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2/6/2020 Best Travel Camera Guide 2020 (Unbiased & Detailed Review)

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The Best Travel Cameras (And How To Choose One)


Updated: February 5, 2020 by Matthew Karsten

The Best Travel Cameras of 2019

TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR

As a professional travel photographer, I get a lot of questions


about what’s the best travel camera. There are so many to
choose from! Here’s what I would pick, and why.

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If you’re into travel photography, exploring the world with a good


travel camera can help you bring back vacation images that will stand
the test of time.

Epic travel memories & experiences to share with family and friends for
years to come. Travel photos are some of my most treasured souvenirs!

But what’s the best travel camera for capturing these special
moments?

There’s no easy answer to this question. Different people will have


different requirements and budgets for choosing a travel camera.

My goal with this digital camera buyers guide is to help you narrow
down the overwhelming choices — and pick the perfect camera for
travel so you’re prepared for your next trip.

Here’s everything we’re going to cover (click to go to a specific section if


you want to skip around).

Ultimate Travel Camera Buyers Guide


Quick Answer: Best Travel Budget Travel Cameras (Under
Cameras $500)
Important Travel Camera Features Best Smartphones For
Understanding Camera Sensors Photography
Best Compact Camera For Travel Best Camera Lenses For Traveling

Best Mirrorless Travel Cameras
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Best Action Cameras For Travel Best Drones For Travel


Best DSLR’s For Travel Photography
Photography Which Travel Cameras Do I Use?
How To Improve Your
Photography
FAQ: Top Travel Camera Questions

Why Listen To Me?

Experience! I’ve been traveling the world for the past 9 years
working as a professional travel photographer & blogger, licensing
images to brands like National Geographic. This guide is also
completely independent.

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Some of My Travel Photography from Norway

Quick Answer: Best Travel Cameras Of 2020

1. Sony RX100 VA – Best Compact Travel Camera

2. Panasonic Lumix ZS70 – Best Budget Travel


Camera

3. Sony A7 III – Best Mirrorless Travel Camera

4. Sony A6600 – Best Value Travel Camera


CAMERA DESCRIPTION PRICE

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CAMERA DESCRIPTION PRICE

BEST COMPACT TRAVEL CAMERA

Sony RX100 VA
CHECK
FEATURES: Small point & shoot camera, 1" sensor, professional settings, 4K video, lightweight, AMAZON
beginner friendly.

WEIGHT: 10.6 oz

MEGAPIXELS: 20

BEST BUDGET TRAVEL CAMERA

Panasonic Lumix ZS70 CHECK


AMAZON
FEATURES: Small point & shoot camera, 1" sensor, lightweight, and under $400.

WEIGHT: 11.7 oz

MEGAPIXELS: 20

BEST MIRRORLESS TRAVEL CAMERA

Sony A7 III
CHECK
FEATURES: Professional settings, full frame sensor, great low light ability, 4K video, interchangeable AMAZON
lenses, and weather sealed.

WEIGHT: 22.9 oz

MEGAPIXELS: 24

BEST VALUE TRAVEL CAMERA

Sony A6600
CHECK
FEATURES: Professional settings, large APS-C sensor, 4K video, interchangeable lenses, and flip AMAZON
screen.

WEIGHT: 17.7 oz

MEGAPIXELS: 24

Important Travel Camera Features


We’ll get to the juicy stuff in a second (I promise!), but first, it’s

important to understand what makes a camera good for travel.
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When picking a travel camera, you must define what your needs are.

Are you looking for lightweight portability? Something weatherproof?


Professional image quality? Reasonably priced? A well-rounded model
for landscapes, portraits, but can also handle vlogging?

Here are some key camera features you should be aware of moving
forward.

SIZE & WEIGHT – Gone are the days when a bigger camera means a
better camera. If you want to travel with your camera, you’ll want
something small & lightweight. Luckily technology has improved a lot.

MANUAL SETTINGS – Professional photographers want the ability to


manually control all camera settings to dial in the perfect shot in
different situations. Pick a travel camera with full manual control if you
want to improve your skills.

MEGAPIXELS – Many people assume that more megapixels is better.


