With technology rapidly advancing, we asked Locals Insider writers for their go-to travel cameras. Some of our writers love snapping inner-city portraits, while others spend time traversing the great outdoors, from the beaches of Bondi to the savannahs of the Serengeti.
So, if you are among those who still need travel cameras (we thought it is all done by smartphones now), we’ve assembled an excellent selection of the best travel cameras to suit different traveler profiles and budgets for 2025. Here are our recommendations:
| Camera | Price | Recommendation |
| FUJIFILM X100VI | From $1,599.99 | The best compact retro travel camera of 2025 |
| Nikon D3500 | From $433.00 | The best DSLR camera for travel in 2025 for under $500 |
| Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70 Digital Camera | From $399.99 | The best digital camera for travel in 2025 |
| Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II | From $749.99 | The best pocket-friendly point-&-shoot camera for travel |
| Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII | From $1,299.99 | The best compact camera for capturing videos |
| OM-1 Mark II | From $1,899.99 | The best camera for nature photography |
| Akaso Brave 8 Lite | From $199.99 | The best action camera for outdoor adventures |
| Minolta MND30 30MP 2.7K Digital Camera | From $149.99 | The best budget camera for no-frills vacation snaps |
FUJIFILM X100VI – The best compact retro travel camera of 2025
- From $1,599.95
Compact, easy to carry around, and with an unmistakable retro vibe, the FUJIFILM X100VI is our number one recommendation for travel cameras in 2025.
Trusted by several Locals Insider writers, The X100VI doesn’t come cheap at over $1,500, but the picture quality is remarkable, thanks primarily to the 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR Sensor and its internal in-body image stabilization system.
There’s also a state-of-the-art auto-focus system for capturing the best shots, while numerous other features, like the 2x digital teleconverters, more than justify the price point.
In short, we love everything about the FUJIFIML X100VI. So, if budget isn’t an issue, this is the travel camera for you in 2025.
Nikon D3500 – The best DSLR camera for travel in 2025 for under $500
- From $433.00
Nikon is an industry leader in DSLR cameras, and the DS3500 is the best option for regular travelers.
DSLR cameras—digital single-lens reflex—are known for the exceptional quality of traditional film cameras and the modern advancements of digital photography, combining the best of both worlds.
Specifically, Nikon’s D3500 is available at a brilliant price point for the quality. It captures exceptional image quality with a high-quality image sensor 15 times bigger than that typically used on the average smartphone.
We love the Nikon Snap Bridge app, which makes it super easy to transfer your camera images onto your smartphone for ease of posting on your social media channels.
Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70 Digital Camera – The best digital camera for travel in 2025
- From $399.99
Panasonic leads the way in digital camera technology, so if you’re looking for an easy-to-use, high-quality digital camera, the Lumix DC-ZS70 is impossible to ignore.
This camera’s performance comes from the 30x Leica DC VARIO ELMAR lens, which achieves incredible picture quality and clarity from such a small device.
Though a digital camera, you can take snaps through the eye-level electronic viewfinder, offering versatility when focusing on the perfect snap.
The Panasonic Lumix also shoots exceptional video quality, thanks to its 4K QFHD recording capabilities. This is ideal when a picture just won’t do.
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II – The best pocket-friendly point-&-shoot camera for travel
- From $749.99
Canon is known for its industry-leading camera equipment, and the PowerShot G7 X Mark II is one of the best point-and-shoot cameras on the market.
It’s perfect for any traveler who doesn’t want to spend an eternity fiddling with lenses, viewfinders, or other tech when trying to snap a perfect photo.
That said, if you want to use them, a full range of features are included to dial in the ideal image.
A significant advantage of this camera is the built-in Wi-Fi capability, so you can effortlessly connect to your computer to transfer your images. The Canon Camera Connect app is super intuitive, enabling seamless integration with your social channels for quick and effortless sharing.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII – The best compact camera for capturing videos
- From $1,299.99
Sony has long had a reputation for producing superior cameras capable of shooting exceptional videos, and the Cyber-Shot DSC-RX 100 VII is made for travelers keen to document their journeys around the world in super HD.
Sony’s high-magnification 24-200mm zoom lens is behind the incredible quality, and this extremely compact model allows you to shoot in 4k.
When you order the Cyber-Shot directly from Sony, you get to join My Sony and earn points on every purchase. You also receive a 2-year warranty on each device you purchase directly from the US online store.
OM-1 Mark II – The best camera for nature photography
- From $1,899.99
Whether you’re planning a Himalayan trek or a dream safari in the Serengeti, investing in the best camera for nature photography is the ideal way to document your trip of a lifetime.
We consulted with several Locals Insider writers for their recommendations, and the OM-1 Mark II was a clear favorite.
It’s a slight upgrade on the original OM-1 Mark I, known for years as the number one wildlife camera. New is the 50fps continuous autofocus for that perfect shot, while subject AI detection has been added to help you find the leopard in the trees, so to speak.
The live composite mode also takes continuous photos with the same exposure – perfect for capturing the night sky in all its glory.
Akaso Brave 8 Lite – The best action camera for outdoor adventures
- From $199.99
As an outdoor adventurer, you are probably drawn to GoPro if you want to document your downhill skiing trip or the white water as you slalom in a kayak down the Zambezi.
But allow us to introduce you to the Akaso Brave 8 Lite, one of the best outdoor adventure cameras we’ve ever tested.
Though super small, it offers incredible picture clarity and can be effortlessly attached to your helmet, jacket, bike, or kayak to capture every moment on the move.
The battery life is good, which is super important for action cameras. On a full charge, it offers around 150 minutes of continuous recording.
Minolta MND30 30MP 2.7K Digital Camera – The best budget camera for no-frills vacation snaps
- From $149.99
Are you looking to buy a cheap and cheerful digital camera so you don’t need to take all your photos on your smartphone? If so, this Minolta MND30 digital camera is a steal at under $150.
It allows you to capture 30MP stills that are vibrant and crystal clear, with a 4x optical zoom option that offers much higher quality than most smartphone cameras.
If you’re looking for a statement piece to hang around your neck, it’s available in several quirky colors, including red, purple, and blue.
The verdict – which is the best travel camera in 2025?
When you order directly from Minolta, this camera comes with a 16GB microSD card to store your holiday snaps. You can then slot the card into your PC to download and order your vacation photos.
If you’re looking for a high-end retro travel camera, look no further than the FUJIFILM X100VI, a long-time favorite of several Locals Insider writers.
If you’re traveling in the great outdoors, the OM-1 Mark II camera is the obvious choice as the number one nature camera in 2025.
However, the Minolta MND30 offers great value for a budget with no-frills options. It is a smart, stylish, and high-quality digital camera that will provide you with a memorable selection of vacation snaps without breaking the bank.
