What camera should I get for traveling?
FR

What camera should I get for traveling?

by Qazer

in Topics › Travel photography and video

Translated into English.

Original post
QA
Qazer
Lile · 11 posts
Hi there,

I’d like to buy a camera to take with me everywhere while traveling and hiking. My use case: automatic mode only, for travel photos and family moments (meals, etc.). I currently have a Lumix FZ300, which has really let me down—especially in low light. I got some pretty mediocre shots from my last trip, and I definitely won’t be going back there... So, I’d like to replace it. Here’s what I’m ideally looking for: A compact camera, large sensor, decent zoom, and weather-sealed if possible. Any recommendations?

Thanks in advance!
MA Mazzzz Veteran ·
Hi Eric, what’s your max budget?

For a "large" sensor, APS-C is a solid choice. The Fujifilm X100 has exceptional image quality, but it’s a fixed focal length—love it or hate it.

For 1-inch sensors, the Sony RX100 series has an excellent reputation. The Canon G1X is also great.

This site is pretty reliable: https://www.lesnumeriques.com/compact-bridge/comparatif-compacts-experts-a1701.html
QA Qazer ·
Hi Mazzzz,

Thanks for your reply. I’d still like to have some zoom, so no fixed focal length for me. For my budget, I could go up to 1000 € if it’s really worth it. I was almost tempted by the Sony RX 100, which is 1300 €, but I’m wondering about the 1" sensor—is that enough? For APS-C, there are hybrids that can work, but I suppose they can get bulky quickly if you add zoom. That’s my issue—I can’t figure out the dimensions.

I’ll add another question: for a trip, what zoom range do you need for a versatile camera?

Thanks
MA Mazzzz Veteran ·
The Sony RX100 VI, which is the previous version of the VII, can be found for under 1000 € online. The quality is equivalent, and the 24-200mm zoom is perfect for traveling. The sensor question is important, but in digital, the processor's management is key—Sony is really good in that regard. You can also improve images in post-processing from RAW files with Lightroom. It's certain that for a 40x60 cm print, a 1-inch sensor might be a bit limited, but if you don't go beyond 30x40 cm, the images are good. If you want a larger format for under 1000 €, it'll be tough unless you look for second-hand options.
QA Qazer ·
The RX100 might be the solution... Do you know how it performs in low light? That’s what’s pushing me to replace my fz300. On the APS-C side, do you have one to recommend (even if the price jumps to 1300 € with the lens included...)?
MA Mazzzz Veteran ·
Hi Eric, I had a Fuji XT3 that I really loved—unfortunately, it was stolen from me. Since I’m a bit short on funds, I bought a used full-frame Nikon DF. In the end, the Fuji, despite being APS-C, produced photos that were just as high-quality as the Nikon, even with its smaller sensor. Goes to show that sensor size isn’t everything. When traveling, where bulk and weight are key factors, I’d go for a mirrorless APS-C with interchangeable lenses. My Nikon DF body alone is just as heavy and way bulkier than the Fuji XT3 with its lens! For your budget—or just a little more—you can find entry-level APS-C cameras from Nikon, Canon, or Fuji that’ll be *way* better than what you had before. - Canon EOS R50 - Nikon Z50 - Fuji XT30 - Sony Alpha A6400

As for the Sony RX, the person I know who uses one mostly takes photos in the mountains, where low-light performance isn’t really the focus. That said, it’s true that the larger the sensor, the more usable the ISO range becomes.
QA Qazer ·
Hi,

I often talk about low light because my FZ300 really disappointed me—my travel photos are ruined by noise, and I won’t be taking any more like that. But maybe the RX, with its sensor that’s better than the FZ’s, would be enough...

For the hybrid cameras you mentioned, I’d want at least a 10x or 15x zoom. If I add that lens, will the camera be pretty bulky? More so than a bridge camera? I’ve looked online, but I never get the real dimensions of the camera (including the lens), even when they’re sold as a kit with the body and lens.
MA Mazzzz Veteran ·
Hello,

I talk a lot about low light because my FZ300 really disappointed me—travel photos I won’t take again... ruined by noise. But maybe the RX, with its sensor superior to the FZ’s, would be enough...

For the hybrids you mentioned, I’d want at least a 10x or 15x zoom. If I add that lens, will the camera be quite bulky? More so than a bridge camera? I’ve looked online, but I never get the real dimensions of the camera (including the lens), even when they’re sold as a kit with the body and lens.

