Are you in the process of choosing a beginner travel camera? Beginning to choose a travel camera is an exciting time because there is much to learn and so many options available at your fingertips! At first, it can feel overwhelming, but once you understand the options available, you’ll be ready to purchase in no time! Photography is an exciting skill and can be a great addition to your travels!
This guest post was written by Samatha Kaiser from The Lifestyle Travelers.
Choosing A Beginner Travel Camera: An Overview
When choosing a beginner travel camera, there are a few things you’ll want to consider. You’ll want to consider image quality, features, and weight. Depending on the type of traveling you’ll be doing, some of these things might matter more than others. For example, if you’re planning on photographing your hikes during your travels, you might prioritize a more compact camera. As you read through this list, think about your travel priorities when reading about the different options!
The Best 8 Options For Choosing A Beginner Travel Camera
In 2024, there are a ton of great beginner cameras out there! Whether you’re looking for a compact camera, a camera with interchangeable lenses, or a mirrorless camera, this list has them all. No matter what camera you choose, rest assured these cameras are great for beginners. Let’s dive in!
In A Hurry? Here’s A Breakdown:
- Best Compact Beginner Travel Camera: Ricoh GR IIIx
- Most Affordable Beginner Travel Camera: Canon EOS M50 Mark II
- Best Beginner Travel Camera For Learning The Basics: Nikon Z fc
- Highest Quality Beginner Travel Camera: Fujifilm X100VI
- Most Durable Beginner Travel Camera: OM System OM-5
Option 1: Nikon Z fc
Starting strong, we have the Nikon Zfc. It’s argued that the Nikon Z fc is the best beginner travel camera overall due to its compact size, high image quality, and affordable price. It’s a great beginner mirrorless camera because it has outstanding autofocus and the ability to change lenses, and you can switch to manual mode for a chance to learn photography better.
The Nikon Z fc is an ideal camera for vloggers and solo travelers. There is a vlogging screen that can hide away when you’re not using it. It’s also wifi compatible, and you can connect an external microphone. Overall, it’s a phenomenal beginner camera because it doesn’t have many features, which is preferable for learning.Â
Specifications
- Sensor: DX CMOS Sensor
- Megapixels: 20.9MP
- Type: Mirrorless
- Viewfinder: OLED Viewfinder
- Continuous Shooting Speed: Up to 11 fps
- Video Resolution: 4K Ultra HD
- Weight: 15.7oz
Reasons To Buy
- Lightweight and Compact
- Great Vlogging Features
- Good For Learning The Basics
Reasons To Avoid
- Compact Design Compromises Camera Quality
- No Weather Sealant
- Not The Best For Fast-Paced Shooting
Option 2: Ricoh GR IIIx
The Ricoh GR IIIx is another fantastic beginner travel camera because it’s so compact that it fits in most pockets. It has an extremely easy-to-use interface and system and has high image quality. It’s also great for capturing longer exposure images with its snap focus. The GR IIIx is a good camera for travelers who want to be discrete when taking photos while maintaining high image quality.
If you want to record videos during your travels, the Ricoh GR IIIx probably won’t be the camera for you. While it takes phenomenal JPEG and RAW images, the video quality isn’t all that great. There is no built-in flash, so this camera might not be the best option if you hope to photograph during the evenings.
Specifications
- Sensor: Primary Color Filter CMOS
- Megapixels: 24.24
- Type: Digital Compact Camera
- Viewfinder: No viewfinder (Can Buy Externally)
- Continuous Shooting Speed: 4fps
- Video Resolution: Full HD
- Weight: 9.2oz
Reasons To Buy
- Extremely High-Quality Images
- Very Compact, Lightweight and Discrete
- Easy to Navigate Menu
Reasons To Avoid
- Poor Battery Life
- Poor Video Capabilities
- No built-in flash
Option 3: OM System OM-5
If you’re looking for a durable beginner travel camera, look no further than the OM System OM-5. It’s dust-proof, splashproof, and freezeproof. The OM-5 is lightweight and compact, has high image quality, and interchangeable lenses. It’s versatile, which is fantastic for any traveler.
It’s a great beginner travel camera because it has image stabilization and impeccable autofocus. For those looking for more manual modes, the OM System OM-5 might not be the camera for you, but as a beginner, that typically isn’t something worth worrying about. It’s also a little pricier, but worth the money if you’re looking for a camera that will last you a long time.
Specifications
- Sensor: CMOS
- Megapixel: 20.4MP
- Type: SLR-Style Mirrorless
- Viewfinder: OLED Viewfinder
- Continuous Shooting Speed: Up to 10fps
- Video Resolution: 4096×2160
- Weight: 12.9oz
Reasons To Buy
- Versatile for Multiple Environments
- Durable Due to its Splashproof, Sandproof, and Freezeproof Design
- Impressive Image Stabilization and Image Quality
Reasons To Avoid
- Poor Battery Life
- USB2 Port Connection
- Reduced Manual Controls
Option 4: Olympus OM-D E M10 Mark IV
The Olympus OM-D E M10 Mark IV is the beginner version of the OM System OM-5, so if you want something that has almost the same features but is easier to learn, turn towards the Olympus OM-D E M10 Mark IV. The M10 Mark IV is a quality entry-level mirrorless camera that’s more affordable than the OM-5.
This camera is more lightweight than the first and does not compromise image quality. It has a built-in flash, WiFi, Bluetooth, and an HDMI port. If you’re on a budget but still want high-quality images, buy the Olympus OM-D E M10 Mark IV and learn the ropes before upgrading to the OM-5.
