Travel Cameras: A Great Gift Idea
These days, the market is overly-saturated with snazzy smartphones and travel cameras galore. It’s a tough call when it comes to buying new or especially when buying a great travel camera as a gift for a loved one. Where to start? With our in-house photo expert Lauren Hefferon, who is on the go, designing and leading photo tours globally, we surely have an insider “”heads up”” on the best travel cameras—both on and off the bicycle.
Ciclismo Classico’s Favorite
On-Tour Cameras
The Smartphone Camera
We favor the iPhone X because, according to our top insider sources, it delivers punchier colors and better detail when you zoom in on a subject, as well as a more natural-looking flash.
Our senior or Top Ciclismo Classico guides and best on-line resources recommend the iPhone X and the Galaxy Note 8 as two of the top smartphones offering the best built-in cameras, the most features, and high-quality photo capabilities.
Point & Shoot Camera
All of our preferred photo guru sites say that point-and-shoots (ranging from $200-$1,300) have come a long way in recent years, offering larger image sensors and popular features like built-in Wi-Fi, in-camera panoramic mode, and HDR. They are also the most economical choice and the lowest liability should something happen on the road.
Mirrorless Camera
Mirrorless is the latest buzzword in the camera-world. Our friends at Switchback Travel tell us: “”The mirrorless camera revolution is in full swing. These impressive digital cameras pack large sensors into compact bodies, offering image quality that is far superior to point-and-shoots without the bulk of a Digital SLR. And unlike other compacts, you can buy interchangeable lenses at the focal length or zoom range of your choice. As the lens choices continue to expand, buying a mirrorless camera makes more sense now than ever before.”” Check out these options.
DSLR Camera
Digital SLR cameras (or DSLRs for short) are among the best of the best: They have the largest sensors, the most megapixels, and the highest quality selection of lenses. These cameras are for the more serious travel photographer….no cutting corners. Here, you must be serious about your (photo) intentions. Switchback recommends these latest beauties.
Lauren’s Picks
Expert photographer Lauren Hefferon, Founder & Director of Ciclismo Classico and Travel Vision Journeys, has many years of experience in travel photography both on and off the bike, with a serious and critical eye for capturing the most beautiful, candid, or special moments on tour.
Lauren recommends the following:
– The Panasonic LUMIX line, which is half the price and weight of a full-frame DSLR.
– For DSLR cameras:
- Super-wide zoom 7–14, 10–20 mm APS-C or 14–24 mm full frame (Landscape)
- Standard zoom 12–60 or 17–55 mm APS-C or 24–70 mm full frame (Landscape/Portrait)
- Telephoto zoom 45–200 or 80–200 mm (Landscape/Portrait)
Lauren Hefferon, Founder and Director of Ciclismo Classico | Travel Vision Journeys
More Great Stocking Stuffers
- Camera bag: The Think Tank Airport line is great for traveling. Here is one that can hold your laptop, camera, and all that you need and more: TAMRAC ANVIL SLIM. Or invest in a smaller bag, like the LOWEPRO SLINGSHOT.
- Polarizing filter for each lens to get the best blues in your sky
- For the inside pockets of his/her camera bag: 16 GB memory cards (2), lens brush, cleaning cloth, external hard drive to store photos, travel tripod, flash card reader.
We recommend HUNTS Camera photo/video, the best and most knowledgeable and reliable online source for all your camera puchasing needs.
Want to try out equipment before you buy? You can also rent cameras, lenses, and other equipment from www.lensrentals.com.
*Resources: Switchback Travel & Tom’s Guide