BEST LONG ZOOM COMPACT TRAVEL CAMERAS
BEST PORTABLE VIDEO CAMERAS
BEST BUDGET CAMERA FOR TRAVELLING
We want to help you select the best camera for travel so you can combine your adventure with smart video coverage and excellent picture quality. Most travel bloggers are in-between booking a flight ticket, and finding an ideal camera for documenting their travels. Although you are confused about the type of travel camera for beginners, it can be quite easy to select one.
In this article, you will find out some of the best cameras for travel. You will also learn about the factors to consider before buying a camera for travel blogging. Before any other thing, we want you to know that DSLR and Mirrorless cameras are some of the most popular.
Travel bloggers often lean towards this camera because they make it a lot easier to interchange the lenses. You will also find DSLR and Mirrorless cameras fascinating because the image quality is higher than other cameras. That is not to say that the DSLR and Mirrorless cameras don’t have any downsides. Yes, they do, and the most prominent downside is the bulk.
How to Select the Best Travel Camera
Photo Credits: Persnickety Prints
You need a buying guide for travel cameras so you can make an informed decision. With hundreds of camera models in the market, you don’t want to be caught in the middle of the lens by buying several cameras that won’t work as you expect. In light of that, here are some of the factors you want to consider before placing an order for the best camera for travel blogging:
1. Size and Weight
Well, if have already packed your backpack or traveling bag, you will find out that you have little or no spaces left for an extra load. Carrying a bulky camera is the last thing you want to bring with you on a journey. With advancements in technology, you can now budget for a portable video camera that you can use to capture all the actions when traveling. Now, there is a bit of confusion on the right size to select for a travel camera. Here are extra tips to make a good decision:
- Buy a pocket-sized compact camera if you don’t want to deal with many loads.
- Otherwise, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to buy a mirrorless or DDSLR camera if you are taking a backpack or shoulder bag when traveling.
2. Cost of Buying a Travel Camera
Another factor you want to have is the price or the amount you will have to spend to buy the best camera for travel blogging. It all boils down to your budget and your expectations. While some travel bloggers would invest in a high-end camera for higher image quality and versatility, others would rather buy a mid-priced travel camera to save costs. So, define your expectations and the needs of what you expect to use the camera for. Only after then can you be in a better position to determine if your budget can fund the cost of buying the camera.
3. Stabilization
You are not just shooting photos for the fun of it. You also want the picture quality to come out fine. Stabilization plays an important role in sharpening images. There are 2 major variants of stabilization. While some travel cameras can be equipped with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), others may be using internal sensor stabilization. Despite the differences and quality each of them brings to the table, the result is usually the same – to keep images sharp, even in low-light conditions.
4. HD/4K Video Quality
Travel cameras can also shoot videos. That is where you have to consider the quality of images, as adjudged by the camera. Some travel cameras can provide HD video quality of up to 1080p, which is impressive for shooting images.
However, if you are a travel blogger or you can pay more for quality, consider investing in a travel camera that has 4K video quality.
5. Zoom Range
Last but not least – consider the range of zoom you can get from your travel camera. While it is mostly a matter of preference, you want to be sure that the camera can pick the tiniest details. Besides, a travel camera with excellent zoom support can get you closer to the action – especially if you are capturing wildlife images. By and large, you want to buy a travel camera that provides you with a zoom-in option, even if you don’t change the lenses.
What is the Best Travel Camera 2021?
Now, let us get into the business of today. Below, we have taken the time to explain the best cameras to take traveling. These cameras were selected after going through the reviews of the previous buyers. We also considered the upsides and the downsides of the cameras. The prices were also factored in before we decided that they were the best travel cameras you can buy in 2021. To simplify the buying decision, we have categorized the travel cameras into their respective use cases. The idea is to help you make a better decision.
Best Long-Zoom Compact Travel Cameras
You will agree that traveling is fun. You tend to come across a wide range of sceneries that wish to capture. You need the best travel camera with optical zoom to capture as many pictures as you want. And here are some of the travel cameras that give you the much-desired long-zoom captures:
Panasonic Lumix TZ200
This is the perfect long-zoom travel camera that captures pictures even if they are many miles away. While you may be deceived by the shortsighted 1-inch 20-megapixel sensor, there is an additional long-range 15x zoom lens that can reach even farther than you imagined. The last you want is to be weighed down by the bulk of a camera when you should be thinking about how to carry your backpack. That makes it one reason why you should buy the Panasonic Lumix TZ200 because the camera has a strip along the front. The strip helps to reduce the bulk of the camera and makes it easier for you to have a better grip on the camera.
Another reason why you want to buy this travel camera is because of the high-quality image. This camera can produce both JPEG images, as well as shoot 4K videos. Raw shooting is also supported. Perhaps the most fascinating feature is the Macro Mode, which is the major basis for classifying this camera as a zoom travel camera. The Macro Mode is used for capturing images, even if they are 3cm away. You also like this model because of the generation of 8K images from Panasonic’s 4K photo mode.
