There are many travel cameras that can take great photos, but few photographers have the time to read through all the technical details about various options. In order to help you understand how to pick the right camera for traveling, we’ve summarized some of the important features and elements every photographer will want to consider.
“A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.”
Of course, keep in mind that the quality of photos you want to take and how much time you plan on spending with your camera will also be important factors in helping you decide.
Camera Size & Weight
Bigger isn’t always better! If you are planning on carrying a heavy, large DSLR camera around for your travels, it will most likely ruin your experience.
Plus, you are most likely going to be walking around with different types of other luggage as well. So, it’s best to keep your camera equipment simple and light in this case.
As far as size is concerned, a mirrorless camera will probably fit the bill for you because they are about 2 times smaller than DSLR cameras with the same quality.
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Megapixels & Sensor Size
A camera’s megapixel count will determine its resolution, which is essentially the amount of detail in your photos. Megapixels should be a factor when thinking about print size and how large you are going to need to blow up your images for different purposes.
The higher the megapixels, the better your photos will be if you are planning on printing them out for things such a postcards or books. However, more megapixels also equal more noise and grain in low-light situations.
Sensor size is important because it directly affects how much light can reach the camera’s sensor.
Typically, the larger your sensor is, the greater amount of light it will capture. If you are into taking night shots or photos at dusk, this becomes even more important.
Sensor Type & Lens Compatibility
Certain DSLRs and mirrorless cameras have sensors that capture the same data as other camera brands. So, if you find an amazing lens on your Nikon DSLR and want to take it with you on your next adventure, you can just purchase a Sony mirrorless camera body and use the lens from your Nikon.
Most popular sensor types are CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) and CCD (charge-coupled device).
CCD sensors are known to be more sensitive than CMOS, but they also come with a higher price tag.
CMOS is prone to noise in low light situations, so if you are mostly going to be shooting indoors or at night, it might not be the best choice for you.
LCD Screen Size & Touchscreen Capability
Although many photographers preferred using DSLRs just a few years ago, advances in technology and design have made it easier to shoot with a smaller camera.
Touch screen technology allows you to quickly change your settings or focus on the photo you are about to take without using any buttons, which can be a hassle if you are in a rush.
If you’re interested in shooting with an LCD screen that flips out or swivels around from the back of the camera for taking self-portraits, then it might be something to consider when analyzing your options.
Memory & Battery Life
Since DSLR cameras use a mirror to show you what you are photographing, they have the ability to capture more light. However, this also causes the cameras to use larger and heavier lenses.
This can make taking photos for longer periods of time difficult because it will drain your battery faster than other types of camera models.
If you’re planning on shooting for extended periods of time, make sure you check out the battery life on your camera. As a rule, it’s best to have at least two extra batteries with you when you are shooting or traveling abroad.
Additional Features – GPS & Wireless Connectivity
There are more and more cameras that come equipped with built-in GPS technology to add location data to your photos. If this is a feature you are interested in, make sure that the camera you choose has a way to add time and date into the photos as well.
Be careful if you plan on uploading the photos directly from each of your cameras onto social media sites when you’re traveling or at different locations because it can cause issues.
Instead, you should transfer all of your photos onto a single computer or memory card when you get back to your hotel room at the end of each day. This way, the GPS locations will be accurate and all of the pictures won’t have incorrect information added to them.
Wireless connectivity is another great feature that many top of the line cameras have. It can be used in different ways depending on your individual needs.
For example, many new camera models will also use wireless capabilities to transfer the pictures you take directly onto social media sites or special photo editing apps on your phone.
There are also wireless remote control options that can be programmed to go along with your camera for taking photos without ever having to press the shutter button on the camera itself.
Other features include built in flashes and zoom-in capabilities as well as many others, so make sure you thoroughly analyze all of your options before choosing a new DSLR or mirrorless camera model.
One of the many great things about traveling is that it allows you to try out new types of photography and experiment with different lens angles. We hope that the tips shared above will help you select the best camera for your next NH travel excursion.