8 Best Cameras for Travel Photography (2019)

While most smartphone cameras do a great job of capturing moments on the fly, they simply cannot do justice to the things that you see and want to capture on your journeys. On the other hand, DSLR cameras are expensive and heavy, and is simply inconvenient to carry around for most people.

This is where travel cameras come in handy. They are lightweight and portable, and whether you want to take closeup portraits or wide-angle shots, these cameras will do it all. Although, you will not get the same result as a mirrorless camera, the image quality is decent enough.

Let us discuss the best camera for travel photography 2019. Shortlisted by travel enthusiasts and ace photographers as the best travel cameras across various parameters.

1. Panasonic Lumix ZS200/TZ200

The Lumix ZS200, known as the TZ200 in certain parts of the world, is Panasonic’s answer to the Sony Cyber Shot RX100 V, which is stealing the thunder from its rivals. Panasonic’s solution to improving the image quality while maintaining the compact size of the camera is to squeeze in the largest sensor possible in the compact space.

This allows better image quality, although the zoom is a tad compromised. The Lumix ZS200/TZ200 offers a decent 15x zoom lens along with a handy electronic viewfinder. The camera is also capable of recording 4k videos on 8-megapixel. Overall, this is one of the best compact cameras out there, albeit on the pricier side.

2. Sony Cyber Shot RX100 VI

An iteration of the iconic Cyber Shot RX100 which set the ball in motion, the VI is here to take things to the next level. The RX100 was the first compact camera to feature a 1.0-inch sensor, although, the zoom was not as impressive.

The VI solves the problem by adding a 24-200mm zoom lens, which though shorter than some of its rivals, offers an impressive variable fast maximum aperture. To top it off, the RX100 VI features a stunning autofocus system, an advanced 4k video recording setup, and regular shots at 24fps.

The Sony Cyber Shot RX100 VI is expensive, but there are not a lot of cameras in the market today that can beat its performance.

3. Panasonic Lumix ZS100/TZ100

Until the launch of the ZS200/TZ200, the ZS100/TZ100 was the ideal travel camera in Panasonic’s lineup. Like its predecessor, the ZS100/TZ100 is equipped with a 1.0-inch sensor along with a 20.1-megapixel lens and a short 10x zoom lens.

The Lumix offers a range of brilliant portable cameras and this one is no exception. With an electronic viewfinder, 4k filming capability, large touchscreen, Wi-Fi connectivity and a range of manual calibration options, the ZS100/TZ100 is best suited for people that are in the market looking for a reliable travel camera.

4. Sony Cyber Shot HX99

The selling point of the HX99 is its 30x optical zoom range, which is quite identical to that on the ZS50/TZ70, alongside an electronic viewfinder. This is a great boon when compared to regular LCD screens that are easily blinded in the harsh sunlight.

The downside of the EVF is its low resolution, although it is quite a handy feature. The 18.2-megapixel lens captures better images than a smartphone camera, although, the difference is not as apparent as with cameras sporting a 1.0-inch sensor.

However, the Sony Cyber Shot HX99 makes up for a small sensor with its massive 30x optical zoom. Not a lot of cameras in this range offers such a feature.

5. Panasonic Lumix ZS70/TZ90

The Lumix ZS79/TZ90 sits way down at number 5 on our list due to the fact that the jump to 20-megapixel from the original 12-megapixel has actually decreased the image quality of the camera in low-light situations due to the increased pixel count.

The addition of 4k video capture is a welcome move along with the additional electronic viewfinder and the touchscreen that now rotates from the body to allow selfies. Although it does not sound like much, but considering the price point, the Lumix ZS70/TZ90 offers a lot more than some of its competitors.

6. Panasonic Lumix ZS50/TZ70

Like the other ZS/TZ family cameras in our list, this one is known for its travel capability too. Like the Cyber Shot HX99, this one too features a 30x zoom lens along with auto and manual controls and the ability to shoot raw files.

The Lumix ZS50/TZ70 packs in a large sensor into the body along with an electronic viewfinder. This camera might not be the best at anything it does, but it gets a good balance between form and functionality. This Lumix is like the Swiss Army knife of portable cameras.

7. Sony Cyber Shot RX10 IV

If you are looking for a compact camera with a great sensor and longer zoom lens, the Cyber Shot RX10 IV with its huge 24-600mm f/2.4-4 zoom lens, 1.0-inch sensor and 20.1-megapixel lens is the perfect bridge camera for you.

The RX10 IV improves on the disappointing autofocus system on the RX10 III, offering great visual clarity. While handling is polished and complimented by a huge electronic viewfinder, the ability to shoot 4k videos at 24fps is truly impressive!

8. Nikon D3500

The Nikon D3500 is an entry-level DSLR camera and the first on our list today. It features a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor and offers superior images to all the compact travel cameras in the market.

It comes loaded with numerous functions and is also quite easy to use. It is the most compact in its class and is amateur-friendly. If you are in the market for your first DSLR camera, the Nikon D3500 is the ideal choice.

Bundled with an 18-55mm kit lens, this tiny DSLR is perhaps the most portable DSLR. While the presence of a range of aftermarket lens from Tamron will get you some of the best deals on a variety of lenses.

What are your views on the cameras listed above? Are you currently using any of them? Share your feedback with our readers through the Comments Section below.