If you want to enjoy what nature has to offer while at the same time letting go, then hiking is one of those activities that you really need to consider. It is always important to take pictures while hiking. What are the pictures for? You may ask.
Pictures are important when you want to keep the memories. You will look at them once you are done with the trip and even show them to your family or friends. You need the best hiking camera when it comes to this.
They are small, lightweight with high image qualities which make them perfect for the job. With the current influx in the number of cameras in the market, how do you know what will work for you during the hiking period? Look no further; this article has all the information you need to know about hiking cameras.
Things to look out for in the best hiking camera
Do not make the mistake of picking any other camera you come across for the purposes of the hiking. You will end up so disappointed. You should get the value for money in any purchase you make.
It is therefore important to get the very best for this activity. Here are the features you should look out for:
a. Weight
You need the camera at every point of your hiking. It, therefore, means that it should be in your backpack wherever you go. You never want to miss the chance of taking a photo whenever you get to a beautiful scene.
Remember, this is not the only item you have in the backpack. There are some more. As a hiker, you, therefore, must find ways of reducing the weight of the contents of your backpack. One such way is by having a camera that is lightweight.
Other areas that you can carry the camera are around the neck, hands and pocket. A heavy and large camera cannot be properly carried in any of these mentioned places. The size and design are also some factors that contribute towards a camera’s weight.
Cameras designed with changeable lenses are heavier as some of these extra components are likely to add weight on to the already packed items. The point and shoot and action cameras are the lightest due to the absence of the changeable lenses.
Advanced features such as reinforced bodies for purposes of additional strength do have an impact on the camera’s weight. DSLR cameras are the heaviest.
b. Exterior Protection
Hiking trails can sometimes be full of substances such as dust, moisture and debris. At times it can start raining while you are still in the field hiking. It happens; and it can happen to you. And I bet you do not want to lose your camera due to any of these unpleasant events.
It is for this simple reason that you should consider purchasing a hiking camera that has high-quality exterior protection. A camera that withstands the worst of weather conditions is best suited for hiking purposes.
This does not necessarily mean that the camera is totally waterproof for example. It should, however, provide some sort of protection so that the camera does not spoil so often. The outer material makes the camera durable.
c. Lens selection
The quality of the photo you take depends on the lens of the camera. The construction and quality of the lens are what brings out the difference on the final product in terms of image clarity. Who does not want to have clear images for future reference?
Cameras with adjustable lenses are versatile. Versatility here means that you can enjoy additional features like video recording. Capturing the best of the hiking moments in both pictures and videos is so cool.
However, the quality of adjustable lenses cannot match that of fixed lenses. They are good for outdoor shooting and beginners. Having a fixed lens means that you will be changing the lens every now and then based on scene and type of photo needed.
The best hiking camera should have a high-quality lens. This can cost you some extra cash, but it is surely worth it.
d. Type of battery
Hiking can get so interesting at some point. You might end up going for long distances. A proper camera battery should last you the entire hiking period.
Lithium-ion batteries last longer with power. The downside part of them is that they are a bit costly. I know you won’t mind spending a little more money to have a battery that won’t disappoint when you need it the most.
These batteries can be used for long-term purposes. If you are a frequent hiker, then you have to look into this important feature.
A close look at the best hiking camera you can purchase
Here are some of the best products that you can choose from. They are the very best you can find on the market.
1. Canon PowerShot G16 Digital Camera
Overview
Canon PowerShot G16 Digital Camera produces high quality still images and 1080p HD videos. This camera allows you to take high-quality images even in the most dimly-lit places. It does this by reducing the noise, therefore, enhancing the overall image clarity.
The camera is designed with built-in wireless connectivity that allows for instant transferring and sharing of videos and photos. The Canon camera window app makes faster the process of sending images to iOS and Android devices.
This camera maintains high levels of sharpness in a wide variety of conditions for shooting. The camera allows you to spice up your photos by using finishing effects. It is a less demanding camera that does not need a tripod.
