If you are travel blogging, you need to capture breathtaking moments. Of course, purchasing expensive photographic equipment is not always possible, especially when you’re new to the field. Budget travel cameras offer excellent quality at low prices, so creators can create fantastic content without breaking the bank.
If you’re a seasoned sensor or a vlogger looking for great cameras, this guide is for you. Find low-budget options that deliver excellent results.
Why Choose a Budget-Friendly Camera for Travel Blogging?
Before diving into our top picks, it’s essential to understand why budget-friendly photography gear is an excellent choice for travel bloggers:
- Affordability: High-end cameras can be costly, but budget-friendly models offer impressive features at a fraction of the price.
- Portability: Travel bloggers need lightweight, compact gear that doesn’t take up too much space in their luggage.
- Ease of Use: Many affordable cameras have beginner-friendly features that help create professional-quality shots without a steep learning curve.
- Durability: Travel can be harsh on gear, making budget options with rugged designs great.
- Versatility: Many budget cameras offer features like 4K video, built-in stabilisation, and reasonable zoom ranges, making them suitable for multiple shooting scenarios.
Let’s explore some of the best affordable travel cameras available today.
Best Budget Cameras for Travel Bloggers
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III – The Vlogger’s Favourite
Price Range: £650 – £750
Why It’s Great: This compact camera is popular among travel bloggers and vloggers. It delivers excellent image quality, strong low-light performance, and smooth 4K video recording.
Key Features:
- 20.1MP 1-inch CMOS sensor for high-quality photos
- 4K UHD video recording without a crop
- Flip-up touchscreen – perfect for vlogging
- Lightweight and pocket-sized
- Fast autofocus for crisp subject tracking
Best For:
Travel vloggers who need a versatile, high-performance camera with excellent video capabilities.
Downsides:
- No built-in viewfinder
- Limited battery life
- It lacks an external mic port
Pro Tip: Invest in a power bank and extra batteries to extend your shooting time while on the go.
Sony ZV-1 – Best for Content Creators on a Budget
Price Range: £600 – £700
Why It’s Great: Designed for vloggers, the Sony ZV-1 is an affordable travel camera packed into a small body with impressive features.
Key Features:
- 20.1MP 1-inch sensor for high-resolution images
- Excellent autofocus with real-time subject tracking
- 4K video recording with background defocus effect
- Built-in ND filter for better exposure control
- Product showcase mode for sharp focus transitions
Best For:
Content creators need an affordable, travel-friendly camera for photography and video.
Downsides:
- No interchangeable lenses
- No headphone jack for audio monitoring
- No optical viewfinder
Pro Tip: Use an external microphone for better sound quality when recording travel vlogs.
Panasonic Lumix TZ90 – Best for Versatility
Price Range: £350 – £450
Why It’s Great: This camera is ideal for bloggers who want an all-in-one solution with a long zoom range. It is perfect for capturing landscapes, architecture, and portraits.
Key Features:
- 30x optical zoom lens (24-720mm equivalent)
- 20.3MP sensor for sharp images
- 4K video capabilities
- Built-in electronic viewfinder for better shooting in bright conditions
- Wi-Fi connectivity for instant sharing
Best For:
Travel bloggers need a compact, all-purpose camera for various shooting scenarios.
Downsides:
- Small sensors limit low-light performance
- Limited manual controls compared to DSLRs
- No weather sealing
Pro Tip: Carry a mini tripod to stabilise zoomed-in shots for better clarity.
Fujifilm X-T200 – Best for Stylish Travel Photography
Price Range: £600 – £700
Why It’s Great: Fujifilm cameras are known for their stylish retro design and impressive colour science. The X-T200 is a beginner-friendly mirrorless camera that delivers beautiful images straight out of the camera.
Key Features:
- 24.2MP APS-C sensor for stunning image quality
- Vari-angle touchscreen for easy composition
- 4K video recording
- Lightweight yet solid build
- Film simulation modes for unique colour grading
Best For:
Travel photographers who love stylish, high-quality images with Fujifilm’s signature film simulation modes.
Downsides:
- No in-body image stabilisation (IBIS)
- Battery life could be better
- Autofocus isn’t as fast as competitors
Pro Tip: Experiment with Fujifilm’s different film simulations to create a distinctive photography style.
Nikon D3500 – Best DSLR for Beginners on a Budget
Price Range: £450 – £550
Why It’s Great: The Nikon D3500 offers excellent image quality at an entry-level price for those who prefer a traditional DSLR.
Key Features:
- 24.2MP APS-C sensor for sharp and detailed photos
- Excellent battery life (up to 1,500 shots per charge)
- User-friendly guide mode for beginners
- Solid autofocus system
- Excellent lens compatibility for future upgrades
Best For:
New travel bloggers who want to learn DSLR photography without spending too much.
Downsides:
- No 4K video
- Bulky compared to mirrorless alternatives
- No touchscreen
Pro Tip: Pair the Nikon D3500 with a prime lens (like the 50mm f/1.8) for better low-light performance and sharp portraits.
Choosing the Best Budget Camera for Travel Blogging
Selecting the best affordable travel camera depends on your specific needs. If you’re a vlogger, the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III or Sony ZV-1 are great options. If you prioritise versatility, the Panasonic Lumix TZ90 is a solid choice. For those looking for a stylish mirrorless camera, the Fujifilm X-T200 is an excellent pick, while the Nikon D3500 is a fantastic DSLR for beginners.
Best Overall Budget Travel Camera:
- Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III – Compact, excellent video quality, and great for vlogging.
Best Budget Camera for Photography Enthusiasts:
- Fujifilm X-T200 – Amazing image quality and stylish retro design.
Best Budget DSLR:
- Nikon D3500 – Perfect for beginners who want to learn manual photography.
Investing in budget-friendly photography gear doesn’t mean compromising on quality. With the right camera, accessories, and techniques, you can create stunning travel content that captivates your audience.
Which of these cameras fits your travel blogging style? Let us know in the comments!