The Best Compact Cameras for Travel and More (2024)

The Sony Cybershot DSC-RX100M3 snagged the top spot on our list for many reasons, but the low light capabilities and fast processing are a solid start. The F1.8-2.8 24-70 millimeter Zeiss lens not only performs well in lower light situations but also provides a versatile focal length appropriate for all types of photography. Whether you want portraits with beautiful bokeh blurring, macro of flora and fauna, or wider landscape photos, this camera can seemingly do it all — and fast, with the Bionz X processor.

Another exciting highlight of this Sony model is the revolutionary pop-up electronic viewfinder, something not found in compact cameras until now. Battery life is approximately 320 shots, which is sufficient for most shooting opportunities before a recharge is needed. Another major highlight is the built-in 3-stop neutral density filter, which helps in harsh light conditions to avoid overexposing and a shallow depth of field. The tilting LCD screen is great for selfies and video, and afterward, you can easily transfer the content to your phone via the built-in Wi-Fi with the use of an app. This travel-friendly compact camera packs a punch when it comes to features and quality, all while remaining small and lightweight. It’s ideal for beginner photographers looking to branch out into manual shooting.

The Details: 20.1 megapixels | 1.0 inch Exmor R® CMOS sensor, aspect ratio 3:2 | Zeiss Vario-sonnar T* 2.9 x 24-70 millimeter F1.8-2.8 lens | 180-degree tiltable LCD | HD / 60p | 10.2 ounces with battery and memory card | 4 x 2.4 × 1.7 inches | Built-in OLED Tru-Finder electronic viewfinder (EVF) and optical

We like the focal range length of 25-300 millimeters on the Canon Powershot ELPH 360 for its versatility in a variety of shooting situations, from wider angle to telephoto. It offers fantastic value for the price point, and its small, compact body makes it incredibly easy to tote around on all your adventures. And according to experts, this camera style is ideal for beginners and traveling photographers.

“You don’t need to buy the newest and most expensive piece of equipment,” Block shared. “Buy what you will be comfortable with and really learn how to use it."

The optical image stabilizer is helpful in almost every situation — particularly low light since there’s also a specialized nighttime setting that produces photos with minimal noise. You can even capture 1080p HD video with this camera. Built-in Wi-Fi makes sharing easy, whether it’s to your own phone or with family and friends. This budget-friendly, compact camera is a great choice for novice photographers thanks to an easy-to-navigate operating system and fun modes like Hybrid Auto Mode, which captures a few seconds of video before taking a photo.

The Details: 20.2 megapixels | 2.3-inch CMOS sensor combines with the DIGIC 4+ image processor | 12 x 25-300 millimeter (35 millimeter equivalent) optical zoom lens | 3-inch fixed LCD | 1080p HD | 5.18 ounces | 4.4 x 3.1 x 2.6 inches | No viewfinder

An upgrade to the Leica Q2 version of the company’s classic rangefinder camera, we love how easy to use and versatile the Leica Q3 is across a wide array of shooting conditions. This fresh model allows for in-camera charging, which is a worthy upgrade from the previous one. The same full-frame capabilities are now paired with a powerhouse 60MP high-resolution sensor, hybrid AF (autofocus) system, and 8K video recording ability. The processing is speedy for both shooting stills and video, and boasts continuous shooting up to 15fps (frames per second). The fixed 28mm f/1.7 prime lens is impressive even in low light conditions, and a full battery charge will score you approximately 350 shots. The Leica Q3 is a great choice for intermediate to advanced photographers seeking high-end equipment for everyday purposes and professional jobs.

The Details: 60.3 megapixels | 35.8 x 23.9 mm (full-frame) CMOS | 28 millimeter fixed lens | tiltable LCD | 8K,4K | 1.6 lb / 743 g (with battery) | 5.1 x 3.2 x 3.6 inches | Electronic and optical viewfinder

There’s more to love about the Fujifilm X100V than its retro-inspired design, though that is one of its coolest features. It’s also a high-performing compact camera with pretty much all the bells and whistles you could want, right in your pocket. Get professional quality photos in JPEG or RAW and 4K video with fast processing, superior auto-focus, and top-notch low-light performance. The touch screen, electronic viewfinder, user-friendly controls and settings, and battery life of 350 images makes it a treat to shoot with. Play around with the 17 fun “film simulation” modes, like classic chrome, sepia, and classic negative, too.

