Whether you’re a roving reporter or a sun-seeker, the best mirrorless camera for travel helps you capture memorable images on the go.
It’s best if you have a camera that’s compact, lightweight, and easy to carry. But you don’t want to compromise on photo or video performance. That’s why the best travel cameras are portable and powerful!
The Nikon Z50 is our choice as the best mirrorless camera for travel. It’s a compact APS-C mirrorless camera with excellent features for photography and videography. It’s beginner-friendly yet high-performance. And you can select the best travel glass from Nikon’s Z-range of lenses.
What Is the Best Mirrorless Camera for Travel?
The best mirrorless camera for travel should be portable but still produce eye-catching media. This is why the Nikon Z50, Canon EOS R8, and Fujifilm X100V are our top three recommendations.
Traveling is always a huge source of inspiration. And to capture the wondrous sights in all their glory, you need a reliable camera. For this reason, mirrorless cameras are perfect travel companions.
They are lighter and more compact than DSLR cameras. And they have more well-rounded features. As we’ll see in our list, many mirrorless models are complete hybrid cameras. This means they produce high-quality photographs and videos.
You also have a wider selection of mirrorless cameras available than DSLRs. Manufacturers are going full steam ahead with their mirrorless lines while phasing out DSLRs. Now’s the time to invest in a mirrorless travel camera!
Here’s a quick rundown of all the best cameras for travel with some pro points. We look at each camera in more detail in the section after. And we have an FAQ section at the end if you need more information about travel cameras and gear.
- High-quality images with 20.9 MP sensor
- Compact and lightweight, perfect for travel
- Excellent low-light performance with high ISO
- "Selfie" flip-down LCD touchscreen for vlogging
- Ease of sharing with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Exceptional 24.2 MP full-frame sensor
- Compact design with advanced functionality
- Versatile 24–50mm zoom lens option
- Built-in OLED EVF, vari-angle LCD touchscreen
- Outstanding 4K recording with oversampled 6K
- 26.1 MP sensor for superior image quality
- Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder to capture the perfect shot
- Tilting LCD touchscreen for intuitive controls, framing
- Weather-sealing option for tough conditions
- Stunning 4K video and super slow-motion footage
- 4K/60p 6K oversampled recording
- Pack a powerful 26 MP APS-C sensor
- Superior image quality with BIONZ XR processing
- AI and Real-Rime Recognition for precision tracking
- Lightweight, perfect for creative adventures
- High-quality images with 20 MP 4/3 Live MOS sensor
- Compact, lightweight for easy portability
- Provides 1,053 high-precision focus points
- Advanced high-res, ND, focus-stacking, HDR features
- Dustproof, splashproof, freezeproof
- Incredible 40 MP X-Trans 5 HR sensor
- Pixel-Shift Multi-Shot mode for 160 MP files
- Fast, action-freezing shutter speeds up to 1/180,000 s
- 7-stop in-body image stabilization
- Records up to 6.2K in 4:2:2 10-bit color internally
6 Best Mirrorless Cameras for Travel
Now, we look at all the best mirrorless cameras for travel in more detail. We’ve included a wide range of mirrorless cameras so everyone can find the best camera for them.
We have beginner-friendly APS-C cameras and full-frame models for more experienced travelers. It’s a short but optimized list of the best cameras for travel.
1. Nikon Z50
| Released |
Released
2019
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
 APS-C |
| Camera Weight |
Camera Weight
450 g
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
21 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
209 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
51,200 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
11 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
 |
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
 4K |
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
In-camera effects, and filters, flip-down touchscreen, Wi-Fi connectivity
|
| Best For |
Best For
Travelers who want an affordable, compact, lightweight mirrorless camera
|
The Nikon Z50 takes the top spot as the best mirrorless camera for travel. It won’t be the right camera for every travel photographer. But its beginner-friendly design and feature set give it broad appeal. Even the most cynical users will be impressed by its results.
