5 of the Best Digital Cameras for Traveling

Digital cameras have become essential when traveling. They're great for taking shots of anything from scenery to action scenes. When choosing a digital camera for traveling, you must remember that not all digital cameras are created equal. The best digital cameras for traveling must meet certain requirements, such as high storage capacity, medium to large screen for viewing pictures, decent battery life and various photo settings.

Canon

Two Canon digital cameras make the list for best digital travel cameras. The first is the Canon PowerShot SD880 IS, which will run you about $450. This 10 megapixel camera features 4x optical zoom with optical image stabilizer and a three inch PureColor LCD screen. The PowerShot SD880 IS also features different ISO settings for different light settings, sixteen different scene settings, face detection, a self timer and accepts SD and SDHC memory cards to expand memory. Approximately 310 photos can be taken on a single set of batteries.

The second Canon on this list is the Canon PowerShot SX20 IS, which is for users wanting a little more from their digital camera than the standard tourist. Though this digital camera has more features, you'll pay about around $75 less. The main reason is due to the design, which is more bulky than the PowerShot SD880 IS. The PowerShot SX20 IS features a 20x optical zoom, a 2.5 inch LCD screen, 12.1 megapixel shots, twenty two different scene settings and can take approximately 600 shots on one set of batteries.

Both allow you to take video in addition to pictures. You'll need two AA batteries to operate the cameras. You can use either standard AA or rechargeable.

Panasonic

Two Panasonic digital cameras also make the list for best digital cameras for traveling. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 costs approximately $380. The Lumix DMC-LX3 is a compact digital camera, which is great for small purses and even shirt pockets. The 10.1 megapixel camera features optical image stabilization, 2.5x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom, 23 scene settings, different image quality settings, redeye correction, microphone and a 3 inch TFT LCD display. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 takes around 380 pictures per set of batteries.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 is a bit cheaper at only $300, but like the Canon PowerShot SX20 IS, is more bulky. However, the features are hard to beat for the price. The 12.1 megapixel camera features an 18x optical zoom, digital image stabilization, a 2.7 inch TFT LCD screen, 24 scene settings and multiple ISO settings. The only real downside to this camera is the weight. The Lumix DMC-FZ35 weighs around 13 ounces, while the DMC-LX3 weighs less than half that. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 takes around 470 shots per battery set.

Both Panasonic models accept SD and SDHC cards for added storage. Both will also accept standard AA and rechargeable AA batteries.

Samsung

The Samsung HZ15W is a great digital camera for traveling. The only drawback is the inconsistent performance in low light environments. The Samsung HZ15W is a 12 megapixel camera featuring a 3 inch LCD screen, 10x optical zoom, 15 scene settings, HD video recording, dual image stabilization and multiple ISO settings. Though not as feature heavy as some of the other cameras on this list, the price may be much more appealing at only $220.

All digital cameras on this list can be ordered online at Amazon.com. Many electronics retailers, such as Walmart, Circuit City, Radio Shack and Target, also sell the digital cameras featured on this list or a comparable model, depending on the digital camera's release date.