Getting the right camera for your travel needs is crucial. It’s important to find something that is lightweight, portable and takes a high-quality image with ease. Otherwise, it’s a pain to drag around with you on vacation.
Depending on the trip you’re taking, you mind want something better for landscapes, cityscapes, wildlife, or something completely different. Below, we have pulled together some features to look out for to find the perfect travel camera for you.
If you’re keen to learn more about Instax photography, check out our article Travel Photography Guide on the Camera House blog.
Lightweight design
Unless you’re a professional photographer, dragging around a bulky camera on your vacation can be annoying. There are many models available to avoid the extra lenses, camera parts and accessories.
Thanks to innovative designs and technology, there are some great compact cameras and mirrorless cameras which pack the same punch as a heavy DSLR without the weight.
Portability
Of course when on the road, you need to be nimble. A lightweight design will allow you get up and cease your trip while capturing memories along the way.
Point and shoot models offer a lightweight and slimline design which can just about fit in your pocket so you can take them everywhere! There are also a number of waterproof options to take to the beach, diving, or on a boat.
Compact cameras are another great option to take everywhere with ease. The Sony A6400 is a streamlined model which comes in at a light 285 grams and measures at a small 120mm(w) x 66.9mm(h) x 45.1 mm(d). Throw it in your bag and you’ll have it ready for any photographic moment!
Versatility
Travel takes you into many unexpected and diverse situations, which is why you need a camera which can adapt easily to capture any moment. From low-light scenes to dawn vistas, fast-paced action to still portraits.
To make sure your camera is diverse, a high quality sensor is a great way to ensure that it’ll pick up all the tiny details. The best features come with a DSLR, which has greater ISO options and a variety of high-quality camera lenses (from telephoto lenses to wide angle lenses) to accommodate different situations. In terms of adaptability, the compact system camera is likewise emerging as a serious rival.
Look for a camera with a wide zoom range if you choose to stick with a point-and-shoot model so you can take both close-up photos of lions on your safari hunt and wide-angle pictures of the New York City skyline.
Durability
Travel can be rough, and that’s no exception on your camera gear. Whether you’re at the beach, hiking remote mountains, or backpacking around, your camera will be exposed to water, dust, sand, and plenty of shocks.
The natural choice for the more adventurous traveller is the tough and sturdy action camera range. The peak of adventurous cameras is the GoPro range which are water and shockproof, ideal for surfing, cycling, scuba diving and all other outdoor activities.
Another great option for durability is the Olympus TG-6 which is designed with a special waterproof, shockproof and dustproof casing.
Durable cameras generally have sealed joints that enable them to handle rough elements to prevent dust getting into the camera. To further protect your camera, check out camera cases.
Connectivity
In the age of social media, it’s never been more important to ensure your camera can easily be connected to to share your images online in an instant. Having built in Wifi in your camera allows you to share your images straight to your phone.
Also look our for GPS functions in camera models to help you identify the location where your photos were taken and wireless control. Remote controls can also be really helpful to capture images when you are solo travelling and don’t want to miss out on great images with landmarks.
Quality images
It goes without saying, you should ensure your camera has the ability to take high quality images. Ultimately, what's the point of purchasing a camera if you're only going to produce subpar images?
There is no denying that DSLRs are the best available to produce high quality images. They will be able to take sharp, clear pictures at all ISO settings thanks to their enormous sensors. In low-light situations. This will come in handy in many far-flung travel situations.
However, there are also other, lighter options available that provide images of great resolution. The Panasonic LUMIX G100 provides excellent image quality in a compact package. Additionally, a variety of micro four thirds lenses from well-known manufacturers like Olympus have a great range.
What are the Best Cameras for Travel?
Now that you’re across the features to look out for when choosing a camera for travel, we’ve rounded up our top picks of cameras for travel from Camera House.
Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II
As a compact camera, this powerhouse offers an array of superior features in a body that will fit in your pocket. The PowerShot G7X Mark II features Canon's new DiG!C 7 processor, with a 1.0-type 20.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor, 4.2x optical zoom lens and large 7.5 cm tilt-up touch screen.
Panasonic LUMIX TZ80
The pinnacle of travel-friendly cameras, this high-end model features a 30x LEICA zoom lens, a 18MP MOS sensor, and a 1.2 million-dot Live View Finder.
Fujifilm X-H2S
Compact and weighing only 378g, the FujiFilm X-T30 Mark II Silver Body Only Compact System Camera is equipped with the most advanced technology in the X Series' history. The model includes a 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, a high-speed X-Processor 4 image-processing engine, and AF performance on par with the X-flagship T4's model.
Check out our article Best Camera for Travel Vlogging on the Camera House blog if you're interested in vlogging on your trip.
What are the Camera Accessories for Travel?
Accessories can make travel photography a breeze and give you peace-of-mind while you’re on the go. Check out our essential accessories for your next trip below.
Batteries
Ensure you’ve always got power to get the perfect shots when you’re away from electricity with extra batteries. Having an extra in your bag is the ultimate way to ensure you’ll always be prepared.
Camera Case
Protect your most valuable asset on your trip with a camera case to safeguard it from water, dust and any shocks that come your way.
Memory Cards
Don’t miss any shots due to lack of storage by having a few extra memory cards on hand. Choose from a variety of storage sizes to perfectly equipt you with enough storage for the full duration of your trip.
Check out our article Travel Photogrpahy Kit on the Camera House blog if you want to get all the gear ready for your trip.
Visit Camera House to Find Cameras for Travel
Take advantage of Camera House’s knowledgeable staff in-store and online and ask them what travel cameras are right for you! Check out our shipping information online and enjoy flat-rate delivery Australia-wide, or check out our store locator to visit a Camera House store near you.
