Best Camera for Travel
Whether you’re an aspiring photographer or someone who loves capturing the essence of your travels, finding the right camera is absolutely essential. In a world filled with stunning landscapes, vibrant cultures, and incredible experiences, having the perfect camera by your side can make all the difference.
But with so many cameras to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Don’t worry! We’re here to help you discover the ultimate camera that blends versatility, portability, and exceptional image quality, ensuring that every journey you take becomes a visual masterpiece.
Camera for 2023
Action Camera ( for capturing your adventure activities)
DJI Osmo Action 3 (Best Budget Camera)
DJI’s third stab at an action camera returns to the form of its original but also uses the magnetic clip system from its second. The result is the Osmo Action 3 (8/10, WIRED Recommends), which features a GoPro-like design that offers a few things you won’t find in a GoPro—like an awesome magnetic quick-clip system and dual touch screens. Throw in the amazing battery life, very good video stabilization, and the fact that it’s cheaper than a GoPro and you have a compelling alternative.
The GoPro Hero 10 and 11 still win on video resolution. The Osmo Action 3 tops out at 4K video resolution and only shoots 12-megapixel still images. That’s disappointing next to the Hero 11’s 5.3K stabilized video and 26-megapixel stills. But the Osmo Action 3 is only $300, making it a great value for the money.
Insta360 X3 Camera (Best 360 Cam for the Action Enthusiast)
Insta360’s X series 360-degree cameras have never been in this guide before because previous versions were not really “action” cameras. The new X3 (8/10 WIRED Recommends) is different. It shoots 5.7K 360 video out of its dual lenses, but you can also switch to a new single lens mode and use it like a 4K action cam. The X3 is slim, relatively lightweight, and can shoot very high resolution (and fun! don’t forget fun!) 72-megapixel spherical images.
The result is a camera that’s great for people who primarily shoot 360 footage but want to occasionally shoot something more action-oriented.
Olympus Tough TG-6 (Best for Underwater Action)
The Olympus TG-6 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) isn’t a strap-it-to-your-head-and-shred camera, but if you’re shooting underwater—a common use case for these cameras—this is your best bet. The sensor in the TG-6 is the largest of the bunch, though it is now about four years old and beginning to show it’s age. Olympus has abandoned its camera business, so there will probably never be a TG-7. I still think the TG-6 is the camera to get if you’re shooting a lot of underwater footage, but the results vs the Hero 8 in 2019 were more impressive than the results vs the Hero 11 in 2022.
That said, this is a seriously tough camera: freeze-proof, crush-proof, dustproof, and shockproof (you can drop it from 7 feet). It also has “real” camera features you won’t find elsewhere, like focus stacking for close-ups, an extensive set of add-ons, extra lenses, and even an underwater case that extends its depth rating.
Oclu Action Camera (Best for Tight Spots)
Oclu has a very different take on the action camera, eschewing the usual design for a flat body with the primary screen on top. The result is a camera that can fit places others won’t—like the bottom of a skateboard or under a helmet visor. The Oclu shoots 4K at 30 frames per second or, if you want slo-mo footage, 1080p at 120 fps. The video and image quality is on par with what you get from the GoPro Hero 8.
The one place the bigger names pull ahead of the Oclu is image stabilization. It does have stabilization, but it doesn’t help nearly as much as what you get with the Hero 9 and up or Insta360 One RS. Sound, on the other hand, is excellent, and I got far less wind noise than with other cameras. All things considered, it’s hard to beat the Oclu’s performance for the price.
DJI Action 2 Camera (Best Ultralight)
DJI’s Action 2 camera (6/10, WIRED Review) was a significant departure from the company’s first action camera and it abandoned the design for its third, which leaves the Action 2 in an odd spot. The Action 2 takes a page from Insta360’s playbook and is a modular camera system. The difference is that DJI’s camera doesn’t have to have any extra modules—you can shoot with just the tiny lens.
It’s unclear what support for the Action 2 will be going forward, given that the Osmo Action 3 (see above) has replaced it with a totally different design. That is to say there is some risk you’re buying a system DJI has no plans to support in the future. That said, if size is your deciding factor, the Action 2 is a great choice; even the new GoPro Hero 11 Mini is larger than this.
GoPro Hero 10 Black (Best Value)
The Hero 10 Black (8/10, WIRED Recommends) added a faster processor, which speeds up capture times, ekes more resolution out of the 23.6-megapixel sensor, and adds much-improved image stabilization. The main place that the new Hero 11 trumps this camera is the newer, more squared processor, image stabilization, and higher resolution stills. Still, for most of us, the quality of results you get from the Hero 10 is going to be plenty. If you have to cut videos to vertical format then grab the Hero 11. If you don’t, this is probably good enough and easier on the pocketbook.
