Almost everyone takes a camera with them on vacation, and we’ve decided to put together a guide to the best point-and-shoot cameras for travel to help you choose the best option for you. Having a great travel camera will help you capture those wonderful travel moments and share them with your family and friends.
This guide is based on our knowledge and experience as full time professional travel photographers and writers who use a range of cameras on a day to day basis, including point and shoot cameras, smartphone cameras, mirrorless cameras and DSLR cameras. We rarely go anywhere without at least one camera!
Cameras come in all shapes and sizes these days, from the one on your smartphone to compact cameras to professional level DSLRs. We personally think though that the best camera you have is the one on you and one that you know how to use. For many people, a compact camera, often called a point-and-shoot camera, is the perfect travel camera as they are generally small, lightweight, easy to use, and budget friendly.
We’ll help you decide if a point-and-shoot camera is a good choice for you, provide advice on how to choose the best compact camera, and share a list of the best compact cameras currently available across various price points. We also give some tips on how to make the most of your point-and-shoot camera.
Table of Contents:
Choosing a Point-and-Shoot Camera for Travel Photography
Before we get into all the various compact camera options though, we want to first explain how a compact camera compares to other camera options, point out the advantages and disadvantages of point-and-shoot cameras, and discuss the various features and specs to look for when choosing a compact camera.
What is a Digital Compact Camera?
A compact camera, also commonly known as a point-and-shoot camera, is a small and portable camera which is designed to make photography easy and accessible to everyone.
In most of the world, “compact camera” and “point-and-shoot camera” are used synonymously which is how we use them in this article. However, in some countries, the terms can have different meanings where “compact camera” refers to any smaller lightweight camera and “point-and-shoot” specifically refers to a fully automatic camera regardless of its size.
The idea is that you can point the camera at whatever you want to take a picture of and just press the “shoot” button, and the camera will handle all the technical stuff. It will shoot in an “auto” mode by default and try to choose the best settings given the conditions.
A compact camera is designed to help you capture great photos without needing to understand the underlying mechanics of how a camera works or fiddling with manual settings and dials. However, more advanced compact camera models do allow for those with more photography knowledge to use manual controls and have a number of professional quality features.
Is a Compact Camera the Right Type of Travel Camera for Me?
A compact camera is one of several types of cameras you might choose for taking photos while traveling. Photos from compact cameras are generally perfect for capturing memories, sharing with family and friends, posting on social media, or printing at a standard size.
Point-and-shoot cameras are not, however, generally ideal for professional photography, wildlife photography, portraits, or printing at a larger size. Although the more advanced and expensive compact camera models do have professional-level features, large sensors, and can take very high quality photos.
There are many options when it comes to picking the perfect camera for travel photography, which broadly fit into four major categories: smartphones, mirrorless cameras, and DSLR cameras.
There is also a sub-category of compact cameras known as action cameras, and these are cameras like a GoPro. These are however for very specific types of photography, and aren’t in most cases ideal for general travel photography use. But they can be a great option for the more outdoorsy and adventurous traveler who needs something small and more rugged than a regular camera. You can read our guide to the best action cameras if interested in those.
We’ll compare and contrast compact cameras versus smartphones, mirrorless cameras, and DSLR cameras, and discuss the general advantages and disadvantages of these cameras to help you choose the right type of camera for you.
Point-and-Shoot Camera vs. Smartphone
The first, and probably most common type of camera in the world today is the one in your smartphone. These have the major advantage that nearly all of us have a smartphone which we carry with us everywhere, and the newest ones all have decent cameras. So using these as a camera doesn’t require any additional purchase or gear.
The disadvantage of a smartphone camera is that they are usually very limited in terms of optical zoom, meaning that you can’t usually shoot subjects that are particularly far away. They also tend to have a limited battery life (which also gets eaten up by all the other things you do on your phone), and most have very small sensors which means they don’t perform well in limited light situations.
Smartphone cameras are used by a very large and broad number of people and are probably becoming the most common type of device used by tourists to capture vacation photos. However, because of their limitations they are not normally the sole camera of those wanting to capture high-quality photos or those wanting to use a camera in all situations, but can serve as a good back-up option.
Point-and-Shoot Camera vs. Mirrorless Camera
Mirrorless cameras are the newest type of camera on the market and unlike the DSLRs do not have optical mirrors or an optical viewfinder. They offer interchangeable lenses, meaning you have flexibility in your lens choice, but in a relatively compact form factor compared to more traditional DSLR’s.
They are generally considerably larger, costlier, and bulkier than most point-and-shoot cameras, but do offer improved image quality and flexibility. Mirrorless cameras are popular among keen hobbyists and amateur photographers who want more control over their photography and some professionals.
Point-and-Shoot Camera vs. DSLR
Digital single-lens reflex cameras (DSLR) like mirrorless cameras also have interchangeable lens. DSLR cameras were the pinnacle of camera technology, although mirrorless cameras are rapidly catching up to them.
They tend to be the largest and heaviest of all the cameras, but they offer excellent image quality, long battery life, and the widest selection of lenses and accessories due to the fact they have been around the longest. As an example of the lens selection, check out my guide to the best lenses for travel photography, which will give you an idea of what is available.
The disadvantage of DSLRs are their bulk, weight, and cost of these cameras means that they are not the best option for most travelers. DSLRs are generally best suited for professionals or very keen amateur photographers.
Advantages of Compact Cameras
Here are the general advantages of a point-and-shoot camera:
- Specifically designed to take photos and be easy to use so that they can be used efficiently by almost anyone.
- Better image quality than the majority of smartphones and have optical zooms.
- Portable, lightweight, and small. Most models fit easily into pockets, purses, and backpacks, and don’t add much weight to luggage.
- Inexpensive compared to other types of cameras and there are many good value options out there.
- No expensive additional purchases needed to use the camera. Unlike mirrorless and DSLRS where you have to purchase a camera body and at least one lens, the only extras you need for a point-and-shoot camera is a memory card and perhaps some extra batteries.
- Due to their size, point-and-shoot cameras are much more discreet and unobtrusive than larger cameras.
- Perfect for capturing memories for those who plan to share photos with family and friends, post on social media, or print at a standard size
- Higher end compact cameras have a number of advanced features allowing you more control and can shoot at a quality similar to some mirrorless cameras.
- Great for situations where you are worried about damage to a more expensive camera such as during a hiking, climbing, skiing, boating, backpacking, or camping trip.
Disadvantages of Compact Cameras
Here are the disadvantages of a point-and-shoot camera:
- Requires you to carry a dedicated camera compared to just using the one on your phone.
- Most allow less manual control over photos than with most mirrorless or DSLR camera. This makes it more difficult to do more advanced types of photography like long exposure or time lapse photography.
- Small size means that they have smaller sensor sizes than most mirrorless and DSLR cameras, resulting in lower image quality, especially in lower light situations.
- Not ideal for those who want to sell their photos, use their photos for professional purposes, do wedding or portrait photography, or print them at larger sizes. Although at the high-end range (over $800) you can get professional quality results.
If after reading this you are leaning more towards a mirrorless or DSLR camera than a point-and-shoot one, I’d check out our mirrorless cameras for travel guide, guide to best DSLR cameras for travel, and this general camera guide.
If your are looking to give a camera as a gift, you might want to also check out our guide to the best gifts for photographers for more ideas.
What to Look for when Buying a Point-and-Shoot Camera for Travel
When you are shopping for a compact camera (or any type of camera), you might find yourself quickly overwhelmed by technical jargon and features, and wonder which of them is actually important. Here are some of the key features you should keep an eye out for when looking at and comparing various camera models.
Optical zoom
An optical zoom is one of the main reasons to invest in a compact camera over a smartphone, so obviously this is an important feature to look out for! The number in the optical zoom signifies the difference in zoom between the most zoomed out setting and the most zoomed in setting.
So for example, a camera with a 10x optical zoom will be able to make an object seem ten times larger from one end of it’s zoom range to the other. We’d suggest a zoom of at least 8x would be a good number to aim for.
Note that optical zooms are not always directly comparable between cameras. Two cameras can have a “10x” optical zoom, but one might make your subjects seem bigger. This is because the “10x” just refers to the difference between the zoomed out and zoomed in positions of the lens, and if one lens has a wider angle at its most zoomed out setting, then the zoomed in result will be different to a lens with a narrower wide angle.
Image stabilization
Image stablization is a really important feature for any camera to offer, and compact cameras are no exception.
Generally when we take pictures, and especially with compact cameras, we are likely to be holding them in our hands. And I don’t know about you, but I find it’s generally impossible to hold anything entirely still for any length of time.
Unfortunately, the motion produced by our hand movements can quickly translate into blurry images that aren’t sharp. Thankfully, image stabilization resolves this problem by compensating for small movements from our hands, and letting us produce images that are still sharp. This is particularly important when shooting in lower light conditions, as the camera has to use a lower shutter speed to let more light in, meaning movement is picked up on the images even more apparently.
It’s also important to have image stabilization when shooting zoomed in as the zoom exacerbates the motion a great deal. So you really want to be sure that any camera with a longer optical zoom, say 8x or higher, has good image stabilization.
Aperture rating
When it comes to compact cameras, you will often see talk of a camera’s aperture rating. Usually this is denoted as a sequence of number, say 3.5 – 5.6, and may also be written at f/3.5 – f5.6.
The aperture of a camera refers to the size of the hole inside the lens through which light passes through. In most cameras, this aperture is variable and the camera can change the size of the aperture to let more or less light in, depending on the scene.
As a rule of thumb, the smaller the aperture number, the bigger the actual aperture, and the more light the camera will be able to let in. This will lead to improved image quality, especially in low light situations, and wider apertures are a desirable feature.
If you see the aperture is labeled as something like 3.5 – 5.6, this means that the maximum aperture varies depending on the zoom. So at its most zoomed out setting, a camera may have a maximum (widest) aperture of 3.5, and when zoomed in, the maximum aperture will reduce to 5.6.
Overall, the wider the maximum aperture, the better, as this will let more light in. A maximum aperture of f/3.5 or higher would be ideal, with more expensive cameras offering apertures as wide as f/1.8.
Sensor size
The sensor inside the camera is the modern day equivalent of a piece of film, and this is the part of the camera which records the light and saves it as image data.
The size of the image sensor is directly related to the quality of the image the camera will produce, with larger sensors producing better images. So generally the larger the sensor, the better quality the photos will be, especially in lower light situations.
For a long time, most compact cameras had similarly sized smaller sensors, but as of 2012, 1 inch sensor camera have become more popular. These offer improved image quality and better low-light performance, although the cameras tend to be a little bit heavier and more expensive as a result.
RAW / Manual controls
If you would like to have a bit more control over your photography process, you might want to invest in a camera that offers manual controls and/or RAW image support.
Manual controls just mean that you can adjust the settings of the camera, and specifically shutter speed, aperture and ISO yourself. So if you want to have more control over your settings, this may be a feature you want.
