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If you are looking for the best mirrorless camera for travel photography because you love to shoot quality videos and photos while traveling, then it’s obvious that you have done your homework well. Because mirrorless cameras are indeed the best choice for travel photography.
The reason is that these cameras fill the gap between point-and-shoot cameras and the mighty DSLRs by being lighter and compact like point-and-shoot while performing as well as (at times better than) the DSLRs.
Travel photography is never going to get older. And luckily camera brands know it. That’s why they are producing traveling-friendly cameras to cover this profitable segment. Today even smartphones are capable travel shooters. And then there are travel-friendly point-and-shoot cameras. There are pocketable action cameras that can even be mounted on your helmet.
But the benefits that mirrorless cameras offer over these options are numerous. Mirrorless cameras come with the advantage of interchangeable lenses, they sport bigger sensors, sharp EVF and LCD screens, and moreover greater autofocus and image stabilization. So, unless you are a fan of these other camera types, the mirrorless camera remains the preferred option for travel photography by far.
Top 10 Best Mirrorless Cameras For Travel Photography In 2023
1. Sony Alpha 7C – Worlds smallest full frame camera
- Specifications:
- Weight: 1.10 lbs/509g
- Sensor: Exmor R CMOS, 24.3 MP
- Resolution: UHD 4K
- ISO range: 100-51200
- Screen type: 3-inches LCD touchscreen
- Image Stabilizer: Yes
- Battery Life: 740 shots
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-fi
- Weatherproof: Yes
- User-level: Professional
Sony Alpha 7C is a compact mirrorless camera with a full-frame sensor. It is the smallest and lightest camera in the world. But only the title of being the smallest and lightest full-frame camera doesn’t make it the best mirrorless camera for travel photography, this small camera got power and much more for travel photography.
Sony 7C supports a back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor that has a resolution of 24.3 megapixels. The sensor combines with a BIONZ X image processor that gives high-resolution images and videos with high speed while suppressing noise. Continuous shooting is available at the frame rate of 10 frames per second at full resolution either if you want to shoot with an electronic shutter or mechanical shutter.
Sony 7C offers ultra-high definition UHD 4K video recording at the frame rate of 30 frames per second. For full HD 1080p recording, the frame rate is 120 frames per second. The slow-motion 4x and 5x recording is available at the frame rate of 30p and 24p. So, undoubtedly it’s a small video camera with some power.
The fast hybrid AF system has 693 phase-detection points that provide coverage to the sensor and 425 contrast-detection points ensuring accurate and quick focusing in difficult lighting situations. Real-time eye AF is suitable to track and detect subjects in motion to achieve critical sharpness.
With the 5-axis steady-shot INSIDE image stabilization system, the camera shake is suppressed during handheld photography. All the five-axis of stabilization works at the same time to deliver greater detail stills and videos without blurring effects.
Alpha 7C has a compact body design with a 3-inches LCD touchscreen. The screen has a 921.6k-dot rear LCD with a Vari-angle that helps you work at high and low angles. Moreover, 0.39-inches OLED electronic viewfinder had 2.36m-dot and 0.59x magnification for better details and clear viewing.
Sony Alpha 7C has a weather sealing design that protects the camera from dust and moisture. So it is durable and can be used in difficult weather conditions which makes it a great traveling camera option.
2. Sony A7 III – Best low light camera for travelers
- Specifications:
- Weight: 1.44 lbs/650g
- Sensor: Exmor R CMOS, 24.3 MP Sensor:
- Resolution: UHD 4K
- ISO range 100-51200
- Screen type: 3-inches LCD touchscreen
- Image Stabilizer: Yes
- Battery Life: 710 shots
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-fi
- Weatherproof: Yes
- User-level: Professional, Enthusiast
Sony A7S3 is an updated sensor well-developed camera that is considered wonderful for both stills and videos in different lighting situations.
