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Each place we visit has its own particular look, character, and ambiance. If we want photographs of our travels to be good and lasting, they should capture all of these qualities, and say as much about a place as give the literal look of it. Even though we’ve fully embraced the magic and convenience of our smartphones for a range of tasks both at home and on vacation, there’s still something about the best travel camera that ticks all the boxes you need to create thousands of memories.
When you’re jumping from plane to plane and from hostel to hostel, you need something easy to use but also slim enough to keep in your pocket or backpack. We all know how great DSLR cameras can be, but unless you’re a pro, a travel camera, with fantastic resolution and video capabilities, is just as good.
With a range of cool features that are as effective as they are easy to use, there is nothing better to document your adventures, so check out our list of the best travel camera that we have compiled for you. Here’s a full buyer’s guide to Best Travel Camera for Trekkers.
FEATURES
Here are some of the features that you should keep in mind while buying the best budget travel cameras for trippers like you.
- Image Sensors
The image sensor is what captures the light from the object you’re shooting. The two main sensor sizes for hybrids are Micro Four Thirds and APS-C.
- Battery life
Long battery life in a travel camera is desirable. No one wants a camera that they have to charge every other hour while traveling.
- The Viewfinder
Hybrids use electronic viewfinders to show you what you’re shooting. Most hybrids use LCD screens, but OLED screens, which are thinner and brighter outdoors, are also available.
- Durable
A travel camera must be durable as it may have to experience various climates and altitudes. A fragile camera is not good for traveling. For packing durability, protective cases are provided.
- Lenses
One of the big selling points of hybrids is interchangeable lenses. You can get lenses for close, wide-angle, distance, and other types of shots. Make sure you know what lenses are compatible with your camera before you buy it.
- Manual Control
Both professional and hobbyist photographers know the power of manual camera settings. You can tweak your camera for exposure, depth of field, shutter speed, and much more to get the perfect shot.
- Price
With a wide range of price points and features, finding your perfect hybrid camera takes some work.
- Weight
The camera should be lightweight. As it will be carried around in pockets. And a heavy camera will be an inconvenience while traveling.
BEST PICK FOR YOU
Sony Alpha A6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera
BEST TRAVEL CAMERA FOR TREKKERS REVIEW
We have reviewed some of the best budget travel cameras that make us personally feel that they are good for trippers. These cameras were tested twice.
SONY ALPHA A6000 MIRRORLESS DIGITAL CAMERA
Strengths
- Compact
- 1MP
- Built-in eye finder
- 10 fps continuous shooting
- Digital zoom 4.0
- Max focal length: 129.0
- High sensitivity MOS sensor
- Time-lapse recording
Disadvantages
- Focusing and zooming issues
- Camera body quality not optimum
- Filmsy Lens
KODAK PIXPRO FZ53 DIGITAL CAMERA
Strengths
- 16 MP
- 5X optical zoom
- 7-inch LCD display
- Max focal length: 140
- 28 mm wide-angle
- Slim and compact design
- Auto-detection settings
FUJIFILM XF10 DIGITAL CAMERA
Strengths
- 2MP
- 3-inch LCD touch screen
- Standard output sensitivity: ISO200- ISO12800
- APS-C CMOS sensor
- 4K 3840 x 2160 15P, continuous recording up to Approx. 30 Min
- Advanced SR Auto Mode
- 4k burst shooting
- Bluetooth compatible
Disadvantages
- Lens housing, not dust-proof
- Auto-focusing issues
- Responsiveness not optimum
CANON POWERSHOT ELPH-180 DIGITAL CAMERA
Strengths
- 20 MP
- 8X optical zoom
- Optical image stabilization
- Smart auto mode
- DIGIC 4+ Image Processor
- 720p HD video capabilities
- 5-inch display
- Wide-angle lens
AKASO EK7000 DIGITAL CAMERA
Strengths
- 12MP
- 170-degree wide-angle
- 4k Ultra HD
- Built-in wi-fi and HDMI
- 100ft Waterproof
- Long battery life
- Remote control
- Time-lapse/ loop recording
PIWOKA ACTION CAMERA
Strengths
- 12MP
- 98ft waterproof
- 2-inch LCD screen
- Mounting accessories included
- Beginner-friendly
- 1080p recording with 30 fps
- 2X zoom
- Long battery life
YISENCE WATERPROOF CAMERA
Strengths
- 48MP
- 10ft waterproof
- Dual screen
- HD 1080/30 fps
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Anti-shake
- 16X zoom
OLYMPUS TOUGH TG6 CAMERA
Strengths
- 12MP
- 50ft Waterproof
- Ultra-compact
- Dust, shock, crush, freeze-proof
- 8X zoom
- 4k full HD/120 fps
- Anti-fog
- 5 underwater shooting modes
RICPH GR III DIGITAL COMPACT CAMERA
Strengths
- 24MP
- CMOS sensor
- 3-inch LCD display
- Wide-angle lens
- Hybrid AF system
- Wireless LAN system
- Full HD video recording
- Compact design
- Built-in stabilization
FUN FACTS ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY
- The first person who managed to make a “photographic” snapshot constant, that is to fix the image was Joseph Niepce. The very first snapshot in the history of photography is considered “view from the window,” dated 1826. The exposure of the shot lasted 8 Hours.