Its lightweight and compact body make it an easy fit for any travel camera backpack. Its decent level of environmental sealing protects the camera in dry or humid conditions. And it can even withstand light rain showers.
Nikon’s DX-format (APS-C) sensor produces lovely 20.9 MP images. While that resolution isn’t record-breaking, the image quality is fantastic. The images are bright and vibrant. And you get a low level of digital noise when working at higher ISO settings.
You can also enhance your travel photos on the go using the in-camera effects and filters. You don’t need a computer or photo editing software. It’s easy to add the filters in the camera’s interface and then send them to your smartphone using Wi-Fi connectivity.
With 4K video features, the Z50 is also a great camera for travel vloggers. It offers a frame rate of 30 fps (frames per second) at full resolution. And the flip-down screen makes it easy to record yourself. Webcam functionality lets you live stream or video call loved ones back home.
Face- and eye-detection autofocus (AF) is ideal for capturing environmental portraits as you pass through exotic places. The AF also tracks moving subjects and works well in low-light situations.
As you can see, this entry-level Nikon has plenty to offer the enthusiastic traveler. It’s also an affordable mirrorless camera. You can buy a brand new Z50 with a versatile kit lens.
2. Canon EOS R8
| Released |
Released
2023
|
| Camera Weight |
Camera Weight
461 g
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
 Full Frame |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Canon RF
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
24 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
1,053 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
102,400 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
40 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Eye-detection AF, vari-angle touchscreen, 4K at 60 fps, weather-sealed body
|
| Best For |
Best For
Professionals or travelers who want a full-frame mirrorless camera
|
We’re confident in promoting the Canon EOS R8 as the best full-frame camera for travel. First, it’s one of the most compact and lightweight cameras. Second, it’s weather-sealed and rugged. Third, it has incredible features for photography and video.
You’ll find plenty of full-frame cameras with higher resolutions than 24.2 MP. But the R8 still captures the world around it with accuracy and vitality. The larger pixel size gives you a better dynamic range, meaning you get more detail from bright and dark areas.
A wide ISO range gives you plenty of flexibility with your exposure settings. Low-light performance is excellent, with very little noise. And you have a 50 ISO range for sunny days, helping you maximize picture quality.
This Canon camera is also a great option for traveling videographers. Its 4K video footage is sharp and crystal-clear, and its 60 fps frame rate at full resolution enhances the footage further. The 4K video is uncropped and has no 30-minute time limit.
When working in Full HD, you have faster frame rates, including a 180 fps mode for super-smooth slow-motion videos. You also have ports for external sound devices, like microphones. And the flexible vari-angle touchscreen helps you film from any angle.
The 100% AF frame coverage gives you incredible accuracy when focusing. It can detect heads, faces, and eyes, even working with cats, dogs, and other animals. And the advanced subject tracking helps you capture those more hectic moments.
The lack of image stabilization is disappointing. And there’s only one memory card slot. That means you’ll have to carry plenty of spare SD cards in a secure memory card case.
The EOS R8 is brilliantly versatile, delivering for photographers and videographers. It’s the perfect camera for the globe-trotting multimedia producer. And it’s the best Canon mirrorless camera for travel.
You need a slightly bigger budget to buy the R8 instead of the Z50. But it’s worth it if you want a full-frame mirrorless camera that does almost everything! There is also a versatile 16-50mm lens kit version you can buy.
3. Fujifilm X100V
| Released |
Released
2020
|
| Camera Weight |
Camera Weight
478 g
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Fixed
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
26 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
425 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
12,800 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
11 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Fixed 23mm lens, electronic viewfinder, tilting touchscreen
|
| Best For |
Best For
Traveling street photographers
|
There are many different types and styles of travel photography. Travel street photography is one of the most popular. If that’s how you like to shoot when traveling, we recommend the Fujifilm X100V.