Pros:
- 15x optical zoom
- Has a built-in electronic viewfinder
- High-quality one-inch sensor
Cons:
- This travel camera has a fixed screen
- The sharpness tends to fall at full zoom
Sony RX10 IV
There is a misconception that the best cameras for travel blogging are usually bulky. It isn’t entirely true, because there are lots of other portable video cameras you can find out there that also take long shots. The Sony RX10 IV is one of them. This travel camera is your ideal choice if you are looking to combine portability and long-range shots in one pack. It features a 25x optical zoom lens that takes both long shots and manages reasonable apertures of f/2.4-4. Well, it wouldn’t be out of place to point out that this camera is also an all-rounder, in that it has image quality similar to that of an interchangeable lens. It also offers a bunch of optics. The 1-inch sensor is reasonably performing, in addition to the 3-inch monitor that tilts to the direction you want when taking pictures.
Pros:
- Features 25x optical lens that is particularly impressive at the 60mm end.
- 1-inch sensor
- Fantastic AF system
Cons:
- Quite bulky
- Expensive
Best Portable Video Cameras
Travelling provides you with an array of opportunities to explore other countries, visit tourist destinations – and aha! Take lots of pictures. No traveler wants to be bogged down by weight. We are sure you don’t want that idea. The thought of carrying extra weight, in addition to your backpack is already weighing you down. You need a portable travel camera that lets you take shots and captures the moments that matter to you without having to bother about the weight. We present to you, some of the choicest portable cameras you can use for your next traveling adventures:
Hasselblad X1D II 50c
This portable camera is all shades of beauty. The focal point is the smaller size and the large sensor that makes it a wonder to behold. With a 50-megapixel mirrorless medium format and a 44 x 33mm sensor, there is no limit to the depth of field you can expand to because the sensor has proven to be 70% larger than traditional full frames. More impressive is that this travel camera can be used for a variety of purposes, including capturing fine art, taking street photography, and landscapes.
Pros:
- The compact nature is quite appealing for traveling
- One of the few portable travel cameras to have large sensors
- Each of the lenses is designed to handle sensors of up to 100 megapixels.
Cons:
- Lacks comparable resolution when compared to its competitors
- The camera appears to be a better option for professional photographers than nature lovers.
- Quite expensive, especially the lenses
Canon Rebel T8i
Canon is a leading brand as far as cameras are concerned. You can take your photography skills to the next level with any of their camera models. The Canon Rebel T8i is turning heads because of the portability and the fact that it didn’t compromise on the picture quality. You rest assured of capturing your surrounding in a cinematic and high-definition format thanks to the UHD 4k video recording at 24p. No matter the light condition, you are confident that this portable video camera can take the best shots. It comes with a native 100-25600 ISO that gives the kind of accuracy you want, not minding if you are shooting in mixed lighting or low-light conditions.
Pros:
- Features a cross-type design
- Vlogger-friendly vertical video
- Movie Servo AF Mode for natural focus when changing distances
Cons:
- You may spend a little more money to afford this portable travel camera
Best Budget Camera for Travelling
Not every travel likes to splash a thousand bucks on cameras. You already have enough bills to care for – visa application, travel fares, and accommodation.
So, you may view buying a high-end travel camera as an expense you may not be willing to spend on.
Yet, there are lots of budget-friendly travel cameras you can buy and enjoy near-picture-perfect quality.
Here are some of the best budget cameras for traveling and taking pictures anywhere you go:
Nikon D3500
Nikon is opening the floor with its entry-level DSLR that is both compact and affordable. The Nikon D3500 is all shades of awesomeness – from the 24MP sensor that gives great picture quality to the continuous shooting speed of 5fps.
However, you should expect to get all your photography fantasies on a budget-friendly travel camera.
So, you have to make do with the fact that the Nikon D3500 wouldn’t go beyond full HD video.
Also, you have to make some changes in your photography expectations, especially if you were expecting this camera to have sophisticated live view autofocus – because it doesn’t. Instead, you have to make do with the viewfinder, which is a real value for money if you are not interested in using the rear screen.
Pros:
- An optical viewfinder helps you capture still pictures
- Best travel camera for beginners
- The 24MP sensor gives great picture quality
Cons:
- Slow live view autofocus
- Don’t expect the rear screen to tilt, because it is fixed.
Fujifilm X-T200
The Fujifilm X-T200 is an entry-level travel camera for travelers who want to capture the best moments of their vacation without having to break a bank to afford a high-end camera.
Designed with beginner photographers in mind, the camera can serve a variety of purposes, including excellent color reproduction, excellent performance when shooting stills, and decent noise handling.
While the camera deftly stabilizes videos, it does not do that up to 1080p.
You are confident that your picture quality wouldn’t be too retro because this travel camera leverages the 256-zone metering system to provide a good dynamic range for your pictures.
And in terms of versatility, it can conveniently capture 4K footages at 30fps, as well as unlocking 8fps continuous shooting via the upgraded APS-C CMOS sensor and processor.
Pros:
- 36m OLED EVF viewfinder
- Ideal for beginners, intermediates, and experts
- Features sharp 3.5-inch rear touchscreen
- An accessible and versatile option for jet-setters
- The hybrid AF system performs well when shooting still pictures
- Has spot-on face detection
Cons:
- Video stabilization isn’t up to 1080p
- The eye sensor is not reliable
- Subject tracking is not supported for videos
What is the Best Travel Camera to Buy in 2021?
Each of the cameras we just discussed is excellent in their rights.
Everything about investing in the best camera for travel boils down to your preferences.
Your picture and video expectations when you travel can go a long way to influence the travel camera you buy.
Above all, take note of the buying guide for travel cameras so you can get the best camera that has most of the features you need – and at the best price!