RAW is a file format and describes how the camera saves the image data, and RAW is essentially an uncompressed unaltered version of the more common JPG or JPEG file format. But unlike JPG or JPEG files which can be used, shared, or printed directly, RAW files cannot be used directly and need to be opened through a program and edited in a software program like Lightroom in order to create a usable image.
If you don’t see yourself doing either of these features, and just want a point and shoot camera that does everything for you and produces usable images, these are unlikely to be features you should worry about paying extra to get. However, if you think that in the future you may want more control over your photography, you might invest in a camera with these features but you can set the camera in Auto mode and use JPG or JPEG images until that time.
Video features / 4K support
Although compact cameras are mainly used to take photos, most compact camera these days also features video support. So if you are comparing cameras and there doesn’t seem to be much between them, take a look at the video support which might be a way to tell them apart.
As a rule of thumb, cheaper cameras shoot in lower resolutions. 720p is usually the lowest resolution available, followed by 1080p and finally, the most modern compact cameras offer high resolution 4K support.
Shooting video is quite demanding for a camera, so only a camera with fast image processing hardware can shoot at higher resolutions like 1080p and 4K. If you are thinking about doing video, then you might want to invest in a camera with 4K video support.
WiFi / NFC
Many of the camera in this guide feature WiFi connectivity. WiFi connectivity isn’t critical but it is a handy feature that allows you to remotely control the camera and copy pictures from the camera to your smartphone or computer for easy sharing without having to use the camera cable or remove the memory card.
NFC (Near-Field Communications) is another technology that many cameras come with. This is a very short range wireless transmission technology that makes it easy to connect two devices together, such as when you want to pair your phone to your camera. This is definitely a “nice to have” but not a necessity, as you usually only need to pair your phone and your camera once, so I would definitely advise against worrying if a camera doesn’t have this one!
Battery life
Battery life is an often overlooked feature, but one that you will definitely start to care about when you find out that you camera dies after only taking 150 photos!
The battery life of compact cameras definitely varies a lot. It’s usually rated by number of shots the camera should be able to take in “average” conditions, although what exactly these conditions are is often a little vague. It’s always worth checking online reviews from real people to see if anyone reports noticeably lower battery life than that suggested by the manufacturer.
Generally you’ll want a camera that will go for around 300 shots or more per charge, although bear in mind that those big touch screens and additional features can drain batteries. Plus, you can always buy extra batteries quite easily, so don’t make this a deal breaker if it’s the only feature you’re not impressed by.
Size & Weight
Although most compact cameras are by nature fairly small and lightweight, there is a lot of variation in terms of size and weight of the cameras that are marketed as compact cameras. So it is important to still pay attention to the weight and dimension information, especially if size and/or weight is important to you.
Compact cameras often range between about 4 ounces (113 grams) and 14 ounces (396 grams) in weight, with the majority at 10 ounces or less. Cameras with larger sensors and more features are often heavier than more basic models.
In terms of size dimensions, most point-and-shoot cameras are 4 to 5 inches (102 mm to 127 mm) in width, 2 to 3 inches (50 mm to 76 mm) in height, and 1 to 2 inches (25 mm to 50 mm) in depth.
One of the reasons most people choose compact cameras is because they are smaller and more lightweight. The tradeoff, of course, is they lack some features that are common on mirrorless and DSLR cameras. So we’d look for cameras at 12 ounces or less. If you are OK with heavier and bulkier cameras, you might instead consider a mirrorless camera as you can find consumer-level mirrorless cameras in that weight range.
We list the weight for the camera as per Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA) standards which includes the approximate weight of the camera body with the camera battery and memory card.
The cameras on our list range between about 4 oz. (113 g) and 12 oz. (340 g). These camera can usually fit easily into large clothing pockets, small purses, backpack pockets, and fanny packs. They can also be comfortably worn with a camera strap around the neck or across the body.
Image burst shooting
Last on our list of features to look out for is burst rate, also known as continuous shooting or continuous frame rate. This refers to how many pictures the camera can take if you put it into burst mode, often used for capturing the moment when shooting action scenes.
Like video, continuous shooting requires high end camera hardware, and if a camera has a high burst rate, you can be fairly confident that the hardware inside is top notch. Of course, it’s not important for everyone and not a feature most people looking for a compact camera care too much about, but it can certainly be nice to have a better burst rate.
As an example of the difference, the Canon Elph 180 has a burst rate of 0.8 photos per second, which isn’t exactly great. The Sony RX100 VII on the other hand, can take 24 photos every second. Quite a difference!
The Best Compact Cameras for Travel Photography
Now we’re going to go through what we think are the ten best compact cameras for travel photography across a variety of price points. These are ordered by price, from least expensive to most expensive. For each pick, we’re going to share a little bit of detail of each model. This compact camera comparison will hopefully help you choose the perfect camera for you.
We have chosen point-and-shoot cameras that we think would be ideal for every budget. Note that our suggested starting price point is $100 USD and while there are some cheaper compact cameras out there, we think at that price point you would likely be better off sticking with your smartphone rather than investing in something that may not perform well.
Here is our list of the best point-and-shoot cameras for travel photography.
Note that many brands are no longer actively developing compact cameras and stock levels have started to become low for some models. Unfortunately, with the switch to smartphones, we don’t forsee this situation improving significantly any time soon.
1. Canon PowerShot ELPH 180
If price is your key consideration, then this Canon Powershot Elph is a great option. Both Jess and I’s first compact digital camera were from the Canon ELPH range. We were always impressed by the image quality and features given the price point.
With image stabilization, an 8x optical zoom, a variety of creative shooting modes, and positive reviews, this is a great entry level compact camera for those on a tighter budget. Very lightweight at only 4.44 ounces and will even fit into your pocket.
Note there’s a very similar model, the Elph 190. This has a slightly wider zoom range, and includes WiFi connectivity. It’s also marginally heavier and slightly more expensive.
Weight: ~ 4.44 ounces / 126 grams
Check price on Amazon here, B&H here, and Adorama here
2. Sony DSC-W830
Sony have an excellent reputation for building excellent cameras, and even at the lower end of the price spectrum this little compact camera offers a number of great features.
These include an 8x optical zoom, optical image stabilization, and a very compact form factor, all in a package which comes in at just over 4 ounces. Definitely a good option right at the budget end of the digital compact camera market.
Weight: ~ 4.23 oz / 120 g
Check price on Amazon here, B&H here, and Adorama here
3. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 is another excellent compact camera from Canon at a budget price point. With a 12x optical zoom and image stabilization, this model also offers a number of extra features over the lower end models, including Wi-Fi connectivity and NFC.
If you’re into video, this PowerShot also lets you shoot at 1080p high definition, which is a step up from the 720p of the Sony. The extra optical zoom is also nice. Lightweight at around 5 oz. Offers great value at this price point.
Weight: ~ 5.19 oz / 147 g
Check price on Amazon here, B&H here, and Adorama here
4. Sony Cybershot WX220
Our next compact camera recommendation is another Sony, this one offering a few more features at a slightly higher price point. The main focus on this camera is its small physical size – somehow this diminutive compact camera manages to fit a 10x optical zoom with image stabilization, Wi-Fi, and NFC into a package weighing just over 4 oz!
Definitely an excellent option if size is a primary concern. The image quality also receives positive feedback from reviewers.
Weight: ~ 4.27 oz / 121 g
Check price on Amazon here
5. Panasonic Lumix ZS70 / TZ90
Stepping up the price a little bit, this is the first entry on our list from Panasonic, who have a solid reputation for making excellent compact cameras. This ZS70 is no exception, and your extra money largely goes towards the lens as this camera offers an impressive 30x optical zoom lens. This makes it perfect for capturing the action even when it’s far away.
You also get a number of other features, including good low light performance, the option to shoot in RAW for more control over your images, and an advanced optical stabilization system.
This is also the first compact camera in our list to feature an electronic viewfinder, which can make taking photos in brighter conditions easier.
It does come in at a little over 11 oz when you add the battery and memory card, but considering the size of the zoom, this might be a worthwhile compromise. This is our pick for the best compact camera at this price point.
Note that the Panasonic Lumix ZS70 is the same as the Panasonic Lumix TZ90 which is the camera model name in some markets such as the UK.
Weight: ~ 11.3 oz / 322 g
Check price on Amazon here, B&H here, and Adorama here
6. Sony RX100
The Sony RX100 line of compact cameras marked a shift in compact camera thinking when first released in 2012, as it was one of the first compact cameras to feature a “1-inch” sensor. This larger sensor meant better quality images and better performance in low light situations, and the camera was named best invention of the year in 2012 by Time Magazine.
Since its release, seven models of the RX100 have been released, but if you look around you can still pick up the original, and to be honest, it’s an absolute bargain for what you get. With full manual controls, a 3.6x optical zoom, and a weight of 8.5 oz, this is a great compact travel camera for the price.
Weight: ~ 8.47 oz / 240 g
Check price on Amazon here
7. Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
As with the Sony RX100, the well regarded PowerShot G9 Mark X II compact camera from Canon features a 1-inch sensor, offering good low-light performance and superb image quality.
The G9 X Mark II only features a 3x optical zoom. However, it has a wealth of manual controls, RAW support and a touch screen, as well as fast burst shooting and Wi-Fi support. All this fits in a package that weighs just over 7 ounces. If image quality means more to you than optical zoom, this is a good deal. This would be our pick for the best compact camera in this price range.
Weight: ~ 7.26 oz / 206 g
Check price on Amazon here, B&H here, and Adorama here
8. Canon PowerShot SX740 HS
If optical zoom is more important to you than a large image sensor, then the Canon PowerShot SX740 should definitely be on your compact travel camera shortlist.
This model offers a remarkable 40x optical zoom, image stabilization, 4K video support, the ability to shoot at a fast 10 frames per second as well as a tilting LCD screen. It also offers manual controls, but no RAW support. That optical zoom does increase the weight a bit though, to just over 10 ounces.
Weight: ~ 10.55 oz / 299 g
Check price on Amazon here, B&H here, and Adorama here
9. Panasonic Lumix ZS200 / TZ200
The last few cameras in our compact travel camera round up are somewhat more expensive, but you certainly get what you pay for, with near professional level features and image quality in remarkably small formats.
First is the Panasonic Lumix ZS200. This is Panasonic’s flagship 1-inch sensor compact camera, and it features an impressive 15x optical zoom with image stabilization, 4K video recording, a touch enabled LCD, WiFi connectivity, and a digital viewfinder. All that functionality does add a bit to the weight, which is around 12 ounces.
If you have the budget, this would definitely be our pick for the best point and shoot camera under $1,000.
Note that the Panasonic Lumix ZS200 is the same camera as the Panasonic Lumix TZ200. It just marked under different names in different markets.
Weight: ~ 11.9 oz / 340 g
Check price on Amazon here, B&H here, and Adorama here
10. Canon G5X Mark II
New in 2019 from Canon is the Canon G5X Mark II, one of Canon’s premium compact camera options.
The G5X Mark II features a 20.2MP 1 inch sensor, a 5x optical zoom optically stabilised lens with a wide f/1.8 – f/2.8 aperture, meaning this will perform relatively well in low light situations.
