Everyone loves travelling. Travelling is all about forging memories for the days to come and what better way to rekindle those memories than photographs.
But memories need to be photographed so that a few years from now you can look at those pictures and do nothing smile. And what more can be perfect than carrying a digital camera which will give you memories.
The best digital camera in my opinion should not only be small and light but at the same time must incorporate certain features which come in handy for instance, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Thus, the best travel digital camera for travel photography is a rare combination of portability and the latest features that are convenient. If you are travelling a lot mark my words, the last thing you want is to tug camera gear.
It will not only slow you down but the taking of all the types of equipment will dampen your holiday spirit.
The built and the kind of camera you ultimately choose to depend on your personal preferences and budget. Here in this article, we have compiled a list of the top digital cameras for travel.
But to guide you further we have bifurcated the list into two sections depending on your budget.
Table of Contents
If you are in quite a hurry, you can consult this one!
If you are in a rush and need a camera that will be your perfect companion for world-class travel photography you should go for Panasonic Lumix digital camera FZ80.
Not only does it come with a bundle of features but also with a full range 60X zoom that allows you to capture those breathtaking moments.
Buying Guide for the Best Travel Digital Camera
There are a whole lot of factors to consider before deciding on a particular camera. Technical specifications are no doubt important, but you must have a clear idea about what you intend to use it for, your budget and above all how skilled you are at the art of photography.
Quality of the Picture and Video
This is definitely the foremost consideration while choosing a camera. A big sensor backed by high megapixels does not always do justice to the image. Other factors too must be taken into account for instance quality of the optics and whether it can record in 4K. This unique feature helps you to record travel videos.
Built-in Image Stabilization
Under dim lighting taking the perfect shot may seem daunting. Camera shakes may result in the picture quality being blurry or even hazed. An image stabilization system helps to solve this problem.
Zoom
A digital zoom is imperative for travelling. Most cameras are equipped with a digital zoom between 24-12,000MM. The lens size is directly proportional to the zoom. This might pose to be a problem since a big lens will increase the weight of the camera making it difficult to carry it around.
Size of the Sensor
The image quality depends on the size of the sensor. Again, the bigger the sensor the greater will be the quality of the image.
Portability
Many travellers prefer cameras that are compact and easy to carry. The size and weight of the camera might matter to them.
Weather Protection
Many adventure travelers lookout for cameras with weather protection features, for instance, dustproof, waterproof and the like. However, these cameras have certain limitations. Thus, you have to balance your priorities.
Top digital camera for travel
If you are looking for the best digital camera under $100, feel free to pursue this list.
1. Panasonic Lumix FZ80 4K Digital Camera
A perfect point and shoot camera it comes with features that are hard to resist. It has a full range of 60X long zoom and 20mm wide-angle composition that is perfect for taking landscape pictures from afar.
Its 4K Video technology allows ultra HD photography at its best. A unique feature about this camera is its post focus and focus stacking which enables you to set your focus points or change the depth of the field.
In addition, its Wi-Fi connectivity makes it possible to share photos straight from your camera to your smartphone for online posting.
Pros
- 60X long zoom
- Allows 4K recordings at 30fps
- Wifi-enabled
Cons
- Bulky weight
- large size
- No option to change lens
2. Kodak Pix Pro FZ53 Digital Camera
Kodak always reigned supreme in the photography world and still does. It is now trying to capture the market with this new line of Pixpro cameras priced under $100.
FZ53 digital camera from Kodak is a budget-friendly compact camera for amateurs.
It runs on 2 rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. With its 16 megapixel resolution, you can hope for quite decent pictures. However, it lacks an image stabilisation system much needed for capturing pictures in dim light.
The video button is handy. Instead of navigating into the video mode, you can simply start recording with a mere press of a button.
Pros
- Compact
- The video button is very convenient for recording
Cons
- Lacks image stabilization system
- Video is only 720p whereas most cameras come with 1080p quality.
3. Canon Power Shot SD780IS
It simply happens to be my favorite choice. I solely pick this camera because it is a 12.1-megapixel camera rarely found in this budget segment.
The high megapixel count coupled with canons image stabilizer is enough to turn a dull photo into a prize-winning catch. It has also 3X optical zoom if you want to take images of distant subjects with clarity.
The auto mode gives you the option of choosing the most appropriate setting from amongst the 18 options available.
Pros
- High megapixel 12.
