlogging

  • Excellent video autofocus
  • Video optimized interface and design
  • Wide variety of capture formats and framerates
  • No mechanical shutter for stills
  • Underwhelming optical stabilization
  • No EVF for working in bright light

The Sony FX30 is a pro quality video production tool that goes way beyond the needs of most vlogging. But if you're looking to elevate the production values of your business to the next level, it's one of the most cost-effective tools for doing so.

Its autofocus is some of the most reliable we've encountered and its Super35 (APS-C) sensor produces some of the best footage we've seen this side of dedicated cinema cameras. It provides a range of gamma, framerate and codec options to let you shoot it the way you want, and can utilize one of the most extensive ranges of lenses out there. It may be too heavy to hold at arms' length for any amount of time, but if your vlogging is becoming a career, the FX30 is worth considering.

Read more about the Sony FX30

Richard Butler

Also consider:

These are the other vlogging-focused models we think are worth a look:

  • Canon EOS R10
  • Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
  • OM-D E-M10 IV
  • Panasonic Lumix DC-G100
  • 1 Introduction
  • 2 Our pick: Sony ZV-E10
  • 3 Sony FX30
  • 4 Canon EOS R10
  • 5 Canon PowerShot G7 X III
  • 6 Nikon Z30
  • 7 OM-D E-M10 IV
  • 8 Panasonic Lumix DC-G100
  • 9 Sony ZV-1

Gear in this story

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The best vlogging cameras

Vlogging has become so popular that camera manufacturers are starting to make cameras specifically designed for the task. That’s what makes the Sony ZV-1 the best vlogging camera currently available, combining 4K video and an excellent built-in microphone with beginner-friendly controls in a compact package. Whether your goal is to create a personal visual journal, stay in touch with family, or reach your rabid YouTube following, the ZV-1 is an easy recommendation for vloggers.

At a glance:

Best camera for vlogging: sony zv-1, best mirrorless camera for vlogging: sony a6600, the best full-frame camera for vlogging: sony a7 iii, the best budget vlogging camera: panasonic lumix g7, [the best dslr for vlogging: canon eos 90d, the best action camera for vlogging: gopro hero8 black, what about the camcorders, can i shoot vlogs with my phone.

While you could just vlog with your phone, opting for a dedicated camera comes with numerous advantages, from expandable storage to higher-quality video and better support for external microphones. Out of the box, the ZV-1 has everything you need to get started at a relatively affordable price, but that doesn’t mean other cameras won’t offer more for those who are willing to put in a bit more effort.

  • Best overall: Sony ZV-1
  • The best mirrorless camera for vlogging: Sony A6600
  • The best full-frame camera for vlogging:  Sony A7 III
  • The best DSLR for vlogging: Canon EOS 90D

Why should you buy this: Compact, beginner-friendly, good audio and video quality

Who’s it for:  All vloggers, but especially beginners and travel junkies

Why we picked the Sony ZV-1:

This offshoot of Sony’s popular RX100 line was built specifically with vloggers and YouTubers in mind. It features an upgraded, three-capsule microphone and includes a wind sock to help with recording higher audio quality outdoors. The RX100’s pop-up flash and viewfinder have vanished to make room for the improved microphone, but it’s a trade-off vloggers will appreciate. The new vari-angle screen is also a welcome change, which now flips out to the side for better visibility.

Internally, the ZV-1 has the same 20-megapixel 1-inch-type sensor as the RX100 VII, which was our pick for the best point-and-shoot camera . However, rather than use the 24-200mm f/2.8-4.5 (full-frame equivalent) lens of the RX100 VII, Sony opted for the shorter 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 lens of older RX100 cameras. This has a number of advantages for video, starting with the wider aperture that allows for a shallower depth of field for blurring out backgrounds. This lens also incorporates a built-in neutral density filter which helps when shooting in bright light by acting like sunglasses for your camera. This allows for a slower shutter speed, keeping footage smooth and natural.

Sony also built several features into the ZV-1 designed specifically for the modern content creator who may not be an experienced videographer. This includes a Background Defocus mode that automatically selects the widest aperture when enabled, and a Product Highlight mode that tunes the autofocus to quickly transition from the presenter’s face to a product held in front of them, snapping back to the face when the product is lowered from view.

While Digital Trends has yet to test the Sony ZV-1 , it is already popular with the numerous vloggers who had their hands on it prior to launch. Combined with our experience with Sony’s RX100 series, we feel confident in recommending it.

Why should you buy this: Good video quality, compact design, great autofocus

Who’s it for:  Vloggers who don’t want to worry about a blurry shot.

Why we picked the Sony A6600:

The Sony A6600’s larger APS-C sensor means better performance in low light and an even shallower depth of field for blurrier backgrounds compared to a compact camera like the ZV-1. It isn’t the best video camera outright, but it has one feature that makes it stand out for vloggers compared to competing mirrorless models: Real-Time Eye AF.

Sony’s artificial intelligence-based autofocus is simply the best we’ve seen when it comes to accurately tracking your eyes and face. This removes perhaps the biggest pain point from vlogging. Even if you partially block the A6600’s flip-up screen by mounting a microphone to the top of the camera, you can still trust it will keep you in sharp focus.

The A6600’s 5-axis stabilization system keeps those walk-and-talk shots steady, while the the microphone and headphone jacks let you hook up high-quality external microphones and monitor your audio easily.

The biggest downside of the A6600 is that, for all the advanced features it offers, it still falls behind the competition in pure video quality. It records 4K only in 8-bit, whereas competing cameras like the Panasonic Lumix GH5 and Fujifilm X-T4 offer 10-bit color . Its older sensor is also prone to “jello cam,” a type of wobbly distortion that occurs when the camera (or subject) moves too quickly.

Still, the Sony A6600 remains a balanced camera that’s affordably priced and packs a lot of features into a small body, making it a dream vlogging tool for those who can afford it.

Read our Sony A6600 hands-on review .

Why should you buy this: Full-frame sensor with in-body image stabilization

Who’s it for:  Anyone who needs to look good on both YouTube and Instagram.

Why we picked the Sony A7 III:

Sony’s mirrorless cameras have always been powerful hybrid machines, and the newest A7 III combines stunning image quality with great 4K video from its stabilized, 24-megapixel full-frame sensor. It doesn’t offer all the advanced video functionality of the Panasonic GH5, but it does include a microphone jack, dual SD card slots, and Sony’s flat S-Log color profile for holding onto more dynamic range if you don’t mind spending some time color correcting in post. It also doesn’t have a fully articulating screen, but Sony’s excellent Real Time Eye Autofocus makes it easy to film yourself even if you can’t see what you’re shooting.

While the GH5 may best it for video in some areas, the Sony comes out ahead in still photography — and by quite a large margin. It produces some of the best image quality of any camera on the market. This is why it’s a great option for one-person teams who need to produce both video and still content that stands out from the crowd. That full-frame sensor also gives the A7 III an edge in low light. From your living room to a trade show floor, that can be a huge advantage in any dimly lit location.

The Sony A7 III is the most expensive option on this list and it’s not for everyone, but if you’re looking to take the next step in your stills and video production, it’s certainly worth your consideration.

Read our Sony A7 III review .

Why should you buy this: Great image quality, solid feature set.

Who’s it for: Suitable for anyone.

Why we picked the Panasonic Lumix G7:

Released “way back” in 2015, the Lumix G7 may not be the newest model, but it still packs a punch when it comes to video and its age means it is now quite a bit cheaper than it once was. Like the higher-end GH5, the G7 shoots 4K video from a Micro Four Thirds sensor and is compatible with the full range of Micro Four Thirds lenses. It also features a 180-degree tilt screen and a microphone jack. There’s no headphone jack, but the mic input is definitely the more important of the two.

One potential red flag for vloggers is that the G7 makes due without the impressive in-body image stabilization found in the GH5, meaning you’ll need to rely on lens stabilization for your handheld shots. Fortunately, the bundled kit lens is stabilized, although as always, you’ll get the best results with a tripod, monopod, or gimbal.

We should also draw attention to the Lumix G85 , an upgrade over the G7 that is based on a similar sensor but includes in-body stabilization. The G85 does cost more, but it may be worth it if you do a lot of run-n-gun video shooting.

Read our Panasonic Lumix G7 hands-on review

Why should you buy this: Crop-free 4K, articulating monitor, great autofocus.

Who’s it for: Anyone who wants a straightforward camera and doesn’t need 4K

Why we picked the Canon EOS 90D:

A DSLR shouldn’t be your first choice when it comes to vlogging — the optical viewfinder, preferred by some still photographers, is completely useless for video, when the camera is in live view mode and you have to frame your shot on the rear LCD screen. That means you’re carrying around bulk you don’t need and paying for a feature you can’t use. However, a DSLR does offer some benefits for still photography — like excellent battery life — that make a camera like the 90D appeal to hybrid shooters who need both a great still camera and a capable video camera.

