I used to carry a heavy backpack of gear. On one trip, I decided to leave my big camera behind. I shot more, moved faster, and enjoyed the trip more. That’s the point of a travel camera: you actually carry it. The best small camera for travel helps capture moments that make your trip unforgettable.
Below are reliable small-camera options for 2025. Each pick suits a different travel style: pocket zooms, fixed-lens street cameras, vlogger-friendly pocket cameras, and tiny action cameras. Short buying tips and accessory suggestions are provided below.
Top choices at a glance
- Fujifilm X100VI — best for photographers who want a simple, high-quality fixed-lens camera.
- Sony RX100 series (RX100 VII) — best pocket zoom with flexible reach and strong autofocus.
- Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II — compact vlogging and travel photography
- Ricoh GR Series — compact street camera known for low-light strength
- Insta360 Go Ultra — pocket-sized action camera with easy convenience
1) Fujifilm X100VI — the classic travel camera
Why it stands out: The X100VI pairs an APS-C sensor with a fast 35mm-equivalent fixed lens in a slim, easy-to-carry body. You get excellent image quality, film-like colour modes, and a stealthy design that suits street and travel work. It’s not pocketable in the jeans coin pocket, but it tucks into a jacket or small bag without fuss. Pick this if you want better-than-phone image quality with minimal fuss.
Key specs: APS-C sensor, 35mm-equivalent fixed lens, hybrid viewfinder
Who should buy: Photographers who value image quality and simple controls.
2) Sony RX100 VII — the pocket zoom workhorse
Why it works: The RX100 VII packs a 1-inch sensor and a wide 24–200mm equivalent zoom into a true pocket body. You get reach for distant subjects and good low-light performance for its size. Autofocus and burst speed are strong, so it handles street scenes and fast moments well. This camera is ideal when you want one small body that does many jobs.
Quick specs (summary): 1-inch sensor, 24–200mm equiv. zoom, compact build.
Who should buy: Travellers who want a versatile all-in-one compact.
3) Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II — lightweight choice for travel photos and vlogging
Why it works: Small, light, and geared toward creators. The G7 X Mark II shoots solid stills and can stream or record 4K for vlogs. The touchscreen and selfie-friendly controls speed up handheld shooting. If you plan to post videos from the road, this is an easy sling choice.
Quick specs: 1-inch sensor, pocket-friendly body, 4K video.
Who should buy: Solo creators and casual vloggers who want pocket convenience.
4) Ricoh GR Series — portable street companion with solid low-light ability
Why it works: Ricoh’s GR line focuses on simplicity and image quality. Small in size, yet it handles like a compact rangefinder. The GR IV (announced for 2025) keeps that DNA while updating the sensor and features. If you want the smallest possible camera with a large sensor and excellent JPEGs, the GR is a top choice.
Quick specs (summary): APS-C sensor, fixed wide lens, pocketable body.
Who should buy: Street photographers and travellers who carry a camera everywhere.
5) Insta360 Go Ultra — ultra-small action cam with big convenience
Why it works: For hands-free clips, POV shots, and ultra-light packing, tiny action cams win. Insta360’s Go Ultra (and its siblings) are designed to be wearable and quick to use. They’re not full-frame still cameras, but they capture compelling video and tiny-stash photos when you don’t want a traditional camera.
Quick specs (summary): Micro action cam, wearable mounts, strong stabilisation.
Who should buy: Hikers, cyclists, and travellers who need tiny video cams.
How to choose the best small camera for Travel
- Size vs image quality: Bigger sensors (APS-C) beat small sensors in image quality. But 1-inch sensors and high-end compacts still outshoot phones in many conditions. Balance what you’ll actually carry.
- Zoom vs prime: Zooms add flexibility for landscapes and tight shots. Fixed-lens cameras (like X100 or GR) force creativity and usually give better optics for portraits and low light.
- Video needs: If you’ll vlog, prioritise models with good autofocus and a flip screen or strong stabilisation (G7 X Mark II and some Sony models).
- Battery and storage: Small bodies often have shorter battery life. Pack a spare battery and a fast SD card.
- Stealth and handling: For street photography, a slim, low-profile camera makes a difference.
Accessories that matter
- Includes spare battery and compact charger.
- Lightweight travel tripod or a gorillapod.
- Thin protective case (fits in small sling).
- UV / ND filter if you use a camera with screw-on filters (rare for ultra-compacts).
- Microfiber cloth and a small blower.
Quick shooting tips for travel
- Shoot RAW if you plan to edit. RAW keeps details you can rescue later.
- Use aperture priority for quick depth-of-field control.
- Set ISO at a balanced level since modern sensors handle noise efficiently
- Learn one or two presets for colour and stick to them for consistent galleries.
- Back up nightly to the cloud or a laptop.
Best Small Camera for Travel: It’s the one you actually carry. Remember the trip where you left the heavy kit at home and shot more because the camera was small and easy to grab? That’s the point — keep the moment, not the gear, at the centre.
Choose what you’ll use most. Want image quality and classic handling? Pick an APS-C compact like the X100VI or a Ricoh GR. Need reach and flexibility? Choose the Sony RX100 series. Vlogging and quick clips point to the Canon G7 X Mark III. For tiny, hands-free video, grab an action cam like the Insta360 Go Ultra.
Bring a spare battery, a fast SD card, and a simple case. Shoot RAW if you edit later and back up your files each night. Learn two settings and stick to them on the road.
Pick the camera you’ll actually carry. Want a comparison table or a short buying guide for the blog? I’ll write it.
FAQ – Best Small Camera for Travel
Q: Can a small camera beat a modern phone?
Yes. A dedicated small camera gives better optical zoom, faster controls, and larger sensors in many models, which translates to better image quality in varied light.
Q: Is it worth buying an APS-C compact over a 1-inch pocket camera?
If you value low-light performance and shallow depth of field, APS-C is worth the slightly larger size. If absolute pocketability matters, a 1-inch compact is an excellent compromise.
Q: Which camera is best for solo vloggers?
Canon G7 X Mark II or similar compact cameras with good video modes and flip screens are top choices.
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