Searching for the best compact cameras for travel videos or vlogging may become a never-ending quest. After all, there are so many things to consider, and you want to choose wisely as this is a somewhat permanent investment.
You need a device that will combine several crucial aspects, including quality, reasonable price range, easy use, and of course – size. When traveling, the last thing you need is to carry heavy equipment around, which is why compact cameras seem to be the number one choice.
Your ideal camera should be able to capture special moments from your trips as vividly as possible. However, it should still be light and easy to use, so you don’t have to spend too much time setting it up or carrying it.
If your camera is not designed for them, harsh conditions and inconveniences, such as water or dust, may be a problem. However, many compact cameras nowadays are waterproof and can operate in difficult weather conditions.
The sensor size will define the image quality and the lenses you will use to take pictures. A bigger sensor is generally considered better.
Table of Contents
What To Consider When Buying Compact Cameras For Travel Videos:
- Price: Not all cameras were created equal, and their prices show how different they can be. The cost of a compact camera can vary anywhere between a couple hundred to a couple of thousand dollars, so you must set up your budget.
- Chance of damage: Keep in mind that, while traveling, your camera is exposed to constant risk, so you may not want to splurge too much if you consider yourself clumsy.
- Size: While some wouldn’t mind a bulkier device to save some money or get a better shot, others search for light, convenient cameras. Is there anything you’ll be compromising by choosing a lighter, more miniature camera? It depends, but generally, bigger cameras offer larger sensors for more explicit videos and images.
- Type: What is it that you want to capture on your trip? If you’re going to film and take photos underwater, it is only natural to gravitate toward waterproof devices. If you enjoy action photography, you’ll probably go for a GoPro. On the other hand, Astrophotography calls for a DSLR with a bigger sensor to capture more light in your photographs.
- Zoom: You may also want to pay attention to optical zoom, as it determines the level of magnification. You should not pay much attention to the numbers for megapixels, as it is no longer considered a reliable factor or a big difference-maker.
- Additional features: Of course, being that photography has evolved significantly, you may have to consider some “professional” features, as well. For instance, some users prefer cameras with Wi-Fi and GPS, allowing them to save locations and navigate the system from their smartphones.
- Sensor size: The sensors of compact cameras determine the image quality and, if you like to shoot in low light conditions, it’s an essential element to look at. There are top-quality compacts with 1″ or APS-C-sized sensors, which provide excellent results. However, most travel videos won’t require a full frame.
Best Compact Cameras For Travel Videos In 2023
You could choose from many, but the best ones tend to have longer battery life and the most features. In general, you want to get something with a flip screen and good battery life.
Here are the top picks:
Canon PowerShot ELPH 180
The Canon Powershot is a powerful digital camera, which allows you to film fantastic travel videos in 720p HD video quality. Built just the way a compact travel camera should be, it is small, convenient, slim, and even stylish!
What’s great about this model is that you won’t have trouble discovering and using different features, as it is straightforward to use.
If you want to capture something extraordinary but you’re too far away, there’s no need to panic since Canon Powershot offers 8x optical zoom. Moreover, it allows you to get up and close without taking a single step forward.
Also, you don’t have to worry about the blurriness, as its Digital IS makes sure that the video is crisp and clear. A flexible shooting range of 28-224mm is a perfect choice for travel, while it also allows wide-angle lens captures.
Pros Of The Canon PowerShot ELPH 180
- 720p HD video quality
- Small, convenient, and slim
- 8x optical zoom
Cons Of The Canon PowerShot ELPH 180
- There are complaints about insufficient memory
Sony DSCW830/B
This easy-to-use, convenient “pocket” camera fits into your pocket, which makes it an outstanding choice for travel videos. It offers an 8x optical zoom and creates high-quality, explicit, detailed HD videos.
When it comes to photography, it doesn’t lack quality, either, as it features a powerful CCD image sensor with outstanding clarity and contrast settings.
What makes Sony an ideal choice when traveling is that you can shoot videos and movies even while moving. Moreover, the quality will not be compromised thanks to its 2-way Active Mode, allowing you to shoot videos in both vertical and horizontal positions.
Sony has a 720p MP4 movie mode, shooting 1280×720 HD movies at an impressive 30 fps for filming quality. In addition, you can use optical zoom to capture action that isn’t so close to you.
Pros Of The Sony DCSW830
- “Pocket” camera
- 2-way active mode
- 720p MP4 movie mode
Cons Of The Sony DCSW830
- Some customers find it slow
Sony DSCWX220/B
The slightly more expensive Sony Cyber-shot model includes Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0), Micro HDMI, and multi/micro USB terminal. Thanks to this setup, you don’t have to worry about connecting it to your other devices.
Even though we’re talking about a rather powerful camera, Sony Cyber-shot is a very convenient, small model perfect for filming on the go. It even weighs less than an average cellphone!
It allows you to experience full HD video recording with an Exmor R CMOS sensor that captures every detail. Speaking of video quality, it’s important to state that this model enables you to record smoothly in full HD resolution, in 1080 AVCHD video, creating notable films you’ll be able to enjoy on your HDTV.
Also, with MotionShot Video, you’ll be able to catch swift movements such as jumps on camera.
