If you’re a travel blogger, then you know that having a great camera is essential for capturing all of your amazing adventures. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best cameras for travel blogging, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.
This guide has been prepared with the help of popular bloggers and is packed with photo examples, tips, and more.
13 Best Cameras for Travel Blogging [Recommended by bloggers]
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Whether you’re shooting photos or videos, there are plenty of great options out there to choose from. Here are a few of the best cameras for travel blogging, according to experts:
Best Cameras for Travel Bloggers: Quick Glance
| MODEL | SPECS | CHECK PRICE |
| Sony a7IV | -33 MP -mirrorless – lens compatibility -good for low light – 1 lb 7.3 oz (658 g) |
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| Sony a7III | -24.2 MP -mirrorless – lens compatibility – good for low light – long battery life – 1 lb 7.3 oz (658 g) |
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| Canon R6 | – 20.1 MP -mirrorless – autofocus – 1 lb 5 oz (680 g) |
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| Canon EOS M50 Mark II |
– 24.1 MP – mirrorless – large viewfinder – perfect for beginners – great video quality – .85 lbs (387 g) |
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| Panasonic FZ1000 II |
– 20.1 MP – bridge camera – enhanced zoom – good battery life – great video quality – 1 lb 7 oz (810 g) |
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| Nikon Z50 | – 20.9 MP – mirrorless – compact – .87 lbs (395 g) |
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| Olympus OM-D E-M5 |
– 20.4 MP – mirrorless – lens compatibility – weatherproof – .91 lbs (414 g) |
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| GoPro 11 | – 27 MP – action camera – ‘Scheduled Capture’ – small, compact – video – .30 lb (133 g) |
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| Canon G7X M II | – 20.1 MP – point and shoot – dynamic range – great for vlogging – for beginners – .70 lbs (319 g) |
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| Sony A6000 | – 23.4 MP – mirrorless – lens compatibility – lightweight – a variety of shoot modes – .91 lbs (414 g) |
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| Sony A5000 | – 20.1 MP – mirrorless – lens compatibility – lightweight – .59 (269 g) |
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| iPhone 13 Pro | – 12 MP – phone camera – good for social media and videos (shoot modes) – lightweight – .45 lbs (204 g) |
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| iPhone 11 Pro | – 12 MP – phone camera – good for social media – lightweight – .41 lbs (188 g) |
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How to choose the BEST travel blogging camera: Tips from a full-time travel blogger
My very first travel blogging camera was the Sony A5000 mirrorless cam, which I love and still use. It is super lightweight, and easy to grab and go.
After blogging for 3+ years, we upgraded our Sony mirrorless camera to another one from the same brand – A7III.
With the new camera in hand, I enrolled myself in digital photography courses and started shooting in RAW, manual & aperture priority and also played around with long exposure, night photography shots, and more.
We will delve into deeper details below, but know that we are still in LOVE with Sony a7III, and it has been a constant companion in my solo trips and our couples getaway!
So what type of travel camera should you choose? Let us help you!
Types of cameras:
We will quickly share the different types of cameras that are out there. All of these cameras are used by travel bloggers depending on their content.
Traditional DSLR Camera:
Digital SLR (or DSLR) is one of the MOST popular camera options. These cameras reflect light that enters through the lens with the help of a mirror to make an image in a viewfinder.
They are packed with features, from shooting in manual, RAW, lens changeability, focus, image stabilization, and more. You can choose from brands like Sony, Nikon, Canon, etc. to name a few.
These cameras can be pricey, but it is easy to find them in the second-hand market.
One key thing to consider with a DSLR is its weight and bulkiness. You won’t be able to store it inside your travel crossbody bag and use it comfortably on a long walking food tour.
Good for: Travel photoshoots. We usually bring our DSLRs when we are shooting for a campaign, or for clients.
Mirrorless cameras:
Compact than traditional DSLR cameras, they do not have a bulky mirror box in the body. Hence they can be compact. You can surely find a model anywhere from $300 USD to $7000 and higher.
Mirrorless models are very popular just like the DSLRs, especially for the active travel blogger.
As I mentioned my first mirrorless camera was a Sony A5000, and I could easily fit inside my jacket, and I pulled it out when needed. The weight of the camera is a big factor to consider for travel bloggers.
Good for: Travel photoshoots, everyday shooting
Bridge cameras:
These are like DSLRs, but they come with a fixed lens and a large zoom range (sometimes up to 1200mm). These are considered hybrid cameras (a mix of point-and-shoot + DSLR).
Good for: Wildlife, sports, or astrophotography
Point-and-shoot cameras:
These are the basic cameras – without a lot of bells and whistles. But they are also the most affordable, compact, and very discreet.
