Your perfect travel camera – backpacking tips

Perfect cameras for on the go

Now that we regularly fly to New Zealand to produce the latest content for our blog, we have been asked to choose the right camera more often.

In this article we recommend cameras, each in one of the categories mentioned. So you can make a good informed choice before your trip. If you have specific questions, you are welcome to ask them in the comments below the article.

In our opinion, the perfect camera does not exist; it depends on what you want to do exactly. Depending on the target, there are cheap compact, very zoom-strong cameras, or cameras that are only value on the image quality, in addition we go to Robust and waterproof digital cameras. With these you can take pictures in harsh conditions and in any weather, even in the sea.

 

 

What is especially important to you?

First of all, you have to choose one criterion, what is most important to you about the camera?

1. Size (as small as possible)
2. Zoom (as much as possible)
3. Image Quality
4. Tough (waterproof, fall resistant)

Unfortunately, there is not one camera that unites everything. So you have to choose a point that matters most to you. Tuned to these three features, we recommend three cameras each and write why we recommend them to you.

 

As small as possible

The advantage of these small compact cameras is their pocket suitability. So you can always have your camera with you and do not need a bulky extra bag. We still recommend a small case for protection, but even so these cameras fit into most trouser pockets and easily into a jacket pocket.

 

1.1 Sony DSC-WX350

Although the Sony DSC-WX350 has been getting a bit dated, its size still makes it one of the most compact cameras in its segment. The WX350 is currently the smallest camera with 20x optical zoom, 18 megapixel resolution and micro USB port. Thanks to the micro USB port, you can also charge the camera comfortably on the road, for example with a power bank. Also, the camera offers Wi-Fi; this is useful to the photos during the journey on smartphone or tablet to transfer.

This camera is our recommendation if it should be as small as possible. The biggest advantage on the trip is the pleasant size. It is also very convenient that you can recharge the camera by Micro USB comfortably without extra charger.

Look at the current price and availability on Amazon*.

 

1.2 Sony DSC-WX220

The Sony DSC-WX220 is the little brother of the above WX350. The camera is a bit more compact and therefore even easier to carry. The super compact size offers a 10x optical zoom along with 18 megapixel resolution. Again, the battery can be conveniently charged via USB port, also ideal for travel. My recommendation for you, if you want to have a super compact camera with reasonable quality. The price difference to the above WX350 is not so big, so it really decides the size. If you want the most compact camera available here. If more zoom is more important to you, then you better reach for the Sony DSC-WX350 mentioned above.

Look at the current price and availability on Amazon*.

 

1.3 Canon IXUS 285

The Canon IXUS 285 is also small and compact. It offers a 12x optical zoom along with 20.2 megapixel resolution. If you are looking for a cheap and reliable camera, the Canon is just the right camera. The battery is charged separately in a battery charger. This is handy if you travel with multiple batteries and take a lot of pictures. Unfortunately, there is no support for charging via USB. This can be solved with a separately purchased charger. The camera offers integrated Wi-Fi, interesting to transfer the photos during the trip on mobile or tablet.

Look at the current price and availability on Amazon*.

 

Cameras with the largest possible zoom

These cameras offer a large zoom and therefore bring even more distant objects easily close. Especially for nature photography, these zoom ranges are great, or have you ever dreamed of photographing the 50m distant bird in full photo size? Pay attention only to the size of how much you still want to transport, all cameras here need an extra bag for transport.

 

2.1 Nikon Coolpix P1000

The Nikon Coolpix P1000 is the camera with the biggest zoom. A gigantic zoom with 125x magnification and a focal length range of 24 to 3000mm leaves nothing to be desired. The zoom range is ideal for enormous magnifications, thanks to image stabilization even in good light conditions from the hand. The camera offers 16 megapixel resolution and the possibility to record videos in 4K. This camera we recommend especially for landscape and wildlife photography. Here, the size is not a purchase criterion and you definitely need some space to be able to transport this camera.