Okay, the X100V isn’t exactly a mirrorless camera. Due to its fixed lens and rangefinder design, it’s more of a compact camera. But it’s packed with some of Fujifilm’s best mirrorless technology. And it’s such a great travel camera that we can’t leave it off our list.
The first thing you might notice is the stylish retro design. There’s no denying it looks fabulous. And that fixed lens has a 23mm focal length, giving you a lovely wide-angle field of view. It also has an f/2 max aperture, so the low-light performance is good too.
Unlike your standard compact camera, this Fujifilm camera packs a powerful 26.1 MP APS-C sensor. A quad-core X-Processor 4 processing engine backs this, and together, they make a formidable team.
The image quality is truly breathtaking. It beats many other interchangeable-lens cameras in this category.
Fujifilm’s unique film simulation modes give images a retro look that matches the camera’s design. These modes have special filters for some of Fujifilm’s most famous film stocks. Thus, you get the classic film aesthetic without the hassle and expense of using an analog camera.
Analog cameras can’t shoot sharp 4K video, but the Fujifilm X100V can. It even records 10-bit 4:2:2 color via the HTML port. And you have slow-motion frame rates in Full HD quality. You can even apply the film simulation effects to your high-res video footage.
Manual on-body controls round out the retro camera style, giving you a more traditional, hands-on experience. The camera is a bit heavy for its size, weighing 1.05 lb (478 g). But the build quality is exceptional, and the weather sealing gives you peace of mind when shooting outdoors.
The Fujifilm X100V is proving evermore popular with street and travel photographers. Its weight is a problem if you like traveling light. And its price means you must take extra care when you travel through dangerous countries. But those who buy one rarely regret it.
4. Sony a6700
| Released |
Released
2023
|
| Camera Weight |
Camera Weight
493 g
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Sony E
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
26 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
759 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
32,000 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
11 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
 |
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
4K slow-motion video, gyroscopic video stabilization, rotating touchscreen
|
| Best For |
Best For
Travel filmmakers and vloggers
|
The a6700 is the perfect travel camera if you’re a filmmaker with a severe case of wanderlust. It has all the camera features for vlogging and streaming. Its video quality is good enough for professional travel videographers. But it’s pretty good for still photography, too.
We’ve grown accustomed to mirrorless cameras with 4K video. But not all 4K video is equal. The Sony a6700 produces 4K video superior to most of its rivals despite its compact size and light weight. The video quality is sharp and clear.
The video is also uncropped and has no time limit other than battery power. It uses 10-bit 4:2:2 color sampling, enhancing the quality even further. It even gives you faster frame rates, like a 120 fps option at full resolution. That’s spectacular 4K slow-motion footage!
You can leave your camera gimbal at home when traveling with this Sony mirrorless. It has five-axis image stabilization and gyroscopic video stabilization. So you can shoot hand-held without fear of camera shake ruining the shot.
A 26 MP resolution sensor means you can also snap gorgeous travel shots. The expanded ISO range gives you excellent flexibility in variable conditions. And there is very little noise at the top end. There’s even a 50 ISO setting for those bright sunny days.
A 759-focus-point AF system is impressive for an APS-C mirrorless. The speed and accuracy are outstanding. And the subject detection and tracking work well in low-light situations. Face- and eye-detection help you snap portraits of the people you meet on your travels.
The battery life is excellent, even when shooting 4K videos. It’s compatible with fast UHS-II SD cards, which is another bonus for videographers. The weather-sealing makes it a durable camera for adventurous media makers.
The Sony a6700 is the definition of a hybrid camera. The videography and photography features are impressive by any standards. And the size and durability make it one of the best mirrorless cameras for travel.
5. Olympus OM System OM-5
| Released |
Released
2022
|
| Camera Weight |
Camera Weight
414 g
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
 Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Micro 4/3
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
20 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
121 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
25,600 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
30 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
High-res shot mode, rotating touchscreen, USB charging, weather-sealed
|
| Best For |
Best For
Travelers who want an advanced Micro Four Thirds camera in a small package
|
The Olympus OM System OM-5 is compact, rugged, and packed with features. It might only have a small Micro Four Thirds camera sensor, but it holds its own compared to other mirrorless cameras.