- Fox Talbot was the first person to invent the negative. This event occurred in 1839. In the same year, Hippolyte Bayard presented the first positive print to the world.
- The first “photographic paper” was made of asphalt. More precisely, asphalt varnish was applied to the copper or the glass plate.
- Camera Obscura, which became the prototype of the modern camera, is used up to this day for the production of integrated circuits and as a special film camera.
- James Maxwell has taken the first colored photograph in 1861, the British physicist.
- The appearance of the first plates for color photography dated back to 1904, produced by the company “Lumiere”.
- In 1858, the first aerial photography was carried out by French inventor Turnache. He shot Paris from the balloon.
- The first photos in Russia were made by Y.F. Fritzsche using the method of Talbot.
- The colored photograph was first published in “Memoirs of Russian Technical Society”. Leo Tolstoy is captured on it.
- They began to retouch photos and make them “color”, which was achieved by coloring in watercolor for the first time in 1840.
TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
- Rule of Thirds in Photography
One of the most basic and classic of photography tips, understanding the Rule of Thirds will help you create more balanced compositions. Imagine breaking an image down into thirds horizontally and vertically, so it’s split into different sections. The goal is to place important parts of the photo into those sections and help frame the overall image in a way that’s pleasing to the eye.
- Pack A Lightweight Travel Tripod
More people should be using lightweight travel tripods. A tripod allows you to set your camera position and keep it there. With the camera fixed, you can then take your time arranging the perfect composition. You can also adjust exposure settings, focus points, and spend time paying attention to the image you want to create. Or use advanced techniques like HDR, focus stacking, and panoramas.
- Experiment with Composition
You can almost always come up with a better photo composition after some experimentation. Sure, take that first shot standing up straight. But then try laying on the ground for a low angle. Maybe climb up something nearby and shoot from a higher angle. Along with different angles, try shooting from different distances too. Start with a wide shot, then a mid-range version, and finally, get up-close and personal. Never be satisfied with your first idea for an image.
- Make Travel Photography A Priority
Attempting to take quick snapshots as you rush from one location to another will leave you with the same boring photos everyone else has. Make sure you plan “photography time” into your travel schedule. Good travel photography requires a solid time commitment on your part. If you’re traveling with friends who aren’t into photography, it can be difficult to find the time necessary to create amazing images.
You need to break off on your own for a few hours to make photography your priority. I often prefer to travel alone or with other dedicated photographers for this reason.
- Don’t Underestimate the Human Element
People like to live vicariously through human subjects in photos. Especially if the viewer can pretend the person in the photo is them. It adds more emotion to an image, you feel like you’re experiencing the location yourself. How do you accomplish this? By posing the subject in such a way that they become anonymous. Not showing the subject’s face.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No, not all travel cameras are waterproof. The waterproof travel cameras come with special casings. These casings are responsible for waterproof ability. Furthermore, the waterproof travel cameras have a limit up to which they are waterproof. This limit is notified on the camera. Beyond this limit, the waterproof ability does not work, and the casing may leak.
A big No, a camera cannot support any lens. The lens used on a camera is should be supported by the camera. Every camera comes with a specific list of which lens can be used on the camera.
Automatic Exposure is when the camera chooses the optimum shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and flash settings for your shot. All you need to do is point and shoot. This can be good if you have no idea what settings to choose and also when you need to shoot quickly. The shot here is correctly exposed as the day is well lit, though auto-exposure may struggle in situations where the light is uneven, and it tends to trigger the flash even when it’s not necessary.
You can protect your camera doing certain things:
• Use Padded Cases.
• Shoulder Bag.
• Carry Your Gear in Your Hand Luggage.
• Hide or Remove Camera Branding.
• Shoot on Film.
• Wire Camera Strap.
• Clean Your Camera Daily.
• Use Multiple Memory Cards.
Just wrap your camera body and lenses separately in several shirts (or other soft apparel, like a non-abrasive sweater) and pack the items in the middle of the bag. So, long as you take one lens with your camera, you won’t need a bag to carry it all around when you arrive at your destination.