How to Choose a Compact Camera for Family Travel

Thanks to the rise of smartphones, the golden age of compact cameras feels like a distant memory. While many people are perfectly happy with the convenience and quality of smartphone cameras, nothing beats a compact camera for capturing your family holiday memories. 

The market may not be as extensive as it once was, but there are still several fantastic compact cameras with capabilities and features that a smartphone simply can’t match. Whether you are a camera enthusiast or a budding amateur photographer, there is no better time than now to invest in a quality device, like digiDirect compact cameras, to capture your next family vacation. 

Best Do-It-All 

For the ultimate do-it-all camera, look no further than the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII. Built around a 20MP stacked CMOS sensor and a long, flexible 24-200mm equivalent lens, it is considered by many in the industry as the most capable compact camera on the market. 

It uses a micro USB to charge and, in the EU, a legally-obligated USB-C. It has a limited number of direct controls but offers an extensive range of customisation options to get the most out of the device. A touchscreen can be used to choose a focus point or start AF tracking in videos, along with a single-press pop-up viewfinder for added functionality. But be aware that these extensive features come at a hefty price, which may push it out of the average household budget. 

Waterproof Safe

By design, waterproof cameras are pretty rugged, built to withstand much more handling and mistreatment than a regular phone or camera would, allowing you to carry them with you at all times without worrying about them. 

The OM System Tough TG-7 is sturdy, waterproof, and compact, with a 25-100mm equivalent zoom lens, fully waterproof down to 15m (50ft). While the OM System is not the only option on the market, nor the cheapest, it has a range of attractive features that work in its favour. 

It allows you to capture raw images, giving you the ability to correct the white balance, features an unusually wide-angle lens with a bright maximum aperture, built-in GPS, compass and pressure sensor and includes a clever light guide that directs light from the built-in flash to a circle around the lens, illuminating close-up objects underwater. 

Enthusiasts

For camera enthusiasts who love the process of capturing an image as much as the image itself, the Canon PowerShot G7 X III will tick all the boxes. Built around a 20MP Type-1 Stacked CMOS sensor with a bright 24-100mm equivalent F1.8-2.8 zoom lens, the large sensor and zoom capability, alongside a click-control dial around the lens and a dedicated exposure compensation dial, make you feel completely in control of the photo-taking process. 

Despite being small enough to comfortably carry in your jacket pocket, it has a decent-sized grip and feels secure in the hand. The control rings around the lens and on the rear of the camera offer greater control over shutter speed, aperture and ISO, while the touchscreen interface on the tilting LCD is polished and responsive. 

Budget Friendly

In the world of photography, you get what you pay for, and once you dip into budget territory, finding a worthwhile purchase does become a bit harder. However, the Canon Powershot SX740 is a good option that won’t break a smaller budget. 

While it does have a smaller sensor, the built-in lens can extend to a max full-frame focal length of 960mm, offering a surprisingly wide zoom range to capture everything from rolling landscapes to close-ups of faraway subjects. The image quality won’t blow you away, but it is ideal for casual use or family photography, with a handy tilt-up screen to make selfies and waist-level shots much easier to capture. 

Selection Advice

When purchasing a new camera, consider key factors that will influence the quality of your images and your overall user experience. 

Image Quality

It is somewhat difficult to judge the quality of images that a camera will produce without physically taking photos or videos yourself. But it is worth noting that image quality is largely determined by the camera lens, making it a key factor to consider when choosing a potential model. 

Many mirrorless and DSLR cameras are fitted with kit lenses. These types of lenses have midrange zoom capability and slow variable apertures. For amateurs or those who enjoy photography as a hobby, they are a fantastic place to start. However, investing in additional accessories, such as higher-quality zoom lenses and a prime lens, will improve your overall experience. 

Lens Type

All cameras either come with interchangeable or fixed lenses. To help you narrow down your options, you first need to decide whether you are comfortable with the convenience and limitations of a fixed lens or prefer the flexibility of interchangeable lenses. 

The ability to rotate between different lenses will expand your creative opportunities; however, fixed-lens cameras are easier to use and carry, and are fitted with a zoom or prime lens. 

Sensor Size

Digital cameras use clever sensors to record images. Larger sensors provide better image quality, particularly in low light, while wide sensors also help you blur backgrounds. The three most common types of sensors are 1-inch or smaller, primarily found in budget compact cameras; APS-C sensors used in DSLRs, advanced compact cameras, and mirrorless cameras; and full-frame sensors, which are also found in DSLR, mirrorless, or advanced compact cameras. 

If you are hoping to take professional-level photos, opt for a full-frame or APS-C sensor camera. They can multiply the focal length of your lens, which is extremely beneficial when capturing objects at a far distance. 

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.