Smartphone cameras are good—really, really good. In fact, they've replaced dedicated cameras for a lot of people. The latest phones take photos that are colorful, vibrant, and clear in daylight situations. Computational tools overcome the limitations of their relatively small lenses and image sensors, blurring backgrounds and using HDR tech in snapshots to preserve detail in bright highlights and dark shadows.

Recent entries, notably the Google Pixel 3 and Huawei P30 Pro, have reframed the images smartphones can shoot in dim light, to the point where they're simply a better option than most pocketable digital cameras.

So if phone cameras work so well, why would you want to take an additional camera on your next vacation? It's one more gadget to pack, another bag to carry, and one more thing to worry about while you're supposed to be enjoying yourself.

First, if you really enjoy taking photos with your camera, by all means, take it along. You'll have more fun. Trust me, I know from experience. For other folks, though, making space for a camera, chargers, lenses, and other equipment is a chore that may not make sense for every trip. We're going to talk about trips in which it does and others where your Galaxy S10 or iPhone XS will do just fine.

Paradise

Bermuda, Fiji, Hawaii, Oswego...well, maybe not Oswego. But if you're going to an exotic locale with pink-sand beaches and crystal-clear water, we suggest bringing along a waterproof camera. Your phone may be waterproof, but taking it snorkeling could be dangerous—you might lose it, along with all the data inside. And you'll need to take extra care to rinse it off with fresh water after an excursion into the brine.

Leave your phone on dry land. Our favorite waterproof compact camera is the Olympus Tough TG-5, a versatile (and pricey) pocket camera with a bright f/2 lens at the wide-angle end, a modest zoom range, and great macro. If that's too expensive, think about a GoPro. They are mostly thought of as video cameras but can snap stills, too. The entry-level Hero7 White can be had for about $200.

Safari

Getting a guided wildlife tour through the plains of Africa is a wonderful way to see animals in the wild. But you may also find yourself in the tropics seeking out the bright plumage of songbirds, or at Yellowstone National Park taking in the majesty of a wild herd of bison.

To capture truly memorable wildlife shots, your phone camera is not going to cut it. If you own an SLR but don't have a long zoom lens, think about buying one for your trip. We like the Sigma 100-400mm Contemporary for its relative lightness and affordability; it's available for Canon and Nikon systems.

A lot of point-and-shoots have long zoom lenses, but pocket models don't grab the best photos when fully zoomed. We recommend a good bridge camera, such as the Canon SX70 HS or Sony RX10 IV, with a lot of zoom power and lenses that hold up at extremes.

The Great Outdoors

A week in a secluded cabin on a lake and off the grid can be the perfect getaway from the modern world. Photographically, it can be whatever you want it to be.

Think about what you'd like to do during your downtime. You may have a penchant for hikes and just want to snap a few shots of the wilderness or a pretty sunset—a flagship phone will do a fine job there. But to home in on wildlife and birds, you should bring a camera with a long zoom lens (see our Safari recommendations). If you're more of a kayaker, think about a waterproof camera or a GoPro (see our Paradise recommendations). And if hikes through the wilderness are your thing, grab a light camera with a good macro capability to get those great shots of the tiny details of the world.

City Sightseeing

Vacation destinations aren't always exotic. Many a family has hopped in the minivan to make the journey to Colonial Williamsburg. And younger folks, unencumbered by offspring, are lured by the culture in hip urban centers.

For these types of trips, a phone will serve you well. To step up your game, though, consider an interchangeable lens model. You'll have the option to change your perspective by adding one of my favorite tools for walking in an unfamiliar city: an ultra-wide zoom lens. Our favorites include the Sigma 14-24mm for full-frame systems and the Tamron 10-24mm for APS models.

This is the type of travel where a large-sensor point-and-shoot can make sense (you won't have to schlep lenses around). We like the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VI at the upper end of the price range. It has a much larger sensor than a phone does and a 24-200mm zoom range—good for wide angles and decent wildlife shots. If a big zoom isn't as important, the Canon G9 X Mark II ($529.99) is a lot more affordable and has the same type of image sensor, though it has only a 28-84mm zoom range.

Thinking About Buying?

If you're convinced you want a camera for your next vacation but don't own one, we have a few more to recommend. The Nikon D3500 ($499.95, pictured above) and Sony a6000 ($649.99) are great for entry-level shoppers, and those who can spend more are well-served by the Fujifilm X-T30 ($899) and Sony a6400 ($898).

With a few esoteric exceptions, any interchangeable-lens model you buy today is certain to include wireless connectivity that lets you move photos over to your phone while on the go. So when you snap the perfect Instagram shot with a camera instead of a phone, you can have it online before you get home.

But most importantly: You're on vacation. Take photos in whatever way lets you relax and enjoy yourself!

All travel photos by Jim Fisher