Let's face it: smartphone cameras are not the vibe anymore. What we want is a dedicated point-and-shoot camera, whether it be a classic hand-me-down model from the early 2000s or a more current spec'd out model with modern bells and whistles. These small point-and-shoot cameras may be made for travel but they excel in some scenarios more than others.
In today's guide, we're covering just a few of the best travel-friendly point-and-shoot cameras available today. It's important to know that some of the most popular models are challenging to find. For that reason, we'll be focusing on cameras that deliver specific features many travelers want and need from cameras.
Before we get started, know that some of these cameras may seem overkill. If that's the case, be sure to check out our best budget point-and-shoot guide, where we took some of the most fun compact cameras into the field. Now let's cover some of the best travel-ready compacts of the year.
Sony RX100 VI
First up, we have an unsung hero of the point-and-shoot genre, and arguably the best overall camera for travel. The versatile Sony RX100 VII is an oft-forgotten solution to the problem called buying a Canon G7X Mark III. To elaborate further, the G7X is one of the most popular cameras available. In fact, it's so popular that finding one in stock is nearly impossible challenge.
The RX100 features many of the same specs that make the G7X such a sought-after camera, like a 1" imaging sensor, tilting rear LCD touchscreen, and UHD 4K recording. It also far exceeds the G7X in many other ways, such as the inclusion of a pop-up viewfinder, which gives you a clear view of your image in the brightest conditions without taking up precious real estate on the back of the camera. Additionally, the RX100 VII offers nearly double the zoom range of the competition with a 24-200mm (35mm equivalent) lens made by renowned optics maker ZEISS.
The RX100 VII serves as a balancing act of all things we may want from a camera. It delivers noticeably better image quality than a phone, or many other point and shoot cameras out there for that matter. It offers a fairly decent zoom range that captures wide open vistas at the short end, and fine details and distant subject matter at the long end. If it's a jack of all trades you're after, look no further.
Canon SX740 HS
What if we want even more reach? Our phones have a zoom mechanism sure, but these achieve such feats by literally cropping our image. The resulting image is fuzzy, pixelated, and not really something we'd be proud of sharing. To get that reach, and to do so optically (meaning with a lens) we need a camera like the Canon SX740 HS.
This point and shoot offers an impressive zoom range of effectively 24-960mm, which is significantly longer than the more expensive RX100, though this does come at a cost to some other specifications. That said, these specs are more a luxury and not so much necessity. First up, the SX740 offers a tilting rear screen, and while it's not a touch screen, it allows users to more easily shoot low angle images.
After all, when traveling, the goal is getting the shot. If our goal is to capture an image of a distant subject, like an animal or iconic landmark, you want the zoom capabilities, not the touchscreen. Speaking of zooms, there's a camera that designed all around that feature, all while offering stellar image quality and performance that rivals even larger interchangeable else cameras.
Sony RX10 V
Who's to say that we're not heading out on a multi-day African safari or maybe heading to a bird-watching hotspot for a weekend. For these cases, a standard point and shoot likely just won't cut it. When we're focusing on distant objects, we need a super-zoom bridge camera, and what better option than the king of the bunch, the Sony RX10 V.
What's not to love about this camera. A zoom range of 24-600mm, and with ZEISS optics like the RX100 above. The RX10 V is also equipped with a larger, 1" sensor similar to the one found in the RX100, but it has one major trick up its sleeve. The RX10 sensor is stacked, meaning it reads data faster than any other camera in its class. This makes the camera exceptional when capturing fast action like birds in flight or a sporting event with 30 fps blackout free continuous shooting speeds.
Where the RX10 really comes into its own is in processing power. Updated to stand toe to toe with even some of the fastest professional cameras on the market, the RX10 V delivers staggeringly fast autofocus with subject recognition for people, animals, and vehicles. Additionally, the camera also supports 4K60 and 4K120 recording alongside close-up focusing for macro shots and video clips.
OM System Tough TG-7 Digital Camera
Headed to Hawaii to snorkel with the sharks and sea turtles? Many of the other cameras on this list, despite some being weather sealed, are not designed to actually go underwater. That is, at least without the use of some form of underwater housing. While one of the aforementioned cameras will deliver better overall image quality, our next camera is specifically designed for this use case, and without any heavy edits. We're of course talking about the OM System Tough TG-7.
This camera doesn't feature the longest zoom range on this list, nor does it offer the best image quality. What it does do, is offer water, crush, and shook proofing. The TG-7 functions at depths down to 50' and even features an underwater mode to adjust contrast and other color settings for the best results straight out of camera.
