The world is a beautiful place with so much we want to capture and share. Sometimes, our phone doesn’t do enough justice and the idea of dropping thousands of dollars on a large camera that also gets in the way of the enjoyment of a trip is overwhelming.
Before I committed myself to travel photography, my DSLR felt like a hassle to travel with; it’s heavy, pulled weight on my neck, and was just another responsibility when on the road. Now that it’s part of what I do, I don’t mind dealing with the negative aspects of it to get the perfect shot. For most people that’s not the case; you still want the gorgeous shots and memories without breaking the banks and keeping it compact.
As there are quite a few cameras on the market right now, I gathered the top five cameras most suitable for those on-the-go.
- Nikon 1 J5 – $549.95
This Nikon camera is stylish with leather panelling but also has a wide lens for all your landscape photography. It captures both photo and HD video while also being light and compact for on-the-go. To add, it has Wi-Fi capabilities that is easily accessible through its touchscreen. This means you can wirelessly import your photos and post on social media directly through your phone.
Where to buy: Nikon
- Sony Alpha a6000 – $729.99
Unlike the Nikon, this Sony Alpha a6000 camera has greater zooming capabilities meaning you have a variety of shots you can take – wide or narrow. It also has the Wi-Fi capabilities that will connect to your phone.
Where to buy: Best Buy
- Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II – $599.99 – $750
Though this camera has lower megapixels than the two above, it has a wide zooming range with Wi-Fi capabilities and HD video at 30 fps. I personally prefer shooting with Canon so this would be my choice, mostly because I am familiar with how Canon cameras work.
Where to buy: Best Buy
- Sony RX100 V – $1,199.99
Even though I just said I’m a Canon shooter, this camera is just remarkable for its size and price. It’s a little on the pricier side in comparison to the previous three however it is smaller, with a large screen, incredible 4K video capabilities, 2.9x optical zoom, and of course, built-in Wi-Fi.
Where to buy: Best Buy
- Olympus PEN E-PL8 – $899.99
And finally, for the most stylish compact camera is the Olympus PEN E-PL8. This camera comes with a 14mm-42mm lens meaning it is wide but can also zoom in for tighter shots, with common features like a flip touch screen, 1080p video, and Wi-Fi.
Where to buy: Best Buy
If this is going to be your first major camera purchase, I highly suggest to visit stores and get a feel of each camera and which one sits best in your hand. Take the time to play around with each one to get a sense of how it works and recognize what you like and dislike. To add, there are so many more cameras out there. If none of these catches your eye, check out the market, do more research, and you’ll find the right one for you.
What camera do you take with you when you travel? Let us know in the comments.
Featured image: Instagram/ @canonusa