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Choosing the right camera for travel photography

8/28/2013

7 Comments

 
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I thought it would be nice to offer my thoughts on choosing the right camera for you, so that the next time you are on an adventurous trek, vacation or longterm trip, you will be able to capture the moments you experience as best you can. This article will likely be whimsical and random, and I wouldn’t consider it a all-inclusive guide exactly, but I’m publishing it in hopes that it will help you a little in the decision process for your next big time camera purchase.
Recently in the first installment of my “Guide to Travel Photography” series, I talked very briefly on the subject – and here’s what I said: “Since there are hundreds of different brands and styles and levels of equipment, my only suggestion in this department – without going too deep into the differences in camera and photo-related equipment (as I could spend the 6 volume series on this subject only) – is to choose something that fits your style of travel and choose what feels right to you. The farther I go with this subject, I will be discussing more advanced settings and tricks of the trade, so it might be worthwhile for you (especially if you’re wanting to take a serious jump into quality travel photos) to think about purchasing an entry level DSLR camera – one that allows you to control the settings and interchange the lenses. Comparable models can be found from the most popular brands, like Canon, Nikon and Sony.” Well, I won’t be dedicating a 6 volume series on the subject (probably ever), but I did want to expand the talk a bit more by offering you some more information.

There are endless brands that offer camera equipment and various photo-related gear, for as easily as you can purchase a lens, you can purchase a lens filter, a lens cover, a lens hard-case protector, and so on and so forth. The point is that it’s very easily to get lost in all the gear – because gear is fun, and for every new toy makes a kid smile, and there are kids inside all of us – whether your toys are big expensive boats and bikes or if they’re creative-hobby related. So, don’t get lost in the flurry of trying to own every cool nicknack and trinket on the market – to take good, solid travel photos, you need to:
  1. Buy a USE-ABLE camera – not the best camera available on the market, but a camera that has the minimum capabilities to get the job done.
  2. Learn the basic settings and techniques.
  3. Shoot enough, so that you’re training your eye.

There are other points to shooting great photography, but this article isn’t to guide you through those – it’s to help you choose a solid camera. Choosing the right camera comes down to what your goals are, your budget is, and what style of photography you are aiming for. If you’re wanting to just take quality snapshots of your travels for family and friends, then shoot with an Apple iPhone (4S or newer) – use the HDR setting on the camera, and tap the darkest edge of the scene on your screen, and this setting will balance out the lights and the darks and help you to have quality snapshots. For those more adventurous, yet lower-budget folks, I suggest that you choose an entry level camera that has lens-changing abilities – as I spoke about a bit in the snippet above.

Now, for those who wish to shoot photos more like my own, I suggest a budget of $3,000-$5,000 – purchase a mid-range DSLR camera, like the Canon 60Da, 70D, or 5D-M3 (as you can see I’m a Canon guy), as these cameras are topnotch quality and are loaded with versatile features. They shoot sharp and dynamic images, in RAW file format (which is a must), and also include the ability to take HD video. I would also suggest purchasing a wide angle and a telephoto lens for starters. As I stated above, other brands carry comparable models – like the Nikon D7100, D600, and D300S. For the best prices though, I always shop on these websites: Amazon, Jessops, and B&H Photo Video.

If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
(Photo by Captain Kimo on Flickr)
7 Comments
Aly
8/28/2013 10:47:12 am

Will a T3i do? And what kind of good and at-the-same-time affordable lens would be best for travel? I like to take a lot of nature pics (including up-close shots) as well as view/scenery kind of pictures. Thank you for your help Brandon!

Reply
Brandon Scott link
8/28/2013 03:59:32 pm

Aly,

Yes, T3i is solid. Purchase a wider lens (18mm-40mm) and then a telephoto, like the lower end 70-200mm. :)

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social marketplace link
12/18/2013 03:09:41 pm

The lens and camera are very important whenever we bought the product at online stores and it is better for our future camera, but the ability to set the picture, adjust the cameras settings, and stop the camera very still.

Reply
Brandon Elijah Scott link
12/18/2013 08:35:53 pm

Yes, the type of camera and lens can either make or break a shot When snapping photo's you want to take the best shot that you can take. Investing in your equipment may be pricey however, it will be well worth it.

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custom essay link
9/30/2016 05:47:03 am

All are getting better and important tips about choosing the right camera for travel photography keep it up. This eyeandpen blog always giving us better and well points for nice photography.

Reply
Joshep link
8/22/2017 05:45:09 am

Thanks for the guide. I already have a Nikon CoolPix A10 and I want to buy a camera that fit for shooting milky way and also for traveling. I want to know which do you recommend and how much it cost for a camera like that

Reply
make money online link
11/26/2017 05:57:05 pm

Good point- thanks for your post

Reply



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