Compact digital cameras and professional DSLR cameras have undoubtedly proven themselves to be very useful in capturing the most stunning travel photos. But with the rise of the mirrorless camera, the latter has become the best camera for travel by combining the best of both worlds — the pocket-friendly size of the humble point-and-shoot and the performance and power of the mighty DSLR. This list of the best mirrorless cameras for travel photography will help you find the best portable camera for your next adventure.
Mirrorless cameras fill the gap between compact point-and-shoot cameras and the more advanced professional cameras, both in size and performance. Travel photographers have come to love its more compact and lightweight body, which is due to the absence of an internal mirror that reflects light onto the camera sensor; its new and improved electronic viewfinder (EVF) for previewing the exact image output before you even click the shutter; and its ability to deliver DSLR-quality images and videos.
However, like with any camera type, not all mirrorless cameras are ideal for travel photography. There are plenty of budget mirrorless cameras out there, but if you want to take higher-quality shots with a camera that is well-suited for all kinds of environments, you’ll want to give it a thought before investing in some of the more expensive, professional-quality mirrorless cameras on the market.
In this article, you’ll find some of the best mirrorless cameras for your next trip.
What makes a mirrorless camera good for travel photography?
It can be easy to get lost in camera brands and specifications, even if you’re a professional photographer. Fortunately, there are only a few specific characteristics that you have to look for when choosing a good mirrorless camera for travel.
Sensor size
This won’t be much of an issue if you intend to take personal travel photos, but many enthusiasts and professionals need a bigger camera sensor that captures higher resolution images with remarkable detail, such as for landscape shots.
Weight and size
You’ll definitely want a camera that’s small, lightweight, and fits well in your hand so it won’t be a burden when you travel. As they say, the best camera is the one you have with you.
Versatility
Travel photography usually involves shooting different types of scenarios, from landscapes and portraits to macro and action shots, so you’ll need gear that can cover all of these.
Durability
Since traveling with a camera can be a little hard on your gear, you’ll need a mirrorless camera that’s well-built and, just in case, weather-sealed so you can shoot under difficult weather conditions.
Functionality
Some travel photographers want their cameras to have specific functionalities that can aid them in their various photographic pursuits. If you often shoot sports, for example, you’ll probably need a mirrorless camera that has the most (and fast!) AF points and even a highly-capable burst mode feature.
With these benefits and characteristics, mirrorless cameras have become the modern, go-to choice for traveling amateur and serious photographers.
The Best Mirrorless Cameras for Travel Photography
Sony Alpha 7C
The Sony Alpha 7C, unveiled in September 2020, is knows as the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame compact mirrorless interchangeable lens camera with optical in-body image stabilization. The small camera holds a powerful 24.2MP sensor, 4K video recording powers, and 5-axis in-body image stabilization.
The camera also features Sony’s impressive AF system — including real-time AF tracking, Real-time Eye AF, and even Animal Eye AF — which is available across still and video. And when it comes to video, the Alpha 7C can capture 4K video with full pixel readout up to 30fps, making this a great hybrid camera for all content creators.
For more info on this small but mighty camera, check out our first look overview of the Sony Alpha 7C.
Key Features:
- 24.2MP 35mm full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor
- BIONZ X Image Processor
- 15 stops of dynamic range
- ISO up to 51,200 (Expanded 50-204,800)
- 10fps continuous shooting with AF/AE
- Autofocus features including Real-time Eye AF for both humans and animals
- 693-point focal-plane phase-detection AF system covering 93% of image area
- 4K video up to 30fps
- Both mic-in and a headphone jack
- Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth
Nikon Z 30
With a compact, portable body and a host of features specifically for content creators, it’s easy to see why the Nikon Z 30 is a contender for the best mirrorless camera for travel. This powerful camera — one of the lightest mirrorless camera options out there — boasts 4K video with full HD and livestreaming at 60p, not to mention quick and accurate autofocus, selfie controls, sharp and accurate audio, and setting shortcuts for ease of use. Additionally, the Z 30 allows for up to 125 straight minutes of recording. That means you’ll never miss a moment of those photogenic travels.
