The holiday is booked, and you are starting to get excited. However your old camera is not up to it anymore and it is time to upgrade to a new digital camera.
Not certain what to get, don’t know what is the best compact camera for travel photography. Read on as we look at 5 of the best digital cameras to capture those memorable moments during your travels.
But before we get into the reviews lets have a quick look back over the strengths and weaknesses of the Compact Digital Camera.
Compact Digital Cameras:
The main attraction of digital compact cameras are their small size and ease of use. Able to fit into your pocket or purse, you can just point it at the subject, press the button and the camera does the rest.
Strengths
- Compact and lightweight
- relatively inexpensive
- easy to use
Weaknesses
- lower image quality
- small or no viewfinder
- small controls
Onto the reviews and the first Digital Compact Camera we are looking at is:
1) Sony DSC-RX100M III Cyber-shot Digital Still Camera
This edition in the Sony’s Cyber-shot family is an amazing little camera which fits into your pocket. With stunning picture quality, without any lag. Hit the shutter button and you have it. There’s even a pop-up electronic viewfinder and a 180ｰdegree tiltable screen for selfies. The camera can be used with manual mode or with the various presets.
- 20.9 MP sensor
- 24-70mm equivalent F/1.8-2.8 lens, ISO 160-12800
- 1080 60p/24p HD video, Raw/JPEG/ Raw+JPEG
- Steady-Shot image stabilisation
- Built-in WiFi and NFC for sharing and remote camera control
Great camera for enthusiasts who need a pocket sized travel camera.
2) Canon PowerShot G5 X Digital Camera
The Canon PowerShot G5 offers amazing clarity and resolution. Offering an electronic view finder and mount for an external flash (a rarity on cameras of this size). This is a camera which is light enough for traveling, but has the features of a DSLR camera. The G5 performs well whether in automatic mode, manual mode or using one of the preset functions. Providing excellent image quality at higher ISO settings.
- 20.2 MP sensor
- 24-100mm equivalent F/1.8-2.8 lens, ISO 100-12800
- 1080 60p/24p HD video, Raw/JPEG/ Raw+JPEG
- Built-in WiFi and NFC for sharing and remote camera control
Great camera for enthusiasts who are looking for a camera with near DSLR features. Bulkier than the other cameras being reviewed, not really suitable for you pocket.
3) Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
The PowerShot G7 X Mark II camera, combines exhilarating speed and performance, ideal for travelling. A lightweight and ultra-portable camera which is small enough to fit in your pocket but is loaded with features. The 24-100mm optical zoom is fantastic, but digital zoom becomes grainy very quickly, and good low light performance. There is a manual focus available on the touchscreen, but trying to adjust it can be cumbersome.
- 20.1 MP sensor
- 24-100mm equivalent F/1.8-2.8 lens, ISO 100-12800
- 1080 60p/24p HD video, Raw/JPEG/ Raw+JPEG
- Intelligent image stabilisation
- Built-in WiFi and NFC for sharing and remote camera control
Impressive camera, though not without flaws, is an excellent compact travel camera for the enthusiast.
4) Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX10K Camera
The Panasonic LUMIX is the only camera in this review which is capable of shooting 4K. If this is a feature you desire while on your travels then this is the camera for you. The Sony RX100 produces a sharper image, but this isn’t noticeable unless you are getting large prints done (A4 or larger). The autofocus and auto white balance are the best of the group. One of the few cameras which offers F1.4 in a zoom lens.
- 20.1 MP sensor
- 24-72mm equivalent F/1.4-2.8 lens, ISO 100-25600
- 4K video, Raw/JPEG/ Raw+JPEG
- Built-in WiFi for sharing and remote camera control
Great camera for travellers who want the 4k video option.
5) Ricoh GR II Digital Camera
The Ricoh GR II is a wide and fairly slim compact digital camera aimed at the enthusiast photographer. Fitted with a 28mm, f2.8 wide-angle fixed-focus lens, a negative for many people. If you’re a fan of landscapes or you’re happy to get up close and personal to your subject, the camera proves to be more versatile than at first glance.
- 16 MP sensor
- 28mm equivalent F/2.8 lens, ISO 100-12800
- Full HD video, Raw/JPEG/ Raw+JPEG
- Built-in WiFi for sharing and remote camera control
If you are looking for a camera with a fixed lens, the Ricoh GR II is a small and discrete camera which is a pleasure to shoot.
So which is the best compact camera for travel photography, 5 great compact digital cameras all of which would serve you well on your next vacation. Which one is the best, it really comes down to your preference.
If you like to shoot video and want 4K, then the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX10K is for you. Don’t want a zoom lens camera, prefer to have one less thing to worry about then check out the Ricoh GR II Digital Camera.
If your preference is for a Canon than either the PowerShot G7 or if you want something closer to a DSLR the PowerShot G5 will suit your needs. Myself, I like the Sony, I have been using Sony cameras for a while now and the Cyber Shot RX100 would be the camera for me.
Which camera do you prefer, let me know in the comments below. If there is a camera you would like me to review, put it in the comments below.
Until next time, happy shooting 🙂
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