The 90D is Canon’s first DSLR to shoot 4K video from the full width of the sensor. Older 4K models would crop the sensor, changing the look of your lenses and making it difficult to get a wide-angle perspective. The 90D also allows you to use Canon’s Dual Pixel Autofocus (DPAF) in 4K mode, something that some of its other cameras do not. DPAF is what allows the 90D to behave like a mirrorless camera when in live view mode, offering very smooth and fast focus acquisition. It’s impressive tech, and works well to keep you or your subject in focus when you’re a one-person crew. The fully articulating touchscreen and microphone and headphone jacks are also plusses.

On the still photography front, the Canon EOS 90D uses a 33-megapixel APS-C sensor, the highest-resolution sensor of its format. While all of those pixels don’t add anything to the video mode (4K uses about 8 megapixels), they do grant extra room to crop or more detail for making large prints. Overall, the 90D is a generalist. It’s well-suited to multiple roles, if not the best at any one of them.

Read our Canon EOS 90D review .

Why should you buy this: Incredible stabilization, versatile mod system.

Who’s it for: Anyone with a love for POV videos or who needs a camera small enough to fit anywhere.

Why we picked the GoPro Hero8 Black:

“Action” camera is becoming a misleading title. These tiny cameras can be used in a much wider variety of settings than the name implies, from (yes) nabbing extreme sports shots to recording Netflix-level movies . And GoPro’s latest flagship, the Hero8 Black, is the best of the bunch.

When it comes to vlogging, the Hero8 Black has several features that make it stand out. It uses a new version of GoPro’s incredible electronic image stabilization, called HyperSmooth, which is simply the best of any camera out there. Whether you’re just walking and talking or bombing down a narrow single-track trail on your mountain bike, the Hero8 Black keeps your footage impressively smooth. Beyond that, GoPro introduced a new series of accessories for the Hero8 called Mods. These allow you to connect a mini shotgun microphone, flip-up selfie screen, and a video light to the Hero8, turning into a powerful production tool.

Built around the same GP1 custom processor introduced in the Hero6, the Hero8 Black records 4K video at up to 60 frames per second or 1080p up to 240 fps for slow-motion playback. The user interface, which was already one of our favorites, has been updated to be even easier to navigate. It should come as no surprise that we picked it as the best action camera for 2020 .

Read our GoPro Hero8 Black review .

If you’re over the age of 25, you may recall a time when people shot videos on dedicated devices called camcorders. Perhaps your parents owned one and used it to record embarrassing memories of you on your birthday, Halloween, or prom night. All joking aside, such devices still exist — you can check out our camcorder buying guide and our list of the best video cameras for more information — and while they may be better than ever, camcorders have simply fallen out of vogue as traditional still cameras (and phones) have gotten better at video.

In camcorders there are three things you should look for: Sensor size, zoom range, and a mic jack.

Cameras like the GH5 are true hybrid machines, excelling in both video and still photography, leaving little reason for a dedicated video camera. Large-sensor cinema — or “digital film” — cameras have also gotten cheaper, replacing professional camcorders at the high end of the market.

But camcorders do still have some advantages, like powered lenses for smooth zooms and generally better built-in zoom range. However, interest in camcorders just isn’t where it used to be, and Digital Trends has not reviewed one in years, unless you count action cameras and 360 cams.

For that reason, we decided to stick with mirrorless and compact point-and-shoot style cameras for this list. If you are interested in checking out camcorders, however, we recommend looking for three key things: Sensor size (larger is better), zoom range (generally more is better, but your needs may not require as much), and, of course, a microphone jack.

The answer to that is yes. Many people prefer vlogging with their phones, especially beginner vloggers. Everybody has their phone with them constantly these days, and it’s easy to set up and use, which makes it more accessible for unplanned vlogging that, sometimes, just happens in the moment. 

The most high-quality phones are skilled at handling video, with many capable of shooting 4K — some even at 60p. Make sure your phone’s camera can shoot in landscape for a better experience. 

You should also note a few additional things when making the choice to vlog with your phone. If your phone has a front-facing (selfie) camera, the video may not be as clear as phones with cameras at the back.

Additionally, you’ll continuously obtain more high-grade audio quality if you’re using an external mic instead of your phone’s microphone, even if it has the ability to record stereo. To dodge a bunch of irritating feedback or poor overall sound quality, we suggest checking out a less expensive mic like the Movo PM10 lavalier mic.

A significant issue that you’ll most likely encounter at some point is preventing your camera from moving while you’re moving around and capturing takes with your phone. One of the best and simplest ways you can solve this problem is by using a selfie stick. It’s a cheap method that will ultimately better the quality of your video. 

If you prefer, you can also spend your money on something similar to the DJI Osmo Mobile 2 stabilizer, a handheld gimbal that conforms to your specific actions and holds your phone steady as you’re filming. It’ll provide you with a stable video without shakiness or any other quality-lowering movements. The Osmo app will offer different features that will make creating videos simple, easy, and relatively inexpensive.

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Daven Mathies

Photo editing is a complex discipline, and it's not just for those who like to take pictures and process them after the fact; instead, many people have a need for some form of photo editing, whether professional or not. That's especially the case with the rise of social media and the overall quality of images these days, especially with how easy some apps make it. But, if you're starting out on your photo editing journey or are already on that path, having a solid photo editing laptop can make a big difference.

Whether you want to run Lightroom or Capture One, you need the equipment that's fit for purpose. As such, we've done our best to pick a selection of laptops for various budgets and needs to help save you the trouble of weeding through the currently saturated laptop market. So, be sure to check out all the options and take a look at our quick guide on how we made these picks to get a better sense of what to look for. The Best Laptops for Photo Editing

MicroSD cards are an unsung hero in the mobile space. They provide extra storage space for your smartphone, but they're also key in tablets, drones, and security cameras. Unfortunately, this feature is falling out of favor in the smartphone space, and most flagship and midrange phones no longer have a slot to insert a microSD card. Even the most expensive phones around, like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and the Samsung S22 Ultra don't have a microSD card slot anymore. You're not even safe if you have an iPhone or iPad, as they've never had microSD card slots.

But all is not lost! Some of the best Android phones and best Android tablets do still support them, and they're still required for use with cameras, security cameras, and drones. But no matter which device you're buying it for, you'll want to get your hands on a microSD card from a reputable brand.

good camera for travel vlogging

11 Best Vlogging Cameras for Travel Videos

Last Updated on July 13, 2023 by Christine Kaaloa

Best travel vlogging cameras for solo travelers -demian-tejeda-benitez-unsplash

This post may contain affiliate links. Never leave home without travel insurance. Click for the  best travel insurance for gear protection  and  best insurance for COVID . Want camera gear advice for your film trip? Book a vlogging gear advice session with me.

Wanna film your next travel adventure?  Sure you do! So i’m sharing advice on the best vlogging cameras for travel videos.

Everywhere and anyone knows how to take a selfie with a camera or mobile phone. From DSLRs , mini DSLRs to mirrorless and pocket cameras, I’ll be walking you through the highlights of the nine best travel vlogging cameras .  Being a solo traveler, it’s made a world of difference to me. While I’m actually not someone who likes taking selfies, I’ve  found ways to master it for my travel blog and videos.

However, as ubiquitous as the selfie is, photo and video technology is constantly changing and YouTube is always growing . So I actually get a lot of questions about which cameras I use for YouTube and what the best vlogging cameras for travel videos are.

Okay, I’ll spill…

Read Tips for Adventure Vloggers & Filmmakers

Table of Contents: 11 Best Vlogging Cameras for Travel Videos

  • 1.1.1 Canon PowerShot G7X
  • 1.1.2 Sony RX100 III
  • 1.1.3 Sony RX100 IV
  • 1.1.4 Which pocket camera is best for travel vlogging?
  • 1.2.1 Samsung Mini NX
  • 1.2.2 Sony NEX 5T
  • 1.2.3 Panasonic GH4
  • 1.2.4 Which mirrorless camera is best for travel vlogging?
  • 1.3 Best DSLRs for Travel
  • 1.4 Canon D Series (Canon DSLR)
  • 1.6 Nikon D5500
  • 1.9 Best Mini DSLRs for Travel
  • 1.10 Canon Rebel Series
  • 1.11 Nikon D5300
  • 1.14.1 GoPro Hero Black
  • 1.14.2 What would you add to this list of 11 best vlogging cameras for travel videos?
  • 1.14.3 Related Posts on YouTube & Gear Shop My Film Gear Best Travel Gift Gear My YouTube Vlogging Cameras

Best Pocket Cameras for Travel Vlogging

This year’s two top vlogging camera contenders are from Canon G7X and Sony RX100 III (and Sony RX100 IV ).  Side by side the two are at a close head as both are 20Mp one inch sensor cameras, shooting HD video with similar lens range,  decent audio, wifi capability and great video quality. Both lack a hot shoe or 8mm jack for external recording.

