It’s probably been a while since you last got away, so chances are if you are planning a trip soon, your camera could do with an update. In recent times the market has been flooded with pocketable cameras with versatile zoom lenses, wireless connectivity and high-resolution image sensors.
Here is our pick of the five cameras you should consider as your travel partner.
Sony RX10 IV
If you crave the usability and quality of a Digital SLR camera, without the need to change lenses, the RX10 IV is the camera for you. Perfect for sports and action photography, the RX10 IV features a blisteringly fast AF system and the ability to capture up to 24 frames per second. The lens at the front of this camera gives new meaning to the word versatility, a 24-600mm equivalent zoom range with an aperture rating of f2.4-4 throughout, assuring you the best of handheld performance.
The RX10 IV is rugged and sturdy, with dust and moisture-resistance so it is prepared to travel to the more extreme locations on the globe. A 20.1MP 1-inch stacked CMOS sensor sits inside the camera, producing stunning image quality with a marked lack of noise in all lighting conditions.
With the built-in WiFi, NFC and Bluetooth connectivity it is easier than ever to share your images with your friends and family back home, from the other side of the planet.
Panasonic TZ220
Panasonic Lumix have long been at the forefront of the travel camera market and with the TZ220, there is no exception.
At one time having a camera this size with a 1-inch image sensor and a 15x optical zoom would have seemed unbelievable, but as Panasonic have proven, it is possible.The 25-250mm equivalence of the zoom lens is not the best choice for a day at the track, but for most of your travel photography needs it will be more than sufficient, while the benefits of slipping your camera quickly in your pocket as you navigate busy city streets is undeniable.
The icing on the cake with the TZ220 is the host of other features such as WiFi, built-in OIS and 4K resolution video. It is difficult to see what you are sacrificing for the gift of such a lightweight camera.
Fujifilm X100F
Designed more for the enthusiast, or street photography lover, than the run-of-the-mill traveller, the Fujifilm X100F is the 4th in Fuji’s line of retro-inspired, large-sensored compact cameras.
The X100 series of cameras puts a firm emphasis on hands-on usability, with full manual controls that harken back to the glory days of the 35mm rangefinder camera. As well as a 24MP resolution APS-C image sensor, which is of Fuji’s famed X-trans variety, the X100F features a high-performance 23mm f2 lens, which all-in-all leads to impressively sharp images with beautiful colour reproduction.
As we mentioned previously, this camera is not for everyone, and many will find the lack of zoom a major downfall. But for anyone who doesn’t mind zooming with your feet, this is a charming camera with the capabilities of producing excellent photographs.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
The Olympus EM-10 Mark III is perfect for beginners, with its lightweight body containing plenty of opportunities for you to learn the ropes of more advanced manual photography if you wish, or just point and shoot if that suits you better. Either way, this Micro Four Thirds body delivers excellent quality images.
The EM-10 Mark III has everything you could want in a modern body, including 4K video, built-in 5-axis image stabilisation, 8.6 frames per second continuous shooting and a touch-sensitive, tilting LCD screen.
When you factor in the compatibility with a large-array of affordable micro four thirds lenses, including the paperweight pancake lens offerings, this is a truly versatile shooter - fit for travel and much more.
Sony RX100 Mark VI
The Panasonic RX100 range of cameras have been top of the enthusiast-level compact camera class for a while now and with the addition of the Mark VI and its 8x optical zoom lens, they have created a model that is more suited to travel than ever before.
Perhaps the perfect compact camera, the RX100 VI features a high-performance 1-inch sensor and 24 frames per second continuous shooting in a body that slips comfortably in your shirt pocket.
4K resolution video is on offer for those moments that a still photograph just wouldn't do justice, while the 315 point phase-detection AF system delivers autofocus at lightning speed. At the rear is a large touch-sensitive LCD screen, while the included built-in electronic viewfinder not only adds another compositional option, but is also retractable, so it doesn’t spoil the compact size of the camera.
If you need some more help or would like to discuss travel camera options, the skilled staff at Ted’s camera stores would be more than happy to help.
