10 Best Camera for Traveling (Hiking and Camping) in 2020

Monsoon knocks on the door and it’s the perfect time to capture nature’s beauty. The mist, raindrops, and rainbows have the beauty to captivate anyone. And for the dare-devils, it is the time for hiking and camping. Although it is dubbed as dangerous, the doors do know that this is the time to reveal the real beauty of nature with the best camera for traveling.

However, If you get ready to start hiking or traveling in somewhere, you shouldn’t forget a basic camping checklist like (tent, footwear, sleeping bags, First-aid…etc). You wouldn’t want to miss out on getting the best camera for traveling and camping trips.

Making Your Hiking and Camping even Better!

So, you planned your trip but thought that your sophisticated phone camera is enough! But did you give it a thought about how it will capture the adventures of water safari? And if you are into wildlife photography, the speeding deer cannot be captured on the smartphone camera. The hues and shades of hills and dawn need a good camera. Otherwise, we must say that you will be compromising with the real soul of hiking.

How Do You Select the Right One for You?

We know that when it comes to selecting the best camera for hiking, it is always a tough choice. Unless you are a professional photographer, you are bound to get manipulated by the advertisements and salespersons. We come to your rescue here. we have compiled a list of ten best cameras meant specifically for capturing shots while camping and hiking.

But before that, have a look at the checklist of the features for selecting a hiking camera:

1. Weather-proof: Make sure that your camera has a rubber or plastic protective covering over it. You may face rains or dust-storms and a weather-proof camera will remain safe in such situations. Many of the cameras, like the GoPro for hiking, offers you waterproof features as well.
2. Light-weight: It will be really cumbersome to carry a heavy camera around your neck all through the hikes. Go for a lightweight It will be more comfortable to carry. Additionally, your luggage will also be light.
3. Fast action: When you are out in the jungle, actions happen at every corner. In order to capture it, you need a camera that acts really fast. While buying, check the time that it takes to focus and take the snap.
4. Lens quality: When outdoors, the weather takes interesting turns. On rainy days, there will be mist everywhere. Even when you go for some waterfall, the mist will not allow you to take a clear picture. Or, if you are into landscape photography, the basic camera lens is not powerful enough to give pictures that high quality. Determine what kind of camera and lens you need and then you can buy an additional lens to suit your needs.
5. Economic: A DSLR is always an expensive affair. And, if you plan on buying an additional lens, it is going to be a real blow to your pocket. Gauge your bank balance before buying a camera. You can get a camera or a lens later but an insufficient bank balance can be problematic to you.

The Top 10 Cameras You Can Choose for Hiking and Camping

Wondering how to choose the best camera for photography? With all these suggestions and parameters, here we are with the top ten picks for cameras for hiking and camping.

1# Campark act74 Action Camera

Best 4K Camcorder Under $100

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If you are looking for an action camera that does it all, this one’s what you are looking for. You can record videos in 4K as you want, and while there are other powerful options for you out there – it takes videos at a maximum of 30 fps – it is surely going to fetch you the bang for your buck.

Features:

1. Video recording in 4K/30fps
2. Waterproof up to 98 feet depth
3. Dual recharge batteries
4. 170-degree wide-angle lens
5. 2 inch HD screen

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The final verdict:

This camera is by far the best for the hikers. Its robust body and the wide-angled lens are perfect to capture the essence of hiking.

2# AKASO EK7000 4K WIFI Sports Action Camera

Best 4K Camcorder Under $100

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Another one of the 4K cameras out there, this one’s made for your hiking and camping trips. It’s waterproof and can easily connect to your smartphone. We loved the customization options available. The camera helps you take timelapse videos on the go, which is a must have if you love the outdoors.

Features:

1. 4K resolution
2. 2 rechargeable batteries of 1050mAh
3. Built-in wifi and HDMI
4. A dedicated app for connecting a phone or laptop with a camera
5. Waterproof up to 100 meters

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The final verdict:

Users are not satisfied with the image quality of this camera. Most point out that the same camera quality is available at a cheaper price.

3# GoPro HERO 5

Best Camera Under $300

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There is nothing like a GoPro for hiking! With a GoPro camera, you can do no wrong. The Hero 5 just takes the coolness up a few notches and helps you shoot 4K videos just about anywhere. This disposable waterproof camera recognizes your voices and offers image stabilization, making it the ideal companion for you.

Features:

1. The whole body is waterproof up to 10m
2. 4K video, 12MP photo
3. Electronic image stabilization
4. GPS enabled
5. Voice control enabled

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The final verdict:

The newer features include GPS, voice control, and an option for auto-cloud upload. However, the auto-upload feature is paid. That is a disadvantage. Had it been free, it would have definitely attracted users more. But above all, the picture quality is really good and is worth the money. This is by far the best GoPro for your next hiking trip. Its waterproof body makes it your perfect mate even for the underwater stints.

4# FITFORT Action Camera

Best Digital Camera Under $50

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Another 4K camera choice for you, This one’s the best budget 4k camera for you. You would love the super wide-angle lens that allows you to capture some breathtaking images, while the good built ensures you can use it for a long time.

Features:

1. 4K ultra-high-definition mode
2. Budget-friendly
3. 12MP image resolution
4. Super wide-angle lens covering up to 170 degrees
5. IP68 certified

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The final verdict:

This action camera seems to be the perfect catch for newbies. However, the camera doesn’t back it up with a good battery backup. You can’t charge batteries on a hill-top! But some features like the high-grade waterproof body is really good. Those who are pocket conscious and are new to action cameras can try this one.

