Best travel vlogging camera: small, stabilized and wearable

The best small travel vlogging camera is the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 ($483): it fits in a pocket, has a 1-inch sensor on a 3-axis gimbal for smooth handheld walking shots, and its 2-inch screen rotates to face you. For wearable, car-mounted and water shots, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro ($351) is better: it's tougher, waterproof to 20 m and mounts almost anywhere. Many travelers carry both.

Pocket 3 vs Action 5 Pro for travel — Specs from DJI, prices are ours. Many travelers carry both: the Pocket 3 for talking shots, the Action 5 Pro for the rough stuff.

Handheld and rotating screen: Osmo Pocket 3

The Osmo Pocket 3 is the most "point it at your face and walk" camera you can buy:

179 g, about the size of a candy bar.
Rotate the screen to turn it on and switch between horizontal and vertical video.
Face tracking keeps you centered as you walk.
Better in low light than action cameras, thanks to the 1-inch sensor: night markets, restaurants, museums.
166 minutes of rated battery (1080p/24fps); it charges to 80% in 16 minutes with a 65 W charger.

It isn't designed for rain or water. For hands-free use, the Pocket 3 Expansion Adapter ($21) adds a cold shoe and an action-camera mount, so it works with most Osmo Action mounts.

Wearable, necklace-style and car mounts: Osmo Action 5 Pro

The Osmo Action 5 Pro uses DJI's magnetic quick-release mounting, so it snaps onto chest straps, helmet mounts, suction mounts and neck mounts. That makes it the better choice for:

Wearable POV while hiking, cycling or walking city streets.
Car vlogs on a dash or windshield mount (keep the driver's view clear and follow local laws).
Beaches, boats and pools, waterproof to 20 m without a case.

For walk-and-talk clips it's very stable electronically, but the ultra-wide 155-degree view makes faces small unless you hold it close. A 1.5 m extension rod ($76) helps with group shots and wide selfies.

What about tiny wearable cameras?

DJI also makes the Osmo Nano, a 52 g magnetic camera with a separate screen dock, designed to clip to clothing. We don't currently stock it. Compare it in Osmo Action 5 Pro vs Osmo Nano.

Travel tips

Batteries on planes: spare lithium batteries go in your carry-on, not checked bags.
Storage: carry two fast microSD cards and back up nightly to your phone or a drive.
Audio: wind ruins travel vlogs. A DJI Mic Mini with its windscreen connects directly to both cameras.
Local rules: some museums, temples and government buildings ban filming or tripods.