Sporting a full-frame 24.3 megapixels resolution and a back-illuminated design, the Exmor R CMOS sensor provide top-quality stills and videos. The sensor combined with the BIONZ X image processor also produces good quality and reduces noise. The BIONZ X image processor works to improve speed and light to enhance details. Additionally, it achieves fast continuous shooting at the frame rate of 10 frames per second at full resolution.
Sony A7 III has an improved 4D FOCUS system that has 693 phase-detection points that cover most of the sensor and the 425 contrast-detection points help to achieve quick autofocus and accurate subject tracking. The fast hybrid AF system attains double-focusing speed and accuracy in tracking with a better low-light focusing performance.
Equipped with a 5-axis Steady-shot INSIDE image stabilization system, the Sony A7 suppresses camera shakes during handheld photography. Five different types of cameras shake at 5 axis functions all at the same time for optimal stabilization.
Sony Alpha cameras provide ultra-high-definition UHD 4K videos. Sony A7 III records video at UHD 4K at the frame rate of 30 frames per second with 2.4x magnification to provide good details with minimizing distortion and moire. Full HD 1080p is also available at the frame rate of 120 frames per second. Whereas for 4x and 5x slow-motion the frame rate is 30p and 24p.
Sony A7 has a 2.36m dot OLED Tru-Finder EVF and 0.78x magnification that delivers bright and clear footage with fine details. Furthermore, the 3-inches LCD has a 922k dot and a touch panel. The screen is tiltable at 107 degrees upward angle and 41 degrees downward angle to help you work at different angles.
Sony A7III used magnesium alloy for the rugged, resilient, and stable camera body while keeping it lightweight. It supports a rigid grip for more convenient handheld photography. The weather sealing protects it from dust and moisture for better performance in tough weather.
3. Fujifilm X-T4 – Best 4K video camera for travelers
- Specifications:
- Weight: 1.16 lbs/526g
- Sensor: APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4, Megapixel: 26.1 MP
- Resolution: UHD 4K
- ISO range: 160-12800
- Screen type: 3-inches LCD touchscreen
- Image Stabilizer: Yes
- Battery Life: 500 shots
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-fi
- Weatherproof: Yes
- User-level: Professional, Enthusiast
Fujifilm XT4 is an outstanding mirrorless digital camera that offers advanced and improved photography with a versatile sensor and a wide ISO range.
Fuji XT4 is the updated version of Fuji XT3 with convenient functionality, it is simpler to use. Sporting an APS-C format X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, it offers a resolution of 26.1 megapixels. With a back-illuminated design, it achieves an enhanced tonal version with improved low-light functioning. The sensor affords high quality and sharp images due to exclusion of an optical low-pass filter.
The autofocus system of the Fuji mirrorless camera includes 425 selectable points that nearly cover the whole sensor. The autofocus provides quick and relevant focusing while working in different lighting situations.
XT4 has a built-in 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization that minimizes the camera shakes by up to 6.5 stops. The stabilization system helps in handheld shooting when it reduces the blurring effect in steady footage.
The video recording capabilities in the Fuji camera afford a wide range of recording patterns and adjustments. The UHD 4K is delivered at the frame rate of 60 frames per second. While for full HD ultra slow-motion recording the frame rate is 240 frames per second.
X-T4 has a high-resolution OLED electronic viewfinder EVF with a 3.69m dot and 0.75x magnification for improved and quick tracking function. LCD is a 3-inches 1.62m dot touchscreen with a Vari-angle. The screen is tiltable so you can work from different angles. Smooth functionality and top-notch features make it a brilliant choice for capturing traveling adventures.
4. Sony Alpha A6600 – Best 4K camera for content creators
- Specifications:
- Weight: 1.11 lbs/503g
- Sensor: APS-C Exmor CMOS, Megapixel: 24.3 MP
- Resolution: UHD 4K
- ISO range: 100-32000
- Screen type: 3-inches LCD touchscreen
- Image Stabilizer: Yes
- Battery Life: 810 shots
- Connectivity: Wi-fi, Bluetooth
- Weatherproof: Yes
- User-level: Professional, Enthusiast
Sony A6600 is a sleek-styled mirrorless camera that is known for its versatility and fast speed. It is a well-rounded camera suitable for both capturing pictures and video recording. This camera got all that a content creator may wish for and hence can be an ideal choice for the best mirrorless camera for travel photography and videography.
The APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor in Sony Alpha 6600 has a resolution of 24.2 megapixels. Capable of minimizing noise and delivering high sensitivity so you can get good details even in low light shootings. The combination of sensor and BIONZ X processor also allows continuous shooting at the frame rate of 11 frames per second with autofocus.
A6600 features ultra high definition UHD 4K video recording at the frame rate of 30 frames per second. The improved full-frame 4K video recording produces a fine quality even working at higher sensitivities. Full HD 1080p video recording is also available at the frame rate of 120 frames per second. For 4x and 5x slow-motion recording, the frame rate is set at 30p and 24p.
4D FOCUS in this Sony camera brings you 425 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection points for accurate and reliable focusing. This allows for fine and clear photography even at difficult lighting conditions while also helping with subject tracking. While the real-time eye AF is used for recognizing subjects’ eyes for focusing when shooting both stills and videos.
Equipped with a 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization system it suppresses camera shakes during handheld photography. The system compensates for different camera shakes to avoid blurring effects by allowing all 5 axes of stabilization to function at all times.
Sony Alpha 6600 features an OLED electronic viewfinder EVF with a 2.35m dot that provides high resolution for bright and clear eye-level viewing. And a smooth viewing mode at 120 frames per second when tracking the moving subjects. Having a 3-inches 921.6K dot LCD touchscreen, it allows you to work at high and low angles through its tilting screen. The screen is able to tilt upwards at 180 degrees angle and downwards at 74 degrees angle. While the magnesium alloy body protects it from dust and moisture providing durability.
5. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III – Best wildlife camera for travelers
- Specifications:
- Weight: 3.17 lbs/580g
- Sensor: Live MOS, Megapixel: 20.4 MP
- Resolution: DCI/UHD 4K
- ISO range: 200-25600
- Screen type: 3-inches LCD touchscreen
- Image Stabilizer: Yes
- Battery Life: 420 shots
- Connectivity: Wi-fi, Bluetooth
- Weatherproof: Yes
- User-level: Professional, Enthusiast
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is a well-designed portable that delivers top-quality stills and videos with versatility and speed.
Sporting a 20.4 megapixels high-resolution Live MOS sensor, it provides fast performance and high sensitivity range. Best for sports and wildlife photography, it is equipped with an updated TruePic IX image processor and for an amazing experience. Moreover, the sensor and processor combine to get a full-resolution continuous shooting at the frame rate of 15 frames per second.
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III supports DCI 4K video recording at the frame rate of 24 frames per second. However, the UHD 4K is available at the frame rate of 30p. Full HD 1080p and HD 720p video formats are also available.
The Olympus camera has an improved and advanced autofocus system with 121 phase-detection points and 121 contrast-detection points. These are for fine-quality footage in different lighting conditions. The face and eye AF help you to recognize the face and eyes of the subject for precise and smooth tracking of the moving subject.
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is equipped with a 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization system that minimizes the camera shakes by up to 7 stops to help to reduce the blurry effect in the footage. The stabilization system compensates the camera shakes when shooting for telephoto shots, macro images, and expanded exposures. The system works along 5 axes vertical and horizontal shift, vertical and horizontal angle rotation, and rolling camera movements. It is beneficial when shooting for both stills and video recording.
Featuring a Vari-angle 3-inches 1.037m dot LCD that can work at different angles and a touchscreen that helps you navigate the menu and for setting controls. The high-resolution Electronic Viewfinder EVF 2.36m dot is available with 0.74x magnification for clear eye-level viewing without any distortion.
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III has a weather-sealed body. The sealing helps to protect the camera from moisture, dust, and freezing temperature. While the magnesium alloy keeps it lightweight and accommodates working in tough weather.
