What camera should I get for traveling?

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!

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

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

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.

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...)?

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.

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.

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.

Thanks for all the info you gave me, that’s really nice. I think I’ll go with the RX.

Have a good evening

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!