Finding the right camera for travel is all about getting the balance right. You want something compact enough to carry around all day, but still powerful enough to capture sharp, vibrant shots. Whether walking through a busy city, hiking up a mountain, or relaxing by the coast, a good travel camera should work seamlessly in the background.
In 2025, travellers have more choice than ever. From lightweight compacts to mirrorless systems and hybrid vlogging cameras, there are options to suit every style of trip and level of experience. Many models now have features like in-body stabilisation, 4K or even 8K video, fast autofocus, and built-in Wi-Fi for easy sharing.
This guide rounds up some of the best travel cameras available right now, focusing on what matters most on the road—size, performance, versatility, and ease of use. From short weekend getaways to extended trips abroad, these cameras offer the right mix of portability and quality to suit different travel styles and needs.
Sony α7C II
The Sony α7C II is a compact full-frame mirrorless camera that blends powerful performance with a lightweight, travel-friendly design. Built around a 33MP back-illuminated sensor and powered by Sony’s BIONZ XR processor, it delivers outstanding image quality with rich detail, accurate colours, and excellent low-light performance, all in a body that weighs just 514g.
Designed for both photography and video, it includes advanced autofocus with real-time tracking, 4K 60p video recording, and broad lens compatibility through the E-mount system. It’s ideal for creators who want a high-performance camera that doesn’t take up space in their bag but still delivers pro-level results on the move.
Key features and benefits
- 33MP full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor: Captures high-resolution images with excellent dynamic range and detail, even in low-light conditions.
- 4K 60p video with 10-bit 4:2:2: Shoots high-quality, cinematic video that meets the needs of vloggers, filmmakers, and hybrid creators.
- AI-powered subject recognition AF: Tracks humans, animals, and even insects with precision, using advanced real-time autofocus algorithms.
- Compact, lightweight body: Weighs only 514g (body only) with a built-in 5-axis image stabilisation system, perfect for handheld shooting during travel.
FUJIFILM X-T50
The FUJIFILM X-T50 is a sleek mirrorless camera that blends timeless design with cutting-edge image technology. Featuring a 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor and X-Processor 5, it delivers rich colours, high detail, and superb performance across photography and video. Its compact magnesium-alloy body and vintage-style dials make it a stylish companion for everyday shoots and travel alike.
With powerful in-body image stabilisation, 6.2K/30P video, and intuitive controls, the X-T50 supports both creative exploration and professional output. A new Film Simulation dial allows users to instantly apply Fujifilm’s renowned colour profiles, making it easy to create distinctive looks straight from the camera.
Key features and benefits
- 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor: Produces ultra-high resolution images with outstanding clarity, tone, and colour accuracy.
- 6.2K/30P and 4K/60P video recording: Captures sharp, detailed footage with minimal rolling shutter, ideal for content creators and hybrid shooters.
- 5-axis in-body image stabilisation (IBIS): Provides up to 7.0 stops of shake reduction for smooth handheld shooting across stills and video.
- Dedicated Film Simulation dial: Instantly switch between Fujifilm’s iconic looks like Classic Chrome, Velvia, and Nostalgic Neg with a single control.
OM SYSTEM OM-5
The OM SYSTEM OM-5 is a lightweight and weather-sealed Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera built for adventure. With its compact build and 20.4MP Live MOS sensor powered by the TruePic IX engine, it offers reliable image quality in a form that’s easy to carry across cities, trails, and mountaintops. Its retro-inspired design hides a powerful feature set, suited to travel and outdoor photographers who value agility and durability.
Despite its small size, the OM-5 is packed with advanced features, including in-body 5-axis image stabilisation, Pro Capture mode, Live ND filter simulation, and deep subject tracking via face and eye detection. It’s built to keep up with the elements and still deliver sharp, detailed results in both stills and 4K video.
Key features and benefits
- 20.4MP 4/3″ Live MOS sensor with TruePic IX engine: Delivers clean, high-resolution images with excellent dynamic range and low-light performance.
- 5-axis in-body image stabilisation: Provides up to 6.5 stops of compensation (up to 7.5 stops with compatible lenses) for shake-free handheld shooting.
- IP53-rated weather sealing: Offers strong protection against dust, splashes, and freezing temperatures, ideal for rugged conditions.