This isn’t always true if the pixels themselves are small. However, more
megapixels on a large sensor will give you higher detail, and allow you
to “crop” your image without reducing quality.

APERTURE – Lens aperture is measured in f/numbers, like f/1.4, f/2.8,


f/4, etc. The lower the number, the better it will perform in low-light

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situations (and more expensive). Lower numbers also create a nice


“bokeh” effect in portraits.

ZOOM RANGE – A zoom lens lets you get closer to the action,
especially for wildlife or people. But the bigger the zoom the bulkier a
camera gets. The amount of zoom is a personal preference. For travel,
having the option to zoom in without changing lenses is nice.

HD/4K VIDEO – Most quality travel cameras will shoot video in HD


1080p. Some even have 4K capabilities — which most people won’t
need unless you’re doing professional work. Travel cameras that can
shoot in 4K are generally more expensive.

WIFI/BLUETOOTH – Some cameras have their own wifi network,


allowing you to upload your photos instantly to your computer or
smartphone. This can be handy if you want to share travel photos to
social media without a computer.

INTERCHANGEABLE LENSES – High-end mirrorless and DSLR


cameras have interchangeable lenses, allowing you to pick the perfect
lens for different situations. Smartphones and compact travel cameras
usually have fixed lenses.

WEATHERPROOFING – Will your travel camera hold up against the


elements? Some cameras are better protected from moisture and dust

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than others. If you plan on shooting in very dusty or wet environments,


it helps to have strong weatherproofing.

RAW – Not all cameras shoot in RAW format. Camera RAW basically
saves the image without any internal modifications, as opposed to JPG.
It’s preferred by advanced users for more leeway when editing their
images with software later.

STABILIZATION – Some cameras or lenses offer Optical Image


Stabilization (OIS). This feature compensates for “handshake” on slower
shutter speeds, to help keep images sharp in low-light situations. Some
cameras also have internal sensor stabilization, for even better results.

Understanding Camera Sensors

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When choosing the perfect camera for traveling, you need to


understand different camera sensors, and how they affect image
quality and camera size.

In general, a camera with a large sensor is going to perform better in


low light because that large sensor can capture more of it.

With a large sensor, you’ll also get more detail, allowing you to print
your images large, or crop them smaller, and not lose any quality.

However, a large camera sensor means the camera itself will be larger
as well. 

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Best Compact Cameras For Travel Photography

What’s the Best Compact Camera for Traveling?

Compact cameras have come a long way. Improved technology means


companies can pack these portable travel cameras with a ton of
features.

Many shoot 4K video and have manual settings, just like the more
expensive cameras on this list.

In my opinion, a decent compact camera is the best option for


75% of amateur travel photographers.

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They combine the perfect mix of being portable, powerful, and pretty
budget-friendly too.

Here are my current top 5 picks for compact travel cameras that are
perfect for shooting travel photography on your next vacation.

1. Sony RX100 VA – Best Compact Travel Camera


Weight: 10.6 oz.
Zoom: 24-70mm
Sensor Size: 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm)
Megapixels: 20
Price: Click Here For Latest
Price

The Sony RX100 VA is my favorite small travel camera. It’s what I’d call
a “professional” point & shoot. While it is compact enough to fit in my
pocket, it has many of the same features as my larger primary
mirrorless camera.

It’s not the cheapest travel camera, but you can also pick up older
models like the RX100 IV for a bit less. They also make reasonably

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priced underwater dive-housings for this line. It’s a great one for
travel blogging!

PROS CONS

4K Video Small Sensor


Fast Focusing Fixed Lens
Flip-screen for Vlogging Weak Microphone
Built-In Flash

This is usually the travel camera I recommend for most people. If


you want something nicer than a smartphone, but are intimidated
by the size & weight of larger cameras, you’ll love the small Sony
RX100.

CHECK PRICE HERE →

2. Canon G7X – Travel Vlogging Camera


Weight: 11.25 oz
Zoom: 24-100mm 

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Sensor Size: 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm)


Megapixels: 20
Price: Click Here For Latest
Price

The Canon G7 X II is another fantastic compact point & shoot camera


that’s great for travel photography. A bit less expensive than the Sony, it
has fewer high-end features but shoots great video with better
onboard audio than the Sony. It’s a favorite for many traveling
YouTubers and Vloggers.

