Travel enthusiasts know that capturing the essence of their adventures requires more than just a smartphone. A dedicated compact camera's quality, versatility, and performance can make all the difference in preserving your travel memories. In 2024, the market is brimming with innovative options that cater to various needs, whether you're an amateur shutterbug or a seasoned photographer. The right compact camera can offer superior image quality, powerful zoom capabilities, and advanced features without the bulk of larger DSLRs or mirrorless cameras.
Selecting the perfect compact camera for your travels involves considering several factors such as image quality, zoom range, portability, and additional features like 4K video recording or weatherproofing. From urban explorers to outdoor adventurers, there's a compact camera designed to meet every traveller's needs. With technology constantly evolving, the latest models provide enhanced functionality and user-friendly interfaces, making capturing stunning photos and videos more accessible.
To help you navigate the plethora of choices, we've compiled a list of the best compact cameras for 2024. These top picks have been carefully selected based on their performance, features, and suitability for travel photography. Whether you need an impressive zoom, robust build, or exceptional image quality, our guide will help you find the ideal compact camera to accompany you on your next adventure.
OM System OM-5
The OM-5 is a relatively minor update to the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III. Still, its combination of features makes it an ideal travel camera, particularly if you want the flexibility of interchangeable lenses. It packs many features into a compact, weatherproof body compatible with a wealth of equally small lenses. Most of its highlights, including a 20.4 MP MFT Live MOS sensor, excellent in-body image stabilisation, a 3.0-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, an OLED viewfinder, and computational photography modes, are designed with travellers and adventurers in mind.
Key features:
- 20.4 MP MFT Live MOS sensor
- 3.0-inch tilt-angle touchscreen
- OLED viewfinder
- Continuous shooting: 30fps electronic / 10fps mechanical
- 4K/30p video recording
Pros:
- Small, weatherproof body: The compact design makes it easy to carry, and the weatherproofing means you can shoot in various weather conditions without worry.
- Excellent stabilisation: In-body image stabilisation ensures that your photos and videos are sharp and smooth, even in low-light or handheld situations.
- Great range of compact lenses: It is compatible with a wide range of small, high-quality lenses, providing flexibility for different types of photography.
Cons:
- Average EVF: The electronic viewfinder is decent but not as high resolution as some competitors, which might be noticeable in bright conditions.
- Only 4K/30p video: While 4K video is a great feature, some users prefer higher frame rates for smoother motion.
Why it's great for travel: The OM System OM-5 is the best overall compact camera for travel enthusiasts due to its portability, durability, and high performance. Its weatherproof body ensures it can withstand various travel conditions. At the same time, its excellent stabilisation and range of lenses make it versatile for capturing different types of shots, from landscapes to portraits.
Fujifilm X100VI
The Fujifilm X100VI is an excellent choice for travellers who want a high-resolution, versatile camera. It features a high-resolution 40MP X-Trans CMOS sensor, a sharp 23mm f/2 lens, and now includes image stabilisation, making it perfect for capturing detailed travel photos and videos. Its hybrid OVF/EVF viewfinder and the ability to shoot 6K video add to its appeal for intermediate users looking for advanced features.
Other key improvements over the X100V include a more detailed 6K video and Fujifilm's best autofocus, including advanced subject detection for photos and videos. You can rely on the X100VI as a discreet everyday camera to document the world around you, especially your travels. It comes with 20 film simulation colour profiles inspired by actual Fujifilm 35mm film that you can customise with recipes to develop your style.
Key features:
- 40MP X-Trans CMOS sensor
- 23mm f/2 lens
- 3.0-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, 1.62m dots
- Hybrid OVF / EVF
- Continuous shooting: 11fps (mechanical), 30fps (electronic)
- 6K video recording
Pros:
- High-resolution 40MP sensor: Provides exceptional detail and image quality, making it ideal for capturing stunning travel photos.
- Includes image stabilisation: Helps ensure sharp images and smooth videos, even in challenging conditions.
