The Best Summer Travel Cameras

Canon Powershot SX280 HS — $329.99

The SX2800 HS is equipped with a DIGIC six-image processor, Canon's latest proprietary processor that's designed to capture clear images in low-light situations. You can easily capture images outside at dusk and in dimly lit restaurants, bars, and museums. It comes with built-in Wi-Fi that allows for an instant upload to Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr. This is great for people who blog or want to share experiences with friends who aren't there instantly.

Here are the camera's key features according to Canon's website:

• A 20x optical zoom.
• A 25mm wide-angle lens.
• An optical image stabilizer that reduces blurriness.
• A 12.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor.
• The ability to record 1080p/60p Full HD video in a MP4 format.

Fuji Finepix X10 — $599.99

The X10 is a vintage-inspired camera dedicated to producing quality images in every shot. One reviewer on theverge.com mentions that this camera is best for a serious hobbyist willing to put in time to get to learn about the camera. Handling the camera can be complicated at first, although, the time spent is worth the high-quality image and video. Another downside is the time it takes for the camera to recognize color changes, though it does produce bright and crisp photos.

photo by Flavio Ensiki

Reviewers boast about many features of the Finepix X10:

• The designated RAW shooting option button.
• The assignable Fn button.
• Vintage video and photo filters.
• All-in-one shot 360-degree panoramic shooting.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 — $349.99

The Lumix DMC-ZS20 has improved its low-light photo quality from previous models. Cnet.com boasts that the camera's GPS, 20x ultra wide-angle zoom lens, and manual and semi-manual modes are the Lumix's best qualities. A short battery life and poor onscreen image quality when viewed at a 100 percent are the cameras not-so-great features. But overall the camera received excellent reviews.

• The camera is only 1.1 inches thick! Perfect for pockets and fanny-packs.
• The ZS20 can record ​1080/60p AVCHD-format clips. These produce smooth, sharp and well exposed images.
• The new Lumix records in MP4 format, making for easy editing and uploading to the Internet.
• A user can zoom the camera while filming, but the sound of the movement can be heard from the stereo microphone in quiet settings. If you're in a large, loud place like an amusement park, you probably don't have to worry about this.