Check out our hands-on review of the Nikon Z 30 with Anya Anti to learn more.
Key Features:
- Live streaming at 60p
- Quick autofocus
- Built-in stereo microphone
- 4K video capabilities
- Powerful image stabilization
- Vari-angle touchscreen
- 21MP images
Fujifilm X-S10
Another leader for best mirrorless camera for travel is the feature-packed Fujifilm X-S10. This mirrorless travel camera has been designed by frequent jetsetters, which means it’s packed with top features: an easily navigable interface, a 180-degree variangle LCD touchscreen, a 26.1MP sensor for high-quality images, and stellar video quality with 4K at 30p and full HD at 240p. The X-S10 also works with over 30 different lenses, which means you can adapt your creative approach based on the destination you’re visiting or the project you’re pursuing. The ISO range of 160-12,800 ensures you can capture night content, too.
Key Features:
- 26.1MP sensor
- ISO range of 160-12,800
- Five-axis image stabilization
- 4K video at 30p
- APS-C camera format
- 180-degree variangle LCD touchscreen
Canon EOS R10
The Canon EOS R10’s impressive features have landed it a top spot on our list of best mirrorless cameras for travel. The Canon EOS R10 is affordable and powerful, with an APS-C sensor, the ability to shoot up to 23 frames per second — great for wildlife or action photography — and a 24.2MP sensor that promises dreamy, detail-rich content. Additionally, the EOS R10 can capture video content at 4K, with the ability to record content for 30 minutes straight. Accurate and speedy autofocus ensures image sharpness.
Key Features:
- 24.2MP APS-C sensor
- Fast captures with up to 23fps shooting
- Recording capability for over 30 minutes
- 4K video
- Smart and speedy autofocus
Sony a7R IV
Not only is the Sony a7R IV one of the best mirrorless cameras to date, it’s been developed to meet the expectations of professional photographers. It has a 61MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor, 15-stop dynamic range, UHD 4K30 video recording, and a native ISO of 100-32000 so it’s capable if performing well in all types of lighting conditions.
We also love its powerful, one-of-a-kind BIONZ X image processor, which allows you to capture textured scenes with great sharpness and detail but with significantly lower noise. But the best part is its real-time autofocus tracking, for stills or video, and for animals, as well. This high-end mirrorless camera is on the pricier end, but it’s well worth the investment for amateurs and professional travel photographers who want the highest-quality of output and camera built.
See the camera in action as Mahesh Thapa, Sony Alpha Imaging Collective member and landscape photographer, tests it on a trip to Iceland.
Key Features:
- 61MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor
- BIONZ X image processor
- 567 phase-detection points (425 contrast AF points)
- Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF for human, animal and movie
- Fast Hybrid AF System
- 15-stop dynamic range
- 5-Axis Image Stabilization
- ISO 100 to 32000 (Extended: 50 to 102400)
Panasonic Lumix G9
The Panasonic Lumix G9 is one of the few mirrorless cameras that is considered a “jack of all trades.” It’s a wise choice for travel video blogging (or “vlogging”) and photography, especially with its fully articulating screen that’s good for selfies and shooting from difficult angles.
It also has a splash- and dust-resistant body that won’t restrict you from shooting outdoors and in other challenging environments.
One of the main reasons why travel photographers ought to invest in the G9 is that it comes with an optical tunnel viewfinder, which keeps them from struggling while framing and reviewing shots on the rear screen when shooting under broad daylight or in windy and rainy conditions.
Key Features:
- 20.3MP Digital Live MOS Sensor
- Massive 0.83x OLED Viewfinder
- Dual SD card slots
- 5-axis dual I.S. 2.0 image stabilizer
- 4K 60p high-speed video recording
- Tilting OLED EVF
- Weather Resistant Body
Canon EOS M6 Mark II
The Canon EOS M6 Mark II, from Canon’s M line of mirrorless cameras has a whopping 32.5 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and the latest DIGIC 8 Image Processor. It also features high-speed continuous shooting up to 14 frames per second — with AF/AE tracking — and quickly captures your can’t miss moments. All of this makes the M6 Mark II a quick and responsive professional travel camera that you can whip out anytime, anywhere.
