Travel is a great source of inspiration for any photographer. With so many sights and scenes, you want to create images that will stand out. But whether you are a roving reporter or sun-seeker, you will need the best camera for the job.

Mirrorless cameras make a perfect travel companion. They are more compact and easier to transport than traditional DSLRs cameras. And they are packed full of features that will help you get creative when you are travelling.

But which is the best

mirrorless camera
for travel? There are many excellent options available. But you need to think about what is best for you. You need to consider what you are looking for and the size of your budget.

The Best Mirrorless Cameras for Travel

There’s a lot of information about mirrorless cameras out there. It can be confusing. And when it comes to finding a camera for travel, a lot of the information will not be relevant.

We have compiled a list that will help you find the best

mirrorless camera
for travel. By the time you book your next trip, you will be fully equipped and ready to shoot.

Beginner

1. Fujifilm X-T200

• Sensor: APS-C
• Resolution: 24.2MP
• Screen: 3.5-inch, vari-angle touchscreen, 2,760k dots
• Viewfinder: EVF, 2,360k dots
• Max burst speed: 8fps
• Max video resolution: 4K
• User level: Beginner

The Fujifilm X-T200 is an excellent all-around

mirrorless camera
. The build quality and variety of features make it the best

mirrorless camera
for travel if you are a beginner.

The APS-C crop sensor has a resolution of 24.2MP. This is more than enough to get some superb shots when you are on your travels. And the autofocus system is one of the best for a camera in this price range. Finding your subject is made easy with the eye detection system.

The X-T200 also gives you 8fps of continuous shooting and 4K video. These features provide you with plenty to play with when you are away from home. You can shot busy scenes with the burst mode or even capture some footage.

The X series lens mount give you a massive selection of Fujifilm lenses you can play with. You can travel with a few different lenses to save you from having to travel with more than one camera.

2. Canon EOS M50 Mark II

• Sensor: APS-C
• Resolution: 24.1MP
• Screen: 3-inch, vari-angle touchscreen, 1.04m dots
• Viewfinder: EVF, 2.36M dots
• Max burst speed: 8fps
• Max video resolution: 4K
• User level: Beginner

The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a mirrorless travel camera with a lot to offer a beginner. It has a compact camera body, making it an excellent portable camera. And the battery life that will not let you down.

You will also not be disappointed with the images produced by the 24.1MP sensor. And the eye detection autofocus will be a benefit to your travel photography.

And it’s not just the stills quality. The Canon EOS M50 was also built with videographers in mind too. You get 4K video a 24p and good quality slow motion at 120p. And the autofocus system works with video capture too.

The only problem with the video is that it is cropped. This is something you need to keep in mind when framing your shots. But the quality is still good enough for social media content.

If you are setting off on your first big expedition, then the EOS M50 could be the best

mirrorless camera
for you.

3. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

• Sensor: Micro Four Thirds
• Resolution: 20.3MP
• Screen: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1,037K dots
• Viewfinder: 2,360K dots
• Max burst speed: 15fps
• Max video resolution: 4K
• User level: Beginner

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is compact and performs well. It’s not a world-beater, but it does not do much wrong. It’s a perfect

mirrorless camera
to put in your travel pack.

Micro four thirds cameras are often misunderstood. They have a smaller sensor, which means the resolution is lower than many competitors. But this Olympus still packs a punch when it comes to image quality.

The autofocus performance is basic. But you will not find a burst much quicker than 15fps. Certainly not in this price range. And the 4K video is great for capturing moments from your adventures.

It’s also easy to move and share travel photography with Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity. This is great for sending images to others when you are on the travellers’ trail.

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a quality camera. It’s compact and affordable. And it’s one of the best mirrorless cameras for travel available right now.

4. Panasonic Lumix GX85

• Sensor: Micro Four Thirds
• Resolution: 16MP
• Screen: 3in tilting, touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots
• Viewfinder: 2,100K dots
• Max burst speed: 8fps
• Max video resolution: 4K
• User level: Beginner

The Panasonic Lumix GX85 has been around for a while. But it is still a great mirrorless travel camera option in 2021.

Do not be alarmed by the 16MP resolution. The micro four thirds sensor still gives you excellent image quality. And the MFT format can provide twice the focal length of a full-frame camera.

The smaller micro four thirds sensor also makes for a more compact camera body. That is one of the advantages of selecting the Lumix GX85 as your travel camera. It’s easy to carry and still gives you brilliant results.

The continuous shooting mode and 4K video are both solid. And they provide great scope for creativity at home or abroad. And Panasonic has a great selection of compact interchangeable lenses that are perfect for travel photography.

