The 10 best compact cameras for travel, tested and reviewed by Nat Geo (2024)

Photography is one of the most powerful tools for capturing memories, telling stories, and expressing creativity. When it comes to choosing the ideal camera for travel—one that produces great photos but is still compact enough to take with you—the selection can feel overwhelming.

We asked Tom O’Brien and Eric Flynn from Nat Geo’s photo engineering team to share their recommendations for the best travel-friendly cameras on the market.

How we chose the best compact travel cameras

Nat Geo’s in-house photo engineering team works with cameras every day—including building custom units for special projects and equipping National Geographic photographers with the right gear for their next assignments around the world.

When it comes to choosing the best travel cameras, “our testing is a combination of historical and field experience, because we test year-to-year,” says O’Brien. “We see cameras as tools much more than a purchased product. We look at them and ask, ‘What’s going to fail first?’”

• Field experience: Outside of actual travel with cameras, the team simulates travel during their commutes as much as possible. They pay attention to details beyond how responsive the autofocus is or how long the battery lasts—they’re also noting how a camera feels in hand, the sturdiness of a tilting or articulating screen, whether a certain button or dial feels illogically placed. “The human factors,” says Flynn.

• Second opinions: O’Brien and Flynn also test cameras by soliciting additional feedback. “We’ll pass cameras to colleagues who do not have professional photographic training and ask them what it’s like,” says O’Brien.

• Data capture: The team has “a very big spreadsheet” with detailed specifications of every single camera they test.

• No speculations: Hands-on testing only. “We bring in every single camera—not everyone does that,” says Flynn.

The best compact digital cameras for travel

After considering everything from image quality to how good a camera feels in hand, the versatile and fun-to-use Fujifilm X-T50 came out on top. O’Brien and Flynn found other cameras to love too. Here are all of their recommendations, plus the pros and cons for each.

Best overall compact camera: Fujifilm X-T50

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Why we like it: Released in June 2024, the X-T50 delivers tack-sharp images packed with detail. It retains the retro look and control dials that have long made the X-T line popular with photographers who enjoy a tactile experience, but it takes the fun level up a notch with a dedicated dial for Fujifilm’s terrific film simulations.

“Unlike filters, film simulations are very specifically designed,” says O’Brien. “A lot of them were even made in collaboration with people who invented the film stocks.”

This capability gives the X-T50 an all-rounder appeal that other cameras just can’t match—and its straight-out-of-camera JPGs are so good you can bypass the editing process entirely.

Factor in the lightweight build, subject detection autofocus, and versatile lens options across the Fujifilm X-Mount ecosystem, and the X-T50 is tough to beat for travel photography. “In terms of best camera, it was an easy slam dunk this year,” confirms O’Brien.

Pros:

• Highly detailed images with 40.2 megapixels
• Dynamic color reproduction and 20 unique film simulations
• Lightweight body at just under a pound

Cons:

• No weather sealing to protect against dust and moisture
• The screen tilts but is not fully articulated
• Battery life could be better

Keep in mind: The X-T50 may not be ideal for vloggers due to its lack of a flip-out rotating screen. Because this camera is not weather sealed, you’ll need to use caution when shooting in damp or dusty conditions.

Who is this camera for? The compact Fujifilm X-T50 is ideal for travelers who want high-resolution images from a camera that’s genuinely fun to use. It’s suitable for beginners and pros alike, with the versatility to move seamlessly between street, landscape, and portrait photography.

Product details: Megapixels: 40.2 | Flash type: Pop-up | Lens type: Interchangeable | Camera body dimensions: 4.9 x 3.3 x 1.9 in. | Weather resistant: No

Best camera for beginner photography: Canon EOS R7

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Why we like it: The Canon EOS R7 is our pick for beginners because, quite simply, “the auto mode is so gosh darn good,” says O’Brien. The R7 has intuitive explainers that take the guesswork out of settings and icons that beginning photographers may not be familiar with—all on a smoothly operating touchscreen.