With some cool editing/post-processing and composition skills, you can still get great shots using a point-and-shoot camera.
Almost every big camera brand has an entry-level point-and-shoot camera line.
Camera phones:
Not all camera phones are equal. iPhones have definitely raised the bar with the ability to capture photos in low light photos, cinematic video, and TONS of free apps that you can edit on the go – perfect for travel bloggers, vloggers, and Instagrammers!
Features to consider:
Here are some of the key features to consider when purchasing the travel camera,
- Weight of the camera: This is probably the most important one. As a travel blogger you could be climbing 402 steps of the church tower, hiking, or joining a sightseeing cruise and want to capture your experience – you definitely need to consider the weight of the camera
- Compact vs bulky: Of course. The compact camera it is, the better. You can store it in your crossbody bag, or a daypack – your pick.
- Where you are shooting: Some cameras are not waterproof (dust-proof, or even functional in extreme heat or cold conditions) – so pick a camera, and related accessories to fit your shooting location. Other things like indoor/outdoor (ISO range), and low light conditions are also some of the factors to make note of, before buying a camera.
- Photo or video, or both: Think about what type of content you’ll be creating most often. If you’re mostly shooting photos, then you’ll want a camera with great image quality. Factors like capturing photos in RAW, image stabilization, fast autofocus system, etc. are to be considered. However, if you’ll be creating a lot of videos, then you’ll want to focus on finding a camera with great video capabilities.
- Usage: Are you selling photos and prints on your site, or sharing your experiences via social media and blog posts? For photos in travel blog posts, you may not need a full resolution file (in fact the lower file size the better), but if you are selling photos you do need to have a superior lens and a camera body to capture every pixel and then enlarge it upon demand.
- Future upgrades: Cost is a big factor before buying expensive camera gear. To be a successful travel blogger or Instagrammer you don’t need the newest/most costly item, but having the option to upgrade in the future (like an interchangeable lens), or a reputed brand are all things to consider for your product’s usage and longevity!
You’ll also want to consider things like battery life, as you’ll likely be doing a lot of traveling with your camera. And of course, you’ll want to make sure your chosen camera fits within your budget.
Best Cameras for Travel Blogging
Sony A7IV [best camera for travel blogging]
By Jiayi of The Diary of a Nomad
| Megapixel: 33 MP |
| Camera Type: Mirrorless Camera |
| Sensor: 35 mm full frame Exmor R CMOS sensor |
| Recording Format (images): RAW, JPEG, RAW & JPEG, HEIF |
| Still Images ISO: 100-51200 |
| Video: Movie-making with 4K 60p47, 10-bit 4:2:2 recording capability |
| Recording Format (videos): XAVC S, XAVC HS |
| Max burst rate: 10 fps |
| Body Weight: Approx. 1 lb 7.3 oz (658 g) |
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The Sony A7IV is hands down one of the best travel cameras out there. This camera delivers 33 megapixels, which is an upgrade from the Sony A7III’s 24 megapixels.
Lightweight:
Weighing 635 grams, it’s even more lightweight than its predecessor Sony A7III and brings a lot of great improvements over the older model.
Autofocus:
It also has superior autofocus performance and does fantastically well at tracking moving subjects in real time. This comes in especially handy if you plan to take wildlife shots on your travels.
Image and Video Stabilization:
Not only does the Sony A7IV offer incredible image resolution and compactness, but it also offers image and video stabilization. This means that even if your lens isn’t stabilized, you can still rely on this camera to deliver crisp images even when shooting handheld in low light.
Lenses compatibility:
Speaking of lenses, there is an endless amount of amazing Sony a7IV lenses out there – it won’t be hard to find one that’s compatible with this camera and you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Low light performance:
Last but not least, the Sony A7IV offers spectacular low light performance. While the older Sony A7III performed well at ISO 6,400 and okay-ish at ISO 12,800, this camera delivers fantastic results even at ISO 12,800, and still produces decent work at ISO 25,600.
So, if you’re planning to do some astrophotography or any kind of low-light photography on your next trip, you won’t be disappointed with this camera.
All in all, I highly recommend the Sony A7IV if you’d like a travel camera that is lightweight and delivers professional-level image quality.