6. Sony Alpha A6400 – Best all-around camera for travelers
- Specifications:
- Weight: 0.89 lb/403g
- Sensor: APS-C, Megapixel: 24.2 MP
- Resolution: UHD 4K
- ISO range: 100-32000
- Screen type: 3-inches LCD touchscreen
- Image Stabilizer: No
- Battery Life: 410 shots
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-fi
- Weatherproof: Yes
- User-level: Enthusiast
Sony Alpha 6400 is a compact and versatile mirrorless camera that has advanced image quality with fast performance.
Equipped with an APS-C image sensor it delivers a high resolution of 24.2 megapixels. The combination of this sensor with the BIONZ X processor ensures improved quality stills and beautiful color reproduction in different shooting situations. The high sensitivity range it offers for both images and videos helps in reducing noise and producing improved textures.
The autofocus system in Sony cameras has advanced functionality. The AF system has 425 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection points that cover almost the whole sensor area. The AF system affords high-speed tracking performance that recognizes the subject in movement and locks it then captures it easily.
Considering the Sony A6400’s price which is affordable, the features it offers are top-notch and replicates of other expensive cameras. The ultra high definition UHD 4K videos are recorded with full pixels and high quality. It produces 4K videos with full depth and details. The AF function helps in keeping the smooth focus of the subject.
Sony A6400 has upgraded technology with high-level functionality. The 3-inches touchscreen LCD has a 921600 dot resolution. The screen is tiltable at 180 degrees angles so you can shoot at different angles. The magnesium alloy body keeps it lightweight and protects it from moisture and dust. Along with its excellent capabilities, Sony Alpha 6400 is one of the best video cameras around. And this all-around performance and affordability make it one worthy choice for the best travel camera.
7. Canon EOS RP – Best full frame camera under 1000 $
- Specifications:
- Weight: 2.70 lbs/485g
- Sensor: 26.2 MP
- Resolution: Full-frame CMOS, Resolution: UHD 4K
- ISO range: 100-25600
- Screen type: 3-inches LCD touchscreen
- Image Stabilizer: Yes
- Battery Life: 250 shots
- Connectivity: Wi-fi, Bluetooth
- Weatherproof: Yes
- User-level: Beginners
EOS RP is a canon full-frame mirrorless camera with a large sensor offering you flexible stills capabilities with portability. Canon EOS RP can be your best mirrorless camera for travel photography, not only because it’s one of the lightest and smallest full-frame cameras but also it is the most affordable full-frame camera in the market available under 1000 $. So, what can be better than having the best professional camera that is travel-friendly?
Canon RP is equipped with a full-frame CMOS sensor that has a 26.2 megapixels resolution and is capable of high-speed performance and low light capabilities. The sensor combines with DIGIC 8 image processor to deliver high sensitivity range at different lighting conditions. Furthermore, continuous shooting is available at the frame rate of 5 frames per second with moving subjects.
The Canon full-frame camera delivers fast focusing performance. The AF system works quickly and focuses accurately to track the moving subject. The AF system is attainable for both stills and videos with eye and face AF tracking to attain critical focus.
Canon EOS RP supports ultra high definition UHD 4K video resolution at the frame rate of 23.98 frames per second. The full HD 1080p and HD 720p are also available at the frame rate of 60 frames per second for slow-motion playback.
When video recording and capturing stills, the 5-axis Dual Sensing image stabilization is available that can electronically suppress the camera shakes. This helps in producing sharper and smoother footage for both stills and videos while shooting for moving subjects.
The Canon RP has a 2.36m dot OLED electronic viewfinder EVF that allows clear and bright eye-level viewing. In addition to EVF, it has a 3-inches LCD touchscreen with 1.04m dots. The screen is tiltable so you can use it at high and low angles when working at different angles. And the touchscreen helps you navigate the menu and control settings. Overall the Canon EOS RP is an affordable choice for traveling photography.
