Your first trip out after ages would no doubt be one for the books. And by that we mean, Facebook. While most mobile phones come equipped with high-quality built-in cameras, nothing beats the feel and quality of having an actual camera on hand to capture those memories — here are the best ones on Amazon US!
Now that travel is slowly but surely happening again, you might be looking to make use of the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) or other travel arrangements to step out and explore the world again. What is the first thing you’re excited to do? For the nerdy, beach-loving, small-town girl in me, I can’t wait to head back to Perth’s Cottesloe Beach and lay down in the sand with a book in my hand. Of course, I’d definitely need to snap some pictures of the scenic setting (and maybe 10 nonchalant ‘chilling by the beach’ shots) — but what’s all that without a good camera in hand? If you’re in the market for travel-friendly compact cameras, we’ve got you covered with some of the best options on Amazon US!
But First — What Should You Look For In A Compact Camera?
👉🏻 It should be wallet-friendly (subjective, depending on your budget)
👉🏻 It should suit your skill level – are you an amateur, or a professional?
👉🏻 It should ideally shoot in low and bright lighting
👉🏻 It should have a long-lasting battery life
👉🏻 It should be able to shoot in hot and cold climates
📷 Best Compact Cameras for the Amateur Photographer
| Item | Size & Dimension | Megapixels | Shooting Modes | Bonus Features |
| Panasonic Lumix FZ80KX | – 616.88 grams – 4.69 x 5.13 x 3.71 inches | 18.1 megapixels MOS sensor Video: 2160p | – Long zoom video snapshot – 30 fps burst feature | ✅ Image stabilisation, 4K video ✅ Travel-ready USB charging and Wi-Fi connection to a mobile device ✅ Touch-enabled LCD display ✅ Post focus and focus stacking ✅ 60x Zoom |
| Olympus Tough TG-6 | – 254.91 grams – 2.6 x 4.4 x 1.3 inches | 12 megapixels Video: 2160p, 2K DCI 1080p | – 5 underwater shooting modes (including an underwater microscope and 3 underwater white balance modes) – The variable macro system is comprised of 4 macro shooting modes and magnified shooting up to 1cm from the end of the lens – Ultra HD 4K | ✅ Waterproof (15 m), dustproof, shockproof (2.1 m), crushproof (100kgf), freezeproof (-10℃), anti-fog ✅ Battery life for approximately 340 images each time ✅ 8x Zoom |
| Fujifilm FinePix XP10 12 MP Waterproof Digital Camera | – 136.076 grams – 0.9 x 3.8 x 2.5 inches | 12 megapixels | – Target focus – Capture movies in 720p with sound | ✅ Image stabilization ✅ Waterproof (3m), freezeproof (-10℃), shockproof (1m), dustproof ✅ Movie editing mode and blog mode ✅ Rechargeable Li-ion battery (up to 200 shots) ✅ Face detection and automatic red-eye removal ✅ 5x Zoom |
| Panasonic Lumix ZS50 | – 440 grams – 4.36 x 1.35 x 2.54 inches | 12.1 megapixels 1080p | – Macro shooting – Light speed autofocus – 10fps high-speed burst – Timelapse recording – RAW format recording | ✅ HYBRID O.I.S.+ minimises blur and ensures level images ✅ 30x Zoom |
1. Panasonic Lumix FZ80K
Image: Amazon US
Another power player in the market is Panasonic. Great for travellers, the Panasonic Lumix Digital Camera DC FZ80K combines the legendary optical performance of a super long 60x (20 1200mm) DC Vario lens with image stabilisation, perfected with an ergonomic grip that fits well in your palm (just in case you get sweaty palms from heights).
Not only does it perform well in low-light settings, but this 2017 baby also features a 1,170K-dot viewfinder for taking high-resolution photos, and a rear touch-enabled 3-inch LCD display for photo-viewing on the go — even with bright sunlight.
Price: US$435.80 (~S$481)
Get your travel compact cameras from Amazon US here.