PROS:
- 33 megapixels
- Fantastic autofocus that tracks moving subjects well
- Incredible low light performance
- Lightweight and portable
- Wide variety of lenses available
- Wi-fi and Bluetooth Capability
CONS:
- On the pricier side
- The rear screen has a somewhat low resolution
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Sony Alpha 7 III [one of the best cameras for travel blogging]
Recommended by Jessica from Uprooted Traveler
| Megapixel: 24.2 MP |
| Camera Type: Mirrorless Camera |
| Sensor: 35 mm full frame Exmor R CMOS sensor |
| Recording Format (images): RAW, JPEG, RAW & JPEG, HEIF |
| Still Images ISO: 100-51200 |
| Video: Movie-making with 4K capability |
| Recording Format (videos): XAVC S, XAVC HS format Ver2 compliant |
| Max burst rate: 10 fps |
| Anti-Dust System: Charge protection coating on optical filter and image sensor shift mechanism |
| Body Weight: Approx. 1 lb 7 oz (650 g) |
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Sony Alpha 7lll is one of the popular travel cameras for blogging. It is very versatile for use on a variety of occasions.
Given there’s a newer model of this camera (Sony a7IV), you’ll have an easier time finding a decent deal on it.
Comparatively lightweight:
Thanks to its mirrorless body, the Sony Alpha 7 III, weighing in at just 1.43 pounds, offers a sleeker alternative to heavier DSLR cameras.
There are also other ways to cut down on weight with this camera if you’re a lightweight traveler- for example, you can charge the battery with a USB-C cable, as opposed to packing an additional (often heavy) battery charger.
Low light photography:
The A7III’s high ISO sensor allows you to take excellent low-light photography.
Additionally, the mirrorless body comes with plenty of perks, like a live preview of your shot through the electronic viewfinder (which is super helpful if you’re learning how to take manual photos) or a silent shutter option, if you’re trying to take photos quietly (like while you’re on a safari or at a museum or library).
Battery longevity:
Another awesome factor of this camera is its Sony’s Z-series lithium batteries, which keep the battery charged for thousands of shots, allowing you to focus on capturing your subject as opposed to whether your battery is sufficiently charged.
Image Stabilization:
Looking for buttery smooth photos and videos? The Sony A7iii has 5-axis in-body image stabilization which makes it incredibly easy to capture smooth and blur-free shots and videos.
Things to keep in mind when buying the Sony A7III:
That being said, there are certainly drawbacks to the Sony A7III as compared to the A7IV- for example, the screen only articulates in one direction, whereas the A7IV’s screen can articulate in a multitude of configurations.
Similarly, some of the A7III’s video capabilities are lacking, such as its inability to shoot in a higher resolution than 4K 30 fps, which may be a dealbreaker for many YouTube and other video creators.
PROS:
- Long battery life
- Low-light photography
- Live preview of your shot through the electronic viewfinder
- Use the silent shutter option, if you’re trying to take photos quietly
- Wide range of lenses available
- Wi-fi and Bluetooth Capability
CONS:
- A7III’s video capabilities are lacking
- Doesn’t have a fully articulating screen
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Canon R6 [Full frame mirrorless camera]
Recommended by Suzanne from Meandering Wild
| Megapixel: 20.1 MP |
| Camera Type: Mirrorless Camera |
| Sensor: CMOS sensor (compatible with Dual Pixel CMOS AF) |
| Recording Format (images): JPEG, HEIF, RAW / C-RAW (CR3), C-RAW (Canon original) |
| Still Images ISO: 100-102400 |
| Video: Movie-making with 4K capability |
| Recording Format (videos): Movies: ALL-I (Time-lapse video only), IPB, MP4 |
| Max burst rate: 10 fps |
| Body Weight: Approx. 1 lb 5 oz (680 g) |
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The Canon R6 is a full-frame mirrorless camera that was released by Canon in 2020. It has a 20 MP sensor and is perfect for both stills and video.
Lightweight:
I have used this camera for nearly a year now and have found it to be a massive step up from my old canon DSLR.
It is small enough to fit in a discreet bag and when used with a single prime lens it is as small and lightweight as a much smaller camera.
It has been used in Iceland in winter storms and driving rain as well as in extreme heat and has performed perfectly.
Similar control to a DSLR:
If you are used to a Canon DSLR then the transition to this mirrorless camera will be simple.
The menus are similar, although the R6 has more options and the controls and handling are very similar to the DSLR.
Good to know: If you are moving from a Canon DSLR you will need to purchase new lenses or use the adaptor to use your old EF lenses on this new body. While this works perfectly it is something extra that you will need to purchase.
Dynamic range:
Despite only having a 20 MP sensor the image quality is excellent, and the dynamic range is good.
Auto focus:
The camera has very effective autofocus and the camera rarely searches for the focal point which improves the quality of your images overall.
Along with a good focal point, the camera also has good image stabilization which is useful if you are out and about and not using a tripod.
