A travel camera should feature a sturdy construction that can withstand being dropped, knocked over and bumped around without losing its image quality or breaking under pressure. Furthermore, its image quality should allow users to capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments and stunning scenes from every perspective.

Think carefully about your budget before purchasing a camera – its cost can quickly add up, especially with all of the optional extra accessories you might wish to add on.

Size

Travel cameras must be lightweight enough for easy transportation in both backpacks and luggage without adding unnecessary bulk. Point-and-shoot models like Panasonic Lumix ZS200/TZ200 offer pocket friendly zoom ranges while interchangeable lens models such as Olympus OM System OM-5 are an ideal compromise between portability and image quality with its selection of portable lenses.

Mirrorless cameras typically weigh less and are smaller than DSLRs due to smaller sensors and lenses; yet still offer many of the same features found in their DSLR counterparts.

For lightweight travel cameras with exceptional image quality, opt for an APS-C or micro four thirds model with an extended optical zoom range and bright display screen. Many are compatible with portable lenses; some even include LiveND functionality for astrophotography ease as well as starry sky focus mode and starry sky focus mode to facilitate astrophotography. You may even find models equipped with weather resistance features as well as advanced video specs to give more hands-on control during photography adventures.

Weight

For optimal travel photography, it is best to buy a lightweight camera that’s easy to transport, otherwise chances are it will remain at home more often than not, particularly on longer journeys.

Point and shoot cameras are small, lightweight and easily pocketable cameras with larger sensors than smartphones that offer improved low light performance and are typically cheaper. Furthermore, their discreet nature means less attention from pickpockets or thieves.

Mirrorless cameras represent an innovative new development that offers the ideal combination of image quality and portability. Though smaller and lighter than their DSLR counterparts, mirrorless cameras still allow for big sensors, manual controls and interchangeable lenses – providing more freedom while being easier on your wallet!

If you plan on taking plenty of outdoor photos, a rugged camera suitable for extreme conditions may be worth investing in. Options range from simple action cameras like GoPros to more complex compacts like Olympus’ TG-7s; digital SLRs may also offer some weatherproof capabilities, though these tend to be more expensive than their mirrorless counterparts.

Image quality

Image quality may be a critical aspect of travel photography. Depending on the style and interests of your journey, image quality could play an essential role. A camera with a high ISO range would allow for photographing in low light conditions; additionally, shooting RAW gives higher-quality photos that allow editing later.

Size matters when it comes to image quality. Travel photographers tend to favor small bodies and sensors as they’re easier to transport; however, this can result in reduced image quality as well as features such as a viewfinder or tilting screen being lost.

Unless your goal is National Geographic-esque shots, a DSLR should be your top pick for photography. But keep in mind they can be heavy and bulky – taking up much more room for lenses – which requires extra storage space than its mirrorless alternatives from Fujifilm, Olympus, Sony or Nikon.

Functions

If you’re planning on investing in a travel camera, make sure it provides all of the functions that suit your needs. If shooting 4K video is important to you, for example, look for models supporting this format. Furthermore, image or video stabilization, large touchscreen monitors for control purposes and voice command features may all be desirable features in addition to this functionality.

What type of travel photography you plan to do will also play an integral part in selecting an appropriate camera. If your objective is capturing action shots on-the-go, such as via GoPro cameras, then something more rugged may be appropriate.

Travel zoom compact cameras such as Panasonic Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 may provide the flexibility of interchangeable lenses in a pocket friendly body, while interchangeable lens cameras such as the OM System OM-5 offer DSLR-like control over images captured. When considering all your options carefully, make sure that too much gear doesn’t endanger you from theft and pickpocketing.

Accessories

Travel photographers can benefit greatly from having additional camera accessories at their disposal, including remote triggers for time-lapse shots on phones or waterproof cameras for underwater footage capture. When considering these upgrades, however, keep in mind they will increase the overall costs.

An essential accessory is a high-quality walk-around lens. These lenses cover multiple shoot types while saving space in your bag by replacing multiple lenses with just one lens.

Now that you have given some thought to how committed you are to travel photography and your travel style and needs, and selecting an ideal camera should be easy! Focus on finding an appropriate balance between image quality, price and size/weight when making this decision – then get out there and capture incredible shots! Remember that great photographs rely on composition, lighting and equipment as much as any other factors!