Your phone already shoots 90% of the trip. But the 10% of images that last forever demand something else.
Your phone already shoots 90% of the trip. But the 10% of images that last forever demand something else.
iPhone 17 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro cover 90% of travel scenarios with their 1/1.14" sensors, 5x optical zoom and 48MP ProRAW.
Carrying a camera pays off in the remaining 10%: low-light interiors, telephoto wildlife, creative control and large prints.
The 2026 compact mirrorless winners: Fujifilm X100VI (fixed 35mm f/2, retro, $1,599), Sony A6700 + 18-135 (versatile, $2,398), Leica Q3 (full-frame 28mm f/1.7, $5,995).
A 7kg carry-on fits 1 body + 1 zoom + 1 prime + 2 batteries + 128GB CFexpress card.
Lithium-ion batteries must travel in carry-on (TSA, FAA, EASA rules) — tripods can be checked.
Your phone already shoots 90% of the trip. But the 10% of images that last forever demand something else.