8. Nikon Z50 – Best budget camera for Vloggers
- Specifications:
- Weight: 1.79 lbs/450g
- Sensor: APS-C CMOS, Megapixel: 20.9 MP
- Resolution: UHD 4K
- ISO range: 100-51200
- Screen type: 3.2-inches LCD touchscreen
- Image Stabilizer: No
- Battery Life: 320 shots
- Connectivity: Wi-fi, Bluetooth
- Weatherproof: Yes
- User-level: Beginners, Enthusiast
If you are looking for the best traveling photography camera, Nikon Z 50 is a sleek design DX-format mirrorless camera that comes with a versatile Z mount, offering high-end quality and quick performance.
Sporting a CMOS sensor, Z 50 is the best beginner mirrorless camera for videos and stills with 20.9 megapixels resolution. The sensor combines with EXPEED 6 image processor to deliver high sensitivity so you can get high-quality footage at even low lighting conditions. The large sensor size contributes to clear and smooth images with bright colors. In addition to this, continuous shooting is available at full resolution with a frame rate of 11 frames per second and at 8 megapixels resolution with a frame rate of 30 frames per second.
The Nikon Z50 has a hybrid autofocus system with 209 phase-detection points and 209 contrast-detection points that attains quick and accurate focus for both images and videos. The AF system also supports eye AF that recognizes subjects’ eyes and locks focus to get clear footage.
Proudly making its way as the best Nikon camera, the Z50 affords ultra high definition UHD 4K recording at the frame rate of 30 frames per second. For full HD recording, the frame rate is 120 frames per second for slow-motion playback.
Nikon Z50 has a 3.2-inches LCD touchscreen with a 1.04m dot that delivers a bright and clear view. The screen is tiltable at 180 degrees angles to help you work at different angles. And the touchscreen assists in navigating the menu and control settings. Moreover, the 3.6m dot electronic viewfinder EVF is there for eye-level viewing and with 1.02x magnification, it guarantees sharp and smooth images.
Nikon Z50 has a magnesium alloy body that keeps the camera lightweight which is easier to carry and the best option for traveling photography. Also, the magnesium alloy is dust and weather-resistant, so it protects your camera in tough weather conditions. With all that it offers, it’s a perfect choice for Vloggers and the best mirrorless camera for travel photography that has got it all in a small body.
9. Panasonic Lumix GX9 – Best mirrorless camera for street photography
- Specifications:
- Weight: 1.14 lbs/450g
- Sensor: Live MOS Micro Four Thirds, 20.3 MP
- Resolution: UHD 4K
- ISO range: 200-25600
- Screen type: 3-inches LCD touchscreen
- Image Stabilizer: Yes
- Battery Life: 260 shots
- Connectivity: Wi-fi, Bluetooth
- Weatherproof: Yes
- User-level: Beginners, Enthusiast
Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9 is a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera with a sleek and rangefinder body design. The camera offers flexible features with quality performance. And you can’t go wrong with GX9 if you are looking for the best mirrorless camera under 1000 $.
The Lumix camera has a 20.3-megapixel resolution Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor. The sensor combines with Venus Engine image processor to bring you fast performance, remarkable stills, and a dynamic range to work in different lighting conditions.
Moreover, GX-9 supports ultra high definition UHD 4K video with frame rates of either 30p or 24p in the MP4 format. Also, the full HD 1080p60 is available in MP4 format.
Panasonic GX-9 with fast autofocus performance DFD technology can quickly determine the subjects’ distance and adjust the focusing point in just 0.07 seconds. This also enables continuous shooting at the frame rate of 6 frames per second with continuous AF.
The Panasonic mirrorless camera has a Dual image stabilization that combines the 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization with lens-based image stabilization to suppress the camera shakes and a broad range of camera movements by up to 4 stops.
GX-9 supports an impressive 2.76m dot resolution Live View Finder that has a tilting design to help you work at low angles. And a 0.7x magnification for clear and sharp images. In addition to this, the Lumix GX-9 has a 3-inches 1.24m dot LCD touchscreen that is tiltable at an 80-degree angle upwards and a 45-degree angle downwards to help you view at different angles. While the touchscreen assists in navigating the menu and setting control. Panasonic GX-9 is a well-rounded digital mirrorless camera, great for capturing traveling adventures.
