For travellers eager to capture their adventures, choosing the right camera is a crucial decision. In 2025, the race for the best travel camera comes down to mirrorless cameras, compact cameras, and smartphones. While smartphones are convenient, mirrorless and compact cameras offer superior image quality, creative control, and a tactile shooting experience that elevate travel photography to new heights.

Among the many options available, a few models have gained significant attention for their travel-friendly qualities. The Sony A7 IV , for instance, features a full-frame sensor that performs brilliantly in low-light conditions. Its advanced autofocus system ensures that even fast-moving subjects, like wildlife or street performers, are perfectly in focus.

Likewise, the Canon EOS R6 II offers excellent low-light performance and rapid burst shooting, perfect for those once-in-a-lifetime moments that define travel photography. The Nikon Z6III , with its dual processors and high-resolution electronic viewfinder, provides a smooth shooting experience, while the Fujifilm X-T5 impresses with its retro design and unique film simulation modes, adding a touch of nostalgia to travel shots.

One of the standout advantages of mirrorless cameras is their ability to work with a variety of lenses, each suited to specific photography needs. For travellers, this means the freedom to switch from a wide-angle lens for sweeping landscapes to a telephoto lens for distant wildlife, all without needing multiple cameras. For example, a 24-70mm lens can handle a wide range of situations, from street photography to portraits, while a 70-200mm lens brings far-off subjects closer, ideal for safaris or mountain views. This adaptability allows photographers to respond to changing environments and capture a diverse array of images, something compact cameras and smartphones, with their fixed lenses, simply cannot achieve.

The sensor size in a camera is key to determining image quality. Mirrorless cameras typically have larger sensors than those in compact cameras and smartphones, which means they can gather more light. This is especially useful in low-light settings, like dimly lit restaurants or evening cityscapes, where larger sensors produce clearer, more detailed images with less noise. Larger sensors also provide a greater dynamic range, capturing more detail in both shadows and highlights, which is vital for handling the varied lighting conditions often faced while travelling. For instance, the full-frame sensors in models like the Sony A7 IV and Canon EOS R6 II ensure that images remain rich and detailed, even in tricky lighting.

Beyond lens versatility and sensor size, mirrorless cameras come with features that make them perfect for travel. Many models, such as the Nikon Z6III , include in-body image stabilisation, which reduces camera shake, a handy feature when shooting handheld in busy environments. Weather sealing is another important aspect, shielding the camera from dust, moisture, and the occasional rain shower, ensuring it holds up in different climates. Plus, the compact and lightweight design of mirrorless cameras, like the Fujifilm X-T5 , makes them easy to carry on long trips, while their intuitive controls and long battery life mean less time adjusting settings and more time taking photos.

Compact cameras strike a perfect balance for travellers seeking quality without complexity. These fixed-lens cameras are small enough to slip into a pocket yet boast sensors and optics that outshine smartphones.

The Sony RX100 VII remains a top pick with its 24-200mm zoom lens, covering everything from wide-angle cityscapes to distant landmarks. Its 1-inch sensor delivers excellent detail, and the tilting touchscreen simplifies creative angles. The Sony ZV-1 Mark II , tailored for vloggers and photographers alike, offers an 18-50mm lens and a 1-inch sensor, excelling in video and stills with superb autofocus.

Rangefinder-style cameras have carved a niche for their compact design and exceptional image quality. Among the best travel cameras of 2025, the Ricoh GR III stands out with its 40mm f/2.8 lens and APS-C sensor, delivering images that rival those of larger mirrorless systems. Its snap focus mode is ideal for street photographers, allowing for swift captures in dynamic environments. For those venturing into low-light scenarios, pairing the GR III with the Godox iM20 external flash enhances its versatility.

Another contender, the Fujifilm X100VI , has captivated photographers with its 40-megapixel APS-C sensor and 23mm f/2 lens. Its film simulation modes offer a nostalgic aesthetic, perfect for sharing on social media. With stock now readily available, travellers are eager to embrace this camera for their adventures.

Stepping into the medium-format arena, the Fujifilm GFX100RF redefines what is possible in a compact form factor. Boasting a 100-megapixel sensor and a 28mm equivalent lens, this camera promises unparalleled detail and clarity, making it a standout choice for discerning travellers. Its ability to capture intricate textures and subtle tonal gradations elevates travel photography to new heights. While larger than traditional rangefinder-style cameras, the GFX100RF’s relatively compact size for a medium-format system makes it a viable option for those prioritising image quality on their journeys.

