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The Digital Cameras Fashion Editors and Creators Actually Travel With
Because sometimes, your phone camera just doesn’t cut it.
There’s no denying it: Our smartphones can take some pretty good photos these days. That said, few can beat the beauty of a well-shot, high-quality image captured on your best digital camera—especially when you’re jetting across the globe. (Just ask Kendall Jenner, who often snaps selfies on a digi, proving that fashion’s favorite faces are embracing non-phone pictures.) Because, sure, you could zoom in as much as possible on the awe-inspiring architecture or wildlife with a simple touch to your screen, but why do that when you could use a camera designed specifically for the task instead?
Digital cameras for travel—or, in general, really—have had quite the resurgence over the past few years, and I’ve taken note of which ones are worth bringing back into your photo-taking rotation. Take Canon’s G7X, for example—seemingly every influencer and content creator brings it along as they traipse around the world. I even once heard from a fashion editor friend (who vlogs for fun) that the best part is it gives her photos “the look of the filter she wants but doesn’t exist.” Of course, you don’t need a professional-level, full-frame camera to do the trick. Sometimes, a simple point-and-shoot will do everything you need to get the shot.
As someone who’s the sole photo-taker of her friend group (often carrying at least two cameras in my bag for good measure), I decided to take it upon myself to find the best cameras for travel, so you can record the best memories during your time away. Whether you’re looking to capture content like a pro or you want something a little more lo-fi for the memory bank, these are the best digital cameras to pack away for your next trip, below.
This might be the most ubiquitous digital camera I’ve seen in recent times. From press dinners and influencer trips to weekend getaways upstate, I’ve seen just how popular this camera is—and have heard straight from its owners why they love it. One major feature is the ability to send images straight to your phone via Bluetooth and Wi-fi.
Capture Type: Stills & video
Dimensions: Width: 4.13 inches; height: 2.4 inches; depth: 1.63 inches
Weight: 10.72 ounces
Sensor resolution: 20.9 Megapixel
Optical zoom: 4.2x
Photophiles will know Leica for its legacy brand name, and if you’re in the market for an heirloom-level camera that you’ll no doubt want to pass down, this is it.
Capture Type: Stills & video
Dimensions: Width: 4.7 inches; height: 2.7 inches; depth: 2.4 inches
Weight: 14 ounces
Sensor resolution: 21.77 Megapixel
Optical zoom: 34x
If you’re looking for a step up from your standard point-and-shoot camera will love the Fujifilm X-T5 (trust me—I own it). With the option to use interchangeable lenses, this camera came up in the same conversation as the Canon G7X. My content-creating peers have touted this as a solid do-it-all option, making it a great companion for higher-quality photos and videos.
Capture Type: Stills & video
Dimensions: Width: 5.1; height: 3.6; depth: 2.5
Weight: 16.8 ounces
Sensor resolution: 40.2 Megapixel
Optical zoom: N/A (body only)
This is what I would call your pocket camera. Small but mighty, this little guy will give you that clear, classic digital camera look that so many content creators are currently loving. One reviewer says it’s great for taking on backpack trips—and with that under-$200 price point, you won’t have to be as precious with it as the more expensive ones on this list.
Capture Type: Stills & video
Dimensions: Width: 3.6 inches; height: 2.23 inches; depth: 0.9 inches
Weight: 3.7 ounces
Sensor resolution: 16.76 Megapixel
Optical zoom: 5x
Another popular option: the Sony RX100, known for the quality images it gets you, along with its compact size (it’s ideal for throwing into your pocket or handbag). It’s certainly not the most affordable option on this list, but you’ll get a lot of features that take your everyday photo-taking to another level without fully upgrading to a mirrorless or DSLR camera.
Capture Type: Stills & video
Dimensions: Width: 4 inches; height: 2.29 inches; depth: 1.68 inches
Weight: 10.65 ounces
Sensor resolution: 20.1 Megapixel
Optical zoom: 8x
Meg Donohue, ELLE’s associate fashion commerce editor, recommends this pick as a fun gift—especially for its novelty. It mimics a disposable camera in that there’s no screen (so you can’t see the result until later when you plug the it into your computer) and in the way it captures photos. Plus, that under-$70 price point can’t be beat.
Capture Type: Stills
Dimensions: Width: 4.5 inches; height: 2.5 inches; depth: 1 inch
Weight: 3.2 ounces
Sensor resolution: 8 Megapixel
Zoom: N/A
When I think of the tried-and-true digital camera, I think of this Canon model. It’s the camera from my youth, but with a few modern-day upgrades—including Wi-Fi capabilities for easy importing and sharing. Some consider this a go-to pocket camera, making it a great point-and-shoot option to invest in.
Capture Type: Stills & video
Dimensions: Width: 3.9 inches; width: 2.3; depth: 0.9
Weight: 4.59 ounces
Sensor resolution: 21.1 Megapixel
Zoom: 12x
Nikon Zf Full-Frame Mirrorless Stills/Video Camera
With creators in mind, Nikon created the Zf—inspired by the brand’s FM2 (which also happened to be my first film camera). This mirrorless camera features a retro-inspired look and controls, giving you that analog feel with today’s technology. And with a lighter, smaller body, it’s easy to carry throughout your travels.
Capture Type: Stills & video
Dimensions: Width: 5.7 inches; height: 4.1 inches; depth: 9 inches
Weight: 22.4 ounces
Sensor resolution: 25.28 Megapixel
Zoom: N/A (body only)
Featuring an SLR-inspired design, this Fujifilm model is a beginner-friendly digital camera. Like other Fujifilm cameras, this smaller one packs a lot of style. Beyond its appearance, it also offers several compelling reasons to purchase—such as the ability to simulate the look of the brand’s various films. It also includes timer options designed for group shots, detecting when a set number of people are close enough together based on your preferences (that feature alone makes it a standout choice for your travel pics).
Capture Type: Stills & video
Dimensions: Width: 5 inches; height: 2.9 inches; depth: 2.2 inches
Weight: 16 ounces
Sensor resolution: 40.2 Megapixel
Zoom: N/A (body only)
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