Backpacking Camera Types

Depending on the budget, you have several options. These selections range from basic point and shoot cameras to high-quality digital SLRs.

Here are some of the camera types which you can bring along on your next trip.

Rugged Camera

Rugged cameras, also known as tough cameras, commonly exhibit unique features such as being crushproof, freezeproof, waterproof and dustproof.

With these characteristics, this camera provides value for your money. This type of camera is excellent for activities involving exposure to external elements. These include but not limited to skiing, rock climbing, rafting and surfing.

Despite being one of the more expensive camera types, its internal components are comparable with point and shoot cameras. For hiking activities, we recommend carrying a better performing but low-cost type of camera instead. You may just protect it with a dry sack or even with Ziploc bag.

Point and Shoot Camera

This type of camera works well for recreational photographers and hikers. It captures great images without bulking up your backpack. Point and shoot cameras are the cheapest and lightest type of cameras in the market.

You may consider it useful despite having no match with DSLRs or mirrorless cameras. With the advancing technology, point and shoot cameras utilize larger sensors for image. There are even some cameras in the market with more features and higher megapixels.

Mirrorless Camera

Offering similar image sensors with that of DSLRs, mirrorless cameras have compact bodies. Nevertheless, they are still relatively larger than common point and shoot cameras.

This type is great for those who like excellent-quality photos but do not prefer large bodied cameras. There are several professional photographers in the field of landscape photography who prefer mirrorless cameras due to size.

Mirrorless cameras are lightweight and pack in a smaller size. However, you must remember that their cost is almost similar to that of a DSLR. Sometimes, it is even higher. With this, you must evaluate your options well and select which camera fits your budget.

Digital SLRs

This type is considered as the heaviest one in the camera realm. They also utilize a wide variety of lenses and components.

For hiking purposes, we recommend finding a DSLR that is lightweight. You will thank yourself for choosing this model as you travel for a long period of time.

When selecting a DSLR, you are generally sacrificing your backpack weight for good quality images. We suggest that you look into the pros and cons of this camera type. This shall help you identify if good quality images present a great bargain than the camera’s weight.

These are the basic camera types that you will see in the market nowadays. You can easily find camera models under each type that will fit well with your requirements and budget. You also need to know how to pack a camera in a backpack.

There are several things you must consider when investing in a hiking photography camera. Here are some items that you can look into to provide you a better insight with hiking cameras.

1. Lens Selection

For point and shoot cameras, you can check its zoom range. You must prefer cameras utilizing a larger image sensor. A standard 24mm lens works well but is not the optimal width for photography of landscape.

For DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, we suggest getting a 35mm lens. You should note that a wide-angle lens is recommended for better hiking photos. It may provide you added cost but the images shall appear great.

2. Weight

Whatever your choice of camera type, you will have to carry it around in your backpack. With this, backpackers prefer lighter cameras without sacrificing their desired photo quality, such as the best video camera for backpacking.

One of the best cameras for adventure travel and the lightest among the camera types is the point and shoot. However, they are not preferable to use in landscape photography. It does not have a wide-angle lens.

When deciding what camera to bring, you may consider weight as a qualifying factor, such as choosing the best compact camera for backpacking. The quality of images may follow next. At the end of the day, your body shall still determine if you can continue with your trip.

If you have an aching body due to heavy packs, it will be difficult to proceed. Should you need a reliable backpack, check out the best waterproof backpacks we recommend.

3. Focal Length

Outdoor photographers should also consider getting excellent lenses. Professional landscape photos require the wide-angle type of lenses. It should also have a zoom capability which performs nicely on the wider end.

As you continue to move to a narrower lens than 24mm, you start to lessen the quality of the photo. It makes the landscape photos less appealing.

Telephoto and normal focal lengths are great for wildlife as well as people photos. Nevertheless, cameras with 16 to 24mm range are recommended for hiking.

These are just some of the things you must look into when deciding to invest in hiking cameras.

Aside from these, you should also take a look at the camera’s weather sealing and rugged capabilities.

When selecting a hiking camera, experts recommend selecting the type which offers accessibility. Professional photographers tend to stop over an area with picturesque landscape and snap an image.

With complex set up, this may result in only a handful of photos per area. This shall entail fewer excellent quality photos.

It is recommended to identify the pros and cons presented by a camera type. For example, point and shoot cameras are lightweight and great for travelling on a long period. However, mirrorless and DSLR cameras offer better quality photos but with added weight.

With these considerations at hand, you must select the proper camera type for your requirement. Whatever your choice is, you must remember that the essence of hiking is enjoying the great scenery.

Regardless of the camera you are using, you are there to take in the wonders of nature.