These are the digital cameras our photo engineering team recommends for everyone. From beginner street photographer and those with limited budgets
Digital camera – Our world is traveling again. The desire to capture precious moments is stronger than ever. Powerful travel photos don’t just tell a story. But it also reminds us of the wonders that await along the road.
With that thought We consulted National Geographic’s team of imaging engineers to tell us which pocket-sized digital cameras they recommend for travelers.
They design and create specific equipment for professional photographers. and testing products for camera users
For recommended camera models this year This is the best option for them.
The best camera for most travelers: Fujifilm X-S20
This Fujifilm X-S20 camera combines many of the features of its predecessor, the X-S10, but at a cheaper price. and has increased abilities
The X-S20 gets you the good stuff. At a great price, it follows the X-S10, another great model that has appeared on our list of recommended cameras in the past. The Fuji X series cameras have a variety of leading features. Outstanding stylish shape and affordable price
The X-S20 performs well with a 26-megapixel camera sensor and a newer, larger battery.
Tips: The camera is best used with the XF 16-80mm f/4 OIS WR lens, and for a second lens, try the extremely compact XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR lens. This provides a field of view similar to that of the human eye at 40 mm.
The best camera for street photography Best (and most compact): Ricoh GR III
The Ricoh GR III makes its fourth appearance on our camera recommendations because it packs so much power into a bag-friendly size.
With a 24 megapixel APS-C sensor, it has anti-shake features. Auto focus detection system Responsive touch screen and an easy-to-use menu system
The GR III performs well in both touch-and-shoot photography. (point-and-shoot) and manual shooting (Manual)
Tips: If the 28mm focal distance is too wide, try the GR IIIx released in 2021. It’s identical to the GR III, except it has a narrower field of view thanks to its 40mm f/2.8 equivalent lens.
Best camera for overall performance: Fujifilm X-T5
This series of Fujifilm XT cameras provides an excellent photography experience for both amateurs and professionals. This series of cameras combines vintage dials with modern professional controls. The whole camera is strong. Water protection Auto focus performance and excellent speed
The X-T5 continues to be a top-performing camera with a combination of image quality. Auto focus system Size Lens options Water protection and battery life
The X-T5 is slightly smaller than the X-T4, but it has the same 40-megapixel sensor from the X-H2 that is one of the highest resolution APS-C sensors on the market, making the X-T5 still the best. The best camera for traveling again this year
Tips: We love Fujifilm’s compact prime lenses for travel, including the 27mm f/2.8 R WR and 23mm f/2 R WR.
Luxury Camera: Leica Q3
The Leica Q3 is the most expensive camera on this list. But it gives you the best photography experience. According to National Geographic’s imaging engineering team
At $5,995 (around 214,000 baht), this camera is expensive. In the full-frame mirrorless camera market Only one model sells for more than $6,000: the Sony A1, the world’s most powerful 35mm camera.
What has this huge amount of money given you? That is the ultimate photography experience for travel photography. In the opinion of one author Beautiful controls and stunning looks make this camera a joy to use.
This camera’s unrivaled image quality comes from its enormous 61 megapixel RAW files, giving you freedom to crop. And this camera is waterproof and has an extremely durable body.
Tips: We also recommend the Leica Q2 or Q2 Monochrom camera, which has a monochrome sensor only.
Best full-frame camera with interchangeable lenses: Nikon Zf
The Nikon Zf camera is our first choice for this category. With the same robust sensor, rear screen, high-quality electronic viewfinder as the Z6II, and a classic, stylish body,
The camera also has an 8-stops Image Stabilization sensor and Nikon’s flagship EXPEED 7 processing chip, giving the camera excellent AF and VR performance.
Water protection properties Camera body made of magnesium alloy and a brass-engraved mechanical dial It shows that this camera is very attentive to the user experience. This makes it the most fun camera to use in our tests.