PROS CONS

Flip-screen for Vlogging Fixed Lens


Built-In Flash Slow Focusing
Decent Microphone No 4K

You’ll save a bit more money with the Canon over the Sony 
RX100, but it doesn’t have as many high-end features (like 4K
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video). However the better microphone is a plus.

CHECK PRICE HERE →

3. Panasonic Lumix LX10 – Portable Camera


Weight: 10.9 oz
Zoom: 24-72mm
Sensor Size: 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm)
Megapixels: 20
Price: Click Here For Latest
Price

The Panasonic LX10 is another nice portable point & shoot camera
that’s good for traveling. It’s very similar to the Sony & Canon in specs.
The big differences are no viewfinder ( just the LCD), a slightly larger
aperture, and less battery power.

PROS CONS

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Flip-screen for Vlogging No viewfinder


Fast low-light lens Small battery
Touchscreen
4K Video

When it comes to these three compact travel cameras, the


differences are negligible. Panasonic has a strong video fan-base,
so it’s basically like the others but with the Panasonic brand name.
I still think Sony has the better technology.

CHECK PRICE HERE →

Best Mirrorless Travel Cameras

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Picking a Good Mirrorless Travel Camera

Larger than a point & shoot, but smaller than a DSLR, mirrorless digital
cameras are all the rage right now.

Even professional photographers are starting to switch over due to


their small size and ability to produce high-quality images.

I use a mirrorless camera as my main travel camera. They offer more


features than a point & shoot, like the ability to use interchangeable
lenses, and a larger sensor with better low-light capability and detail.

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1. Sony A7 III – Best Mirrorless Travel Camera


Weight: 22.93 oz
Zoom: Various Lenses
Sensor Size: Full Frame (35.8 x
23.8 mm)
Megapixels: 24
Price: Click Here For Latest
Price

The Sony A7 III is the best travel camera money can buy at the
moment. Sony has been on the cutting edge the past few years, and
other brands are having trouble keeping up. Its sensor technology,
focusing speeds, and dynamic range are incredible — while also being
cheaper than competitors.

Sony has specialty models too. Sony A7S II is geared towards


videographers, with extremely good low-light capabilities. The Sony
A7R III (what I use) is for landscape photographers with a whopping
42.4 megapixels.

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PROS CONS

Full Frame Sensor Lacks swivel screen


Internal Stabilization No built-in flash
4K Video Expensive
High Dynamic Range
Weather-sealed Body

The Sony A7 is a very high-end travel camera. It’s something I’d


recommend for “professional amateurs”. Meaning, you already
know how to shoot in manual mode, understand concepts like
depth of field, and are a competent photographer looking to
take your craft to the next level.

CHECK PRICE HERE →

2. Fujifilm X‑T3 – Classic Travel Style


Weight: 17.2 oz
Zoom: Various Lenses
Sensor Size: APS-C (23.6 x 15.6
mm) 

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Megapixels: 26.1
Price: Click Here For Latest
Price

The Fuji X-T3 is a popular competitor to the Sony A7 mirrorless


camera. I’ve used it while traveling before, and the Fuji is very well-
made! My favorite part about it is the rugged all-metal dials that
control this camera’s settings.

One downside is the smaller APS-C crop sensor rather than being Full
Frame like the Sony A7. Another is less power in low-light situations.
The Fuji also has fewer focus points, half the battery capacity, and no
internal stabilization.

PROS CONS


APS-C Sensor Lacks swivel screen

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4K Video No built-in flash


Weather-sealed Body Limited Battery
No internal stabilization

The Fuji is a favorite for travelers because of its small size, good
lens options, and classic film camera design cues. It’s a nice option
for those who don’t want to spend the extra money on a top-of-
the-line Sony A7.

CHECK PRICE HERE →

3. Sony A6600 – Best Value For Travel


Weight: 17.7 oz
Zoom: Various Lenses
Sensor Size: APS-C (23.5 x 15.6
mm)
Megapixels: 24
Price: Click Here For Latest
Price

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The Sony A6600 is an even smaller version of Sony’s awesome A7


mirrorless camera. The big difference is a slightly smaller APS-C
cropped sensor, and less weatherproofing to protect against rain.