Canon PowerShot G7X

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And a top outer and lens control ring can operate manual functions.

Cons : I really want to love this camera, the manual focus ring makes an audible clicking noise (unless you want to defer to up and down buttons). It also does not have manual white balance and the autofocus is said to degrade over time.

Price: $600-700

Sony RX100 III

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Cons :    The flip out screen isn’t something you could easily flip out with your thumb. It’s mechanics give it resisitance and I’m concerned that the arm it rests on could break.   The body, although metal cased seems a tad fragile. Not as fragile as my Sony NEX5T,  but that camera made me sensitive to that aspect. Also, the $800 price tag is rather expensive for a pocket camera.

 Price : $800

Sony RX100 IV

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The body looks similar to the RX100 III but it adds a 3 -stop ND fliter. It shoots Full HD and 4K video, with options to record at 240fps, 480fps, and 960fps. (The effect and precision is staggering- it records detail in slow motion almost perfectly) I don’t know if I’d ever use this, but wouldn’t it be nice to have?

Because it’s just hitting the market, I don’t know much more about it, but it has me very excited.  If you’re considering the Sony RX100 III, then for about a $100-200 more, you can get this better upgrade.

Price: $900-1000.

Which pocket camera is best for travel vlogging?

I think it will all come down to personal choice and budget. The Sony seems like something closer to what a videographer/photographer might use with its manual capabilities.

Read tips for taking selfies

Best mirrorless camera for travel.

Today’s newest technology are mirrorless cameras. These cameras allow for interchanging lenses. They are predicted to outsell DSLRs and mini-DSLRs by offering equal quality at a fraction of the size, price and weight. Not to mention, they tend to be more consumer friendly.

Check out more recommendations on best mirrorless cameras for travel

Samsung Mini NX

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Cons: the lens obtrusively sticks out, making it a camera you can no longer hide in your pocket and while it’s said to perform well in low-lighting, its performance is only mediocre. The colors of the Samsung are definitely darker and more vibrant, but in low-light, this will produce grain and images which are difficult to save in post production.

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Cons:  From reviews, I’ve heard the quality of the 4K video isn’t so good due to its compression codec. The 4K you get won’t be true. Again, the audio capability on these cameras are pretty good for capturing decent sound.  Your voice might sound a little tinny, as if you’re in a room but otherwise, for guerilla operations, you just need to mind your background noise and wind.

Sony NEX 5T

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Cons: Oddly, no review I’ve read or watched mention this but the zoom makes an audible noise, which makes recording video while zooming, a tad difficult. Another annoying factor is that there’s no stealth mode for shooting photography. By this I mean, every click makes a loud, fake camera shutter sound. You can’t turn it off. Also, it’s easy to confuse the ON/Off button with the zoom and it has too many consumer features– if you ask me– and all the options can make it confusing to feel comfortable switching in and out of manual and auto modes.

Price: $400

Panasonic GH4

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Cons :  It’s an expensive investment.

Price: $1700  body only| $2000 with interface unit.

Which mirrorless camera is best for travel vlogging?

I’ve had a chance to quickly try the Samsung out and while it offers a wider angle lens and it’s colors are more saturated with the blacks more on the velvety side, the ISO isn’t very strong in low light situations and you’ll find noise and crouching of blacks.

Read What I pack for travel vlogging

Best dslrs for travel.

Both are WiFi enabled., offer a range of manual controls for the intermediate to advanced photographers to control look and style.  They’re durable, a tad bulky and come from a steady lineage of lens that will be around for a while.  DSLRs are here to stay.  I can’t see them phasing out too seen.  But DSLRs are almost always an investment and most DSLR users are wed to either Canon or Nikon.  I am a Canon user, so most of my information will be towards the Canon brand.

See Tips on How to Film a Safari

Canon d series (canon dslr).

Canon D series camera has a remarkable line of cameras with a 180 degree swivel LCD screens that’s touch sensitive.With the Canon 70D 20Mp DSLR camera   the touch focus viewfinder is to die for. Rather than turning the lens to do a rack focus, you can simply trace your finger from background to foreground to change the focus.   While there are many differences between the two cameras, I’ll be brief and to the point. The deciding factors that may influence your purchase is that the 70D is significantly heavier, more expensive ($1200 for the body alone vs. $800 for a camera with kit lens), has more pixels to it’s image, stronger focusing features, a WiFi enabled and can shoot at a quicker speed.

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Price:  $1099

difference between Canon 70D and 700D, difference between Canon 70D vs Rebel 5ti, best selfie cameras for travelers

Nikon D5500

In many ways, the Nikon D5500   24.2 Mp DSLR camera outperforms its contender, the Canon. It has a built in GPS, has better color and ISO and performs better in low light. It also has longer battery life and more pixels.

Cons:   No touch focus viewfinder. Canon will always have a slightly higher reputation in DSLR photography as the professional’s choice, at least in video production.

Price:  Under $900

Best Mini DSLRs for Travel

If you still want the DSLR manual capabilities and feel, but you don’t like the weight, size and prices of its parents, the mini DSLRs will offer a comparable choice.

Canon Rebel Series

Canon Rebel Series c ameras are cameras I’d recommend to a photographer who is just starting out and uncertain about if they want to get a DSLR. The Rebel is a fantastic starter DSLR camera. However, that does not mean that the Rebel is only for beginners. It certainly has just as many manual settings as its DSLR brother!

The Rebel series cameras come with a touch focus viewfinder like its father the Canon DSLR series.  It’s got similar capabilities, whether it has lower pixel quality is always contestable in side-by-side comparisons. While some features are tweaked to make the DSLR series seem more advanced, the main contrasting feature is the size and weight. Canon Rebel series camera fit snuggly in your hand.  Men with large hands might feel a little oafish holding the camera, but if you want to go lightweight and affordable, without losing quality, the Rebel Series is perfect.

Nikon D5300

Nikon D5300  has got a similar sensor as the Canon Rebel t5i but has more pixels and performs better in low-light situations.

Best Action & Water Sport Cameras for Travel

GoPros have been the one-hit wonder for the past few years. It doesn’t take any photography skills other than pointing the camera in the direction of your shot and pushing record.  It also catches wide-angle images and is decent in low-lighting, which is great for landscape and underwater shots.

GoPro Hero Black

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The fact that these GoPros can shoot in virtually any type of weather, is tiny enough to be mounted almost anywhere and can shoot underwater, makes it a good camera to invest in and have around.  You’re probably wondering why I don’t have one yet…

Downside : You’re dependent upon very specific GoPro accessories and what you’ll need to equip yourself with, whether a selfie stick, underwater housing, floatie, etc…  will all add up. They’re not versatile to sharing camera equipment fit for common cameras.  Also, audio recording isn’t the best quality.

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What would you add to this list of 11 best vlogging cameras for travel videos?

Related posts on youtube & gear shop my film gear best travel gift gear my youtube vlogging cameras.

Best travel vlogging cameras for solo travelers

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Best Vlogging Camera 2024: Capture more with these cameras

Smartphone cameras have improved rapidly over the years, but they’re rarely a match for a great standalone camera. Whether you’re an experienced YouTuber or a budding TikTok star, you can find all of our favourite vlogging cameras detailed in this guide. 

Vlogging cameras pack larger sensors than smartphones, giving them an edge when it comes to dynamic range, low light performance and background blur in your videos. Many cameras also feature external microphone jacks and fully articulated touchscreens for easier framing. 

Of course, there isn’t just one type of vlogging camera. We’ve covered all of the bases in this guide with a mix of entry-level mirrorless cameras, pocket-sized gimbals and well-loved action cams. 

We’ve also included a list of pros and cons for each, along with links to our full, in-depth reviews. These detail our experiences with the cameras and include sample footage from them to help you choose which one is best suited to your vlogging needs.

For those specifically looking for a camera to take adventuring, make sure to visit our guide to the best action cameras . We also have guides to the best compact and mirrorless cameras for anyone interested in these areas, along with a more general guide to the very best cameras on the market right now. For a more spontaneous way to capture important moments, you can also see our guide to the best instant cameras .

Best vlogging camera at a glance

  • Best entry level option: Sony ZV-E10 – check price
  • Best one lens option: Sony ZV-1 – check price
  • Best for video quality: Panasonic Lumix GH6 – check price
  • Best for smooth video: DJI Osmo Pocket 3 – check price
  • Best action camera: GoPro Hero 11 Black – check price
  • Best compact vlogging camera: Insta360 Go 3 – check price

How we test

We test every camera we review thoroughly. We use set tests to compare features properly and we use it as our main device over the review period. We’ll always tell you what we find and we never, ever, accept money to review a product.