While diving and snorkeling may be this camera's bread and butter, its strengths extend to other areas as well. Even If you're headed up the entirety of the Appalachian trail and want a small, pocketable camera that can withstand the elements, even a short fall onto some rocks, this is the camera for you.
Ricoh GR IV
From this point forward, we're getting artsy. These cameras trade versatility for even greater image quality, and few cameras with such an impressive set of specs are quite a pocketable at the Ricoh GR IV. At the heart of this point and shoot sits an APS-C format sensor, the largest on the list so far. What's even more impressive is that the GR IV is also the smallest camera on this list at just over 9 ounces with the battery and memory card inserted.
What sets this camera apart from the contenders above, and the reason it's so light, is that it features a fixed focal length lens. This prime 28mm f/2.8 lens offers better low-light performance thanks to its fast aperture, plus improved image quality. If you want a little more reach, simply toggle a 35mm and 50mm crop mode for a tighter shot.
While not as versatile as some of the zoom capable cameras, this camera delivers significantly better image quality, low-light performance, and other practical features like built-in memory. For more professional looking results, there is no better travel-ready camera than the Ricoh GRIV.
Fujifilm X100VI
The X100VI from Fujifilm is one of the most popular, yet tactile cameras available today. Most notably, it features an analog look and feel, while offering the latest tech to make your photo making experience all the more enjoyable. That is, if you can find one. This camera is arguably the most challenging model to come by, but we couldn't make a list about travel cameras without mentioning the one that arguably started the trend.
Fujifilm as a whole, mastered the art of delivering fun cameras. They feel good in the hands, offer manual controls beyond the standard front and back dials, while providing the speeds, stabilizations, and results that rival larger cameras. Where Fujifilm really gets a lot of their attention is in their popular film simulations, which offer built-in filters that reproduce the look and feel of several Fujifilm film stocks.
Another aspect of the camera that analog photo enthusiast adore is the hybrid viewfinder, which can be easily switched between optical and electronic viewfinder types. The optical finder provides a clear, lifelike view of the scene while benefiting from electronic features like focus assist. When using the electronic viewfinder exclusively, users have access to features like highlight warnings and focus peaking.
For street photographers, or those looking for a more professional feel with manual controls, the X100VI is a wise choice. It not only performs well on its own but opens up users to the wider Fujifilm camera ecosystem through its control layout and menus. Its popularity also serves as an ice breaker for those into street photography with a focus on people. Language barriers can easily be broken through the familiarity of the Fujifilm logo.
Sony RX1R III
Sony's next offering is a noticeable jump up in more ways than one. Equipped with a 61-megapixel full frame sensor, this camera produces spectacularly detailed images, printable at whatever size you desire. In fact, photographers already acquainted with the Sony ecosystem will feel right at home, using what is essentially an A7 R series camera packed into a travel-friendly body.
It features Sony's incredibly powerful BIONZ XR processing engine, which delivers blisteringly fast auto exposure, and AF readouts among a bevy of other AI tasks. The RX1R III is the perfect companion to any experienced photographer's kit, or the center piece to their travel kit. It has much to offer, but only if you appreciate the results.
If we haven't gotten the point across yet, everyone needs a fun camera. Even the seasoned pros who want nothing more from a vacation than to leave their work camera behind can benefit from one. After all, one of the most enjoyable experiences as a seasoned photographer is the ability to enjoy photography from a new, fresh perspective, and what better way to do so than to have a dedicated camera for that purpose.
Technically speaking, any of the cameras on this list can serve this purpose. There's an old adage regarding the best camera being the one you have on you, and while there's validity to this claim, there's a reason many pros use the cameras they do. The RX1R III is a camera that can be used in both professional and vibe-based applications. For our purposes, the camera can be used with settings set to automatic and only the vision guiding the user. Simply point it at your subject, line up the shot, and press the shutter button.
Travel First, Pictures Later
The ability to travel is a gift unto itself, and even if the only camera you take with you is your smartphone, you'll be sure to walk away with incredible memories. That said, if you can, bring a dedicated camera. The resulting images will not only stun in their quality, but they will inspire you to share them and maybe even print them for all to see.
We've covered a wide spectrum of cameras in this guide, and while capturing quality images of your precious memories is essential, it's important that you can travel first. Don't go into thousands of dollars of credit card debt just for a camera, that is unless you qualify for financing through the B&H Payboo Card, where you not only pay no interest if paid in full within 6-12 months, but you save the tax as well.
If you're interested in getting a camera for your travels and adventures, consider one of the models above. To learn more about all things photography related, from the technical to the creative, check out our other guides and articles on the B&H Explora page!
