Best Travel Cameras (2026), Tested and Reviewed

The 8 Best Travel Cameras Featured in this article To paraphrase photographer Chase Jarvis, the best travel camera is the one you have with you. By extension, the best travel camera is the one you're willing to lug around. For some of us, that means the best camera is one that you can fit in your pocket. Others, like me, are willing to carry a small full-frame mirrorless for versatility of lenses and the higher-quality images. I lived on the road, traveling around the United States and Mexico for eight years, during which time I refined my travel camera kit down to exactly what I needed and nothing I didn't (read to the end for my personal setup). Based on that experience, and almost a decade of testing cameras, these are the best travel cameras I've found for all varieties of travelers, whether you want a point-and-shoot that fits in your pocket or a full-frame DSLR that requires its own suitcase. For more camera choices, be sure to read all our camera guides , including the Best Compact Cameras , Best Mirrorless Cameras , Best Action Cameras , How to Choose the Right GoPro , and How to Buy a Camera . Updated January 2026: I've added the Ricoh GR IV now that it's available, noted the Fujifilm X-E5, changed the 360 camera to the GoPro Max 2, and added the Hover Air X1 ProMax drone as an alternative to the DJI Mini 4. I've also updated prices and links throughout. Travel Photography Accessories and Extras Once you've got a camera you love, make sure you have everything you need to get the most out of it. Here are a few of the things I like to travel with: Extra batteries : It doesn't matter how good your camera's battery life is, you're going to want extra batteries, ideally several of them. I also like to bring a dedicated charger so I can leave batteries charging overnight. SD cards : The more, the merrier. I use and recommend these Lexar Professional 2000x SD cards . For microSD cards I like Samsung's Pro Plus model , which I use in my GoPro Hero 13. A camera bag : The perfect camera bag is different for everyone. We've put together a complete guide to camera bags and straps to help you figure out the best way to carry your camera. Tripod : I rarely bring a tripod traveling, but when I do I like to keep it as small and light as possible. Far and away the most popular travel tripod is Peak Design's carbon-fiber tripod . I also like Sirui's carbon-fiber tripod . What Makes a Great Travel Camera? The answer to that will depend on what you want to shoot, but for most of us a great travel camera is a small camera. That doesn't necessarily mean you have to stick with point-and-shoot cameras, but no one wants to lug around a huge DSLR just to snap some photos of...

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