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Top 10 Travel Cameras You Need for Your Next Vacation

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Cheng Sim •  Dec 27, 2016

[Updated 27 February 2019]

Whether you’re spending the weekend in a new city or trekking deep into the forest for a nature escapade, you know a travel-friendly camera is needed to document it all. Because when your getaway is over, you would want to relive it all over again, one swipe at a time.

Credit: giphy

To find a camera that matches your travel lifestyle, we laid out ten of our favourite cameras that play well with your budget and soon-to-be improved photo game.

High-End

1. Sony α7R II

Fitted with the world's first back-illuminated full-frame sensor, the Sony α7R II is the alpha to all of our camera dreams.

Credit: Kārlis Dambrāns on Flickr

More compact than its predecessor, the spectacular 42.4-megapixel count unites with a CMOS sensor to bring out the best of your high-resolution moments. You can also turn your holiday into personal family footage thanks to the 4K movie quality. Coupled with a 5-axis image stabilisation and 25 autofocus points, you won’t have to worry about pictures of your playful kids turning out blurry.

Taken with Sony α7R II

Credit: Tommie Hansen on Flickr

Imagine using this beast of a camera for a stunning trip like this! You would definitely want to have the Sony α7R II on hand!

Year released: 2015

Megapixels: 42.4MP

Sensor size: Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm)

Sensor type: BSI-CMOS

Image stabilisation: Sensor shift

Flash type: External flash

Processor: Bionz X

ISO: Auto, 100-25600 (expands to 50-102400)

Price: SGD4,099 on Sony Singapore

Website

Update to Sony α7R III - In 2017, Sony released an updated model, the Sony α7R III. Major differences include autofocus points change from 25 to 425, a touch screen LCD, a higher dynamic range, and a higher native ISO (up to 320 000).

2. Fujifilm X-T2

If you’ve refined the art of travelling light and need a camera that suits your new lifestyle, the Fujifilm X-T2 is made for folks like you. Lightweight and compact may be middle names of the X-T2, but this camera truly delivers when image quality and 4K movie recording are in the picture.

Credit: Fujifilm Malaysia

Taking it a step further is the X-Processor Pro that injects brilliant colour production and tonal gradation to your images and videos with low noise and high ISO sensitivity.

Taken with Fujifilm X-T2

Credit: Kolin Toney on Flickr

Year released: 2016

Megapixels: 24MP

Sensor size: APS-C (23.6 x 15.6 mm)

Sensor type: CMOS

Image stabilisation: No

Flash type: External flash

Processor: X-Processor Pro2

ISO: Auto, 200 -12800 (expands to 100-51200)

Price: Starts at USD1,099 on Amazon

Website

Update to Fuji XT3 - In 2017, Fujifilm released an updated model. Major changes include a touch screen LCD, increased megapixels up to 26 MP, increased battery life, and increased focus points (325 to 425).

Mid-Range

3. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8

If you have a budget for one mid-range camera, you know Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 has got to be it. Travel photographers will have a great time experimenting with the 20.3MP sensor and Dual Image Stabilisation during outdoor photography walks.

Credit: Yellow Diamond on Flickr

YouTube influencers, on the other hand, can take advantage on the 4K Video that is said to provide a more intensified viewing experience than the capability of full HD. Just remember to insert a UHS Speed Class 3 card to fully maximise the 4K Video feature.

Taken with Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8

Credit: TLV and more on Flickr

Year released: 2015

Megapixels: 20MP

Sensor size: Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm)

Sensor type: CMOS

Image stabilisation: Sensor shift

Flash type: External flash

Processor: Venus Engine

ISO: Auto, 200-25600 (expands down to 100)

Price: USD997.99 on Amazon

Website

Update to Panasonic Lumix  DC GX9 - In 2018, a newer model was released. Major changes included a built-in flash, lighter camera body, increased shutter speed, weather sealing, battery life, and Bluetooth!

4. Sony RX100 V

We have a thing for anything compact, to be honest, and Sony RX100 V is a very enticing camera to own. Another word we love is captivating, and you will feel the same when you review the stills from this future travel gadget of yours.

