In this post, we want to show you the most popular and best travel cameras 2019. In order to make it easier for you to find the camera that fits best to your way of traveling, we divided the cameras into different categories and budgets.
In the following, we will check all kinds of cameras that are suitable for traveling. From the best point-and-shoot Cameras, system cameras, bridge cameras to drones, action cams, and smartphone cameras.
What to find in this post
In this post, you can find the different categories of travel cameras and the best models for each category. We compare the different features and prices for you to make it as easy as possible to find a camera that fits your way of traveling and budget.
What not to find in this post
In this post, we won’t give any tips about photography or editing pictures.
Kinds of Travel Cameras
In general, there are four kinds of cameras for traveling (+ Drones, action cams and Smartphone Cameras): Point-and-Shoot, Bridge-, System-, and Reflex Cameras.
In the following, you can learn about these different kinds of cameras. Afterwards, we will show you the best models on the market for each category.
Point-and-Shoot Camera
Point-and-shoot cameras are the lightest kind of camera. They are usually quite small and often way cheaper than cameras of the other categories. Point-and-shoot cameras are normally fully automated and therefore, easy to use.
However, the big drawback about Point-and-shoot cameras is that you can’t focus with them manually. This can have a big influence on the photo quality.
Bridge Camera
A Bridge Camera can be seen as the bridge between point-and-shoot cameras and system cameras. It connects the simplicity of a point-and-shoot camera with the technical features of a system camera. That means that this kind of camera is not as compact and easy as the point-and-shoot ones but instead it has the option to shoot manual pictures. This feature can improve your photos a lot. However, this is also the fact why bridge cameras are usually more expensive than point-and-shoot ones. The zoom is integrated into the camera case and therefore, can’t be changed.
System Camera
If you want to shoot more professional travel photos, you should probably rather check out the system cameras.
System cameras are in general cameras with interchangeable components.
The camera type usually associated with system cameras are the DSLM (Digital Single-Lens Mirrorless), the one that is not working with mirrors.
Due to their technical features system cameras are usually more expensive and way heavier than point-and-shoot cameras. Anyway, since you can change the lens and use manual zoom, you are able to take way more professional pictures with a system camera.
Reflex Camera
The reflex camera is a special kind of system camera.
I don’t want to bore you with technical facts, so to make it short: a reflex camera uses a mirror to take the photos. The most common one is the DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex).
The reflex camera is known to be one of the most professional cameras on the market, but unfortunately also one of the most expensive.
Action Cam
The Action cam or Action-Camcorder is a bit different to the cameras described before.
It’s a small camera that is protected from environmental impacts, such as dust, water, storm, or bumps.
It’s especially great to use it for many kinds of adventure vacations or sports such as diving, climbing, swimming, riding the bike etc.
The probably most popular producer of such action cams is GoPro. But today there is a bigger choice of products and brands on the market.
Smartphone Camera
Every Smartphone nowadays offers a camera. Obviously, every smartphone camera has other features and the quality of the pictures can differ a lot between the different models and brands. Anyway, there are some smartphones that don’t have to hide at all compared to simple point-and-shoot cameras.
Smartphone Cameras are practical because you always have them with you and they don’t need much space. You can directly send the pictures to your friends and family, share them on your social media or even edit them on your smartphone.
However, you can’t compare their quality with system cameras as the smartphone doesn’t have the option to take pictures manually in a way that you can with your system camera and you can’t change the lens either. (Anyway, for some smartphones you can apparently buy lenses)
Drones
A drone offers a whole new photography experience as you can take pictures from a different angle. If you want your pictures and videos to look good you have to practice a little beforehand, though. It sometimes can be a little tricky to fly the drone, especially, in the beginning. But as soon as you’ve got the hang of it, it’s actually quite fun.
We’ve been absolutely surprised about the quality of our drones recordings.
Anyway, the drawback of a drone is that depending on the model, they need a lot of space. Moreover, in many places they are either forbidden or you have to have a special license in order to fly your drone.
Related post: Read more about traveling with drones in our Ultimate Drone Travel Guide.