There’s a tilting touchscreen as well as a popup electronic viewfinder. The camera can shoot in RAW continuously at 20fps as well as 30fps in burst mode, and there are full manual controls as well.
There’s 4K video support, a built-in flash, as well as both bluetooth and wifi connectivity. It comes in at 12 oz, and has a rated battery life of 230 shots. You can charge the camera in battery via USB, and it also comes with an external battery charger so you have the option of both.
Weight: ~ 11.9 oz / 340 g
Check price on Amazon here, B&H here, and Adorama here
11. Sony RX100 VII
At the top of Sony’s RX100 range is the RX100 VII. Released in August 2019, this offers a 1-inch sensor alongside an 8x stabilized optical zoom, world-leading autofocus performance, 24fps burst shooting, 4K video recording. and WiFi video connectivity. It also has RAW support and full manual controls.
Naturally, image quality is superb, and the camera manages to fit all this into a package that weighs just over 10 oz. It can’t quite match the optical zoom of the Panasonic Lumix TZ200, but it certainly has an impressive pedigree.
We currently have a prior version of this camera, the Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 V, and can recommend this model if you are looking for something less expensive. It’s a great compact camera.
Weight: ~ 10.7 oz / 302 g
Check price on Amazon here, B&H here, and Adorama here
**You can also see all the compact cameras we recommend above in a single page on Amazon here with current prices for an easy and handy reference.**
Tips for Taking the Best Photos with a Compact Camera
Now that you’ve hopefully decided on the best point-and-shoot camera for you, we wanted to share a few tips for getting the most out of your new compact camera. We also have a guide to using a compact camera here, which you might find helpful.
Learn how to use your camera properly
I always think that you will get more out of your equipment if you understand the various features, modes, and buttons that it offers. Whilst the idea behind a point and shoot is to make your photography life easier, every camera has a variety of features that can help you take better photos. We’d suggest having a look through your camera’s owner’s manual, or looking online for information about your particular camera model.
It is also important that you understand how to enable and disable features on your camera if required. For example, when traveling there are often restrictions on the use of flash photography, especially in museums which house valuable art and objects that can be damaged by light. Flash is often set as automatic on compact cameras so being able to disable and enable features like this can be really important.
Finally, learning the limitation of your camera can be the difference between frustration and understanding. For example, point-and-shoot cameras are not usually great in low-light situations, so if you are trying to take photos in a dark room or at night, you are probably not going to get the most ideal photo. However, you can compensate for limitations such as this one by using a tripod or finding a low light mode that helps.
Learn how to compose a great photo
Many people think that the better a camera, the better the photo will be. This is untrue. Someone who knows how to compose a great photo can usually get good results, regardless of their photography gear.
Photography composition is the art of understanding what makes a good photo, and how to place your subjects, using ideas such as the rule of thirds, color, and leading lines. Check out our full guide to photography composition for more ideas.
Learn some basic editing techniques
In the case of point-and-shoot cameras, especially if you are shooting in JPG, for the most part, images will look good straight out of the camera. However, you might want to learn some basic photo editing techniques so you can do things like crop images, straighten photos, fix red eyes, adjust the lighting, and so on.
For editing on smartphones or tablets, we highly recommend Snapseed (Android app version / iOS version), which is an excellent free photo editing tool app. On computers, your camera may come with free editing software or you can a free online editor like Canva or one like PicMonkey (small monthly fee).
Or for more serious editing, we recommend investing in something like Adobe PhotoShop or Lightroom. You can see our list of paid and free photo editors to decide what might be best for you.
Take advantage of the light
Photography is the art of capturing the light, but did you know that not all light is the same when it comes to photography? For example, the light at the start and the end of the day, around sunset and sunrise, is generally softer and warmer, and results in more pleasing images. In contrast to this, the light in the middle of the day is usually a bit harsher and less flattering.
As well as time of day, direction, and availability of light is important. Generally, the more light that is illuminating a subject the better. If the sun is covered by clouds and you can wait until the clouds move, you will generally get a better photo with more color and pop. Although the sun is a photographer’s friend, you will generally want to avoid shooting directly into the sun as this will result in very high contrast photos.
Consider getting some camera accessories
Although you won’t need as many accessories as larger cameras, there are still a few extras you’ll likely want to consider:
- Extra batteries and memory cards. To ensure you can use your camera all day while out traveling, you’ll want to keep spare memory cards and batteries (and maybe your charger) handy. For the best performance of your memory card (and to keep from having to replace it a lot), we recommend getting a larger and faster one, we use these ones. Also remember that in cold weather, batteries will drain faster and you can check out these cold weather photography tips.
- Camera case to store the camera and protect it when not in use, particularly recommended for those using it as a travel camera. We recommend a protective case like this one (we use the large version of this one for our Sony RX100 V) or this one that will easily fit where you need it (e.g., purse) and store your camera plus your most used accessories (e.g., spare batteries, cable, and memory cards). Some cases come with shoulder or neck strap and a way to affix to a belt or belt buckle.
- You probably won’t need a camera strap with a lightweight compact camera. However, if you choose a heavier model or prefer to have your camera around your neck when traveling, a camera strap might be a good investment. Many of the colorful iMo straps are great for more lightweight cameras.
- If you want to enhance your photography, you might want to consider a tripod. A tripod can help you shoot in low light conditions, capture better photos of yourself, and take better couple photos when traveling. Although a bulky tripod is not ideal for traveling, you can get a foldable mini-tripod like this one that can fit into a purse or backpack. We have a travel tripod guide to help you explore your options.
Think about taking a photography course
Finally, photography is very much a skill that benefits from practice and training, and one of the best way to improve is to take a photography class or workshop. Laurence teaches a popular online travel photography course which allow you to learn at your own pace while getting personalized feedback. The course will teach you everything you need to know about taking better travel photos, and it even has a whole lesson dedicated to how to get better photos with a compact camera.
Whether you decide to take a course or not, one of the best ways to improve your photography is to practice, practice, practice. Don’t just dust off your compact camera when its time to take a vacation or capture a special event. Take your camera with you to family outings, hikes, cafes, museums, sporting events, and even while out walking the dog.
Take the time to look through your photos with a critical eye, and you’ll naturally see improvement with more practice. Practice, experiment, and have fun!
And that’s it for our advice on choosing the best compact camera for travel! Hope this helps give you if you are looking for a compact camera or trying to take better photos with your point-and-shoot camera.
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Do you have any of your own tips or advice choosing or use a point-and-shoot camera? Have a questions about compact cameras or travel photography? If so, just let us know in the comments below!
Anne Post author
Hi! I am planning a trip to the UK in September, and I have heard it can be quite a wet climate at that time. I will be traveling through Scotland and Ireland and I am looking for a camera that takes landscape pictures and video as well as good pictures of the numerous attractions I will be touring. Ease of use and battery life are of a higher priority. What camera would you recommend for me?
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Anne,
Yes, it can be quite wet here in the UK and Ireland so it is good to consider that when packing both your clothing as well as your gear. So for a camera, most compact cameras have little or no real weatherproofing (generally the best weather proofing and sealing is on the larger and more expensive camera models). So they are not designed for being used in the rain and can get water trapped inside if they get rained on or submerged in water. But you can easily prepare for this by simply having a waterproof camera case, bag, or even a sealable dry bag or Ziploc bag with you so you can always put it in there to protect it. Many camera bags and cases come with an included raincover if they are not waterproof.
So if it is raining hard or blowing rain and have a camera without any weathersealing, we’d probably recommend putting away and protecting your camera. But if it is just drizzling/sprinkling you can often still shoot if under an unbrella, camera rain cape, awning, etc. But to be honest, if it is pouring down rain, you are unlikely to get any good shots anyway 😉
So in terms of cameras, it really depends on your budget. But if you want a general recommendation of a mid-range compact camera, we’d suggest considering perhaps this Panasonic Lumix compact camera, which offers 380 shot battery life, has a great zoom, 20.3 megapixel sensor, and is pretty easy to use. Gets good reviews. But if you would like more suggestions, just let us know your budget.
Hope that helps, and just let us know if you have any further questions as you choose a camera and plan your trip to Scotland & Ireland!
Best,
Jessica
Friadon Kader Post author
Hi
I fully injoid your article, many useful subjects. I haven’t read the comments. I have a comment about choosing a compact/point-and-shoot camera which is”GPS” built. I did not see any referring to GPS in your article, it is very crucial to geotag any photo or video. I am looking for a compact/point and shoot camera with a focus on some criteria as: must be compact, GPS build-in, an optical zoom greater than 10, touch screen “3´”, wifi, good aperture and finally a price up to 800 $.
Best
Friadon
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Friadon,
So as you have observed, very few compact cameras these days come with GPS built in, and so it wasn’t a criteria we included as you will have a hard time finding a newer cameras with this feature. It was a popular feature a few years ago, but most manufacturers no longer include it as most users didn’t use it and so to save cost they leave it out. This is the same for larger cameras as well. We also like to geotag our images, so appreciate this is a bit frustrating.
The main issue with built-in GPS is that it uses a lot of battery so was mainly a feature on DSLRs as they typically don’t use as much battery as mirrorless and compact cameras. For example, the DSLR camera bodies we own have built-in GPS but neither our mirrorless or compact cameras offer this feature.
The good news is that many camera manufacturers still allow you to geotag your photos by pairing the camera with a smartphone, and then the app adds geotagging information from the phone as you go. This is an extra step you have to remember to do, but it does work, and is what we currently do with our mirrorless camera which does not have built-in WiFi. So you will just need to check to see if the manufacturer and camera you choose supports this and has an app that can do the geotagging.
Some example, cameras that include this functionality are various Sony compact cameras including the Sony RX-100 VII, RX100 VI, DSC-WX800, DSC-WX700, DSC-HX99, DSC-HX95. It’s also supported on the Panasonic ZS200. Other brands like Canon should also support it but you would need to check.
Based on your requirements, I would say the Panasonic ZS200 might be the best option, it has a 1 inch sensor, 15x optical zoom, relatively wide aperture and a touch screen. It’s also under budget. The other option would be the RX100 VI, which has similar features but it is more expensive. Performance on both is quite similar in most situations.
Hope this helps!
Laurence
Friadon Kader Post author
Hi Jessica & Laurence Norah
Thanks a lot to you wherever you are on this planet. Your information is clear and useful. I came to a lot closer to decide my next camera. Especially these criteria as an app helps to geotag, compact form, 3´ inch touch, excellent optical zoom, wide aperture, 4k and at last under my budget is exactly what I am looking for. Sony cameras are excellent but usually overpriced everywhere even in my country Denmark. But the “Panasonic ZS200” might be the proper choice for me at this time. last week I spent a lot of time finding a camera close to all my preferences, but now I have this option Panasonic ZS200 from you. Usually, I am using my smartphone while I am travelling I enjoy plotting my photos on a google map “Coordinates and names” thanks to the GPS in the smartphone. But as we know smartphones are proper for taking photos to close, up to 7-10 meters away.
Greeting
Friadon
Laurence Post author
Hi Friadon,
Glad to hear it was helpful! We hope you enjoy your new camera 🙂
Best
Laurence & Jess
Friadon Post author
Hi Laurence & Jess
Thanks for your time and assistance, good luck.
