Unearth The Voyage
We packed 15 different cameras for one epic trip, shooting everything from city streets to mountain peaks. Some felt clunky, others ran out of battery too fast, and a few just didn’t deliver the shots we needed. But seven cameras proved they could handle real travel situations without slowing us down or taking up too much space.
1. Sony RX100 VII: Pocket Zoom, Real-Camera Speed
WIRED calls this their best pocket travel camera, and after shooting with it for days, we get why. The RX100 VII squeezes a 24 to 200mm zoom range into a body that fits in your jacket pocket, which sounds impossible until you actually use it.
Sony built in 0.02-second autofocus with Real-time Tracking and Eye AF, so you can catch quick moments without missing focus. There’s even a mic jack for better audio when you switch to video mode.
Perfect for travelers who refuse to carry a camera bag but still want serious zoom reach and fast performance.
2. Fujifilm X100VI: The Stylish Fixed-Lens One-and-Done
Some cameras make you want to leave them in the hotel. This one makes you want to shoot. WIRED highlights the X100VI as the most stylish travel camera, and Condé Nast Traveler points to its film simulations as a big draw.
Fujifilm upgraded this model with a 40.2-megapixel sensor and added 5-axis in-body stabilization for the first time in the X100 series, giving you up to 6 stops of shake reduction. That means sharper handheld shots in dim cafés or evening streets without cranking up ISO.
Ideal for street scenes, market wandering, and travel portraits that look beautiful straight out of camera.
3. Ricoh GR IIIx: The Stealthy 40mm-Equivalent Street Machine
Condé Nast Traveler recommends the GR III as a compact pick, but the GR IIIx is the version that stuck with us. Ricoh’s official site confirms the IIIx will remain available, which matters when you’re investing in a travel tool.
What sets it apart is the 40mm-equivalent field of view, a natural perspective that captures scenes the way your eye actually sees them. It’s incredibly discreet, slipping into a front pocket without drawing attention or weighing you down.
Best for quiet street shooting, minimal packing lists, and anyone wanting APS-C sensor quality in a truly pocketable body.
4. Panasonic Lumix ZS99 / TZ99: 30x Reach in a Pocket Body
Ever been on a boat tour or viewpoint wishing you had way more zoom? Panasonic designed the ZS99 specifically for that frustration. It packs a 24 to 720mm equivalent LEICA DC lens into a pocket-sized body, backed by 5-Axis HYBRID stabilization to keep those long-zoom shots steady.
You also get 4K video at 30p, a tilting touchscreen, and USB-C charging for modern convenience. Panasonic lists U.S. availability starting mid-February 2025 at $499.99, making it an accessible option for serious reach.
Perfect for safaris, theme parks, boats, and any situation where distance matters.
5. OM System Tough TG-7: The No-Worries Adventure Camera
Sometimes the best camera is the one you don’t have to baby. OM System built the TG-7 to be waterproof down to 15 meters, plus shockproof, freezeproof, and dustproof, so you can actually use it in real travel conditions.
Beyond toughness, it offers a 1cm focusing distance for incredible macro shots of food, shells, or tiny travel details you’d miss otherwise. OM System also includes Ultra HD 4K video among its key features, so you’re not sacrificing quality for durability.
Ideal for snorkeling, ski trips, beaches, hikes, and traveling with kids who might drop things.
6. Fujifilm X-E5: Retro Interchangeable-Lens Sweet Spot
Amateur Photographer says the X-E5 is the travel camera they recommend to most people, calling it a strong balance of portability, image quality, versatility, and price. If you like the X100VI vibe but want to swap lenses, this is your answer.
Fujifilm included a customizable Film Simulation dial and in-body stabilization, wrapped in a classic rangefinder-style body that feels great to carry all day. You can pair it with one or two small lenses and still travel lighter than most DSLR setups.
Best for travelers who want creative lens flexibility without hauling heavy gear everywhere.
7. GoPro HERO13 Black: The Put-You-There Trip Storyteller
A GoPro won’t give you dreamy bokeh portraits, but it will give you the memories you actually want to relive. GoPro’s HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition delivers up to 177 degrees field of view, pulling viewers right into your experience with HyperSmooth stabilization and Horizon Lock keeping everything smooth.
The 1:1 aspect ratio option is a smart touch, making it easy to crop later for vertical social posts or widescreen edits without losing important framing. It’s built for immersive POV storytelling, not traditional photography.
Perfect for action sports, water adventures, biking, day-in-the-life travel reels, and hands-free filming.