The different kinds of cameras for traveling compared
| Kind of Camera | Point-and-Shoot-Camera | Bridge Camera | System Camera | Single-Lens Reflex Camera |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size and Weight | Handy and easy | Bigger and heavier | pretty big and heavy (usually more compact than single-lens reflex) | big and heavy |
| Operability | easy | complicated | complicated (depending on the model) | complicated |
| Kind of Photos | Simple Vacation Photos | Between vacation and professional | Professional | Professional |
| Price (compared to each other) | $ | $$ | $$ - $$$ | $$$ |
| Kind of Camera | Actioncam | Smartphone Camera | Drone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size & Weight | handy and easy | handy and easy | Depending on the model big and heavy |
| Operability | Easy | Easy | complicated |
| Kind of Photograph | Sport- and snapshots | Simply Vacation Shots | Depending on the model: Simple or professional |
| Price (Compared to each other) | $ - $$ | $ - $$$ | $ - $$$ |
The best travel camera for you
Could you find out which kind of camera fits best to your kind of traveling? In the following, we want to show you the best camera options for each of the camera categories discussed above in order for you to find your perfect travel camera.
The best point-and-shoot camera
The Panasonic DMC-LX100 Premium-Compact Camera
The Panasonic LX100 is one of the most professional within the world of compact cameras. This model has nothing to do anymore with a simple digital camera.
The LX100 is one of the test winners 2018 since it stands out with its technical features. Besides its highly sensitive MOS Sensor, it offers everything you could ask from a point-and-shoot camera.
You can find more information and prices of the LX100 here.
The Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II
The Canon Powershot G7 II does really well regarding the quality of its pictures. You can even take great pictures with this camera when there is not much light.
Sony and Panasonic have models on the market which are extremely similar to the G7 II: The Sony RX100 III as well as the Panasonic LX15. Here you can find a table that compares their features with each other to find the little differences between those models.
For more information and prices about the Canon G7 II, check here.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ81
The Panasonic TZ81 is one of the more affordable options. Which doesn’t mean that its quality isn’t great. The price-performance ratio of this camera is actually above average.
Its technical features stand out compared to other cameras of the same kind. Especially the 30times zoom is absolutely convincing.
For more information and prices of the Panasonic TZ81 click here.
The best compact cameras /point-and-shoot cameras compared
| Camera / Features | Panasonic LX100 | Canon G7 II | Panasonic TZ81 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kind of Camera | Premium | Premium | Affordable |
| Megapixel | 12,8 | 20,1 | 18,1 |
| Unique Selling Point | FourThirds Highly Sensitive MOS Sensor | Good performance in weak light | 30 times Zoom |
| Weight | 14.3 oz (351 g) | 11.2 oz (294 g) | 9.1 oz (282 g) |
| Size | 4.5 x 2.6 x 2.2 in. (11,48 x 5,5 x 6,62 cm) | 4.2 x 2.4 x 1.7 in. (4,22 x 10,55 x 6,09 cm) | 4.4 x 2.5 x 1.5 in. (3,8 x 11,2 x 6,4 cm) |
| Digital Zoom | 4x | 4x | 4x |
| Optical Zoom | 3x | 4x | 30x |
| Lens | F1, 7-2,8 / 24 -75 mm Leica DC Vario-Summilux Objektiv | 1:1.8-2.8 Objektiv 4,2-times optical Zoom | Leica DC Vario-Elmar with 30x opt. Zoom |
| Available Colors | Black/ Gray | Black | Black / Gray |
| Amazon Rating | 3,9/5 | 4,3/5 | 3,9/5 |
| Price | Check the Price | Check the Price | Check the Price |
The best Bridge Cameras
The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX10 IV
The Sony RX10 IV is known to be the test winner of several tested Bridge Cameras in 2019. It convinces with its high-quality photos and is the right camera for everyone that is looking for better quality for their pictures than taking with a point-and-shoot camera.
The cover of this Sony Camera looks more like a system camera rather than a compact camera. And even better – It is full of technical features.
You can find more information and prices of the Sony RX10 IV here.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ2000
The Panasonic FZ2000 also archived pretty good results in several tests.
This Panasonic Camera is also characterized by its good-quality photos and its light intensity 20 times zoom.
Even though this is a high-quality camera the price is way more affordable than the Sony Camera we just introduced you to.
Get more information and prices about the FZ2000 by clicking here.
The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-HX400V
The Sony HX400V is besides its lower price one of the best bridge cameras on the market in 2019.
This camera is amazing. Especially regarding its picture quality looking at the edge sharpness and details. With this Cyber-shot you can take great pictures even with low-light.
Moreover, the Sony HX400V seems to be the cheapest model of the 2018’s test winners.
