Best Cameras To Invest In For Your Travels

Updated: May 25, 2020
Regardless of who we are, or when and where we travel, we all want that elusive picture. Those pictures which create memories for life, and that we can look back on and say, 'what a trip!'. Thanks to modern-day technology, this has all become possible. Travel photography doesn't have to be as complicated as sometimes it is made out to be, and often doesn't have to cost a fortune for high-quality images.

Of course, there are options out there which can be quite pricey, and if you are looking to become a professional, or are incredibly passionate about photography, it could well be a great investment. For others, a cheaper, and perhaps all-in-one phone/camera is the easiest way to go.
So, no matter if you are a complete beginner or an established, avid photographer, let's take a look at some of the best cameras to invest in for your travels across 5 different categories.
At a glance:
Equipped with Canon's CMOS mammoth 32.5-megapixel sensor, the Canon 90D is the top pick for the best travel camera. While it's price comes at a premium, at a tad over USD$1,000, it produces some of the best images around. All the bells and whistles such as eye detection autofocus, viewfinder, an EFS 18-55mm f4-5.6 STM lens, among many others, are what differentiates this beast from the rest.
By no means is this the most expensive camera out there, but there is no need to spend more than you have to, right? The Canon 90D has everything you need, and then some. The higher price can definitely be justified in this product.
For those who want to keep their phone as a phone and a camera for photos, the Canon IXUS 185 could be the best option. At just under USD$90, this camera slips right into your pocket and is easily portable, whilst still capturing some great photos, as seen below. It comprises of an 8x optical zoom, smart automatic shooting, and HD movie recording. Not to mention it looks great and comes in a range of colours!
As a traveller, if you haven't heard of the GoPro, I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to conclude you've been living under a rock! GoPro has come out with some amazing products in the past, and their new Hero8 is no exception. The set linked to this article has come in at around USD$360, and includes the GoPro itself and all the accessories you need to enhance your photography or videography experience.
The device now comes with 3 levels of stabilisation; on, high, and boost, as well as automatic timewarp, recording 1.5 seconds before and after your actual shot, night filming in 4K, and enhanced audio. I could go on about the Hero8, but who got time for that! As a result of me harping on about this product, it has been awarded as the Editor's Pick for best travel cameras.
At only USD$520, the Nikon D3500 presents as the best value for money travel camera on the market today. Of course, there are cheaper ones, as well as more expensive ones, however, Nikon seems to have included more than most in the one package than its competitors. At this price, it includes features such as a 24.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor, an ISO range of 100-2500, automatic file transfer, over 1,500 shots before a charge is required, and many more!
Despite the bulky nature of the camera itself, if you are looking to get into some part-time photography, or simply want to fulfill your passion for capturing the moment, this could be a great option for you.
The best pocket-rocket you will come across today is the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra. Sure, the price you pay is a very high premium (USD$1,500), but in the same token, you are receiving a high-end product, or the crème de la crème of the mobile phone world. For those looking for a lightning-fast phone with a great camera, you've found your match.
Not only does it come with 5G as standard, it allows single take AI, which basically means you can record videos and multiple image types with just one tap! The S20 Ultra also boasts a 100x 'space zoom', which is perhaps one of, if not, the best zoom on a camera device out there. And, for those night owls who love capturing the night-light, there is an ultra-bright night mode which delivers crisp, pixel-free, and vivid images and HRD videos.
Final Thoughts
In the end, it all comes down to what you will use the camera for. If you are wanting to try your hand at semi-professional, or professional photography, choosing the Nikon D3500 or Canon 90D would be the way to go. For filming on-the-go, or an all-in-one option, I would suggest opting for the GoPro Hero8 or Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra to achieve the best possible results.
Finally, if you are just wanting to snap some high-quality images which allow you to seize the moment and have those memories forever in your grasp on a completely separate device to your phone, the Canon IXUS 185 is your new best friend.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article, and learned a thing or two! If so, please do not hesitate to reach out to me and let me know some travel-related topics you would like me to write about. Alternatively, let's just have a chat! I am looking forward to reading your messages :)



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