If you are heading out for a holiday and want to capture your favorite memories, you need a camera. Here are a few of the best travel cameras you can buy in 2024 to take the best holiday photos you have ever seen.
OM System OM-5
While the OM System OM-5 may be difficult to find, it’s worth checking at your local camera store for availability. It is easily one of the best travel cameras on the market right now. It is an excellent bang for your buck camera and the perfect travel camera for beginner and intermediate photographers.
It is weatherproof, has excellent stabilization, you can attach many different lenses to it, and the lightweight design makes it ideal for travel. While it doesn’t produce the best photos on the planet, it is more than good enough for snapping a few holiday pics.
Panasonic Lumix ZS200/TZ200
The Panasonic Lumix range is a very affordable compact camera ideal for those on a budget. It has a large sensor and a range of zooming options, and it produces better image quality than most smartphones.
While they feel a bit clunky to hold, and you can definitely find models that produce better photos, the Lumix is a brilliant entry-level camera that gets the job done.
GoPro Hero12
The Hero12 from GoPro is the best camera for those who love adventure. Not only does it record high-quality video, but it is far from average when it comes to taking photos. The biggest selling point of a GoPro has to be its versatility and usability.
You can attach one to a chest, mount your head, use it underwater, attach it to a gimbal or selfie-stick, as well as attach to almost anything that can hold a mount. You can even purchase a strap that allows you to attach it to your dog if you want some footage from their point of view.
Olympus TG-6
If you want something that combines the image quality of a relatively high-end camera with the ruggedness of a GoPro, then the TG-6 is for you. Built to withstand the elements and falls, this camera is designed for the desert, the forest, or anywhere else you may take it.
It doesn’t have a sensor, and the LCD screen can be tricky to view in bright light, but it is very easy and intuitive to use and also offers you the option to record video in 4K.
Sony A7C R
Finally, the Sony A7C R is a compact camera that packs a massive punch. Fitted with a full-spec, full-frame sensor, and amazing subject tracking, intermedia photographers will have a ball experiencing everything this camera has to offer.
While it is more on the expensive side and isn’t built to hold many lenses, it is ideal for travelers and those looking for a compact and powerful camera option.
What to Look for in a Travel Camera
Not all cameras are built equally, and when it comes to travel cameras, there are a few considerations and things to remember when choosing one.
Budget
The first thing you need to consider is how much the camera costs, as well as what else you would need to purchase to use it effectively or get the best out of it. A good example would be a film camera, as they produce beautiful, vintage images, but some types of film can be rare and, therefore, more expensive.
You should also consider the cost-to-use ratio; a GoPro, for example, is perfect for adventure holidays, but if that’s the only time you would use it, a more affordable option that can be used for anything might be the better choice.
Versatility
You also need to consider the versatility of the camera. An instant camera, once again, produces great vintage-style photos, but if you are trying to photograph landscapes or details, there are countless other cameras that do a better job.
Video record capabilities and quality are also important to consider. Some cameras just can’t record, and if you want both high-quality photos and videos, you may have to buy a more expensive camera, but you will use it far more often or consider using video production platforms like Vidico Productions to edit the video and make it look more appealing.
How Will You Use It?
A high-end DSLR with a massive lens attached to it can be brilliant for close-ups and shooting subjects that are far away, but they aren’t necessary for taking simple family photos.
Think about how you plan on using the camera and what you will be shooting, as, for example, a more affordable action camera can be more useful than a more expensive DSLR.
Battery Life
While you can recharge cameras and their batteries, battery life is still important to consider, especially if you are going to be hiking, camping, or not be anywhere near a charging point. You would need a camera that either has excellent battery life or one that only requires one or two charges using a portable battery or something similar.
Accessories
Finally, think about the accessories you may want to use with your camera. Some DSLRs have a port for attaching a microphone, while you can’t attach a lens to some older models. Others can be attached to a tripod or gimbal, while some don’t have that feature.
Using a GoPro as an example again, there is an almost endless supply of unique accessories that you can use with it, ranging from chest mounts to waterproof cases. On the other hand, many other cameras simply can’t use accessories like this.