You can get more information and prices of the Sony HX400V here.
The best Bridge Cameras compared
| Camera / Features | Sony RX10 IV | Panasonic FZ2000 | Sony HX400V |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kind of Camera | Premium | Premium | Affordable |
| Megapixel | 20,1 | 20,1 | 20,4 |
| Unique Selling Point | Fast Autofokus | Light-intense Zoom | Good Zoom |
| Weight | 38.6 oz (1,05 kg) | 32,45 oz (0,92 kg) | 23.28 oz (0,63 kg) |
| Size | 5.2 x 3.7 x 5.0 in. (12,8 x 132,5 x 9,4 cm) | 5.42 x 4.01 x 5.30 in (13,5 x 13,8 x 10,2 cm) | 5 1/8 x 3 3/4 x 4 5/8 in. (12,9 x 9,32 x 10,32 cm) |
| Optical Zoom | 25x | 20x | 50x |
| Lens | ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T 24-600 mm | 20x Zoom LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT Lens – F2.8-4.5/ 24-480mm | Zeiss Lens (60x Zoom), F1:F2.8 - 6.3, 4,3 – 215 mm |
| Available Colors | Black | Black | Black |
| Bewertung auf Amazon | 4,3/5 | 4,6/5 | 4,3/5 |
| Preis | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
The best System- and Reflex Cameras
The Nikon D7100 DSLR
The Nikon D7100 DSLR is the test winner of the system cameras 2018. This camera is a DSLR, i.e. it works with a mirror.
Therefore the D7100 offers an amazing quality. The cover is great and protects your camera from dust and humidity. Another thing to catch your attention is the great display.
You can find more information about the Nikon D7100 DSLR as well as the price here.
The Canon EOS 6D DSLR
The Canon 6D DSLR as well is a camera that works with a digital single-lens, as you can see from the name.
Its main characteristics are the super fast autofocus and its excellent noise suppression.
The Canon 6D is protected against impacts of dust and humidity. Its results in different tests were way above average.
Find more information about the Canon EOS 6D DSLR and prices here.
The Panasonic Lumix G DMC-G6KEG-K DSLM
The Panasonic Lumix G DMC-G6KEG-K DSLM is a mirrorless camera. That fact might change something about its price but not about the photo quality.
The big benefits of this camera are the fast autofocus and a noise canceling that can be compared to professional cameras.
Using this camera it’s hard to believe that this one actually works mirrorless.
More information about the Panasonic Lumix G DMC-G6KEG-K DSLM and prices here.
The best System Cameras compared
| Camera / Feature | Nikon D7100 DSLR | Canon 6D DSLR | Panasonic Lumix G DMC-G6KEG-K DSLM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kind of Camera | Premium | Premium | Affordable |
| Megapixel | 24 | 20,2 | 16 |
| Mirror | Yes | Yes | No |
| Unique Selling Point | Professionalism | Autofocus | Autofocus & Image Noise Reducing |
| Weight | 26.98 oz (0,68 kg) | 26.98 oz (0,68 kg) | 390 g |
| Size | 5.35 x 4.21 x 2.99 in. (7,6 x 13,55 x 10,65 cm) | 5.71 x 2.8 x 4.37 in (7,12 x 14,45 x 11,05 cm) | 12,45 x 8,46 x 7,14 cm |
| Optical Zoom | 5,8x | 10x | 3x |
| Size of the Optical Sensor | 23,5 x 15,6 mm | 35,8 x 23,9 mm | |
| Available Colors | Black | Black | Black |
| Amazon Rating | 4,7/5 | 4,5/5 | |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Best Smartphone Camera for Traveling
If you don’t want to carry a heavy camera with you all the time, you can still take pictures with your smartphone. A big benefit is that you usually have your smartphone with you all the time, so it’s perfect for spontaneous shots coming up.
In the following, we collected the smartphones with the best camera 2019 for you.
The Galaxy S9+
The Galaxy S9+ is said to be the phone with the best camera you can buy 2019 on the market.
This Smartphone comes with 64 GB memory which allows you to keep and store all your amazing shots on your phone.
The most unique feature about this camera is that you can watch the recordings that you’ve taken with your Galaxy S9+ in slow motion and play it in reverse.
Find more information and prices for the Samsung Galaxy S9+ here.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 9
The Galaxy Note 9 is new to the market in August 2018.