2. Olympus Tough TG-6
Image: Amazon US
If you’re looking to go on kayak tours in the Netherlands, snorkelling in Phuket, preparing for a hike in Spain, or simply beach hopping, this might be the camera for you. Olympus is known to boast a range of waterproof cameras, but this Tough TG-6 comes with more than just that — it’s waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, freezeproof, anti-fog, and even crushproof.
This ultra-compact camera promises that you will nail difficult shots — even in low light; as well as shoot intricately detailed macro photos and unique shots underwater with vivid colour. Described as “engineered to survive the world’s toughest places.”
Price: US$460.40 (~S$620.70)
Get your travel compact cameras from Amazon US here.
3. Fujifilm FinePix XP10 12 MP Waterproof Digital Camera
Image: Amazon US
Another veteran in the scene, Fujifilm is known for its pocket-friendly, waterproof cameras. What’s so special about the FinePix XP10 is — it is the first in a category of the brand’s ‘four-proof’ digital cameras – waterproof, freezeproof, shockproof, and dustproof. Resulting from a redesign of Fujifilm’s best-selling FinePix Z33WP, the FinePix XP10 is an ergonomically “life proof” camera housed in a metal unibody chassis, with a tactile grip finish. Not as much coverage as the Olympus Tough TG-6 above, but it certainly comes in close.
It even features a new Facebook/YouTube Automatic Web Upload function that makes it much faster to post photos on social networking sites
Price: US$256.60 (~S$345.50)
Get your travel compact cameras from Amazon US here.
4. Panasonic Lumix ZS50 Camera
Image: Amazon US
Packed with enhanced low light sensitivity for improved sharpness, even without a flash, this Lumix ZS50 is an ideal camera for both travel and everyday photography. While this model is about two years older than the Lumix FZ80K above (2015 vs 2017), it still brings a decent range of features with it.
If you’re into timelapse images and enjoy capturing sunsets and sunrises outdoors, this would be a perfect companion with its full HD-quality timelapse recording abilities.
Price: US$297.10 (~S$400.50)
Get your travel compact cameras from Amazon US here.
📷 Best Compact Cameras for the Professional Photographer
| Item | Size & Dimension | Megapixels | Shooting Modes | Bonus Features |
| Canon PowerShot | 276.69 grams 1.6 x 4.3 x 2.5 inches | 20.3 megapixels CMOS sensor Video: 1080p | Style setting: 🍛 Food mode 📹 Video snapshot 💁🏻♀️ Self-portrait PLUS: High-speed continuous shooting at up to 7.4 fps (up to 10.0 fps with AF Lock) | ✅ Image stabilisation ✅ Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology ✅ 4K video and 4K time-lapse movie recording ✅ Remote shooting ✅ Auto transfers to mobile/desktop ✅ 40x zoom |
| Sony DSCHX400V | 662.24 grams 5.1 x 4.06 x 3.67 inches | 21.1 megapixels 20.4 MP Exmor R CMOS Sensor Video: 1080p | – Optical SteadyShot – Easy mode with built-in picture effects | ✅ Image stabilisation ✅ Motion Shot Video traces subject movements ✅ Enhance features w/ downloadable camera apps ✅ Create cinematic Full HD video in 1080/60p/24p ✅ Simple connectivity to smartphones via Wi-Fi w/NFC3 ✅ Continuous shooting time of approx. 15mins ✅ 50x zoom |
| Sony RX0 II 1” Sensor Ultra-Compact Camera | 317.51 grams 2.38 x 1.63 x 1.19 inches | 15.3 megapixels | – 15.3MP5 up to 16fps continuous shooting – Speed Priority – Continuous mode – Super slow motion | ✅ Image stabilisation ✅ Wireless multi-control function ✅ Waterproof to 10m, shockproof to 2m, crushproof to 200 kgf ✅ 4K movie recording ✅ 24mm F4 ZEISS Tessar T lens ✅ 180° tiltable LCD screen ✅ 1x zoom |
| Leica D-LUX 7 4K Compact Camera | 793 grams 6.5 x 5.95 x 4.7 inches | 17 megapixels Four-thirds sensor Video: 2160p | – Auto mode – Shooting up to 11 fps | ✅ Image stabilisation ✅ Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connectivity, with connection to ✅ Leica FOTOS app ✅ 17 MP Four-Thirds sensor ✅ 3″ 1.24m-dot touchscreen LCD ✅ Ultra HD 4K video recording ✅ 3.10x zoom ✅ 35mm focal length equivalent between 24-75mm for outstanding reach. An all-purpose zoom lens. |
1. Canon PowerShot SX740 HS
Image: Amazon US
Pack a lil’ old-school charm with you with this pocket Canon. The PowerShot SX740 HS model, first launched in 2018, features an impressive 40x optical zoom with an optical image stabiliser for sharp, steady results. This charmer shoots in 4K video and movie settings, as well as provides creative stylings with self-portrait mode for selfies (did it happen if you were not in the pic?), food mode for fun food pictures, and a video snapshot mode.
