9+ Best Compact Camera For Travelling | Ultimate Guide 2022

Choosing the right travel camera is no easy feat. If you don’t have much experience in photography, the various guides you find on the internet can be misleading. Here we try to take stock without getting too involved in technicalities. This is a guide suitable for both those who want to buy their first camera to travel and for those who want to give a gift but do not know where to start.

That said, below are the best options for this year. In terms of value for money. I will not include reflex cameras in the list, find the reason in the following paragraphs.

In this guide, we will try to aggregate all the information you need to make a choice. We will mainly talk about compact cameras for traveling, bridge, reflex, and mirrorless cameras, arranging them in ascending order of price.

Best Compact Camera For Travelling 2022

In this session, we will talk about the best compact camera for traveling. The travel camera that you can easily keep in your pocket belongs to the first type, while those machines that have a larger body and that incorporate a lens with super zoom belong to the second type.

The main difference between the two types is portability, if for you the priority is to carry a light camera with you that allows you to take good shots simply while walking around the city you are visiting, surely you should think about buying a compact.

If, on the other hand, you expect to need a zoom, especially in the case of photographs of animals or possible means of transport, the choice should surely fall on a bridge. The latter can also be considered as the first step towards a fully manual professional machine since, depending on the model, they allow you to use automatic or semi-automatic modes.

Let’s see what are the best offers of the moment.

Best Compact Camera For Travelling | Comparison table 2021

Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Best Compact Camera For Travelling | 2021 Reviews

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW BEFORE BUYING A TRAVEL CAMERA?

1- WEIGHT AND DIMENSION

The question is, how much extra weight do I want to carry? Either way, you’ll add some bulk to your backpack, whether it’s a compact camera or SLR. In fact, most backpackers travel already equipped with tents, sleeping bags, mats, etc.

Point-and-shoot and sports cameras are the most compact (and some incredibly lightweight) on the list. Having no interchangeable lenses, even with batteries, memory cards, cables, etc. the additional weight is minimal.

In terms of footprint, mirrorless cameras are in second place, since they are smaller than most SLRs. Keep in mind that the space occupied is directly proportional to the number of objectives used.

DSLRs are the bulkiest cameras. Some budget models can be as light as mirrorless cameras since they have a not overly sophisticated body. Professional models, on the other hand, have reinforced bodies and advanced features that make them very heavy.

2- SENSOR

The sensor is very important if you are looking for a camera with high image quality. The final result will depend on the type, as well as the megapixels, the lens, and other factors.

A good sensor is a determining factor in image quality. Don’t think that cameras with a lot of megapixels take better photos because they have more. A compact 20MP camera will never measure up to a full-frame 12MP DSLR. For amateurs or in the case of 10 × 15/13 × 18 cm prints, not many MP are needed!

What matters is the quality and size of the sensor.

3- RESISTANCE TO WATER

Waterproof camera yes or no? It all depends on the use and the activities you intend to practice. Water-resistance reduces the exposure of internal components to moisture and dust. The most rugged and sporty cameras are waterproof (or compatible with a protective casing) because they are designed to withstand extreme conditions.

This does not mean that the camera is totally waterproof, although the protection is still better. Water-resistance should be taken into consideration if you are very often outdoors, exposed to rain, dust, etc.
On the contrary, if you are not traveling in “extreme” conditions, this is a detail that you can easily overlook.

4- OBJECTIVES

Lenses are another key factor in determining image quality. The lenses and their constitution will in fact make the difference in the final result, whether it is a telezoom, a fisheye, or a fixed 50mm. Remember that adjustable lenses such as 18-200mm, 27-55mm, etc. are versatile and ideal for beginners and travelers, they are not up to the standard ones. The hassle of a prime lens is that you will have to constantly replace it depending on the scene and the type of photo.

Point and shoot cameras have built-in medium-quality lenses, generally with generous zoom. They usually have an angular focal length of 24mm, which is not ideal for landscape photography. Most SLR and mirrorless cameras come with an 18-55mm, 27-70mm, or similar lens.

WHAT IS THE BEST FOCAL DISTANCE?

There are hundreds of lenses on the market and it is often difficult to know which one we really need. The choice depends on the type of photography and the versatility you need. Wide-angle lenses have a very wide-angle and therefore capture a larger portion of the scene. telezoom lenses can take pictures at a great distance, showing a more restricted part of the scene on the sensor.

For landscape photography, opt for a lens with a decent angle (with a focal length of at least 16mm to 20mm). In fact, the smaller the number, the greater the portion of the scene captured will be. Any lens with a focal length greater than 24mm (50, 70, etc.) is not the ideal choice for this type of shooting.

Telephoto lenses such as 140mm, 200mm, or 300mm are the best choice if you want to photograph animals and people at a certain distance.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR TRAVEL CAMERA:

Do you want to extend the life of your new camera? Follow these tips on how to protect it (including lenses) from sand and dirt, improving the functionality and durability of your equipment. The main elements to avoid are extreme dust, water, smoke, heat, cold, and humidity. I know, traveling is complicated, but I suggest you take as much care of your camera as possible.

A backpack, for example, is also a good investment to protect other electronic devices.

To clean the camera body, lenses, buttons, and touch screens purchase a basic cleaning kit. You can remove dust from the camera and lens with a soft brush. When cleaning the lens, extend it to the maximum length to reach the inside.

– Clean the sensor:

You can use an air blower to remove dust from the camera lens and sensor. Never use compressed air, as high pressure can damage the sensor. Remove the lens and look for the option in the “manual cleaning” menu. When the mirror is blocked, gently use the blower to remove any particles. Never touch the sensor with the blower or with your fingers. Turn off the camera and the mirror will return to its normal position.

– Clean the lens:

Use a microfiber tissue to clean the lens. I recommend starting from the center of the lens, moving sideways in a circular motion. Isopropyl alcohol can be used.