Every traveler needs a camera. Whether you’re on a cruise, vacationing in the Caribbean, or backpacking across the country, documenting your experience is an absolute must!

The real question is, what camera should you use?

Smartphone cameras may take great photos, but for those who take videography seriously, those tiny cameras just don’t cut it.

Understanding what makes a camera good for travel is of utmost importance while making your decision. Take the following camera features into consideration:

  • Megapixels
  • Weight and size
  • Manual settings
  • Zoom
  • Video/Image Quality
  • Aperture
  • Bluetooth/WIFI capabilities
  • Weatherproofing
  • Interchangeable lenses
  • Stabilization

Even after getting down the basic need-to-knows, it still may be difficult to decide which camera is right for you. To help make things easier – check out these top-rated travel cameras!

Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4k

The Blackmagic Design PCC4K features a Full HD, 5-inch display, which has been noted by Digital Trends as “the best built-in monitors we’ve ever seen.” And, to add the cherry on top, for a camera this advanced, its touch interface is shockingly simple.

What truly makes this camera stand out from the rest is its software. While most video cameras use compressed formats, the PCC4K records easy-to-edit filetypes like 12-bit Blackmagic RAW and 10-bit Apple ProRes.

If you’re looking to produce professional-quality videos, the Blackmagic Design PCC4K is the perfect camera choice. You’re guaranteed to get a bang for your buck with this conveniently affordable camera – listed at $1,295 on Amazon.

Fujifilm X-T30

Record your travel adventures in style with Fujifilm’s X-T30. This camera’s specifications include:

  • 26.1MP resolution
  • 4K video recording
  • 3-inch touchscreen – 1040K dots
  • ASP-C back-illuminated X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor
  • EVF viewfinder – 2.36 million dots

The X-T30 mimics many of the X-T3’s features but in a light-weight and highly portable body. Although it’s not weatherproofed, the X-T30’s body is quite durable – making it a smart choice for adventure seekers.

You can get this super-snazzy, compact camera for a very fair price – available on Amazon for $799.

GoPro Hero8 Black

GoPro’s latest Hero edition has proven to be the most advanced by far. Though its best known as an “action camera,” the Hero8 provides much more than just a POV perspective. Some of its new features include:

  • Mod accessories – mini shotgun mic, LED light, and a flip-up selfie screen
  • Built-in mount – no more frame or case, no more dismounting to change batteries or memory cards
  • 2.0 HyperSmooth stabilization – say goodbye to those bumpy, chaotic action videos
  • TimeWarp 2.0 – automatically adjusts the time-lapse speed in relation to the camera’s movement

If you’re looking for a waterproof action camera that can keep up with you on-the-go, GoPro’s Hero8 Black is a no-brainer! For only $400, the Hero8 can be yours – and you can even splurge on some must-have accessories without running up a ridiculous bill!

Olympus TG-5

This one is for all the backpackers who aim to produce pristine videos of their outdoor feats. Olympus’ TG-5 is a durable travel camera that you can take on any adventure. Its body features include:

  • Crushproof – up to 220 pounds
  • Freezeproof – up to 14 degrees
  • Waterproof – up to 50 feet
  • Shockproof – up to 7 feet
  • Dustproof

Whether you are trekking through water, snow, sand, or dirt, you can trust in the TG-5’s elemental resilience. You can even work this camera with thick gloves on.

If you’re an adventurer who’s looking for a camera that can withstand whatever mishaps may befall it (and you), then the Olympus TG-5 is a wonderful choice – available on Amazon for $449.

Panasonic Lumix ZS200/TZ200

The Lumix ZS200/TZ200 has an impressive set of features including:

  • A 20.1-megapixel 1-inch sensor
  • A 3-inch touchscreen monitor – easy to see in most lighting conditions
  • 4K video–at up to 30p
  • 15x zoom
  • An ergonomic strip (across the front side of the camera) – allows for a more comfortable grip

Panasonic’s Lumix ZS200/TZ200 combines high-image quality with convenient portability, making it a well-balanced choice for travel photographers and videographers alike.

This is an easily affordable option – you can find the TZ200 at your local Walmart for just $639.99.

Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 VII

Sony’s RX100 VII is conveniently sized and loaded down with advanced features. It pairs a Bionz X processor with a 20-megapixel 1-inch sensor, which guarantees fast performance and impressive image detail.

The RX100 VII features Real-Time Eye AF focusing technology and Real-Time Tracking – this means moving subjects are tracked and captured in crystal-clear detail. Record videos in:

  • Full HD 1080p – at up to 120fps
  • 4K videos – at either 24 or 30fps
  • Super (duper) slow-motion – as high as 960fps

If you’re interested in a compact camera that packs a punch, the Sony RX100 VII is a great choice! You don’t have to worry about offering an arm and a leg for it either – its listed-on B&H Photo-Video for $1,198.

Which Travel Camera is Right for You?

With so many travel video camera options available, choosing the right one isn’t easy. Before setting your decision in stone, be sure you do your research. Make sure that the camera you pick caters to your personal preferences as well as your traveling circumstances.

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