O’Brien compares it to the ease of mobile phone photography, with the added benefit of Canon Connect software that makes transferring photos from the R7 to your phone a breeze.

As beginner-friendly as it is, the Canon R7’s responsive autofocus system, weather-sealed body, and 32.5 megapixels provide plenty of room for your skillset to grow.

While this camera isn’t the Nat Geo photo team’s go-to for wildlife or sports photography, the R7 does offer high-speed shooting with 30 frames per second. It’s a great camera for sampling different genres of photography and honing your skills on a durable body.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface with built-in function explainers
• Generous 32.5 megapixels
• An 18-150mm kit lens provides versatile focal length right out of the box

Cons:

• Some users may find the R7 too bulky for discreet street photography
• Limited choice of native RF-S lenses, and the RF line is significantly more expensive
• Beginning photographers may be wary of the price point

Keep in mind: Canon’s RF-S line of lenses for their APS-C cameras like the R7 is “very weak,” according to O’Brien. He says that “the RF line is amazing and super expensive,” which means the R7 may not be ideal for photographers looking for lots of creative control—unless you’ve got the budget to spend on Canon’s pro-level RF lenses.

Who is this camera for? The Canon EOS R7 is a great investment for photographers who may not have a wealth of experience, but are willing to spend on a camera they won’t outgrow within a few months. You can think of the R7 as a versatile, durable, patient workhorse.

Product details: Megapixels: 32.5 | Flash type: No flash (sold separately) | Lens type: Interchangeable | Camera body dimensions: 5.2 x 3.5 x 3.6 in. | Weather resistant: Yes

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Best budget-friendly camera: Canon EOS R50

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Why we like it: For the budget-conscious travel photographer, our team recommends the Canon EOS R50. Not only does it have a price tag well under $1,000, the R50 is exceedingly compact and lightweight—the body with battery weighs just 13.2 ounces.

Geared toward content creators, the R50 can record UHD 4K video at 30 frames per second (fps) or Full HD at 120 fps, and has a mode called “Movie for Close-Up Demos” that helps keep products or ingredients in focus during filming.

With 24.2 megapixels—which Flynn describes as “the sweet spot” of image resolution—and an advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system featuring 651 autofocus zones, the Canon R50 is well-equipped to produce high-quality photos.

Native glass will come from Canon’s RF-S line of lenses, and the 18-45mm kit lens is a fine starting point for vlogging, street photography, and shooting on the go.

Pros:

• Travel-friendly lightweight and compact body
• 4K video capability
• Impressive autofocus system

Cons:

• No weather sealing
• Small body size
• Middling battery life

Keep in mind: The Canon R50 does not have weather sealing, so you’ll want to take care in wet or dusty conditions. The compact size of this camera may prove to be a downside for some.

Who is this camera for? If you’re on a tight budget or are just looking for a compact camera that can take nicer photos than your phone, the Canon EOS R50 is an excellent value. It’s also a fun choice for content creators, thanks to its versatile video options and close-up demo mode.

Product details: Megapixels: 24.2 | Flash type: Pop-up | Lens type: Interchangeable | Camera body dimensions: 4.6 x 3.4 x 2.7 in. | Weather resistant: No

Best camera for nature photography: Ricoh GR III

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Why we like it: To choose the winner of this category, O’Brien and Flynn had to do some thinking to arrive at the Ricoh GR III. “It’s kind of a shocker for us that we came up with it,” says O’Brien, “but we asked ourselves, what do we always carry around? If I’m hiking, I don’t necessarily want to carry a big camera. If I’m lying in a hammock looking at the leaves and the trees and the sky? GR III. If I’m walking through a park and I see a cool flower? GR III.”

A true point-and-shoot camera, the Ricoh GR III slides easily into a shirt or jacket pocket—it’s the camera you’ll actually take with you when you’re heading out to enjoy nature. The 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and GR Engine 6 work together to produce detail-rich images captured through the 18.3mm f/2.8 prime lens.