Sony ZV-E10

  • Small and lightweight
  • Good video quality and options
  • Fast, accurate autofocu
  • Beginner-friendly features
  • No viewfinder
  • Big crop with electronic image stabilisation
  • Limited touchscreen functionality

Sony ZV-1

  • Unbelievable mic quality
  • Top-tier autofocus
  • Instant bokeh mode
  • Can overheat indoors
  • Convoluted menus that are a pain to use
  • Micro-USB rather than USB-C

Panasonic Lumix GH6

  • Massive range of video modes
  • Superb video image quality
  • No-limit recording times
  • Effective image stabilisation
  • Easy handling
  • Occasional autofocus quirks
  • Some features unavailable at launch

DJI Osmo Pocket 3

  • Smooth, detailed 4K video
  • User-friendly controls
  • Rotating touchscreen for vertical and horizontal filming
  • No waterproofing
  • The Creator Combo is expensive

GoPro Hero 11 Black

  • 8:7 sensor perfect for content creation
  • A rich range of accessories
  • Excellent dynamic range for an action camera
  • Mediocre low-light performance
  • Mounting doesn’t best DJI’s magnetic system
  • Pricier than the main competiton

Insta360 Go 3

  • Now shoots at 2.7K
  • Vastly superior microphones
  • No more overheating
  • The Action Pod is great
  • Low-light scenes are still too difficult
  • Quite a hefty price bump

Sony ZV-E10

Sony ZV-E10

The best entry-level vlogging camera.

If you’re looking for a great vlogging camera to get started with, the Sony ZV-E10 delivers 4K video and beginner-friendly features wrapped in a lightweight package. 

The mirrorless camera is packed with features to help YouTubers and Instagram stars step up their video content, including a good-sized APS-C sensor, image stabilisation, real-time autofocus tracking for the eyes and face and flexibility with Sony’s E-mount lens system. 

At 343g, the ZV-E10 is one of the smallest and lightest mirrorless cameras we’ve reviewed. There’s no electronic viewfinder, but we found the 3-inch touchscreen to be bright and clear – even on sunny days. The screen also flips out to the side, making it ideal for when you need to record yourself. 

The autofocus is fast and there’s a Product Showcase mode to shift the focus quickly for influencers who need to hold objects in front of the camera. We found this mode to be a little fussy at times but it was still an improvement over the standard face detection-based mode when used in these circumstances. 

There’s none of the fancy in-body image stabilisation found in the A6600 , but the ZV-E10 does come with SteadyShot image stabilisation. This means you get digital stabilisation as well as optical stabilisation with certain lenses. 

The ZV-E10 supports clean and rich 4K at up to 30fps or softer and smoother 1080p at 60fps, which is ideal when using the Slow and Quick mode to capture slow motion video. The Sony can also produce some sharp 24.2-megapixel stills, though vlogging is the clear focus of this camera. 

Reviewer: Sam Kieldsen

Full review: Sony ZV-E10

Sony ZV-1

For those content with one lens

If you like the sound of the ZV-E10 but need something a little more affordable, Sony’s own ZV-1 might actually be the E10’s biggest competition. 

Not only is the ZV-1 cheaper (in part due to the fact you don’t need to pick up a separate lens) but its also smaller and the built-in lens is bright and sharp, making it a great choice if you’re not bothered about swapping out your lenses with the E-mount system.

At 10.5 x 4.4 x 6cm, the ZV-1 is compact enough to slip into a bag or pocket and there’s a hotshoe on top for those who want to add an external mic, though we found the audio quality on the built-in one to be excellent. There’s also a touchscreen that flips out and rotates, allowing you to see what you’re filming at different angles.

The video quality is fantastic, with the camera capable of capturing bright and vibrant 4K footage. Photos are decent too, albeit not the focus of the ZV-1.

There are loads of handy video features included too, like a real-time bokeh mode with its own dedicated shutter for quick access and two stabilisation options: standard and active. There’s also the same Product Showcase feature found on the ZV-E10. 

Unfortunately, we did find this camera had a tendency to overheat quickly when used indoors, so that’s something to be consider if you plan to film primarily in your home. 

Reviewer: Thomas Deehan

Full review: Sony ZV-1

Panasonic Lumix GH6

Panasonic Lumix GH6

For those in need of excellent video quality.

The Panasonic Lumix GH6 is a lightweight and affordable mirrorless camera that offers superb video quality and great stills. However, while the Panasonic can be used to snap images, video remains its biggest strength, making it the perfect choice for vloggers. 

The Micro Four Thirds camera features a double-hinged touchscreen and a new cooling system for Panasonic’s GH series, helping it stave off any overheating issues.

The camera is also capable of going beyond the ZV-E10 and the ZV-1’s 4K resolution, and capture sharp 5.7K video at up to 60fps. There’s in-body stabilisation for up to 7.5 stops of motion compensation, which we found to be very effective, allowing us to record walk-and-talk vlogs without the background bouncing. It even managed to capture stable footage of far away subjects with a telephoto lens attached.

As far as ports go, there are inputs for headphones and a microphone, along with a full-size HDMI output for external monitoring and recording. There’s also support for CF express Type B memory cards, as well as Apple’s ProRes 422 HQ format.

One con we encountered was that the autofocus lost focus at times when tracking moving objects, though this was still an improvement from the autofocus on the GH5 II . Otherwise, the GH6 is a fantastic mirrorless camera for budding videographers and vloggers in particular. 

Full review: Panasonic Lumix GH6

DJI Osmo Pocket 3

DJI Osmo Pocket 3

The best for smooth video.

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a versatile camera that makes it just as easy to shoot vertical content for TikTok as it is to capture horizontal video for YouTube. 

The camera is capable of capturing sharp 4K/60p footage with bright, realistic colours, along with decent 9.4-megapixel stills. The 1-inch CMOS sensor also improves low-light performance compared to the Osmo Pocket 2 , allowing you to get clearer results when shooting at night. 

The Osmo Pocket 3 features an integrated gimbal to produce smooth handheld footage wherever you go with the help of three-axis mechanical stabilisation. There are also three follow modes to choose from and three rotation speeds 

Anyone familiar with DJI’s Osmo Pocket cameras will find the design of the Pocket 2 comfortably familiar. The limited number of physical controls also makes it easy for new users to get started. There’s a record button for switching the camera on and recording and a joystick for controlling the gimbal movements and zoom, but the more in-depth features can be accessed via the touchscreen and the DJI Mimo app. 

One striking addition to the Osmo Pocket 3’s design is the rectangular OLED display that rotates to record in different aspect ratios depending on whether you want to record horizontal or vertical content. The 2-inch touchscreen replaces the fixed square LCD screen found on the Osmo Pocket 2. 

The autofocus on the Osmo Pocket 3 is better at locking onto its subject than the AF on previous Osmo Pocket cameras and ActiveTrack 6.0 introduces two new focus features – Face Auto-Detect and the Dynamic Framing mode. There’s a new Product Showcase mode reminiscent of that on the Sony ZV-E10 and ZV-1 , while other features include Spinshot, Panorama, Timelapse and Slow-mo in 4K at up to 120fps. 

Finally, the battery can capture up to 116 minutes of 4K/60fps video or 166 minutes of 1080p/24fps video and charges three times faster than its predecessor. We found that the Osmo Pocket 3 was able to go from 6% to 100% in less than half an hour. 

Reviewer: Hannah Davies

Full Review: DJI Osmo Pocket 3

GoPro Hero 11 Black

GoPro Hero 11 Black

Best action camera.

The GoPro Hero 11 Black is the best action cam available right now and the camera you should opt for if you plan on vlogging in more adventurous settings that require something compact and rugged. 

The Hero 11 Black is physically very similar to its predecessor, the Hero 10 Black . The two cameras share the same dimensions, dual-screen design and mods, meaning you can use any existing accessories you might have to upgrade the latest GoPro. 

The camera has two displays, a 2.27-inch touchscreen on the back and a 1.4-inch non-touch display on the front. If you’re looking for touch displays all-around, you might prefer the DJI Osmo Action 3 . 

The Action 3 also has better waterproofing than the Hero 11 Black, allowing it to plunge up to 16m compared to the GoPro’s 10m limit. With that said, for many vloggers, 10m will be more than enough to get great looking underwater shots. GoPro also sells a protective camera housing that supports depths of up to 60m for deep-water divers. 

When it comes to resolution, the Hero 11 Black is able to produce up to 5.3K/30fps (or 4K/60fps) video and 27-megapixel images, putting the GoPro just behind the 5.7K/60fps Panasonic Lumix GH6 in terms of video quality. 

