From the perfect sunset still to action-packed underwater shots, there are times when your cell phone camera just doesn’t cut it — and that’s where the six best travel cameras of 2022 come in.
But what makes a camera stand out from the rest? Name brands alone just don’t cut it — and neither do price tags.
Instead, the best travel cameras of 2022 — and beyond — combine form and function with a price tag that’s right on the money.
Surely, there is no shortage of choices for even the most amateur of photographers. But we’ve narrowed it down for you by prioritizing portability first and foremost. After all, there’s no point in lugging around equipment when you don’t have to! Traveling light isn’t just a suggestion — it’s the only way to be in this day and age. What better way to enjoy your vacation than to simply get up and go — and take the perfect camera with you to capture your memories for a lifetime?
These six travel cameras slide right into your travel bag and are a compact size that’s easy to carry around no matter where your adventures take you. So, pick your favorite travel destination and start capturing your vacation memories like a pro.
1. Best Overall Travel Camera: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Balancing portability with powerful features, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a solid choice for a travel camera in 2022. Its 20 MP still resolution, 4K video, 5-axis in-body image stabilization, burst shooting, and a variety of scene modes and art filters mean your photos come out perfect every time. The rear touch screen monitor flips down for easy selfies on the go, plus always-on Bluetooth means your photos can be easily shared to other devices. Combine that with its impressive tech specs, lightweight body, and stunning retro design, this travel camera is the perfect companion for all your adventures.
2. Best For Beginners: Canon EOS M50 Mark II
With intuitive controls and a simple interface, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a great choice for budding travel photographers. The excellent autofocus locks on to your subject fast and features improved eye detection so faces are always sharp and clear. Stills are where this camera truly shines, with crisp details, vibrant colors, and good dynamic range. Plus, you can livestream your travels with built-in Wi-Fi and webcam software, and shoot vertical videos to share on social. All in all, it’s a reliable and capable entry-level camera compact enough to take with you wherever your journeys take you.
3. Best Compact: Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera
If you want something that can easily slip into your pocket, the Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera delivers pro features in quite a small size. This small but mighty travel camera packs in image stabilization, real time tracking, speedy shooting with a 90 fps burst mode, broad zoom range, 4K video, and so much more. The advanced eye detection and tracking for both stills and video keeps everything in focus, making it simple to use. If you’re looking for premium specs in a compact size, this is the travel camera for you.
4. Best For Action Video: GoPro HERO11
Whether your adventures take you under the water or up in the air, the newest GoPro HERO11 is the best travel camera to capture those perfect action shots. Durable, weatherproof, waterproof up to 33 feet, and ready to take on cold temperatures, this powerhouse is built to last with a longer-lasting battery than previous models. The image stabilization is super smooth and features built-in horizon lock keeps things level even when the camera tilts. All that combined with its easy-to-strap-on size and unbelievable image quality and colors, there’s a reason GoPro has been the go-to for years.
5. Best For Memories: Fujifilm Instax Mini EVO Hybrid Instant Camera
There’s something charming and nostalgic about instant print cameras, but the disadvantage is you don’t have a digital copy of your photos. That’s where the Fujifilm Instax Mini EVO Hybrid Instant Camera comes in. As a hybrid camera, it’s the best of both worlds since you can share your photos to your phone. Snap a photo, check it out on the camera screen, decide whether to print out your memory or not, and save it to your phone. Easy as that.
6. Best Budget: Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS70 Digital Camera
An older model released in 2017, the Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS70 Digital Camera still packs a lot of punch today — and at a budget price. This slim, pocket-sized travel camera features a generous zoom range of 30x, 4K video, a focal range that takes you wide-angle coverage to telephoto close ups, a flip-up screen for easy selfies, and more. As a bonus, it’s basically foolproof to operate and can be easily carried around on your travels.
Emily Bunker is a contributor for Travel Noire.
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