Best
Friadon
Zeb Grassi Post author
great post, a bit overwhelmed though as don’t know much about cameras. Just want a pocket camera that has decent zoom and fairly easy to use so can get good photos when traveling on an upcoming trip. Budget for camera up to around $500 or less. Live in USA. thanks for your kind assistance.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Zeb,
I would recommend taking a look at the Panasonic ZS70. Based on what you are wanting, it sounds like it would be a good option, it is compact, has good image quality, good zoom, and comes in under your budget.
Hope that helps. If you have any further questions, just let us know!
Best,
Jessica
Pam Post author
Not sure what the update was, since nearly every camera is out of stock. Shame, because I thought the assessment was terrific and would have like to see more of your work. However, based on the comment dates this information is 4 years old, and there’s been plenty of changes since then.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Pam,
This post was updated earlier this year. These are our latest recommendations for compact cameras. All the links worked fine when we checked today.
Unfortunately, the compact camera segment has become a little stagnant over the past years as consumers switch to smartphones or more powerful options. We checked all the cameras on our list and they are all showing as in stock on Amazon. B&H has less stock, but they don’t tend to focus on compact cameras, and there have been worldwide supply chain issues which are likely also contributing to that. But it will depend on where you live but if you live in US, Canada, Japan, or most of Europe, you should be able to get most of these camera models online. It can be a bit harder in other markets as it is with all types of cameras.
Some of the cameras we list have been discontinued by the manufacturer, but we keep them on the list while there is stock available and either a) they haven’t released an upgraded version or b) the upgraded version doesn’t offer significant improvements (such as the Panasonic ZS70 to ZS80) that make it worth paying more for.
We do keep this post up to date, as we strive to with all our content, however the reality is that there hasn’t been a lot new to recommend when it comes to compact cameras over the last couple of years, and as such our current recommendations still stand.
Which compact cameras are you interested in and where do you live? We are happy to try to see if we can help point in the right direction where you can purchase the camera of interest or suggest an alternative if it is not available in your particular region of the world.
Best,
Jessica & Laurence
Anna Post author
Great article!
I have the Sony DSC-W830 and we love it. It’s very compact and cheap too! We bring it anywhere and let the kids use it. Will definitely consider the other cameras on this list, though.
Stay safe and cool!
Cheers!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Anna,
Thanks for taking the time to let us know that you enjoyed our compact cameras for travel article!
Glad you like your Sony DSC-W830. Sony makes nice compact cameras and that is definitely one of the better priced on our list. It was released in 2014, so there are definitely better models out there when you need to upgrade or replace it, but that camera sounds like it is great for your current needs!
If you have any questions about point-and-shoot cameras just let us know!
Best,
Jessica
william henry Post author
I love travelling and want to buy this compact camera. Thanks for share!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi William,
Glad our compact camera guide was helpful in choosing a camera – if you have any questions about a specific camera, just let us know!
Best,
Jessica
Steve martin Post author
Thanks for such an amazing blog, great information about compact cameras.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Steve,
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and let us know it was helpful. If you are looking for a new compact camera and have any questions, feel free to ask!
Best,
Jessica
John Post author
Hi Cats, I am looking for a camera at the moment and I’m finding it very difficult to choose the right one. I love your photos and I’m very interested in what you use to take them. I have a few questions I hope you can answer.
1) What camera models do you use for this website and in what situations do you use each of the cameras? I would love to be able to associate a camera to a picture if possible.
2) If you could only use one camera from a number of cameras you own which one would it be and why?
3) Which camera do you use the most?
4) Which camera do you love the most and if you don’t use it the most why is that?
5) If you’re looking at upgrading to another model of camera(s) at the moment which model(s) are they?
6) I have looked at your photos in more detail and have noticed that you have managed to reduce photo file sizes to a very small size (like 65KB and under) and still have the pictures looking great. What software do you use to reduce the file size? I only seem to be able to reduce down to 80-100KB at the most before a noticeable drop in quality. Can you tell me the settings you typically use in your software package to reduce the file size down to these very small file sizes.
7) At the moment I am torn between a camera with a larger sensor (1 inch) or a better zoom (30x or 40x). If you had to choose a camera based on having one of these advantages alone and giving up the other, which would you prefer to have?
By the way this website is awesome. I look forward to exploring more of it. All the best, John
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi John,
We have used a variety of cameras to take photos on Independent Travel Cats and Finding the Universe as photos span over a 10 year timeline! So these are no easy answer to that question as it depends on the specific photo as we have used over 10 different cameras. You can check here, for a list of all the travel photography and camera gear we are currently using.
But in general, the camera we use most during our travels is a Canon EOS 6D, this is a DSLR camera so I would guess most photos were taken with that camera across our two travel blogs. But for example, in this post, all the photos (those that are not photos of compact cameras) were taken with a compact camera since it is a post about compact cameras.
But our go-to camera is the Canon EOS 6D as we both have one of these which makes it easy to share lenses. It has a full frame sensor and takes great photos and is a camera we both enjoy using. However, for most people wanting an all-around travel camera, we’d generally recommend a smaller camera such as a mirrorless camera since they are generally more travel friendly.
There is no one best camera for travel, but you should choose one that best fits your needs, how you plan to use, where you plan to use, and your budget. The more important thing is learning how to use your camera to the best of its ability.
The last camera we bought was a Sony RX100 V compact camera. I am not sure what our next camera might be, but perhaps a Canon mirrorless camera. This year’s EOS R5 and R6 releases look very exciting and we hope to get a chance to check them out at this year’s Photography Show.
Image sizing can be a complicated topic, and comes down to both compression and file size. We do almost our editing and exporting through Adobe Lightroom and then further compression through WordPress plugins. Laurence has written about some of this in his guide to image compression here.
Whether you prioritize a large sensor or long zoom really depends on the type of photography you want to do. A larger sensor is better in lower light situations, whereas a longer zoom is better for wildlife and shooting things in the distance. So there’s no one size fits all, it just depends on the type of photos you want to take
It sounds like you have a lot of questions around photography, and we’d definitely recommend checking out Laurence’s Online Photography Course where he covers the basics of photography, how to choose a camera and camera gear, mobile photography, photo editing, advanced techniques, and much more. You also have access to unlimited help from Laurence and a group of like-minded individuals interested in photography.
Hope that helps!
Best,
Jessica
John Post author
Hi Jessica, thanks for the great response. I have signed up for your Online Photography Course which looks fantastic so consider me one of the family now. All the best, John
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi John,
Awesome to hear, and glad to have you aboard 😉 I think you’ll find the course, the assignments, the private Facebook group, and everything really helpful!
Best,
Jessica
Eli Post author
HI and thank you for this informative article.
We are looking for a camera and would like your advice:
this are the features that are important to us:
1. large zoom
2. large sensor
3. under 500$
4. easy to handle in auto mode
These are the cameras we were looking at, would like to know your advice which would give us the best results:
Sony RX100 I, PANASONIC LUMIX ZS100,
Canon PowerShot SX530 (small sensor), Canon PowerShot G9 (small zoom), Canon PowerShot SX740 (small sensor)
Please advise either between those 5 or if you have a different camera in mind
Thank you so much!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Eli,
We are happy to help! Based on what you want in a compact camera and price point, I would say the only really contender out of those is the Panasonic Lumix ZS100.
The RX100 I has a small zoom (up until the RX100 VI model the zoom is only 3x). You have already done a great job of highlighting the shortcomings of some of the cameras you have picked, and I believe the ZS100 is really the only camera that really meets all your criteria from your list.
So I think the Panasonic Lumix ZS100 is an excellent choice available at a great price, and I think you’ll be happy with it. Feel free to follow-up and let us know what you decide and how you like it.
Best,
Laurence
Eli Post author
Thank you!
I will
Eli Post author
Hi again, Just before I buy – how about the PANASONIC LUMIX FZ1000
it has larger zoom and same sensor, a bit more expensive but still in the budget.
What do you think?
Thank you again so much
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Eli
The Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 is a much larger camera, more similar in size to a small DSLR rather than a compact camera. It is a bridge camera so it does not have interchangeable lenses, so in that way it is similar to a compact camera.
But if you are OK with the size and weight of the PANASONIC LUMIX FZ1000, you do get a much longer optical zoon and it will have slightly better image quality and capabilities in low light. But since this is not a compact camera, the two are not directly comparable.
So I think if you are considering those two, you’ll have to decide between the increased features versus the size/weight.
Hope that helps!
Jessica
Dave Post author
Awesome article; the only thing that needs (IMO) rectifying is entering camera weight in grams as weird ounces just don’t cut it. I’m leaning towards Panasonic zs100 but still deciding. Hmm.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Dave,
We will add more of the measurements in grams in a future revision for those who are not familiar with ounces 😉 But it is easy to convert as 1 ounce equals about 28 grams.
The Panasonic ZS100 is a good camera with a nice optical zoom and a decent price. Just let us know if you have any questions as you try to decide on a compact camera!
Best,
Jessica
Lyn Post author
Great information! I am struggling to decide what type of compact camera to buy .( even after your wonderful post ) I want a zoom but also good image quality. Would probably only print to 8 x 10 ( possible 11 x17 max ) . If you had to choose which would you recommend , Panasonic Lumix SZ70 or PowerShot SX740. Which has better image quality. Also does Lumix ZS 200 have noticeably better image at 8 x 10 ( 11×17) to warrant twice the price .,
Thanks so much , Lyn
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Lyn,
Between the Panasonic Lumix SZ70 and the Canon Powershot SX740, we would recommend the Lumix SZ70. It has more manual controls, RAW support, a touch screen, and a viewfinder. While it doesn’t have quite as much optical zoom as the Canon, image quality on the Canon tends to drop off at those longer zooms anyway.
For printing, the Lumix ZS70 (and most cameras on the market) would be fine at that size. Choosing the Lumix ZS200 might make sense if you plan on doing more indoor or low light photography when the larger sensor will make a more noticeable difference to your images – they should be less grainy. However, for more general outdoor photography where there is plenty of light I don’t think you would notice much difference that would justify the much higher price tag, it is certainly not twice as good!
Hope that helps!
Jessica & Laurence
Lyn Post author
Thank you, that helps a lot !
Rob Post author
Ease of use is really important if you not a “serious” photographer. Which of your recommendations are the easiest to use out of the box. My spouse would like something compact and better than her iPhone camera. She sees me struggling to remember how to use my Sony RX100 VI with all its manual options. We would like something that is compact, has a good sensor, has a good optical capabilities, and just a few important manual controls.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Rob,
In terms of those that are most simple to use, most compact cameras are designed to be able to used out of the box and in “Auto” only mode. So most of the cameras will get the settings correct or close to correct when taking a shot most of the time.
If you want a larger sensor, I’d look at the last 3 cameras on the list (by Canon, Panasonic, and Sony). We have the Sony RX100 camera and we find it usually does well just in Auto Mode (or in a setting such as Aperture Priority mode) and has a 1 inch sensor. So someone could probably use the camera that way most of time and still get good photos. But if you want something with less buttons/controls, then you’ll want to look at the less expensive options but then they will have reduced sized sensors. So the compact cameras with larger sensors usually have more manual controls and are geared to more professional users, so you’ll likely have to balance those two wants.
