For most of last year and this year, travel safety was an issue because of the coronavirus. Any adventures people wanted to have and document in photos were duly postponed due to health concerns and travel restrictions. Fortunately, the pandemic situation has slowly come under control as more people get vaccinated. There are now many countries that will allow US citizens to travel, though that may include additional requirements, including vaccine requirements and mandatory quarantine. So whether you want to visit Mexico, the Bahamas, or even Vietnam, this might finally be the time to do so.
When traveling, it's best to take a trusty camera to take photos and videos of memorable experiences. There are many models that are suitable for this, so it may be confusing when deciding on what camera to buy. Here are four types of cameras that you can choose from to document your memorable trips in the next year:
For more experienced photographers, nothing beats the versatility of a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. While it is heavier and less portable than other models on this list, these cameras still set the standard for both consumer and professional-level photography. A feature on DSLRs by the Chicago Tribune lists battery life as one of the camera's pros. The heavy body is another; it can act as protection in case you drop, bump, or scuff your camera. But perhaps the greatest advantage of a DSLR is the endless number of accessories you can use to capture photos exactly the way you want. If versatility is your goal, models like the Canon EOS 6D Mark II or the Nikon D850 will work perfectly. They both come with high megapixels, touch-LCD screens, and WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities.
Some travelers, on the other hand, prefer a camera that can take high-quality photos quickly without much need for variation or versatility. Point and shoot cameras are ideal for quick, everyday photography because they have automatic functions that will give you great-looking photos and optimal exposure without having to fiddle around with too many settings. The different point and shoot cameras on Adorama are perfect for traveling as well as they are lightweight, compact, fast, and easy to operate with convenient LCD screen displays. Models like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30 and Bell & Howell WP20 Splash3 are great budget options that you can throw into your traveling bag easily. They offer features like optical zoom, decent megapixels, and a slim design. It is also easy to extract and edit your photos after your trip with most digital point and shoot models, making them an excellent option for travel.
Film cameras have been growing in popularity over the past couple of years, and it's easy to see why. They offer a much higher dynamic range, making them better at capturing detail in both color and black and white. Film photography is also more forgiving with minor focusing issues and exposure problems. This type of camera is perfect for photographers who are more particular with the photos they want to capture while on vacation. If getting the composition just right and the grainy look is your preference, then it's best to take a film camera with you. Try something like the Olympus Mju II for a quality film camera that won't break the bank. It's dependable with a retractable lens and automatic design. However, it is also worth bringing another digital camera on your trip just in case you want to take more shots and you're out of film.
Rugged adventures can be tricky to document since most cameras are not waterproof or are too bulky. It may be best to invest in an action camera like the GoPro in this case. Not only are they super portable, but they are built durable. They are easy to use as point-and-shoot adventure cameras, and they also have tiny wide-angle lenses that can capture your panoramas beautifully. The GoPro Hero 8 Black is a great choice since it has all the specs of a travel camera — it's portable, supports 4k and 1090p video, and can capture 10-megapixel photos at 30 frames per second. However, it is important to keep in mind that their battery life will not last the whole day. These cameras are meant to capture quick, rapid bursts of activity, so it may be good to pack extra batteries for the more relaxed parts of your adventure if you want to take photos the whole day.
In our post 'How to Make Memories Last Forever Through Photography', we discuss ways you can make memories last, such as brushing up on your photography skills, backing up your photos, and displaying them creatively. And with the right camera, you'll be sure to take travel photos that will last a lifetime.
