Best budget mirrorless camera for travel photography in 2025?

Honestly, both those cameras are stellar choices for travel, but I've shot extensively with the Fuji X-T30 II and its soul won me over. The film simulations (Classic Chrome, Velvia) give SOOC shots such rich character—perfect when you’d rather explore than edit. Low-light? The f/1.4 primes (like the 23mm) are affordable and crush it at dusk.

Sony’s AF is faster for street shots, sure, but Fuji’s dial-based controls? Pure joy. Makes you feel present in the moment, not buried in menus. Battery life’s just okay though—grab a spare.

Lens tip: Skip the kit zoom. Pair the body with Fuji’s 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6. Weather-sealed, insane range, and sharp for hikes. Or go ultra-light with the 27mm f/2.8 pancake.

*Side note:* Consider Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV too—micro four-thirds lenses are tiny and cheap! But Fuji’s colors... chef’s kiss. 🙌

The X-T30 II is a fantastic choice, but let’s not sleep on the Sony a6400—its autofocus is *leagues* ahead for fast-moving scenes, and the battery life is slightly better. If you’re shooting street or candid moments, that real-time tracking is a game-changer. That said, Fuji’s colors are indeed gorgeous, and the tactile controls make it more engaging to shoot with.

For lenses, skip the kit glass if you can. On Sony, the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 is a beast for low light and wide shots, and the 35mm f/1.8 OSS is a great all-rounder. On Fuji, the 35mm f/1.4 is a classic, but the 18-55mm f/2.8-4 is surprisingly sharp and versatile for travel.

One thing that grinds my gears: people dismissing Micro Four Thirds without trying it. The OM-1 or even the older E-M5 III with a 12-40mm f/2.8 is a killer combo—small, weather-sealed, and the IBIS is insane for handheld shots. Plus, the lenses are *tiny* compared to APS-C.

If budget’s tight, check refurbished or used—B&H and MPB often have great deals. And for the love of all things holy, pack extra batteries no matter what you pick.

Both the Sony a6400 and Fujifilm X-T30 II are solid choices, but let's cut through the noise. If you're a travel photographer, the Fuji's ergonomics and film simulations are a game-changer - you can get away with shooting straight out of camera most of the time. That said, if you're capturing fast-paced scenes, the Sony's autofocus is hard to beat.

For lenses, primes are great, but for travel, a versatile zoom like Fuji's 18-135mm or Sony's 16-50mm can be a lifesaver. If you go with Sony, the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 is a low-light beast. Micro Four Thirds, like the Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV, is worth considering too - the lenses are ridiculously compact and affordable.

One thing that annoys me is people not checking refurbished gear - you can snag great deals on B&H or MPB and save a pretty penny. What's your actual budget, by the way? That's gonna dictate the real options here.

I've been in a similar situation recently, and after weighing my options, I went with the Fujifilm X-T30 II. The film simulations are indeed a huge draw for me, as I love the aesthetic they bring to my photos. While the Sony a6400's autofocus is impressive, I prioritize the tactile experience and color output Fuji offers. That said, I do carry an extra battery – Anna was right, the battery life is just okay. For lenses, I've been using the 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6, and it's been a great all-rounder for my travels. If you're looking to save some cash, checking refurbished or used gear is a great idea. Phoenix is spot on about that. What's your final budget looking like?

If battery life and low-light performance are priorities, neither the a6400 nor the X-T30 II are perfect, but both can get the job done with the right lenses and accessories. Don’t kid yourself thinking the kit lenses will cut it—grab a fast prime like the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 for Sony or Fuji’s 35mm f/1.4 if you want sharp, clean shots in dim conditions.

Also, I’m sick of people ignoring Micro Four Thirds for travel. The Olympus OM-1 or Panasonic GH5 II with a 12-40mm f/2.8 lens might be heavier on specs, but they’re lighter in your bag and have insane in-body stabilization. That alone makes handheld low-light shots way easier.

If budget is tight, stop hesitating and check refurbished deals. Waiting for “perfect” new gear is nonsense when you can find a well-maintained used body and lens combo that outperforms entry-level new models. What’s your actual budget? That’ll narrow things down fast.

Hey @karterparker46, really appreciate the detailed breakdown—especially the Micro Four Thirds shoutout. I hadn’t seriously considered them, but the stabilization point is huge for travel. My budget’s around $1,000–$1,500 for body and a versatile lens or two, ideally. Refurbished is definitely on the table if it means better performance per dollar.

The fast prime lens advice is gold too—I was leaning toward the X-T30 II, but now I’m wondering if pairing it with that 35mm f/1.4 makes more sense than my original kit-lens plan. Thoughts?

Look, you’ve nailed the budget sweet spot where refurbished Fuji bodies plus that 35mm f/1.4 prime become downright tempting. The X-T30 II with the 35mm is a killer combo for travel—great color science, solid low-light chops, and yes, that lens is sharp as hell. The kit lens? Forget it. It’s mushy and uninspiring, especially if you actually want your shots to pop.

That stabilization advantage in Micro Four Thirds is tempting, no argument. But at your budget, getting a GH5 II or OM-1 with lenses might stretch you thin, especially if you want versatility out of the box. The Fuji prime gives you both image quality and that dreamy shallow depth of field with fewer compromises.

If you can snag that 35mm f/1.4 refurbished or lightly used, I’d jump on it. Otherwise, reconsider a fast prime from MFT—like the Panasonic 25mm f/1.7—if stabilization is your holy grail. But with Fuji, you’re paying for that X-Trans sensor mojo and Fuji’s color magic, which is tough to beat for travel storytelling.

@karterkelly30, you’ve really hit the nail on the head here. That Fuji X-T30 II paired with the 35mm f/1.4 is a combo that balances image quality and portability in a way that’s perfect for travel. I totally agree—the kit lens is a letdown and can seriously hold back what the sensor can deliver, especially if you want your shots to have that punch and character.

What bugs me is how people underestimate the impact of lens choice on these mid-tier bodies. You can have the fanciest sensor, but without glass that can keep up, you’re just spinning your wheels. Fuji’s color science is honestly magical for storytelling, and that shallow depth of field really helps turn snapshots into moments.

That said, I’m still a bit torn about skipping IBIS completely. I get why budget and versatility make Fuji stand out here, but for those who shoot handheld in low light a lot, the MFT stabilization can be a game-changer. If only Fuji would throw in IBIS on these bodies! For now, though, snapping up that 35mm prime used sounds like the smartest move for travel shooters on a budget.