It has a star shooting mode that allows for photo shoots even at night. If you find yourself hiking till late in the evening, you can take one or two images of the beautiful memories to enjoy seeing once you are home.
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2. Ricoh GR II Digital Camera
Overview
Ricoh GR II Digital camera has a well-designed wide-angle lens which makes this digital camera ideal for hiking. Its compact size works perfectly well towards this area. The images that are captured using this camera are highly sensitive and of professional grade.
The GR II from Ricoh has really transformed the world of photography. Getting big pictures from a relatively small camera like this is not that easy. Additionally, its second body is something you can always rely on.
It can withstand a wide variety of weather conditions which is a very important factor to consider when it comes to hiking cameras. You are never really sure when the weather will change in the field. The camera captures high-quality images with minimum noise levels.
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3. Fujifilm X100T Digital Camera
Overview
Here is another best hiking camera worth your consideration. Getting a camera with easy controls and advanced technology as the Fujifilm X100T is not that easy. The passion for taking photos is matched with controls that are easily accessible making this camera stand out as one of those that you can consider for hiking.
You do not need to be a professional photographer to use this product. It has a silver color and has a very accurate real-time focusing. With this camera, you do not need to reframe after focusing. The processing speed of this camera has been doubled compared to the previous versions.
A start of time of about 0.5 seconds with a shutter lag of 0.05 seconds makes it more efficient. This camera can be remotely controlled using a tablet or a smartphone. It operates based on three lenses; one that controls peripheral resolution decline together with an increase in distortion while the second one secures required amount of luminescence as well as bright F-value.
This product has a warranty of one year covering both parts and labor.
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4. Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera
Overview
The Sony Alpha a6000 camera has a base configuration which allows it take high-quality images. This product boasts of one of the world’s quickest autofocus. Speed is really important when it comes to taking photos while hiking. It should not take much of your time.
It can actually take 11 photos in a second. This is necessary when it comes to capturing moments that disappear in a blink. The fact that it is indeed compact in size makes it easy to operate. It is also very intuitive with 2 quick-access dials letting you change the settings so fast.
This product from Sony is mirror less with an image sensor which is 24.3 megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS. Its fast hybrid autofocus has 179 phase-detection points. Some of its functions can be assigned to specific buttons.
The a6000 is backed by a warranty of one year on parts and labor. It also has an integrated flash that can be used in lowly lit areas.
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5. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 Digital Camera
Overview
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 camera combines manual camera operation with creative controls that are always associated with complex cameras. Its image sensor has a larger surface compared to many conventional cameras.
This one from Panasonic allows you to select an aspect ratio for purposes of wide-angle composition before an image is captured. It’s a camera that takes into account the comfort of the photographer beside the creativity that it is accompanied with.
The kit contains battery charger, AC cable, USB cable, battery pack, hot shoe cover and lens cap and cap string. Its versatility allows for recording of 4K videos as well as capturing of 4K photos. The videos are full HD 60p (50p).
The Lumix DMC-LX100 weighs 349 grams and has dimensions of 2.2 by 4.5 by 2.6 inches. Raw development of data takes place in the camera which is very necessary owing to the task that lies ahead of you.
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Conclusion
When it comes to taking images during hiking, there is no shortcut. You either have to carry with you a high-quality camera that will help you capture the memorable images or fail to and regret it later on. A hiking experience without a camera is boring.
The Fujifilm X100T Digital Camera is the best hiking camera. It has all the professional features all in a compact size which is lightweight. It is actually what you need while hiking. It makes use of technological advancements that make it easy to control.
It is versatile meaning that you can record HD videos apart from taking photos. Besides, it is very fast therefore you will never lose an opportunity to capture even the blinking of moments. I can confidently recommend it for your future usage.
These are some of the little things that make the difference when it comes to outdoor activities like hiking. I hope you have enjoyed reading this article. In case of any comments, you can reach me through the comment section just below.
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