- 20 different modes to choose from
Cons
- Noisy shots even at low ISO
- Images might get blurry on the photo end.
However, if you can stretch your budget a bit further to accommodate cameras priced at a slightly higher range, here is a list of some of the top digital cameras for travel.
4. Fujifilm Fine PixXP140 Waterproof Digital Camera w/GB SD card-Yellow
Ever thought of possessing a digital camera capable of taking a perfect shot while going on a holiday to a beachside or mountain trekking.
Fuji, the global giant in camera technology has come up with this new Fujifilm FinePixXP140waterproof digital camera. Its compact and rugged body makes it shockproof, waterproof (82 ft) and freeze proof (14 degrees F/minus 10-degree centigrade) and dustproof.
It is powered by an eye detection feature. This helps to enhance the quality of your picture by self-focusing on the subject’s eyes. Incorporated with the number of self-timer modes you can easily adjust the timer to suit your need.
It also has a 5X optical zoom lens along with a wide-angle lens at 28mm. The camera is also equipped with a 16.4 megapixel CMOS sensor capable of taking crystal clear pictures while underwater or even in dim light.
Pros
- Built-in wifi and Bluetooth
- Waterproof up to 82 ft and shockproof up to 5.9 meters
- Face detection feature
Cons
- Slow Lens
- Battery drains fast
5. Sony DSCWXC350
Its 20X optical zoom allows you to take decent portraits and wildlife photography. But what sets it apart from others is its value as a compact, lightweight travel camera.
Being extremely lightweight and portable it is convenient to carry it along. Its strong autofocus capability and low light performance make it a sure winner. Moreover, its ability to document video at 60fps in 1080 resolution makes up for its absence of a viewfinder.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Wifi and NFC enabled for easy transfer of photos to Smartphone
Cons
- Lacks viewfinder.
6. Canon Powershot SX540hs Digital Camera
Being a bridge camera its powerful zoom towers over other point and shoot cameras in this price range. Its 50X zoom coupled with image realisation trait allows you to shoot clear precise photos from afar.
However, in the absence of the autofocus feature, you must manually control the aperture and shutter speed. It also lacks RAW format, but Canon’s superior performance outshines its handicaps.
Pros
- 50X optical zoom and shake correction method
- Wifi and NFC enabled for an easy share of photos
Cons
- Bulky and overweight
- No viewfinder
7. Kodak PIXPRO Astro Zoom AZ421
It is one of the finest bridge cameras targeted for amateurs and professionals in their hunt for super zoom lenses needed for telephoto photography. 42X optical zoom lens allows you to capture sharp photos of remote objects.
Its face detection feature is a bonus for capturing close-up photos. But it produces poor quality video since it is only able to record at 720 max resolutions. This is understandable given the price.
Nevertheless, if you wish to invest in a hassle-free bridge camera with a super zoom lens this might be your answer.
Pros
- Face detection facility
- Long zoom lens fitted with optical image stabilization
Cons
- No viewfinder, fixed LCD
- Bulky and overweight.
The Final Note
On a parting note, let me just remind you after a thorough lab test, we have come up with some of the best digital cameras for travel. This was quite challenging given the fact that the market is already swarming with cameras of every brand and make.
Irrespective of the fact whether you are an amateur or professional photographer you will always be on the lookout for the best equipment that fully compliments your expertise and skills.
However, if budget constraints are pulling you back then you have to compromise on the features over the pricing of the camera. But this article will certainly guide you in your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question. 1: What type of camera should I buy for travel purposes?
Answer: Point and shoot cameras are more than qualified to capture good quality pictures. Thus, for amateurs who have no prior knowledge and expertise, it is their best bargain.
Expensive cameras are loaded with additional frills which are likely to cause hiccups for anyone using the camera for the first time.
Question. 2: How much should my budget be?
Answer: Make a mental note of the features you are looking for and base your budget around it.
Question. 3: Will video photography be a part of my travel itinerary?
Answer: For people who are only into still photographs any camera will do. The latest cameras come with 4K video capabilities which allow you to take videos that are much clearer, sharper, and vibrant. However, for those of you who wish to do vlogging a camera with a 4K option is very much required.
Question. 4: What are the three basic things you need to master to get great looking photos?
To get the perfect, sharp picture you must have adequate knowledge of three basic tools- aperture, shutter speed and ISO. These are interrelated so adjusting one will necessitate considering others for the perfect result.