Credit: @fdtimes on Instagram

The model comes with the series’s coveted 1.0 type image sensor and improved 0.05-second autofocus, so test it out when you go mountain biking in the hills. It also brilliantly captures anything in super slow motion - just in case you need a dramatic effect for your holiday #OOTD.

Taken with Sony RX100 V

Credit: @riart10 on Instagram

Year released: 2016

Megapixels: 20MP

Sensor size: 1” (13.2 x 8.8 mm)

Sensor type: BSI-CMOS

Image stabilisation: Optical

Flash type: Built-in flash

Processor: Bionz X

ISO: Auto, 125-12800

Price: SGD 1,499 on Sony Singapore

Website

Update to Sony RX100vi - In 2018, Sony released an updated model. Major changes include an increase in focal range (from 24-70mm to 24 - 200mm), an LCD touch screen, and an updated image processor.

5. Sony A6500

Credit: @vit.haus.photo on Instagram

Sony’s flagship mirrorless APS-C. This lightweight street style camera has the capabilities of a sports-camera performance with 4k video capabilities. Definitely a win for travellers looking for cameras with high performance and convenience! The camera sports Sony’s E-mount, meaning you can interchange between Sony or other third party E-mount lenses.

Credit: @elliot_pedersen on Instagram

Use this sleek camera for a stroll in the city to get an Instagram-worthy street shot, or take it out for an elusive shot of that magnificent lion in the African savannah! The Sony a6500 definitely has you covered for all photography needs.

Year released: 2016

Megapixels: 24MP

Sensor size: 15.6 x 23.5mm

Sensor type: CMOS

Image stabilisation: Sensor shift

Flash type: Built-in

Processor: Bionz X

ISO: 100 - 51200

Price: SGD1,949 on Sony Singapore

Website

Wallet-Friendly

6. Nikon Coolpix P900

If you’re determining to prove that you can capture beautiful stills using a wallet-friendly camera in hand, Nikon Coolpix P900 will take you there.

The best part about this camera is the amazing combination of 83x optical zoom and 166x Dynamic Fine Zoom. Imagine zooming up close to Chris Martin in a sell-out Coldplay concert, and still being able to capture a sharp, high-resolution image of the entire band!

Credit: [email protected] on Flickr

Whether you prefer to take a picture using the swiveling Vari-angle LCD display or the high-resolution eye-level viewfinder, you can adjust the shutter speed and aperture to your liking with its DSLR-like PSAM mode dial. Because who understands the mood of your photographs better than you?

Taken with Nikon Coolpix P900

Credit: Paxtons Camera Video Digital on Flickr

Year released: 2015

Megapixels: 16MP

Sensor size: 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)

Sensor type: BSI-CMOS

Image stabilisation: Optical

Flash type: Built-in flash

Processor: Expeed C2

ISO: Auto, 100-6400, expandable to 12800 (B&W only)

Price: Starts at USD596 on Amazon

Website

Update to Nikon Coolpix P1000 - In 2018, Nikon released an updated model. Major updates include an increase in focal range (24-2000mm to 24-3000mm), a higher resolution electronic viewfinder (921k dot to 2359k dot), and an increase in video resolution (1920 x 1080 to 3840 x 2160), raw file ability and increased battery life.

7. Panasonic Lumix ZS50/TZ70

It takes a lot of confidence for any camera to call itself ‘The Quintessential Travel Camera’, but here comes Panasonic Lumix TZ70 (‘ZS50’ in North America) and their range of cool features.

Credit: Whizz Page Reviews

Fitted with high sensitivity MOS sensor and Venus Engine image processor to capture low-light conditions, the camera is built with a control ring that allows you to navigate between exposure, focus, and zoom functions conveniently. Has anyone told you that it comes with a 30x zoom Leica lens too?

Taken with Panasonic Lumix ZS50/TZ70

Credit: @haileydailies on Instagram

Year released: 2015

Megapixels: 12MP

Sensor size: 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)

Sensor type: CMOS

Image stabilisation: Optical

Flash type: Built-in flash

Processor: Venus Engine

ISO: Auto, 80-6400

Price: USD249.99 on Amazon

Website

Update to Panasonic Lumix ZS70/TZ90 - In 2018, an updated model was released. Major changes include higher megapixels (12.8MP to 21.1MP), exposure compensation up to ±5 (previously ±2), increased video resolution to 3840x2160 (previously 1920x1080), and longer battery life.

