3 Cameras I Always Travel With - Here’s Why!

8 Apr

When I travel—whether it's for street photography, documenting life abroad, or creating content for YouTube—there are three non-negotiable cameras I always pack. These aren't my heavy-duty professional workhorses like the Sony A7 IV or the Fujifilm X-H2S. Instead, these are my compact, fun, and creatively freeing tools that do the bulk of my content creation.

If you're a photographer or content creator looking to lighten your kit while still capturing stunning visuals, these might be the perfect options for you too.

Let’s break down my essential travel camera kit in the order I bought them.

1. Ricoh GR IIIx – The Pocket-Sized Street Photography King

The Ricoh GR IIIx has been with me for a few years now, and honestly, it’s been everywhere. It’s the kind of camera that slips into your pocket unnoticed—but don’t let its size fool you.

🔹 Why I Love It:

Ultra-compact design – You’ll forget it’s even on you.
40mm equivalent lens – A great in-between focal length for travel and street shots.
Stunning image quality – Crisp, sharp images straight out of camera.
Built-in 3-axis image stabilisation
24MP APS-C sensor
Built-in ND filter – Great for bright scenes.
Film-style JPEG recipes – You can use Ricoh recipes much like Fujifilm's film simulations.

I’ve used this camera to shoot entire volumes of my Zen Field Notes (available on my website). It’s discreet, reliable, and perfect for street photography or on-the-go visual journaling.

⚠️ A Few Drawbacks:

No weather sealing
No viewfinder (though you can attach an external one)
Battery life is average (~200 shots)

Despite its quirks, the GR IIIx is an essential creative tool for me. It’s low-key, high-quality, and always in my bag.

2. DJI Osmo Pocket 3 – Game-Changer for Content Creation

This one truly changed the way I approach video.

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is the most important camera I added to my kit during my travels in Asia last year. It’s small, powerful, and best of all, it helps me get over the mental hurdle of filming in public.

🔹 Why I Love It:

Incredibly compact – Perfect for vlogging or POV shooting.
Gimbal-stabilised 4K video – Smooth footage every time.
Flip-out screen – Great for framing shots on the go.
Creator Combo Kit includes a wireless mic – Absolute game-changer.
Discreet – Makes public filming way less intimidating.

As an introvert, filming with a big mirrorless camera always made me seize up. But with the Pocket 3, I feel like I can just talk naturally, even in busy public spaces. It's made my YouTube content feel more authentic and way less stressful to produce.

⚠️ Minor Gripe:

No weather sealing (so grab a protective case or bag)

If you're a photographer wanting to branch into video or behind-the-scenes storytelling, this camera is a must-have. Especially if confidence in front of the camera is something you're still building.

3. Fujifilm X100VI – The Joy-Bringer

Now, this camera surprised me. I once said I didn’t need the Fujifilm X100VI. Turns out, I was wrong.

Since picking it up, it’s become one of my most-used cameras—almost as much as the Ricoh.

🔹 Why I Love It:

40MP APS-C sensor – Beautiful detail and dynamic range.
23mm f/2 lens (35mm equivalent) – My all-time favourite focal length.
IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization)
Classic Fuji colour science and film simulations
10-bit 4:2:2 internal video recording
Tilting LCD screen
Weather-sealed (with adapter and filter attached)

I've added a Moment CineBloom filter (10% strength) and a thumb grip for better ergonomics. The camera has truly reignited my love for everyday photography.

The film simulations (especially with custom Fuji recipes) make it insanely fun to use. Unlike the Ricoh recipes, which are still good but not quite on the same level, Fujifilm gives you that signature look that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.

Whether I’m going for a walk or just running errands, this camera’s usually around my neck. It’s a daily driver that brings genuine joy back into my shooting.

Final Thoughts: Why These 3 Travel Cameras Work So Well Together

These three cameras—the Ricoh GR IIIx, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, and the Fujifilm X100VI—cover all the creative ground I need:

Pocket-sized stealth with powerful stills (Ricoh)
High-quality video without public filming anxiety (DJI)
Beautiful photography with vintage charm and modern tech (Fujifilm)

They don’t take up much space, they don’t draw too much attention, and they complement each other beautifully. I still bring the Sony A7 IV or the X-H2S when I need to do professional client work, but for 90% of what I love doing—travel, YouTube, street photography, content creation—these three are my go-to.