The new 1/1.9-inch sensor allows content creators to capture an 8:7 aspect ratio which can easily be cropped with the GoPro Quik app for sharing clips on social media sites like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. 

Shoot at 16:9 and you’ll be able to capture even smoother video, including 5.3K/60fps, 4K/120fps and 2.7K/240fps. Furthermore, 5.3K capture is now supported by 360-degree horizon levelling, and GoPro’s image stabilisation is excellent as always. 

Finally, the Hero 11 Black benefits from a longer battery life compared to its predecessors. 

If you’re in need of a vlogging camera that can handle more extreme environments, the newest GoPro is certainly worth a look. 

Reviewer: Basil Kronfli Full Review: GoPro Hero 11 Black

Insta360 Go 3

Insta360 Go 3

Best compact vlogging camera.

For any vloggers out there who prefer to travel light and absolutely abhor the idea of carrying around a cumbersome piece of kit, the compact Insta360 Go 3 will feel like the perfect workaround.

This thumb-sized camera packs a ton of tech into its miniature stature, and even with the included Action Pod in tow, you can easily fit the Insta360 Go 3 in a jacket pocket, making it quickly accessible for a bit of vlogging on the go.

In spite of its smaller size however, the Go 3 still manages to shoot surprisingly colourful video with a resolution cap of 2.7K. That might be an issue for any professional level content creators, but if you’re just starting out or aren’t too fussed about shooting in 4K then you’ll get on just fine.

Unlike its predecessor, it’s now much easier to see the framing of your content as you film thanks to the flip-out screen on the Action Pod, which transforms the Insta360 Go 3 into a more traditional action camera with touchscreen controls.

Because the Go 3 is so compact, you can get quite creative with your shots in ways that just wouldn’t be possible with larger cameras. For instance, you could place the Go 3 in a cupboard to film yourself searching for your favourite cup, and that’s before mentioning the various accessories that can be paired with it, such as the magnetic necklace for POV shots.

Like most action cameras, the Go 3 does struggle with low-light settings so do bear that in mind if you plan on filming any night-time shots. Still, in almost every scenario the Go 3 does a tremendous job of recording audio, even in crowded areas, as it can hone in on your voice. For any entry-level creators, the Insta360 Go 3 is a great compact camera to invest in.

Reviewer: Thomas Deehan Full Review: Insta360 Go 3

We also considered…

DJI Osmo Action 3

Well constructed with decent image quality and superb stabilisation

GoPro Hero 10 Black

A cut above the rest

DJI Action 2

A bold attempt not only to catch up with GoPro’s Hero line, but to offer something a little different

DJI Osmo Pocket

A tiny, gimbal-stabilised 4K camera with massive potential

We’ve reviewed

The GoPro Hero 10 Black is the best option for challenging environments like these.

Every camera on this list is capable of capturing 4K video, with the GoPro going up to 5.3K and the GH6 as far as 5.7K.

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Best Camera for Photography 2024: All the top cameras we’ve tested

Best Action Camera 2024: Capture more with these rugged cameras

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Best Mirrorless Camera 2024: Our six favourites to buy

Comparison specs.

Hannah Davies

Hannah joined Trusted Reviews as a staff writer in 2019 after graduating with a degree in English from Royal Holloway, University of London. She’s also worked and studied in the US, holding positions …

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good camera for travel vlogging

4 Best Cameras for Vlogging Creative Content & More, According to Reviews

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Bringing your personality and creativity to social media (especially in the form of a vlog) requires more than just a great idea - you also have to make sure you have the right equipment, such as a recording booth or studio headphones . Investing in a quality camera for vlogging is just one of the ways you can help set yourself up for success, and with a slew of tech deals out there, you can even do it without breaking the bank.

Digital content creation has become all the rage as influencers take over our social feeds. If you're aspiring to create your own content or are looking to improve the equipment you already have, the best camera for vlogging will come with video-capturing features and more. You'll want to consider what type of content you're looking to capture, whether it's travel, beauty, music or lifestyle, as it'll determine what accessories and features you require.

If you plan to shoot footage of yourself sitting and talking, it may be worth getting a bundle with a tripod to avoid having to hunt for a flat surface that'll balance your camera as well as be tall enough to capture you in the frame.

No matter what your budget or needs are, Billboard Shopping went straight to the reviews to find the bestselling and most popular cameras for content creation. Rather than spend hours researching and comparing different models, we did the work for you and created a list of worthy cameras to get you crafting your next video.

Keep reading to check out our picks.

Best Cameras for Vlogging

Dji osmo action 4 4k action camera adventure bundle.

Price: $399.99 (reg. $499.99)

You Save: $100.00 (20%)

Buy Now on best buy

Take advantage of $100 off the DJI Osmo Action 4 Adventure Combo Bundle that'll help you save money while capturing your best content. The bundle includes a battery that's deep-freeze proof and able to withstand temperatures as low as -4 degrees, a stabilizing rod and mount to keep your camera in place.

The bundle has built up a 4.8 star rating with one shopper raving about how "It's become a very important tool in my bag of capturing footage that most normal cameras can't without extra gear."

Sony ZV-1 Compact Digital Vlogging 4K Camera

Price: $498

Buy Now On Amazon

Price: $499.99

This Sony digital camera may be more of a splurge, but it's totally worth it as it comes with everything you could possibly need to get started - and for the lowest price its been in 30 days! Along with the camera, you'll receive a compact tripod, carrying case, lens blower, lens and sensor brush, lens tissue paper, a microfiber cloth, Paint Pro Shop software, a 10 SDXC memory card and more. A directional 3-capsule microphone is also included and will help minimize background noise to capture only your voice. Plus, the image stabilization will help minimize any shakiness in your footage.

Verified Amazon reviewers are praising the camera's beginner-friendly qualities - especially for first-time users. "This was my first ever camera and let me tell you, this one is amazing!" one shopper wrote. "I used this to record short videos and take pictures for my trip overseas and they all captured exactly how those moments felt in person. The best camera for taking on the go, is lightweight and easy to use. The automatic feature that adjusts the camera setting based on the environment (sunlight, darkness, etc) to take beautiful videos and pictures. Would recommend it for beginners starting vlogs or capturing memories!"

GoPro HERO11 Black Action Camera Bundle

Price: $399.99

Travel vloggers can take advantage of GoPro's camera bundle , which comes almost everything your could need to take your content on the go. It's designed with a front and back LCD camera to assist in framing your shots as well as stabilization capabilities and the ability create wide cinematic shots or extra-tall vertical shots.

Best Buy reviewers have given the device a 4.7 star rating and stating that "If you are looking for an action camera that can capture stunning videos and photos in any situation, and also share them easily on your favorite platforms, the GoPro HERO11 is the perfect choice for you."

NBD Digital Camera 48MP 4K Video Camera

Price: $134.96 (reg. $499)

You Save: $364.04 (73%)

Buy Now on walmart

If you're in the market for a budget-friendly camera with all the bells and whistles of a luxe model, NBD's digital camera is the one to go for. It comes with a full content creation kit including an attachable microphone, lens, batteries, carrying bag and more. The textured grip on the side of the camera will also decrease your risk of dropping it while the 4K resolution and wide-angle makes sure you capture every moment.

One reviewer even loves how durable it is, especially for travel, saying, "This camera is built to last with a sturdy body that can withstand drops and bumps. You can take it on all your adventures without worrying about damage."

For more product recommendations , check out our roundups of the best laptop deals , over-ear headphones and TV deals .

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4 Best Cameras for Vlogging Creative Content & More, According to Reviews

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Our 3 Favorite Cameras for Adventurers and Travel Junkies

Capture your adventures in detail-rich photos with these fully featured cameras

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Nowadays there’s no such thing as a bad digital camera. The iPhone you have in your pocket takes stunning images and every single mirrorless or DSLR being released by the major brands is capable of capturing images that could land on the cover of Outside .

But with great choices come hard decisions. The camera market is crowded, so you’ll have to do some research to find the option that includes the features you want—be that amazing autofocus, enormous file size, or affordable pricing. We’ve put together a list of our favorite new mirrorless cameras as a starting point.

At a Glance

  • Best Overall: Sony A7CII ($2,198)
  • Simplest: Fujifilm X100VI ($1,599)
  • Best for Action: Nikon Z8 ($3,497)

Frequently Asked Questions

How we test.

All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more .

Sony A7CII

Best Overall

$2,198 at Amazon $2,198 at B&H

Weight: 15.1 oz (body only) Size: 4.9” x 2.8” x 2.5” Sensor: 33-megapixel full-frame Exmor R BSI

Pros and Cons ⊕ Small ⊕ Full-frame sensor ⊕ Fair price ⊗ No auto-focus joystick ⊗ Not ergonomic with Sony’s largest zoom lenses

The Sony A7CII is our top pick because it’s small but mighty and the best option for those of us who like to adventure. At just over a pound and about as thick as three iPhones stacked together, it’s travel friendly and comes with a giant full-frame sensor that captures 33-megapixel images, advanced auto-focus, and interchangeable lenses. In short, it’s a pro-level camera that’s significantly better than any current phone camera (or any phone camera we’ll likely see in the next five years).

