Best Travel Camera for Beginners Photographers to Satiate Your Hunger of Clicking Photos

Published: 24 Nov, 2018By Ashwini

Are you one of those who cannot travel without a handy camera for travel photography? Are you a newbie travel photographer looking for a camera for beginner travel photography or are you looking to upgrade your old camera with a new travel photography camera? If you fit any of these options or if you just love to click photos, then this list is for you. Check out the list of best travel camera for Travel Photography and best camera for beginner travel photography.

What To Look For In A Beginner Travel Camera?

Well, gone are the days when the camera had limited features. The modern-day cameras come with head-spinning features and there are so many factors to consider before buying a camera for travel photography or even in the case of a camera for beginner travel photography.

Best Features for the Ideal Travel Camera

Size and Weight: Yes, camera’s technical features matter but the most important aspect of a travel photography camera is its size and weight. You would want your camera to be top class in quality, yet a bit light in weight and it shouldn’t take much space in your travel luggage.

Price of the Camera for Travel Photography: The second most important aspect of buying a camera for beginner travel photography is the cost of it. You wouldn’t want to spend a lot of money on your camera. You would ideally look for a good camera in a decent budget.

Manual Setting on the Camera: A good camera is determined by how much you can manually tune it to your usage. Your travel odyssey will take you to different parts of the world and manual settings can help you in capturing a diverse range of photographs.

Basic Lens on The Camera: You wouldn’t be willing to spend another 30,000 bucks on a lens immediately after buying a camera. For beginner travel photographers, the camera on the lens should be good enough to capture decent shots. The camera lens is measured in its focal length, f/number – f/1.4, f/28, f/4. The lower the number, the better the shots you will capture in low light.

Zoom Range Of The Camera Lens: The zoom range determines the distance of the shot you can capture without having to compromise in the quality. The zoom range is measured in X – 2X, 4X, 8X etc.

Pixels of Camera: Each image comprises of small pixels. More the number of pixels, the better the picture quality would be. A 20-megapixel camera means the image would have 20 million small pixels. However, there is a common misconception that more pixels mean better image quality. The reality is that you need higher pixel counts with a bigger image sensor to obtain clear shots.

HD/4K/8K Video and Image: All the modern-day travel videos and photos are either High Definition or in either 4K or 8K. If you want to be a pioneer one day, your travel camera should either be HD or at least 4K.

WIFI and Bluetooth: Yes, advanced cameras come with an inbuilt WiFi and Bluetooth chip. They help you upload photos instantly or stream a live video from your camera.

Interchangeable Lens: Travel cameras need to be adaptive, meaning it should have the option to change lenses. In case you need to click a close-up shot, you should have the ability to switch the camera lens to zoom lens.

Weather Resistance: One of the most important features for a good travel camera is that it should withstand the force of nature. You would want to use your camera in sub-zero temperature or take it under water.

Types of Travel Camera and Their Use

Well, let me break the bubble for you. You cannot just have one camera for all your travel purposes. A good travel photographer always carries a variety of camera for different purposes. You would be surprised to know the types of travel camera that are there in the market these days.

Point & Shoot: For The Beginner Travel Photographer

Ideal for those who love to click photos on the go. Point and shoot cameras are the stepping stone of travel photography. These cameras are best for clicking photos in good light. You can click landscape photographs of picturesque location with these points and shoot cameras.

Action Camera: For The Crazy Adventurous Souls

For those who want to capture videos of their crazy adventurous odysseys. Ideal for shooting Point Of View (POV) videos, action cameras can help you capture all your adventures like scuba diving, skydiving, biking, road trips etc.

DSLR Camera: For Professional Travel Photography

Digital Single Lens Reflection (DSLR) Camera is a major weapon in the arsenal of travel photographers. Ideal for both beginner travel photographer and professional travel photographer, DSLR is perfect for capturing travel photos.

Mirrorless Camera: Best Camera For Videography

The new cool guy in the town, Mirrorless Camera is not a new modern advancement. It is an old technology which has been reinvented to meet today’s modern-day travel photographers’ expectations. The mirrorless camera, as the name suggests, doesn’t use a mirror while clicking a photo. In fact, the light falls directly on the camera sensor.

Camera Used By Professional Travel Photographers

Professional photographers don’t just stick to one particular camera. A camera bag of professional travel photographer would include a good DSLR camera, a good mirrorless camera and an action camera. No single camera can satiate all your expectations and you need a different camera for different purposes.