Zf has unique technology. (available only on this model) that allows you to move the focus point with the touch screen while using the viewfinder. And shoot with pixel shift to create a 96 megapixel image, and adjusting the Zf’s anti-shake focus point adjusts the anti-shake focus point as we want instead of adjusting it in the center of the sensor. And there is a special black and white mode.
Tips: If you can only afford one lens, we recommend the 24-120mm f/4 or pair it with a Nikon compact prime lens such as the 40mm f/2 or 28mm f/2.8.
Best camera for wildlife photography: OM System OM-1
The OM System OM-1 camera can shoot at up to 50 frames per second – which is faster than most video cameras. This makes it a good choice for wildlife photography.
Like flagship cameras from other major brands (Sony A1, Nikon Z9, Canon R3), the OM-1 camera has many features. and has very high speed With continuous autofocus, the OM-1 can shoot at up to 50 frames per second – faster than most video cameras. It has an outstanding object detection system. Able to track a wide variety of animals in high speed situations.
OM System’s OM-1 camera has a unique Micro Four Thirds (MFT) sensor, which means its aspect ratio is 4:3. It’s relatively small, about half the size of a full-frame camera.
The camera also has several calculation modes. Including a high-resolution manual shooting mode. (Creates a 50 megapixel file from a series of 16 frames) and Live-ND filters, which simulate the action of an ND-filter, make it possible to use slow shutter speeds in bright conditions to capture moving images.
Additionally, this camera has the best waterproof features among the cameras on this list. And it is durable even in the harshest environments.
Tips: The best lenses for this camera are at the professional level. which has excellent build quality They often have built-in lens hoods and smooth focus/zoom rings. For nature lovers and bird photographers. The best lens is the 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO, and the best overall lens for this model is the 12-100mm f/4 IS PRO (24-200mm).
Best camera for beginners: Canon EOS R50
The Canon EOS R50 camera has a body that fits comfortably in your hand. and has the best touch screen system Making it a good choice for beginners.
Canon continues to expand its camera portfolio to APS-C mirrorless, with the R50 being a good choice for beginners or anyone looking to upgrade from mobile photography.
It is compact and comfortable to hold. Built-in electronic viewfinder and a small pop-up flash It also has the best touchscreen experience of any camera. Easy-to-use camera menu and a touch control panel to adjust settings while shooting.
The greatest strength of the 18-45mm lens included with the R50 is its size, but the weakest point of this APS-C camera line is the limited lens options.
Best Budget Camera: Nikon Z30
Nikon launched the Z30 last year. It is the third model in the APS-C mirrorless camera line. The lack of an electronic viewfinder makes it compact. Easy to carry and fun to use. But it still has great qualities. There are also affordable lens options from many other lens brands.
For an entry-level camera, the Z30 offers impressive depth of field. Including excellent low-light photography performance A mechanical shutter that can shoot 11 frames per second. With auto focus tracking system It gives you the option to save images in high-quality RAW files and has strong autofocus capabilities.
Tips: This camera pairs perfectly with Nikon’s compact DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens. Use it to make photography fun by increasing the depth of field of view. and better low-light photography performance And we recommend the DX 24mm f/1.7 Prime Lens, a compact prime lens you might want to keep on your Z30 at all times.
The Most Versatile Camera for Travel: Sony RX100VII
Sony’s RX100 series remains one of the most versatile ultracompact cameras around. The RX100VII still has the features we’ve praised it for. Both pro-level real-time autofocus for reliable automatic eye/face focus on people and animals; Electronic photography with almost no distortion of moving objects Silent shooting mode and fast shutter speeds for bright conditions
But the RX100VII’s 24-200mm equivalent zoom lens still isn’t as bright as we’d like. but covers a wide range Our photographic engineers continue to consider the RX100 series cameras as options for when choosing a camera to be stranded on a “deserted island”.
note: in the next version We’d love to see a USB-C connector for in-camera charging and image transfer, however a model that uses Sony’s current menu system, which is more intuitive and supports touch screen controls, would be an improvement. too
About TOM O’BRIEN and ERIC FLYNN
REBECCA HALE photo
