Trifter

The most popular travel cameras are small, lightweight, have good batteries, and take great photos. According to Travelblog the 4 most popular travel cameras are:

1. Canon Powershot SD 1000
2. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3
3. Canon Digital IXUS 70
4. Nikon D80

Canon Powershot SD 1000

This Canon digital camera is small but solid. While it has great image quality it is missing some features for manual control. Fortunately the Canon Powershot SD 1000 is capable of automatically adjusting to make your images spectacular. Priced in the 150USD to 270USD range, this is a great small camera.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3

This Panasonic digital camera, using one of Leica’s famous lenses, boasts a terrific wide-angle, high-zoom experience. It’s a little on the chubby side at 9oz. but stylish. While it is missing the manual controls it has a fast shutter response time so you can catch quick action on the fly. Priced around 300USD, this camera is worth it for the zoom lens if nothing else.

Canon Digital IXUS 70

Another pocket sized digital camera from Canon. This digital camera has above-average image quality, especially for its size. While its looks are basic and, in the 300USD to 350USD range, it’s a little more expensive than other options you get an above average camera that delivers real value.

Nikon D80

This is my favourite camera here. The Nikon D80 is a digital single lens reflex (SLR) camera, making it bigger, heavier, and more expensive than the other digital camera’s present but worth its weight in gold. Simply put you can’t beat a digital SLR for quality and breadth of features and the Nikon D80 is the best of the entry level range. You do pay for the superb photos though, both in weight and bulk and camera costs. Priced around 800USD this Nikon is the most expensive camera listed but also the only digital SLR. If you’re looking for a more professional camera for your travels, this is it.