The GR III has a macro mode as well as two crop modes—35mm at 15 megapixels and 50mm at 7 megapixels—to simulate longer focal lengths, and it can record Full HD 1080p video at up to 60 fps.

Pros:

• Ultra-portable size
• Intuitive, no-frills operation
• Superb image quality

Cons:

• Its popularity means it’s likely on backorder through most retailers
• May be considered pricey for a point-and-shoot camera
• No weather protection

Keep in mind: Despite its portability, the GR III is not weather sealed.

Who is this camera for? The Ricoh GR III is a top notch grab-and-go camera for travelers who want a more immersive shooting experience than a distraction-laden mobile phone. It’s not going to be your best bet for birding or wildlife photography, but it’s terrific for landscapes and capturing nature’s little details.

Product details: Megapixels: 24.2 | Flash type: No flash (sold separately) | Lens type: Fixed | Camera body dimensions: 4.3 x 2.4 x 1.3 in. | Weather resistant: No

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Best camera for wildlife photography: OM System OM-1 Mark II

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Why we like it: OM System’s OM-1 Mark II takes the top spot for wildlife photography thanks to its superlative subject-detection autofocus, large battery capacity, and durability that goes beyond standard weather sealing. “You could run a hose over this thing,” says O’Brien, adding that the “ergonomics are amazing—I’ve used it with gloves and without.”

The OM-1 Mark II is built for field use, with features that include a pre-capturing function to buffer up to 70 images while the shutter is half-pressed. If you’ve ever waited for a bird to take off and missed the shot in the split second it took to hit the shutter button, you’ll understand how valuable this is.

We also appreciate its multi-subject detection capability. “If there’s a rock out in the water with a bunch of cormorants on it, the OM-1 Mark II can lock on to up to eight individual subjects and then you can cycle through them,” says O’Brien. “I don’t know of any other camera company doing that.”

All in all, the OM-1 Mark II is a fast, responsive camera that performs well in low light. It’s a solid video camera, too, with DCI and UHD 4K recording capabilities up to 60 fps and Full HD up to 240 fps. Paired with the separately sold OM System M.Zuiko 150-600mm lens, the OM-1 Mark II is a wildlife photography powerhouse.

Pros:

• Best weather sealing of any camera on our list
• Advanced autofocus with multi-subject detection
• Ergonomically pleasing

Cons:

• 20 megapixels can be limiting for large prints and image cropping
• Highly customizable interface may involve a learning curve
• Long lenses are pricey

Keep in mind: When it comes to wildlife photography, reach is key—but big focal lengths come with big price tags. The 150-600mm lens that helps make the OM-1 Mark II such a compelling choice costs as much as the camera body itself.

Who is this camera for? The OM System OM-1 Mark II is a genuinely durable, fast-shooting camera best suited to travelers who aren’t afraid of technology. It’s packed with features and customization options that will take time to master, especially if this is your first OM System camera.

Product details: Megapixels: 20 | Flash type: No flash (sold separately) | Lens type: Interchangeable | Camera body dimensions: 5.3 x 3.6 x 3 in. | Weather resistant: Yes

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Best camera for astrophotography: Nikon Z5

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Why we like it: O’Brien and Flynn consider the Nikon Z5 a standout camera for astrophotography for a few reasons. For one thing, its 24.3-megapixel full frame sensor can “gobble up light” with an ISO sensitivity to 51,200. They also appreciate the Z5’s weather sealing and how Nikon’s Z-mount cameras have the largest mount in the full frame industry, which makes it possible to adapt numerous lenses to fit the body.

“Astrophotography—like wildlife—is a lens game, and there are a lot of great lensing options in Nikon,” says O’Brien, adding that other manufacturers make excellent lenses for night sky photography, including the popular Sigma 14mm f/1.8.

