Backpacking around the world is not a new trend. Neither is the need to document your journey visually. The thing about backpacking however is you want to travel as light as possible. Where does that leave us where cameras are concerned. Unlike the old days, the cameras today have evolved a lot. The new mirrorless ranges have brought down the size significantly. That means picking the best backpacking cameras does become a bit harder since there is a lot of options. Now that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
I have found myself travelling with a Nikon D7000 while travelling. The camera was old, but it still took great photographs. The downside to it was that it was bulky, heavy and when combined with even two lenses (a prime 35mm f1.8 and a zoom 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6), the camera encompassed my whole bag! It made it heavy and difficult to backpack with. In fact, many at times, I found myself leaving this setup behind or at best case leaving my zoom lens behind.
So, what did I do? I started using the camera on my phone more. As a photography enthusiast, that did not always cut it. At the end of it, I found myself doing a lot of research and finalizing on a sweet piece of equipment (Fuijfilm XT30!) which we will talk about in a little bit.
The point that I am trying to get at however is that over the process of a couple of years, I tried to find the perfect camera and I realized, that there is no such thing as a perfect camera. You have to give up on something or the other and find a balance. The question boils down to which specifications can you dial back on and be happy? Here are a couple things that I tried to keep in mind when buying my camera. Let’s look at them before we look at the best cameras currently in the market, shall we?
Tips And Tricks To Selecting The Best Backpacking Cameras
Let’s take a dive into all the different things that you need to consider when figuring out which are best backpacking cameras for you. Don’t get overwhelmed as there are a considerable number of things to go through. Just mentally (and if you like), jot down the points next to each attribute. That way when we talk about each camera, you will find it easier to screen out the cameras that don’t suit your criteria. You will also be better equipped to make a decision when it comes to which areas you are willing to compromise in.
Budget
Cameras are expensive and you really need to narrow down a budget range that you are comfortable in. This is something that really worked for me. I set an upper limit (I may have crossed it in the end) which helped me screen out the expensive cameras. Now this threshold that I am talking about could be anywhere from a $150 to $2000 or more. Yup! A camera can cost that much. That is why I always tell people to start with the budget. Then look at the cameras that are available within the budget. If you don’t find something within that range (and are not happy settling), then wait a bit and save a bit more if you can.
Be warned though. If you are anything like me, it is always easy to look at the higher and higher cameras. Those come with a significant cost.
Size
As I have mentioned before, another aspect that one should consider when selecting the best backpacking cameras is the size of the camera. Backpackers already carry just the basic essentials. Now most of us consider a camera as one of those essentials. With the advent of mirrorless cameras, the size of the cameras that we carry has changed significantly. Even the lenses are becoming smaller and smaller.
If you aren’t really into photography but want something to document the moment, then you will find that the camera of your phone will do. In fact, you will find that mobile phones today have pretty spectacular cameras depending on the one you carry. If you do want a dedicated camera then there are a number of point and shoot cameras that are available. These come in various ranges of cost but that is where your budget will help you narrow it down.
Lastly you also have the fixed lens cameras and the interchangeable lens cameras. Some cameras with a fixed lens are great but if you really do photography as a hobby, you may want to look at some of the cameras with interchangeable lenses. There was a point of time where this meant lugging around huge lenses and equally big cameras but that was some time back. Today, even these cameras are extremely portable and efficient.
Need
One thing that you really need to consider before you buy any one of the best backpacking cameras in the market is what do you need the camera for. As I mentioned before, some people are really happy with their phone cameras. They are easy to take everywhere. Shawn is one of those people. He feels that an added camera to our luggage is just one more item that you need to pay attention to.
There are some people who love to capture videos or maybe you are a vlogger. You may want to take a look at cameras that are more geared towards video recording. Or maybe you love to dive, and you want something that will do well under water.
Each need of yours is normally catered to by a different camera. So, sit down and think of the kind of traveler you are. Where would you be headed to? How roughly do you use your camera? What kind of photographs do you take? When we start talking about lenses, we will talk about the kind of photographs you take in more detail. For now, just pause for a moment and consider your personal photography style.
Personal Preference
I strongly believe that everyone has their own personal photography style, and everyone tends towards one type of camera for whatever reason it maybe. Some people love the challenge that multiple lenses bring to the table. Others love the ease of a point and shoot. The trick to finding out what suits you best is to try a variety of styles or maybe you already know what you love. Does that mean that you have to buy all the different kinds of equipment? No! In fact, today, you can easily rent a camera of your choice and pair it with rented lenses to see which ones you love the best. I find that this helps you make the choice better. I also love to watch videos which talk about the use of one camera over the other.