Look at the current price and availability on Amazon*.

 

2.2 Nikon Coolpix P950

The Nikon Coolpix P950 is the little brother of the above mentioned P1000. The zoom range is also huge and offers 83x optical magnification. The focal length range goes from 24 to 2000mm which is also a great magnification. The price of the camera is a little bit below the Nikon Coolpix P1000. This camera also offers 16 Megapixel resolution. This camera is also relatively large and needs some space for transport. Also very interesting for you if you want to take landscape, nature and wildlife pictures. It is the price-performance winner of the two Nikon cameras mentioned here in this category.

As a saving tip you can also take a look at the predecessor, the Nikon Coolpix P900. This one is much cheaper, but also slower and hard to get.

Look at the current price and availability on Amazon*.

 

2.3 Sony DSC-HX400V

The Sony DSC-HX400V is a popular bridge camera and priced very attractively. A strong zoom with 50x optical magnification and 20 megapixel resolution. The whole thing is priced very attractive. Also interesting is the possibility to charge the battery via Micro USB. Also GPS and WIFI are included, so you can also save the locations in each photo and conveniently send the photos via Wi-Fi to your mobile phone. Providing photos to social media cannot be easier.

Look at the current price and availability on Amazon*.

 

2.4 Canon Powershot SX 740

The Canon Powershot SX740 is small compared to the previous Megazoom cameras and handy despite the very strong zoom. With 40x pocket-size optical zoom, 20.3 megapixels and a separate charger, the camera is pocket-friendly. The camera offers the largest zoom you can have in a compact camera currently. My recommendation for you if you want the compromise of small size and strong zoom. Ideal as an all-day camera with a lot of zoom. Also included is Wi-Fi for data transfer to your smartphone or tablet.

Look at the current price and availability on Amazon*.

 

Cameras with maximum picture quality

The cameras with the maximum picture quality offer a very good quality thanks to a larger sensor than this occurs in normal cameras or smartphones. Due to the larger area of ​​the sensor, there is less disturbing noise in poor lighting conditions. If the photo quality is most important to you, you will find it in this section.

 

3.1 Sony DSC-RX100VII

The Sony DSC-RX100 VII is the latest version of the very popular RX100 series from Sony. The camera is handy and has a very bright optical system with a light intensity of f2.8 to f4.5. 20 megapixel resolution and an 8x optical zoom provide the best image quality thanks to the large 1″ sensor. The focal length ranges from 24 to 200 mm, so you have everything you need for everyday use covered. And thanks to the electronic viewfinder, you can take photos even in sunlight. The display can be folded up and down. Selfies are also possible without any problems. The battery is easily rechargeable via Micro USB. My recommendation for all who like to have an excellent quality and also want to use the option for good videos. For video the camera records 4k, unfortunately the length is limited to 5 minutes in one piece.

Look at the current price and availability on Amazon*.

 

3.2 Sony DSC-RX100IV

The Sony DSC-RX100 IV, is handy and even has a more powerful Carl Zeiss lens like the RX100VII mentioned above. At 20 megapixels resolution, it is almost identical to the model mentioned above for photos. It is one of the predecessors of the above mentioned camera. The camera offers 2.9x optical zoom as well as a very good picture quality thanks to a 1″ sensor, electronic viewfinder that folds out when needed and a display that folds up. The price/performance ratio is very good and this camera is perfect for photos. For good videos or slow motion shots, the RX100VII is the better choice. The camera is rechargeable via Micro USB. My recommendation for you if you don't want to spend as much money as you did with the Sony DSC-RX100VII.

 Look at the current price and availability on Amazon*.

 

3.3 Canon Powershot G7X Mark II

The Canon Powershot G7X Mark II is a good alternative to the Sony RX100 III mentioned above. It also offers a bright optics, a flip display for selfies, 20.1 megapixel resolution and a 4.2x optical zoom. Due to the large 1 “sensor, it also has an excellent photo quality. The display has touch and can be folded upwards. The Canon G7X Mark II offers slightly more zoom than the two Sony cameras mentioned above. The charger is separate, the camera cannot charge via USB. The camera is my recommendation for you if you want to have some more zoom and still want a large sensor with good image quality.