The price is lower if you buy directly from GoPro, and you also get a free 1-year subscription to GoPro’s cloud storage and editing platform, though it renews at $100 a year.
GoPro Hero 9 Black (Best On Sale)
The GoPro Hero 9 (9/10, WIRED Recommends), was a huge update for the Hero camera line. GoPro brought in a new 23.6-megapixel sensor, which is the same sensor that’s in the Hero 10. It produces great video, and I still shoot with this camera on a near-daily basis. It’s still got great stabilization, shoots 5.3K video (although without stabilization—this is one place the Hero 10 and Hero 11 clearly win), captures 20-MP still images, and can extract 14.7-MP images from the 5K video.
The Hero 9 can do 80 percent of what the Hero 10 can do, and it’s usually $100 cheaper. That’s great value for the money. We’ve seen this one dip below $300 quite a few times now so I would suggest not paying more than that. Ideally, you’ll be able to score a deal down in the $250 range.
Insta360 One RS (Best for Those Who Want It All)
Do you want an action cam? How about a 360-degree cam? The answer is, you want both, and now you can get both in one package. Insta360’s One RS (8/10, WIRED Recommends) eliminates the debate by bringing interchangeable lenses to the action camera.
There are three lenses, or “mods”: a 4K mod that mirrors what you’ll get from the other cameras on this page, a dual-lens 360-degree camera, and a wide-angle Leica lens paired with a 1-inch sensor that’s capable of capturing 5K video. The best value lies in pairing the 4K mod with the 360 mod, but if you can afford it, the Leica 1-inch mod delivers some of the best video quality I’ve seen from an action camera.
The updated Insta360 One RS differs from its predecessor in both the 4K mod, which can now shoot 5.2K video, and the processor, which brings the company’s motion-smoothing algorithm to the camera, rather than requiring the app. I also like that Insta360 regularly adds new features and improvements via firmware updates, rather than releasing a whole new camera body every year.
GoPro Hero 11 Black (Best overall)
The Hero 11 Black (9/10, WIRED Recommends) builds on the foundation of its predecessors with a new sensor that’s nearly square. That means you can shoot and then quickly edit to either horizontal or vertical formats. That alone will be a huge selling point for many, but there’s more to love, like the ability to pull higher-resolution still images from video, an “easy” mode that means less fiddling with settings, and an option to shoot RAW images in burst mode.
The Hero series has always stood above its competitors when it comes to image stabilization, arguably the most important feature in an action camera. The Hero 11 Black brings HyperSmooth 5 (GoPro’s name for its image stabilization software), which offers better stabilization with less cropping.
Another thing worth noting is that GoPro has a new GoPro Mini ($300), which offers just about everything the Hero 11 does, but without the screens. If all you ever do is strap your GoPro to yourself or your gear and push record, this might be a good way to go. We’ll update this guide with more details after we’ve had a chance to test the new Mini.
As of May 2023, GoPro has dropped the need to get a 1-year subscription to get your GoPro for $400.
Camera (great-quality photos and videos)
1. Panasonic Lumix LX100 II (The best Instagram camera for those who travel a lot as it’s compact)
The original LX100 won a lot of fans thanks to its large sensor, great handling, and a high degree of portability, and was designed for keen photographers willing to pay a little more for a pocket-sized camera with the class of a full-size mirrorless model.
Although the Mark II version represents a relatively small upgrade (you now get a touchscreen, better 4K Photo options, and the very handy ability to charge via USB), it still makes it on our list of Insta-friendly cameras. In many ways, this is the perfect travel and street camera.
It produces great images, with a limited but still flexible zoom lens, and it can just about fit in your jacket pocket. Some neat handling touches, like an aperture ring and shutter speed dial, also make it very nice to use, too, but that fixed rear screen could prove a deal-breaker for some – it does limit the angles you can shoot from.
SPECIFICATIONS
Sensor: 17MP Four Thirds CMOS
Lens: 24-75mm (equivalent) f/1.7-f/2.8
Video: 4K
Connectivity: Bluetooth & Wi-Fi
Screen: Fixed, three-inch 1240k-dot touchscreen
USB Charging: Yes
REASONS TO BUY
+Fast, versatile lens+Small and light
REASONS TO AVOID
-Fixed rear screen-Modest upgrade from predecessor
2. Fujifilm X-S10 (one of the best value APS-C cameras money can buy)
The Fujifilm X-S10 is probably the best all-rounder in the Fujifilm stable right now and is therefore our strongest pick for the majority of users. It’s got a fully-articulated screen which makes it ideal for self-shooting content for Instagram.
It handles extremely well and even though it has fewer external controls than other X-Series cameras, the dial setup is more conventional. It has in-body stabilization which makes its low-light performance better as you can shoot hand-held at lower shutter speeds.