The Best Backpacking Cameras
Now that we have all those tips sorted out, let’s get back to the nitty gritty bit off seeing what the options are. For the purpose of this article, I have divided the options based on certain categories. I will try and keep these categories as updated as I can when I see new releases. One of the main reasons why I have divided the best backpacking cameras into different categories is so that you can see the advantages and disadvantages that each camera has over the other. It will equip you with the knowledge that you need to make the final decision. So, let’s get started, shall we?
Phone Cameras
The world of cameras may be evolving but so is the world of phones. With each new generation of mobile phones that hits the market, the quality of the images produced by the cameras improves. A lot of people prefer to use the camera that their phones incorporate for a lot of reasons. One of the most obvious reasons is portability. Phones are designed such that they fit comfortably in a pocket and you can take them around. They are inconspicuous and easy to use.
Additionally, almost everyone carries a phone. This means there is no added investment in another device. You can use the mobile phone that you have or opt for a higher model which you will take with you everywhere you go since it is second nature. So, what’s the downside to this? While the image quality of the cameras in mobile phones has increased significantly, they cannot compete with the image quality of many more sophisticated cameras. Though they certainly do try.
Popular mobile phones for photography: There are a number of mobile phones that people rave about when it comes to the photographs they click. I love the One Plus range. The image quality has not failed to disappoint. The other mobile phones that I have seen and heard about, are iPhone range (currently the iPhone 11 Pro Max, the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11), the Google Pixel 4, the Huawei P30 Pro, the Samsung Gaaxy Note 10 plus, the Oppo Reno 10x Zoom, Sony Xperia 5, etc.
I’m not going to go into the details of each of these but suffice to say that each one of them has a great camera. Each of us has our own brand preference. That is a debate that we can get into at another time. Plus, since I already have a mobile phone (Oneplus) that I absolutely love, I haven’t done a lot of research in this area. So, I feel as if I am not really qualified to be giving advice here. What I have researched in depth are the options that follow.
Point And Shoot
The second category that I want to talk about is the point and shoot cameras. These cameras have been popular for decades and while in some ways the demand for these has gone down largely because of the increase in demand for fixed and interposable lens cameras, the point and shoot is still a great option when you are considering the best backpacking cameras in the market. These cameras are sleek and easy to carry around. Some people get confused between these cameras and the fixed lens cameras.
The difference however is very clear. The point and shoot cameras have a very sleek and streamlined body. You can slip them into your pocket just as easily as a mobile phone. Fixed lens cameras however as their name suggest have a lens that does not retract. We will talk about that category of backpacking cameras in just a bit. For now, let’s just concentrate on the pros and cons that the point and shoot variety have when it comes to making the list of best backpacking cameras in the market.
Pros: These point and shoot options make great backpacking cameras. They are light, easy to carry, slip into your pocket easily, are unobtrusive and simultaneous boast of great picture quality. What’s not to love about them?
Cons: While these cameras are pretty awesome. They have a smaller sensor size when compared to the fixed lens cameras and the interchangeable lens cameras. This means that if you are serious about photography you may not be entirely happy with the choice. If you do want something better than your phone and not obtrusive then this is probably your best. If you are serious about photography as a hobby, then you may want to look at a higher range. Especially if you plan on selling your images.
Before we head on to explore the other ranges of backpacking cameras in the market, let’s review some of the amazing point and shoot cameras that are available currently in the market. I will try and keep this section as up to date as possible.
SONY RX100 MARK IV
Camera Dimensions: 10.2 x 4.3 x 6 cm
Weight: 277 gms
Max Resolution: 20.1 Megapixels, 1″ Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor
Image Stabilization: Yes
Optical Zoom: 8.3 X
Flash: Yes
Lens: 24-200mm f/2.8-4.5
Video: 4K UHD 2160p
Click to find out more information about the features and price of the Sony RX100 MarkVII
SONY RX100 MARK VII
Camera Dimensions: 4.1 x 10.4 x 6.1 cm
Weight: 372 gms
Max Resolution: 20.1 Megapixels, 1.0 ” stacked CMOS sensor
Image Stabilization: Yes
Optical Zoom: 4.2 X
Flash: Yes
Lens: 24-100mm (35 mm equivalent), f/1.8-2.8
Video: 4 K 30p
Click to find out more information about the features and price of the Canon Powershot G7X Mark III
CANON POWERSHOT G7 X MARK II
Camera Dimensions: 11.2 x 6.6 x 4.5 cm
Weight: 340 gms
Max Resolution: 20.1 Megapixels, 1″ High sensitivity MOS sensor
Image Stabilization: Yes
Optical Zoom: 15 X
Flash: Yes
Lens: 24-360mm (35mm equivalent), f/3.3-6.4
Video: 4 K 30p
Click to find out more information about the features and price of the Panasonic Lumix ZS200
Fixed Lens Cameras
The fixed lens cameras are a step up from the point and shoot cameras. These cameras have more features and a better sensor than the other category. There are a number of different companies that are manufacturing versions of these kind of cameras and I will be talking about a few cameras that I considered and researched about when I was searching for my backpacking camera.
