What is the best camera for my trip?
I get this question weekly. What is the best camera gear for my trip? I always turn the question around and ask where they are going. The person begins to tell me about how long they are going to be gone, location and what they want to see. I begin to reduce my database down very quickly based on a few things, 1) Aptitude, 2) Size of the camera system 3) and what the images will be used for. I have several camera systems im partial to. I try to read most all the marketing blurbs several times a week to keep up with what is new in the photography industry, including phone cameras.
Most people narrow down to this scenario. This person wants to pick up the camera turn it on a press the button. I always recommend a point and shoot camera from Nikon, Canon or Sony. A model with as few buttons as possible, and an easy touch screen menu. One suggestion I look to is the Sony product line. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80 Digital Camera is a great fit. It has the wifi option and it’s easy to pack in purse or backpack. It also sports a Zeiss lens and 30x optical zoom. ( Keep it clear of the sand!) The zoom is 24mm to 720mm. It has a nice wide angle to super telephoto lens. It use a special battery so I encourage my friends to buy a couple extra and keep them charged. The batteries are small so they are easy to carry in a pocket. The memory card is an SD Slot. Make sure to take several memory cards. I hate running out of space. The camera also has HD 1080 video as well. If you do shoot video it will use up the memory card space faster. So be aware.
With any camera you buy, do so well in advance of your trip! use the camera and get to know the menu system. Remember how long it took to get comfortable with your phone’s menu? Try to read the manual. Another way to use the manual is go to the website and download the electronic version to your phone. Then you have with you all the time for reference. Take an afternoon prior to your trip and walk around your neighborhood, town or city. Use the camera and make sure you understand the basic operation of the camera. This will allow you to shoot with confidence when you see something wonderful on your trip.
Other options for cameras with more features include the following:
Step up the Sony product line to the A6000 with the 16-50mm lens. Another option is the Nikon D500 DSLR with a nice 16-80mm kit lens. This will make you dig deep in your pocket, require study to use and get you into a state of the art camera system. Above all enjoy your trip and bring home beautiful memories!
