City breaks and weekends : lightweight compact cameras
A city break is a few days away to get away from it all, discover a city, stroll through the streets and capture what makes each moment unique. You walk a lot, you change locations often, and you want to travel light. In this context, a compact camera becomes a true companion. It slips into a pocket, is quick to pull out, and allows you to capture a detail, a scene, an emotion.
Unlike smartphones, which are often overwhelmed with notifications or limited in image quality, a dedicated camera allows you to focus on the essentials. You can frame your shots better, take your time, and come back with clearer, more vivid memories. And above all, there's no risk of running out of battery between shots.
In this article, we'll guide you in choosing the right camera for your city break and give you a few tips so you don't miss a thing on your next weekend away.
Why choose a dedicated camera for your city breaks?
When you go away for the weekend or on a city break, you often want to capture the atmosphere without being weighed down. A compact camera is a discreet ally that's much more effective than it looks. It combines image quality, ease of use and freedom of movement. Here's why it deserves a place in your bag on your next city break.
Less bulky and better quality than a smartphone
When travelling, every gram counts. And every centimetre in your bag too. This is where the compact camera comes into its own. Lightweight and discreet, it slips easily into a pocket, bag or even a jacket. It doesn't weigh you down, but it changes the way you capture memories.
Unlike a smartphone, which does everything but often in a standard way, a compact camera is designed for taking pictures. It has a better quality sensor, a more precise zoom and settings designed for changing light in narrow streets or interiors. The photos are more accurate and detailed, especially in low light.
A colourful shop front, a reflection in a window, a beautifully presented plate at the market: these are all scenes where a compact camera reveals textures, contrasts and nuances. It's a simple tool, but designed to accurately capture your getaways.
Back to basics: photographing to keep a record
Take out a compact camera, frame the shot, press the shutter... This simple gesture changes the way we look at things. We take our time. We compose the image without being distracted by notifications or calls. This refocusing invites us to capture what we are experiencing, not just show it off.
A cobbled alleyway, a glance exchanged on a terrace, the soft light at the end of the day... These little moments are what make a city break so special. The camera captures them faithfully, without automatic filters. The images are more natural, more accurate and, above all, more lasting.
They are memories that we print and share in a different way. Images that we enjoy looking back on long after the trip is over.
Zoom in on the Kodak C1: your photography companion for less than £80
If you're looking for a simple, affordable and effective camera for your travels, the Kodak C1 has everything you need. Lightweight, intuitive and well designed for everyday photography, it offers real ease of use without compromising on image quality. Here's why it could well become your best backpack companion.
Lightweight, compact and easy to use
The Kodak C1 is designed for both spontaneous getaways and planned weekends away. It weighs just 115 grams and fits easily into a coat or jeans pocket. It's the camera you can pull out in seconds, without thinking, as soon as a scene catches your eye.
Its swivel screen makes it easy to take original shots, even at difficult angles or selfies. Whether you're alone in front of the Trevi Fountain in Rome, as a couple in Prague or with friends in Lisbon, all you have to do is frame and shoot. No need for outstretched arms or telescopic poles: everything is designed for a successful photo first time round.
The C1 has 32 GB of internal memory, more than enough to store hundreds of photos without an additional memory card. This is a real bonus when travelling, especially when you want to travel light. The battery is easy to recharge via USB and can be replaced if necessary. A practical detail for those who have busy days.
The interface is clear and intuitive. No need for a manual to capture the moment. Just turn it on, frame the shot and press the button. The photo is there, true to the moment.
13 MP, high-performance sensor and 4x digital zoom
With its 13-megapixel sensor, the compact camera delivers sharp, well-exposed images, even when the light starts to fade. It's ideal for capturing a colourful alleyway in Lisbon at the end of the day, when the cobblestones still give off a little warmth and the sky is turning pink. The image remains sharp and balanced, without over-exposing the brightness.
Its 4x digital zoom also lets you capture details from a distance without getting too close. In front of the famous Flatiron Building in New York, for example, you can zoom in on a vintage sign, a moving silhouette or a subtle architectural detail without losing any clarity. You can keep a respectful distance while still paying attention to the composition.
