If you want a portable camera for your travel adventures, a point-and-shoot camera is a good option. Point-and-shoot cameras for travel are typically smaller and lighter, compared to mirrorless or DSLR cameras. In most instances, you can carry these cameras in your pocket and they will comfortably fit in your travel luggage.
Not everyone wants to carry a huge camera or a library of expensive lenses on their travels. This is why point-and-shoot cameras provide an excellent alternative. These cameras still provide decent quality and many of them have excellent zoom lenses and high-resolution image sensors. In the guide below, you can find five top point-and-shoot cameras that you could take on your travels.
1. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
One of the best point-and-shoot cameras for travel is the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II. This is a high-end camera that has a point-and-shoot design but provides near-DSLR quality. It has a 20.1MP sensor and uses Canon’s DIGIC 7 image processor.
It can record movies in full 1080p HD at 60p. For improved performance, this camera also has a five-axis dynamic image stabilization and a decent autofocus system. You can also connect to external devices using both Wi-Fi and NFC.
The stylish design is comfortable to use, due to the textured grip. There is also a large LCD screen with touch capabilities. The rear control panel is simple, with Canon’s rotating control dial. In terms of portability, it weighs just 294g and can easily fit in your travel luggage or day bag. Get the whole story in our Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II review.
2. Nikon COOLPIX A1000
Nikon has a great range of COOLPIX point-and-shoot cameras that are ideal for travel. One of the top contenders is the COOLPIX A1000. This has a good mix of features, compact design, and functionality that make it easy to use without sacrificing quality.
It is incredibly small and can easily fit in your pocket. Weighing only 330g, you will hardly notice it when carrying it. It also has overall dimensions of 11.42×4.05×7.17cm so it takes up virtually no space at all.
Aside from the portability, the A1000 still has a 16MP sensor and a powerful 35x zoom. It can record videos in 4K UHD and has built-in vibration reduction to help stabilize photos and videos. This portable camera also has a decent ISO range for low-light travel shots, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
It also has an LCD screen that can be flipped and rotated and a high-quality EVF. This means you can use either the EVF or screen to compose images.
3. Canon PowerShot SX740 HS
The Canon PowerShot range has several great point-and-shoot cameras for travel, but the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is often considered a top choice. This stylish and functional camera allows you to easily take high-quality photos during your travels.
It has a 20.3MP CMOS sensor and a large 40x optical zoom. This means you can capture excellent detail from your travel shots, especially those epic landscapes. The zoom is easy to use due to a smooth control dial, but also due to the dynamic image stabilization.
The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS has great connectivity and both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This means you can download photos to your phone and edit them while you travel. The basic package comes with the camera, a wrist strap, a battery pack, a battery charger, and an AC cable.
This portable camera weighs just 300g and has an overall size of 11×6.4x4cm. You can easily carry it and it can fit perfectly in your bag, luggage, or even a pocket. You can learn more about this camera in our full Canon PowerShot SX740 HS review.
4. Panasonic LUMIX LX10
The Panasonic LUMIX LX10 has a host of features that allow you to use it on the move with ease. In terms of basic quality, it has a 20.1MP sensor and a 24-72mm Leica lens with optical image stabilization.
In addition, it has Wi-Fi connectivity so you can download images directly to your smartphone to upload onto social media. It can be charged via USB so you can charge the camera using USB power banks or USB plugs if you don’t have a host of readily-available electrical sockets.
For selfies and self-travel shots, the Lumix LX10 also has an LCD touchscreen that can be flipped and tilted upwards. This means you have a clear view of the camera screen while you are composing selfies. It does not have an EVF, so you must use the touchscreen to compose photos.
This camera is also lightweight and compact. Its overall dimensions are 4.15×2.36×1.65 inches, and it weighs only 11 ounces. This means it can comfortably fit in your pocket or travel bag.
5. Sony W830 (Budget Winner)
One of the best budget point-and-shoot cameras for travel is the simple Sony W830. This stylish and portable camera offers decent image quality and a great set of features for beginners. It has a 20.1MP sensor and an 8x optical zoom.
To help when taking shots handheld, the camera also features optical steady shot image stabilization. It is capable of recording video in 720p HD, and you can easily create panoramas using automatic features. There is a range of automatic picture modes to create different artistic travel photos.
The design of this camera is traditional, and it has a large LCD screen which you have to use to compose photos. The button layout is simple, and the controls are easy to understand. The lens also features ZEISS glass which helps improve image quality, contrast, and light transmission.
Use Point-and-Shoot Cameras for Travel to Keep It Light and Fast
Forget about mirrorless and DSLR cameras when you’re ready to hit the road! Choose a point-and-shoot camera for travel instead. Any one of these above cameras offers brilliant portability but will still allow you to create some fantastic and memorable travel photos and videos.