Best Camera For Beginner Travel Photographers

If you are a newbie vlogger who loves to document your travel journey or if you are a beginner landscape photographer, you need a good camera for your purpose. You first need to decide as to which kind of camera you need, depending upon your taste in photography. If you want to excel as a landscape photographer, you need the best DSLR camera for beginner travel photographers. If you are a lifestyle blogger, you need a set of best cameras for bloggers, which would include either a DSLR or Mirrorless Camera and an action camera. So check out the list of cameras for beginner travel photographers and pick the ones you wish to buy.

Point & Shoot Camera: Entry Level Camera For Beginner Travel Photographers

Point and shoot camera was once a trend in the market with people buying these small cameras to shoot their day to day life. But lately, the camera manufacturers have upgraded the Point and Shoot camera ranges, adding the manual setting options and inbuilt zoom lens. You can shoot the RAW photos and some of these modern Point and Shoot cameras come with 4K options. Check out the best Point and Shoot Cameras for beginner photographers.

Sony RX 100 V

One of the best Point and Shoot cameras for travel photographers, Sony RX 100 give you the perfect balanced colours in the image. It also supports RAW images, so you can edit it as per your need. The quick lens of the Sony RX 100 means you get the best picture with proper exposure and detailed focus. The 3 inches bright LCD screen allows you to check your shot immediately to ensure you post the best photograph online.

Features

• Resolution – 20.2 Megapixel
• Focal Length – f/1.8
• Lens Angle – 35mm equivalent wide-angle lens
• Zoom – 3.6x optical zoom, 24-70mm
• Sensor – 1”(13.2x8mm)
• Viewfinder – 0.39-type electronic viewfinder (OLED), 2,359,296 dots
• ISO – 125 – 12,800
• Shutter Speed – 1/2000 – 30 sec
• Price- INR 33,490 Onwards

Pros

• Light Weight
• Excellent Photo Quality with 4k at 30fps Video recording
• Quick Lens with f/1.8
• Noise Performance
• Full Manual Control
• RAW support

Cons

• A bit expensive
• Red Eye Problem
• Tends to clip highlights with slight underexposure

Canon G7 X II

A perfect camera for vlogging and lifestyle blogging, this handy camera is life saver of every travel vlogger and lifestyle blogger. A little expensive than the Sony RX 100 V, Canon G7 X II provides an excellent sound and picture quality. The Canon G7 X II has the best-inbuilt audio system in the Point and Shoot market.

Features

• Resolution – 20.2 Megapixel
• Focal Length – f/1.8
• Lens Angle – 24 mm equivalent wide-angle lens
• Zoom – 4.2X optical zoom, 24-100mm
• Sensor – 1”(13.2x8mm)
• Viewfinder – No
• ISO – 125 – 12,800
• Shutter Speed – 1/2000 – 15 sec
• Price- INR 37,800 onwards

Pros

• Large Sensor
• Wide Aperture Lens
• Flip Screen with Touch Sensitive Screen
• Wifi
• Good Audio

Cons

• No Optical Finder
• Tricky Macro Focusing
• No 4K recording

Action Camera: Best Travel Camera For Adrenaline Junkie

If your travel odyssey often ends up in you diving in an ocean or jumping from a plane or bungee jumping, then Action Camera is the best camera for you. One of the most compact and travel-friendly cameras, these small beasts would help you capture every beautiful travel memory. Traditionally used to shoot POV action videos, you can also use it to click some of the most mesmerising pictures. A common misconception that prevails with Action Camera is that action camera is not good for photography, but you would be surprised to see the picture quality of some of these action cameras. Some of them can give a DSLR a run for its money.

Sony FDR-X3000 Action Camera

One of the best action cameras in the market, Sony FDR-X3000 Action Camera is the beast you must possess in your arsenal. Made to meet your every travel demands, this action camera is capable of travelling with you to roughest of terrains. Sony FDR-X3000 Action Camera helps you shoot 4K videos with the best in the market audio system. The one area where Sony FDR-X3000 Action Camera takes the lead is its inbuilt image stabilisation, one of the most important features in any action camera. So if you are looking for a blogging camera or to shoot your travel odyssey POV style, Sony FDR-X3000 Action Camera is your choice.