The A6600 is also wonderful for travel video with 4K resolution and has
a touch-screen, but with less low-light capability. For a more budget-
friendly version, the older Sony A6400 is almost just as good, for
about $400 hundred dollars less!

PROS CONS

Very Portable No Built-In Flash


Flip Screen for Vlogging! Cramped Button Layout
Internal stabilization

I really love the Sony A6600. It includes many features of the


higher-end Sony A7 (like internal camera stabilization), but it also
has a flip screen so you can see yourself while vlogging. I use it as
a backup camera.

CHECK PRICE HERE →

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4. Olympus E-M10 Mark III – Micro 4/3rds


Camera
Weight: 14.4 oz
Zoom: Various Lenses
Sensor Size: Micro 4/3
Megapixels: 16
Price: Click Here For Latest
Price

The EM-10 Mark III is Olympus’ latest excellent Micro 4/3rds model.
Improving on the older Mark II by including 4K video, touchscreen
control, and an enhanced sensor stabilization system, the Mark III
provides a lot for a camera under $500 (body only).

In-body image stabilization (IBIS) is incredibly handy for travel and


street photography because it makes traveling with tripods less
necessary. By stabilizing the sensor you can use slower shutter speeds
to create extra exposure to make up for the smaller Micro 4/3rds
sensor and keep your handheld shots razor sharp.

PROS CONS

Compact M43 Body Poor Low-light Performance

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Interchangeable Lenses Lower Resolution Sensor


IBIS Stabilization System No Weather Sealing

Micro 4/3rds cameras are a good middle-ground option for a


travel camera. The smallish sensors allow the body to remain
compact yet still create photos that rival larger DSLR and full-
frame mirrorless cameras.

CHECK PRICE HERE →

Best Action Cameras For Travel

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Whitewater Kayaking with My GoPro Camera

Action cameras have really transformed the travel photography &


video world over the years. These tiny, waterproof, indestructible
cameras can travel anywhere & record anything!

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If you plan on hiking, mountain biking, surfing, kayaking, snorkeling,


scuba diving, or even swimming under waterfalls during your trips, an
action camera can create epic video & photos of the experience.

1. GoPro Hero 8 – Adventure Travel Camera


Weight: 4.1 oz
Zoom: 15-30mm
Sensor Size: 1/2.3″ (6.17 x 4.63
mm)
Megapixels: 12
Price: Click Here For Latest
Price

The GoPro Hero 8 is GoPro’s best camera yet, with improved video
stabilization, color, and 60p slow-motion 4K footage. It’s waterproof
case & touch-screen will handle any activity you dream up. A must-
have for adventure addicts like me!

One cool feature of the GoPro is voice activated control. This means if
the camera is mounted on a helmet, or to a surfboard, you can just say
“GoPro start recording” and other voice commands without actually
touching it. There are many great GoPro accessories for attaching

your camera to anything!
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PROS CONS

4K Video Small Sensor


Ultra Small Limited Zoom
Touch Screen Needs Accessories
Waterproof

Perfect compact travel camera for those of us who love adventure


sports, especially if you need something small & waterproof, or
are worried about breaking big cameras.

CHECK PRICE HERE →

2. GoPro Session – Smallest Travel Camera


Weight: 2.6 oz
Zoom: 15-30mm
Sensor Size: 1/3.2″ (4.54 x 3.42
mm)
Megapixels: 10
Price: Click Here For Latest
Price 

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The GoPro Session is GoPro’s smaller & cheaper model. Without a


screen, this tiny cube can fit just about anywhere — you’ll barely notice
it while traveling. If you aren’t a complete action sports junkie, and just
want a small waterproof camera for things like snorkeling or skiing, this
will do for most people.

One issue with the Session is that it doesn’t have a screen. However,
you can connect it to the GoPro App on your smartphone in order to
frame your shots if needed (plus a wide angle lens means you really
just point it at the subject).