The interchangeable lenses you can use on the A7CII add bulk and weight, but Sony makes two 35mm f/1.8 lenses that are the perfect add-on. Less than three inches long and about the diameter of a paper-towel tube, they’re much smaller than most standard lenses but fast enough to capture great photos in low light, wide enough for landscapes yet not too wide for portraits, and built with high-quality glass so it produces tack-sharp images

This camera is best for those who primarily want to shoot photos; but if you want to shoot video, you get beautiful 4K footage and incredible image stabilization for handheld shooting.

The A7CII costs $2,198 and the 35 millimeter f1.8 lens adds another $748, which brings the total to just shy of $3,000 for the basic setup. That may seem high, but it’s in the ballpark for a pro-level, full-frame camera that has the chops to shoot everything from action to landscapes.

Read our full review of the Sony AC7II here

Fujifilm X100VI

Fujifilm X100VI

$1,599 at B&H $1,599 at Adorama

Weight: 1.15 lbs Size: 5” x 2.9” x 2.2″ Sensor: 40.2-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5 HR

Pros and Cons ⊕ Easy to transport ⊕ Simple to use ⊕ Rich photos ⊗ No interchangeable lenses ⊗ Not a full-frame sensor

The X110VI won a spot on this list for three reasons: it’s small, relatively simple, and captures gorgeous images. About the size of three iPhones stacked together, the camera weighs just 1.1 pounds so backpackers, bikepackers, hikers, skiers, or anyone who’s moving fast won’t feel weighed down. You won’t want to pack it in a running vest, but the camera is certainly small enough to fit in your daypack, or even the chest pocket of your ski shell.

Some photographers will chafe at the idea of not having interchangeable lenses, but we love the simplicity of this camera. With just one, high-quality 23mm f/2 (35mm equivalent) lens to work with, you’re forced to be a more creative photographer. If you want to zoom in, you’ll need to walk closer. Need to capture a landscape? Back up or climb a hill. The 35mm focal length isn’t perfect for portraits, but it doesn’t distort the subject and can be made to work if you’re careful about your framing.

Why not just pack your iPhone 15 Pro since it’s also portable and actually has three lenses? Because the X100VI is a camera (versus a phone with a built-in camera), Fujifilm is able to pack in a significantly bigger sensor (40.2 megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5 HR) compared to what you get with the iPhone. That bigger sensor drinks in more light and therefore creates more detailed photos and also does better in low-light situations.

The X100V isn’t as powerful as a full-frame Sony or Canon camera, but it’s the perfect travel-sized option that captures better quality photos than an iPhone.

Nikon Z 8

Best for Shooting Action

$3,497 at Amazon $3,497 at B&H

Weight: 2 lbs Size: 5.7” x 4.7” x 3.3″ Sensor: 45.7-megapixel FX-format stacked full-frame CMOS

Pros and Cons ⊕ Precise autofocus that’s ideal for shooting sports ⊕ Easy to use with larger lenses ⊗ The shutter sound is awful ⊗ On the pricier side

It’s no secret that Nikon has lagged lately. The brand dominated the film and DSLR market but got its butt kicked by Sony when mirrorless cameras were introduced. Thankfully, the brand is now back with cameras like the Z8, which packs all of the most important features like stunning detail capture and great autofocus into a compact body.

Jim Merithew , a Bay Area photographer who’s edited Pulitzer Prize stories for the San Francisco Chronicle and ran the online photo department at Wired , loved the Z8 first and foremost because of the 45.7 megapixel FX-Format Stacked CMOS sensor that makes amazing images.

“The colors were beautiful and the files were easily worked to meet my creative vision,” he said. Merithew often shoots cycling photos, so he also fell in love with the smart autofocus system that will lock onto and follow anything from a human to an airplane to a bicycle. If you half press the shutter, the Z8 will also capture a burst of pre-images, so that if you’re a little late to the decisive moment the camera already has the moment recorded. “There was no situation where I felt underprepared,” Merithew said.

Ergonomically, Merithew liked that the camera hit a nice balance between weight and heft. “It was substantial and felt great in the hand without being a total brick,” he said. Nikon has a huge range of high-quality lenses that work with the Z8, and those lenses are a worthy investment because they’ll still be sharp and relevant long after the Z8 has been replaced by whatever Nikon has up its sleeve next.

If there was one thing Merithew wanted to fix, it was the shutter sound Nikon added in to accompany the electronic shutter. The sound “made me feel less like a professional photographer and more like a teenager playing a cheap version of an 8’s handheld video game,” he said.

Sound aside, we’re glad to see that Nikon is back with a competitive mirrorless offering that fits the bill for aspiring and pro photographers alike.

What’s the Difference Between DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras?

A DSLR has a mirror inside the camera body that reflects the light coming through the lens and shoots it up to the viewfinder. When the shutter button is pressed, the mirror moves out of the way to let the light from the lens hit the digital sensor.

In a mirrorless camera there is no mirror, so the image you see through the viewfinder is electronically generated and the light goes straight from the lens to the sensor.

Which Is Better—DSLR or Mirrorless?

You could spend a week combing through threads about whether DSLRs or mirrorless cameras are better, but the short answer is this: mirrorless cameras are the future and that’s where you should spend your money.

Some people like that the viewfinder on a DSLR is optical, not digital, but the digital viewfinders these days are so good that you’ll never have any problems. Some people like the larger form factor of DSLRs when handling big lenses, but it’s easy to add an extra grip to a mirrorless that makes these smaller cameras just as easy to handle.

The advantages of the mirrorless camera, on the other hand, are numerous and growing. They’re smaller to start because there is no mirror, and therefore easier to transport on adventures. You can also shoot silently, since there’s no mirror moving around, which is an advantage in situations where you’re capturing wildlife or other sensitive scenes.

There used to be more lenses for DSLR cameras, but all the major companies now have a full line of high-quality mirrorless lenses, and the prices have also come down so you can easily find affordable but high-quality mirrorless cameras these days

How Much Does a Decent Camera Cost?

You should plan on spending at least $2,000 for the body. That gets you a pro-level camera that uses interchangeable lenses and comes with all the best features, like a full-frame sensor and high-quality autofocus. If you can make the jump to $3,000, you get even better resolution and all the new autofocus features that make shooting sports a breeze.

What Are Key Features to Look For?

If you’re going to invest in a mirrorless camera, get a full-frame sensor. These large sensors have incredible resolution and great low-light performance. From there you’ll need to decide what kind of photographs you want to make.

Shooting sports? Go for a mirrorless camera that has a really high frame rate and all the newest autofocus technology. More focused on landscapes and portraiture? Go for a camera that shoots high-resolution or high-megapixel images.

  • Number of cameras tested: 10
  • Number of testers: 5
  • Number of pictures taken: 70,000 +
  • Hours spent figuring out each camera: Over 50 hours total

You’ve probably heard the term “camera geek.” I bring this up because our tester pool was full of digital nerds. All the testers are former or working photojournalists who’ve followed camera development for the past 20 years and love to geek out on new specs and features. They spend hours debating which camera is the best overall, which is the best for sports, which is the best for portraits, and love to argue about where the technology is going next.

All this enthusiasm made our job easy because we just had to distribute the cameras and let them go crazy. For this test, the cameras traveled all over the United States and Europe and captured everything from bike races to beach vacations.

What made a camera rise to the top of our test was a blend of performance and usability. Our testers looked for cameras that performed, whether that was accurate autofocus or great low light captures, and then also gave notes on how easy it was to get the camera to do what you asked. Were the dials in a convenient place? Was it easy to hold the cameras with a larger lenses? Did the camera bog you down on longer adventures? To be honest, the final decisions were quite hard but these were our clear favorites.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Before Jakob Schiller was a columnist at Outside he spent almost a decade working as a photojournalist at newspapers around the country. He’s old enough to have shot film, but since the rise of the digital camera, has taken well over 1,000,000 photos on various DSLRs and smartphones. He loves photography because it facilitates adventure and captures important historical moments, but he’s also a tech lover and can geek out with the best of them about things like resolution, autofocus, and shadow detail.

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Best Digital Cameras with Wifi Connectivity in 2024

From transferring your photos and videos wirelessly to controlling your camera from afar, a camera with Wi-Fi connectivity is a useful and fun investment.

Camera Gear Guides | Camera Guides | By Mark Condon

Shotkit may earn a commission on affiliate links. Learn more.

This guide will help you find the best digital camera with Wifi.