PROS:
- Good auto focus
- Dynamic range
- Lightweight and compact
CONS:
The camera is able to shoot video and still but it does have a tendency to overheat making this function unreliable.
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Canon EOS M50 Mark II [one of the best cameras for travel bloggers]
By Campbell from The Algarve Family
Canon EOS M50 Mark II Features:
| Megapixel: 24.1 MP |
| Camera Type: Mirrorless Camera |
| Sensor: CMOS sensor |
| Recording Format (images): RAW, C-RAW (Canon .CR3), JPEG (8-bit) |
| Still Images ISO: 100-25600 |
| Video: Movie-making with 4K, Full HD |
| Recording Format (videos): MP4 |
| Max burst rate: 10 fps |
| Body Weight: .85 lbs (387 g) |
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The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a fantastic APS-C sensor mirrorless camera.
The DSLR-sized sensor and processing power allow you to take beautiful photos in low light situations. This is great when exploring indoors and taking long-exposure photos against the night sky.
Lightweight and compact:
Light and small styled like a mini-DSLR. It is compact and easy to use which is excellent for traveling, taking fantastic photos from the ocean scenery of the Algarve to the cathedrals of Spain.
Although it’s small, the M50 has a comfortable grip and the control dial, shutter button, record button, and M-Fn can all be found easy to control on the top of the camera’s body.
Interchangeable lenses:
With interchangeable lenses, the wide compact EF-M lens range covers everything you need for portrait, landscape, travel, street, and action photography.
The 10 fps burst speed with continuous autofocus allows you to take fantastic action shots.
Focus:
Dual pixel autofocus with eye tracking is very excellent to make sure your subject is in focus.
Large viewfinder:
The large electronic viewfinder is great to shoot with your eye against the camera or simply choose your focus point by tapping the touch screen. The tilt-and-swivel screen is perfect for taking the ultimate selfie.
For newbies and advanced travel bloggers and photographers:
Easy to use for novices, but nice manual control for more advanced photographers. You have several view options when taking photos.
Canon EOS M50 Mark II has a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor and Digic 8 image processor.
Great video quality:
The camera produces still images of fantastic quality. With 4K recording, vertical video recording capabilities, a video self-timer, and YouTube live streaming options the M50 Mark II is also a good option for video creators.
Note: Canon M50 Mark iii to be launched in late 2022.
PROS:
- Lightweight
- Low light performance
- Vari-angle Touchscreen LCD Convenient for perfect for travel vlogging
- Silent mode
CONS:
- Battery life is not great
- No USB charging
- The 4K/24p video is cropped
- Focus for 4K video is not great
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Panasonic FZ 1000ii [Perfect for beginners, compact & lightweight]
Recommended by Natalie & Steve from Curious Campers
Panasonic FZ 1000 II Features:
| Megapixel: 20.1 MP |
| Camera Type: Bridge Camera |
| Sensor: 1-inch High Sensitivity MOS Sensor |
| Recording Format (images): JPEG (DCF/Exif2.31) / RAW |
| Still Images ISO: 80-25600 |
| Video: Movie-making with 4K |
| Recording Format (videos): MP4, AVCHD |
| Max burst rate: 12 fps |
| Anti-Dust System: Charge protection coating on optical filter and image sensor shift mechanism |
| Body Weight: Approx. 1 lb 7 oz (810 g) |
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Wildlife and hiking are a feature of our travels so when we pack a camera, we want it to be light, have a great zoom, and take bright, sharp pictures.
This is a great travel camera for beginners who want great pictures in auto mode or intermediate users that like playing with DSLR-like settings.
Bridge Camera:
For this, our go-to camera is the FZ1000ii, a bridge camera from Panasonic.
Bridge cameras are fixed lens cameras with similar shooting modes and styling to DSLRs, and they usually have a long zoom capability.
Lightweight:
So why do we think this is one of the best lightweight travel cameras? On our recent wildlife trip to Maria Island in Tasmania, we carried it around all day without getting a sore shoulder and still had the benefit of its great zoom.
So yes, we love this camera. It’s light (810 grams), and the 400mm zoom is great for wildlife. There’s no way we could carry around a comparable lens on a DSLR.
Autofocus:
We also like its excellent autofocus system, long battery life, and vibrant pictures it takes.
Picture and video quality are great for this compact cam:
We occasionally do some post-processing, but we rarely tweak the color, it is great right out of the camera. It takes a great 4K video too.
Other good things:
The other things we like are that it has a fully articulated touchscreen LCD display and the creative modes accessible through the main control dial are great for sunsets and macros.
