Digital Diaries: The digi-cams I won't Travel Without

The most tempting purchase haunting my tabs right now has to be an $800 point-and-shoot digital camera—the Canon G7X. In its attempt to revive that early-2000s digital-camera magic, Canon has definitely succeeded: between targeted ads and influencer hype, I’ve added this thing to my cart more times than I’d like to admit. But after researching it to death and nearly pulling the trigger on multiple occasions, I realized something surprising—it just wasn’t necessary. And here’s why.

Canon is a fantastic brand with an impressive catalog. If you’re not super familiar with cameras and just want something digital for IG pics and selfies, don’t drop a bag on the G7X. Yes, it’s a great camera—especially when shooting RAW—while still being compact and portable. But it has a few drawbacks: limited battery life, inconsistent autofocus, and a lens setup that can be tricky if you’re hoping for strong zoom or anything beyond arm’s-reach shots. Plenty of mirrorless and point-and-shoot cameras not only outclass the G7X but are far more reasonably priced for the type of content most people want it for. Unless you’re shooting RAW or in full manual mode, I’d steer you toward the cameras I’ve loved for years—and a couple I’ve been eyeing—for both photo and video.

First, my all-time holy grail: the Canon PowerShot Elph 135. This is my go-everywhere camera. Selfies, vacations, views, food pics, random moments—it handles everything. The nostalgic photo quality is iconic, but the real winner is the battery life. This little thing lasts days on a single charge. Whether you’re shooting manually or letting the auto mode do the work, the Elph 135 makes anything feel photo-worthy. Originally released in 2014 for around $80, it’s now a decade old yet still outperforms plenty of newer models trying (and failing) to recreate its charm. You can find it on eBay for around $200–$300 or occasionally score one at a thrift store. Not cheap, but absolutely worth it. If you take anything from this article, let it be this: get the Elph.

Another fave of mine is the Kodak Pixpro FZ45. I love how this camera captures color—photos come out crisp, vibrant, and full of life. It’s excellent for close-ups, selfies, group pics, and even night photography. The flash slaps, the zoom is impressive, and the wide-angle lens is super beginner-friendly. At a $119 retail price, it’s a solid entry point if you’re new to digital cameras. Its biggest downside? Battery life. The FZ45 uses disposable batteries, and they drain fast. I never leave the house without extras because this camera will die on you mid-photoshoot—even with brand-new batteries. Something to consider before picking it up. The FZ55 has a rechargeable battery, but I can’t speak to its longevity. Overall, though, it’s an excellent choice for beginners or anyone wanting an affordable upgrade.

Now for something different: the Canon AE-1. This one is a digital-film hybrid—meaning it uses film, and you’ll need to get your rolls developed. I adore this camera on the beach; it’s truly where it shines. The AE-1 captures scenery beautifully and thrives in bright, sunny conditions. The image quality feels professional yet nostalgic, and again, the battery life is fantastic. For travelers who want their photos to look as true-to-life as the moment felt, this camera delivers. Retailing around $150–$300 depending on where you pick it up, it’s a great investment. If you can, buy it in person and experiment with different films to find your style.

Even with my holy grails, I’m always hunting for what’s new and exciting. Unsurprisingly, Canon stays on my radar—specifically the PowerShot SX740. It looks phenomenal: a powerful 40× optical zoom, compact body, user-friendly interface, a 180° flip screen for selfies or vlogging, 4K video (with crop), and fast burst shooting. The only downside is the $600–$800 price tag, but again—you get what you pay for.

For video, I’ve been obsessed with the footage a friend gets from the JVC Everio GZ-MG130U camcorder. It’s grainy, moody, and nostalgic in the best possible way—perfect for vlogs, music videos, or travel diaries. It’s usually under $100 on eBay and will definitely be in my cart before 2026.

Finally, the Olympus MJU II, a compact digital-film camera and one of the most portable film cameras out right now. Its biggest strengths are its excellent autofocus and powerful flash—two things that instantly make film photography less intimidating. It’s weather-resistant too, ideal for travelers or anyone shooting near water. It pairs beautifully with Kodak Portra 200, which brings color to life in the most striking way—perfect for a color-obsessed maximalist like me.

Overall, if you’re set on a specific camera, try it! But remember: there are thousands of incredible, high-quality options out there, spanning a huge range of prices. Canon consistently sets the bar, and the Elph collection stands out as my first recommendation for shooters of any level.

What digital camera is your favorite? Drop it in the comments below!

Thanks so much for reading—see you next week for more.