The Top 10 Compact Cameras for Travellers
Published 18 Nov 2017, 09:45 GMT, Updated 19 Nov 2017, 23:54 GMT
Nat Geo Travel asked National Geographic photo engineer Tom O'Brien and other camera experts to share their top picks for must-have compact cameras. These cameras are perfect for both travelling light and making incredible photos. Read about their favourites and start planning your next trip!
Photograph by Mark Thiessen, National GeographicFor the traveller who wants the best model overall
Pick for Travellers: Over a year old now but the X-T2 still maintains its prowess of imaging excellence. The camera has everything one would want in a professional DSLR in a APS-C mirrorless camera. The combination of quality manual dials to control settings, speed of image processing, the amazing line lenses and the build quality make this camera such a pleasure to use that many professionals now use this camera as their main system. You simply cannot go wrong with the X-T2 as a high end travel camera; it’s an all-star, all-around team player that just won’t quit or let you down, no matter where your travels take you.
Pro Tip: To push this camera to its limit and get a huge increase in battery duration, consider using the Vertical Power Booster Grip. This add-on brings two more batteries into the fold and gives the camera a boost to 11 frames per second, faster focusing, and significantly increased 4K (ultra-high-definition) movie time. Additionally, as with all Fuji X series cameras, this one comes with Fuji’s proprietary film emulations loaded into the camera. You can shoot stunning JPEGs with very little post-processing required.
Get it: fujifilm.eu/uk
Sensor: 24.3-megapixel, 23.6mm x 15.6mm (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS III w/ primary colour filter
Features: full-mechanical dial core settings, Wi-Fi, electronic viewfinder, five-axis image stabilisation, cinema 4K video, weather-sealed body, dual SD card slots, Fujifilm film emulations
Photograph by Mark Thiessen, National GeographicFor the technologically-demanding traveller
Pick for Travellers: The E-M1 Mk II is in the writer’s opinion the most technologically impressive camera on this list. In a package that is considerably smaller than professional DSLR cameras Olympus has placed imaging technologies that allow for mind-bending capture rates (both mechanical and electronic shutter speeds are class leading). The E-M1 MKII is easily the most weather sealed interchangeable lens camera on the market; I took it canoeing in the Florida springs and a few times splashed water directly onto the camera, it didn’t skip a beat. Olympus has legendary autofocus, allowing for sharp, fast, and accurate focusing on targets of all types and speeds. This means whether you find yourself at an air show shooting soaring planes or photographing a local parade of dancers at dusk, this camera will lock tightly to subjects. This is a truly versatile travel camera.
Pro Tip: Being able to control a camera remotely is a great feature, and Olympus makes it pretty easy. Just download the free Olympus Image Share app (Olympus Image Share, or OI.Share, for both iPhone and Android) and switch on the camera’s built-in Wi-Fi. Now your phone can “see” what your camera is seeing, and you can control the camera functions—set the exposure, set the focus, change exposure modes, or switch to movies. Touching the phone screen to set focus on the camera is pretty cool. I mount my camera on a monopod, hold it over my head, and use it to get a high vantage point using this app. —Jim Richardson, contributing photographer for National Geographic magazine and National Geographic Traveler
Get it: olympus.co.uk/Cameras
Sensor: 20.4-megapixel, micro 4/3, Live MOS
Features: 60 frames-per-second (fps) shooting with electronic shutter, 15 fps shooting with mechanical shutter, exceptional weatherproofing, hi-res shot, Wi-Fi, five-axis image stabilisation, cinema 4K video
Photograph by Mark Thiessen, National GeographicFor the ultra-lightweight traveller
Pick for Traveller: The RX100V is the fifth installment of the technology packed RX100 line. The RX100V is an ultra compact point and shoot with a lot more than meets the eye. Sony has accomplished a feat of electro-mechanical origami. They have squeezed in a great, tilting (including self-facing) screen, pop up EVF (Electronic View Finder), a pop up flash, a fantastic lens (24-70mm equivalent), and a remarkably fast tracking autofocusing system. The camera has several special features packed in such as High Frame Rate shooting. This mode allows the camera to operate like a poor man’s slow-motion camera, capturing up to 960 frames per second for a brief period at a workable resolution. If you can only have one camera and need it to do everything in the smallest, lightest package than this is the camera for you! It also makes a fantastic second or back-up camera if you typically run a larger camera on your travels.
Pro Tip: One major tip is to set the camera to shoot JPEG plus RAW instead of just RAW. That way if you are trying to send photos via the Wi-Fi transfer to your phone to post to social media during your travels it gives you counter-intuitively a much higher resolution file to work with. —Renan Ozturk, contributing photographer for National Geographic magazine and filmmaker
Get it: sony.co.uk/electronics/cameras
Sensor: 20.1-megapixel, 1.0-inch-type stacked CMOS
Features: Wi-Fi, pop-up electronic viewfinder, 24 frames per second burst shooting, phase-detection autofocus, 4K video, pocket-size, superslow-motion video, tilting screen with selfie mode.