Specifications
- Sensor: CMOS
- Megapixels: 20.3MP
- Type: Compact Mirrorless Camera
- Viewfinder: 2.35m-dot Electronic Viewfinder
- Continuous Shooting Speed: 8.7fps Video
- Resolution: UHD 4K
- Weight: 11.82 oz
Reasons To Buy
- Cheaper Version of the OM System OM-5
- Fantastic Image Quality
- Easily Transfer Photos and Videos
Reasons To Avoid
- Shortcomings of Landscape and Street Photography
- Poor Battery Life
- Not Weather Sealed
Option 5: Sony a6700
Sony is a well-known, reputable brand in the photography world, and there’s no exception when it comes to beginner travel cameras. The Sony a6700 is compact, has high image quality, and has interchangeable lenses. It also has the latest AI technology that helps with subject recognition for tracking purposes during videos.
The Sony a6700 is another viable vlogging camera for beginners because it has a flippable touchscreen so you or your subjects can see the frame. It has a WiFi connection and streaming capabilities, and you can connect to the Sony App for additional phone connectivity. This camera also has a timelapse feature, perfect for vloggers who take long videos.
Specifications
- Sensor: APS-C Exmor R CMOS Sensor
- Megapixels: 26MP
- Type: Mirrorless
- Viewfinder: Eye-level electronic viewfinder
- Continuous Shooting Speed: 11fps
- Video Resolution: 4K/120p
- Weight: 14.4oz
Reasons To Buy
- Great for Portrait and Landscape Photography and Vlogging
- Auto Focus and AI Subject Tracking
- Compact with Image Stabilizer
Reasons To Avoid
- Tendency to Overheat
- Slower Burst Shots
- Higher End Pricing
Option 6: Fujifilm X-T30 II
The Fujifilm is another fantastic beginner travel camera because it’s lightweight, easy to use, and the image quality is spectacular. Fujifilm has a positive reputation for high-quality cameras, and the XT 30 II is no different. It’s versatile and perfect for creatives because there are many cool features to play around with.
The autofocus feature is fantastic, so you don’t have to worry about getting blurry images. It’s one of the cheaper mirrorless cameras, which is also great for a beginner. It comes with a touchscreen that is helpful for function controls. The design does make it a bit more challenging for vlogging, but it’s still doable with some practice!
Specifications
- Sensor: X-Trans BSI CMOS
- Megapixels: 26MP
- Type: Mirrorless
- Viewfinder: EVF Viewfinder
- Continuous Shooting Speed: Up to 20fps
- Video Resolution: 4K
- Weight: 13.3oz
Reasons To Buy
- Lightweight and Compact
- Versatile with Great Creative Features
- Affordable With High-Quality Images
Reasons To Avoid
- Compact Design Is Hard To Maneuver At Times
- Long Buffer Time
- Mediocre Battery Life
Option 7: Fujifilm X100 VI
The Fujifilm X100 VI is similar to the X-T30 II but with a fixed lens. The design is different, so it is narrower but taller. It’s still a compact camera, but this version is weather-sealed and has a longer battery life, but does generally cost more than the previous version. If you aren’t interested in changing lenses, you might look to the X100 VI since it is still lightweight and has fantastic image quality!
This camera has fantastic image stabilization, a beautiful array of color displays, and is easy to use. It’s even great in low-light settings that are challenging to get the hang of as a beginner! There are also AI tracking features, making it easier to capture your subject.
Specifications
- Sensor: X-Trans CMOS 5 HR with primary color filter
- Megapixels: 40.2MP
- Type: Fixed Lens Compact Camera
- Viewfinder: Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder
- Continuous Shooting Speed: 11fps
- Video Resolution: 4K/60p
- Weight: 18.38 oz
Reasons To Buy
- Weather Sealed Lightweight Design
- Great For Light Environments
- Easy To Learn and Use With Great Image Quality
Reasons To Avoid
- More Expensive Than The X-T30 II
- Fixed Lens Design
Option 8: Canon EOS M50 Mark II
Last but certainly not least, we have the Canon EOS M50 Mark II. Canon is the perfect beginner brand because its cameras are easy to navigate, have many features, and produce high-quality images. They’re generally pretty affordable, which is always a bonus! It’s a viable option for vloggers because when you connect to WiFi, you can stream directly to YouTube!
The EOS M50 Mark II is Canon’s portable, lightweight, mirrorless camera that is great for traveling. It has fantastic autofocus features, and the images often produce a cinematic feeling. It also has a swing-out touch LCD touchscreen that helps control the features.
Specifications
- Sensor: APS-C-CMOS
- Megapixels: 24
- Type: Mirrorless
- Viewfinder: OLED Electronic Viewfinder
- Continuous Shooting Speed: 10fps
- Video Resolution: 4K
- Weight: 13.65oz
Reasons To Buy
- Fantastic Features For Vloggers
- Extremely Affordable
- Lightweight and Compact Design
Reasons To Avoid
- Slow AutoFocus and 4K Video
- Not Entirely Quiet When Shooting
- Model Was Discontinued
An Alternative Worth Mentioning: The GoPro Hero 12
While not in the same category as the previous mirrorless cameras, GoPro’s are a fantastic alternative for a beginner travel camera! GoPro’s are portable handheld cameras, ideal for adventure travel, rugged terrain, underwater dives, and extreme sports. If you don’t want to lug around a heavy camera, consider getting a GoPro to save room in your luggage!
Wrapping Up: Choosing A Beginner Travel Camera in 2024
There you have it! Eight different fantastic beginner travel cameras. Whether you choose between a Ricoh, Canon, Olympus, Sony, or Fujifilm, you’ll be sure to learn the ropes with a high-quality camera. When doing your research, it’s worth it to consider pricing, design, and performance. Travel photography is a great hobby, and with one of these options, you’ll be taking great photos in no time!
And don’t forget to save this post for choosing a beginner travel camera!