PROS CONS

Ultra Small Small Sensor


Affordable Limited Zoom
Waterproof No Screen

The smallest travel camera on this list. It has a slightly smaller


sensor than the GoPro 7, you can’t change batteries and no
touchscreen. But better for regular people who aren’t jumping out
of airplanes all the time.

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CHECK PRICE HERE →

3. YI 4K+ – Budget Action Camera


Weight: 3.38 oz
Zoom: 15 – 30mm
Sensor Size: 1/2.3″ (6.17 x 4.63
mm)
Megapixels: 12
Price: Click Here For Latest
Price

While GoPro generally controls the adventure travel camera market the
Chinese made YI 4K Plus is a solid alternative that’s significantly
cheaper as well. The features are nearly identical, including 4K video at
60 fps and touchscreen or voice control as needed.

The YI also has digitally stabilized video, much like the GoPro, but
offers little beyond basic 4K recording and a 12 MP photography
experience. If you don’t need the additional features of the GoPro line
the YI 4K+ is a decent budget alternative.

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PROS CONS

Cheaper than GoPro Basic Recording Experience


Similar Quality Tech Support Unreliable

This GoPro alternative is cheaper because it lacks more advanced


features like HDR photography, tone mapping, and timewarp
video. If you don’t need those, this will get the job done.

CHECK PRICE HERE →

Best DSLR Cameras For Travel Photography


Digital SLR Cameras (DSLR) wouldn’t be my first choice for a travel
camera. Because these cameras use a physical mirror instead of an
electronic viewfinder, the body is larger than on a mirrorless camera.

Personally, I think most people would be better off with a mirrorless


camera system these days. Especially if you’re trying to minimize the
weight and size of your travel gear. However here are some options
below.

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1. Nikon D7200
Weight: 23.9 oz.
Zoom: Various Lenses
Sensor Size: APS-C
Megapixels: 24
Price: Click Here For Latest
Price

If you don’t mind a somewhat large camera experience the Nikon


D7200 is one of the best entry-level APS-C cameras on the market.
The 24.2 MP CMOS sensor is an oldie but goodie with hundreds of
lenses to choose from.

The standard optical viewfinder and SLR mirror design mean it’s not as
discrete as the Fuji X or even the Sony A7 series. While great for all
types of photography it’s not the sort of camera that fits easily into a
back pocket or a crowded event without notice.

PROS CONS

Large APS-C sensor No Exciting Features


Weatherized Slow Focus
Many Lenses Available Heavy DSLR Body 

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CHECK PRICE HERE →

2. Canon 80D
Weight: 25.75 oz
Zoom: Various Lenses
Sensor Size: APS-C
Megapixels: 24
Price: Click Here For Latest
Price

As a rugged upgrade for the many Canon Rebel users out there, the
Canon 80D offers weatherization, a great feature to have on a travel
camera. Dust and light moisture is prevented from ruining the
electronics, as long as the lens is sealed.

The moderate-sized 24 MP APS-C sensor is a great compromise


between size and exposure but the heavy DSLR body makes this less
attractive for event and street photography compared to the likes of
the smaller Olympus OM-D E-M10.

PROS CONS 

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Huge lens selection Average Full-HD video


Large APS-C sensor Standard features
Weatherization Large DSLR body

CHECK PRICE HERE →

Top Budget Travel Cameras (Under $500)


Trying to save money on a travel camera? Here are some of the best
budget travel cameras for under $500 with a lens included. They have
fewer bells & whistles but are much more affordable.

And if these are still too expensive for you, try looking at the “used”
versions of these cameras. They can cost a few hundred less, and work
just as good.

1. Panasonic Lumix ZS70 – Best Budget Travel


Camera

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If you’re looking for the smallest, most affordable travel camera that
will fit in your pocket but can also take quality photos, look no further.
It’s a great value at under $400 USD.

A large 20MP sensor, optical image stabilization, and a good zoom



make this an excellent choice for beginners. But with the ability to
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shoot in RAW format, as well as full manual control — this camera will
allow you to grow as a photographer too.

2. Nikon D3500 – Low Cost Travel Camera

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The somewhat venerable Nikon D3500 was one of the most popular
DSLR cameras ever created, and for good reason. It has a slightly
lighter body compared to the likes of the Canon 80D and a significantly
lighter one compared to the Nikon D7200.

