Choosing the right camera for your upcoming trip can be a bit of a daunting task if you’re not sure what you’re looking for. There are dozens of companies offering quick shoot cameras, mirrorless, entry-level DSLR’s, and professional grade systems – plus, most cell phones have decent cameras now-a-days too! With all of those choices comes a nearly unlimited number of lenses and accessories, so how in the heck are you supposed to know what’s best for the amount of money you wish to spend? Well, it’s not always an easy decision to come to, not even for me, but there are several websites out there that break down your options in a reasonably simple way – like that of B&H Photo/Video.
Although, it does takes some time to get acquainted to the tech-lingo of cameras, after a bit of time researching, you will be a camera techy, like the rest of us photo-folk. However, if that seems like too much work, or if time is simply eluding you prior to your travels, then take a look at the following cameras, as one of these may be just right for you!
Below, I’ve chosen four cameras that I believe are pretty solid for the wandering nomad, like myself – each camera is known for being one of the best of its own price and quality level.
Cell Phone – There are a few new phones out there on the market that offer cameras with just INSANE megapixels, however I’ve never tried them – but I do know that it’s quite often that little gadgets like that splurge on a certain aspect of the product, however skimp on the rest, so it may shoot at a very large megapixel rate, but the overall quality and depth, and sharpness may have taken a hit. I have over five years of experience using an Apple iPhone, and while the 3G and 3GS models were a little shaky in the quality department, the new models (like that of the iPhone 5S) are pretty damn sexy, if you don’t mind some honesty. I actually use my iPhone quite often throughout my travels, typically for quick snaps that I want to snag.
Quick Shoot (A.K.A. Point & Shoot) – Like having a cell phone, a point and shoot camera is best for those individuals who are most interested in taking quick snapshots, quickly, without all the hassle and the cost of a larger, more advanced system. These cameras typically will fit in your pocket and are ready to photograph within seconds. I like the Panasonic Lumix DMX-ZS30 for its decently high 18.1 megapixel sensor and its 20X Leica Optical Zoom – most quick shoot cameras only offer a limited optical zoom, while trying to boast a high digital zoom, but if you understand how pixels work, digitally zooming in on an image is one of the worst thing you can do.
Mirrorless – Mirrorless cameras are sort of the new age standard at the moment, as they ditch the mirror completely. Mirrorless cameras offer (typically) higher quality yields, sharper images, on a smaller camera body. These cameras are reasonably priced and often offer better photos! I currently have a professional DSLR, however I’m about to switch over to the Sony a7R 36.4MP Mirrorless camera. It’s a bit on the pricier end of small-body mirrorless digital cameras, however the quality is unreal, and so are the multitude of tech options that it offers.
DSLR – The professional standard for photographers in the digital age has always been the DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) cameras – because they offer very high quality stills, while giving the user plenty of lens options. When I owned a professional portrait photography studio in Columbus, Ohio, I used a Canon 30-40D and a 7D to get the job done. Since then, DSLR’s have advanced tremendously, offering superior quality at a very affordable price. Most even offer full-HD video – you can’t beat that! If you have the budget for a higher end DSLR, then I suggest one of the upper ended Canon, Sony, or Nikon cameras – I particularly like the infamous Canon 5D-Mark III.
(Photo by auggie tolosa via Flickr)
Below, I’ve chosen four cameras that I believe are pretty solid for the wandering nomad, like myself – each camera is known for being one of the best of its own price and quality level.
Cell Phone – There are a few new phones out there on the market that offer cameras with just INSANE megapixels, however I’ve never tried them – but I do know that it’s quite often that little gadgets like that splurge on a certain aspect of the product, however skimp on the rest, so it may shoot at a very large megapixel rate, but the overall quality and depth, and sharpness may have taken a hit. I have over five years of experience using an Apple iPhone, and while the 3G and 3GS models were a little shaky in the quality department, the new models (like that of the iPhone 5S) are pretty damn sexy, if you don’t mind some honesty. I actually use my iPhone quite often throughout my travels, typically for quick snaps that I want to snag.
Quick Shoot (A.K.A. Point & Shoot) – Like having a cell phone, a point and shoot camera is best for those individuals who are most interested in taking quick snapshots, quickly, without all the hassle and the cost of a larger, more advanced system. These cameras typically will fit in your pocket and are ready to photograph within seconds. I like the Panasonic Lumix DMX-ZS30 for its decently high 18.1 megapixel sensor and its 20X Leica Optical Zoom – most quick shoot cameras only offer a limited optical zoom, while trying to boast a high digital zoom, but if you understand how pixels work, digitally zooming in on an image is one of the worst thing you can do.
Mirrorless – Mirrorless cameras are sort of the new age standard at the moment, as they ditch the mirror completely. Mirrorless cameras offer (typically) higher quality yields, sharper images, on a smaller camera body. These cameras are reasonably priced and often offer better photos! I currently have a professional DSLR, however I’m about to switch over to the Sony a7R 36.4MP Mirrorless camera. It’s a bit on the pricier end of small-body mirrorless digital cameras, however the quality is unreal, and so are the multitude of tech options that it offers.
DSLR – The professional standard for photographers in the digital age has always been the DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) cameras – because they offer very high quality stills, while giving the user plenty of lens options. When I owned a professional portrait photography studio in Columbus, Ohio, I used a Canon 30-40D and a 7D to get the job done. Since then, DSLR’s have advanced tremendously, offering superior quality at a very affordable price. Most even offer full-HD video – you can’t beat that! If you have the budget for a higher end DSLR, then I suggest one of the upper ended Canon, Sony, or Nikon cameras – I particularly like the infamous Canon 5D-Mark III.
(Photo by auggie tolosa via Flickr)
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