If you can’t quite stretch the X-S10, the Fujifilm X-T200 is another great option but the downside is it doesn’t have a flip-out screen.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: MirrorlessSensor: APS-C
Megapixels: 26.1MP
Lens mount: Fujifilm X
Screen: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1.04m dots
Viewfinder: EVF, 2,360k dots
Max continuous shooting speed: 30/8fps
Max video resolution: 4K
User level: Intermediate/Expert
REASONS TO BUY
+Small size & excellent build quality
+Vari-angle touchscreen
+In-body image stabilisation
REASONS TO AVOID
– Conventional mode dial
3. Nikon Z 50 (With 4K video, a flip out screen and a 20mp sensor, the Z 50 is excellent value for money)
Nikon’s first mirrorless cameras were full frame models designed for experts and professionals, but the Nikon Z 50 is pitched firmly at amateurs and enthusiasts – and especially the new generation of content creators. The Nikon Z 50 is a much smaller camera than the Z 6 and Z 7, but clearly shares the same design DNA. Despite its small size, it has a good grip and good external controls, and the retracting 16-50mm kit lens is remarkable not just for its pancake lens dimensions but for its overall performance.
Nikon may have come to the APS-C mirrorless market comparatively late, but it’s come in with a camera that has so many good points it’s hard to know where to start – but we will highlight the 4K video, 11fps shooting… and the fact that its Z mount is identical to that on the larger cameras, so you can use dedicated Nikkor Z DX lenses, full frame Nikkor Z lenses and regular Nikon DSLR lenses via the FTZ adaptor. It also has a flip-over screen for selfies and vlogging. Best of all, the Z 50 is a terrific value, especially when bought as a twin-lens kit.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: APS-C CMOS
Megapixels: 20.9MP
Monitor: 3.2-inch tilting, 1.04m dots
Continuous shooting speed: 11fps
Viewfinder: EVF, 2.36m dots
Max video resolution: 4K UHD at 30p
User level: Beginner/enthusiast
REASONS TO BUY
+Good value from the start
+Compact body and kit lens
+4K video and 11fps shooting
REASONS TO AVOID
-No in-body stabilization
4. Sony ZV-1 (This brilliant vlogging camera is perfect for social media content creation)
While the new Sony ZV-E10 spiritually supersedes it, the ZV-1 remains a great option that doesn’t require you to faff with lens changing. Some might dismiss the ZV-1 as yet another Sony RX100 variant, but it’s much more than that. The sensor and lens might be familiar, but the body, the controls, the audio, and the rear screen are all new and different and optimized brilliantly for vlogging.
There are a couple of niggles. The huge change in the minimum focus distance when you zoom in is annoying and the SteadyShot Active stabilization didn’t work too well for us, but the autofocus is exceptional and the ZV-1 is a joy to use, not least because here at last is a vlogging camera that really is designed specifically for vlogging, right down to that fully vari-angle rear screen and the supplied mic windshield, which really does work brilliantly. It’s also a LOT cheaper than the flagship Sony RX100 VII camera, despite offering a better proposition for bloggers.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Compact
Sensor: 1in
Megapixels: 20.1MP
Lens: 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8
Screen: 3in vari-angle touchscreen, 921k dots
Max video resolution: 4K
Mic port: Yes
User level: Enthusiast
REASONS TO BUY
+Supplied mic windshield
+Super-fast AF
+Vari-angle screen
REASONS TO AVOID
-Small-ish rear screen and not 16:9
5. Canon EOS M50 Mark II (A compact mirrorless camera that has plenty to offer to content creators)
We haven’t always been impressed by Canon’s EOS M mirrorless cameras, but this one is rather good. It’s small, portable, and rather cute with its mini-DSLR styling. It’s also easy to use for non-experts. Best of all, it has an electronic viewfinder (so that you’re not just reliant on the rear screen for composing pictures) and a full vari-angle screen for rotating in any direction.
Hobbyists might want a wider lens choice, but if travel is your thing and a couple of lenses is all you need, the EOS M50 Mark II is great. Another great benefit is that it’s ready to go as a webcam making it perfect for live streaming on Instagram. If the budget is tight, take a look at the original Canon EOS M50 which you can now pick up fair cheaply, especially secondhand.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: APS-C size
Megapixels: 24.1MP
Screen type: 3.2in vari-angle touchscreen LCD, 1.04million dots
Viewfinder: EVF, 2,36million dots
Maximum continuous shooting speed: 10fps
Max video resolution: 4K
User level: Beginner
REASONS TO BUY
+Vertical video
+Great stills and 1080p
REASONS TO AVOID
-Limited EF-M lens range
-4K video limitations
-Eye-detect AF not 100%
6. Olympus PEN E-PL10 (It’s the Instagram camera we keep coming back to, a simple design classic).
Providing a superb, enviable balance between price and performance, the Olympus Pen E-PL10 is any fashion-conscious photographer’s dream. It’s a smart, capable mirrorless camera, as capable at shooting stills as it is 4K video thanks to its 16MP MOS sensor, so you can swap between types of content with ease.