Photograph by Mark Thiessen, National GeographicFor the travel cinematographer
Pick for Traveller: The GH5 is the most impressive iteration of GH line, a line of cameras that continues to push the boundaries of compact high end video shooting. While a very capable Micro Four Thirds still camera, this camera can compete at the level of full frame video cameras. To do this it brings with it a plethora of internal video recording formats that no other similarly sized camera can compete with. The entire camera seems to be designed for the video shooter. Bringing along an excellent dual image stabilisation system (lens IS & sensor IS) this camera can provide smooth video even hand held. This camera is certainly not for everyone, but if you fancy yourself an entry into serious video shooting while on your travels but still want to retain strong still performance, this is the camera for you.
Pro Tip: To turn this camera into a proper video camera pair it with a hot shoe mounted microphone; optionally you can use a hot shoe mounted XLR adapter that allows you to use full size microphones to really up your game. If shooting duration is important (very few duration limits set by the camera) then consider the battery grip boost your already impressive uptime.
Get It: panasonic.com/uk/consumer/cameras-camcorders/
Sensor: 20.33-megapixel Live MOS Sensor
Features: weatherproof, professional video formats, Wi-Fi, dual lens & sensor stabilisation
Photograph by Mark Thiessen, National GeographicFor the travelling street photographer
Pick for Travellers: The X100F is the fourth in a line of beloved cameras. This significant update brings with it the powerful 24 MP X-Trans CMOS III sensor used in Fuji’s flagship cameras. It also brings it a much needed autofocus system overhaul upgrade that makes this iteration nimble and quick when shooting on the fly. Other noticeable improvements include using a much larger battery, additional control buttons and a joystick that is commonly found on high end cameras. The X100F continues the cult-like following of its aged siblings while elevating itself to be a technologically powerful camera.
Pro Tip: This camera thrives in run-and-gun, sly photography. To make sure you get the most out of your travel shooting, bring some gaffer tape to cover up your logos, a wrist strap, and a hot-shoe-mounted thumb rest for those of you with bigger hands. Personally, these accessories round out this camera nicely for me in a wide range of shooting environments.
Get it: fujifilm.eu/uk
Sensor: 24.3-megapixel, 23.6mm x 15.6mm (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS III w/ primary colour filter
Features: fixed lens, Wi-Fi, hybrid optical-electronic range finder viewfinder, hybrid autofocus, built-in optical neutral-density filter, HD video, Fujifilm film emulations
Photograph by Mark Thiessen, National GeographicFor the luxury traveller
Pick for Traveller: For the traveller who demands the best in a camera in regards to build quality and optical excellence there's no need to look farther than the Leica Q. The Leica Q is a German engineered and built full frame, fixed lens camera. Leica products from the Wetzlar plant have a heritage of performance and quality. The camera is remarkably simple to operate, with little in the way of bells and whistles but from this we are presented a camera that is nimble and quick, allowing the photographer to focus on composition and emotion. Sporting a quality EVF the camera hails to its historic roots of the heralded M series of film and digital rangefinder cameras. I had a fantastic time with this camera; if you can handle the cost of this camera you will simply not regret your decision to own a Leica Q.
Pro Tip: As with the X100F I suggest the purchase of a brand approved thumb rest to help with a solid grip. A trend that is typical with Leica shooters is to gaffer tape over the Leica logos so as to not stand out when travelling. Another suggestion is to ditch the use of a cap and use the included lens hood. Otherwise this camera is so simple that there isn’t much else to say but ‘go take some photos’.
Get it: https://uk.leica-camera.com
Sensor: 24.0-megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor
Features: superb manual focus control, macro mode via physical lens shift, Wi-Fi
Photograph by Mark Thiessen, National GeographicFor the water-loving traveller
Pick for Travellers: The Olympus TG-5 continues its line’s legacy as a top choice for a tough camera and entry level underwater camera. This iteration of the TG line makes an interesting design change from its predecessor, it has downsized its pixel count from 16 MP to 12 MP. To most this seems like an odd decision but in fact it is a move to increase the low light performance of the sensor. By reducing the pixel count, the pixels can be larger and thus gather light more efficiently, giving better performance in dim conditions such as underwater or at dusk. Make no mistake though, the sensor size is still ample for posting to the web and smaller prints. As usual the TG line of cameras, the TG -5 is the leader of the pack in tough cameras.
Pro Tip: To truly turn this camera into an entry level UW camera do yourself a favour and purchase the FCON-T01 Fisheye adapter lens. This wet mount lens (water fills the space between back of the lens and the camera) allows for truly gorgeous underwater scenes and helps to handle the distortion of shooting underwater.
