Best Point and Shoot Cameras for Travel of 2024

BEST FOR: WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHERS

The most impressive feature of the Nikon Coolpix P1000 is the 125x zoom lens that will let you shoot subjects from far, far away, as no other point-and-shoot camera can. Thanks to its superzoom lens you will be able to capture small and moving animals, get close-ups of people playing sports, and even frame details of the moon’s surface.

Because of the size of its lens, the Nikon Coolpix D1000 is not the most portable camera on our list, but it is worth the investment if you want to capture distant subjects without being intrusive. It comes with optical image stabilization to avoid blur and is built with solid, durable components. The D1000 also has great video capabilities, with a high-definition shooting option and a tilting screen to record the perfect director’s cut.

BEST FOR: CREATIVE STREET PHOTOGRAPHERS

The Fujifilm X100F comes with a 35mm prime lens, meaning that you will not be able to zoom. Why would this be an advantage? Apart from the great low light performance, this lens will produce super sharp pictures and push you to think carefully about the best way to frame a scene. The 35mm is great for storytellers. It is wide enough to include ample background with your subjects and works well for both interiors and exteriors. Plus, the lens is interchangeable, so you can just switch to a different Fuji lens if you want to experiment with different perspectives.

As is the case with most Fuji cameras, the X100F is designed with a beautiful retro look. It is light and compact, but offers a huge image resolution of over 24 megapixels — ideal if you plan to print and show off your best travel shots once you return back home.

BEST FOR: THE INSTAGRAM ADDICT

If you can’t wait to get back home to share your images, this camera will help you get to your friends (and followers) in zero time. Thanks to the built-in WiFi function you can transfer and publish your images in a matter of seconds. With its large resolution and superwide aperture, the Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II will produce photographs far superior to your smartphone’s camera, even when light conditions are not optimal.

Lightweight and compact, the Canon Powershot G7 fits in most pockets and allows you to freeze the moment thanks to its ability to shoot up to 8 frames per second. It includes a 3.0″ LCD monitor that tilts up 180 degrees, which you can use for self-portraits or for shooting at otherwise uncomfortable angles.

BEST FOR: THE ADRENALINE JUNKIE

Waterproof up to 50 feet, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof: no activity is too risky for the Olympus Tough TG-5. Engineered for the hardcore adventurer, this point-and-shoot camera will accompany you in the most hostile environments without sacrificing image quality.

The TG-5 isn’t only a camera that will survive in harsh weather conditions, it is also filled with impressive technological features. It includes an integrated GPS system that records where a photo has been taken and maps out your itinerary through your snaps, plus it has a compass to help you find your way in the wilderness. When set in burst mode it can shoot up to 20 frames per second; while in video mode it can record slow-motion clips in high definition. The wide aperture lets you collect clear photographs even under water and the 25-100mm focal length allows you to zoom in close enough to capture distant subjects.

BEST FOR: ALL-AROUND QUALITY

Considering the size of the Sony Cyber-Shot X100 VI, it is surprising how much it can do. Thanks to a focal length ranging from 24mm to 200mm this award-winning camera can frame wide landscape scenes or zoom in to capture sharp, intimate portraits from a distance. The camera can focus in a fraction of a second and is complete with a sophisticated eye detection system that tracks your subject’s eyes for better people photography. It also has a tilting touch screen that can substitute the shutter button when photographing from uncomfortable angles or in those paparazzi situations when you’d rather not lift the camera to eye level.

The Sony Cyber-Shot X100 VI doesn’t only capture excellent photographs, it also has a great array of video features. It can record clips at a high-definition 4K resolution, but also has the ability to produce slow-motion and super-slow-motion videos shot at up to 960 frames per second.

BEST FOR: CLOSE-UPS (OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS)

With over 20 megapixels in resolution and a Leica lens with image stabilization properties, the Panasonic Lumix LX10 is the perfect compromise between size, price, and image quality. The extra-wide aperture allows you to shoot sharp images even in dark environments, while the tilting screen and shallow depth of field will take your selfie skills to the next level.

The minimum focusing distance is just above one inch, so you can get really close to your subject and capture the tiniest of details. Plus, the “post-focus” function allows you to adjust the focus after you shoot the picture, turning photographs gone wrong into perfect composition with a single touch. If that’s not enough, the Panasonic Lumix LX10 also includes a super-fast autofocus system, allowing you to freeze moving objects like no other camera in this price range can.

BEST FOR: FULL FEATURES IN MINIMALIST DESIGN

You won’t even feel the weight of the Canon Powershot SX740 HS in your pocket, but don’t judge the camera by its size. Even with its slim and lightweight design, this compact point-and-shoot will capture amazing pictures of subjects close and far.

With built-in WiFi and Bluetooth technologies, not only you will be able to transfer and share your images with the blink of an eye, but you can also shoot remotely through your smartphone. This feature comes in handy every time you want to shoot a night time scene and touching the camera may cause a blur in the photograph, or when you want to take a group shot.

Additionally, the Creative Modes installed in the camera provide filters for any type of photography. Choose the “portrait mode” for realistic renditions of people, “food mode” to make the colors of your dishes pop, or sepia to release your inner artist.

BEST FOR: EASE OF USE

With a superzoom lens capable of getting you 40 times closer to your subject and an ergonomic design that allows for a firm grip of the camera body, the Nikon Coolpix L820 is an impressively versatile camera. Ideal for budget-conscious travelers looking to capture high-quality images without having to learn the technicalities of photography, this point-and-shoot performs well even in low light conditions.

The simple menus and controls let you understand the potential of this camera as soon as it’s out of the box, while the Vibration Reduction system helps to create sharp photographs of close and distant subjects. In addition to this, the Nikon Coolpix L820 can record high-definition videos from a variety of angles thanks to the handy tilting screen.

BEST FOR: PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHERS

An inexpensive camera that fits in every pocket thanks to its slim design, the Canon Powershot Elph 360 is a powerful tool to record your best travel moments. Thanks to the large LCD screen and the integrated Optical Image Stabilizer you’ll be able to perfectly frame your subjects and shoot crisp and realistic portraits from any distance, without the need of a tripod.

The Creative Shot Mode allows you to apply 46 different Canon filters to your photographs, to create artistic images by altering composition, lighting, and color. Thanks to the built-in WiFi, your carefully crafted images can be easily transferred to your smartphone and be shared with the world instantly.

BEST FOR: HIKERS AND OUTDOORS ENTHUSIASTS

The Fujifilm Finepix S1 is the world’s first water resistant and dust resistant point-and-shoot camera with 50x superzoom. This means that while you’re exploring the outdoors, you’ll be able to shoot distant wildlife or landscapes no matter the weather conditions. Whether you find yourself in a windy desert or trying to set up your tent in the rain, this camera will capture the scene, so you’ll always remember what you put yourself through for the sake of adventure.

Thanks to the one-touch wireless communication system you can connect the camera to a smartphone or laptop instantly. This is useful both to shoot without touching the camera (avoiding the blur in long exposures, for example), or to send your best shots to friends and family back home.