Good to know:
If we have one negative on the FZ1000ii, it is that the menu system is a little clunkier than other brands we have used.
The camera has a 1 inch sensor which, while compared to a lot of other travel cameras is quite good, if you are used to using a DSLR you might find the low light performance wanting.
PROS:
- Lightweight and compact
- Good battery life
- Enhanced Zoom capacity
- Good 4k videos
CONS:
- No weather sealing
- Okay for low light conditions
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Nikon Z50
Recommended by Victoria from Guide Your Travel
| Megapixel: 20.9 MP |
| Camera Type: Mirrorless Camera |
| Sensor: CMOS sensor (compatible with Dual Pixel CMOS AF) |
| Recording Format (images): NEF (RAW), JPEG, NEF (RAW) & JPEG |
| Still Images ISO: 100 – 51,200 in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV |
| Video: Movie-making with 4K and Full HD capability |
| Recording Format (videos): MOV, MP4 |
| Max burst rate: 11 fps |
| Anti-Dust System: Image Dust Off reference data (requires Capture NX-D) |
| Body Weight: .87 lbs (395 g) |
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The Nikon Z50 is the smallest of Nikon’s mirrorless camera family and is ideal for those looking for a lightweight travel camera that won’t break the bank.
It is a great choice for intermediate photographers or those who want to move on from their first camera for travel blogging.
Lens compatibility:
You can use a wide variety of lenses with this camera although some might require an adapter which you can purchase from Nikon.
In any case, investing in lenses compatible with mirrorless cameras is a great decision if you’re planning on upgrading your camera in the future.
The lens kit it comes with is a great place to start and you can always purchase additional lenses if you need a bigger selection.
Compact and discreet:
It is, however, not a full-frame camera which would be the next step up for professional photographers. Still, this means that the Z50 is very small and can easily fit into your bag when traveling.
It’s the perfect travel companion, especially when paired with a polariser which is especially useful for taking pictures of beaches and clear waters.
Sturdy and durable:
The Nikon Z50 is also quite sturdy and resistant to dust and rain. It’ll be the perfect companion for your next trip or campaign.
PROS:
- Lightweight and compact
- Sturdy and durable
- Affordable price tag
- Can be upgraded with better lenses
CONS:
- Lens upgrades will need an adapter
- Not a full frame camera for robust shooting
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Olympus OM-D E-M5
Recommended by Emily from Wander-Lush
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Features:
| Megapixel: 20.4 MP |
| Camera Type: Mirrorless Camera |
| Sensor: 4/3″ Live MOS Sensor |
| Recording Format (images): RAW (12-bit lossless compression), JPEG, RAW+JPEG |
| Still Images ISO: 1600-25600 |
| Video: 4k Video Capture (30/25/24 fps) with Flat Picture Mode |
| Recording Format (videos): MOV |
| Max burst rate: 10 fps |
| Anti-Dust System: SuperSonic Wave Filter |
| Body Weight: .91 lbs (414 g) |
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The Olympus OM-D family are some of the best lightweight cameras on the market. The mirrorless E-M5 is compact and perfect for travel without skimping on any features.
Weatherproof (for outdoor adventures):
Super fast and stable, the body is robust and built to last while still being small enough to fit in your carry-on.
Its splash, sand and dust proof, which makes it the perfect companion for hiking trips or outdoor adventures.
Lightweight:
At the same time the camera is very discreet, which makes it great for street photography – you can get great photos in local markets and other public settings without being too obtrusive.
Lens compatibility:
The Olympus uses the micro four-thirds system, which means the camera is compatible with a huge variety of lenses. My go-to is the 25mm macro lens – it too is compact and lightweight.
The 45mm macro is a great investment if you enjoy portraiture.
The tilting touchscreen monitor makes filming a breeze (the camera is also capable of 1920×1080 HD video) and also comes in handy if you’re trying to take a photo from an awkward angle.
Another huge plus is that it’s easy to view and process photos on the go using the Olympus app, which allows you to connect the camera to your phone over WIFI.
Good to know:
The one area where this camera doesn’t perform so well is low-light settings. It’s not the perfect solution for night photography – but by adding a tripod to your camera kit, you can easily adapt.