It’s a great camera for producing high-quality video content. And overall performance belies its compact size. A 20 MP resolution gives you lovely image quality with a true-to-life color rendition.
But if 20 MP isn’t enough, you can switch to the high-res shot mode for more. It creates a composite of several exposures, giving you stunning 50 MP images. You can even use this mode without a tripod!
You can also play with the camera’s built-in HDR mode. It works similarly, using several exposures for one image. The camera combines them, so you don’t need a computer or editing software. The same goes for the focus stacking mode.
Five-axis image stabilization gives you even better control over your exposure settings. And an advanced 1053-point AF system keeps everything in focus. It handles human faces well and tracks fast-moving subjects.
Recording 4K video at 30 fps means this OM System camera is a great choice for video makers. The rotating touchscreen helps you shoot vlogs or streams. And you can hook it up with external audio devices like microphones.
It even has a vertical video mode. This helps you produce social media-optimized video content.
USB charging is a big bonus on a travel camera. It means you can charge up whenever you find a cafe or social venue. You can also take a portable power bank to keep yourself topped up at all times.
The Olympus OM System OM-5 is a rugged mirrorless camera. It’s weather-sealed against rain and dust. And it even works in sub-zero temperatures, which is good news for Arctic explorers.
You can take this camera anywhere, and it will still work. This is exactly what you need from the best travel camera!
6. Fujifilm X-T5
| Released |
Released
2022
|
| Camera Weight |
Camera Weight
557 g
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Fujifilm X
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
40 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
425 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
12,800 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
15 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
 6K |
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Pixel-shift Multi-shot mode, tilting touchscreen, film simulation modes, subject-detection AF
|
| Best For |
Best For
Travel photographers who want a high-resolution travel camera
|
The Fujifilm X-T5 is one of the most powerful APS-C mirrorless cameras ever. Its retro-style body design looks fabulous and is reasonably compact. This Fujifilm camera is ideal for travel photographers who want high-resolution images.
A 40.2 MP resolution would be impressive enough on a full-frame camera. But on an APS-C model, it’s truly breathtaking. The level of detail is intense, and the colors have a deep richness. This is perfect for capturing the sights as you navigate the globe.
The expanded high ISO setting of 51,200 is somewhat limited. But the camera’s low-light performance is generally strong. It also has a 64 ISO low setting, helping you get the most out of the 40.2 MP sensor.
You’re also not only limited to 40.2 MP. The X-T5 takes picture quality to a whole new level with the Pixel-Shift Multi-Shot mode. It creates a composite of several exposures using the image stabilization system. And the final result is a phenomenal 160 MP image.
The video specs are just as impressive, with 6.2K video resolution and 10-bit 4:2:2 color rendering. Video recording at 6.2K is limited to a 30 fps frame rate. But you can shoot at 60 fps in 4K, which is uncropped, and there’s no time limit. It also doubles as a high-resolution webcam.
In-body stabilization helps keep your images sharp and your videos shake-free. The advanced AF system also recognizes subjects like humans, animals, cars, and airplanes!
A strong 580-shot battery life keeps you snapping for hours on end. Using the Pixel-Shift mode or recording in 6.2K drains the battery quickly. But the USB charging capability lets you top up on the go.
The Fujifilm X-T5 might be overkill for some travel photographers. But if you want incredible high-resolution travel images, this camera delivers. It’s also weather-sealed, so it’s rugged enough for a life chasing horizons.
Best Cameras and Gear for Travel FAQs
One key to successful travel photography is getting the right gear. Of course, a good travel camera is the top priority. But that’s not the only equipment you need before you set off. Here is some info on other gear a travel photographer might need.
