Jumping in here to say dont stress about the specs too much. You might want to consider the Panasonic LUMIX G7 14-42mm Lens because it hits that price point perfectly. Just be careful with used gear unless you buy from a reputable shop.

• Check local marketplaces for open-box deals
• Look for seasonal promos at major retailers Make sure to grab an extra battery before your trip since these entry-level models drain power pretty fast.

Just catching up on this thread now. Honestly, when I first started, I was super overwhelmed by all the numbers too. I ended up grabbing the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV 14-42mm Lens because the smaller sensor actually makes the whole kit tiny enough to throw in a jacket pocket, which is a lifesaver when you are walking around a new city all day. I have been really happy with it because the image stabilization is top tier, so my travel shots aren't all blurry even when my hands are shaky from too much coffee. Here is what I wish I knew before spending my savings:

• Look at the total system size, not just the body specs, because big lenses make you lazy about carrying the camera.
• The Fujifilm X-T30 II 15-45mm Lens is another solid pick if you care about those vintage vibes and dials, plus the color science is basically magic straight out of the camera.
• Always check the used sections on major retailer sites, you can often snag a better body for the same price. My take is dont overthink the specs too much. You just want something that feels good in your hands so you actually want to take it out of the bag. Im honestly satisfied with my setup, it works well for everything from landscapes to street photography. You will be fine, just pick one and go have fun on your trip.

Honestly, 800 bucks is a tight budget but totally doable for travel. Ive been shooting for years and usually suggest sticking to bundles to save on glass. Check these out:

• Sony Alpha a6100 Mirrorless Camera 16-50mm Lens
• Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Camera 18-45mm Lens In my experience, that Sony sensor is legendary for color science. Its super intuitive for beginners too. Just grab an extra battery and go!

Building on the earlier suggestion, focusing purely on brand-new kits under budget can sometimes compromise build quality and weather sealing, which matters heavily for travel. Alternatively, looking at a Nikon Z30 16-50mm VR Lens Kit provides a sturdy grip and fantastic out-of-camera colors, though it lacks an electronic viewfinder. Meanwhile, the Fujifilm X-T30 II XC15-45mm Kit offers incredible film simulations for straight-to-phone sharing, but prices fluctuate frequently and can push past the eight-hundred-dollar mark unless bought on sale. Weighing these trade-offs comes down to whether physical handling or JPEG profiles matter more for your workflow.