PROS:
- 20 megapixels
- Mirrorless Camera
- Lightweight and compact
- Lens compatibility
- Splash, sand & dust proof (weather-sealed)
CONS:
- Not the best for low light photography
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GoPro Hero 11 [Adventure camera, waterproof]
Recommended by Paulina from the UK Every Day
| Megapixel: 27 MP |
| Camera Type: MHD Action Camera |
| Sensor: 1/1.9 CMOS sensor |
| Recording Format (images): RAW (.gpr), JPEG |
| Still Images ISO: 100-6400 |
| Video: Cinematic 5.3K60 + 2.7K240 video with 24.7-megapixel stills from video |
| Recording Format (videos): MP4 and HEVC |
| Body Weight: Approx. .30 lb (133 g) |
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If you are looking for a lightweight camera for travel blogging that offers incredible image quality, consider buying GoPro. With the GoPro Hero 11, you can record crisp 5.3K videos with HyperSmooth Stabilization like never before!
Waterproof action camera:
Similar to the previous version, GoPro 11 is waterproof up to 10m or 33 fr. However, the main advantage of getting this action camera is the possibility of getting many great travel accessories such as GoPro waterproof Dome for taking unbelievable split-half underwater photos.
Scheduled Capture feature:
One of the great features of GoPro 11 is Scheduled Capture. You can set your camera to take photos up to 24 hours in advance.
Creative travel photography:
GoPro Hero 11 also offers three new Time Lapse modes. Star Trails for capturing stars during the night, Light Painting to create artistic photos with light, and Vehicle Light Trails when shooting pictures of busy towns at night.
Video Stabilization:
It is also one of the best cameras for travel vlogging due to its amazing video stabilization.
Lightweight and super compact:
With a weight of only 153 grams, you can take GoPro 11 on the most challenging hikes. It will fit into any backpack and will be a great addition to your travel gear.
27MP image resolution will offer you a high-quality picture of your adventures.
Good to know:
The only disadvantage of getting GoPro is that the new models are released quite often so you will need to replace your camera regularly if you want to stay up to date with technology.
Luckily, most of the accessories are compatible with different GoPro camera models.
PROS:
- Waterproof up to 33 ft or 10m
- Durable and tough built
- Super compact and lightweight
- Perfect for action, underwater adventures
- Cold-Weather Enduro Battery
CONS:
- Frequent new model releases
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Canon G7X Mii [Affordable, but mighty for newbie travel bloggers]
Contributed by Tess of Tessomewhere
| Megapixel: 20.1 MP |
| Camera Type: Point and Shoot |
| Sensor: 1.0 type back-illuminated CMOS |
| Recording Format (images): JPEG compression, RAW, RAW+JPEG |
| Still Images ISO: 125 – 12800 |
| Video: Full HD, HD |
| Recording Format (videos): MP4, iFrame |
| Max burst rate: 8 fps |
| Anti-Dust System: SuperSonic Wave Filter |
| Body Weight: .70 lbs (319 g) |
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The Canon G7X Mii is a fantastic entry-level travel camera for those wanting to level up their photography but isn’t quite ready to take the plunge into purchasing a DSLR.
Compact, fixed lens camera:
This compact camera has a fixed lens but offers users significant control over the camera settings, including full manual and RAW-file shooting capability.
Lightweight:
Best yet, this lightweight but packed with features camera is pocket-sized and comes weighing just 319g.
Great as a vlogging camera:
This nifty camera is also a favorite with vloggers, thanks to its capability of recording full HD movies up to 120 fps. The 180-degree flip display also makes it great for vlogging or nailing the perfect selfie.
Affordable price tag:
If you are considering this camera, the main pro is the range of features packed into this small but mighty camera that costs a lot less than most entry-level DSLRs.
Additionally, if size and weight are a priority to you when traveling, this camera will tick a lot of boxes.
Dynamic Shooting Range:
Finally, being able to shoot in full manual or aperture priority or shutter speed priority modes make it easy to have full control over your shooting settings.
The Canon G7X Mii also comes with several inbuilt modes, such as portrait mode and night shooting to help you nail the perfect shot no matter the conditions.
With a powerful image stabilizer, the results from this compact camera are amazing!
Good to know:
It is important to remember that this is a fixed-lens camera. Whilst the camera does have a fairly reasonable variable focal length of 8.8-36.8mm (24-100mm at 35mm equivalent) with an f-stop range of f1.8-2.8, this does limit your focal length control.
Also, this camera is also not weather sealed, so take care when shooting in wet or dusty conditions.
PROS:
- Lightweight and compact
- Perfect for beginners
- Dynamic shooting range
- Great for vlogging
- Affordable price tag
CONS:
- Limited focal length control
- Not weather sealed
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Sony A6000 Mirrorless Camera
Recommended by Sinead from Map Made Memories
| Megapixel: 24.3 MP |
| Camera Type: Mirrorless Camera |
| Sensor: APS-C type (23.5 x 15.6mm) |
| Recording Format (images): RAW, JPEG |
| Still Images ISO: 100-25600 |
| Video: 60p/50p, 60i/50i or 24p/25p |
| Recording Format (videos): AVCHD 2.0 / MP4 |
| Max burst rate: 11 fps |
| Anti-Dust System: Charge protection coating on optical filter and image sensor shift mechanism |
| Body Weight: .75 lbs (344 g) |
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Sony A6000 is a versatile, easy-to-use mirrorless camera that takes clear, sharp photos.
