Best Cameras for Travel Bloggers in 2023
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Are you searching for the best cameras for travel bloggers in 2023? As a travel blogger, capturing the essence and beauty of a destination is an essential part of the job. Nothing makes me happier than inspiring you to seek more adventure, and professional photos help me to showcase the places I love in a way that words never could.
Whether you are also a travel blogger looking for the perfect blogging camera, a fellow travel lover wanting to document your adventures better, or someone whose passion for photography is just starting, I hope I can help you with your camera gear decision.
With so many available options, choosing the right camera may seem daunting. However, with my guide’s help, I hope you’ll find the best camera for traveling and documenting your adventures, life, and memories.
Here are the best cameras for travel bloggers in 2023.
Quick Guide: 10 Best Cameras for Travel Bloggers in 2023
- Best Action Camera – GoPro Hero 11
- Best Point and Shoot Camera – Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
- Best Compact Camera – Fuji X100V
- Best Video Camera – Sony ZV-E1
- Best Canon Mirrorless Camera for Beginners – Canon RP
- Best Canon Camera for Professional Photographers – Canon R6 MII
- Best Sony Mirrorless Camera – Sony A7 IV
- Best Compact Full Frame Camera – Sony Cyber-shot RX1R II
- Best Traditional DSLR Camera – Canon 5D MIV
- The Ultimate Camera for Travel Blogging – Leica Q2
It All Started With a Point and Shoot Camera
If we are similar and you like background, here is my story. I was a portrait photographer long before I had this travel blog. Before that, I was a photo-obsessed kid who carried a camera for as long as I can remember. My Grandpa (on my dad’s side) was an electrical engineer by trade and a passionate photographer outside of work.
The love of photography runs deep in my blood.
I have memories in high school setting up my point-and-shoot camera on the hood of my car after an Olive Garden meal with girlfriends, and we would have full-on photo shoots in the parking lot.
During my high school job at Sonic as a carhop, the other employees and I would take my pink digital camera out of my purse, set it up on the table where we lined up the customer trays, and put the self-timer on to get group photos.
I’m unsure if photographer-carhop was a job title, but I created one.
It’s wild to look back now as a 30-something adult on what I thought was having fun and goofing off as a kid. I know now it was my life’s passion starting to take root. All this is to say that loving photography should be goal number one.
Photography is a powerful tool for capturing and preserving life’s moments visually. Photographs are more than just images; they are timeless narratives of our journey through life, encapsulating sentiments and stories that words often fail to express.
The love of photography should motivate you first and foremost. Fancy gear is just a lovely bonus!!
Which Is the Best Camera for Travel Photography?
They say that the best camera is the one you have with you, and I couldn’t agree more with that statement. Is it the best camera if you are not motivated to take the camera out of your hotel room? No way!
The best camera makes you feel inspired to take photographs.
But before you take this advice to heart and invest hundreds or thousands of your hard-earned dollars, make sure that you do your research first. Before making a big purchase, one company that I love is LensRentals.com. I’ve used them more times than I can count!
You can rent gear directly from their website, and they will ship it to your house. LensRentals.com is a beautiful idea if you’d like to test any equipment you may be considering purchasing.
Think of it like test-driving a car at a dealership.
And just like there isn’t any “one” car for every single person, there isn’t any “one” camera that is the clear winner either. Or else we would all be driving identical vehicles in the same color, and where is the fun in that?
Fun fact: I still drive a manual transmission (stick shift) car, and it’s 2023. Old school? I know.
Which Video Camera Is Best for Travel?
This May, my partner purchased the Sony ZV-E1. It’s an absolute beast of a video camera! This Sony mirrorless camera has incredible image quality, which blows me away every time I use it.
The Sony ZV-E1 is the best camera for video and travel bloggers due to its unparalleled features. Its compact design makes it ideal for on-the-go shooting, while its impressive autofocusing system ensures every shot is crystal clear.
Depending on the size of your lens, this camera is small enough to fit into a small bag, or you can wear it on your shoulder strap all day without it bothering you. It’s very lightweight!
If you are into vlogging and selfies, this camera will be perfect. The Sony ZV-E1 has advanced video features such as 4K video recording and high-speed auto slow motion, offering bloggers and YouTubers professional-level video quality.
The Sony ZV-E1 combines portability with high-end functionality, making it an unbeatable choice for travel bloggers and videographers.
Which DSLR Camera Is Best for Blogging?
DSLR cameras are older technology, so I wouldn’t recommend buying one in 2023 if you can invest in newer technology. However, you may be able to try the used market websites; my favorite is KEHcamera.com.