- Sharp 23mm f/2 lens: A versatile lens that delivers crisp, clear images with beautiful background blur.
Cons:
- Lens not weather-sealed: While the camera body is durable, the lens lacks weather sealing, which might limit its use in harsh conditions.
- Pricier than the X100V: The added features come at a higher price point, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
- Single UHS-I SD card slot: Limits the speed and capacity options for storage, which could be a drawback for professional use.
Why it's great for travel: The Fujifilm X100VI is a top choice for travellers who want high-resolution images and advanced features in a compact design. Its film simulation modes and excellent autofocus make it a versatile camera for capturing various scenes and styles, while its compact size ensures it's easy to carry wherever you go.
OM System Tough TG-7
Tough cameras like the TG-6 are freeze-proof, shockproof, and waterproof, making them suitable for scenarios you wouldn't consider with your phone or expensive camera. For this reason, the TG-7 is still one of the best travel cameras you can buy. Its industrial design feels reassuringly rugged, while large buttons make it convenient to operate beneath the waves or while wearing gloves. Its 3-inch LCD offers decent visibility in most conditions.
Key features:
- 12MP 1/2.3-inch sensor
- 25-100mm f/2-4.9 lens
- 3.0-inch monitor, 1,040K dots
- Continuous shooting: 20fps
- 4K/30p video recording
Pros:
- Intuitive to use: The camera's straightforward interface and large buttons make it easy to use, even in challenging conditions.
- As hardy as they come, this camera is freeze-proof, shockproof, and waterproof. It is designed to withstand extreme conditions.
Cons:
- Minor upgrade from TG-6: The improvements from the TG-6 are minimal, which might not justify an upgrade for current TG-6 users.
- Small sensor: The 1/2.3-inch sensor is smaller than some competitors, impacting image quality in certain situations.
Why it's great for travel: The OM System Tough TG-7 excels in extreme conditions, making it perfect for adventurous travellers. Its rugged design and ease of use ensure you can capture moments in any environment, from underwater adventures to high-altitude hikes.
Ricoh GR IIIx
If you want a truly pocketable camera with excellent image quality for city breaks, the Ricoh GR IIIx is one of the top picks. It packs a larger APS-C sensor, which you get on bigger cameras like DSLRs, and a fixed 40mm f/2.8 lens capable of pin-sharp photos. It's particularly popular with street photographers and remains one of the few true compact cameras still being manufactured in 2024.
You get a handy macro photography mode, clever snap focus setting for preset focus distances, lovely colour profiles, and in-camera photo editing—you might discover a love for black-and-white photography with the GR IIIx. The 40mm focal length is also versatile for everyday photography, offering a perspective similar to the portrait lens on your phone.
Key features:
- APS-C sensor
- 40mm f/2.8 lens
- 3.0-inch TFT LCD touchscreen
- Continuous shooting speed: 4fps
- No viewfinder
Pros:
- Large sensor, sharp photos: The APS-C sensor allows for high-quality, detailed images typically found in larger cameras.
- Superb choice for city breaks: Its compact size and high image quality make it perfect for urban photography, capturing street scenes and architecture.
- Quick start-up: The camera powers on rapidly, so you won't miss spontaneous moments while waiting for it to be ready.
Cons:
- Poor battery life: You might need extra batteries for a full day of shooting.
- Fixed touchscreen: The screen doesn't tilt or rotate, limiting your shooting angles, especially for selfies or vlogging.
- Jittery autofocus: The autofocus can be less reliable in low light or fast-moving scenes, requiring more manual adjustments.
Why it's great for travel: The Ricoh GR IIIx excels in providing the best image quality of any camera this small. Its weaknesses, like poor battery life and a fixed touchscreen, are less of an issue for city breaks, making it a top choice for travellers who prioritise portability and sharp photos.
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a compact camera tailored for travellers who love to vlog their journeys. It features a 20.1MP 1-inch sensor and a bright 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 lens, delivering sharp photos and videos. With its flip-up touchscreen and high-quality 4K video capabilities, it's an excellent choice for content creators on the go.