Better than a smartphone for travel memories
The compact camera uses a 13-megapixel internal sensor, designed to capture every scene in greater detail than most smartphone sensors. This sensor captures light better, even in difficult conditions. In the shade of an alleyway in Barcelona, in a cathedral in Prague, or facing the bright sky above the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
Even though the photos are saved in 13 MP, the camera benefits from the finesse and richness of a more powerful sensor. This is what allows for better contrast management, more accurate colours, and visible precision in textures.
It's also worth noting that the Kodak C1 has several very effective pre-set scene modes. But that's not all! It also offers four retro filters directly in its settings to enhance your compositions. As you can see, there's nothing easier than being original on your city break with your Kodak C1 camera.
No need to use a photo editing app. The images are ready to use as they are. You can print them, add them to a photo book, or simply share them. Best of all, they retain their quality over time.
Choosing the right camera equipment for a successful weekend
A good weekend of photography starts with a little preparation. Choosing the right equipment, packing the right accessories and anticipating a few technical details will allow you to enjoy your trip to the fullest, without any surprises. Here are the key elements you shouldn't overlook so you can set off with peace of mind.
Memory card, battery life, accessories: the essentials
A city break often generates a lot of images. To avoid having to sort through them on the fly or running out of space, a Kodak 32 GB micro SD card (£12.50) is a good place to start.
Also remember to check the battery life. Depending on the length of your weekend, a spare battery or extra batteries may come in handy. And to protect your camera, the Kodak PixPro carrying case (£12.50) is a simple but effective accessory that's perfect for travelling.
Prepare your camera before you leave
Before you set off, take a few minutes to prepare your camera. Charge the battery to 100%, empty the memory card if necessary, and make sure the settings are correct. Set the image quality to maximum, check that the date and time are correct, and activate automatic mode.
This will avoid any unpleasant surprises during your visit. It also means you can take your camera out at any time, ready to use.
Travel light, but well protected
A compact camera like the Kodak C1 fits easily into a pocket. But in the city, with transport, crowds and changing weather, it's best to have reliable protection.
The Kodak PixPro case protects against minor bumps, scratches and splashes. It fits into a backpack or messenger bag without taking up space. Ideal for keeping your camera handy throughout the day.
Photo tips for successful city breaks
Taking photos on a city break is an opportunity to practise seeing things differently. Between architecture, local life and everyday scenes, every street offers a unique backdrop. By taking the time to observe carefully, you can capture images that really tell the story of your trip. A few simple tips are all it takes to make a difference.
Play with natural light
The light in the morning or late afternoon is often the most pleasant for photography. It softens shadows, warms colours and gives depth to the image. This is the ideal time to capture a glance, a street scene or a colourful façade.
Compact cameras are good at capturing these variations in light, even when it changes quickly between shade and full sun. For more information, check out our article on managing natural light in photography. You'll find simple tips for improving your images, especially during city breaks.
Compose varied and thoughtful images
A good travel journal isn't made up of dozens of photos taken on the fly, but of carefully selected, framed and composed images. There's no need to photograph everything. Take the time to find the right angle, observe the light, and play with perspective. Crouch down to capture a façade from the ground, climb onto a low wall to look down on a square, or zoom in on a graphic detail in the distance. These variations will enrich your visual narrative.
Photographing with a compact camera also allows you to break away from the smartphone reflex. You can frame your shots better, anticipate the moment and think about what you want to show. A few well-thought-out photos often say more than a long scroll of images.
A compact camera to capture the essence of your trip
For a city break or a long weekend, a compact camera is the perfect companion. It fits in your pocket, is easy to use and lets you capture both everyday moments and sweeping panoramas. The Kodak C1, with its ultra-lightweight design, high-performance 13 MP sensor and affordable price (£75.04), ticks all the boxes for those who want to travel light without compromising on quality.
By choosing a dedicated camera, you free yourself from the distractions of your smartphone and focus on what matters most: looking, framing and capturing. It's a freer, more attentive way to tell the story of your getaway in pictures.