I’d let her have a go with just using your Sony first since you already have it and just set it in Auto and see what she thinks. Also knowing her likes and dislikes on handling that camera may help give you some tips for finding a better one that would suit her.
Another idea if mirrorless cameras are also in consideration is the Fujifilm AX-5 as it is one of the most compact mirrorless cameras. It is also supposed to work really great in Auto and is marketed as a good camera for those looking for a step up from a smartphone.
Hope that helps, and happy to help further if you have more questions.
Best,
Jessica
Jenny Post author
Hello, Which Point and Shoot Camera would you recommend that shows a date printed right on the photo ? We like to see a date on the pictures. Thanks
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Jenny,
Several compact cameras do offer the option to add the date stamp on the photos, but many do not. We know that most (perhaps all) of the Canon Powershot ELPH cameras offer this option, including the Canon ELPH 180. Same with the Sony RX100 range of compact cameras. For instance, I just double-checked and this is a setting available in our Sony RX100 V. So I would just check the specific model before making a purchase if this is a feature you really want.
If there is a specific camera you are considering or a specific budget range, happy to try to check for you.
However, we would generally recommend against adding the print stamps into your print settings in your camera as it will be permanently added to your image, and you’ll never have the option to remove it or change it. So just be sure you will want it on the photos before turning the feature on. You can, of course, change it and turn it on for some photos and off for others. Also be sure that the date and time are correctly set in your camera first (and when traveling you may need to manually change this) before using the feature.
A more flexible option would be to do this with photo editing software or a plugin. For example, free software like FastStone lets you batch add this to your images, which you can save as a copy.
Best,
Jessica
Jenny Post author
Thanks Jessica. Your reply was very helpful. We do want the date stamp. We are looking at 3 different camera’s.
Out of these 3 Camera’s wish would you recommend as the best one for us to purchase:
Canon Power Short G7 Mark II
Nikon Coolpix A1000
Samsung WB350F
We are trying to stay away from Sony. We weren’t happy with the last Sony we purchased. We like Panasonic too.
Thank you so much.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Jenny,
You’re very welcome 😉
So of the three you mentioned, I believe that they all include the option to add the date stamp imprint except for the Canon G7 X Mark II. However, the newer version of this camera, the Canon G7 X Mark III does have this as a feature. So that would be an option if you want to go with a Canon camera.
In terms of the best performing cameras of the three, we would probably recommend either the Canon Powershot G7 X Mark III or the Nikon Coolpix A1000. The Samsung camera is quite a bit older, so the technology is a little bit dated and Samsung has stopped producing cameras.
The Canon has the advantage of a larger sensor, meaning higher quality images and better performance in low light. However, it only has a 3x zoom, which is not a lot. The Nikon Coolpix has the smaller sensor, but the longer zoom (35x), which is quite a big difference. If you often take photos of far away subjects, the Coolpix A1000 would be a better choice of these two.
So if the larger sensor and image quality is more important, we’d probably say the Canon. If the zoom is being able to take pictures of subjects that are further away, then we’d probably say to go for the Nikon. The Nikon Coolpix is also a lot less expensive if price is a concern.
Hope that helps!
Jessica
Pat Scussel Post author
A very interesting and on-target article. Traveling with a pocketable camera really enhances the quality of a trip. I have used a Canon G7X Mark ii for years and have stunning travel photos framed on my walls. The G7X is truly an advanced feature-rich camera well beyond less expensive P&S cameras. It’s f 1.2-2.8 up to 100 mm lens, minor in-camera raw processing, hand held night shooting, and so much more – and its size make it a terrific travel camera. It can still be purchased for a very reasonable price.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Pat,
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and share you experience with the Canon G7X Mark II. So glad that it has been a great compact camera for you and yes, there is something to be said for cameras that are lightweight and easy to fit into a pocket or bag. They certainly are more likley to come on daily outings and travels than a larger camera.
We definitely think the Canon Powershot G Range makes some great compact cameras that pack a lot of features in for a reasonable price point. It is also great that there are a lot of past and recent versions available at different price points.
Best,
Jessica
Kat Post author
Hi, I am looking for a camera with decent quality picture and decent zoom with in budget. I found the Panasonic Lumix DCZS80 and Canon G7 X Mark II within my budget. Could you please give an advice that which one I should go with.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Kat,
The Canon Powershot G7X Mark 2 has a larger sensor and will generally get better photos in a range of situations, including low light, compared to the ZS80.
However, the ZS80 has a much longer zoom and also supports 4k video recording.
If you are primarily going to be using the camera in outdoor and well-lit situations, the ZS80 would be fine and the zoom will likely come in handy. However, for portraits, indoor shooting, and times when there is generally less light available, the Canon will get better images, with the trade off that there is less zoom.
So I’d probably base your decision on whether the sensor size or zoom is most important to you. Hope that helps, and let us know if you have further questions!
Laurence
Lisa Nussbaum Post author
Thank you so much for this guide! I am traveling to Costa Rica where I will be taking pictures in the rain forest as well as river rafting and zip lining. I am looking for a small light-weight durable digital camera with wifi capabilities and a viewfinder – I got used to it on me DSLR and find it much more difficult to look at the LCD panel. My budget is under $1000. The most important aspect to me is picture quality. Do you have any thoughts?L
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Lisa,
Your Costa Rica trip sounds exciting! For river rafting specifically, we’d recommend taking a waterproof camera like an action camera or a camera with waterproof casing to avoid potential damage from the water. Some cameras are weather sealed, so can handle a bit of rain, but not the sort of immersion you could get from river rafting. An action camera would also be a choice for ziplining as they are designed for that sort of activity and can be attached to your head, chest, wrist, etc.
Having said that, if it’s a compact camera you are after then the best option at your price point would probably be the Sony RX100 range. These have larger sensors than most compact cameras and offer great image quality for the size. You can even get an underwater housing for it if you wanted to make it fully waterproof, although these are a bit pricey.
The RX100 has a viewfinder and wifi capabilities, although the viewfinder is electronic. You won’t find an optical viewfinder on anything other than a DSLR.
Hope this helps – let us know if we can help any further!
Laurence & Jessica
J. Johnson Post author
This was a very well written and informative article. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
I am having a hard time finding a point-and-shoot camera that fits all of my requirements. I would really appreciate advise.
I want the camera mostly for candid shots of my children. I’d like it for pictures of them playing inside, at home, and outside on playgrounds, for birthday parties, Christmas morning, Easter egg hunts, etc. I also plan it to use at zoos, water parks, hiking, etc.
Unlike the majority of people, I really, really dislike bokeh and would prefer for as much of the picture to be in focus as possible. (This is the most difficult requirement for me because I don’t really understand what specs I should look for to get pictures that lack bokeh.)
I would like an optical and an electronic viewfinder.
I would like it to have image stabilization.
It is very important me that it delivers amazing picture resolution and that it can take pictures quickly.
The ability would to take RAW pictures would be an added bonus.
I’d like a big zoom, but I also need it to take good pictures in low light because my house is often dark due to small windows and poor lighting. I realize that there will be a trade off with zoom and low light capabilities.
I know that to give me everything I’d like to have, the camera will likely not be cheap, and that I may have to concede on some requirements. Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you for your time!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi J.!
Thanks very much. So you certainly know what you want, which always makes things easier.
In terms of bokeh, this happens when you shoot at wider apertures, usually between f/1.8 and f/4. These wider apertures let more light in, and also give a more shallow depth of field, which generates that bokeh effect that many photographers love.
So if you don’t want bokeh, you want a camera that shoots at narrower apertures. To be honest, this is easier to do than you would think as it’s the wider apertures that are usually harder to engineer.
However, there is an issue shooting at narrower apertures. Less light enters the camera when the aperture is smaller, which means you either need to shoot at slower shutter speeds (potentially resulting is blurry images) or at a higher ISO (resulting in noisier images). You can read more about how aperture, shutter speed and ISO work together in my guide to the exposure triangle.
In essence, what you want is a camera with a decent optical zoom and a reasonably sized sensor. The larger sensor will help offset shooting at smaller apertures. Another option is to get an external flash unit to provide more light, although that’s a whole other conversation.
In terms of compact cameras that will do what you want, the only model I can really recommend would be the Sony RX100 VI or VII. These both have all the features you are looking for, with the exception of the optical and electronic viewfinder. No compact camera has a true optical viewfinder – only DSLR cameras have optical viewfinders. If you mean a viewfinder you can put your eye to, the Sony does have that, but it is an electronic screen inside the viewfinder. The zoom is also reasonable, although again it’s hard to find a compact camera with a long zoom and large sensor – the physics just doesn’t work out.
I hope this helps – let us know if you have further questions after taking a look at the above!
Laurence
Fermin Lopez Post author
I congratulations on the article. I own an old Lumix GF3 with an automated 14-42 lens. I use the camera mostly for outdoor activities like mountaineering. I am planning to renew it and from the lesson learned I am looking for a camera with viewfinder and a good optical zoom (in the range 20x to 30x). But from what i have read, i appears that I have to buy again a Lumix, as others cameras with viewfinder (sony) have a smaller zoom. Am I Right? I would consider Sony should they have a zoom like 15x, but if I am not mistaken they all have optical zooms 3,6X. What do you think? Are there any other options to consider?
Thank you very much
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Fermin,
So there are some options for you, depending on how much you are willing to spend and your weight requirements.
The two options I would first suggest would be either the Sony RX100 VII or Sony RX100 VI, both of which have a viewfinder and an 8.3x optical zoom. Then there’s the Lumix Panasonic ZS200, which has a 15x optical zoom.
Those cameras feature a 1 inch sensor, which gives higher image quality than the average compact camera.
If those are a bit expensive, the Lumix ZS70 is another option to consider. It has a smaller sensor, but a 30x optical zoom.
If you don’t mind carrying something a bit bigger, then the Powershot G3X has a one inch sensor and a 25x optical zoom. It’s also weather sealed. An electronic viewfinder is not included as standard, but you can get one as an add-on feature.
Hopefully one of these options works for you – if not, let us know your budget and size requirements and we can come up with some more options!
Laurence
Demir Özkaya Post author
Dear jessica and Laurance,
First of all many thanks for your very informative and very well structured article, which is one of the best i have read about compact cameras on the web.
I am traveling a lot and considering to buy a compact camera with good zoom facility with the aim of printing some good images in A3 size, taking some videos and sharing some images with my friends. I have a Nikon Coolpix 7100 but if it comes to snapshots from distance or in less light, my images are not so satisfactory. Maybe i cannot master my camera. Beside them it has no wifi facility. So i am considering to buy a new one. I was thinking of getting Canon Powershot SX 740. But in shop i have seen another Canon camera SX70 HS in the size of mirrorless cameras but with 65X optical zoom. It’s heavier and bigger than 740 but it has a good viewfinder, which is a very important feature for taking zoom photos in outdoor and suny weather i think.
