Smaller than a full-sized mirrorless or DSLR cameras and more feature rich than smartphones, here are five reasons as to why compact cameras might be a better option for you to take with you on your next vacation.
Portability: Compact cameras are small and lightweight (hence the name), making them easy to carry around while travelling. They are usually small enough to fit into a small bag or even a pocket, allowing you to easily take them just about anywhere without feeling weighed down.
Convenience: The beautiful thing about a compact camera is that you don’t need to carry around a lot of extra equipment, you can simply grab your camera and go! No more worrying about lenses, tripods, or other accessories slowing you down.
Image quality: Many compact cameras now feature high-resolution sensors, fast autofocus systems, and advanced image processing, allowing you to capture stunning images.
Versatility: Newer compact cameras also boast a range of advanced features, such as manual controls, RAW image capture, and 4K video, making them very versatile tools for travel photography.
Discreetness: If are a street photographer, or you just like to capture candid moments without being too obvious about it, a compact camera will allow you to be far less noticeable and perhaps better able to “blend in” with the crowd, letting you capture those more “authentic” moments without drawing attention to yourself.
So with all of that in mind, here are five compact camera options for you to consider before you head out on your next trip.
Sony RX100 VII
The Sony RX100 VII offers outstanding image quality and advanced features, including a 24-200mm zoom lens, fast autofocus, and 4K video.
Key Features
- 20.1MP 1″ Exmor RS CMOS Sensor
- ISO 100-12800 Expandable to 64-25600
- UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p Video Recording
- ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T 24–200 mm f/2.8-4.5 Zoom Lens
- Optical IS Optical Image Stabilizer
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
Canon’s PowerShot G7 X Mark III offers excellent image quality, a fast autofocus system, and a versatile 24-120mm zoom lens.
Key Features
- 20.1MP 1″ CMOS Sensor
- 4.2x Optical Zoom Lens (24-100mm f/1.8-2.8) with Optical Image Stabilizer
- ISO 125-3200 Expandable to 12800
- 4K up to 30p / FHD up to 120p Resolution
- Digic 8 Imaging Processor
- Optical Image Stabilization
OM System TG-6
The OM System TG-6 is a compact camera that is made for the outdoors! It features a 25mm-100mm f/2 lens, advanced sensor and processor, and is waterproof, shockproof, crushproof, freezeproof, and dustproof. It also offers excellent image quality and advanced features, including 4K video as well as underwater and macro capabilities.
Key Features
- 12 MP 1/2.3” CMOS Sensor
- 4x optical zoom 25-100mm f/2-f/4.9 Lens
- 100 – 12800 ISO Sensitivity
- 4K 3840 x 2160 30p Ultra HD Video
- 8x Zoom With 2x Digital Teleconverter
- 15 m (50′) Waterproof
- Macro & Underwater Modes
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100
The Panasonic Lumix ZS100 features a large 1-inch MOS sensor and a fast, 25-250mm (35mm equivalent) 10x optical zoom lens. It also offers 4K video and a range of advanced features that make it perfect for travel photography.
Key Features
- 20.1 MP 1″ MOS Sensor
- 10x (25-250mm) LEICA DC Lens optical zoom performance with a wide f/2.8-5.9 aperture
- ISO 125-12800 (Expandable to 25600)
- 4K UHD 3840 X 2160 30/24 fps
- Hybrid OIS Hybrid Optical Image Stabilization
Ricoh GR III
The Ricoh GR III features a fixed 28mm lens and a high-resolution sensor, making it perfect for street and travel photography. It also offers excellent image quality and advanced features, including in-camera image stabilization and 1080p video.
Key Features
- 24.2 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
- Fixed 18.3 mm lens (spprox. 28mm in 35mm equivalent focal length), f/2.8-f/16
- ISO 125-6400 ISO Sensitivity
- Full HD 1920 x 1080 59.94 fps
- Sensor-Shift / 3-Way Image Stabilization
Cover Image Credit: Jakob Owens on Unsplash
