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The current generation loves to point and start shooting with their smartphones whenever they are traveling. However, when we talk about the quality of the images and videos, it’s any day hard for smartphones to match the quality of a camera. And if you are someone who just cannot compromise on such a beautiful passion for traveling and photography, you have to have a camera.
You are going to require a lightweight and compact camera that suits your purpose. The camera should be lightweight so that you can carry it with you easily for a long time. At the same time, the camera should have a strong and sturdy build so that it can tolerate minor mishandling while traveling. Further, the camera should be able to record an HD video quality, if not a full HD.
There are so many choices made available for travelling cameras in the market that it is very natural for anyone to get confused between the vast ocean of options. Needless to say, most of the cameras that might catch your eyes might also turn out to be expensive.
Hence, it is always good to prep yourself up for the purchase before actually making the purchase. For that, you would need a little bit of research and our help.
We are here with the list of a few best cameras which are affordable, lightweight, and suitable for travelling.
Table of Contents
Best Budget Camera for Travelling
Canon PowerShot G9X Mark II
Key features:
- 20.1 MP 1” CMOS Sensor
- 10.2-30.6mm Lens (28-84mm FF equivalent)
- 1080 p video recording
- 3.9 x 2.3 x 1.2
- 7.26 oz
Canon PowerShot is one of the best travel-friendly cameras that we have in the market. The camera comes with a very precise 20.1 MP 1″ CMOS sensor. The sensor is very powerful and it can capture accurate images with detailed clarity and precision. The camera has the capacity to record 1080 pixel videos. This is a great feature because who does not want a full HD video from a travel-friendly camera. The dimension of the camera is 3.9 x 2.3 x 1.2 and it weighs 7.26 oz. As we mentioned earlier, the camera is very travel-friendly because of its compact build.
The camera is a small portable lightweight camera which you can take anywhere you like. It has a reliable Autofocus. Usually, beginners face difficulty with their cameras, which is definitely not the case here. The camera is good for beginners.
Pros:
- 20.1 Mp
- Lightweight
- 1080 p video quality
- Point and shoot camera
- Compact and portable
- Budget friendly
Cons :
- Could have a better battery life.
Fujifilm X-T20
Key features:
- 24.3 MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III Sensor
- Fuji X-Mount – 20+ native lenses
- 4k video recording
- 4.7 x 3.3 x 1.6
- 13.5 oz
If you are comfortable extending your expenditure limit a little bit more than what we call affordable, then you can definitely grab this alluring camera Fujifilm X T20. The camera comes with tempting high-end features. Firstly, the camera features a 24.3 APS-C X-Trans CMOS III Sensor. Then the camera is seen to flaunt a Fuji X-Mount – 20+ native lenses. If you still do not believe its features, let us tell you that the camera is capable of recording 4K videos which are as sharp and clear as none other.
The quality of the recordings and the shoots are excellent. The dimension of the camera is 4.7 x 3.3 x 1.6 and it weighs 13.5 oz. What makes this camera super fit for traveling is that you can simply point and start shooting and it is a very compact and lightweight camera for you to carry along with you. The lightweight camera definitely deserves a thought from your end.
Pros:
- 24.3 MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III Sensor
- Lightweight
- 4k video quality
- Compact and portable
- Fuji X-Mount – 20+ native lenses
Cons :
- Could have a better battery life.
Panasonic Lumix GH4
Key features:
- 16 MP MFT MOS Sensor
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- Up to 4k video recording
- 5.2 x 3.7 x 3.3”
- 19.75 oz
With the launch of new products in the market, we often forget the old ones. However, it would be completely an unjust situation to forget a camera such as Panasonic Lumix GH4. This camera did stand all out of the crowd back in its time. Because it was one of the best cameras to record 4K videos and probably a very rare one.
The camera comes with a decent 16 MP MFT MOS Sensor along with Micro Four Thirds Mount. The most crucial important reason for the camera being so famous in the past was the 4K video quality which is purely great. All the lenses are unique in quality. The dimension of the camera is 5.2 x 3.7 x 3.3” and it weighs 19.75 oz. We understand that we cannot call it extremely lightweight and compact but then compared to other cameras that we have in the market and the price, this is an affordable camera.