Hi Eric, It’s true that the larger the sensor, the better you can work with high ISO without too much quality loss. The trade-off is that the body will be bigger. That said, RX100 tests mention that up to 3200 ISO, the image quality is still usable. If your criteria are: compact size, light weight, and a quality 24-200mm zoom, all for 1000 €, I don’t see a better option on the market (especially since it has a built-in flash). Otherwise, there’s the Nikon Z50 in APS-C, which will certainly be superior, but if you need to add a good equivalent zoom, the price far exceeds your budget.
QA Qazer ·
Thanks for all the info you gave me, that’s really nice. I think I’ll go with the RX.

Have a good evening
NO Nomade743 Veteran ·
Thanks for all the info you gave me, that’s really nice. I think I’ll go with the RX.

Have a good evening

You’re welcome! Let me know how it goes once you’ve got it—I’m considering buying one too. See you!
Start a new discussion Printable version Report this post Follow this discussion

Similar discussions

Related discussions

  • Appareil photo 4K
    Photographie et vidéo en voyage › Japon · 14 replies

    Est ce que quelqu'un peut me conseiller un bon appareil photo qui fait des photo 4k (budget max 300€) Merci à tous. Xoxo

  • Appareil photo baroudeur bonne qualité résistant au froid (voyage en Mongolie)
    Photographie et vidéo en voyage › Mongolie · 7 replies

    J'ai l'habitude de partir en voyage avec un reflex mais là, je dois faire une hivernale avec attelage en mongolie et je voudrais emporter un appareil moins…

  • Appareil photo pour safari au Kenya
    Photographie et vidéo en voyage › Kenya · 6 replies

    Alors la question est assez récurrente sur les forums mais la vitesse d'évolution de la photo numérique est telle que je me permet de poser de nouveau la…

  • Appareil photo pour road trip dans l'Ouest américain
    Photographie et vidéo en voyage › États-Unis · 8 replies

    Me voilà partie pour un road trip solo en avril prochain dans l'ouest américain. San Francisco, las Vegas et parcs nationaux. J'ai aujourd'hui un lumix lx3 un…

  • Appareil photo au Vietnam
    Photographie et vidéo en voyage › Vietnam · 10 replies

    Est-ce que je prendrai l'appareil photo bridge ou reflex ou discret avant de partir bientôt au nord du Vietnam? Question de sécurité. Merci pour votre réponse,…

You might also like

Densha Otaku - Lesser-Known Regions
Travel logs › Japan·270 photos
 Two weeks under the Puglia sun
Travel logs › Italy·274 photos
 Back to Swedish Lapland: Trekking the Kungsleden and Crossing Sarek
Travel logs › Sweden·131 photos
 Off on a winter adventure in the American West!
Travel logs › United States·165 photos
 3 weeks in Laos, stress-free
Travel logs › Laos·251 photos
 Draw Me Your Japan...
Travel logs › Japan·54 photos
 South Africa in safari mode: February/March 2026
Travel logs › Afrique du Sud / Swaziland·184 photos
 Back in Tunisia (live account)
Travel logs › Tunisia·131 photos

More discussions

ST
Stef2Mars last month · Fred66
Sewers everywhere...
Good evening!!! 🙂

When you travel, do you watch where you step?

A little post for those who aren’t clueless... 😛

1) Florence, Italy 2) Rome, Italy 3) Madrid, Spain 4) Prague, Czech Republic 5) Ljubljana, Slovenia

Stef
Open
JO
Jojoone1 2 months ago · Songsam
Somewhere in Thailand
Hi everyone,

This isn’t a travel journal. I’m borrowing an idea from someone else who, a few years ago, thought of starting a thread to share their archived photos of this country.

I’ll be posting here from time to time—some less old, let’s say more or less recent, images. With little or no commentary. Just for the fun of it.

Open
ER
Erjome 3 months ago · Lescs
What photo editing software do you use?
Hi,

What software are you using?

I have Magix Deluxe and I’m wondering if there are others that are easy to use where, of course, you can add your own music to the edit. If it’s free, that’s even better so I can test it out 😊

Thanks for your feedback!
Open
MI
Mitch341 6 months ago
Rapallo in Winter
The usual stay in Rapallo for New Year's 2025/2026!

Two panorama shots taken with the DJI Mini Pocket 3!





