Sony<\/a>, where I was fortunate enough to spend three full days on location in Park City, Utah learning how to use a variety of their newest cameras, video cameras, and tablets. I now have enough knowledge to make a decision about bringing my DSLR vs Point-and-Shoot Camera wherever I go. I traded in my trusty Nikon point-and-shoot for the duration of the trip, and absorbed the information and in-the-field tutorial of Sony experts. I’ll tell you, I was a bit nervous. I’m not especially tech-savvy, despite using cameras in my line of work as a travel writer for years. I was sure the Sony experts were going to push me out of my comfort zone (the world of point-and-shoots) and make me leave mine behind. While DSLR (which stands for digital single lens reflex) cameras are often the go-to choice for specific functions and results, they don’t have to be complicated. Point-and-shoots still have their place in my day pack or purse.<\/p>\nBest camera for…Taking pictures of kids and action-packed vacations<\/h3>\n
If you’re trying to capture intense action while on-the-go, it is best to use an action cam. It can be mounted on your helmet, bike handlebar, or even strapped to your chest. Turn it on, record the action, and turn it back off. After being introduced to Sony’s Action Cam, I’ve been able to actually keep up with my skiing kids. Whereas I used to be way behind, trying to film with one hand and hold my poles in the other.<\/p>\n
Because action cams (not just the Sony version) have waterproof casing, they can come along for the ride in kayaks, through mud puddles, and in dirt. Even when you’re not traveling, an action cam is the best camera for taking pictures of kids. Sony’s Action Cam features WiFi, which can be used to download videos directly to phones and Facebook as well as for you to see the angle of your shot via your screen as you’re filming. The well-known Go Pro HERO does not feature WiFi, but does enjoy a on-camera screen and more intuitive programming.<\/p>\n
Waterproof camera for outdoor travel<\/h3>\n
If you’re planning to take photos while rafting, swimming, backpacking, or hiking, you need a camera that will fit in a pocket or waist-belt pocket of a day pack, is immune to dust and dirt getting into the lens, and is waterproof. Opt for a waterproof, dust-proof point-and-shoot like the Sony rugged Cyber-Shot with both video and still shoot capability. I’m planning to take mine swimming with whale sharks; horseback riding through the Tetons; and kayaking in Alaska. The Olympus Tough compact digital camera has similar features for a similar price tag, and like the Sony, also claims to be shockproof and freeze-proof.<\/p>\n
Best Digital DSLR Cameras for Every Traveler’s Budget<\/h3>\n
Whether you are going on a staycation or planning a long-term overseas trip, it is definitely easier to capture those legendary travel moments with a great camera. Up until the last few years, it was difficult to get a great camera for a good price. Many professional DSLR cameras seemed off-limits for travelers. But thankfully, there are now cameras that fit with every price range. As the cameras on smart phones continue to improve, we have ditched our point and shoot digital camera. Instead we travel with our DSLRs and our iPhones. We love that this helps us travel light–which is one of the easiest ways we’ve found to travel green. Here are the best digital cameras for every budget.<\/p>\n
Entry Level: Rebel T3i<\/h3>\n
While the price tag may not seem entry-level, the Canon T3i is a great camera for the money. It is an inexpensive DSLR that produces high quality photos. We bought this camera before going on a three month camping trip through Africa and were really happy with our photos and the camera itself. My husband appreciated that it takes video, as well as photos. The flip-out screen allows you to look over crowds and take self-portraits. One of the disadvantages of the entry-level cameras compared to the high-end DSLRs is that they are cropped frame. This camera with a 17-55 mm lens. Nikon equivalent: Nikon D5100.<\/p>\n
Mid Range: Canon 60D<\/h3>\n
The Canon 60D is definitely a step-up from the Canon T3i. The Canon 60D is a more professional camera, but the price is still manageable. Right now, you can purchase a 60D you will also receive a 18-135 mm lens. Like the T3i, one of the biggest disadvantages of this camera is the cropped frame. Canon developed this camera with the photographer in mind. Someone that is looking to upgrade from a camera in the Canon Rebel series. Nikon equivalent: Nikon D7000<\/p>\n
High-End: 5D Mark III<\/h3>\n
The Canon 5D Mark III is definitely on my husband’s wish list. With a price tag this camera is top of the line. With full-frame image quality that gives you wider angle photos, this camera is a big upgrade from both the T3i and the 60D. While the other two cameras come with plastic bodies, the 5D Mark III has a metal body, which makes it a more durable camera. If you are hoping to get into professional photography, this is a good option because it is ideal both the studio and shots in the field. It is also great for still photography. Nikon equivalent: Nikon D800<\/p>\n
These three cameras are all Canon because that is what we have always used and what we prefer. Both of cameras are Canon which makes for lighter (and cheaper) traveling because the lenses are interchangeable. We have been extremely happy with both of our DSLRs, but we have friends that swear by Nikon. It is definitely a matter of preference. So, I listed the Nikon equivalent for each camera. What camera do you use for nature travel<\/p>\n
Image credits: chris_ford_uk<\/a>, mklipovsky<\/a>, theogeo<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Creative ways to share travel photos – I brought my DSLR and point-and-shoot camera on vacation and took lots of great shots. Even after a short trip, I end up with hundreds — sometimes thousands — of photos. I’m always looking for … Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":4500,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogreentravelgreen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4497"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogreentravelgreen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogreentravelgreen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogreentravelgreen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogreentravelgreen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4497"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gogreentravelgreen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4497\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogreentravelgreen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4500"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogreentravelgreen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4497"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogreentravelgreen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4497"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogreentravelgreen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4497"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}