Best travel camera in 2025 (UK)
This content originally appeared on Mashable for US audiences and has been adapted for UK audiences.
There’s something that’s true for almost everyone who travels: they love taking photos. Even if you barely use your phone’s camera on a daily basis, the situation is different when you travel. There is always a desire to document your adventures and all those incredible sights: new places, wonderful landscapes, buildings, bodies of water, art, nature, people, animals and, of course, those always brilliant sunsets.
If you plan to spend most of your trip with a camera in hand, you should probably consider making it, at minimum, a half-decent device. There are many great travel cameras on the market, from many top brands, so you’re spoiled for choice. But which camera is best for you and your travels?
With so many options to consider, it can be confusing. To help you out, we’ve looked at the best options for mirrorless, DSLR, compact, instant, and GoPro cameras. Keep reading for helpful information and a roundup of the best cameras for traveling.
What are the different types of camera?
DSLR — These are digital cameras with larger sensors to capture better quality images. They also have interchangeable lenses (so you can adapt the camera to the specific environment and subject) and a long-lasting battery. These cameras are the largest (and heaviest) of the group because the camera body houses a mirror inside, which reflects light from the camera lens into the viewfinder (where one looks when taking a photo). They tend to be expensive, however.
Mirrorless — Mirrorless cameras also produce high-quality images. They are smaller and lighter than DSLR cameras, but their battery life is generally much shorter. You may need to carry an extra battery depending on the length of your trip. Mirrorless cameras are generally more affordable than DSLR cameras, so they have become increasingly popular.
Point and shoot/compact — These offer good image quality in general, but not always at the level of DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. If you’re looking for a camera that can take a clear, simple photo, this is a solid option. Some compact cameras are designed to withstand underwater immersion or a few drops, which is perfect if you’re going on a particularly rugged trip. And “compact” is an apt description: they’re lighter and smaller than mirrorless and DSLR models. They also tend to be cheaper.
Instant — The image quality of instant cameras is low compared to other choices on this list, but many enjoy the novelty of simple, nostalgic photos taken by film cameras. The camera itself is a manageable size, but keep in mind that when carrying instant cameras, you’ll also want to bring film and have space to safely store the photos you take. Instant cameras are the cheapest of the group, but film is sold separately at around £10 a pack.
GoPro — GoPro cameras are mainly used to capture first-person action sequences and withstand harsh conditions. GoPros aren’t as suited to traditional photography as the other types of cameras on this list, but if you want to capture an outdoor vacation on video, a GoPro is by far the best choice. GoPros are the smallest of all the cameras listed and are so lightweight that users can easily wear the cameras on their heads using a head strap (sold separately). Keep all of this in mind when shopping for a camera.
Do the cameras capture live video?
In 2025, it’s hard to imagine a camera not dub and take live video as well as still images. All the cameras on this list also capture video. The real question is: how good is the video? Most of these cameras capture 4K resolution. Some cameras capture lower resolution, like 1080p HD, or even 5K and above. Manufacturers tend to promote video quality based on a camera’s fps (frames per second) capabilities. The higher the fps, the smoother the video.
Again, this is now the norm with cameras of a certain quality (and price). After all, we live in a world fueled by social media. And if you document your travels, especially as a blogger or vlogger, social media will be crucial. Some cameras connect to an app via WiFi or Bluetooth and let you upload directly.
What is the best camera for traveling?
We can’t say for sure, because everyone’s journeys – not to mention everyone’s photographic requirements – are different. What we can do is put together a selection of the best and let you decide.
These are the best cameras for traveling in 2025.