Pros
- Extremely small – it weighs less than most cellphones
- Full HD resolution, 1080 AVCHD video
- MotionShot Video to capture extraordinary movements
Cons
- Many users find it too pricey
Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70K
Panasonic Lumix prioritizes video quality, which fans of high-quality vlogs will usually gravitate towards.
Lumix captures your memorable travel moments in up to 3840 x 2160p detail in an obvious 4K video – which is considered four times the quality of full HD.
Therefore, if you want to create professional-looking, high-quality videos with a particular focus on the details – Panasonic Lumix might be just what you’re looking for.
We can’t always get close to the objects and actions we want to capture, which is where a powerful zoom comes into play. Lumix features a 24mm LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens, including a 30x optical zoom for unbelievable zooming power.
If you’re an active vlogger who likes to film while in motion, you’ll be happy to know that Lumix also offers high-speed, high-quality video recording!
Pros Of The Panasonic Lumix
- 3840 x 2160p detail, 4k video
- 30x optical zoom
- High-speed video recording
Cons Of The Panasonic Lumix
- The zoom freezes sometimes
Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
Canon PowerShot also includes a 1-inch sensor for superb video and image clarity like the previous model. However, unlike Sony, it offers only a 3x optical zoom.
Nevertheless, this does not have to be perceived as a downside if a powerful zoom is not the number one factor on your wishlist.
This is certainly a device you would like to take on a vacation due to its ultra-slim design. Even though it is a small camera, it still “fits” all the necessary features for high-quality video shooting.
It offers a unique Time-Lapse Movie function that allows you to create short, exciting movies from long videos, all in excellent resolution.
Canon PowerShot won’t let you down as it can capture swift movements even at high ISO settings with its powerful sensor.
Pros Of The G9
- 1-inch sensor
- Time-Lapse Movie function
- Captures swift movements
Cons Of The G9
- Only a 3x optical zoom
Canon PowerShot SX740
Now, this is a real treat for those of you who believe that zooming power should not be compromised, regardless of other features.
This Canon PowerShot provides a jaw-dropping 40x optical zoom, which should satisfy all your zooming needs. In addition, if you wish to take high-quality photographs, it offers an Optical Image Stabilizer.
Since we’re more focused on video quality, let’s see what this model offers in this particular aspect. With Canon PowerShot, you’ll be able to shoot videos in 4K 30p quality.
In addition, there’s also the 4k frame option allowing you to capture still images from your videos without any additional editing. This feature comes in handy while traveling, as you don’t have to switch back and forth from recording to photograph!
Finally, Canon PowerShot is extremely slim, lightweight, and on top of all – stylish.
Pros Of The SC740
- 40x optical zoom
- Record videos in 4k 30p
- 4k frame option for capturing still images from videos
Cons Of The SC740
- Trouble connecting via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
Panasonic Lumix ZS200
Panasonic Lumix promises to be the perfect travel companion, as it is pocket-size and extremely lightweight – only 12 ounces! However, it would help if you did not underestimate its power because of its size since it offers 15x optical zoom for breathtaking videos and photographs, even in darker settings.
Lumix features a 1-inch high-sensitivity MOS sensor capable of 12800 ISO, making it exceptionally reliable in low-light conditions.
Lumix is equipped with a 15X LEICA DC Vario-Elmar Lens when it comes to lenses. In addition, it offers Wi-Fi connectivity so you can share your content with your followers as you take it!
If you prioritize video quality over anything else, you will love this model as it shoots 4K videos that you can check out right away on a touch-enabled LCD. Furthermore, its impeccable focus, quality lens, and powerful sensor make it a point-and-shoot camera ideal for traveling.
Pros Of The Lumix
- 15x optical zoom
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- 4k video
Cons Of The Lumix
- Loud zooming sounds
Sony RX100 – Best Compact Cameras For Videoing
If you’re someone who enjoys being active and still capturing all the moments and beautiful sights, you need a camera that will catch up with your speed.
Sony RX100 offers revolutionary Tracking AF Technology, which allows it to track subjects and capture their movement. It doesn’t matter how fast the action occurs since AF points are concentrated on the subject.
In addition, rapid autofocus allows you to switch between subjects without losing clarity and sharpness.
Sony RX100 also features a retractable electronic viewfinder, which is readily accessible. Furthermore, among many innovations, this compact camera also introduces the Touch Shutter – an alternative to the regular shutter button, for even more convenience in action filming.
Also, depending on your angle, you’ll be able to position and tilt the monitor. This means you can adjust it to your liking.
Pros Of The RX100
- Tracking AF Technology
- Retractable Viewfinder
- Touch Shutter
Cons Of The RX100
- Many find it pricey
What Camera Do Travel Vloggers Use?
Well, most travel vloggers use DSLRs. At least the more prominent YouTubers tend to do that. The smaller ones, or just the vloggers who like traveling lighter, tend to use things like Gopros and Compact cameras. A popular choice is the Lumix.
It’s also widespread for travel vloggers to use their phones since most of our phones these days have 4K cameras built-in. In addition, phones newer than the iPhone 6 will be built with a high-resolution camera.
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