With 4K UHD 30p video, travel videographers and content creators also have high-quality video footage capture available. And Canon created the camera with easy operation in mind — controls and dials are easy to locate.
For more details on the Canon M6 Mark II, check out this hands-on and first look by travel photographer Nathan Lee Allen and the AdoramaTV team.
Key Features:
- 32.5 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) Sensor
- DIGIC 8 Image Processor
- 14 fps with AF/AE Tracking
- 4K UHD 30p and Full HD 120p video recording
- 3.0″ 1.04m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF Systems
- Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
The Olympus OM-D line of cameras is part of the brand’s flagship mirrorless interchangeable lens series. While the camera’s ability to take stunning, sharp images rivals its competitors, its the camera’s rugged magnesium alloy weatherproof body that makes it the perfect choice for a camera that can withstand the challenges of any trip.
Creators on-the-go will love the camera’s quick charging option — it can be charged via USB when using a power bank. This means your biggest adventures, no matter how remote, can be captured on a fully-charged battery. The lightweight body weighs a mere 580 grams, and is very fast, even faster than many top DSLR cameras. Using its advanced silent electronic shutter, the E-M1 Mark III captures 20 MP RAW image files at 60fps in S-AF Mode an 18 fps in C-AF Tracking Mode.
See more from the camera in this first look article and video from Olympus ambassador Gavin Hoey.
Key Features:
- 20MP Live MOS Sensor
- Face/Eye Priority AF plus NEW Starry Sky AF algorithm
- 5-Axis In Body Image Stabilization
- Dust-proof, splash-proof, and freeze-proof magnesium alloy body
- USB charging
- 400k Shutter Life
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Nikon Z50
The lightweight and compact Nikon Z50 was developed for on-the-go creators. The DX-format camera is powered by a 20.9MP sensor and the EXPEED 6 engine, and includes the favorite Nikon Z mount, which means it’s compatible with a host of the great NIKKOR Z lenses, and DSLR lenses (when used with the FTZ mount adapter).
Nikon has also included its new eye autofocus feature, which allows you to focus on your shot, while the camera ensures your subject is always in sharp focus. With built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, you can send photos and videos directly to your smartphone via Nikon’s SnapBridge app, and share instantly.
For more info, check out this hands-on review by photographer Anya Anti.
Key Features:
- 20.9MP DX CMOS sensor
- EXPEED 6 engine
- 4K Ultra HD and time-lapse, 120fps slow motion, 1080p Full HD
- Edit photos right in-camera
- Compatible with Nikon’s SnapBridge app
- Large flippable high-resolution touchscreen
- 20 creative picture controls and 10 special effects
- Nikon Z lens mount
- Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth
Why is a mirrorless camera better for travel photography?
A mirrorless camera is ideal for travel photography because this style of camera weighs less than the bulkier DSLRs — without skimping on quality. Most mirrorless cameras weigh on average about half a pound less than DSLRs. Plus, mirrorless cameras offer better video quality and tend to have quicker shutter speeds — great for wildlife, action, and adventure.
Tips for traveling with a camera
Jetsetting with a camera doesn’t have to be stressful — especially if you have one of the options from our “best mirrorless camera for travel” list. There are a few important things to keep in mind, though.
For one, make sure to put your camera in your carry-on bag, such as a camera backpack, to keep it protected. Even better: look for a camera backpack that helps you stay organized, such as the Vanguard HAVANA backpack.
Additionally, think about the types of content you hope to capture and buy your camera lenses accordingly. Make sure to pack a lens cleaning kit and a sensor cleaner, such as the Giottos Rocket Air Blaster. The latter is particularly important for a travel mirrorless camera, as you’ll need to blow out even the tiniest specks of dust and debris any time you change lenses.
Other accessories that make traveling with a mirrorless camera seamless include Peak Designs’ Capture clip, which lets you attach your camera to your backpack for easy access. This one’s ideal for more hiking and outdoor adventures, but you’ll typically want to keep your camera disguised in more crowded cities. (For that, a messenger bag like the Vanguard VEO RANGE does the trick.)
