These are the best compact digital cameras for travel
Nat Geo’s in-house photo engineers put a slew of cameras through the ringer. These came out on top.
Camera technology is improving at seemingly lightning speed, with new models giving travelers more options than ever. To find the best compact digital cameras for the money, we turned to National Geographic’s in-house photo engineering team, Tom O’Brien and Eric Flynn.
For this year’s camera guide, they spent four months testing 26 cameras, weighing everything from ease of use and size to shutter speed and video features. The result? Nine best digital cameras for every kind of traveler, from beginners who want to memorialize family vacations to pros looking to elevate their next travel project.
Why you should trust us
Together, Tom O’Brien and Eric Flynn have nearly 15 years of photo engineering experience and build cameras for National Geographic photographers all over the world. Now they’re sharing their expertise with you, so you can find the best camera for your next trip. Scroll on for their full breakdown.
Best compact digital camera overall
Fujifilm X-T50 and XE-5
What makes the best compact camera overall? O’Brien and Flynn say it comes down to personal preference. But for most travelers, the best all-around camera offers top-notch image quality, a variety of compatible lenses, and good durability for the price. It should also be easy to carry around and fun to use.
Best compact digital camera for beginners
Nikon Z50 II
Travelers may know how to use their cellphone cameras like a pro, but a compact digital camera can take some getting used to. A beginner-friendly camera has a lower learning curve, with lots of easy-to-use auto settings and features that will grow with your skills and take them beyond your cellphone.
(See the beauty of all 63 U.S. national parks, in photos)
Best compact digital camera for vlogging
Canon Powershot V1
O’Brien says most cameras today have great video capabilities, but there are a few features that set some apart. Besides image quality, the best camera for vlogging should have minimal setup so you can quickly capture key moments within frame. It should be easy to use and light enough to record for long stretches of time while on the go.
Best compact digital camera for street photography
Ricoh GR IV
One of the best ways to get to know a city while traveling is to stroll its neighborhoods, camera in hand. For this category, Tom O’Brien and Eric Flynn looked for digital cameras that are small and light enough to slip in and out of a pocket yet delivers easy-to-use features for capturing a variety of sights, from grand historical buildings to slice-of-life street scenes.
Best compact digital camera for wildlife photography
OM-1 Mark II
Cellphone cameras have come a long way in recent years. But for birding in Ecuador or whale-watching in Baja, a sturdy compact camera is a better choice. For O’Brien and Flynn, weather-sealing is key for wildlife photography, as well as weight—a lightweight camera is better suited for trekking into rougher areas and the long waits that often come with wildlife-watching.
(The first photographs to capture wildlife at night)
Best compact digital camera for adventure photography
OM-5 Mark II
Adventurers who want to memorialize those once-in-a-lifetime moments need a robust camera that can go as far as they do. Finding a camera that offers the most features at the lightest weight is key, say O’Brien and Flynn. Weather sealing and flexibility are also crucial for withstanding the elements in extreme conditions.
Best compact digital camera for full-frame photography
Sony a7c II
Full-frame cameras deliver high resolution and more flexibility for cropping and controlling depth-of-field. That translates to portraits where subjects pop and crystal-clear landscapes. However, these cameras give you pro level quality at the expense of size and weight. Here’s what to consider.
Best compact digital camera for experimental photography
Fujifilm X Half, Camp Snap Pro, and Sigma BF
Some compact cameras are truly in a category all their own. Whether it’s a screenless, minimalist design or a retro style that mimics film cameras, these options, O’Brien and Flynn say, make travel photography fun.
Best budget compact digital camera for travel
Fujifilm X-M5
The best budget cameras aren’t just affordable, they also pack a punch when it comes to performance. O’Brien and Flynn’s top picks are light, small enough to drop into a pocket, and come with simple features like autofocus for grabbing tons of pics without stressing over precise numbers.
