Gear Guide: Our Favorite Travel Cameras

Editor-tested

Author

Tim Wenger
May 10th, 2025

Matador Network Gear Homepage
travel cameras in a collage
By Tim Wenger

The Best Travel Cameras

As a travel editor, taking photos is part of the gig. I’ve shot stories from the high peaks of the Tien Shan in Kyrgyzstan to the shorelines of Alaska’s Inside Passage, typically with a landscape focus but occasionally with the need for a precision action shot. I’m a writer first, and a photographer second – meaning that I typically use the photos I take to back up or emphasize the written content in a story. In that sense, I’m not unlike most travelers – we take photos to document our trips. To preserve moments and memories for later reference, even if that reference is personal.

While I still do some photography with an iPhone, I bought a DSLR several years ago after an embarrassing situation where the photos I sent in with a story were rejected. My Canon Rebel T Series has helped me take better photos, and I swear by it as a dependable, affordable camera. Other Matador staffers have their own cameras of choice. A few of them took the time to elaborate on why they chose the camera they did for travel photography in a new content package where we break down travel photography into five categories. We offer the best camera for each along with tips and guidelines to make the selection process easier.

I hope this inspires you to get out and make some photos (or to finally pull the trigger and get that new camera you’ve been eyeing). We’d love to see your shots — use #matadortravelshots on social media to show us what you’re up to.

Tim Wenger, transactional content editor

Best Affordable Travel DSLR

A dependable but easy-to-learn and affordable DSLR camera that packs well and takes a great shot without too much fuss.

Canon DSLR camera

really tiny video camera

Best Video Action Camera

The DJI Osmo Action 4 camera provided Matador's creative director with excellent documentation of a trip to Dubai.

a stunning image of Lake Louise

Best Compact Camera

The Sony Alpha ZV-E10 II has interchangeable lenses and takes stellar shots inside and outdoors, versatile for travel photographers.

two zebras hanging out because they are best friends

Best Mirrorless Digital Camera

Matador editor, Suzie Dundas, swears by this Sony a7 IV camera, and explains why she, a person who tests gear all the time, ended up buying my own.

Nikon z6 camera in hand at some ruins

Best Low-Light Camera

Matador video editor, Rick Southers, used the Nikon Z6 III and found it’s fantastic in low-light situations and captures both landscape and action photography with ease.

G U I D E

Take Better Photos

tiny houses in Greenland

Creator Lauren Breedlove shares eight landscape photography tips she’s learned for anyone who’s self-taught, like herself. Keep ’em in your back pocket for later.

G E A R

Best Sling for Photographers

Matador editor, Suzie Dundas, tested this sling for a recent 10-day trip to Kenya. After muddy drives in open-sided safari vehicles, bumpy bush flights, and visits to remote villages and eco-hotels, it’s clear this this one of the best bag options for real-world travel photographers.

Travel Well

The Matador Editorial Team

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