The Details: 26.1 megapixels | 23.5 x 15.6 millimeter (APS-C) X-trans CMOS 4 with primary color filter | 23 millimeter F2 fixed lens | 3-inch 2-way tiltable LCD | 4K | 16.9 ounces including battery and SD memory card | 5.04 x 2.94 x 2.10 inches | Electronic and optical viewfinder

The newest addition to the Sony Alpha 7 series, the 7C II is a full-frame camera that’s lightweight and compact — perfect for travel and everyday use. That’s not all though; awesome upgrades have been made from the first-generation model, with better resolution, autofocus, video capabilities, and in-body stabilization when shooting. A new front dial control makes it more user-friendly, now featuring easily adjustable exposure settings and a small hand-grip. Autofocus subject recognition, tracking, and auto framing mode saw upgrades as well, and AI algorithm assistance keeps subjects in focus. This is especially handy for content creators who are in front of the camera just as much as behind it. The Sony Alpha 7C II is an excellent everyday option for hobbyist and professional photographers looking for a full-frame camera. Wildlife photographers will find the 759-point phase-detection autofocus system especially helpful, as it has specification options for animals including birds and insects, as well as humans, cars, and airplanes.

The Details: 33 megapixels | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (full-frame) CMOS | Sony E mount interchangeable lenses (purchased separately) | 3-inch tiltable LCD | 4K | 1.1 pounds including battery | 4.9 x 2.8 x 2.5 inches | Electronic viewfinder

We love the travel- and user-friendly Panasonic Lumix ZS80D Digital Camera for its pocket-sized profile and zoom capabilities. With a built-in 30x zoom lens, it offers photographers a range stretching from 24-720mm, meaning it’s capable of shooting everything from portraits and landscape to cityscapes and wildlife. Camera shake is no problem with the built-in image stabilizer, and video shooters don’t need to sacrifice quality thanks to 4K photo mode. The handy flip-up screen is ideal for taking selfies, and resolution on the display screen is impressive. The maximum aperture is f/3.3 so it can handle semi-low light conditions well, but it’s not ideal for very low-light. This camera offers the ability to shoot in JPEG or RAW formats as well. This is a fantastic option for beginner to intermediate photographers in need of a travel-sized camera that shoots in everything from wide angle to telephoto lens.

The Details: 21.1 megapixels | 20.3MP 1/2.3-inch MOS Sensor | Leica DC Vario-elmar 30x zoom lens (24 to 720mm) | 180° tilting touchscreen OLED | 4K | 11.57 ounces including battery | 4.4 x 2.7 x 1.6 inches | Electronic viewfinder

For a rugged, waterproof, and shockproof point-and-shoot camera, the Olympus Tough TG-6 is a fantastic choice. Its excellent versatility allows users to capture everything from underwater photos while snorkeling to videos while snowboarding. The hearty handgrip makes it easy to hold onto while enjoying your adventures, but it’s also durable enough to withstand drops. Rated as waterproof in depths up to 50 feet, it’s ideal for snorkeling, free diving, getting caught in the rain, and worry-free days spent at the beach. The internal zoom includes an F2 25-to-100-millimeter lens within the watertight body, while RAW shooting and 4K video are proof that you don't have to skimp on quality photos to get the protection this camera offers. This is a great option for amateurs and enthusiasts alike, though the manual shooting options are a bit limited. For those looking to shoot underwater without the fuss of adjusting too many settings, this fits the bill almost perfectly.

The Details: 12 megapixels | 2.3-inch CMOS | Macro 25-100 millimeter | 3-inch fixed LCD | 4K | 9 ounces | 2.6 x 4.4 x 1.3 inches | No viewfinder

The second generation model of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS series, the 200K offers the same compact profile with internal stabilization for sharper image production that we loved from the 100K. For quick movement shooting situations, such as action sports and wildlife photography, it performs well despite fitting in your pocket. This version has an upgraded lens with 15x zoom (equivalent to 24-360mm) compared to the previous model’s 10x zoom. It also produces clearer images when zoomed in all the way. The camera’s 4K video at almost 20fps and still shooting burst captures at 9.4fps aid in quick action photography — and it works so well, you can even grab still shots from videos you take. Built-in Wi-Fi connection makes it easy to transfer images to your phone or computer, and you can charge via a USB cable. This is an excellent option for photography enthusiasts to capture action shots using a portable camera.