The light body trades the weatherization that the other two DSLRs
provide, but includes nearly every other features of the D7200 save
wireless camera control. One standout feature of the D3500 is the
insane battery life at 1200 shots per charge.

3. Canon Rebel T7 – Popular Beginner Camera

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Canon’s Rebel line is where many photographers begin their journey


into the world of travel photography. Fortunately, the Canon T7 offers
plenty to get you started. The large 24 MP APS-C sensor provides
plenty of resolution for sharp images or cropping as needed and the
controls are easy to use. 

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With many lenses to choose from, you’ll find an aperture and focal
length combination to suit any sort of photography style. While not a
particularly discrete camera the T6 is affordable and provides great
photo and Full HD video quality on a budget.

4. Olympus E-M10 Mark II – Older 4/3rds Model

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The Olympus EM10 II is just a slightly older model which has seen a
price reduction after the Mark III was released. Now you can pick up
this highly-capable compact micro 4/3rds camera with the kit lens for
under $500.

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The big differences are that this model doesn’t include 4K video
recording, and it doesn’t have a touch-screen display. But if you can
live with that to save some money, this is a great option!

Best Smartphones For Photography


Top Smartphone Cameras For Traveling

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Can you use your smartphone as a travel camera? Of course you


can!

You’ll sacrifice a bit of quality due to the super small camera sensor in
phones, but if you’re only publishing images online, most people won’t
notice.

Some other downsides to smartphone cameras are the lack of a


physical zoom (digital zoom looks bad), not many lens options, few
manual controls, and of course the battery drain on your phone if
you’re using it all the time.

Here are some of the best smartphone cameras for traveling…

1. iPhone 11 Pro
Smartphone cameras are continuing to eat into the camera market
share and the iPhone 11 Pro is one of the best on the market. With
THREE dedicated lenses built-in: ultra-wide 13mm f/2.4, wide 26mm
f/1.8, and telephoto 52mm f/2.0 — you have a variety of viewing
angles to choose from.

The out-of-focus areas are surprisingly well rendered as well; while not
as good as what you’ll get with a larger sensor and fast aperture, still
amazing given how small smartphone sensors are. You can even adjust

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the background post-shoot using Depth Control to enhance


background bokeh and make your subject stand out.

2. Honor 20
The Honor 20 Pro is another competitive smartphone camera that
packs a surprising punch for a hybrid device. This smartphone packs 4
different cameras on the back! The main one has an impressive f/1.4
aperture — making it amazing in low-light.

There’s also an 80mm telephoto lens, a 16mm ultra-wide lens, and a


macro lens for shooting small things at very close range. Pro Mode
gives you as much control as you would using Manual on a dedicated
camera, with ISO, shutter speed, color temperature, and more to
control at your fingertips.

3. Google Pixel 4
Google’s new Pixel 4 has one of the best portrait modes you can find
and intelligently sharpens the borders around your subject while
allowing for micro-adjustment of the background blur. The low light
photography experience is also very good.

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Night Sight allows for exposure stacking using multiple images taken in
tandem and even non-stacked images properly preserve dark areas
and bright highlights without excessive noise. With three total lenses
available the Google Pixel 4 is one of the best smartphone cameras on
the market right now.

Best Camera Lenses For Traveling

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My Travel Camera Lenses for the Sony A7

You honestly don’t need a million different camera lenses for travel.
When I first started traveling, I used a single general-purpose zoom
lens that was perfect for most things.

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If you have money, get two: a wide-angle zoom and a telephoto


zoom.

Two travel lenses will allow you to capture a mix of landscapes,


portraits, and wildlife from a distance.

However, lugging around multiple lenses and changing them can be


annoying if you’re new to travel photography.

To keep things easy, I’d recommend just one lens at first. Something
with a decent focal range, like 18-55mm or 28-70mm. Because I’m a
Sony guy, I’d pick up the 24-70mm F4 or the 24-70mm F2.8.

When looking at the camera lens apertures, the lower the number, the
better it is in low light. F2.8 or F4 should cover you for most situations.
If you want to shoot star photography while traveling, go with F2.8.

