Travelling with DSLR is so yesterday. Most of us yearn for a lighter camera alternative such as our smartphones. Though, if you are looking to capture better quality images, you are in luck. Dan Westergren, Travel’s Director of Photography from National Geographic revealed his list of top 10 (in no particular order) compact cameras for travellers. Check this out.

#1 Fujifilm X-T1

(Image by Tyler Metcalfe)

A classy, retro styling in a form of 1970s film SLR. It has a great electronic viewfinder with quick autofocus, quick image review and shoots tons of pictures in a row without hanging up.

Sensor: APS-C 16MP

Features: Interchangeable lens, electronic viewfinder, HD video

#2 Fujifilm X-E2

(Image by Fujifilm)

It uses a new type of sensor array called X-Trans CMOS. It’s portable and the lens quality is outstanding.

Sensor: APS-C 16MP

Features: Interchangeable lens, electronic viewfinder, HD video, Wi-Fi

#3 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4

(Image by Panasonic)

This is a sleek camera design incorporating next generation, eye-level electronic viewfinders in addition to the back screen. It takes still camera video into an entirely new class by shooting in ultrahigh definition, a resolution that is commonly referred to as 4K. This camera may represent the least expensive way to shoot ultra-HD video, and its still quality also ranks with the best of the micro 4/3 cameras.

Sensor: Micro 4/3rds 16.05MP

Features: Interchangeable lens, Wi-Fi, electronic viewfinder, UHD (4K) video

#4 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7

(Image by Panasonic)

Similarly to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4, it’s small in size and produces excellent image quality. The additional feature of this latest model in the G series would be the built-in EVF, the one thing that was keeping these cameras from fulfilling the expectations of the format.

Sensor: Micro 4/3rds 16MP

Features: Interchangeable lens, Wi-Fi, electronic viewfinder, HD video

#5 Sony Alpha a6000

(Image by Sony)

This mirrorless camera is filled with the same niche as the NEX-6 but has a healthy bump in resolution: 24.3 megapixels, up from 16.1. It also has an increase in autofocus points, up to 179 from the NEX-6's 99. There is a small issue though: The electronic viewfinder resolution is lower on this newer camera but it doesn’t affect the picture quality. Is best to try one before you decide on this. 

Sensor: APS-C 24.3MP

Features: Interchangeable lens, Wi-Fi, electronic viewfinder, HD video

#6 Sony Alpha a7

(Image by Sony)

This is a full-frame sensor packed into a mirrorless camera. It’s not as portable as the others on this list but definitely noticeable reduction in bulk with 24 megapixels on hand. 

Sensor: Full-frame 12.2MP (a7S), 24.3MP (a7), 36MP (a7R)

Features: Full-frame mirrorless, interchangeable lens, Wi-Fi, electronic viewfinder, HD video

#7 Olympus TG-3

(Image by Olympus)

It's pocket-size and completely shockproof, freezeproof, and dustproof, as well as waterproof to 50 feet without a housing. Sometimes the best photos come from the sketchiest circumstances, and you won't be afraid to bring this camera along—it's one you don't have to worry about. 

Sensor: 16MP

Features: Waterproof (rated to 50 feet), f/2.0 25-100mm lens, 3" OLED monitor

#8 Olympus OM-D E-M1

(Image by Olympus)

The OM-D E-M1 is the flagship of the micro 4/3 fleet. For the first time in its mirrorless cameras, Olympus uses a focusing system that can keep up with speedy, full-size systems. A new imaging chip that works great at high ISO has also been implemented.

Sensor: Micro 4/3rds 16.3MP

Features: Interchangable lens, Wi-Fi, electronic viewfinder, HD video

#9 Ricoh GR

(Image by Ricoh)

The Ricoh magic is back. Because of its uncommonly straightforward menu settings, this camera is often called "the shooter's digicam,", meaning the camera does exactly what an experienced photographer thinks it will do, no second-guessing.

Sensor: APS-C 16MP

Features: 28mm f/2.8 lens, HD video

#10 Sony DSC-RX10

(Image by Sony)

This is the camera for someone who wants a camera to do everything. This stunning camera comes with a 24-200mm equivalent zoom and has a fixed lens of f/2.8 aperture, so that zoom will be more useful in interesting low-lighting conditions. The camera itself is no slouch, but the lens is so good that you might be tempted to buy this model just for the optic. It’s great without the need to carry a big bag of lenses around.

Sensor: 20.2MP

Features: Carl Zeiss f/2.8 24-200mm lens, Wi-Fi, electronic viewfinder, HD video

(Content source: National Geographic)