From the city to the mountain summit: These top-class travel cameras deliver breathtaking image quality in every situation without being intrusive. Discover the professionals' recommendations in our article, where we discuss all the suggestions.
Smartphones are getting better and are a great option for some for travel photos. However, this comes at the cost of an empty battery and limited photographic performance. Dedicated cameras are an indispensable travel companion because they are designed for professional photos and can be equipped with interchangeable batteries to last throughout the entire trip.
This year, we bought and tested over a hundred cameras in our labs to determine the five best cameras that we believe are worth the money. These cameras were rated according to their criteria. Below you will find the travel cameras of 2025 rated best by our experts.
The Best Travel Cameras 2025
1. OM System (formerly Olympus) released a worthy camera this year with the OM-5. You will love this camera if you value compact photo modes and image stabilization. The OM-5 is a somewhat stripped-down version compared to other high-end cameras like the OM-1 Mark II but still offers an excellent balance between portability, robustness, and image quality for on the go.
The camera features a 20.4 MP Micro Four Thirds sensor and can record videos up to 4K at 30 frames per second. It is also weather-resistant to IP53, which is advantageous when traveling. The camera's battery life is not particularly good. So if you plan a longer trip, we recommend investing in extra batteries. Overall, however, this camera offers a lot for a competitive price and features a compact camera body with good photo and video performance.
2. We love the Sony Alpha a7CR for its compact profile and the fact that it is a full-frame camera with a viewfinder, excellent automatic image composition in video mode, and a nice weather-resistant body. You get a stabilized 61 MP CMOS sensor and a super-fast autofocus system controlled by a dedicated processor. You also get 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second.
The camera impresses with its compact size and performance, although it lacks a joystick for positioning the AF point to compensate for the small size. The viewfinder is also quite small, but overall we consider it one of the best cameras on our list of top-rated travel cameras this year. It is a great choice for anyone looking for a powerful Sony camera in a compact body for their travel photos and videos.
3. If you want to vlog while traveling and need an ultraportable camera, the Canon PowerShot V1 is just right for you. The camera features the same combination of a large sensor and zoom as Canon's G1 X series cameras but is still very portable and offers solid photo and video performance.
The camera has a 22 MP 1.4-type CMOS sensor and can record 4K videos at full width up to 30 frames per second and 4K at 60 frames per second, but with a 1.4x crop. The camera can also record up to 5.7K at up to 30 frames per second and features a fan for longer recordings. However, the otherwise great camera does not offer a familiar photo experience because the clicking control dial on the front is missing and it is too focused when vlogging.
4. The Fujifilm X-T50 is an excellent mid-range option on our list of best-rated travel cameras and perfect for anyone who wants IBIS but wants to stay affordable within the Fujifilm ecosystem. The camera's highlights are the dedicated exposure dials and the super portable body, making it a great option for travelers.
The camera features a 40.2 MP APS-C X-Trans sensor that can record up to 6.2K at 30 frames per second and 60 frames per second at 4K. You also get a classic Fuji design with excellent internal features that deliver images with great dynamic range and razor-sharp details. This camera also offers powerful film simulation modes if you want to be creative on your trip.
5. And finally, the Leica Q3 – for those who go all out on their travel plans and have a limited budget. The Q3 is a fantastic camera with a 60 MP full-frame sensor that can record up to 8K at 30 fps and 4K at 60 fps. Thanks to its fixed 28mm f/1.7 lens (which is fixed), the camera can take impressive photos and belongs to the upper professional category.
You get IBS, dust and splash protection, a reliable digital zoom, and amazing image quality. Although it is expensive, the camera is worth every cent and delivers the best image quality in a simple package.
Best Lens for Travel Cameras 2025
All these cameras are worth considering and suit consumers with different preferences. However, most require a suitable lens to reach their full potential. Additionally, your camera lens must be compact and designed to capture as much light as possible in darker environments.
The SIRUI Saturn lens kit is such an option and ideal for anyone who wants reliable and consistent image and video quality while traveling. The optics of each lens give your photos and videos a rich cinematic aesthetic. You also get the popular and distinctive 2.4:1 look that instantly enhances your travel photos.
The lens comes in a compact carbon fiber housing and has an optimal weight, so your camera-lens combination always remains mobile. This lens kit is interesting for both photographers and filmmakers and offers professional performance at an affordable price.
Summary
The above-mentioned top travel cameras for 2025 have been tested by our experts and are all worth considering. A powerful lens kit helps these cameras reach their full potential. Such a lens kit is the SIRUI Saturn, a lightweight and affordable option for stunning images and videos.