- Compact and travel-friendly: Weighs just 414g (body only), making it one of the most portable weather-sealed cameras available.
Nikon Z fc
The Nikon Z fc blends classic design with modern mirrorless performance, capturing the charm of Nikon’s vintage FM2 film camera while harnessing the power of the Z-mount system. Featuring a 20.9MP APS-C CMOS sensor and EXPEED 6 image processor, it delivers sharp, vibrant images and smooth 4K video in a lightweight body styled with tactile dials and a magnesium alloy build.
Perfect for travellers, creators, and style-conscious shooters, the Z fc includes a vari-angle LCD touchscreen, Eye-Detection AF for humans and animals, and seamless wireless sharing through SnapBridge. It’s ideal for daily content creation, spontaneous street photography, and anyone who values both aesthetics and capability.
Key features and benefits
- 20.9MP DX-format CMOS sensor: Delivers high-resolution stills and crisp video with excellent detail and colour.
- 4K UHD video with full-time Eye-Detection AF: Records stable, professional-looking footage with face-tracking for vlogging and interviews.
- Classic film-inspired design: Features tactile dials for ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation in a retro-styled magnesium alloy body.
- Vari-angle touchscreen LCD: Allows for flexible composition and easy selfie or video framing from virtually any angle.
RICOH GR IIIx
The RICOH GR IIIx is a premium compact camera designed for photographers who want DSLR-level image quality in a pocketable form. Featuring a 24.2MP APS-C sensor and a sharp 40mm-equivalent f/2.8 GR lens, it’s built for unobtrusive street, travel, and documentary photography. Its minimalist design strips away the unnecessary, leaving a clean, intuitive shooting experience.
This updated model builds on the strengths of the GR series, adding faster autofocus, in-body image stabilisation, and a responsive touchscreen. Ideal for capturing quiet moments and everyday scenes, the GR IIIx delivers rich tonality, sharp detail, and natural rendering, all in a compact body that fits in your palm.
Key features and benefits
- 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor: Offers high resolution and excellent low-light performance with smooth tonal gradation and natural colour.
- 40mm-equivalent f/2.8 GR lens: A versatile focal length ideal for portraits and street photography with crisp edge-to-edge sharpness.
- 3-axis in-body image stabilisation (SR II): Reduces blur from camera shake for clearer handheld shots, especially in low light.
- Pocket-sized magnesium alloy body: Weighs just 262g with a stealthy, minimalist design perfect for everyday carry and discreet shooting.
FUJIFILM X100VI
The FUJIFILM X100VI is a premium compact camera built for photographers who value portability without compromising on image quality. It features a 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor paired with the X-Processor 5, housed in the iconic rangefinder-style body that defines the X100 series. Its fixed 23mm f/2 lens delivers sharp detail and beautiful bokeh, making it ideal for everyday shooting, travel, and street photography.
This sixth-generation model adds in-body image stabilisation and 6.2K video to an already impressive list of capabilities, while retaining the unique hybrid viewfinder and film simulation profiles that Fujifilm is known for. With fast autofocus, tactile controls, and a timeless design, the X100VI is a favourite among creatives who want a dependable, all-in-one solution in a camera that feels as good as it performs.
Key features and benefits
- 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor: Captures stunning, high-resolution images with exceptional colour fidelity and low-light performance.
- 23mm f/2 fixed lens: Delivers sharp, versatile performance with a natural field of view suited for street, travel, and portraits.
- 5-axis in-body image stabilisation: Adds up to 6 stops of shake reduction for blur-free handheld shooting in a wide range of conditions.
- Classic hybrid viewfinder: Switches between optical and electronic modes, combining traditional framing with modern precision.
Make your camera part of the journey
Travelling with the right camera can change the way moments are remembered. From quiet mornings to spontaneous discoveries, a good camera helps capture not just the scene, but the feeling behind it. It becomes part of the journey, small enough to go unnoticed, yet capable enough to document it all with clarity and character.
In the end, it’s less about specs and more about what fits your habits, pace, and preferences. Whether you’re exploring unfamiliar cities, chasing sunsets, or simply keeping memories close, the best camera is the one that encourages you to keep shooting.
