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10 of the best compact cameras for travellers

Great things, little packages… Here’s a selection of the perfect pocket-sized cameras to take no-fuss photos while you’re on your travels

Team Wanderlust
15 August 2011
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Check out Wanderlust’s new magazine Take Better Travel Photos for this article and many other practical guides

Don’t forget you can purchase this equipment, plus other gadgets from the Jessops’ online store now

1. Canon PowerShot G12

Target price: £370

A supremely capable digital compact that edges its rivals in most of the areas that count

For those of you unfamiliar with the Gs, this is Canon’s series of compacts aimed at enthusiasts who don’t want an SLR cramping their snap-happy style.

In terms of picture quality, the G12 is good at realistic, with accurate colours and superb detail. There’s very little noise at high sensitivity settings (it’s very usable even at ISO 1600) with a nippy autofocus that makes it easier to get the right shot.

The optical viewfinder (almost identical to the Nikon P7000’s) and dedicated ISO dial are invaluable, while the tiltable LCD is a useful addition.

The G12 is just about pocketable if you wear baggy trousers or a big jacket, which means it’s a camera you might actually have with you when opportunities arise – the best kind.

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