Get it: olympus.co.uk
Sensor: 12-megapixel, 1/2.3 BSI CMOS
Features: Wi-Fi, advanced GPS, super macro modes (microscope-like), underwater mode, full HD video, interval shooting
Photograph by Mark Thiessen, National GeographicFor the app-loving traveller
Pick for Travellers: The a6000 series has become increasing popular with those looking to capitalise on Sony specific technologies while maintaining a very compact and relatively affordable camera; the a6500 is a the latest in this line. The a6500 is great for those who understands the shortcomings of the current generation of E-mount Sony cameras but wish to enter into the ever expanding Sony Alpha universe to reap the benefits of their sensor technologies. The a6500 is exceptionally compact and light for the sensor and technology is packs in. The sheer popularity of this camera speaks volumes about Sony imaging technology. In this iteration you will find a powerful 425-point phase detection autofocus system and an extended shooting buffer.
Pro Tip: Be sure to download the Sony PlayMemories app, which gives you access to several free apps, as well as those that cost a few pounds. With the Sony Smart Remote Control app, you can view what the camera is seeing and set all functions remotely from your smartphone or mobile device. Among my favourite apps are the Sky HDR app, which allows you to virtually darken skies in high-contrast landscape scenes, much as you do with a physical filter, and the Time-lapse app, which has evolved into a great tool for automatically shooting those time-lapse sequences that everyone loves to watch. —Bob Krist, contributing photographer for National Geographic Traveler
Get it: sony.co.uk/electronics/cameras
Sensor: 24.2-megapixel APS-C type (23.5 x 15.6 mm), Exmor CMOS
Features: tilt touch screen capable of touch to focus, Wi-Fi, electronic viewfinder, five-axis image stabilization, 425-point 4D Focus autofocus, 4K video with S-Log
Photograph by Mark Thiessen, National GeographicFor the traveller seeking a truly flexible camera
Pick for Travellers: For years, Panasonic's G series cameras have been popular with enthusiasts, and with pros as back-up cameras, and the GX8 is no exception. This rangefinder style camera still shares the plethora of lenses shared by the micro 4/3 genus of cameras. This camera’s moveable electronic viewfinder is of particular note; it can sit at a normal 90 degrees, at 45 degrees (found to be very comfortable), or fully vertical, which is useful in low-angle shots or while shooting video, a capability at which this camera excels.
Pro Tip: This camera has been used by the science and exploration arm of the National Geographic Society. We used it in conjunction with a stabilised gimbal on a remotely operated car to film lions up close while in motion. —Mike Shepard, Senior Mechanical Engineer of the Exploration Technology Lab of the National Geographic Society
Get It: panasonic.com/uk/consumer/cameras-camcorders
Sensor: 20.3-megapixel, micro 4/3, Live MOS
Features: Wi-Fi, tilt electronic viewfinder, five-axis image stabilisation, tilt and swivel OLED monitor, splash proof, dustproof
Photograph by Mark Thiessen, National GeographicFor the value-conscious traveller
Pick for Travellers: The X-T20 is the lightest member of the family of Fuji cameras that utilise the X-Trans III sensor. This camera is an excellent entry into the Fuji X-mount, interchangeable lens system. With most smaller lenses this camera is exceptionally easy to hold one handed, even with larger hands. There isn’t much else to say about this camera except that its very low price point allows access to a fantastic sensor and a fantastic lens line-up from Fuji. If you’ve ever been curious about what all the hype about Fujifilm is then this camera may be a good toe dip into the Fuji water.
Pro Tip: Most importantly, it is a great little camera that deserves a look if you are looking for a solid entry camera. To keep the weight down it might be suggested to use a lightweight lens such as 23mm F/2 R WR.
Get It: fujifilm.eu/uk
Sensor: 24.3-megapixel, 23.6mm x 15.6mm (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS III w/ primary colour filter
Features: full-mechanical dial core settings, Wi-Fi, electronic viewfinder, five-axis image stabilisation, 4K video, Fujifilm film emulations
Photograph by Mark Thiessen, National GeographicFor the future-thinking traveller
Pick for Traveller: The revolutionary L16 camera is attempting to break the mould for cameras in both form factor and technology. This trypophobia inducing camera utilises sixteen—yes, sixteen—separate camera and lens assemblies to make a single image. There are three sizes of lenses in the camera (full frame equivalent) 28mm, 70mm and 150mm. These assemblies work as an ensemble to capture imagery like never before. With the power to look at various focal lengths and at various exposure levels independently the camera is truly a future forward camera. The image files can be up to 52 megapixels in resolution. The camera is currently in its infancy and will only get better with time. If you are always looking for the next big thing in imaging technology, this might just be it; but be prepared to wait in line (for the time being) as Light is currently taking new reservations for the L16. Reservations placed now should ship in early 2018. Will you take the leap?
Get It: Light.co
Sensor: 16 independent 13 megapixel sensors
Features: Wi-Fi, depth of field adjustments in post, continually evolving internal software
Photograph by Mark Thiessen, National Geographic