We tested 13 of the best travel cameras to determine which truly deliver on image quality, portability, and ease of use. Whether you’re capturing cityscapes, beach sunsets or tons of video, we’ve got the perfect pick for your kind of trip.

The rigorous testing of 13 travel cameras has identified top picks across different categories, emphasizing image quality, portability, and user-friendly features. In cityscapes and beach settings, these cameras have been evaluated for their exceptional capabilities beyond what typical smartphone cameras offer, focusing on image quality and creative control. Three standout cameras were identified for varying needs, with assessments conducted in the mirrorless, compact, and action categories.

The current leading model in the mirrorless category is the Fujifilm XM5. Recognized for its entry-level ease, compact size, and versatile interchangeable lenses, the XM5 is praised for its impressive feature set and utility for novice photographers. The Ricoh GR3 is acclaimed as the top compact camera due to its large APS-C sensor, offering superior image quality within a tiny framework, as well as its cost-effectiveness compared to competitors.

For action photographers, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is highlighted for video enthusiasts. This camera is noted for its innate gimbal system that enhances video stabilization, alongside multiple shooting modes, including slow-motion and time lapse functions. Runner-up recommendations include the Nikon ZF-C, Insta360 X4, and Fuji X100, each offering unique features appealing to experienced photographers and creative videographers alike.



The best travel cameras in 2025, tried and tested

I tested 13 different cameras, taking them all over LA where I live to see how they performed in different lighting situations. So why purchase a travel camera when your phone can take photos and videos that are just as good? Well, a good travel camera can actually deliver better quality images and give you more creative control over your exposures. While each of the 13 cameras that I tested is great in its own right, I found three that truly stood out for different needs. I tested them in three categories, mirrorless, compact, and action. I then evaluated each one based on image and video quality. Ease of use, I focused on how intuitive each camera is. Portability, lightweight gear is very important for travel, so size and weight played a huge role. Features and versatility, I looked for things like subject tracking, zoom range, connectivity, and whether or not the lenses are swappable. And finally, overall value, I considered how well each camera's price matched its performance in feature set. Our current winner is the newer Fujifilm XM5. It's not a perfect camera by any means, but as an entry-level mirrorless camera, it's truly impressive when it comes to features and capabilities. Being an entry-level camera, it's also very easy to use even for novice photographers, and it's also lightweight and compact, especially for an interchangeable lens camera. And since you can change the lenses, it's very versatile. You can slap on a 50mm equivalent lens for portraits, a wide-angle lens for landscapes, or a good zoom lens for capturing pretty much everything. My pick for the best compact camera is the Ricoh GR3. There are many great compact cameras on the market, but this one has a larger APS-C sensor in its tiny body, allowing it to produce better quality images. It also comes with many features that make it effortless for travelers to get the right shot almost every single time. That includes snap focus, which automatically sets the focus to your pre-specified focusing distance, and something called hyperfocal distance, which ensures that most of the elements in the image are in focus. It's also more affordable than the top compact contenders from Sony and Canon. For the best action camera, I think we're gonna go with the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. Everybody loves this camera. Everybody wants one. Everybody's fascinated with it. Everybody just wants to try and use it, especially if you're planning on filming a lot of videos for your trip. This is what you want to pack in your bag. It feels more natural to use. In most situations, there is a built-in gimbal right here, and it's truly impressive in stabilizing your handheld videos. The Osmo Pocket 3 also offers several shooting modes. In addition to video, it also lets you take photos, shoot slow motion videos, and time lapses. I also want to give a special mention to my runners-up. First is the impossibly lightweight Nikon ZF-C, which is ideal for more experienced photographers. The Insta360 X4, which captures 360-degree videos that you can easily adjust and edit to get creative results. And the photographer favorite, Fuji X100. The X100 series was my very first mirrorless camera, and it's still an absolute powerhouse classic for a compact camera. If you want to know more about how each travel camera fared during testing, please check out my Best Travel Camera Guide on CNN Underscored.

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