There is already a G7X Mark III, which is the replacement and can do a bit more, especially with the improved video function. Compare whether the much cheaper G7X Mark II is not good enough for you, because the photo quality is similarly good.

Look at the current price and availability on Amazon*.

 

3.4 Panasonic DC-ZS200

The Panasonic ZS200 offers a good compromise thanks to a large sensor with 20.1 megapixels; in addition it offers a large zoom range with 15x optical zoom. So you have a good picture quality combined with great zoom. Perfect for normal everyday travel, loses against the aforementioned models only in low light situations. Thanks to the LEICA lens and image stabilization nothing stands in the way of good photos. WLAN is also on board, so you can easily transfer your photos to your smartphone or tablet.

Look at the current price and availability on Amazon*.

 

3.5 Panasonic DC-ZS100

The Panasonic DC-ZS100 is the predecessor of the above ZS200. It differs by a smaller zoom range and a slightly slower autofocus. Thanks to 20.1 megapixels, 10x optical zoom and image stabilization, you can also take good pictures with this camera. Would you like to film a lot of videos, or need more magnification, then you end up at the above ZS200. Price-performance is here at the ZS100 but very good.

Look at the current price and availability on Amazon*.

 

Tough cameras

There are also robust cameras, but they are much less well-known than their video relatives, the Actioncams.

The advantage of a robust digital camera, it withstands water, falls and impacts thanks to a different design, usually without any problems. The lenses in this type of camera are inside, so the sensitive lens mechanism cannot be damaged. Also, you can use these cameras in the rain or even in the sea. Depending on the camera even down to a few meters deep.

 

4.1 Olympus TG-6

The Olympus TG-6 is the latest representative of its kind and comes with a 4x optical zoom. A light intensity of f2 allows even in low light conditions neat photos. The resolution of 12 megapixels is very good for the noise behaviour. Especially the Tough performance is especially good with this camera. It is shockproof up to 2.1 meters high and waterproof up to 15m without additional housing. Also noteworthy is the frost resistance to -10 ° C, also the lens is coated to prevent fogging. Also a good video function is built in (4k video). In addition, there is GPS and a compass on board, so you can also later take the photos where they were taken.

The battery is conveniently charged via USB.

Look at the current price and availability on Amazon*.

 

4.2 Panasonic DC-TS7

The Panasonic TS7 is one of the few compact cameras of the rugged design that even have a viewfinder. Although you probably will not use it regularly, it is very helpful in bright sunlight. The Panasonic TS7 comes with 20.6 megapixels and also a 4k video function. Particularly noteworthy is the extreme water resistance up to 31 meters without additional housing. A 4.5x optical zoom is also included. The battery is charged in the camera and Wi-Fi is also on board.

Look at the current price and availability on Amazon*.

 

4.3 Panasonic DMC-TS30

The Panasonic DMC-TS30 is the slimmed-down version of the above-mentioned TS7. It is smaller, lighter and less technical. With 16.1 megapixels and a 4x optical zoom, but it offers everything necessary for good photos. Waterproof it is up to 8m and the battery is also charged via USB. On extras such as Wi-Fi or GPS but you have to do without the price.

Look at the current price and availability on Amazon*.

 

Our camera recommendations for your trip

These cameras are our travel recommendations, good size and therefore easy to take with you. We deliberately did not include DSLR or system cameras in the list. These are even larger than most of the cameras mentioned and require more training and knowledge about taking photos; also these cameras are usually not spontaneous because of their size.

 

If you think that you really want to take a SLR or system camera, and then write us an e-mail or a comment under this article. Then we'll try to help you there as well.

 

Questions, comments or ideas?

Then be so kind and leave us a comment under this article. Many Thanks!

 

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