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Best Compact Camera for Travel

Whether you're planning a short city break in Bruges, gearing up for a family holiday to Barbados, packing for a 'staycation' in Bognor Regis, or training for a trek through Bangladesh, you'll be able to capture amazing photos and travel light with our top picks of the best compact cameras for travel.

One of the most important features to look for in cameras and accessories for travel photography is the weight, which is why we've narrowed our selection down to compact digital cameras. These will be extremely light, highly portable and feature-packed to ensure you come home with some truly memorable travel images. Our guide has everything you need to choose the best point-and-shoot camera and accessories, so you can create amazing photos of your adventures, wherever they take you.

The Best Compact Camera for Travelling

A compact camera will come in handy, no matter where you’re heading to. Whether you’re wandering the streets and exploring shops in a vibrant city or going on a summer holiday with the kids – these are some of the best compact cameras to consider for your travels.

Fujifilm X100VI Compact Digital Camera

The Fujifilm X100VI is the most desired compact camera the photography world has ever seen. Making the perfect upgrades from the previous generation X100V in the form of a 40MP APS-C sensor, 6 stops of in-body stabilisation (a series first) and much more, this camera makes an mighty case for the best compact camera for travel.

The classic X100 23mm f/2.0 fixed lens features again here – a focal length that can capture all the intricate beauty of both cities and landscapes. Its deep-learning AI autofocus is in the same league as professional full-frame mirrorless cameras, and its 6.2K video capabilities make it a real hybrid beast.

The experience of using this camera is just as brilliant. A classy design available in both silver X100VI and X100VI black, twenty film simulation modes and aluminium dials make for a trendy retro throwback, despite being weather-sealed and only weighing 521g. This wonderful user experience allows you to make memories of your own on your holiday while you’re photographing them.

OM System Tough TG-7 Compact Action Camera

The OM System Tough TG-7 is the best compact camera to buy if you’re looking for adventure whilst out on your travels. Embodying OM System's ‘tough’ ethos, this waterproof camera can weather almost any storm, whilst remaining sleek in a TG-7 black or red TG-7 metallic design.

Despite its pocket-sized build at a mere 249g, this camera is waterproof up to 15m, freeze-proof, shock-proof, and crush-proof – throw anything at it, and it’ll be anything-proof! The camera’s robust design removes almost all limits, enabling you to shoot both photos and videos under any conditions.

It excels in photography all the same. Its 12MP 1/2.3” sensor is the perfect trade-off between resolution and size, enabling high-definition 4K videos (even when fully submerged underwater). Other tools like a 4x optical zoom and a variety of macro modes make this hardy camera’s versatility boundless.

Leica Q3 Compact Digital Camera

When answering the question “What is the best compact camera to buy for travel?”, enthusiasts and professionals alike will tell you there’s no compact camera more powerful and admired than the Leica Q3.

Unmatched in its resolution with a 60MP sensor and 8K/30p video, this full-frame compact camera is overwhelmingly sharp. Combined with its Summilux 28mm f/1.7 fixed lens, the Q3 is the pinnacle of compact camera engineering; especially considering it’s unmistakeably Leica-designed which is certain to attract swathes of photography enthusiasts.

The Q3, despite its price tag, is perfectly comfortable to take with you on your adventures – extensive IP52 weather sealing and premium materials don’t infringe on its sleek design. If it’s within your budget, it’s quite possibly the best camera for travelling ever made, so why not travel in style?

Ricoh GR IIIx and GR IIIx HDF

Another one of the best cameras for travel, the Ricoh GR IIIx belongs to a series of cameras has sparked quite the renaissance in Ricoh’s lineup. Popular among young, urban photographers, this camera is beautifully compact and just as simple to handle.

Its high resolution 24MP APS-C sensor is highly capable, and its all-new 40mm equivalent lens compliments this for perfect sharpness. At only 10cm long and weighing just 262g, this camera is surprisingly capable, with built-in shake reduction for sharper images and a faster hybrid AF system with Face and Eye detection. If you like a bit of choice, Ricoh offers a GR IIIx Urban Edition Kit which has unique features like an asphalt textures surface and a unique blue lens ring.

If you’re looking for even more, the Ricoh GR IIIx HDF incorporates a highlight diffusion filter, enabling you to shoot beautiful, mellow images with just one click.

• A high-resolution 24-megapixel APS-C sensor
• Sharp new lens with a natural field of view
• 3.0-inch touch-screen rear LCD
• Compact size, at just over 10cm long
• Built-in shake reduction for sharper images
• A rugged magnesium alloy body

If you choose the RICOH GR IIIx, you’re sure to come home with cracking holiday photos and HD videos to help you to remember your trip.

Sony ZV-1 VLOG Camera

The award-winning Sony ZV-1 VLOG Camera is a brilliant choice for anyone who enjoys travel vlogging as much as they do taking photos on holiday. It’s one of the most popular vlogging cameras as it offers a host of built-in features, so you won’t need to bring lots of accessories on your trip. These include:

• A high-performance built-in microphone with windsock
• Built-in ND filter for recording on brighter days
• Body stabilisation for smoother videos
• A flip-out LCD screen and lamp for selfie-shooting

Topping off an extensive feature list is Sony’s real-time eye autofocus and tracking, which are simply brilliant for keeping your subjects sharp.

Kodak PIXPRO FZ45

The tiny Kodak PIXPRO FZ45 is a brilliant entry level option for those who want to capture their holiday simply. Whilst incredibly inexpensive, it features a 16MP sensor and a 2.7” LCD that makes for easy handling. Additional features like one-touch video, red-eye removal and face detection make it a perfect versatile option to carry in your pocket on your travels.

Canon PowerShot G7 X III

The third generation Canon PowerShot G7 X III is one of Canon’s best compact cameras for travel. It captures superb, high-quality images and allows you to tell your story with 4K movies, using a tilting LCD screen and microphone connection, which are perfect for travel vlogs.

The 20.1-megapixel sensor ensures great results for everything, from portraits, to epic panoramas - and even the food you discover on holiday. Canon has also included Bluetooth and Wi-Fi so you can share holiday highlights straight from the camera while you’re away.

Sony DSC RX100 VII Compact Camera

The last camera on our list is quite possibly Sony’s best all-round compact camera for travel. The Sony DSC RX100 VII has been refined over generations to make it easy for anyone to capture gorgeous photos and high-quality 4K videos.

The RX100 VII is also extremely quick, from near-instant start-up times, to unbeatable 90fps burst shooting, which helps you capture every decisive moment as it happens.

When you want to track your subject around the frame, Sony’s accomplished real-time tracking and eye AF never miss a beat, while an articulated touchscreen makes it easier to capture difficult angles and close-up shots.

A lightweight, pocket-sized compact camera makes a great choice as a travel camera and can also be used to make great content on home ground. All of the models we’ve selected include easy-to-use features, which help you capture more memorable photos and videos to cherish forever.

Prepare for your next holiday by choosing from our huge range of compact cameras to find the prefect one to capture your best ever travel photos.

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By Park Cameras on 22/04/2024