What’s the Best Compact Camera for Travel?
True compacts like the Panasonic Lumix ZS200 are brilliant travel companions. You can carry the ZS200 in your pocket—it’s that small! Yet it offers 20 MP images from a one-inch sensor and 4K video recording.
As a compact or point-and-shoot camera, it has a fixed lens. It’s a Leica lens, so the optical quality is excellent. And it gives you a 15x optical zoom for incredible versatility.
Vloggers and travel video makers might prefer the Sony ZV-1 II. With 4K video, a built-in microphone, and a rotating LCD screen, it has everything a vlogger needs. It even has special cinematic vlogging modes to help your content stand out.
We included the Fujifilm X100V on our list. It’s technically a compact camera. But it’s a bigger camera and has more features in common with a mirrorless camera.
If you want a smaller travel camera, see our full article for all the best compact cameras for travel. These pocket-sized machines are perfect for international travel. And they are all-in-one units, so there’s no need for extra gear like lenses.
What’s the Best Travel Camera Backpack?
If you’re traveling with a lot of high-end camera gear, we recommend the Manfrotto PRO Light Multiloader. We reviewed and scored 18 of the best camera backpacks, and the Multiloader came out on top.
This camera backpack has everything a photographer needs. It has plenty of storage space for your gear and extra pockets and pouches for other essentials. It has padded shoulder straps, a chest strap, and back padding for added comfort.
Exceptional build quality gives you peace of mind. It can endure a lot of tension and strain, so you know this backpack won’t fall apart on the first trip.
Every little detail has been thought through. Nothing is random or there for the sake of it. It’s one of the most well-designed camera backpacks a photographer can buy.
Read our in-depth review of the PRO Light Multiloader.
If you want something smaller for day trips, the Wandrd Duo Daypack is the perfect solution. Its overall quality is brilliant, and the durable materials make it a robust day bag. The outer nylon is waterproof, and rubber-covered zippers create a weather-sealed cocoon for gear.
It has a sleek and subtle design. It doesn’t look like a camera backpack, so you’re not making yourself an easy target for thieves in dangerous countries. But it also protects your camera equipment.
There’s also a unique “pop camera cube” for your mirrorless. And there are extra padded pockets for lenses and other photography accessories.
Check out our full Duo Daypack review for a detailed look at this fabulous camera backpack.
Every travel photographer needs a reliable camera backpack to carry their gear. It’s best not to travel with a mirrorless camera unless you have a spacious and protective camera backpack.
What’s the Best Travel Tripod?
The K&F Concept Lightweight Tripod is the perfect option for travelers. It weighs 2.4 lb (1.1 kg) with a folded size of 15.3 inches (39 cm), making it easy to attach to your camera backpack.
It’s also a strong tripod with a maximum load capacity of 17.6 lb (8 kg). That’s enough for any mirrorless cameras on our list, even if you’re using larger lenses.
Telescopic legs and a ball head give you excellent mounting flexibility. An Arca-Swiss-type quick-release plate makes mounting and dismounting the camera super easy. And it’s a versatile tripod you can take anywhere.
Traveling with lots of gear can be a pain. So you have to make sacrifices when choosing what to take with you. But even if you’re traveling light, you can still pack a handy travel tripod.
Conclusion: Best Mirrorless Camera for Travel
The best mirrorless camera for travel is compact and lightweight but still delivers eye-catching media. And all the cameras we’ve listed today hit that brief. Whether you’re shooting stills or video, a travel camera on our list will meet your needs.
The Nikon Z50 is our top mirrorless camera for travel. It has a compact camera body that’ll fit in any camera backpack. You get gorgeous photographs and video footage. And it has creative features for curious travel photographers.
More experienced photographers prefer the EOS R8 with its full-frame sensor and advanced features. Street-style travel photographers will love the X100V. Traveling videographers should consider the a6700. There’s a mirrorless travel camera for everyone!