The great part about it is that you can operate your phone with the S-Pen via Bluetooth without even touching it.
You can expand the memory of the Note 9 with a SD-Card up to 512 GB. This way, you can definitely find enough memory for all your pictures and videos.
Check for more information and prices regarding the Galaxy Note 9 here.
The Huawei P20 Pro
The Huawei P20 Pro doesn’t have to hide next to Samsung and Apple phones. Especially not regarding its camera.
Even though Huawei is still associated by many people with a cheap brand it definitely has become one of the big players during the last years. I am a great fan of Huawei and use their products (phone and tablet) for several years now.
This Smartphone comes with a great 3 times zoom and a big amount of megapixels that help you to take super sharp photos.
You can find prices and more information about the Huawei P20 Pro here.
The best Smartphone Cameras compared
| Camera / Feature | Samsung Galaxy S9+ | Samsung Galaxy Note 9 | Huawei P20 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 8,0 (Oreo) | Android 8.1 (Oreo) | Android 8,1 (Oreo) |
| Megapixel | 8 | 12 | 40 |
| Optical Zoom | 2x | 2x | 3x |
| Weight | 6,67 oz (189 g) | 7,09 oz (201 g) | 6,35 oz (174 g) |
| Size | 6.22 x 2.91 x 0.33 in (7,38 x 0,85 x 15,81 cm) | 6.37 x 3.01 x 0.34 in (16,19 x 7,64 x 0,88 cm) | 6.10 x 2.91 x 0.31 in (7,4 x 0,77 x 15,5 cm) |
| Display Size | 6,2 Zoll | 6,4 Zoll | 6,1 Zoll |
| Memory | 64 GB | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Available Colors | Midnight Black, Lilac Purple, Coral Blue, Titanium Gray, Burgundy Red & Sunrise Gold | Ocean Blue, Lavender Purple, Copper, & Black | Green/Blue, Black, Blue |
| Amazon Rating | 4,2/5 | Not yet rated | 4,4/5 |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
The best Action cams
GoPro Hero 5
The GoPro Hero 5 is still one of the best action cams on the market. Even though the Hero 6 has already been released. In general, GoPro is not only the most famous brand producing action cams but also the most trustworthy for many.
This Actioncam persuades with its sharp images, its touchscreen and voice control.
Get prices and information about the GoPro Hero 5 here.
The Sony FDR-X3000
The Sony FDR-X3000 doesn’t look bad next to the GoPro.
The X3000 provides high anti-shake correction and takes great pictures thanks to 4K.
With its Live View Remote which is included in the delivery, you can telecommand your camera and even switch it on and off.
For more prices and information about the Sony FD-X3000 click here.
VTIN Eypro Action Camera
The VTIN Eypro might not be as professional as both models discussed above but offers a great price.
Therefore, this camera has a convincing price-performance ratio. Especially the sound of the video recordings has a quality which is far above average. This camera is especially great for beginners and hobby photographs.
Get more information about the VTIN Eypro Actionkamera and prices here.
The best action cams compared
| Camera / Features | GoPro Hero 5 | Sony FDR-X3000 | VTIN Eypro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Megapixel | 12 | 8,2 | 12 |
| Waterproof until | 10 m (more with underwater cover) | 60 m | 30 m |
| Weight | 4,16 oz (118 g) | 4,02 oz (114 g) | 386 g |
| Size | 9.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 in (62 x 44 x 32 mm) | 1.16 x 1.85 x 3.27 in (29,4 x 47,0 x 83,0 mm) | 58 x 40 x 29 mm |
| Touch Screen | Yes | No | No |
| Available Colors | Black, Red, Silver | White | Black |
| Amazon Rating | 5/5 | 4/5 | 3,6/5 |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
The best Drones
For all information about traveling with drones and the best travel drones check our Ultimate Drone Guide.
The best drones compared
| Drone | DJI Spark | DJI Mavic Pro | DJI Mavic Air | DJI Phantom 3 Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 300 g | 743 g | 430 g | 1216 g |
| Dimensions | 143x143x55mm | 83x83x198mm | 168×83×49mm | 290x290x180mm |
| Maximum Flight Time | 16 min | 27 min | 21 min | 25 min |
| Status | Hobby/ Professional (Perfect for Traveling) | Professional Drone | Professional Drone | Beginner Drone |
| Price | Price | Price | Price | Price |
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