It is better to travel well than to arrive” – Buddha.

Constant traveling can teach you ultimate lessons you wouldn’t even dreamt of experiencing before. We always could allocate certain time in our busy schedule towards experiencing numerous possibilities in this endless world.

This post is a rather interesting one where we try to bring you 5 most compact cameras for travel experience. The objective would be that you don’t end up carrying a huge load of photography weapons. Lets keep it simple, light but tough ones.

Olympus Stylus 1

Amazing camera, has its superzoom abilities. 28-300mm lens is incredible with a constant f2.8 aperture.

Olympus Stylus 1 - 5 Most Popular Compact Cameras for Travel Photography

Specifications:

  • Body type : SLR-like (bridge)
  • Max resolution : 3968 x 2976
  • Effective pixels : 12 megapixels
  • Sensor size : 1/1.7″ (7.44 x 5.58 mm)
  • Sensor type : BSI-CMOS
  • ISO : Auto, 100 – 12800
  • Focal len gth (equiv.) : 28–300 mm
  • Optical zoom : 10.7×
  • Articulated LCD : Tilting
  • Screen size : 3″
  • Screen dots : 1,040,000
  • Min shutter speed : 60 sec
  • Max shutter speed : 1/2000 sec
  • Format : MPEG-4, H.264
  • Storage types : SD/SDHC/SDXC card
  • USB : USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
  • Weight (inc. batteries) : 402 g (0.89 lb / 14.18 oz)
  • Dimensions : 116 x 87 x 57 mm (4.57 x 3.43 x 2.24″)
  • Continuous drive : 7 fps

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200

This is dominating machine at 24x superzoom, again incredible low light performance at f2.8. The best part is 12 frames per second image shooting and 1080p video at 60fps or 720p at up to 120fps.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 - 5 Most Popular Compact Cameras for Travel Photography

Specifications:

  • Body type : SLR-like (bridge)
  • Max resolution : 4000 x 3000
  • Effective pixels : 12 megapixels
  • Sensor size : 1/2.3″ (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
  • Sensor type : CMOS
  • ISO : Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, (6400 with boost)
  • Focal length (equiv.) : 25–600 mm
  • Optical zoom : 24×
  • Articulated LCD : Fully articulated
  • Screen size : 3″
  • Screen dots : 460,000
  • Min shutter speed : 60 sec
  • Max shutter speed : 1/4000 sec
  • Format : MPEG-4, AVCHD
  • Storage types : SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
  • USB : USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
  • Weight (inc. batteries) : 588 g (1.30 lb / 20.74 oz)
  • Dimensions : 125 x 87 x 110 mm (4.92 x 3.43 x 4.33″)

 

Sony cyber shot DSC-RX100 II

The latest version of the most popular camera RX100 is quiet stunning in all aspects. They have added a BSI-CMOS 20MP sensor to make it a greater weapon. 28-100mm focal length at an wide open F1.8-4.9 is an additional advantage for travel photographers.

Sony cyber shot DSC-RX100 II - 5 Most Popular Compact Cameras for Travel Photography

Specifications:

  • Body type : Large sensor compact
  • Max resolution : 5472 x 3648
  • Effective pixels : 20 megapixels
  • Sensor size : 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm)
  • Sensor type : CMOS
  • ISO : Auto (ISO 160 – 12800, selectable with upper / lower limit), 160 / 200 / 400 / 800 /1600 / 3200 / 6400 / 12800 (Expandable to ISO 100 / 125) Multi Frame NR: Auto (ISO 160 – 25600), 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200 / 6400 / 12800 / 25600
  • Focal length (equiv.) : 28–100 mm
  • Optical zoom : 3.6×
  • Articulated LCD : Tilting
  • Screen size : 3″
  • Screen dots : 1,229,000
  • Min shutter speed : 30 sec
  • Max shutter speed : 1/2000 sec
  • Format : MPEG-4, AVCHD
  • Storage types : SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo
  • USB : USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
  • Weight (inc. batteries) : 281 g (0.62 lb / 9.91 oz)
  • Dimensions : 102 x 58 x 38 mm (4 x 2.29 x 1.51″)

 

Fujifilm X100s

An absolute gem in this lineup, an SLR size APS-C sensor with traditional analog dials, with a hybrid view-finder, electronically coupled manual focus ring and a lot more to offer for any passionate photographer.

Fujifilm X100s - 5 Most Popular Compact Cameras for Travel Photography

Specifications:

  • Body type : Large sensor compact
  • Max resolution : 4288 x 2848
  • Effective pixels : 12 megapixels
  • Sensor size : APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm)
  • Sensor type : CMOS
  • Focal length (equiv.) : 35 mm
  • Optical zoom :
  • Articulated LCD : Fixed
  • Screen size : 2.8″
  • Screen dots : 460,000
  • Min shutter speed : 30 sec
  • Max shutter speed : 1/4000 sec
  • Format : MPEG-4
  • Storage types : SD/SDHC/SDXC
  • USB : USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
  • Weight (inc. batteries) : 445 g (0.98 lb / 15.70 oz)
  • Dimensions : 126 x 75 x 54 mm (4.96 x 2.95 x 2.13″)

 

Canon Powershot SX50 HS

Ok, this is no joke. A powerhouse for zoom at an unimaginable 50x ration would blow you up. 12 megapixels, DIGIC 5 processor, faster AF, 24-1200mm lens and much more. Just imagine carrying this for your travel, a highly efficient camera made up for travel, wildlife and absolutely everything.

Canon Powershot SX50 HS - 5 Most Popular Compact Cameras for Travel Photography

Specifications:

  • Body type : SLR-like (bridge)
  • Max resolution : 4000 x 3000
  • Effective pixels : 12 megapixels
  • Sensor size : 1/2.3″ (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
  • Sensor type : BSI-CMOS
  • ISO : Auto, 80, 100, 125, 160, 200, 250, 320, 400, 500, 640, 800, 1000, 1250, 1600, 2000, 2500, 3200, 4000, 5000, 6400
  • Focal length (equiv.) : 24–1200 mm
  • Optical zoom : 50×
  • Articulated LCD : Fully articulated
  • Screen size : 2.8″
  • Screen dots : 461,000
  • Min shutter speed : 15 sec
  • Max shutter speed : 1/2000 sec
  • Format : H.264
  • Storage types : SD/SDHC/SDXC
  • USB : USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
  • Weight (inc. batteries) : 595 g (1.31 lb / 20.99 oz)
  • Dimensions : 123 x 87 x 106 mm (4.84 x 3.43 x 4.17″)

 

Conclusion

High end compact mirrorless cameras with arguably better ergonomics, acceptable image quality could be the best option when considering to carry less yet cover more for all genres of photography. This could well be a revolution in the digital era, I have seen most of the professional photographers themselves carry a compact one against the likes of bulky dslr’s. These compact one’s provide more stealth and does the job at the same time.

What do you say, got any of these or wish your camera should be in this list? Feel free to add your opinion in the comments section.

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