The Panasonic offers excellent value for money. It is not record-breaking, but it’s still one of the best mirrorless cameras for a beginner on the road.

Enthusiast

1. Fujifilm X-S10

• Sensor: APS-C
• Resolution: 26.1MP
• Screen: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1.04m dots
• Viewfinder: EVF, 2,360k dots
• Max burst speed: 20fps
• Max video resolution: 4K
• User level: Enthusiast

The Fujifilm X-S10 is the ultimate all-around camera in the enthusiast category.

The 26.1MP image resolution is impressive enough. But the standout feature of the X-S10 is the 5-axis in-body image stabilisation system. It upholds the image quality, so there’s no fear of blur or distortion. It saves you from having to pack a tripod for your trip.

The 4K video is solid but not spectacular. At the same time, the burst mode gives you 20fps of continuous shooting. It gives you the freedom to get creative and capture the uncatchable.

You can also give your travel photography a different feel by using film photography simulators. It’s a great way to get your travel photography to stand out on social media.

2. Sony A7C

• Sensor: APS-C
• Resolution: 24.2MP
• Screen: 3-inch, vari-angle touchscreen, 921.6k dots
• Viewfinder: EVF, 2.36m dots
• Max burst speed: 10fps
• Max video resolution: 4K
• User level: Beginner

The Sony A7C is one of the most compact and easy to carry mirrorless cameras you will find. And despite its small size, it still packs a punch.

The image quality is excellent. And the standard stills will not disappoint you. But it’s the additional features that make this camera stand out.

The autofocus has a 693-phase detection system that works quickly to get crisp and clear shots. And there’s a 5-axis in-body stabilisation system to keep this steady. These are excellent features when you are on the move and without a tripod.

The burst gives you 10fps of continuous shooting. And the video resolution is 4K at 30fps. It’s perfect for footage and travel vlogs. The Sony A7C also has a good battery life, giving you 750 shots in one charge.

The Sony A7C is expensive. And it lacks some more advanced features you might expect from a camera in this price bracket. But it is powerful for its size. It’s one of the best mirrorless cameras for travel.

3. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

• Sensor: Micro Four Thirds
• Resolution: 20.4MP
• Screen: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1,037,000 dots
• Viewfinder: Electronic
• Max burst speed: 30fps (Digital Shutter), 10fps (mechanical shutter)
• Max video resolution: 4K Video
• User level: Enthusiast

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is another micro four thirds camera. The smaller sensor and body size make it a natural choice for photographers hitting the open road.

But it’s not just the size that makes this one of the best mirrorless travel cameras. The image quality is excellent. And it’s packed full of features that will help along the road.

The 121-point autofocus system is fast and reliable. And the in-body 5-axis in-body image stabilisation will also ensure sharpness and clarity. You can use this camera with confidence in all environments.

But the real point of difference is the burst mode. The standard shooting speed is 10fps if you use the mechanical shutter. But if you switch to Pro Capture mode, you get a staggering 30fps of continuous shooting. That’s with 14-shot pre-buffering too.

This crop sensor camera will not take up much room in your pack. And it’s powerful and versatile. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is one of the best travel cameras for enthusiasts.

4. Nikon Z50

• Sensor: APS-C
• Resolution: 20.9MP
• Screen: 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots
• Viewfinder: EVF, 2.36 million dots
• Max burst speed: 11fps
• Max video resolution: 4K (UHD) at 30fps
• User level: Enthusiast

The Nikon Z50 is not mind-blowing. At least not on paper. But this

mirrorless camera
is an excellent travel companion when you’re on the road.

It does not have the firepower of its sisters, the Z6 and Z7. But those machines have full frame sensors. The Z50 has a smaller APS-C crop sensor. Not quite as powerful, but it means the body is more compact.

The still image capture is an excellent standard. The resolution is not the highest on the list, but the autofocus and in-body image stabilisation features work well. You will not have a problem with your travel photography stills.

But the Nikon Z50 is geared towards videographers and vloggers. The 4K video at 30fps is excellent. And the movable touchscreen is perfect for selfies and filming yourself. The battery is pretty reliable too.

The Nikon Z50 was made for a life on the move. That makes it one of the best cameras for travel photography.

Professional

1. Canon EOS R5

• Sensor: Full-frame CMOS
• Resolution: 45MP
• Screen: 3.15-inch fully articulating touchscreen, 2,100,000 dots
• Viewfinder: 0.5-inch OLED EVF, 5,690k dots
• Max Burst Speed: 12fps mechanical shutter/20fps electronic shutter
• Max Video Resolution: 8K DCI or UHD at 30p
• User Lever: Professional

The modern travel photographer needs something that can cover all the bases. They need something they can rely on when they are raising a dust cloud in the outback. They cannot swap cameras at the drop of a hat. This is why the Canon EOS R5 is top of the professional list.

