How to Pick the Best Camera for Travel
Photographs are an important part of the travel experience. These days I have also heard the concept of Photo Travel - Which is a trip organized only for photography. There are several types of travel cameras on the market and each one has its own list of benefits. I have tried to highlight important points.
Four types of camera
1. POINT-AND-SHOOT: These are small, relatively cheap and
easy to learn. Perfect choice for snapshots and can fit into your pocket.
2. DSLR: This is the largest and heaviest of the 4 options.
DSLRs used to be the standard for professional photography but that is quickly
changing with the improvements to mirrorless technology.
3. MIRRORLESS: The hybrid between a point-and-shoot and a
DSLR. They’re compact but offer great quality due to the fact they have large
sensors and interchangeable lens.
4. ACTION: Small, waterproof and durable. Great for
watersports and mounting for action shots.
Budget is a key part of choosing the right camera for
travel. Though Budget is a personal consideration, there are a few things to
remember that people sometimes forget and that is Accessories. When you buy a
camera, you’re going to want to pick up a high-capacity memory card, a case or
bag, a spare battery, and maybe filters or a tripod or maybe a nice
cover/protector. If you buy an interchangeable lens camera, think about the
cost of any extra lenses as well. Don’t just look at the camera price and buy,
the add-ons are also costly.
Below is the brief of the type of cameras which are
available in the market.
Compact Digital Cameras (Point & Shoot)
Compact Digital
Cameras are perfect if you don’t want to be hassled with too many controls and
you want the least expensive option, If your main concern is price, weight, and
purchasing a travel camera that is easy to use, then you will want to look at
purchasing a Compact Digital Camera. This type of camera won’t weigh down your
luggage and it will easily fit in a small backpack or purse.
Nowadays, you can still find a Point and Shoot camera that
takes great photos. That’s not to say you should pick just any Point and Shoot
because they are not all created equal. Here are the best travel cameras under
$450.
Action camera
These are designed
for use in more extreme photography situations, including in the water, snow,
and dust, but are basic in terms of manual controls and don’t let you zoom.If
your travels are of the adventurous kind, consider an action camera.
DSLR
DSLR was for a long
time at the top of the list when it came to image quality, lens choice, and
manual controls. However, they have been replaced by mirrorless cameras as the
go-to choice for travel photographers.
Mirrorless Cameras
This type of camera
is perfect for people who still want an interchangeable lens without the weight
of a DSLR.If image quality, size, and weight is the most important factor, you
will want to look at purchasing a mirrorless camera. What is a mirrorless
camera, you ask? Unlike a Digital SLR, this type of camera does not have a
mirror reflex optical viewfinder — hence, the name mirrorless. Another plus for mirrorless is the electronic
viewfinders because you can view the real-time effect of aperture and ISO
adjustments, unlike a DSLR. If you want to take some of the guesswork out of
your photography, then mirrorless is the way to go.
Underwater Travel Photography
These are the handful of point and shoot underwater cameras,
which can be taken decent photos, but ever since GoPro came out with their
Hero5 Black with LCD screen, this has become everyone’s favorite underwater
camera for travel.
Photos are indeed the best way to seize the best time of
your life, the fun, the adventure, the experience - so the most precious thing.
So spend sensibly on the camera. Have a happy photo travel!