Best Drones For Travel Photography

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Flying my DJI Mavic Over Italy

Drones are incredible tools for capturing images & video from a totally
different perspective. But this probably isn’t the most important travel
camera for the average person.

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Many places have restrictions on flying personal drones, for example,


US National Parks, and even entire countries. So you need to do
your research to avoid heavy fines or confiscation.

If you REALLY want to travel with a drone, I’d recommend the DJI
Spark for beginners. It’s tiny, pretty affordable, and very easy to use.

If you eventually want to make money from your drone photography,


and have a larger budget, than you’ll completely fall in love with the
small DJI Mavic Air or more professional DJI Mavic 2 Pro.

➜ Read My Mavic 2 Drone Review Here!

Which Travel Cameras Do I Use?

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What’s in My Camera Bag?

I actually travel with 4 different cameras on my adventures around the


world. This is a bit overkill for most people.

However travel photography is how I make my living, so I invest



in gear to help me accomplish my job. When I first started 9 years ago,
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all I used was a Canon 7D and a GoPro Hero.

My Camera Collection
Sony A7R III – My main travel camera.
Sony A6600 – This is my backup camera.
GoPro Hero 8 – Action camera for extreme sports.
DJI Mavic 2 Pro – Drone for aerial photography & video.

The camera backpack I use is called a LowePro Whistler 350. It has


room for a 15″ laptop, jacket, and incredibly fits all 4 travel cameras,
lenses & some accessories if I need it to — perfect as an airplane
carry-on.

➜ Take A Peek Inside My Camera Bag

How To Improve Your Travel Photography

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Portrait from my Trip to Afghanistan

I want to let you in on a little travel photography secret. Even if you


have a top-of-the-line $10,000 camera, your photos aren’t going to be
spectacular if you don’t know how to use it.


And I don’t mean pressing the shutter — I mean things like:
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Learning how to shoot in manual mode


How to expose images properly
Framing shots for maximum impact
Paying attention to light & timing
Location scouting & seeking photogenic situations
Post-processing your images with software

You don’t become a good travel photographer because you have a


nice camera. Your photography improves with practice, patience,
and learning new skills.

So sure, invest in a new travel camera if you want to, but remember to
invest time into learning new photography skills if you really want to
create those jealousy-inducing images for your Instagram feed!

➜ Travel Photography Tips For Beginners

FAQ: Top Travel Camera Questions

What Cameras Do Travel Bloggers &


Instagrammers Use?
While travel bloggers & Instagrammers use all kinds of different
cameras, some of the most popular models are the Sony RX100 and
the Sony A6500. Both are small yet super powerful with many great
features. 

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How Do You Travel With A Nice Camera?


Great question! If you’re traveling with a nice camera, I always
recommend buying insurance. Just keep in mind that popular travel
insurance often only covers cameras up to $500. So if you have
expensive gear, it’s worth it to pick up some professional photographer
insurance, which costs about $500 a year.

What’s The Best Small Camera For Travel?


Again, this is going to come down to personal preference. If you want
a high-end travel camera that’s small, I recommend the Sony RX100.
For a great budget option, check out the Panasonic ZS70.

Well, I hope you learned a little bit more about the different kind of
travel cameras available, and are able to choose one that fits your
budget and needs.

Happy travels, and let me know which camera you decide to go with!

Enjoy This Post? Pin It!

READ MORE TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS 

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I hope you enjoyed my guide to the best travel cameras of 2019!


Hopefully you found it useful. Here are a few more photography
articles that I recommend you read next:

The Best GoPro Accessories For Travel


Choosing A Lightweight Travel Tripod
My Favorite Gifts For Travelers
How To Photograph The Northern Lights
Is Instagram Ruining Travel?

Have any questions about the best travel cameras? What about other
suggestions? Drop me a message in the comments below!

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 Travel Vaccination Guide: Which Shots Do You Need?
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THANKS FOR READING 


Hi, I’m Matthew Karsten — I’ve been traveling
around the world for the last 9 years as a blogger,
photographer, and digital nomad. Adventure travel
& photography are my passions. Let me inspire you 

to travel with crazy stories, photography, and 



money-saving travel tips.
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