So, what do these cameras have to offer? Well, even though they are slightly bulkier than the point and shoot because of the protruding lens, they are still very light and portable. If you love photography but don’t want to keep thinking of what lens to use or to juggle between different lenses while on the go, then this is the camera for you. In fact, I think some of the best backpacking cameras fall into this category.
Pros: The Fixed lens cameras have amazing image quality for their small stature. They are portable and easy to use. Most of the companies fit these cameras with a really good lens in order for you to get the best out of the camera as possible. Since you don’t have to pay for a multitude of lenses these fixed lens cameras tend to be cheaper than the interchangeable lens cameras when the overall cost is considered.
Cons: It is hard to think of many cons when it comes to this camera. One that comes to mind is the fact that many of these cameras have a lens that juts out and isn’t flush with the surface. This could make it awkward when you just want to slide it into your pocket which means you probably would have to have a bag to carry one even though they are small, light and portable. The second con is largely for people who love the flexibility that multiple lenses give them.
FUJIFILM 100V
Camera Dimensions: 12.8 x 7.4 x 5.3 cm
Weight: 478 gms
Max Resolution: 26.1 Megapixel, X-Trans CMOS 4 APS-C sensor
Image Stabilization: None
Zoom: None
Flash: Yes
Lens: 23mm f/2
Video: UHD and DCI 4k Video recording
Weather Resistant: Yes, when paired with the optional AR-X100 Adapter ring and optional weather sealing protection ring.
Click to find out more information about the features and price of the Fujifilm 100V
PANASONIC LX100 II
Camera Dimensions:11.5 x 6.6 x 6.4 cm
Weight: 392 gms
Max Resolution: 21.77 Megapixels, 4/3 inch high sensitivity MOS sensor
Image Stabilization: Yes
Zoom: 3.1 X
Flash: Yes
Lens: 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8
Video:24p/30p 4k video
Click to find out more information about the features and price of the Panasonic LX100 II
LEICA Q
Camera Dimensions: 13 x 8 x 9.1 cm
Weight: 718 gms
Max Resolution: 47.3 Megapixel full frame CMOS sensor
Image Stabilization: Yes
Optical Zoom: Digital zoom up to 75mm
Flash: No
Lens: 28 mm f/1.7 ASPH Prime
Video: 4k
Weather Resistant: Yes
Click to find out more information about the features and price of the Leica Q
Interchangable Lens Cameras
For years, I have been waiting for the perfect mirrorless camera to make its appearance. Lol! There is no such thing and there will never be one. It wasn’t only this year that I finally decided to take the plunge and buy one. My pick was the one the Fujifilm XT30 and I will talk about it in a bit later. The fact that cameras had become a fraction of the weight of my DSLR really pushed me to upgrade mine and I have to say that I am happy that I did.
When you talk about cameras with interchangeable lenses, I mentally classify them based on their sensors. You have the cameras with the crop sensor and the full frame sensor. The cameras with the full frame sensor are usually used by professional. They are also generally heavier than cameras with crop frame sensors.
Crop Sensor Cameras
These cameras are used by generally by photography enthusiasts and amateur to advanced level photographers. In fact, you will sometimes find a number of professional photographers also carrying some of these beauties as backup cameras. That being said, I find that the crop sensor mirrorless cameras make the best backpacking cameras in the market but that’s just my personal preference. The light weight of the camera combined with the lightweight professional grade lenses that are available in the market allows you to keep the weight of the camera down to anywhere between 500-600 grams which is rather incredible.
Pros: Lightweight with an option of a variety of lenses to choose from. It gives a photograph a lot of creative freedom.
Cons: You do need to know at least some of the basics of what you are doing and there is a bit of a learning curve to the more advanced modes of these cameras. They also come with a larger price tag than most of the point and shoot cameras.
The Options When It Comes To Crop Sensor Cameras
Let’s talk a little about the best backpacking cameras when it comes to the crop sensor mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. Wow! That was a mouth full! Anyway, in order to make this easier for you to compare, I’ve grouped the cameras from each company together so you can see the whole range. i.e. They start from the cheapest and head up to the more expensive versions.
The three companies that really caught my attention when it came to the crop sensor cameras were Fujifilm, Sony and Canon. It was a hard decision and I found myself finalizing on the Fujifilm XT30. Why? Because unlike the Canon, the XT series had a viewfinder in the center. That way, it did not matter who was using it. Everyone could put their dominant eye to it with ease. The second reason is that the cameras produce exceptional image quality that only Fuji knows how. I’m not kidding. There is a certain magic around Fuji images. If you have found yourself browsing through the Fujifilm options, you will know that there is nothing like the lenses that they make. I will however talk about selecting the perfect lens in just a bit.