The Nikon Z5 has a five-axis in-body image stabilization system, dual SD memory card slots, a tilting touchscreen, and it can shoot UHD 4K video at 30 fps. Since astrophotography tends to involve spending long periods of time outdoors—sometimes in chilly temperatures—the Z5’s robust battery is an added perk with approximately 470 shots per charge and USB in-camera charging capability while the camera is in use.

Pros:

• Excellent light sensitivity with a full frame sensor and 24.3 megapixels
• Versatile lens options, including third-party
• Durable body and battery for outdoor conditions

Cons:

• A 1.7x crop is applied to 4K video
• Continuous shooting at 24 megapixels is capped at 4.5 fps
• Can feel heavy as a walkaround travel camera at nearly 1.5 pounds without lens

Keep in mind: If video is important to you, the Nikon Z5 may not be your best choice. While it can record in 4K, the 1.7x crop impacts autofocus performance and overall image quality.

Who is this camera for? The Nikon Z5 is a great bang-for-your-buck full frame camera. It’s a rewarding choice for astrophotography with its light-sensitive sensor and nearly endless array of options for fast lenses.

Product details: Megapixels: 24.3 | Flash type: No flash (sold separately) | Lens type: Interchangeable | Camera body dimensions: 5.3 x 4 x 2.7 in. | Weather resistant: Yes

Best camera for videography: Sony ZV-E10 II

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Why we like it: The Sony ZV-E10 II is practically built for vlogging. It features a three-inch articulating screen, a built-in stereo microphone, microphone and headphone ports, and integrated creative shooting modes.

The autofocus system is nicely responsive with a 759-point phase detection and subject recognition algorithms that help ensure sharpness in both still shots and video footage. The ZV-E10 II is very compact, which makes it a handy camera for just about any traveler—even if your content isn’t destined for YouTube.

This little Sony can record UHD 4K video up to 60 fps, or HD 1080p recording up to 120 fps. You’ll have color grading versatility with both S-Cinetone and S-Log 3 color, as well as the option to apply color effect presets while shooting. A generous battery capacity allows approximately 610 shots per cycle.

Pros:

• Unique video shooting modes and color grading options
• 26 megapixels
• Built-in three-capsule microphone

Cons:

• No weather sealing
• No in-body image stabilization
• LCD lags behind competitors

Keep in mind: This is a solid camera for stills shooting, but it’s aimed at content creators. While the LCD screen does articulate, its 1.04-million-dot resolution is noticeably behind competing cameras such as the Fujifilm X-S20 with a 1.8-million-dot LCD screen.

Who is this camera for? Sony’s ZV-E10 II is for vloggers, content creators, and videographers in the early stages of their learning journey. This camera is loaded with fun and functional features, streamlining the recording and editing process.

Product details: Megapixels: 26 | Flash type: No flash (sold separately) | Lens type: Interchangeable | Camera body dimensions: 4.5 x 2.7 x 2.1 in. | Weather resistant: No

Best camera for professional photography: Nikon Z8

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Why we like it: “It’s just good,” says O’Brien. “The Z8 can do everything—sports, wildlife, street, all of it.” The Z8 has a 45.7 megapixel full frame stacked sensor to produce detail-rich photos and record video up to 8K resolution.

It’s fast, too—this powerful camera has an Expeed 7 processor for snappy autofocus and burst shooting up to 120 fps (at 11 megapixels) with one second of pre-capture images.

O’Brien and Flynn considered the Sony A1 and the Canon EOS R5 Mark II for this category, ultimately giving the Nikon Z8 the nod for its comparable performance and more bearable price tag.

It’s also a proven workhorse in the field for National Geographic—O’Brien says that the Z8 has consistently held up for him and other professional photographers.

Pros:

• Detailed images with 45.7 megapixels
• Buttons can illuminate in low light
• Two USB-C ports allow for data tethering and powering at the same time

Cons:

• LCD screen is flexible but does not rotate to the front
• Some users may prefer dual CFexpress card slots instead of CFexpress and SD combo
• The rubber around the eyepiece comes off easily

Keep in mind: Vloggers may prefer a camera with a fully articulating screen.