The Micro Four Thirds lens mount gives you a huge variety of options to choose from when it comes to glancing, meaning you’re free to get creative with fisheyes, telephotos, and more.
It also has brought manual mode to silent shooting, so you can fine-tune your exposure while also staying stealthy – perfect for street shooting. It’s everything an Instagrammer could want, all wrapped up in a stylish veneer that will also look good for your behind-the-scenes Stories.
SPECIFICATIONS
Sensor: 16.1MP Four Thirds Live MOS
Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
Video: 4K
Connectivity: Bluetooth & Wi-Fi
Screen: 180° tilting three-inch 1040k-dot touchscreen
USB charging: No
REASONS TO BUY
+Retro design
+Budget friendly price
REASONS TO AVOID
-Small upgrade over predecessor
-No USB charging
7. Panasonic Lumix G100 (A video oriented compact camera that’s ideal for capturing content for Instagram)
With plenty of fierce competition in the vlogging market, Panasonic came out swinging with the Lumix G100. It’s a camera pitched at beginners and relatively new users, designed to offer everything you need in one package without needing to buy loads of extra accessories.
One of the big draws is the onboard OZO audio, designed by Nokia, which uses three microphones to assure far greater quality than any other camera’s onboard mic. Happily, Panasonic didn’t neglect stills capability, and the G100 can shoot great-looking images and make use of 4K Photo modes to extract them from video footage, which effectively gives you a burst rate of 30fps.
With Instagram becoming more and more about stills and video, getting a hybrid camera like this is a sensible move.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: CSC
Sensor: Four Thirds
Megapixels: 20.3MP
Screen: 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1,840k dots
Viewfinder: OLED EVF, 3,680k dots
Lens: Micro Four Thirds
Continuous shooting speed: 10fps (30fps with 4K Photo)
Max video resolution: 4K
User level: Beginner to intermediate
REASONS TO BUY
+Intelligent on-board audio
+Great monitor/EVF
REASONS TO AVOID
-No headphone jack
-No in-body stabilisation
8. Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III (A premium compact with a larger 1-inch sensor making it great for low light environments)
Canon’s dinky G7 X cameras have long proved popular with social-media lovers, thanks to their fantastic video features. The G7X Mark III builds on that heritage, adding a range of specifications that make it even more tempting.
Top of the list is 4K video recording, which is uncropped. You can use the tilt-up touchscreen to frame your vlogs, while LiveStreaming to YouTube is also built-in.
For fans of Instagram stories, a special vertical record mode has also been added. The icing on the cake is a new external mic input socket. It’s not just video lovers that should consider the G7X Mark III. With a very flexible 24-100mm (equivalent) lens and a large one-inch sensor it’s also capable of capturing some striking stills, too.
SPECIFICATIONS
Sensor: 20.1MP 1.0-inch type CMOS
Lens: 4.2x zoom (24-100mm equivalent), f/1.8-f/2.8
Video: 4K
Connectivity: Bluetooth & Wi-Fi
Screen: Tilt-up 3.0-inch 1040k-dot touchscreen
USB Charging: Yes
REASONS TO BUY
+Pocketable
+Great video features
REASONS TO AVOID
-No viewfinder
-Fairly high price
Preserving Memories, One Click at a Time
As you venture into the vast unknown, armed with the best camera for your travel, remember that it’s not just about the technical specifications or the megapixels—it’s about the stories you capture, the emotions you freeze in time, and the connections you forge with the world around you.
With each photograph, you have the power to transport yourself back to those incredible moments, to relive the breathtaking landscapes, and to share the beauty of your adventures with others. Your camera becomes more than just a device; it becomes a gateway to a treasure trove of memories.
So, dear traveler, seize every opportunity to capture the essence of your journey, to immortalize the laughter, the awe, and the serenity. Let your camera be an extension of your soul, a tool that empowers you to showcase the world through your unique lens.
Whether you’re traversing mountains, exploring bustling city streets, or immersing yourself in a different culture, let your camera be your faithful companion, capturing the extraordinary and the ordinary, the grand and the subtle.
As you embark on your next travel adventure, remember that the best camera is the one that ignites your passion, fuels your creativity, and enables you to tell your own visual story. So, grab your camera, embrace the unknown, and let your photographs be a testament to the incredible journey you’ve undertaken.
May your travels be filled with breathtaking moments, and may your camera be your trusted ally, forever preserving the magic and wonder of your wanderlust-filled escapades. Happy shooting!