The Details: 20.1 megapixels | 1-inch high-sensitivity MOS sensor | 24-260mm | 3-inch fixed touch screen OLED | 4K | 11.9 ounces (with battery) | 4.4 x 2.6 x 1.8 inches | Electronic viewfinder

Film photography is back in a big way, and the Canon AE-1 is one of the best for getting into the world of 35-millimeter film. A film camera is a fantastic way to slow down with photography and carefully choose shots, creating more meaningful art. Celebrated for being the first SLR to feature a CPU (central processing unit), it was also the first to offer shutter speed-priority mode, which is great for beginner photographers. This model is an excellent way to practice shooting in manual mode, too, since shutter, aperture, and ISO settings span from 12 to 3200. The focus is manual only; there is no autofocus available. Although this model is a compact camera, it is still a touch heavy and bulky, as many older cameras tend to be. Still, we love its unique, vintage look and revolutionary-for-its-time features.

The Details: 35 millimeter megapixels manual focus SLR | CPU | 50 millimeter/FD lens mount | 11.04 ounces | 6 x 4 x 5 inches | Optical viewfinder

This camera is everything we loved about the Sony ZV-1F, but better. The fresh addition to Sony’s ZV collection, made specifically for content creators, captures high-quality photos and videos. It performs excellently in low-light situations thanks to the large sensor and wide aperture f/1.8 lens that expertly achieves an amazing bokeh effect. The included fixed lens still offers versatility, with a wide 18-50mm zoom, ideal for everything from landscapes to stunning portraits. This newer model’s lens even has a built-in ND filter (neutral density) to control light exposure. An included 3-capsule mic and wind-screen accessory assist in producing clear audio for professional-grade creator film clips. Active mode stabilization reduces shake even when walking, and superior auto-focus tracking keeps the subject in focus. Features like the “soft skin effect” and a separate background defocus (bokeh) button are fantastic for video filming, particularly vlogging.

“If you intend to only do simple vlogging, you can use a small, fixed lens camera like this one,” Block shared. “[It’s] very light and has a very wide fixed lens, so you can hand hold it when you film yourself.”

The Details: 20.1 | 1.0-type (13.2 mm x 8.8 mm) exmor RS CMOS sensor | Articulating touch screen LCD |18-50 millimeter lens | 10.3 ounces | 4.15 x 2.36 x 1.84 inches | No viewfinder

Cue the nostalgia when shooting with the Polaroid Go Generation 2 Instant Mini Camera. We love how portable this model is; in fact, it’s the smallest instant camera in the world. Crafted from 30 percent recycled materials, this tiny camera offers an upgraded aperture range (f/9-f/42) and light sensor for better exposure settings. Fun features such as a self-timer, double exposure, and color filters make this a dream for creative shooters looking to capture real-time memories that can be shared the traditional way vs. digitally, but still instantly. Choose from classic white or matte black-framed film to match the mood of your photos, and charge the camera up using the internal USB charging system with a lithium-ion battery. This instant camera is a delight for photographers of all levels to use at parties, while traveling, or during a weekend at home.

The Details: Polycarbonate resin fixed focus lens, 51.1-millimeter focal length | 11.3 ounces | 4.13 x 3.3 x 2.42 inches | Optical viewfinder

We love the compact size of the Kodak FunSaver disposable camera as well as the sharp photos and bright colors it produces. Perfect for capturing candid moments and extra special events, the pocket-sized, single-use camera is ideal for nearly any occasion, from birthdays to vacations to weddings.

The ISO 800 Kodak Max film’s high exposure range means this preloaded camera is a great option for a wide array of lighting settings. Images come out clear with excellent contrast, but you’ll need to remember to click to turn on the flash as needed. Simply advance the wheel to continue taking pictures. The FunSaver is easy for photographers of all skill levels and quite fun, indeed.

The Details: 35 millimeters | Color | ISO 800 | 27 Exposures | Flash | Optical viewfinder

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between a point-and-shoot camera and an SLR camera?

  “A point-and-shoot has a small sensor, usually about 0.35 by 0.47 inches, while a full-frame camera’s sensor is 1 by 1.5 inches,” Block said. “It makes sense that the larger sensor will be clearer and sharper under more difficult photographic situations. But you pay for this larger sensor in both the size and weight of the camera and in cost. The point-and-shoot cameras also have fewer controls, or controls that are more difficult to get to.”

• How should I choose a compact camera?

  “First, hold it in your hand and see how it feels,” Block advised. “Then think about what you will be using the camera for: still photos, videos, vlogging, family vacations, or pictures of your children. Will you be shooting a lot under low light-level situations? Pick a camera that works for you.”

• Can a compact camera still take print-worthy pictures?

  “Absolutely!” Block said. “As you become more skilled as a photographer and understand how your camera works, you can get better-quality photos. I have done prints that are 10 feet across, taken with a 24-megapixel camera. I use the Sony Alpha 7C a lot and have no issues making large prints from its files. I don’t hesitate to take a compact camera with me wherever I go — the best camera is the one you have with you.”

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