Who is this camera for? “Who is this camera not for? No one because it can do literally everything,” says O’Brien.

Product details: Megapixels: 45.7 | Flash type: No flash (sold separately) | Lens type: Interchangeable | Camera body dimensions: 5.7 x 4.7 x 3.3 in. | Weather resistant: Yes

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Best waterproof camera: OM System Tough TG-7

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Why we like it: This tough little camera lives up to its name—it’s waterproof to a depth of 50 feet (and even deeper with a separately sold housing), shockproof to withstand drops from nearly seven feet, freezeproof to -14°F, crushproof to 220 pounds, plus the TG-7 is dustproof and anti-fog. “I recently got my dive certification and when I was down in the Keys, I saw TGs everywhere, on every dive boat, with and without housings,” says O’Brien.

With just 12 megapixels the TG-7 is certainly not the highest resolution camera on this list, but it’s a traveler’s camera through and through with its durability and compact size. The 4x optical zoom lens has a wide f/2 maximum aperture and provides 25-100mm (35mm equivalent) focal lengths. Plus, the TG-7 can record 4K video and Full HD at 30 fps.

Though O’Brien and Flynn did consider the Insta360 X4 for this category, the OM System TG-7 ultimately took the win for its incredible ruggedness and straightforward operation.

Pros:

• Extremely resilient against water, impact, temperature, and dust
• Optional housing extends waterproofing from 50 feet to 147 feet
• Built-in Wi-Fi, GPS, and field sensor with compass and thermometer

Cons:

• 12 megapixels may be limiting for image cropping and large prints
• No dedicated manual shooting mode
• Camera can’t be used while charging through USB-C port

Keep in mind: This is a camera meant for adventures. Get it wet, get it dusty, drop it—but don’t expect full-frame DSLR performance.

Who is this camera for? “If waterproof photography and video work is your thing, this is the one,” says Flynn.

Product details: Megapixels: 12 | Flash type: Built-in | Lens type: Zoom | Camera body dimensions: 4.5 x 2.6 x 1.3 in. | Weather resistant: Yes

Best camera for street photography: Fujifilm X100VI

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Why we like it: Our photo engineering team has declared the Fujifilm X100VI “the street king,” and its unwavering popularity is a true testament. Despite its $1,600 price tag, the X100VI is on backorder just about everywhere—but if you can get your hands on one, the world becomes your oyster with its 40.2 megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor, six-stop image stabilization system, tilting LCD screen, and 20 film simulations.

The 23mm f/2 fixed lens (35mm full frame equivalent) is the just-right focal length for street photography. It also means the X100VI keeps a low profile, which becomes even more discreet when switching to the silent electronic shutter.

The autofocus has improved from previous models in the X100 series, now with a 425-point system with subject detection and an autofocus prediction algorithm. This camera is compact, fun to use, and captures incredible detail—it even “makes a great second body for professionals,” says Flynn.

Pros:

• Lots of image detail thanks to 40.2 megapixels
• Built-in four-stop ND filter
• Advanced autofocus system

Cons:

• Expensive for a point-and-shoot
• Difficult to find in-stock due to high demand
• Fixed lens may be a limitation for some situations

Keep in mind: The X100VI is wildly popular. But for the price, you could have the same sensor and the interchangeable lens versatility of the X-T50.

Who is this camera for? Anyone who wants a high-resolution, pocket-sized camera loaded with creativity enhancing features. This one is a cult favorite for a reason.

Product details: Megapixels: 40.2 | Flash type: Built-in | Lens type: Fixed | Camera body dimensions: 5 x 2.9 x 2.2 in. | Weather resistant: No

Things to consider when shopping for a compact travel camera

Interchangeable lenses

Depending on how you plan to use your compact camera, having more than one lens option can be crucial. While street photography looks great with a focal length of 35mm, you’ll want at least 200mm when you go on safari (more than that, ideally). The pricing and availability of lenses that suit your photographic needs may help guide your purchasing decision. “Have a plan for what your next lens is going to be—what you’d like to do next,” says O’Brien.