Aside from Fuji, you will find that Sony and Canon have some great options that are available too. So without too much ado, I’ve grouped them together and compared their attributes so that you can get an understanding of each camera at a glance.
FUJIFILM X-T200
Camera Dimensions: 12.1 x 8.37 x 5.51 cm
Weight: 370 gms
Max Resolution: 24.2 Megapixels, Large APS-C CMOS image sensor
Image Stabilization: Digital (Video only)
ISO: 51200
Flash: Yes
Lens Mount: Fujifilm X Mount
Video: 4K video recording
Weather Resistant: No
Click to find out more information about the features and price of the Fujifilm X-T200
FUJIFILM X-T30
Camera Dimensions: 11.8 x 8.2 x 4.6 cm
Weight: 383 gms
Max Resolution: 26 Megapixel, APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4
Image Stabilization: Supported with OIS lenses
ISO: 51200
Flash: Yes
Lens Mount: Fujifilm X mount
Video: 4 K video recording
Weather Resistant: No
Click to find out more information about the features and price of the Fujifilm X-T30
FUJIFILM X-T3
Camera Dimensions: 13.2 x 9.2 x 5.8 cm
Weight: 539 gms
Max Resolution: 26.1 Megapixels, APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 with primary colour filter
Image Stabilization: Supported with OIS lenses
ISO: 51200
Lens Mount: Fujifilm X Mount
Video: 4k Video recording
Weather Resistant: Yes
Click to find out more information about the features and price of the Fujifilm X-T3
FUJIFILM X-Pro2
Camera Dimensions: 14 x 8.2 x 4.5 cm
Weight: 495 gms
Max Resolution: 24.3 Megapixels, X-Trans CMOS II sensor & X-Processor Pro
Image Stabilization: Supported with OIS lenses
ISO: 51200
Lens Mount: Fujifilm X Mount
Video: 4k video recording
Weather Resistant: Yes
Click to find out more information about the features and price of the Fujifilm X-Pro
As you can see, Fuji has an incredible range of cameras. I just love the retro look that they have incorporated in the design. While Fuji absolutely stole my heart with the X-T30, I have to admit Sony has a couple of options that definitely made it to the list of best backpacking cameras you need to consider. Let’s take a look at the options Sony has to offer shall we?
SONY a6100
Camera Dimensions: 15.7 x 14.4 x 11.5 cm
Weight: 544 gms
Max Resolution: 24.2 Megapixel, APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor BIONZ X Image Processor
Image Stabilization: No
ISO: 51200
Lens Mount: Sony E Mount lenses
Video: UHD 4K 30p
Click to find out more information about the features and price of the Sony a6100
SONY a6400
Camera Dimensions: 5.9 x 12 x 6.6 cm
Weight: 358 gms
Max Resolution: 24.2 Megapixel, APS-C Sensor EXMOR CMOS sensor
Image Stabilization: Yes
ISO: 102400
Lens Mount: Sony E Mount lenses
Video: UHD 4K 30p
Click to find out more information about the features and price of the Sony a6400
SONY a6600
Camera Dimensions: 12 x 6.9 x 6.7 cm
Weight: 503 gms
Max Resolution: 24.2 Megapixel, APS-C Sensor EXMOR CMOS sensor
Image Stabilization: Yes
ISO: 102400
Lens Mount: Sony E Mount lenses
Video: UHD 4K 30p
Click to find out more information about the features and price of the Sony a6600
Professional Camera
Now there are loads of full frame cameras in the market but I am just not going to get into those since despite the strides that have been made in their development, I don’t really consider them backpacking cameras largely due to their weight and size. But since his guide would not be complete without a list of the current ones in the market, I just wanted to put down the names of the ones that have taken the market by storm.
- Canon EOS R (My brother uses this one and I think it is the camera that really showed me how much mirrorless cameras have advanced. If you want to see images from this one, check out is Instagram profile.)
- Canon EOS RP
- Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z7
- Sony Alpha A7 III and Sony Alpha A7R IV
- Sony A9 II and Sony A7 II
Waterproof Cameras
Before we wind off our talk on the best backpacking cameras in the market, I wanted to talk about another section that usually intrigues backpackers and adventure seekers. This section includes cameras that are rugged, waterproof and can be taken out in all types of weather. If you are looking for something portable that you can take with you wherever you go, be it on a boat or to the top of a volcano, then these may just be options that you should consider.
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pranita deshpande
Monday 9th of March 2020
Great post. You have given deep information.