Which camera should i buy or do you recommend another one considering that i have a budget of 550$. Or should i use my Nikon and wait for sometime to other new opportunities?
All the best
Demir Özkaya 28th July,2019
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Dear Demir,
Thank you very much, we are pleased to have been able to help. So the two cameras you mention should both produce images that can be printed up to A3 size; however, many cameras will struggle to produce images in low light, and both of these cameras will likely have the same issues. If you want to do low light photography, the best option on a budget is to invest in a tripod.
Of the two cameras you mention, I would say that the only real advantage of the SX70 is the longer zoom, as it has the same size sensor as the SX740. The viewfinder is also a definite benefit.
If you want better low light performance, you would need a camera with a larger sensor, however, these usually have less zoom and are more expensive. An earlier version of the Sony RX100 would be an idea, but they only have a 3x zoom. You might also consider the Lumix ZS100 – it’s a little older now, but it does have a 10x optical zoom, 1 inch sensor and as it’s a bit older it should be available within budget.
I hope this helps!
Laurence and Jessica
Steve Brodsky Post author
I was looking for features the basic compact cameras and this helped a lot.
Thanks for the insightful article.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Steve, Glad to hear it was helpful! Best, Jessica
Maria Wile Post author
Hello, I loved reading all the information you shared. Thank you! I do have a question. I definitely don’t have much photography experience, but I am going to be taking a trip to Scotland and need a good compact camera for the trip. My main concern is all the rain that I am expecting while I am there and making sure I get a camera that can handle getting some raindrops on it. Do you recommend any particular camera for shooting pictures in rainy/misty weather? I will be all around Scotland taking scenic pictures and pictures of historical sites, besides just pictures of the people I am going there with. I am very curious what particular camera you might suggest.Thank you so much for your time!!!!!!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Maria,
So not too many compact cameras are insulated against the weather. A notable exception is the Canon Powershot G3 X. There’s also the fully waterproof Olympus TG5, but it has a limited zoom.
However, as people who live in Scotland, you don’t really need to get a waterproof camera for Scotland. We normally just hold an umbrella up and take photos from underneath the umbrella to prevent the camera from getting wet. Almost any camera can handle a little bit of rain or mist, you just have to make sure it is limited and that you dry it off quickly. Even a water resistant camera is not really designed to be shooting in heavy rain. So I would focus on choosing the camera that has the features you want within your budget range rather than focusing too much on the weather proofing.
Hope that helps, and just let us know if you have more questions!
Laurence & Jessica
Andrei Post author
Thank you for your recommendation, as I am already using Nikon P900 whose specifications meet beyond my expectation and I am much satisfied to use it in every field of life events, occasions and ceremonies. Thank you for advices and tips for better optimization of camera.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Andrei, Glad you are enjoying your Nikon P900. That’s a nice bridge camera and definitely better than a regular compact camera if you are using it to primarily shoot event and wedding photography! Enjoy, Jessica
karen gilman Post author
I am looking for the best compact camera that has a good view finder so you can actually see what you are taking a picture of when it’s really sunny. The current camera I have takes good pictures but since it only has the screen on the back when it’s really sunny you have to guess what you are shooting at…What is the best camera that you can see what you are trying to capture…..
Thanks in advance
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Karen,
It depends of course on your budget and what other features you want, but the two options we’d suggest are the Sony RX100 cameras and the Panasonix Lumix ZS200. These are both high quality compact cameras with larger sensors and a popup electronic viewfinder. The RX100 comes in a number of versions, from 1 – 6. We’d suggest either 4, 5 or 6 (RX100 IV, RX100 V and RX100 VI). These all come with a higher quality viewfinder. Each one is priced slightly higher than the previous one. We currently use the RX100 V as our compact camera, and love it.
Best,
Jessica
Alec Post author
Great information in the article and comments. My daughter (12) loves taking pictures and she recently commented that she wants a Hauwei P30 Pro specifically for it’s photo quality (great reviews), size, water resistance and the fact that she can still text…(She is saving her money). As far as compact point and shoot cameras are concerned, do the point and shoot cameras take better photos? Do the water proof cameras hold any value? Should I try and convince her to get a decent quality point and shoot, and if so, maybe point out some pro’s and cons or should she just stick with the high-end smartphone? Thank you,
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Alec,
The Huawei P30 Pro has really good reviews (although we haven’t tried it ourselves), and as it comes with a proper optical zoom, it also overcomes the main disadvantage that most smartphone cameras have. It is definitely not a cheap option though, and you could pick up a mirrorless or high end compact camera for the same price (although of course it wouldn’t do any of the other smartphone things).
In terms of photo quality, there are some advantages to a higher end compact camera as covered in the article, but if she is primarily taking photos to look at on her phone, social media, web, small prints, then her phone is likely going to take as good as photos as a compact camera at that size. Smartphone also tend to have tech built into them for take selfies and the like so are often better for those sorts of things.
I think it really depends on what she wants it for the most. If she is mostly wanting to use it as a smartphone that also takes good photos, then a smartphone with a good camera is the way to go. She might also consider the Google Pixel 3a, which is one of the best smartphone cameras out there at a more reasonable price although it does lack the optical zoom option.
But if she is passionate about learning more about photography and/or considering it as part of a future career, then getting started with a “real camera” is probably the best way to learn as it is going to get her using something more similar to a professional camera. In that case at her age, we’d recommend a higher-end compact camera that shoots in RAW (and JPG) and a photo editing computer program that could learn to edit RAW files if she wishes. Then later she could move into a mirrorless or DSLR camera later if she decides to continue in photography and be able to use more manual controls and work with interchangeable lenses.
Just as a side note, I am sure you know this, but Huawei products are now sort of banned in USA and by many international firms like Panasonic after a number of security issues by the company. This doesn’t look good for the company as many South Korean and UK companies look likely to follow suit. This means that certain software, tech, and security will likely not be available for these phones, including Google’s Android service. We both had bad experiences with Huawei phones in the past and have switched to the Google Pixel. Although we have no experience with their P30 Pro which does have good reviews so far. But may be good to investigate the situation more closely at the time she is planning to purchase a phone as the chips, software, etc. may change in these phones.
I hope this helps,
Jessica
Michael Perry Post author
Just found this article and wanted to comment. I originally learned basic stuff on a FujiFilm X100F camera that I bought from eBay gently used. It lived with me here in Southeast asia. In six months in Vietnam, the camera got soaking wet, was dropped a few too many times, and at the end sometimes refused to turn on or would turn off.
I then made a large personal mistake by purchasing a much more expensive Fujifilm X-T2 camera which started having shutter button problems a few months into me having it. I ended up getting rid of that camera after I had it fixed in Singapore and the problems started again in Siem Reap. I then got another FujiFilm X100F and that had problems with the LCD. Finally that camera was unusable in George Town Malaysia so I made the first really good decision. I went to a local shop and looked at the Panasonic Lumix LX10. The entire thing came around to me whilst sitting in my room that this was what I should have done to begin with. Since I live in Southeast Asia and travel wherever I wish these days and like to walk miles each day and take pictures, the best camera always would have been a compact camera. The LX10 also does 4k Video which is something I thought I would never have used but wrong again.
My main message and it took a long time to learn was for my particular use case the Panasonic Lumix LX10 camera is what works the best for me. I just took a roundabout way to realize it and spent way more money than I should have. Now I have this camera that fits in a pocket, can be set to manual or aperture priority mode but it also just lets me shoot in Program or Program Switch mode when I wish. My main goals are to actually take photographs, let other people see them on social media, and archive them in google photos so I have a record forever of the places. I don’t need to shoot in RAW mode. I don’t need something with inter-changeable lens. I just never saw this so went a different direction. Not very smart or fiscally sound I guess. But I ended up with this little beast of a camera that does exactly what I want and need.
So my main message is consider carefully your use cases for a travel camera. Do some research on the brands and their features and functionality. I just know now that my mistakes were not large or small. They were just mine. When discovered what I really wanted out of it all was something if stolen or broken i would not be out $1500, that would let me go where I want here in Asia and see what I want, a camera that could be placed in a pocket or a small over the shoulder bag easily, and finally one that took photographs that I liked and could share easily. It just took me a long route to get there 🙂
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Michael,
Glad you found our article and thanks for taking the time to share you experience. Humid and tropical places like southeast Asia can definitely be harder on cameras and shorten their life span. Glad you have found the camera (Panasonic Lumix LX10) that works best for you, and I think that it is not often not the most expensive camera that is the best fit for most people. Those buying a new camera (especially those relatively new to photography) should definitely consider what they plan to mainly use it for to guide their buying decisions rather than trying to get all the newest bells and whistles which many people may never use.
Thanks again for your story and personal advice!
Best,
Jessica
Kevin Post author
Great info but my head is still swimming from it all. We’ve made do with (ever-improving) phone cameras but would like something better, especially for travel. Usually for us that means the mountains, lots of hiking, grand vistas, and lots of pics of everything along the way, so size/weight and ease of use matter. I also like getting up close with flowers, etc, and, if possible, zooming in to wildlife in the distance, although that isn’t a priority. Would love to experiment with night sky photos as well. Most of that seems to lean toward a good compact, but we also want to print several of our travel pics at 16×20 or 16×24. Plus, the better compacts are as much or more than some good mirrorless ones that come with a lens or two. But are those kit lenses with the Sony a6000 or Canon EOS M50 or M100 or Fuji X A5 even worth having, or do they defeat the purpose of having a nicer camera, meaning we’d have to spend much more on better lenses – and therefore losing the value of choosing an entry level mirrorless over a top compact? Are included lenses for entry DSLRs the same quality too?
Final question: is there a way to carry a camera while hiking that is hands free, secure (i.e. not swinging from a strap), and easily accessible (not tucked inside a closed case)? Like a holster that attaches directly to the front of a backpack kind of thing?
Thanks!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Kevin,
Lots of questions and I will do my best to answer them all ????
So you are correct, a good compact camera is going to be as expensive as a low to mid range mirrorless or DSLR camera. This is partly because fitting all that technology into a tiny body is a challenge!
We use the Sony RX100 V as our compact camera of choice. We settled on this as it has the larger 1 inch sensor, image stabilization and fast lens, whilst being small enough to slip into a pocket. There’s a newer model, the VI, but whilst it has a better zoom, the lens is not quite as fast for low light situations – we often find ourselves needing to take photographs indoors in museums for example, so for us that was a factor.
To answer your question about lenses – kit lenses have definitely improved a great deal over the years, but yes, there is a reason a kit lens is bundled with a camera and only adds $100 to the value, whilst a decent lens will cost you in the region of $800 – $2000 plus. That said, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a kit lens will likely still yield good printable results. however, if portability is key, a high end compact camera is a great option.
For your final question, yes there absolutely are hand-free straps and clips, and you will want to look into something maybe like the Peak Design Capture Clip.This is a really neat clip system which attaches to a backpack strap or any other belt like apparel (I have used mine on both, it works great), and then you can just clip the camera into it. It works for any camera with a tripod mount, which is basically most cameras ????