Pros:
- 16 MP MFT MOS Sensor
- Lightweight
- 4k video quality
- Compact and portable
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
Cons :
- Almost
Sony A7R Mark II
Key features:
- 42.4 MP full-frame CMOS Sensor
- Sony E-Mount – 20+ Native Lenses
- Up to 4k video recording
- Internal 5-axis image stabilization
- 5.0 x 3.8 x 2.4”
- 22 oz
If there is one camera that can record perfect shots regardless of the time, place, and occasion then it has to be this camera. In case you think we’re just exaggerating then you are probably wrong. Because it is awestruck to see this camera flaunting a 42.4 MP full-frame CMOS Sensor with which the camera can certainly record and cover anything it wants to.
It really doesn’t matter whether it’s daylight or low light condition, the camera comes with an amount of Sony E-Mount – 20+ Native Lenses and adaptors for non-native lenses. The video quality is obviously 4K. You would simply enjoy the lively image quality from this camera.
The internal 5 Axis image stabilization is Lovely to work with because it can really stabilize moving subjects quickly and let you shoot crisp and clear image quality. The dimension of the camera is 5.0 x 3.8 x 2.4” and it weighs 22 oz. This camera literally pays off your investment.
Pros:
- 42.4 MP full-frame CMOS Sensor
- Travel friendly
- 4k video quality
- Compact and portable
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
Cons :
- Almost none except the weight.
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Key features:
- 22.3 MP full-frame CMOS Sensor
- Canon EF Mount – 20+ native lenses
- Weather resistant
- 4k video possible w/ extra firmware
- 6.0 x 4.6 x 3.0
- 1.89 lbs
We have another full frame camera on the list from Canon. The camera comes with 22.3 MP full-frame CMOS Sensor along with Canon EF Mount – 20+ native lenses. Hence, there’s a scope for every type of photographer, from a novice to an amateur.
One feature that adds to its suitability for travelling is that it is weather resistant. This feature is very essential for traveling, because weather is an unpredictable subject. You would absolutely love the coverage of the camera along with the 4K video quality which is crystal clear.
The dimension of the camera is 6.0 x 4.6 x 3.0 and it weighs 1.89 lbs. 4k video possible w/ extra firmware makes it suitable for professional usage. The features work well for traveling photography and overall it’s an affordable product.
Pros:
- 22.3 MP full-frame CMOS Sensor
- User friendly
- 4k video quality
- Weather resistant
- Canon EF Mount – 20+ native lenses
Cons :
- Almost none.
Panasonic Lumix FZ1000
Key features:
- 20.9 MP 1” MOS Sensor
- Built in 9.12-146mm Leica lens (25-400mm FF equivalent)
- 4k video recording
- 5.4 x 3.9 x 5.1”
- 1.83 lbs
The sensor of Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 is a 20.9 MP 1” MOS Sensor. What really pleases you is the Built 9.12-146mm Leica lens (25-400mm FF equivalent). The dimension of the camera is 5.4 x 3.9 x 5.1” and the weight is 1.83 lbs. The camera can record 4k video recordings.
The ISO could be disappointing when there’s a scarcity of lights, but otherwise, the camera is capable of doing a fantastic job. The price is budget-friendly and even if you are tight on your pocket, you can think of spending on it. This is a decent lightweight and compact camera that does occupy more than necessary the space of your bag. The quality of the recording is convincing and suits both recreational as well as professional use. The camera never cheats on your pocket.
Pros:
- 20.9 MP 1” MOS Sensor
- User friendly
- 4k video quality
- Lightweight
- Built in 9.12-146mm Leica lens (25-400mm FF equivalent)
Cons :
- ISO could be better
These were selected options that we listed for your convenience.
Here are a few factors that ensure better functioning of your camera.
- Sensors: Traveling photography always requires better coverage and we need a minimum of 20-megapixel resolution to have a better capture of all the details. Also, CMOS sensors work best for taking high-quality images.
- Aperture: The aperture of a camera controls its exposure to light. A high aperture might not be a good idea at all, because a lower aperture controls the exposure better.
- Shutter speed: Shutter speed should be a fraction of doubled frame rate. For example, if you shoot at 60 fps, your shutter speed should be 1/120.
- Lightweight: While traveling, both the size and weight of the camera should be less. The camera should not weigh down your bag because you don’t want your passion to invite back pain instead of mental relief.
- Dimension: The size of the camera should be compact and it should occupy less space in the backpacks. That would ensure smarter traveling photography.
Does ISO affect the quality of a travelling camera?
Ans: Travelling is mostly done during the daytime. Daylight is best suited for capturing traveling images. Hence, to be honest, ISO should not be important to a very huge extent. But, it always depends on the users. If you feel that you may have other needs of low light shoots from the camera, you should look for a balanced ISO range.