Lightweight:
It is a compact camera with a sleek design so it takes up very little space in a daypack or handbag. The camera is so lightweight I barely notice I am carrying it around my neck.
For these reasons, the Sony A6000 is an ideal camera for anyone trying to achieve carry-on only travel.
Shooting modes:
The camera has the usual range of settings such as shooting modes, shutter speeds, and apertures but even the most basic setting on this camera produces high-quality photos with rich color saturation and tones.
Fast sensor:
The Sony A6000 has a 24.3-megapixel sensor with super-fast focusing and an inbuilt flash so there is no need to fiddle with, or carry, large flashes.
Viewfinder:
I find the 3-inch tilting screen particularly useful for photos from difficult angles or family group selfies.
The camera has proved to be surprisingly durable after surviving multiple drops and knocks during our family travels.
My favorite element is the OLED viewfinder as I prefer ‘old style’ viewfinder cameras.
It has Wi-Fi compatibility for fast uploading to social media as well as HD video. All of these features on this camera come with a surprisingly affordable price tag.
Things to keep in mind:
The only downside to the Sony A600 is that the lens that the camera initially supplied did not have a strong enough zoom for my needs but there is a bigger, stronger lens that can be purchased from Sony.
PROS:
- Lightweight and compact
- Good processor
- Cheaper price tag
- Old school viewfinder
CONS:
- Image stabilization is not supported
- Zoom is not the powerful
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Other popular models in the 6000 range: Sony a6500 | Sony a6600
Sony a5000 Mirrorless Camera
| Megapixel: 20.1 MP |
| Camera Type: Mirrorless Camera |
| Sensor: CMOS sensor |
| Recording Format (images): RAW JPEG, RAW+JPEG |
| Still Images ISO: 100-51200 |
| Video: Movie-making with 4K capability |
| Recording Format (videos): XAVC S, XAVC HS format Ver2 compliant |
| Max burst rate: 4 fps |
| Body Weight: .59 lbs (269 g) |
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Sony A5000 is an entry-level mirrorless camera, but it is packed with a lot of features that can be beneficial to any travel blogger.
Note that this model was introduced in 2014 but is still available on Amazon and you can check prices here.
Sony has since released a new model a5100, which is also available online.
Great processor:
Sony a5000 has a CMOS sensor with 20.1 MP image resolution. Its Bionz X processor is the same as found in the upgraded A7, A7R, and the Alpha 6000 line. This helps in noise reduction when shooting at higher sensitivities.
Image quality:
The image quality of the Sony a5000 is impressive.
When capturing in auto mode (and in JPEG) it has produced some stunning captures that are ready to share on social media or blog posts – which is super important for a busy travel blogger.
Great for beginners:
This camera is perfect for beginners to get their feet wet in photography. Using the Sony a5000 I started shooting in RAW and learned to use aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual modes.
Plus a lot of digital filters to play with!
Future upgrades:
With additional features and interchangeable lenses, there is always room to grow and learn using this camera.
Lightweight and compact:
Although great for beginners, I still find myself reaching for this camera when I want to travel light, or navigate through busy lanes, and city centres.
It easily fits inside my crossbody purse, and I can ditch my camera bag for the day.
PROS:
- Compact and lightweight
- Superior image quality for an entry-level camera
- Lens are interchangeable
- Good image processor
- Great for beginner-level photographers
- Long battery life
CONS:
- Limited raw functionality
- The screen is not fully articulated
- No viewfinder (but the 3-inch LCD)
- Poor in low-light situations
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iPhone 13 Pro
| Megapixel: 12 MP (with wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lens options) |
| Camera Type: iPhone Camera |
| Recording Format (images): HEIC or HEIF |
| Video: 4K, 1080p, 10‑bit HDR, Dolby Vision HDR, ProRes, Cinematic mode |
| Recording Format (videos): HEVC |
| Body Weight: Approx. .45 lbs (204 g) |
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Camera phones are a game changer. They are small and discreet and they can really make content creation a breeze!
iPhone photos can be used for travel blogging in blog posts, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, and also to film YouTube videos!
Good camera for social media/blog usage:
The iPhone 13 pro has an enhanced triple camera setup. It has a wide, ultra-wide, and zoom camera lens that makes it easy to compose your photos without dragging your heavy equipment around.