However, if you are going on an underwater trip, then this one is perfect. If you know that you will be under the water for a short time, then the battery life will be with you. In short, this is the best and most economical camera for your next backpacking.

5# Sony RX100 Premium Compact Digital Camera

Best Video Camera Under $500

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Sony has been making some good cameras for a long time now, and this 20.3 MP one doesn’t disappoint. While it doesn’t come with some of the features of the GoPro Hero series, it does offer better image quality and design you will fall in love with. this one’s the best compact digital camera on the market.

Features:

1. 20.3 MP sensor
2. 6X Zeiss optical zoom
3. 1080pfull HD video recording
4. Good and sleek design
5. Automatic drop detection feature

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The final verdict:

The lens quality and the raw image mode steal the show. The Zeiss lens offers incredibly sharp and clear photographs. The small size makes it easy to carry. At the top of it, it is well known that you are susceptible to falls during hiking. The camera comes with an automatic drop detection feature that saves it from accidental damages. In this sense, it is the safest and most durable of all action cameras.

6# Olympus TG-5 Waterproof Camera

Best Travel Camera Under $500

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Another of the waterproof choices for you, it has got everything from a 12 MP sensor to a WiFi capability, making it one of the top cameras for campers and top waterproof digital camera for your traveling.

Features:

1. Waterproof up to 50 feet
2. Dual-pane glass to prevent fogging up
3. 12 MP BSI CMOS sensor
4. Wifi compatibility
5. Pro capture mode

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The final verdict:

Olympus is a well-known name when it comes to the camera. The image quality goes by its reputation. You can use it with ease underwater. Most users are pretty satisfied with its functionality under the water. The absence of a touchscreen is justified by the fact that it is basically for aqua-photography and touch sensors don’t work there. With its strong built and good features, it stands out from the crowd. If your pocket permits you, you can opt for this one. 

7# Kodak PIXPRO Friendly Zoom

Best Digital Camera Under $100

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How can Kodak go wrong? One of the best cameras for hiking, this one has got a mammoth 90X optical zoom lens to help you shoot even distant objects easily.  The feature makes it great if you are looking to take pictures of birds or wild animals, and the external microphone jack complements it.

Features:

1. 197-degree front lens and 235 degrees back lens
2. Inbuilt wifi and iOS and Android compatibility
3. 5mm external microphone jack
4. 90X optical zoom lens
5. AdobeDNG files

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The final verdict:

The dual-lens give it an ultra-wide range to capture. The best part is that you can opt-out of either lens. The rear lens when singly used gives the dome-look to the snaps. The disadvantage of it being bulky can be an issue. Since we are suggesting the cameras for camping and hiking, they should be light-weight. But if you are okay with carrying a little bulky material, then this is fine.

Other than that, the image quality will be awesome and the dual lenses will really make your pictures stand out. Not only that, but you will also get the wifi compatible remote control. So, you can mount the camera on your arm or helmet and control the shots from your wrist. If you are into mountain climbing, this will definitely be your best choice. as it is not so expensive, you can give it a try.

8# Canon PowerShot SD1200IS Digital Camera

Best Digital Camera Under $100

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This one isn’t as powerful as some of the other options out there but is a decent choice when it comes to an economical choice. As a beginner, you are sure to love it, especially given the seventeen different shooting modes on offer.

Features:

1. 10MP camera
2. DIGIC 4 image processor
3. 17 shooting modes
4. VGA movie mode
5. The internal image stabilization system

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The final verdict:

Canon PowerShot SD1200IS is actually a camera from a bygone era. The MP that it offers is not impressive in the time of full HD action cameras. Also, this one lacks wifi and all the new features. We don’t suggest you buy this one. It will get outdated and the picture quality will not be on par with their counterparts.

9# Nikon D3400 w/AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 GVR

Best Travel Camera Under $500

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Now, this is the best adventure camera for you as it has a great battery life. It’s among the best video camera for travel and has a good 24.2 MP camera and vibrant yet saturated colors giving a real life look to it all.

Features:

1. 2 MP CMOS sensor
2. Fast action shots of up to 5fps
3. 11 point autofocus allows faster and more accurate shots
4. The in-built SnapBridge app allows sharing the snaps
5. Native ISO range of 25,600

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The final verdict:

Nikon’s model is solely meant for those who wish to have a DSLR. We can’t really include it in the category of action cameras. You can’t really point and focus while canoeing. But if you have ample time, you can use this one. The decent picture quality will be worth your money.

Read Also: Review: Klymit Sleeping Pad for Camping – Best Sleeping Mat

10# Canon PowerShot ELPH 180

Best Digital Camera Under $150

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A product that comes from the Canon stables, it has a great camera lens and is among the top cameras for camping. You have a good optical image stabilization to avoid any blurs while it’s pretty lightweight too, so you wouldn’t mind carrying it along with you no matter where you go.

Features:

1. 8X optical zoom
2. 720p HD video
3. 20 MP CCD sensor
4. Optical image stabilization
5. 8 fps continuous shooting

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The final verdict:

A light-weight camera with a good resolution is a good option. This is even cheaper. But if you are already into photography, then this is not your cup of tea. For the newbies, this is a good one. You will get a DSLR at a very low cost. But given the short battery life and lack of any tech features, you might feel left out of your friend circle. Else, you can give it a try.

Which One Should You Buy?

Take a look at your budget to know what the best adventure camera is for you. Your choice, for instance, could differ depending on whether you are a newbie or a pro. You can never go wrong with a Go-Pro series for one, but there are other great options on our list too. Which one is your favorite? Let us know below!