Megapixels

In most cases, O’Brien and Flynn recommend a minimum of 18 megapixels. Each megapixel represents one million pixels, so more megapixels means more detail in photos. This isn’t as critical for sharing images on social media, but if you plan to print photos in a large format, or if you would like the versatility to crop without losing image detail, higher megapixel-count cameras may be worth a closer look.

Viewfinder

Though you can compose photos with a camera’s LCD screen, a viewfinder provides a more concise, distraction-free perspective. Some cameras have optical viewfinders, through which you’ll see whatever your camera is pointed at exactly as it appears.

Electronic viewfinders (EVF) are commonly found in mirrorless cameras and display the image you’re about to capture with your current camera settings. An EVF is helpful because it serves as a preview before you push the shutter button. On DSLRs, a comparable function is sometimes available through a Live View mode displayed on the LCD screen.

Flash

A flash can be useful in low-light situations, but built-in flashes often result in harsh light across your subject. When used properly, off-camera flashes give more natural-looking results. Long-exposure photography—with a tripod—is even better, so if you’re drawn to the darkness, consider a camera reputed for its low-light performance.

Focus

Autofocus has come a long way in recent years, and nearly all modern cameras have this function. Some autofocus systems have AI-supported subject detection modes—think mammal, bird, vehicle, and so on—that help increase your odds of nailing the shot. Autofocus points are generally moved with a joystick or a button, but many cameras have touch-enabled LCD screens so you can simply tap the area where you want the focus. Sometimes it’s useful to switch off autofocus and instead use manual focus—astrophotography is one instance.

Battery

Regardless of on-paper battery life ratings, if you’re planning to travel with your camera, it’s worth carrying a spare battery or two to ensure your gear is always ready to use. If you’re extra-concerned about battery life, look for a camera that supports use during USB-C charging.

Image quality

Image quality isn’t just about megapixels or large sensors. The lens plays a key role in image quality. Prime lenses tend to produce sharper images than zoom lenses, though the latter are more versatile for travel. Consider a zoom lens with a wide aperture throughout the zoom range (f/4 or below is great), however, be aware that the longer the lens, the more rapidly the price increases.

Accessories

Buying a camera rarely stops there. You’ll also need memory cards, lens wipes, a cleaning kit, and a camera bag for safe transport and storage. You’ll likely want spare batteries and a tripod or monopod for stability. Depending on your photography, you may need neutral density or polarizing filters, a flash, or a microphone—just to name a few of many possibilities.

Price

Affordability is subjective, but cameras tend to perform in accordance with their price point. If you’re just starting out in photography, it can be tempting to purchase an inexpensive, entry level camera, but it’s worth investing between $1,000 and $1,500 in a camera that can help you hone your craft and grow with you.

Comfort

Above all, the camera you choose needs to feel like your camera. “Specs are important, but I always tell people to shoot with a camera instead of a phone because you’re going to shoot with intention,” says O’Brien. “If that camera feels good in your hand, if it feels good for you to use, that’s the camera for you. If it feels snappy and you like how the shutter sounds and that’s going to make you pick up the camera more often to get that little hit of dopamine? That’s an important thing to consider.”

Frequently asked questions

What is a DSLR camera?

DSLR stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex, and the term relates to how light travels through the lens to reach the camera’s sensor to make an image. When pressing the shutter button on a DSLR camera, a mirror flips up (that’s the “reflex”) to expose the sensor to light and capture the image, then the mirror flips back down. This mechanical process is what creates the classic shutter sound.

What’s the difference between a mirrorless camera and a DSLR?

Mirrorless cameras do not share a DSLR’s mirror mechanism. Instead, they allow light to pass right through the lens, reaching the sensor directly before displaying the captured image on the LCD screen or the EVF.

Without the mirror to flip up and down, mirrorless cameras tend to be more compact in size and considerably quieter—even silent—to operate.