Key features:
- 20.1MP 1-inch sensor
- 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 lens
- 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen
- 4K video recording at 30fps
Pros:
- Great for video content: Supports 4K video recording and live streaming, perfect for vlogging.
- Compact and easy to handle: Fits easily in hand and pocket, ideal for daily travel use.
- Bright lens: The f/1.8-2.8 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and beautiful background blur.
Cons:
- Limited zoom range: The 24-100mm lens may not be sufficient for all shooting situations.
- No viewfinder: The lack of an electronic viewfinder may be a drawback for some photographers.
Why it's great for travel: The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is designed for vlogging and travel photography, offering a blend of portability, video quality, and ease of use, perfect for capturing and sharing your adventures.
Sony RX100 VII
The Sony RX100 VII continues to be a favourite for travel enthusiasts due to its impressive versatility and compact form. It offers a 24-200mm equivalent zoom lens, allowing you to capture anything from wide landscapes to distant subjects without needing multiple lenses. The 20.1MP 1-inch sensor, coupled with fast autofocus and 4K video capabilities, makes it a robust choice for travellers who want high-quality photos and videos without the bulk.
Key features:
- 20.1MP 1-inch sensor
- 24-200mm f/2.8-4.5 Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens
- 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen
- Continuous shooting: 20fps
- 4K video recording
Pros:
- Versatile zoom range: The 24-200mm lens covers a wide range of focal lengths, from wide-angle to telephoto.
- Compact and lightweight: Despite its capabilities, it remains pocketable and easy to carry.
- Excellent autofocus: Fast and accurate autofocus, ideal for capturing moving subjects.
Cons:
- High price: The premium features come with a higher price tag.
- Small sensor compared to APS-C: While excellent for its size, it may not match the image quality of larger sensors in low light.
Why it's great for travel: The Sony RX100 VII offers a rare combination of versatility, portability, and quality, making it ideal for travellers who want to capture diverse scenes without carrying multiple lenses.
Leica Q2
The Leica Q2 is an ultra-premium compact camera that combines a full-frame sensor with a fast fixed 28mm f/1.7 lens, delivering outstanding image quality in a portable design. It features a high-resolution 47.3MP sensor and a durable build, including weather-sealing, making it perfect for travel in any conditions. The camera's minimalist design and intuitive controls cater to enthusiasts who appreciate fine craftsmanship and stellar performance.
Key features:
- 47.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- Fixed 28mm f/1.7 Summilux lens
- 3.68m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder
- 4K video recording at 30fps
Pros:
- Superb image quality: The full-frame sensor and fast lens deliver exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and detail.
- Weather-sealed and durable: Built to withstand tough conditions, making it ideal for travel.
- Simple, elegant design: Minimalist controls and a sleek look appeal to discerning photographers.
Cons:
- High cost: Premium pricing might be a barrier for many.
- Fixed lens: Lack of zoom capability might limit flexibility for some users.
Why it's great for travel: The Leica Q2 offers unmatched image quality in a stylish, compact package. Its full-frame sensor and fast lens are perfect for capturing breathtaking scenes, making it an excellent choice for luxury travel photographers.
Wrapping up your perfect travel companion
Choosing the right compact camera can significantly improve how you capture and preserve your travel memories. From high-resolution image quality to rugged, adventure-ready designs, the best cameras of 2024 cater to a variety of needs. Whether you're an avid vlogger, a street photographer, or an adventurer braving the elements, there's a model that will elevate your photography without adding bulk to your luggage.
Ultimately, the right choice comes from your preferences and travel style. Each of these top picks has its strengths—some excel in low-light conditions, while others provide unbeatable zoom capabilities or weatherproofing. Whichever camera you select, you're guaranteed to capture stunning photos and videos, ensuring your adventures are documented with the clarity and vibrancy they deserve.