You probably already know that Wifi is a helpful feature to have on your camera.

Sony a7 IV

Excellent photo and video quality with class-leading autofocus, housed in a robust weather-proof camera body with fast Wifi transfer.

You can instantly transfer images from your camera to your smartphone, computer, or social media.

Not only that, a Wifi enabled digital camera is handy for taking photos.

With Wifi, you can turn your smartphone into a remote shutter control, and even control the camera’s settings.

Let’s take a look at the recommended Wifi cameras.

Table of Contents

What is the Best Digital Camera with Wi-fi Connectivity in 2024?

Sony a7 iv (best camera with wifi for professionals).

ASony a7 IV camera sitting on top of a wooden table.

Credit: Marc Bergreen

  • Good price considering the features
  • Tilt-screen and touch-screen
  • Incredible autofocus
  • Great battery life
  • Fast wifi transfers
  • A little on the heavy side

The Sony a7 IV is the best Wifi-enabled camera for professionals – a high-quality, feature-packed, hybrid mirrorless camera.

It’s an extremely versatile machine, based around a 33-megapixel full-frame back-illuminated sensor.

It shoots high-resolution photos and 10-bit 4K video at 60fps.

The autofocus is incredible too. This is something Sony has become known for, and this camera is no different – just make sure to pair it with the best Sony lenses to get the most out of the glorious full frame sensor.

Fast, and intelligent, its AI-based, 749-point system can track eyes, humans, and animals in real time.

As it incorporates the Sony E Mount system, not only do you have access to the huge range of native lenses Sony offer, but also a vast array of compatible lenses from third-party manufacturers.

a person holding a camera up to take a picture.

The flip screen can be faced forward making it a great camera for vlogging | Marc Bergreen

Although the Sony a7 IV is meant for professionals, that doesn’t mean it’s a difficult camera to use.

The button layout on the camera’s body is well-thought-out and customizable, and the menu is easy and intuitive to navigate (not something that Sony used to be good at) using the touchscreen interface.

It has dual CF card slots and plenty of ports (full HDMI, headphone jack, USB-C, etc) for either file transfer, or rigging the camera out with external accessories.

With its Wifi capabilities, it can also be paired with Sony’s Imaging Edge app to control the camera settings remotely. Pictures are transferred quickly and easily to be shared on social media or with friends and family.

  • Sony a7 IV review
  • Best lenses for Sony a7 IV

Panasonic LUMIX ZS80 (Best Cheap Point-and-Shoot Camera with Wifi)

Panasonic LUMIX ZS80 camera on a blue back ground.

  • Very affordable
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Simple layout
  • Tilt-screen
  • No external mic port
  • EVF is a little small

The Panasonic LUMIX ZS80 is a compact camera with good image quality that is great value for money.

It has a 20-megapixel sensor and in-camera image stabilization which is a great help for capturing sharp photos and video.

That’s especially helpful because the Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens is a 30X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 24-720mm at a variable aperture of f/3.3 – f/6.4.

It would be easy for the image quality to get shaky at 720mm and f/6.4, but the camera does a good job of it.

A nice addition, in particular for sunny day shoots, is the electronic viewfinder , something that’s definitely not standard for compact cameras.

It has good battery life, a user-friendly touchscreen menu, and good autofocus.

It also gives you some great creative modes such as portrait, macro, and a particularly good panorama mode.

Pair the camera with the LUMIX Sync app, and you’ll be able to transfer images to and operate your camera from your phone.

  • Best compact cameras

Canon EOS Rebel T7 (Best Budget DSLR with Wifi)

A Canon EOS Rebel T7 on a blue back ground

  • Streamlined
  • Ergonomic grip
  • Great optical quality
  • Kit lens is poor quality
  • Not the best for video

The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is the world’s bestselling camera, and our pick for the best budget DSLR with Wifi.

It’s the ideal camera for travel or daily use, as it feels and handles like a traditional DSLR, but is closer in size to a compact camera.

The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is made to just pick up and shoot. The layout of the buttons on the camera’s back is very simple, and there’s a single mode selection dial on top.

But just because it’s cheap and simple, that doesn’t mean it lacks firepower.

It has the same 24-megapixel APS-C sensor that’s found in many of the higher-tier cameras, up to the EOS R10. The image files are also 14-bit RAW, the same quality you’d find in much more expensive cameras.

It also opens up the door to all the amazing Canon EF lenses – the widest selection of any camera brand, with plenty of budget options to suit the T7’s APS-C sensor.

And you can control it all over the camera’s built-in Wifi from Canon’s EOS Camera Connect app.

  • Canon T6i vs T7i
  • Best Lenses for Canon Rebel T7

Sony ZV-1F (Best Vlogging Camera with Wifi)

A Sony ZV-1F CAMERA on a white back ground

  • Side-articulating screen
  • External mic port
  • Can’t change lenses
  • Only shoots jpeg

Weighing in at only 256 grams, the Sony ZV-1F is a compact camera about the same size as an iPhone, which is ideal for vloggers and other shooters on the go.

You can shoot images at 16fps, which is ridiculously fast, and means that there’s very little you won’t be able to capture.

As it’s specifically designed for vlogging, video is where this camera really shines.

The video and audio quality is great, and there’s a for attaching an external mic. There’s also a side-articulating screen, so you can see yourself.

It shoots 120fps in Full-HD, so you can get your slo-mo on. There’s no 4K video, but to be honest, for vlogs, you really don’t need footage of that resolution.

With its 20mm f/2 fixed lens, it provides you with a wide enough perspective to fit in everything you want, while not being too wide to restrict you from being able to shoot in a more intimate way.

The camera turns on quickly, and it’s very easy to use, with few buttons and Sony’s classic quick menu, which is accessible through the touchscreen on the back.

If you are looking for a good digital camera that connects to phones, the Sony ZV-1F got you covered!

The ZV-1F has seamless wireless transfer for transferring videos and photos to your phone. It’s so good that it almost feels like your camera is part of your phone.

It can also be accessorised with the Sony Vlogging Handle, which doubles as a wireless remote and a tripod: a really handy extra for filming yourself.

Insta360 Go II (Best Action Camera with Wifi)

a Insta360 Go II camera on a pink back ground

  • Pro Mode FlowState image stabilization
  • Small and lightweight
  • Hyperlapse Video Mode adjusts itself to the speed of action
  • Battery life more than doubles when used with the charger
  • No 4K video
  • 32 GB internal SD card is limiting

At just 53mm high and 24mm wide, the Insta360 Go II is the smallest action camera on the market today.

It comes in a case that has foldable legs that turn it into a little tripod, and that also has the camera’s menu for controlling it.

The case is also the charger, and if you use the charger with the camera you more than double the amount of recording you can do: 150 minutes compared to 60 minutes without the charger.

As it’s magnetic, you can stick the Insta360 Go II to something metal, or to the pendant that comes with the camera, to fasten it to your chest. Bear in mind when using the pendant, it’s not the strongest magnet.

Thanks to its size it’s an extremely portable, extremely unobtrusive action camera to take with you on your adventures.

And that high-resolution footage will be smooth, thanks to Insta360’s FlowState Image Stabilization, and steady, thanks to their 360-degree horizon lock that keeps horizons level.

Update: The Insta360 Go III was released after this article was published – I encourage you to check it out here.

Sony a6400 (Best Compact Camera with Wifi)

Sony a6400 with strap

Stark Photography

  • Reliable, fast autofocus
  • Doesn’t overheat
  • Great build quality
  • High-quality RAW files
  • Outstanding autofocus
  • Eats through batteries
  • Flip-up screen gets in the way of the mic
  • No in-body image stabilization
  • Doesn’t come with a battery charger

The Sony a6400 is a compact camera with wifi and an APS-C 24-megapixel sensor and the ability to shoot at 11fps, which is enough for sports, and anything else you can throw at it.

The files it produces are top-notch too. 14-bit RAW images, which gives the camera great low-light performance, even when shooting at high ISOs.

Sony pairs these high-quality files with a good range of cinematic profiles, so you can get the most out of your files out-of-camera.

It has a flip-up screen, although this can get in the way if you have an external mic, so the best way to avoid that is by using a camera cage – see other cameras for vlogging with flip screens .

The a6400 is also one of the few compact cameras with a viewfinder , which makes it helpful for shooting on bright days when it’s dificult to see the rear LCD screen.

sony-a6400-lens-options-1

So many great Sony APS-C lenses are available for the a6400.

It shoots 4K super-sampled from 6K – so, extremely high-quality footage, and it can do Full-HD up to 120fps, so slow-motion footage is a breeze too.

Unlike many video-capable cameras, there’s no recording time limit. This is really useful for shooting events where having to restart recording can be a problem, for example, weddings, or conferences

The Sony a6400 doesn’t have in-body image stabilization, so make sure you pair it with one of Sony’s image-stabilized lenses.