Features

• Resolution – 12 Megapixel
• Focal Length – f/2.8
• Lens Angle – 35 mm equivalent wide-angle lens
• Zoom – No zoom
• Sensor – 7.20 mm (1/2.5 type) back-illuminated Exmor R® CMOS Sensor
• Viewfinder – No
• Shutter Speed – 1/10000 – 1/30 sec
• Maximum Video Resolution – 3840 x 2160
• Waterproof – Yes, up to 197 meters underwater
• Price – INR 39,990 onwards

Pros

• HD 4K Recording
• Supports Slow Motion video and Time Lapse videos
• Image Stabilisation
• Freeze Proof, Dustproof and waterproof
• Bigger Sensor
• Full Camera Control

Cons

• No Wifi
• Battery Time Less compared to other similar products
• Corners of the videos tend to be shakier because of the inbuilt stabilisation
• Connectivity of the remote is not reliable
• No LCD to display image

Go Pro Hero 7 Black

The pioneer of action camera, Go Pro has launched the Go Pro Hero 7 with Hypersmooth Image Stabilisation that gives you a stable video just like using a Gimbal. Hero 7 is one of the best travel cameras till date, with WiFi, Touch Screen LCD display and 4K resolution. The camera shoots 4K videos at 60fps and 1080p videos at 240fps. The Go Pro Hero 6 just like its predecessor has the upper hand in the technical aspect. If you wish to shoot your underwater dive or wish to make your own travelogue, Go Pro Hero 7 is the best travel camera for you.

Features

• Resolution – 12 Megapixel
• Focal Length – f/2.8
• Zoom – No zoom
• Viewfinder – No
• Maximum Video Resolution – 4K at 60ps
• Waterproof – Yes, up to 10 meters underwater
• Price – INR 37,000 onwards

Pros

• Wifi and Live Streaming
• LCD Display Touch Screen
• Hypersmooth Image
• Waterproof, Dust Proof, Freeze Proof
• Shoots 4K video at 60fps
• Super Slow-Motion videos and Timelapse
• Voice Controls
• Supports RAW format

Cons

• No Improvement in battery life
• Voice controls are not reliable
• Most Expensive Go Pro
• No Image Stabilisation at higher frame rates

SJCAM SJ7 Star

The SJCam SJ7 Star is the budget action camera you must have on your every trip. A compact camera developed to meet your every expectation, the SJCam SJ7 can give any costly action camera a run for its money. The picture quality on this camera is amazing and compared to Gopro, it gets the work done. You don’t get the stabilisation like Go Pro Hero 7 but if you need it for motor vlogging, you will be surprised to see the final video.

Features

• Resolution – 12 Megapixel
• Sensor – Sony IMX117
• Focal Length – f/2.8
• Zoom – No zoom
• Viewfinder – No
• Maximum Video Resolution – 4K at 30ps
• Waterproof – No, you would need the waterproof case
• Price – INR 14,500 onwards

Pros

• 4K resolution
• LCD Display touchscreen
• 166 Degree Wide Angle Lens
• WiFi
• Gyro Stabilisation

Cons

• No Stabilisation at 4K
• Basic App functionality
• Barrel Distortion Blight Stills

DSLR Camera: The Perfect Camera For Professional Travel Photography

DSLR cameras are the best camera for travel photography. Although it’s slightly bigger in size, the image quality obtained from DSLR cameras are as real as they get. With manual settings and interchangeable lens, you can optimize your shots as per your need. Most of the modern DSLR shoot in 4K, however, an entry level DSLR camera also shoots at 1080p with optimal image quality. Ideal for beginner photographers and professional photographers both, DSLR cameras are the best friends of every travel photographers.

Nikon D850

DSLR is not like your smartphone that you can switch and upgrade every year. You have to be mindful of every aspect before buying a travel camera, hence, Nikon D810 emerges as the best travel camera for professional photographers. Camera used by professional photographer Martin Heck, the image quality of Nikon D850 has no match. Its wider aperture means you get the breathtaking wide-angle shots of all the places you visit.

Features

• Resolution – 37.09 Megapixel
• Sensor – CMOS, 35.9mm, x24.0mm
• ISO- 64 – 12,800 extended mode 32 – 51,200
• Shutter Speed – 1/8000 to 30 seconds
• Viewfinder – Yes
• Maximum Video Resolution – 1920 x 1080 – 60 fps
• Waterproof – No
• Price – INR 1,65,500 onwards, body only

Pros

• Fast Autofocus
• Image quality equivalent to 35mm film
• 7 fps continuous shooting speed
• Low Image Noise
• 3.2 inch LCD Display

Cons

• Poor Automatic White Balance
• No WiFi
• A Bit Heavy
• No 4K Recording

Canon 5D Mark IV

One of the best cameras in the market, Canon 5D Mark IV is the camera you need to be a legendary travel photographer. Fitted with all the modern technologies and best in the market equipment and features, Canon 5D Mark IV would be your new travel companion. Also, if you are a lifestyle blogger, looking for a good camera to shoot your videos, Canon 5D Mark IV is the perfect choice for you.