Although if you go with a small compact camera, that would be a bit overkill. With a small compact camera, you can stick it easily into your pocket, purse, backpack pocket, etc. or you can get a camera case that clips on your belt loop or backpack.
I hope this helps – let us know if you have any more questions!
Laurence
Kevin Post author
Thanks for your answers. They lead to another question.
You’ve probably answered this elsewhere, but…. Is there a noticeable difference between pics with a 1″ sensor and those with MFT or APS-C sensors, other factors being generally equal? I’m guessing there wouldn’t be in a 4×6 or 5×7 print, but would be on a 16×24 size or viewed on a HDTV screen. We’ve printed several gorgeous scenes taken with good cell phones at 16×20 size. They look pretty good… until you look closer. I don’t want to spend several hundred $ on a compact with 1″ sensor and feel the same way looking at the resulting pictures. Thanks again.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Kevin,
Yes, you are correct, it is really only for larger printing that you are likely to notice a difference, or if you crop your images a lot. Otherwise, for social media use, web images, and smaller prints you likely won’t notice any difference. I’d say up to around 8×10 there won’t be a huge difference for printed photos.
That said, I’ve printed out images from a 10MP camera at 6 feet wide, and they’ve looked OK, because you tend to look at larger prints from further away anyway! So unless you are poring over your images from close up, you might not notice the difference (and other people are even less likely to!).
Hope that helps!
Laurence
Luther Post author
Hi independenttravelcats, Amazing travel photo advice. And of course you’re right – you certainly CAN take better photos with any decent equipment.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Luther, Yes, we agree, while the camera and equipment are important (especially for certain types of photography), one’s skills (technical, artistic, editing) are probably just as, if not more, important. Best, Jessica
Pat Post author
What are your thoughts about an electronic view finder? I notice that many cameras today are without them but it seems to be a good feature if doing sunny outdoor photography. I could use your advice.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Pat,
An electronic viewfinder is definitely more of a luxury item on a compact camera as they take up a bit of space and weight, and add to the cost. This is why you generally only find them on the more expensive and high-end compact cameras. We personally prefer a camera with an electronic viewfinder if possible, for the reasons you’ve given as on a bright day they can make it easier to see what you are doing as the main screen can be harder to see.
But they are of course not necessary and don’t affect the photo quality, so it comes down to weighing the cost versus the convenience of extra features like this. If you have the budget and it is a feature you really like, then you can certainly get a nice compact camera with a view finder.
Best,
Jessica
Barbara Idzerda Post author
I’m going on an African Safari and also plan to go to Iceland for the Northern lights. I travel very light so I’m wondering what would be the smallest camera I could get away with knowing I will need to zoom and have low lights at night?
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Barbara
So this is a challenging requirement unfortunately – longer lenses with high quality capabilities tend to be larger and more expensive, and low light photography is also one of the more demanding types of photography! It might be helpful to know a bit more about your priorities, what you want to be able to use the photos for, your budget, and your photography experience to make the best suggestions.
For the Northern Lights, you are going to need a tripod, there’s not really a way around that if you want good images. So we can recommend reading our travel tripod post. Even a mini tripod that can fold up in a large purse would do that you can set somewhere.
In terms of a camera, we’d probably suggest a micro four thirds sized mirrorless camera like the Panasonic GX9. The reason is that the lenses for these are not too huge, and you can get a long lens for wildlife photography that won’t take up too much space. You can see our guide to lenses for different cameras here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/best-lenses-for-travel-photography/, although we’d also suggest a longer zoom lens for safaris.
If you are committed to the smallest camera possible, then the Sony RX100 VI would be our suggestion. It has a reasonable zoom, great image quality, full manual controls, and with a tripod you’ll be able to photograph the Northern Lights. The other option would be the Panasonic ZS200, which has a better zoom and so might be better for the safari.
You might also consider renting a zooms lens for Africa and just getting a smaller camera for the rest of your travels.
Hope that helps!
Jessica
Mike Steenhuisen Post author
Hi, I have a similar predicament as far as the African safari. I was looking for advice on a compact with great zoom or a bridge camera and also weather sealed because of the dust. Your assistance is much appreciated and keep up the good work. Regards Mike
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Mike, As a compact camera, we’d recommend taking a look at the Canon Powershot G3 X which has 25X zoom, a 1 inch sensor, and is dust and water resistant. One minus is that it does not have an electronic viewfinder. For a bridge camera, another option might be the Sony RX10 Mach III or IV, it is more expensive but does have a viewfinder.
We’d recommend getting the camera that sounds like the best fit well before your safari (just make sure it has a refund policy) and practice with it to see if it achieves the sort of results you were hoping for so you have the right camera for your trip.
Hope that helps!
Jessica & Laurence
Mike Post author
Hi folks,
Many thanks for your help.
Kind Regards
Mike
Tyler Post author
There are mentioned about best point-and-shoot cameras for travel. A great basic test you can do with your camera is to shoot a well-lit portrait. This helps you to choose Point-and-Shoot Camera for Travel Photography.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Tyler, It is indeed a good idea if you are comparing different types of cameras to take a similar photo with each one. Although for travel, portraits may not be the best thing to focus on if you are mainly using it for landscapes, museums, family photos, etc. But that is definitely one way to test a camera! Best, Jessica
Francine Post author
Do most of the new point and shoot cameras have only the large display/LCD monitor to see what we’re taking a picture of? Is the view finder disappearing? In sunny or bright daylight, the rear display reflects the person taking the picture or the daylight itself, making it difficult to see the picture being taken. I find cameras without a view finder mostly good for inside picture taking.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Francine, Yes, the viewfinders are not as common on point and shoot. This is especially the case of the less expensive compact cameras as the viewfinder takes up more space and is more expensive to add. But many of the high end compact cameras do have viewfinders so that is something to
pay attention to as you look for a point and shoot camera. You might also want to check out mirrorless camera options as well as more of those types of cameras do have viewfinders. Best, Jessica
Clarence Post author
Thank you so much for this post, it has been really educational.
I have just started to pick up photography, learning the basics and stuff with my friend’s camera. However, I’m looking into getting one myself, but I’m skipping the DSLR/mirrorless options because I want something more compact.
What I am looking for is to take photos at night. Is there a camera suitable for night photos with low light/light leak or does that all have to be edited in PS? Shots on my phone always tend out to be extremely grainy.
Thank you once again!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Clarence,
Glad you are finding our guide to compact cameras helpful!
There are always going to be limits to how great photos at night or in low lights situations will be from any camera given they function with light, particularly compact cameras. But if you plan to do a lot of low light photography we recommend the following things in a camera and ways to maximize your results with any camera you choose:
1. Go with a camera with a larger sensor. Of all the specs, a larger sensor size is probably the feature that will help most in low light situations.
2. Get a camera with image stabilization as this will allow you to take photos at lower shutter speeds without them being as blurry.
3. Learn how to use your camera and its features/settings to its full potential. Read the manual and consider taking a photography workshop or online course such as Laurence’s Superstar Photography Course.
4. Yes, editing can always help a photo but it can’t perform miracles so you still have to get a decent photo to start with. If you want to do more in-depth editing, be sure to get a camera that supports RAW format.
5. Consider using a travel tripods to help get better photos at night.
6. A separate flash may be useful if you do a lot of indoor photography.
Hope this helps, and just let us know if you have more questions as you decide on which compact camera may be best for you!
Best,
Laurence & Jessica
Valerie Post author
Thank you for a great website. After searching the net I decided the Sony RX V1 was the one but I needed more assurance. You confirmed my decision. After owning bulky DSLR ‘s, video cameras, compact cameras with terrible video and looking like paparazzi on holidays I now have everything in one. Thanks a again.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Valerie, Glad you found our website useful in deciding on a camera. It sounds like you already knew it was the one for you before you got to our blog. Also just remember (keeping the return policy in mind of course) that you can always try it out for a few days and return it if it isn’t what you were looking for.
Hope that you enjoy the Sony RX100 VI camera and we’d love to hear your thoughts after you have had time to try it out!
Best,
Jessica
Anne Post author
Thank you for your great article. I’ve done so much research, my head is spinning. I’m traveling in 10 days, and my iPhone 8+ is always filling up with Photos as I take waay too many. ????♀️
I’d like a fairly light camera that would fit in my tote. I use a Canon EOS SL1 at home but don’t want to carry it along with two lenses, etc., on the plane as I’m trying to travel light. I’d like a flip screen since my hubby doesn’t like to ask others to take our photo (lol,) WiFi connectivity so I can send the pics to my phone or iPad for editing and sharing, and of course, clear, high quality images. I’d probably not enlarge beyond a 5×7 or maybe a rare 8×10. I’ve mostly used Canon in the past but am open to suggestion.
As long as I spend under $1,000, budget isn’t my top priority. Quality, features and portability are. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Anne,
Ah, yes, it can certainly be a daunting task trying to decide on buying a camera, especially right before the holidays and a big trip!
Given your preferences, we’d suggest that you consider the Canon EOS M50 or the Sony RX100 V. The EOS M100 is a mirrorless camera from Canon which has a flip up screen and an APS-C sized sensor, making for great image quality. It comes with a fairly versatile lens and the lens contracts when not in use, taking up less space. It’s slightly larger than a compact camera, but not much, and it should be easy to learn to use to considering you have used a Canon in the past. You can also change the lenses if you want, and even get an adaptor for your existing lenses so you could use them on the body if you wish in the future.
If you wanted something even smaller, we’d suggest looking at the Sony RX100 compact camera range, and specifically in your case the RX100 V. This is a true compact camera with an excellent lens. The advantages are that it is smaller than the Canon, but you are restricted to never being able to change the lens, and the optical zoom is only 3x, so if you often find yourself zooming in on far away subjects it might not be ideal, but for most travel photography uses it will be fine. The sensor is slightly smaller than the Canon too. It has a flipping screen but it’s not a touch screen.
Note that few compact cameras have touch flip screens, but many mirrorless cameras do.
Personally I would likely go with the M100, as the image quality will be better thanks to the larger lens, you have the option to change lenses should you want to in the future, and the size difference is marginal. The touchscreen is also a bonus, and it can be had for a lot less. But it really depends on what is most important to you!
Hope that helps, and feel free to ask any more questions you may have.
Best,
Laurence & Jessica
Anne Post author
Thank you for the great suggestions! I notice that the M100 has an EVF wheraeas the M50 only has the LCD screen. I’m thinking about that. Also, I’m going to be touring a lot on foot this trip, and want to carry as little as possible, so my question is, what if I want a camera that will go from wide angle to zoom without changing lenses but still sporting the WiFi, flip screen, excellent photo quality, and maybe GPS ( not a deal breaker?)
I checked out the Sony you mentioned above, but many reviewers dislike the poor battery performance and speak of unreliability, so I’m hesitant to spend close to $1000 on it. I’ve a friend who has a Nikon Coolpix P610, and gets incredible shots, but that’s an older model, I think. What are your thoughts on Nikon?