10. Fujifilm X-A7 – Best cheap camera for travelers
- Specifications:
- Weight: 0.69 lbs/320g
- Sensor: APS-C CMOS, 24.3 MP
- Resolution: UHD 4K
- ISO range: 200-12800
- Screen type: 3.5-inches LCD touchscreen
- Image Stabilizer: Yes
- Battery Life: 270 shots
- Connectivity: Wi-fi, Bluetooth
- Weatherproof: No
- User-level: Beginners, Enthusiast
The final best mirrorless camera for travel photography that we would recommend is Fujifilm XA-7. Fujifilm X A-7 is a sleek-style camera with exceptional features and capabilities to capture stills and record videos with a classy exterior.
Sporting a 24.2 megapixels APS-C CMOS sensor, the Fuji XA7 can deliver high-resolution images and videos in different lighting situations. The high sensitivity range it offers suits working in high and low lighting conditions.
The Fujifilm mirrorless camera records ultra high definition UHD 4K videos at the frame rate of 29.97 frames per second. The full HD is also available at the frame rate of 59.94p. In addition to this, the continuous shooting rate for stills is 6 frames per second for moving subjects.
Affords a Hybrid Autofocus system with 117 phase-detection points and 117 contrast-detection points for accurate and precise autofocus. Eye and face detection autofocus ensures precise and reliable focusing for tracking the moving subjects.
Fuji camera has a large 3.5-inches LCD touchscreen with 2.76m dot resolution. The screen has a tiltable design to help to work at high and low angles.
The Fuji XA-7 package includes a battery that works for 270 shots at the normal mode in a single charge and 440 shots in economy mode per charge.
What to look for when buying the best mirrorless camera for travel photography?
Mirrorless cameras are lighter and compact and can be easily carried around for photography. Meanwhile these lighter and compact bodies sports enough power to get you excellent photos and videos that you once only expected from bigger and bulkier DSLRs. But not all mirrorless cameras can be your best travel cameras. To choose the best mirrorless camera for travel photography you have to look into certain characteristics of the mirrorless camera in question. Let’s talk about them.
Camera’s Sensor
Other than street photography, Travel photography comprises landscape photography that requires a better and bigger sensor to capture the finer details. But since mirrorless cameras can accommodate bigger sensors in their smaller bodies by eliminating the mirror from the camera, finding a bigger sensor in the lighter mirrorless camera isn’t going to be an issue. So, it’s better to go for a 20 MP sensor or bigger for better results and detailed stills.
Camera’s build quality
Along with better ergonomics, the size and weight of the camera decide how travel-friendly your camera is. A lighter and smaller body is preferred but that shouldn’t come with the compromise of build quality. Because traveling will test the body and build of your camera. So it is recommended to make sure that your camera comes with weather sealing and a good build.
Camera’s Screen
Mirrorless cameras with some excellent EVF’s these days. The benefit of these EVF’s is that you get a first-hand preview of what you capture. A vlogger who likes capturing himself during video making may prefer a fully articulating touch screen and others may prefer a fixed screen. But however you like your screen to be, it is preferred you make sure your camera comes with the screen you desire because it will benefit your travel photography.
Camera’s Functionality
Travel photography comprises street photography, capturing landscapes, macro, and even shooting action. So your best mirrorless camera for travel photography must be versatile enough to shoot in all these different scenarios. For instance, it must have IBIS if you like shooting in the streets especially shooting videos. Similarly, it must have a fast burst speed for capturing action, and so on.
Camera’s Battery life
Good battery life is very important for the best mirrorless camera for travel. The longer the battery lasts, the more travel-friendly your camera is.
Conclusion
If you are serious about your travel photography, a mirrorless camera is indeed the best option among all the other camera types. You have excellent mirrorless options from beginners to all the way up to professional levels that are brilliant travel shooters. So, choose the one that fits your bill. And enjoy your travel photography with your best mirrorless camera.