  • Sony a6400 review
  • Best lenses for Sony a6400

Olympus Tough TG-6 (Best Underwater Camera with Wifi)

Olympus Tough TG-6 camera on a brown back ground

  • Easy to use, even underwater
  • Fast shutter speed
  • Small sensor makes it struggle in low light
  • Battery life could be better

It’s difficult to shoot good-quality images underwater without needing to invest in underwater housing for a DSLR or mirrorless camera .

Olympus offers a wallet-friendly way to get those underwater shots with their waterproof, drop-proof Tough TG-6, which has the style and ergonomics of a point-and-shoot camera. It is also one of the few underwater digital cameras with wifi!

It’s fronted with an f/2 anti-glare wide-angle lens, with a 4X optical zoom, giving you the equivalent of 25-100mm in focal length .

This lens is both good for fitting in the whole width of underwater scenes, and zooming in to the action.

Connecting the Tough to your smartphone via Wifi is relatively painless, and it’s great to be able to share your underwater shots straight after coming back from a dive.

Its sensor is not the biggest, at just 12 megapixels, but it’s perfectly fine for most of what you’d need this camera for – shooting in bright light, on sunny days, and not in low-light conditions.

The Olympus Tough t-6 shoots up to 20fps, which is blazing fast, and great for capturing watery things at the pool, like splashes, dives and jumps.

It can also shoot 4K video at 30fps and Full-HD at 120fps.

  • Olympus Tough TG-6 Review
  • Best waterproof cameras

Nikon P1000 (Best Zoom Camera with Wifi)

Nikon P1000 CAMERA ON A YELLOW BACKGROUND

  • Huge focal range
  • Robust build
  • Can shoot 4K
  • Image stabilization
  • Small sensor, not best in low light
  • Battery has to be charged in-camera

The Nikon P1000 is an absolute beast of a bridge camera – the lens is permanently attached to the camera body, but offers a flexible zoom range.

Its massive body and fixed lens are built around a 16-megapixel backside illuminated CMOS sensor, and an f/2.8 to f/11, 24mm-3000mm zoom lens. There’s also 250X Dynamic Fine digital zoom, which can take you further, to an equivalent of 6000mm.

The camera has several modes of ‘vibration detection’, which is what Nikon calls image stabilization. But, to be honest, it’s the kind of camera you’ll be wanting to use with a tripod most of the time, especially in low light.

The sensor is small, although the backside illumination will help, and ISO only goes up to 6400. If you’re shooting zoomed out all the way at f/11, you won’t have much light coming in either.

But the camera is made for sticking on a tripod and shooting aeroplanes, birds, or the moon.

And it shoots not only still but video. 4K at 30fps, and 1080p at 60fps. There’s also an HDMI output, which allows you to view your footage on a bigger, external monitor.

If connected to Wifi, you can use the SnapBridge app. This is mainly good for file transfer, and some of the camera settings. Don’t use it to zoom in and out, as this is not smooth when done from the app, and happens in increments.

  • Best Cameras With Zoom lenses

Why is Wifi Connectivity Useful on a Digital Camera?

Canon eos 5d mark ii vs eos 5d mark ii vs e.

I use the Wi-Fi on my Sony a7 IV regularly to transfer photos wirelessly to my phone for Instagram uploads.

Personally, I love having Wifi connectivity on all my cameras – from my Fujifilm X100V to my Sony a7IV.

Here are some reasons why I consider Wi-Fi connectivity such a valuable feature on a digital camera:

Remote Control

Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This can be especially useful when taking group shots, self-portraits, or wildlife photography where you want to minimize disturbance. These remote controls are easy to get by and allow you to control your digital camera with Wifi and Bluetooth.

Instant Sharing

With Wi-Fi, you can instantly transfer photos and videos from your camera to your smartphone or tablet. From there, you can quickly share them on social media, email, or other digital platforms, without needing a computer.

Quick Backup

You can use Wi-Fi to backup your photos and videos to a cloud storage service , ensuring they’re safe even if something happens to your camera or SD card.

Some cameras even allow for automatic backup when connected to a Wi-Fi network.

Tethered Shooting

For professional photographers, Wi-Fi allows for tethered shooting where images can be instantly viewed on a larger screen, like a tablet or computer.

This helps photographers evaluate images in greater detail and make necessary adjustments.

Geo-Tagging

Some camera apps use the GPS of the connected smartphone to geo-tag photos over Wi-Fi, providing location data for where each photo was taken.

Firmware Updates

Wi-Fi connectivity makes it easier to keep your camera’s firmware up-to-date. Some cameras can download and install updates directly over Wi-Fi, without needing to connect to a computer.

What If You Can’t Buy a WiFi Digital Camera?

If you can’t buy a camera with built-in Wi-Fi, there are still several methods you can use to achieve similar results:

Use a Memory Card with Wi-Fi

Certain SD memory cards come equipped with their own Wi-Fi capabilities. They can create their own Wi-Fi network that you can connect to with your phone or computer to transfer files. Eye-Fi was a company that produced SD memory cards with Wi-Fi capabilities but ceased business in 2016. However, you may still be able to find some online.

USB Cable Transfer

You can directly connect your camera to your computer using a USB cable for file transfer. Although it’s not as convenient as Wi-Fi, it’s a reliable way to get your photos and videos onto your device.

Card Reader

If your camera uses SD cards or a similar removable storage medium, you can use a card reader to transfer files . Card readers can be plugged into your computer or sometimes directly into your smartphone.

Some cameras that do not have Wi-Fi may still have Bluetooth capabilities. While it’s slower than Wi-Fi, it can be used for transferring smaller files or controlling certain camera functions. If I’m in a location that already has a Wi-Fi network, I usually use the camera’s Bluetooth instead so the camera won’t try and connect to the existing Wi-Fi.

While typically used in professional settings, tethered shooting can also be used as an alternative. This involves connecting your camera to a computer or monitor via a cable, allowing for real-time viewing and file transfer. Editing software such as Capture One offers an intuitive tethered workflow for professional photographers.

What are the Best Mobile Apps for Wifi Transfer?

All the following mobile apps are available for iOS and Android cell phones and can be downloaded and used free of charge:

  • Canon:  Camera Connect
  • Fujifilm: XApp
  • Insta360: Insta360
  • Leica: Leica FOTOS
  • Nikon:  SnapBridge
  • Olympus: OM Image Share
  • Pentax:  Image Sync
  • Sony:  Image Edge Mobile

What’s Better: Wi-Fi vs Bluetooth for Camera Data Transfer

While both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are used for wireless data transfers, they serve slightly different purposes.

Here’s a table showing their pros and cons:

FAQs about Wifi Digital Cameras

What is Wi-Fi in a digital camera?

Wi-Fi in a digital camera allows it to connect to other devices such as smartphones, tablets, or computers wirelessly. This allows for remote control of the camera, easy sharing and backup of photos and videos, and other functionalities.

Do all digital cameras come with Wi-Fi?

No, not all digital cameras come with built-in Wi-Fi. However, it’s a common feature in many newer models, especially those designed for consumers and prosumers.

Is Wi-Fi necessary for a digital camera?

While Wi-Fi isn’t necessary for a camera to function, it adds a lot of convenience. It allows for easy file sharing, remote control, and other functionalities that can enhance your photography experience.

Does Wi-Fi drain the camera battery faster?

Yes, using Wi-Fi does consume more battery power. To conserve battery, you should turn off the Wi-Fi feature when it’s not in use.

Can I transfer photos wirelessly without Wi-Fi?

Yes, some cameras have Bluetooth, which allows for wireless transfer of photos and videos, although it’s usually slower than Wi-Fi. Some memory cards also come with built-in Wi-Fi capabilities.

Can Wi-Fi on digital cameras be used for GPS and geotagging?

Some cameras and camera apps use the GPS of the connected smartphone to geotag photos over Wi-Fi. However, not all Wi-Fi enabled cameras have this feature.

How secure is the Wi-Fi connection on a digital camera?

The security of the Wi-Fi connection on a digital camera largely depends on the security of the network it’s connected to. When using public Wi-Fi, be aware of potential security risks and avoid transmitting sensitive data.

Mark Condon

Mark Condon is a British wedding photographer and editor of Shotkit. When he’s not taking photos or reviewing the latest camera gear and software, Mark can be found cycling around the northern rivers.

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  • Electrostal History and Art Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Electrostal History and Art Museum in Elektrostal. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

  • Cities near Elektrostal

Photo by Ksander

  • Places of interest
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  • Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino
  • Peter the Great Military Academy
  • Ramenskii History and Art Museum
  • Bykovo Manor
  • Balashikha Arena
  • Malenky Puppet Theater
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