This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
There’s something that’s true of pretty much everyone who travels: They like to take photographs. Even if you barely use your phone’s camera in everyday, ordinary life, it’s different when you’re travelling. There’s always an urge to document your adventures and all those incredible sights: new places, wonderful landscapes, buildings, water features, art, nature, people, animals, and, of course, those ever-brilliant sunsets.
If you’re going to spend most of your trip with a camera in your hand, then you should probably think about making it, at the very least, a halfway decent device. There are lots of great travel cameras on the market from a bunch of leading brands, so you have plenty of choice. But which camera is best for you and your travels?
With so many options to consider, it can get confusing. To help, we’ve looked into the best options for mirrorless, DSLR, compact, instant, and GoPro cameras. Keep reading for some useful information and round-up of the best cameras for travelling.
What are the different types of camera?
DSLR — These are digital cameras that have larger sensors to capture higher-quality images. They also have interchangeable lenses (so you can adapt the camera to fit the specific environment and subject), and a long battery life. These cameras are the largest (and heaviest) of the bunch because the camera’s body houses a mirror inside, which reflects the light that comes in from the camera’s lens into the viewfinder (where one looks when taking a photograph). They do tend to be expensive though.
Mirrorless — Mirrorless cameras also produce high-quality images. They’re smaller and lighter than DSLR cameras, but they usually have a much shorter battery life. You might have to carry around an extra battery depending on how long your trip is. Mirrorless cameras are usually more affordable than DSLR cameras, so they’ve become increasingly popular.
Point-and-shoot/compact — These offer good image quality in general, though not always on the level of DSLR and mirrorless. If you’re looking for a camera that will take a clear, simple photo, these are a solid option. Some compact cameras are built to withstand underwater submersion or a couple of falls — perfect if you’re going on a particularly rugged trip. And “compact” is an apt description — they are lighter and smaller than mirrorless and DSLR models. They also tend to be cheaper.
Instant — The image quality on instant film cameras is low compared to the other choices on this list, however many enjoy the novelty of the simple, nostalgia-inducing photos taken by film cameras. The camera itself is a manageable size, but keep in mind that when carrying instant film cameras around, you’ll also want to bring film and have space to safely store the photos you take. Instant film cameras are the cheapest of the bunch, however film is sold separately at about £10 a pack.
GoPro — GoPro cameras are primarily used for capturing first-person action footage and withstanding harsh conditions. GoPros aren’t as fit for traditional photography as the other types of cameras on this list, but if you want to capture an outdoorsy holiday on video, a GoPro is easily the best choice. GoPros are the smallest of all the cameras listed and are so light that users can easily wear the cameras on their heads using a head strap (sold separately). Keep all this in mind when shopping for a camera.
Do cameras capture live video?
In 2025, it’s hard to imagine any camera not doubling up and taking live video as well as still images. All the cameras on this list capture video too. The real question is, what quality is the video? Most of these cameras capture 4K resolution. Some cameras capture lower resolution, such as 1080p HD, or even 5K and higher. Manufacturers tend to advertise video quality based on a camera’s fps (frames per second) capabilities. The higher the fps, the smoother the video.
Once again, this is now standard with cameras of a certain quality (and price point). We live in a social media-powered world, after all. And if you’re documenting your travels, especially as a blogger or vlogger, social media will be crucial. Some cameras connect to an app via WiFi or Bluetooth and allow you to upload directly.
What is the best camera for travelling?
We can’t say for definite because everyone’s travels — not to mention everyone’s photography requirements — are different. What we can do is round up a selection of the best and leave it up to you to decide.
These are the best cameras for travelling in 2025.