Don’t miss its Hybrid Auto mode that allows you to capture pictures and videos simultaneously!
Price: US$410.20 (~S$553)
Get your travel compact cameras from Amazon US here.
2. Sony DSCHX400V
Image: Amazon US
While a little on the heavier side at 662 grams, the Sony DSCHX400V is great for shooting jump shots and fun shots, with its Optical SteadyShot feature that helps minimise blurs.
It comes in an almost-classic DSLR style, yet small enough to fit into most bags or to sling around your neck (strap not included with the piece).
Price: US$459.40 (~S$619.30)
Get your travel compact cameras from Amazon US here.
3. Sony RX0 II 1” Sensor Ultra-Compact Camera
Image: Amazon US
Don’t underestimate the size of this one — it is tiny, almost like a GoPro, but it packs a punch — high-quality imaging technology from the RX-series, all in one ultra-compact, robust and waterproof body.
Its stacked back-illuminated Exmor RS image sensor, fitted with a BIONZ X image processing engine, is said to not only enhance efficiency and speed of A/D (analogue to digital) conversion through its structure with more circuit sections; it also realises super-fast readout speed. Additionally, the back illumination technology increases light collection efficiency and reduces noise in shots taken at up to ISO 12,800.
Price: US$715.75 (~S$964.90)
Get your travel compact cameras from Amazon US here.
4. Leica D-LUX 7 4K Compact Camera
Image: Amazon US
Not just for photography, the D-Lux 7 Compact Camera is equally capable of recording Ultra HD 4K videos in 24 fps, 25fps, or 30fps, bringing a cinematic quality with you everywhere you go. This model carries on the Leica tradition of simple elegance and attention-to-detail, which could explain why it is also on the pricier side. The integrated electronic viewfinder provides crystal clear even in direct sunlight or low light conditions.
Price: US$1,327.90 (~S$1,790.20)
Get your travel compact cameras from Amazon US here.
Essential Tips for Cold-Weather Photography
The cold may not bother you, but it could be an issue for your camera! If you’re planning to travel somewhere cold, be sure to note these handy tips to keep your camera (and memories) safe and warm:
- Pack your batteries (and spare sets) in a warm, cushioned bag, or a hand warmer, because cold settings can affect how well your batteries function as well as their lifespan
- Do ensure all equipment, especially your camera, are packed in thick layers (i.e. a camera bag or camera backpack ) — especially if you’re venturing into sub 10°C temperatures
- Before heading back into the warmth, do ensure you take out your camera lenses and memory card and place them in an airtight plastic bag, to avoid moisture and condensation from forming and thus ruining them
Ready, Jet, Snap!
Having a handy camera is just one of the many things that will get settled in for your first trip out after close to two years. If you need more help planning for your VTL adventure, be sure to check out these guides for the average cost of travel from Singapore, the best hotel promos (with extra perks), the must-knows of UK travel, and more!
While you’re piling up your Amazon US cart, don’t forget to check out some other nifty electronics you can get for less like projectors, vacuums, spin bikes, as well as Kindles, and even AirPods! Just remember to check out with your YouTrip card and pay in USD to take advantage of our sweet Wholesale Exchange Rates!
If you are not on YouTrip yet, make sure to use our promo code <BLOG5> when signing up, and receive a free S$5 in your account. For more great guides like this, join our Telegram Channel (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below!
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*All currency conversion rates are accurate to the nearest 10 cents on 21 October 2021 SGT 19:00.