Open
JA
Jalan22 8 months ago · Ganddalf
Photos of Porto
Following a question I was asked in a private message, here are some personal photos of Porto in October.
Open
VI
VirtualTrip 8 months ago · LouisD1
Videos: Unusual Paris, Secret Paris, Paris Like a Village!
Hi everyone, here are two (long) videos about some of Paris’s hidden gems—some well-known, others less so. Perfect for travelers or locals who want to discover the "villages" of Paris!

the Left Bank (more info here)

and the Right Bank (more info here) 🙂
Open
EV
Evajules 9 months ago · Marifb
Rare phenomenon above an iceberg
Hello everyone! Photo taken at the end of August off the coast of Tasiilaq (eastern Greenland). This is that kind of halo surrounding the top of this iceberg (it’s the only one I saw like this out of thousands). It’s apparently a light diffraction effect combined with moisture freezing above the iceberg. Estimated height of the iceberg: 30 m. Have a great day!
Open
BI
Biancoverdy last year · 2fois
Kenya Trip
hi, photos of cheetahs going for their meal!!! consuming the meal and ending with mutual grooming. A lioness looking at her male with love😛
Open
MI
Mitch341 last year · Biggie
Grand Teton National Park
Every day, I look back at my 2022 trip to Wyoming. And every day, I tell myself I need to start getting ready to go back. Don’t agree? 😎

Open
KA
Kaerlagad last year · Did0764
Camera Fee at Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, India
Hi,

Does anyone have recent info on the camera fee amount at Tadoba-Moharli? We spent 8 days there in the second half of February, and the local tour operator (The Wild Cat Eyes) collected 2000 rupees per camera per safari without any receipt—totaling 240,000 rupees (~265 €) for 12 safaris (9 in core zones and 3 in buffer zones). The signs at the park entrance listed 250 rupees, and the tour operator ignored our requests for an official park receipt.

Thanks in advance! Pk
Open
LE
Lebibix last year
I Walked Across France on Foot – 1,600 km in 52 Days, Here’s My Video Travel Journal
Hi everyone!

As a video enthusiast, I took on two challenges: walking all the way across France from north to south and filming the entire journey.

The result shows, first, that this kind of adventure is within reach for anyone, and second, how and where I camped along the way.

There are 53 videos in a single playlist for anyone who loves walking. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8LBGy77HQwpKy4qVakVTykpakdmpeZc1&si=6lHPmpa_00dan8YX

I also loved the daily encounters—nothing but wonderful people who wanted to help.

If you have any questions, I’d be happy to answer! !
Open
DE
Delmotte11 last year · Mazzzz
Choosing the ideal camera for travelers
I traveled for a long time with a DSLR equipped with an 18-250mm zoom, but I gave it up two years ago and replaced it with my smartphone, which is lighter and less "intimidating" for street photography. The photo quality is good enough for nice enlargements (up to 80 cm).
Open
LO
Lolodinde last year · Elgordo
Dubai on a budget – in photos
Following up on my post "Dubai on a budget," here are a few photos to give you an idea of the atmosphere...

Mamzar Park

Kite Beach – Solemio section

Waterfront Market, fish side

Fruit and vegetable side







Bur Dubai... a peaceful stroll along the creek

Iranian mosque right in the city

Indian thali

Afghan bakery

It’s tough to pick what seems the most iconic, so I went with what reflects the tranquility... for a relaxing holiday, you know?!! Yes, Dubai isn’t just a crowded place with an influencer on every corner!!! Laurence
Open
PH
PhilBasset last year · Titouan2250
A week-long trip to Puglia
Hi everyone,

Since I had a fantastic week in Puglia, and it's such a nearby and easily accessible destination from France,

I invite you to check out the article I wrote about it on my blog: www.philippebasset.com/puglia.html

I highly recommend visiting this coastal region along the Adriatic Sea for so many reasons: diverse landscapes, refined and varied cuisine, a very pleasant climate, a discreet and welcoming population, no mafia (it’s sad to say, but many Italian cities are plagued by this scourge, which brings insecurity, filth, and extortion...), and apart from July-August, there’s no risk of mass tourism!

*Dolce vita* guaranteed!

I’m happy to help if you’d like tips or recommendations :)

And plenty more photos to discover—hopefully, it’ll make you want to book a flight to Bari!
Open
MI
Mitch341 2 years ago · Koufalitza
Venice Between COVID Waves
Between COVID waves, our Plan B took us to Venice from Trento. Quite the journey, indeed.

Hardly anyone in the City of Doges. The photos even won me a People's Choice Award at an exhibition in 2023.

And La Fenice... What beauty.