The Canon PowerShot G7X III has surged in popularity across social media platforms, particularly among content creators and influencers who prize its distinctive digicam aesthetic. This compact camera delivers a retro-inspired look that evokes nostalgia, setting it apart from the sleek, ultra-modern outputs of many contemporary devices. Equipped with a 1-inch sensor and a versatile 24-100mm zoom lens, the G7X III excels in a variety of scenarios (think vlogging, travel photography, or casual street shots).

Its portability and ability to produce high-quality images and videos have cemented its status as a go-to choice for those chasing a unique visual style. This widespread admiration has turned the G7X III into something of a cult classic, with photographers and videographers alike seeking it out for its charm and character.

For those unwilling or unable to track down the G7X III, the Canon PowerShot V1 offers a refreshing sense of accessibility without compromise. It mirrors the G7X III’s core strengths: the 1-inch sensor ensures sharp, vibrant images, while the 24-100mm lens provides flexibility for wide-angle shots and zoomed-in details. Like its predecessor, the V1 is built for portability, slipping effortlessly into a travel kit or daily carry. Canon has also streamlined the user experience, with intuitive controls that cater to creators who want results without a steep learning curve. Whether you’re a vlogger needing crisp footage or a photographer after that perfect candid, the PowerShot V1 proves itself a dependable companion.

For those chasing the retro digicam vibe popular on social platforms, the Ilford Pixi-Z delivers a lo-fi aesthetic with modern usability, making it a popular choice. This compact camera perfectly marries the nostalgic charm of early digital photography with the conveniences of today’s technology, appealing to a generation hooked on grainy, vintage-style visuals. Its lo-fi look, slightly imperfect and authentically retro, stands out in a world of hyper-polished content, resonating with social media enthusiasts who crave something unique yet effortlessly cool.

Beyond its stylish exterior, the Pixi-Z packs a punch with cutting-edge features. It boasts 5K video capabilities and 16-megapixel photos, letting you capture your world in breathtaking detail. The built-in selfie lens brings a fun, practical twist, ideal for solo travelers or group shots, while the 5X optical zoom lets you zero in on distant details without losing clarity. These versatile options make it a must-have for anyone looking to document life’s adventures, big or small.

Compact cameras offer significant advantages over smartphones. Their larger sensors (1-inch or APS-C) provide better low-light performance and dynamic range, capturing richer colours and finer details. Optical zooms, like the RX100 VII’s 24-200mm, maintain sharpness at longer focal lengths, unlike smartphone digital zooms that degrade quality. Physical controls, such as dials and buttons, allow quick adjustments without navigating menus, fostering a more engaging shooting experience.

Compared to mirrorless cameras, compact cameras excel in portability and simplicity. They are smaller and lighter, making them easier to carry all day. The fixed lenses eliminate the need for lens changes, which can be cumbersome during travel. Their discreet size also makes them perfect for candid street photography, allowing authentic moments to be captured without drawing attention.

Smartphones, like the iPhone 16 Pro or Google Pixel 9 Pro, are undeniably convenient, always in your pocket and ready to shoot, edit, and share. Their multiple lenses and computational photography produce impressive results, especially in bright light, with features like Night Mode aiding low-light shots.

However, their smaller sensors struggle with dynamic range and noise in dim conditions, and digital zooms sacrifice detail. Manual controls are limited, and the touchscreen interface lacks the tactile precision of dedicated cameras. While smartphones are ideal for casual snaps and instant sharing, they fall short of the image quality and creative control offered by mirrorless and compact cameras.

For the best travel camera, mirrorless and compact cameras outshine smartphones for travellers serious about photography. Mirrorless models like the Canon EOS R6 II , Nikon Z6III , Fujifilm X-T5 , and Sony a7 IV offer unparalleled versatility and image quality, perfect for enthusiasts willing to carry a small kit.

Compact cameras, including the Sony RX100 VII , Sony ZV-1 Mark II , Ricoh GR III , G7X III , Canon PowerShot V1 , Fujifilm X100VI , and GFX100RF , deliver exceptional results in a pocketable form, ideal for those prioritising ease and portability. For others, the Ilford Pixi-Z caters will be the pick of the bunch due to the digicam trend, which adds a stylish flair sharing on social media.

Whatever camera you decide on selecting, your travel story deserves to be told with clarity and artistry. Mirrorless and compact cameras empower you to capture every moment with precision, from fleeting street scenes to majestic landscapes, making them the ultimate choice for 2025’s wanderers.