Use the ultra wide angle lens to capture landscapes or hotel rooms. Or the zoom lenses to shoot an architectural detail – the creative options are limitless.
Live photos:
If you know the benefits of live photos, you will LOVE them (if you don’t, you would hate them).
Live photos can help you take the perfect shot, turn a normal photo into a long exposure shot, or even a 3-second video to use on Instagram or Pinterest.
Portrait mode:
Portrait photography is made easy with this shooting mode. You choose from natural to studio light, and even change the F-stop (focal ratio) by completing your shoot!
Cinematic mode:
For video lovers, and those creating dreamy city shoots, the cinematic mode is a game changer!
Portable, and always with you:
Unlike a DSLR camera, a cellphone is always with you allowing you to capture moments when you are least expecting them.
PROS:
- Portable + always with you
- Lightweight and compact
- Lenses are of good quality
- Lots of free apps available for editing
- Great for video shooting
- Use for social media
CONS:
- No support for RAW (additional app is needed)
- Prints are not high quality
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iPhone 11 Pro
| Megapixel: 12 MP (with wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lens options) |
| Camera Type: iPhone Camera |
| Recording Format (images): HEIC or HEIF |
| Video: 4K, 1080p |
| Recording Format (videos): HEVC |
| Body Weight: Approx. .41 lbs (188 g) |
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Just like the iPhone 13 pro, the 11 pro has similar features when it comes to its camera. But it is relatively cheaper as it is a previous generation model.
Cameras:
It has triple 12MP Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto cameras (2.5 vs 3 in iPhone 13). It also has the portrait mode built in.
Video shooting:
With regards to video, you are not getting the cinematic mode with the 11 Pro. But you are able to shoot in 4K and edit it with ease.
It can shoot 4K video with extended dynamic range and video stabilization.
Night mode:
iPhone’s low light photography improved with the 11 Pro. The A13 Bionic processor can deliver low‑light shots in a much better way.
You can manually control it, or use the auto mode – your choice!
PROS:
- Portable + always with you
- Lightweight and compact
- Older model, but still within the current iOS ecosystem
- Lots of free apps available for editing
- Use for social media
- Can be bought for a cheaper price as compared to the latest models
CONS:
- No support for RAW (additional app is needed)
- Prints are not high quality
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Photography Tips from a full time Travel Blogger
My love for travel blogging began with storytelling and photography. When I started my blog in 2015, I was a self taught photographer who was a little camera shy, and used a point and shoot camera.
With Instagram being a focus, I leveled up and bought myself one of my first Sony mirrorless cameras.
Lightweight mirrorless cameras were definitely useful when wandering through busy streets, old towns and capturing festivals and events.
Practicing with an entry level camera, I learned the basics of photography, composition and editing.
If you didn’t know, here are some of the basic composition guidelines and tips (regardless of your camera model)
- Rule of thirds: This is one of the well-known composition techniques where instead of placing the subject at the center of the shot, you are splitting it into thirds (like 9 squares). And then you place the subject at one of the lines where it intersects.
- Reduce the noise: Always try to simplify your scene, remove anything that is distracting from the subject. When capturing in a busy city, try to move around a little bit and try a different angle to reduce the noise.
- Fill the frame: Be mindful of negative spaces in your photos, when you are capturing your shot. While negative space can be useful in adding text later (like for Pinterest or Instagram stories), unused space might not work for your photo composition.
- Framing: Framing is one of my favorite ways to capture a subject or a landmark. It allows you to draw attention to the subject by blocking parts of the image with something else in the scene/shot. You can frame using doorways, flowers, etc.
Now, those were some basic composition tips.
The importance of shooting in RAW, manual or aperture priority, types of lenses, low light-golden hour shooting – all of these things made sense once I leveled up my gear.
You see, with the entry level Sony a5000 I was shooting in RAW and aperture priority – and it worked great for most travel photography scenarios.
But it definitely lacked precision in night or low light conditions, and that’s when an upgrade to Sony A7iii happened.
With a robust mirrorless camera such as the Sony A7iii or its recent upgrade – A7IV, you are definitely paying more for the features – but it is worth it if photography is part of your overall travel blogging business.
I am now working with brands and tourism boards as a full time travel blogger, and having a camera that can produce great shots is super important.
When I travel solo I often use my Peak Design tripod to capture my photos. And the Sony A7iii does it so well with the Continuous Shooting Mode (that I rarely use a self timer, or remote).
Picking up the right camera is no easy task, but we hope this guide has helped you or nudged you in the right direction!
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