Open
MA
Max68 2 years ago · Attila
Wild Camping in Southern Africa
Hey everyone,

I’m sharing a slightly unusual travel journal with three goals. To make it work, this discussion should stay in the travel journal section so we can find it easily and keep adding info to existing posts.

This journal is meant to help "newbies" discover these magical places.

We go to Southern Africa not just for the animals, but also for that soft light, the atmosphere, and those incredible wild campsites where you feel so at home... I’d love for you all to share your favorite spots here—those we miss so much.

The last goal is figuring out how to photograph them. Honestly, I’m not happy with my photos because they don’t capture the feeling I get when I’m there or that unique atmosphere.

I’ll start with one of the first spots that, for me, is one of the most beautiful in Southern Africa: Passarge Valley 2 in the Central Kalahari. There, you’re alone—completely alone. The next campsite is over 25 km away, and that’s a half-day of 4x4 driving. In front of you, there’s nothing but the CKGR plains with herds of springboks... absolutely stunning 😎





Open
FA
FamilleUS 2 years ago · Kate
3 days in the Camargue
3 days in the Camargue... it’s really not enough!

I didn’t know the area before, but the Camargue is packed with "experiences": - Taking the ferry - Walking on the beaches and watching the kitesurfers - Crossing the dike on an electric bike - Horseback riding along the shore - Visiting a *manade* and attending an *abrivade* (cattle roundup) - Exploring Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Aigues-Mortes, or Arles - Touring the salt flats of Giraud or Aigues - Photographing birds at the Parc du Pont de Gau - Watching a bull race and cheering on the *razeteurs* (bull-chasers) - Experiencing a Gypsy evening - Hiking "flat" among the reeds - Tasting bull meat - Relaxing in a peaceful haven - Testing mosquito repellent - ...

Needless to say, we didn’t have time to do it all in 3 days. We’ll be back!

A few tips: - For relaxation: a gorgeous guesthouse, *Le Mas de Bouvet* - For *manades*: the one at Baumelles, with a *Guytou* (herdsman) as warm as he is passionate - For tasting bull meat: *Le Chante Clair* in Les Saintes-Maries - And for birds: the Parc du Pont de Gau

If you’re a photographer, the park lets you stay until 6:00 PM, and afterward, you’re free to leave whenever you want. Those are the best hours for observing and photographing birds. But it’s also where you’ll see massive telephoto lenses that’ll make you feel small if all you’ve got is a small hybrid camera (like my Lumix G80) with a 100-300mm lens.

A few photo memories—starting with the *Manade de Baumelles*:















Open
AT
Atila 2 years ago · Voyajou
One country, 5 snapshots
Hi there,

I suggest we take a little visual trip around the world while we wait to experience some of these destinations on your future travels. 😉

The concept is simple: one country, 5 photos that, for you, capture the essence of that country. The same country can be shared by multiple participants.

Everything goes, and the thread is open to anyone who wants to join—budding photographers, pros, or complete newbies...

Just one rule: no bad vibes! 🙂
Open
SA
Saraviv 6 years ago · Laure6986
Assurance matériel photo pour un voyage en Grande-Bretagne
Hello à tous, je pars en voyage en Angleterre et envisage de remonter toute l'écosse en voiture / stop. Je suis photographe semi pro et ayant déjà eu pas mal de déboires en voyage avec mon matériel, j'aimerais bien l'assurer contre notamment les dommages accidentels etc. deux questions: - est ce que vous le feriez avec votre assurance maison? - est ce que vous prendriez une assurance dédiée? et si oui, directement dans le pays concerné? j'ai vu ce site https://hello-safe.co.uk/camera-insurance avec des assureurs dédies comme photoguard et assetsure qui m'ont l'air bien surtout pour un voyage longue durée. vous en pensez quoi? merci bcp
Open
EV
Evajules 6 years ago
Identification d'un marquage au Père Lachaise
Bonjour à tous et toutes,

Il y a quelques années, j'avais fait cette photo jointe sur l'un des monuments funéraires du cimetière du Père Lachaise. J'avais à l'époque, posé la question de sa signification sur le forum, mais pas vraiment de réponse satisfaisante. Reste mon interrogation, donc je "reviens à la charge " avec cette photo. Merci à tous les chercheurs, connaisseurs... Pour ma part, ce n'est pas le 7 en lui même qui m'intrigue, mais le quadruple sur fond de delta lumineux! Bonne journée
Open
See all discussions in this forum →