Choose the best camera or phone to capture those unmissable holiday moments – and find advice on photo printing

Holidays are a time for making memories – and having a camera that captures those (hopefully) sun-baked days is an important part of reliving your favourite trips.

But, with a host of cutting-edge smartphones on the market, is it worth investing in an advanced camera and top-tier printer?

Our expert tips will help you find the best camera or phone for your holiday photos, as well as your best photo printer options. 

Choosing the best equipment

The best cameras for holiday photos

A girl holding a camera on holiday

If you're trying to choose the best digital camera for your holiday, you'll have to decide between compact, mirrorless or DSLR.

But depending on what kind of holiday you're planning, there are some other features to consider:

  • Portability: Nobody wants to be bogged down on vacation. Compact cameras reign supreme for sheer portability. However, mirrorless cameras deliver a great mix of performance in a relatively lightweight package.
  • Zoom range: Compacts have decent built-in zoom capabilities. Yet, for ultimate flexibility, both DSLRs and mirrorless cameras have the advantage of interchangeable lenses, letting you capture everything from sweeping landscapes to close-up details.
  • Low light performance: Those romantic evening strolls or indoor dinners require good low-light performance. Here, DSLRs and mirrorless cameras generally shine brighter than compacts due to their larger sensors.
  • Battery life: Holidays can be busy. A camera that requires frequent charging can be a drawback. DSLRs often boast long battery life, but advances in mirrorless tech are closing the gap. Compacts can be a mixed bag, depending on their features.
  • Image stabilisation: This feature is crucial for capturing sharp images, especially in dynamic environments or when using zoom. All camera types can offer this, but it's essential to ensure the model you're eyeing has effective stabilisation.
  • Weather resistance: If your holiday has you trekking through misty forests or sun-soaked beaches, weather resistance can be a game-changer. Many high-end DSLRs and mirrorless models offer this feature, protecting your gear from the elements.