How to Choose the Best Camera for Travel in 2026
Choosing the best camera for travel comes down to three things: portability, image quality, and versatility. A great travel camera should be light enough to carry all day without fatigue, yet powerful enough to capture sharp landscapes, candid street moments, and low-light evening shots. In 2026, travellers are spoiled for choice — from pocketable compacts with large sensors to compact mirrorless systems with interchangeable lenses. If you're building out a mirrorless kit, our guide to the best lenses for travel photography will help you choose the right glass for your destination. Ask yourself how much space you have in your bag, null whether you'll shoot mostly stills or video, and how much zoom reach you need. The five cameras below represent our best answers to those questions across every travel style and budget.
If you are planning a trip soon, it's time to think about whether your camera could do with an upgrade! Chances are it's going to be a holiday to remember, so taking a top-notch travel camera with you will ensure you can capture amazing photos of your trip.
Whether you are looking for the best compact camera for travel — portable and pocketable — or you need something more versatile with interchangeable lenses, you don't have to look too far to find a great travel camera at Ted's.
Here is our pick of the five cameras you should consider as your travel partner.
1. Panasonic Lumix TZ300
- Compact Digital Camera
- 1-inch 20.1MP Image Sensor
- 15x Optical Zoom
- 4K Video Capture
Our new number one pick for travel photography is the brand new Panasonic Lumix TZ300 — a premium compact that punches well above its size. Built around a large 1-inch 20.1MP sensor, the TZ300 delivers exceptional image quality in a pocketable body, making it the ideal companion for travellers who refuse to compromise on results.
With a 15x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 24–360mm), built-in electronic viewfinder, and 5-axis image stabilisation, the TZ300 handles everything from sweeping landscapes to distant wildlife with ease. 4K video recording, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and USB-C charging round out a feature set that makes this the most capable travel compact we've seen.
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2. Panasonic Lumix TZ99
- Compact Digital Camera
- 20.3MP Image Sensor
- 30x Optical Zoom
- 4K Video Capture
Our next top pick for travel versatility is the Panasonic Lumix TZ99, a pocket-size camera with surprising power that brings distant subjects within reach and captures all the details along the way. With an incredible 30x optical zoom lens, equivalent to 24–720mm, the TZ99 covers an impressive focal range, allowing you to capture vast landscape photos, close-up wildlife, and everything in between.
Perfect for adventurous travellers, this compact camera is packed with a 20.3MP sensor and advanced 5-axis stabilisation, delivering vibrant, blur-free images and sharp 4K video. Designed with travellers in mind, the TZ99 is ergonomic and lightweight, making it easy to carry during long sightseeing days. Its versatile 3-inch vari-angle LCD screen lets you compose shots from creative angles — ideal for on-the-go storytelling and travel selfies.
Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make sharing your photos and videos easy no matter where in the world you find yourself, and convenient USB-C charging lets you top up the battery during a quick stop on your journey.
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3. Canon Powershot G7X III
- Compact Digital Camera
- 20MP 1-inch Stacked Image Sensor
- 4.2x Optical Zoom
- UHD 4K30p Video
The Canon Powershot G7X III is another contender for the best compact camera for travel. If you've been considering downsizing or don't have room for your full-frame DSLR on your next adventure, the Canon Powershot G7X III is arguably one of the best compact point-and-shoot cameras for travel.
Boasting a 20MP 1-inch stacked image sensor that essentially doubles the detail captured in a single shot, and a highly versatile 4.2x zoom with a wide-open f/1.8–f/2.8 aperture range, the G7X III truly is a Powershooter. If you're considering alternatives, our guide to the best Canon G7X alternatives is worth a read before you commit. For travel vloggers, it comes standard with built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, a clean HDMI output, vertical video recording, an external mic input, and direct streaming to platforms like YouTube.
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4. Canon EOS R50
- Mirrorless Camera
- 24MP APS-C Sensor
- EVF & Tilting, Touch-Sensitive LCD Screen
- 4K Video
Mirrorless cameras are here to stay, and we can't talk about the best mirrorless cameras for travel without mentioning the Canon EOS R50. Perfect for both beginner photographers and enthusiasts, the EOS R50 weighs only 375 grams and boasts a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, Digic X processor, and a rapid-fire 15 frames per second to ensure you never miss the perfect shot.
Beyond photography, the Canon EOS R50 shines in video recording, delivering 4K30p results with built-in stereo microphones. For superior audio quality, the camera supports external devices. Selfie photographers and travel vloggers will adore the tilting touchscreen, and 5-axis image stabilisation eliminates blur and camera shake for handheld shooting even in tricky lighting conditions.
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5. Nikon Z30
- Mirrorless Camera
- 20.9MP DX-format Sensor
- Tilting, Touch-Sensitive LCD Screen
- 4K Video Capture
A fabulous choice for travel photographers and vloggers alike, the Nikon Z30 is an incredible addition to the world of mirrorless cameras. Taking many of the epic features from the larger Z6 and Z7, Nikon has extended the Z-mount to the ultra-portable Z30. It boasts a 20.9MP DX-format image sensor, a hybrid AF system, 11 frames per second continuous shooting, and 4K video capture at 30fps.
Combined with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connectivity, and Nikon's SnapBridge app, users can quickly and easily share their favourite travel snaps with friends and followers back home.
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Ready to hit the road? Before you travel, it's also worth checking out our guide to camera insurance in Australia to make sure your gear is protected on the road. Get your travel camera online at Ted's Cameras, or visit your nearest Ted's Cameras store to get expert advice from our friendly staff! For more inspiration on must-have travel camera gear, check out Ted's guide on the top 10 camera accessories for travel. You should also consider a portable support solution — our guide to the 5 best travel tripods in 2026 will help you find a lightweight, compact tripod to pair with your new camera. If you want to take your travel content to new heights, our guide to the top 5 travel drones in 2026 is the perfect companion read.
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Best Full Frame Travel Camera in 2026
If you refuse to compromise on image quality while travelling, a full frame camera is worth the extra weight. Our in-depth guide to full-frame cameras covers everything you need to know about sensor size, performance advantages, and what to look for. Full frame sensors deliver superior dynamic range, richer colour depth, and outstanding low-light performance — ideal for golden-hour landscapes, dimly lit interiors, and travel portraits with beautiful background separation. In 2026, full frame mirrorless bodies have become more compact than ever, making them a genuine travel option rather than a studio-only choice. Look for models pairing a compact full frame body with a versatile kit lens in the 24–105mm range to cover everything from wide cityscapes to tighter detail shots. If full frame is your priority, speak to our Ted's team in-store for a tailored recommendation based on your destination and shooting style.
Best Travel Video Cameras in 2026
Travel videography has exploded in popularity, and the best travel video cameras in 2026 need to do more than just shoot 4K — they need reliable autofocus, effective stabilisation, and a compact form factor you'll actually bring with you. Whether you're documenting a safari, vlogging through Tokyo's streets, or capturing slow-motion waves, look for cameras offering 4K at 60fps or higher, in-body image stabilisation (IBIS), and a flip-out or tilting touchscreen for easy framing. Log colour profiles are a bonus for anyone planning to colour grade in post. Several cameras on our top five list excel at video, making them true hybrid tools for the modern travel content creator. Check the specs for each model above to find your ideal match.