8. Canon Powershot G7Xii

Credit: @kaktusunnotlarion Instagram

Don’t let this camera fool you. Just because it is listed as a compact camera under our wallet-friendly range does not mean it lacks capabilities. Canon’s G7X Mark II sits on the premium end of compact cameras.

Credit: @sanzi2007 on Instagram

Where it lacks in focal range (a modest 24-70mm), it gains in a larger aperture (up to 1.8) to give you that soft, creamy background blur in your portrait photography. The large aperture also allows better low light capabilities making it especially useful for those low-lit romantic dinners by the beach!

Year released: 2016

Megapixels: 20.20MP

Sensor size: 1 inch (13.2mm x 8.8mm)

Sensor type: CMOS

Image stabilisation: Optical image stabilization

Flash type: Built-in flash

Processor: DIGIC 7

ISO: Auto (max: 400 to 12800), ISO 125-12800 in ⅓ EV steps

Price: Starts at USD 480 on Amazon

Website

9. GoPro Hero 6 Black

We know the GoPro Hero 7 is out. But the GoPro Hero 6 Black is just too good we decided to use it for this list instead! It far exceeds the GoPro Hero 5 in capabilities and is almost as good as the GoPro Hero 7. Definitely one for the adventurous, or for those who just don’t have the space for bigger cameras!

Credit: @manjukedarnath on Instagram

Never miss out on a moment to capture because you’re afraid water or dust might get into your camera. This waterproof (up to 10 metres, or 60 metres with housing) camera packs amazing technology in that tiny body. At 17.2mm focal range at its widest, this camera is superb for landscape photography, and selfies WITH the landscape!

Credit: @julien.pape on Instagram

The GoPro is also a hit for action-packed videographers such as extreme mountain climbers, race car drivers, and scuba divers because of its smooth image stabilization and superb video quality. Imagine those slick high definition, slow-motion videos of yourself mid-jump while snowboarding!

Credit: @lucianoizzo_ on Instagram

Year released: 2017

Megapixels: 12MP

Image stabilisation: Yes

Processor: GP 1

ISO: Auto (up to 3200)

Video resolution: 4k at 60fps

Waterproof: YES!

Price: Starts at USD279.99 on Amazon

Website

10. Fuji Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic

Credit: Wikipedia Commons

One for the instant film lovers out there! Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic sports a retro-inspired timeless look, complementing a timeless technology - film! The ultimate hipster camera, the Instax Mini 90 is one of the sleekest design from Fujifilm’s Instax range.

Credit: Chia Ying Yang on Flickr

The 1.8 x 2.4 inches film is bought separately and each pack comes with 10 films. With one click of a button, the polaroid-like film comes out of the camera, and you get to see the picture slowly developing with your very own eyes!

Each photo taken is a thrill like no other kind of photography - unique and personal. Since the photos are printed immediately on film, the photographs are great for parties, or collect them and make your own personal travel collage!

Imagine the soft picturesque photos you can get in at these 7 cherry blossom locations in Kyoto!

There’s no megapixels, sensors, or image stabilizations for this one but here are some of the camera’s capabilities:

- Year released: 2013

- Auto exposure, shutter, and flash power

- An LCD screen that shows mode and number of shots available

- Double exposure mode (two overlapping images on one film)

- Bulb mode (convenient for light trails!)

- Macro mode - for short distance photography

- Kids mode - for kids, pets, and other fast moving things

- Party mode - where both subject and background are photographed brightly and clearly

- Landscape mode

- Flash on and off

- Rechargeable battery

Price: Starts at USD99 on Amazon

Website

If you’re anything like us, having one of these cool cameras in the bag is a dream. But, as American photographer Ansel Adams once said, ‘It is the photographer, not the camera, that is the instrument’. Regardless of the price tag and specification that it entails, find a camera that selflessly complements your rhythm, lifestyle, and movement, so it’ll shine the spotlight on the woman or man behind the lens - You.

P/S: We’ve also compiled someessential photo-taking tips for solo travellers to help you plan your trip once you’ve decided on a camera.