Any other lighter weight all-in-one point and shoots you like? I should also mention that I love taking low light shots, and will be shooting pics of Christmas decorations after dark on this trip. Most important, though, is to get quality shots of people, with good color saturation. Thank you so much for your help; it’s great to have an expert to ask who is objective! You guys are awesome!!
PS Had tech issues today, so I apologize if this shows up as a duplicate post lol. ????
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Anne!
Our pleasure. So to be honest, in terms of battery life any point and shoot or mirrorless camera will suffer from shorter battery life compared to a DSLR. The reason is that they always have to power the screen, be that the EVF or rear screen, and those things suck up battery. The best option is just to buy a spare battery, as there aren’t really any of these types of camera with particularly excellent battery life.
It sounds very much like you want a point and shoot for portability. The Nikon Coolpix you mention is a capable older camera. It’s a bridge camera, which sits between a compact camera and a DSLR in terms of features. However, it’s going to be a similar size to your DSLR, and it seems you would prefer a smaller camera, so this might not be ideal for you. Also, the sensors are about the same size as most point and shoots, so image quality will be roughly on par with those.
That said, if a camera like that has all the features you want, and the size is ok for you, then some options are the:
Panasonic FZ2500
Canon Powershot SX70 HS
Nikon Coolpix P900 (or P1000 if you want a crazy amount of zoom)
Another thing to say is that shooting in lower light is probably the most challenging environment for any camera, and this is where the smaller sensors on compact and bridge cameras can really start to struggle. You can get around that by carrying a tripod, but that would sort of negate the benefits of a smaller camera!
So with all that in mind, I would be probably recommend thinking more of the Canon M50 or M100 again.
No camera is going to be perfect or have all the features you want given a need for it to be smaller and lightweight so I’d focus on those that check the top must-have boxes and still fits what you need (smaller and easy to carry for traveling).
Hope this helps!
Laurence
valina1981 Post author
I bought the Lumix but am still obsessed with this what to buy guide, wish this one had been out when I was deciding. Just need to learn how to use it now!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Valina, Glad you are enjoying our compact camera guide 😉 Happy to hear you bought a new Panasonic Lumix camera. We’re recommend starting with just reading through the manual and learning the camera settings and functions. Then practice, practice, practice! If you want a boost, then you might consider doing a local photography class or workshop designed for you level of skill, or do an online photography course such as the one run by Laurence. Let us know if you have any questions. Best, Jessica
Jacqueline Sum Post author
I have a Sony RX100 but am not satisfied with the picture quality. Any suggestions for a point and shoot that gives good quality images?
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Jacqueline!
Generally the Sony RX100 is regarded as one of the better point and shoots for image quality, but there is only so much a compact camera with a smaller sensor can do. If you could elaborate what specifically it is about the image quality that you are unhappy with, and the kind of photography you enjoy, we could provide some more specific suggestions.
if you are definitely keen on another point and shoot, the two options we suggest are the Canon G1 X Mark III or the Fuji X100F which both have an APS-C sized sensor, the same as used in consumer level DSLRs. This should yield improved performance, and better images, especially in low light situations. Otherwise, I’d recommend considering moving up to a mirrorless camera model.
We hope this helps, and happy to answer any additional questions!
Best,
Laurence
Jacqueline Sum Post author
Thank you for the prompt reply. The Sony RX100 that I have is the first generation. Will a later model make a difference? I have been travelling to destinations that will probably once-in-a-lifetime experiences and a substantial number of the pictures are blur.
I have a DSLR and some lenses and they take marvelous pictures but the camera is big ad clunky. I will be going to Italy in 2 weeks and would like to take a better camera with me. My requirements for the camera is that it is portable and can take pictures in low light. I do not shoot videos, nor do I post on social media. The photos are for my personal consumption.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Jacqueline,
Without seeing the images it’s hard to make an exact diagnosis, but I can give some ideas. You can also send a few example photos to us (you can find our emails on our Contact Us page) if you are not sure why they are blurry.
If the pictures are coming out blurry, this is most likely a result of shooting at too low a shutter speed – this can happen when there’s not enough light available, particularly in low light situations. The only real solutions to this problem are a camera with a bigger sensor (like a mirrorless or your DSLR), or a travel tripod. But as sensor size sounds like an issue in your case, I’m not sure a tripod would help and it would give you something else you would need to carry.
The other option is to get a camera with some sort of image stabilisation built in, although this is already a feature of the RX100 you have. A newer model might help as it has newer technology, but I feel that the upgrades probably won’t help too much in this specific case, as there will always be a restriction of how much light a smaller sensor can capture.
Perhaps you might consider a mirrorless camera instead? These are a bit bigger than a point and shoot but smaller than a DSLR. We’d suggest again something with built in image stabilization, like the Lumix or Olympus series, or the Sony a6500.
Whatever you get, I’d get something with a return policy so you can try it out before your trip in different conditions to see if the image quality is what you are looking for.
Hope this helps!
Laurence and Jessica
James Post author
Hey guys, thanks for the piece. Very informative. Question: what’s the model of Lumix in the main header image on this post? I’ve been happy with several Lumixes (Lumices? haha) over the years and this one looks like the prefect size to serve as a backup to my DSLR. I can’t see any mention of this particular model in the piece, although I assume it could be a special edition of one of the standard Lumix point and shoots. Any guidance you can provide would be awesome. Thanks!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi James,
It’s a Lumix DMC-fx500 (in the first photo pictured outdoors), which is quite old now (purchased in 2011). So we would no longer recommend that one which is why it is not in the list and you’d have to buy it secondhand probably.
The second camera pictured (sitting on a marbled table top) is a Canon Powershot ELPH 360, a much newer model compact camera purchased in 2018. This one is readily available online and in stores.
All of the cameras listed are small in size and most of the cameras on this list weigh only between 4 oz. to 10 oz. so easy to carry around as a back-up or to places where you might not want to take a bulkier DSLR.
But of more recent Lumix compact camera models of similar size and price to the pictured Lumix, we’d recommend checking out the Panasonic Lumix ZS50. Another recommendation of a similar camera in terms of look and size if you don’t mind a Canon is a Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 (also pictured in post). We currently own both Canon and Panasonic Lumix cameras and have been very happy with them.
If you are looking for a compact camera with more professional features, I’d look at the last 3 ones on the list. One is the Lumix ZS200 which is one we are thinking of getting but is more of an investment at around $800. These ones are also larger than the others on the list with the Lumix ZS200 weighing in at 12 oz. so may not be what you are looking for.
Hope this helps, and do let us know if you have further questions!
Laurence
Charla Post author
Absolutely love this post! Thank you. I’ve spent the last few weeks drowning in information and agonizing over which camera will be the best for me. As a complete beginner who wants to capture great images but wouldn’t have the slightest idea where to start with changeable lens this guide is ideal. Thank you
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Charla, Glad this helps you and a compact camera is a great place to start if you are relatively new to photography. They don’t have changeable lenses and are generally fairly easy to learn to use. You can start with it completely in auto and then learn to adjust some of the settings as you get more comfortable. Do let us know if you have any questions in choosing a compact camera – we are happy to help! Best, Jessica
Valentine B Post author
I am not real superb with English but this post was very helpful in helping me and my friend decide on what type of compact cameras to buy on upcoming trip to Europe. We needed something not too expensive, good, and lightweight for travelling. Thank you very very much indeed.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Valentine, Thanks so much for taking the time to write and so glad you found our article helpful. Do let us know if you have any questions as you research buying a compact camera. Wishing you a wonderful time in Europe. Best, Jessica
Stephanie Post author
Great informative post on the best compact point and shoot camera to choose. A camera is an important investment to make and with this information makes the decision easier. Thanks for covering all the details. ? Pinned for later use.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Stephanie, Glad you found it useful and hope you find the perfect travel camera! Just let us know if you have any questions. Best, Jessica
Kreete Post author
Some amazing tips here and what an enjoyable read! I am in the market for a new travel camera and will definitely consider some of your recommendations. It’s awesome to have had someone review the cameras before purchasing! And yes, knowing your camera makes a huge difference in your photos!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Kreete, Yes, doing some research before buying a camera (or any electronics purchase) is always a good idea! Just let us know if you have any questions if you are out camera shopping 😉 Best, Laurence
Anda Post author
Great information! I’ll have to look more closely to it because I always struggle with my heavy camera (and lenses) when I travel. I’ve spent a great deal of money on it though and now I don’t feel like giving it up.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Anda, Yes, we find a compact camera is a great back-up camera that you can use for trips when you might not want to take your heavier and more expensive cameras and lenses. Also great for sticking in the purse just in case when we don’t really plan to take photos. But it is all a matter of preference of course! Best, Jessica
Agness Post author
A good camera is essential if you want to take good pictures, especially for travellers, Laurence and Jessica. These are some great suggestions and I’ll have to consider which one from these to take and use in my travels!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Agness, Thanks for taking the time to comment. Do let us know if you have any questions as you are choosing a new camera! Best, Jessica
Alexis Towle Post author
Unbelievable post on understanding compact cameras. I saved this to my travel board on Pinterest!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Alexis, Thanks so much for sharing our post, we appreciate it! Best, Jessica
Kay R. Post author
Awesome tips!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Thanks Kay, glad you enjoyed it!
goblinette Post author
I will use this guide when my current camera dies completely. Probably in a few weeks 🙁
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi there, So sorry to hear that you camera is not working property ;-( But hope this helps and let us know if you have any questions about choosing a travel camera as you search for a replacement! Best, Jessica
Anisa Post author
We got a new camera recently and actually decided to go with a mirrorless camera. It’s not too much bigger than a point and shoot camera, which is nice. It’s more complicated to operate though.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Anisa,
Yes, mirrorless cameras are great in-between cameras, I usually recommends them to bloggers, and we have had a Panasonic Lumix GX8 for the past few years as part of our photography kit. We use it when we need to take a smaller camera (our DSLRs are very bulky). But the mirrorless cameras are definitely much heavier and bulkier than the average point-and-shoot. Ours is 1.7 lbs for just the body alone (not to mention the lens weight), so it is not a great travel camera for someone wanting something light and easy to carry. But it allows you to change lens, gives you a lot more range in manual controls, and more features than most compact cameras. So definitely a great option for those who want more control.
Our next buy will be for a point-and-shoot camera at 1 lb or less in weight I think – which I imagine we’ll barely notice when carrying it with us 😉
Laurence
Lolo Post author
We’ve literally just been talking about investing in a easy-to-carry, point-and-shoot camera which can fit in my purse because there are just so many times we don’t want to carry all of our lenses and just want something simple but will produce good quality photos. I will be sharing this with my husband!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Lolo,
Perfect timing it seems 😉 These are great for when you just need a simple camera and you you can get one for a really good value. Let us know if your husband has any questions and will consult Laurence who seems to get camera buying questions on a daily basis.
I gave my Canon Elph to a friend a few years ago when I moved and we haven’t had a compact camera since but intend to get one soon. We want something easy to carry around in a purse or backpack as a back-up camera and to take to places we don’t feel comfortable taking a larger camera so are looking for a good higher-end compact camera. We haven’t decided yet but do have our eyes on the new Sony RX VI.
Best,
Jessica