Features

• Resolution – 30.4 Megapixel
• Sensor – Dual Pixel CMOS AF
• Viewfinder – Yes
• ISO – 100 – 32,000
• Shutter Speed – 1/80000 – 30 sec
• Maximum Video Resolution – 4K at 30fps
• Price- INR 2,17,900 for body

Pros

• Dual Pixel CMOS AF is a game changer
• 4K Shooting at 30 fps
• Supports RAW image
• 61-point AF system with 41 cross-points for expanded vertical coverage
• 7 fps burst shots so you don’t miss any moment

Cons

• HDMI-output limited to 1080p
• Optimization of AF settings takes practice
• A bit costly

Nikon D3400

An entry level camera, Nikon D3400 has everything you need as a beginner travel photographer. A mid-range camera, Nikon D3400 is a perfect tool to practice your travel photography skills. With its 1080p HD recording, you can record all your travel odyssey. Also, a perfect camera for lifestyle vloggers, the camera can help you record HD videos in decent lighting.

Features

• Resolution – 24.7 Megapixel
• Sensor – CMOS DX
• Viewfinder – Yes
• ISO – 100 – 25,600
• Shutter Speed – 1/4000 – 30 sec
• Maximum Video Resolution – 1080p at 40fps
• Price- INR 34,000 for body

Pros

• Compact and Lightweight
• Good Single Shot Auto Focus Performance
• Good Battery Life
• Good Image Quality for Entry Level DSLR

Cons

• No Touch LCD screen
• No WiFi
• No 4K
• Poor Connectivity

Mirrorless Camera: For Perfect Travel Videography

If you are one of those guys who love to take a timelapse or love documenting your travel tales in videos, Mirrorless Camera is the perfect choice for you. Mind you, mirrorless camera is no less than DSLR. The only difference between the two is that mirrorless doesn’t have a mirror so light falls directly on the sensor. Although the lens range reduced with mirrorless camera, it is still one of the best travel cameras. Used by travellers like India In Motion and Martin Heck, Mirrorless camera is best suited for videography.

Sony A7 III

The best camera money can buy at the moment, Sony A7 III is everything you ever dreamt of. A perfect travel companion, Sony A7 III clicks one of the clearest and most crisp photos. Sony has always been a pioneer in developing new technology and with Sony A7 III they have proved why they are one of the best in the market. Sony has developed two models, A7 II for videographers and A7 III for landscape photography.

Features

• Resolution – 42.4 Megapixel
• Sensor – Exmor R CMOS
• Viewfinder – Digital viewfinder
• ISO – 100 – 51,200
• Shutter Speed – 1/8000 – 30 sec
• Maximum Video Resolution – 4K at 30fps
• Price- INR 1,64,900 for body

Pros

• 4K Recording at 30 fps
• 10 fps high-speed shooting
• Full Frame Sensor
• Integrated Stabilisation
• High Dynamic Range
• Weather Proof Body

Cons

• No Built-in Flash
• Lacks Swivel screen
• Expensive

Panasonic Lumix GH5

The dream camera for every vlogger out there, Panasonic Lumix GH5 camera is the as good as they come. Ideal for professional filmmaking or amateur photography, Panasonic GH 5 is a prominent camera in the travelling circuit. Youtube Vloggers like India in Motion and Levi Allen use this camera to produce their mesmerising travel videos.

Features

• Resolution – 20.3 Megapixel
• Sensor – Live MOS
• Viewfinder – Digital viewfinder
• ISO – 200 – 25,600/
• Shutter Speed – 1/16000 – 60 sec
• Maximum Video Resolution – 6K at 40fps
• Price- INR 1,68,000 onwards for body

Pros

• 4K at 60fps shooting
• Large and Bright EVF
• Stabilise Sensors
• Flip Screen
• Extended Battery life

Cons

• Low Light shots are not very good because of small sensors
• Auto Focus not reliable
• Image Quality is not the best in the market

How To Shoot Good Photos Without HD Cameras?

Well, you don’t really need an HD camera to be a photographer. Every photographer starts with either Phone Photography or an entry level Camera. Some of the latest smartphones’ cameras are as good as a basic DSLR. You can shoot excellent pictures and videos on Apple iPhone 8 and iPhone X, Google Pixel 2, Samsung Galaxy S8. These phones will help you discover your style of photography and videography after which you can invest in professional cameras.

Which is the Best Camera to Buy?

There can’t be one camera for all-purposes, different Photography style requires different types of equipment. The first step is identifying your need and selecting the camera as per your need. There are also gadgets like Gimbal which can help you get better results while filming. So, decide upon your style and go on exploring.

If you look in the market, there are infinite cameras available for you but the best camera is the one that suits your personal style. So, finalise one and go onto exploring and documenting your travel odyssey.