How to Choose the Right Camera for Travel

Travelling is a beautiful thing. It is a remarkable opportunity to explore new places, relax and recharge. When travelling, packing light is often a priority, but it can be a stressful experience right up to the day you leave for your travels. This is especially true when it comes to your camera gear. You want to travel light, but you also want to travel right, and if you are limited to only one camera and lens, how do you choose? Choosing the right camera and lens combo is crucial. You want to capture what you want in the best way possible and not leave yourself with regret for what you left at home. Here are some considerations to help narrow your choices to the best option.

Your Photography Subjects

Before deciding on a camera and lens, consider your main subjects. Architecture, landscapes, food, people, nature? Different subjects benefit from various focal lengths. What do you think you will photograph most? What do you enjoy as your subject? It can be challenging to pinpoint precisely what you will photograph, especially if the destination is all new to you. Your main subject will dictate your gear choice. You may need something wide for landscapes or architecture, zoom for close details, or a small camera for unassuming candids.

Your Travels

Your destination and terrain can be essential factors in your choice of camera. What are you going to be doing during your travels? Are you going to be mostly within city limits, exploring its streets? Travel often involves a lot of walking, and a smaller, lightweight camera and lens combo can make your time there more enjoyable. Mirrorless cameras are typically lighter and more compact than DSLRs, but even some mirrorless cameras can be pretty significant.

Are you going to be out in nature, hiking in demanding areas? Travel can be harsh on your gear. Choosing a camera and lens that can withstand the task is essential. Some cameras and lenses are weather-sealed, too, which is an excellent feature if you travel to places with unpredictable weather and other potentially wet conditions.

Your Environment

Travel involves traversing in unknown and unfamiliar places. That includes being aware of the safe areas and the ones you should be avoiding. In unfamiliar areas, taking the necessary steps to be safe is essential. Large cameras and long lenses attract attention and look precisely what they are - expensive. This can be an indication that you are a tourist and an outsider. Avoid this attention as much as possible and go with something small which doesn’t look too special. Small cameras can look like minor purchases to many, even if they are unknowingly expensive. If you are going with a small camera, try to have a compact lens to keep that footprint to a minimum.

The Necessary Accessories

Your camera and lens choice are just the beginning. Every camera requires accessories like memory cards and spare batteries; you will also need a way to carry everything. A good, unassuming shoulder bag or backpack should be considered—one without large logos that don’t show much evidence of what is inside. You’ll also want something comfortable you can wear all day with minimal fatigue. A backpack is usually the best choice for me as it loops over both shoulders and evenly distributes the weight. But a shoulder bag can be great as well, as it’s usually a bit easier to get the camera in and out quickly based on its proximity beside you and worry less about people behind you. In crowds, a backpack is in close range of other people, which makes it difficult to know if someone is trying to unzip your bag, like in a crowded subway, for example.

Summary

When space is limited, having what you need versus what you could have is a balance. When travelling to new locations, it can be challenging to know what your environment will be. Consider what you plan to shoot and where you will be going, and make sure you are comfortable with your choice. You will want a setup that is comfortable to carry and convenient to use during your travel time.