The full frame sensor has a brilliant 45MP resolution. And you also get excellent autofocus and image stabilisation systems with this full frame

mirrorless camera
.

This Canon also gives you the option of mechanical or electronic shutters for continuous shooting. The former gives you 12fps, while the latter has an impressive 20fps. You are ensured travel photography stills of the highest order.

But video is the EOS R5’s real strength. It gives you 8K video resolution. That’s more than enough for a Youtube travel blog. It’s close to cinema-quality footage.

The high standard and versatility of the features make the Canon EOS R5 the best mirrorless travel camera for professional photographers. If you are a roving reporter or a traveller by trade, this is the camera you need.

2. Nikon Z7 II

• Sensor: Full-frame
• Resolution: 45.7MP
• Screen: 3.2-inch tilting, 2,100K dots
• Viewfinder: EVF, 3,690k dots, 100% coverage
• Max Burst Speed: 10fps
• Max Video Resolution: Uncropped 4K UHD up to 30p, cropped 4K UHD up to 60p
• User Lever: Professional

The Z7 is the best

mirrorless camera
from Nikon to date. The all-around specs and features are fantastic. And they make it an excellent option for professional travel photography too.

The 45.7MP full-frame CMOS sensor will give you stunning results. And the autofocus is a 493-point hybrid system that works fast to provide you with excellent sharpness. The system includes eye detection for human and animal subjects.

The stills quality is good enough for any travel publication, whether online or in print. But the Nikon Z7 also gives you versatility with video capture. You can shoot in 4K Ultra at 60p, 30p, 25p, or 24p. And you can shoot in vivid slow motion at 120p in full HD.

The Z series lens mount does give you options when backing lenses for your trip. The Z-mount lenses aren’t as numerous as the F-mount series. But Nikon are adding new ones to the list.

The modern wanderer needs a camera that can capture stills and video. The Nikon doesn’t quite match the Canon EOS R5. But it is one of the best mirrorless cameras for travel photography.

3. Sony A7R Mark IV

• Sensor: Full Frame
• Resolution: 61MP
• Screen: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1,440,000 dots
• Viewfinder: Electronic, 5.76m dots
• Max burst speed: 10fps
• Max video resolution: 4K Video
• User level: Professional

The Sony A7R Mark IV is at the top of the

mirrorless camera
game. There are not many features that make it particularly suitable for travel photography. But as it’s one of the best mirrorless cameras out there, it is more than capable.

The full frame sensor has an image resolution of a staggering 61MP. You can travel as far as you like, but you will not find another camera with that kind of horsepower. You certainly will not do anything like that with DSLR cameras.

Travellers interested in wildlife photography will like the silent shooting the A7R is capable of. You can get those close-up animal shots without scaring the beast away. It’s also a bonus in more intimate situations. You can shoot in a quiet cafe or on a train without disturbing anyone.

The autofocus is incredible too. It has a 567-point phase-detection system, which can detect and track eyes. It works with both humans and animals. And the 5-axis in-body stabilisation system means you can work without a tripod.

The battery life on this

mirrorless camera
is not great. But you can change to APS-C mode and shoot at 26MP, which will reduce battery usage.

The Sony A7R Mark IV was not designed as a travel camera. But the quality is so good there’s no reason not to take it on your next expedition. It’s one of the best mirrorless cameras, no matter what you are shooting.

4. Panasonic Lumix S1R

• Sensor: Full Frame
• Resolution: 47.3MP
• Screen: 3.2-inch, 2,100k dots
• Viewfinder: Electronic, 5,760k dots
• Max burst speed: 9fps
• Max video resolution: 4K Video
• User level: Professional

The Panasonic Lumix S1R may not be a traveller photographer’s first choice. But the build quality and performance make this

mirrorless camera
suitable for a life on the open road.

The image quality is the place to start. With a sensor resolution of 47.3MP, no travel photographer in the world will be disappointed with the results. You have the autofocus and the image stabilisation systems to keep things in order too.

Ad if that was not enough, then there’s the high-resolution mode. With the flick of a switch, you get eight images at 187MP. This mode is designed to capture landscapes in stunning detail. Breath-taking landscapes can often appear flat when photographed. But not with the Lumix S1R.

The body design is compact and rugged. The S1R is dust, splash, and freeze-resistant, making it a durable

mirrorless camera
. No matter which corner of the globe you travel to, you know the Lumix can cope.

One downside is the weight. Panasonic has packed a lot into this camera, and you can feel it in your hand. But the quality is so good you might be willing to forgive them. It’s built to last and is one of the best mirrorless cameras for travel.