I shot with the Canon 5D Mark IV for many years as a portrait photographer, and many pros swear by this camera. Again, I would only seek out this older technology if you can pay a discounted price.
You will get incredible results if you find a used 5D Mark IV paired with a 50mm f/1.2 L lens! The colors from this camera and lens combination are stunning!
Best Camera Bag for Travel
After years of testing out different camera bags for travel, there is only one I swear by. WANDRD bags are the best photography backpacks and for good reason!
WANDRD backpacks are designed with photographers in mind, offering functionality and style. The camera compartments are customizable, allowing for secure storage and easy access to various types of photography equipment.
I have the PRVKE LITE bag in the color Yuma Tan, and it’s hands down the best camera backpack I’ve ever owned. This bag comes with me on every weekend trip!
WANDRD bags are durable and weather-resistant, making them ideal for travel. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an enthusiastic hobbyist, a WANDRD bag could be an invaluable addition to your kit.
What About Phone Cameras?
With technology improving at lightning speed, the image quality of iPhone photos keeps improving, too. The good thing about phone cameras is they can also shoot video. Some people’s only vlogging camera is a cell phone.
An iPhone is an excellent camera for shooting handheld video without a tripod. And while the photo and video quality isn’t the same as a high-end camera, it is always with you, which alone makes it a great option!
The convenience of always having a camera in your pocket is unmatched.
Before investing in any physical cameras, upgrade your iPhone first. Using your cell phone to capture images is easy to share and edit on the same device, making iPhones a compelling choice for capturing your vacation memories.
The Best Action Camera
The GoPro Hero 11 is an exceptional choice for travel bloggers due to its compact design, unmatched video quality, and advanced features. This action camera fits easily into a pocket, making it convenient for on-the-go recording during weekend trips and other adventures.
The Horizon Leveling feature is a game changer, providing super stable footage even in the most action-packed situations, like jetskiing in the Florida Keys.
The robust waterproof design allows travel bloggers and adventure enthusiasts to explore underwater without additional casing. The GoPro Hero 11 offers travel bloggers a versatile, durable, high-quality tool for capturing travel experiences.
The Best Point and Shoot Camera
The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a remarkably convenient camera for travel. Its compact and lightweight form makes it easy to carry, fitting comfortably in a pocket or small bag.
With features such as 4K video recording and a tilt-angle touchscreen, capturing various types of scenery becomes effortless. If you are searching for something compact and want a one-stop-shop camera that is easy to use, this is an affordable and great camera choice.
The Best Compact Camera
The Fuji X100 line of cameras has long been considered a dream for many photographers. Its compact size is a powerhouse, offering the flexibility of a DSLR with loads of features but in a much more portable format.
I own the Fuji X100F (the model right before the V) and have used that camera in every situation on my travels. I even got my partner and two sisters to buy the same camera.
We all love it!
I have yet to get my hands on an X100V (I check weekly), but I hope to upgrade to this newest model soon. If you are also hunting for this camera, I would consider looking at KEHcamera.com for a previous model. The camera series is so popular that the X100V has been sold out or back-ordered for a year!
The X100 series boasts a high-quality fixed lens, remarkable image quality, and an immersive viewfinder, providing an experience similar to classic rangefinder photography. The aesthetic appeal of the X100’s retro design holds a unique charm, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the art of photography.
This camera is the absolute bang for your buck when choosing a travel blogging camera in 2023!
Best Canon Mirrorless Camera for Beginners
If you are searching for mirrorless cameras for travel blogging but want to start with something other than the most expensive camera, the Canon RP may be a great camera body option. The Canon RP is a full-frame body with high-resolution 26.2MP photos.
Add a nifty-fifty lens to this for an additional $179 (as of this writing), and you will have the setup you need to capture stunning photos on vacation and get some landscape shots to frame for your home, too.
Best Canon Camera for Professional Photographers
Mirrorless cameras are all the rage in 2023, and for good reason. Traditional DSLR cameras have older technology, and you can’t compete with the autofocus in these newer cameras like the new Canon R6 MII.
Earlier in this post, I mentioned my thoughts on DSLRs for travel photography, and mirrorless cameras like the R6 MII replace the need for any DSLR camera in 2023.
When it comes to a full-frame mirrorless camera, this is the top-of-the-line camera to get, especially if you plan to use it to document your family.
When travel blogging and photographing your adventures, having the right camera can make all the difference. Each camera I listed has unique features and benefits, but it ultimately comes down to personal preferences and needs.
Hopefully, my recommendations have helped you find your perfect camera to capture your adventures and create memories that will last a lifetime. Let me know in the comments if you have a favorite camera!
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