Functionally and convenience together are what we look for in good cameras while on a trek. Nonetheless, we go for the best hiking cameras to capture every moment while on the trip. Usually, a DSLR camera or drone is used for hiking or mountaineering photography. There are plenty of options for cameras to take hiking pictures, but it is better to go for one device to cover it all single-handedly.
In this article, you will find top-rated cameras for hiking along with the basic guidelines for what to look into while getting the best outdoor cameras. There are plenty of camera options out in the market. These cameras have diverse features that could perplex you with which to choose at the best price. In this article, we have prepared a list of top cameras to make your decision easy. Let’s get to know about the types first.
In addition to this, we have also reviewed the best camera straps for hiking, best hiking watches, hiking sunglasses, solar chargers for recharging, the best binoculars for hiking, and the best headlamps to cover all hiking and backpacking needs.
Best Overall Hiking Camera
1. Nikon D3500
- Item weight:0.86 lbs.
- Screen size: 3 inches
- Shooting Speed:5 frames every second
- ISO Range: 100-25600
- Resolution: 24.7 megapixel
- Focus type: automatic
- Video Resolution: 1080 p
Nikon D3500 is the best camera for hiking overall due to its price and remarkable features. It gives a true artistic expression of reality due to the quality of its sensors. Nikon D3500’s quality is better than the older D3400. Also, it is beginner friendly due to its simple interface. Hence it is very easy to use. It is compact and lightweight outdoor gear.
Further, Nikon D3500 has a considerably long battery life. It can shoot all weekend on a single charge. The camera sensor has exceptional imaging quality. It has an image sensor of 15X. Another remarkable aspect of it is its low light features. And a lot of people find this no-flash picture feature excellent. Indeed, its low-light photography may not give the brilliant colors the eyes see. But with a super quick tune-up with the camera raw filter photoshop, it easily amends that. Besides, it provides a good amount of zoom without being bulky.
Downside folks with larger hands find it difficult as the controls are completely on the camera’s right side. But it has an advantageous grip to change the setting with one hand. Moreover, the display is fixed, so it won’t rotate. And If you want to change the ISO in a rush while photographing wildlife, it would be a bit stressful as it’s devoid of the ISO dial or a combo of button presses. So, you will have to physically move and emit light from the screen to fiddle with ISO settings. But overall, this is the best option for quality photography without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Excellent lens kit
- Guide mode
- User-friendly feature
Cons
- No weather resistant sealing
Best Mirrorless Option
2. Sony a7 III ILCE7M3
- Video Resolution:2160p
- Screen Size:3 inches
- Resolution:24.3 mp
- Item weight:1.44 lbs.
- ISO 50 to 204800
- Focus: CMOS Sensor
Sony a7 III ILCE7M3 is a full-frame mirrorless camera with quality lenses. Its body is small and easy to handle. It has various exclusive features, such as a built-in self-timer, dual cord recording, and dual writing ability. It also has HLG color space and a bright and beautiful monitor. This buddy also has focus peaking, customizable buttons, and uncompressed RAW photo capability.
It also possesses a large buffer depending on card size and great autofocus with eye AF and face tracking. So, it’s a dynamic range, and how far you can pull the files is fantastic. Plus, it has a convenient headphone jack for monitoring external audio, which is important if you are running a wireless mike. Another handy feature is the silent shutter mode, which is optimal for film set photography.
However, face tracking is absent while using an external recorder and recording in camera. Further, it only has 1 UHS-II slot. AF does not always work in fast movement or high frame rate situations. The camera’s back screen doesn’t flip out but tilts up. And, It does have some good-quality lenses, but they are costly. Another minor problem is the mirrorless sensor which gets dirty pretty quickly.
Furthermore, it’s not reliable for filming anything longer than 30 mins. Sometimes, it could be pushed to an hour but unreliable enough. And this problem is initiated due to auto shutting. Which occurs if the device gets overheated. Also, it needs a lot of configuration. Need to spend time on making ‘My Menu.’ Regardless of these drawbacks, it’s great for stills and videos. And a prime option for hybrid shooters.
Pros
- Light in weight
- Professional grade photo
Cons
- lacks a few capabilities like 4K video
- burst shooting at a meagre 5fps.
Best DSLR Option
3. Nikon D850
- ISO64- 32
- Focus: Autofocus
- Screen Size: 3 inches
- Resolution: 45.7MP
- Video Resolution: 1080p
- Item Weight: 2.02 lbs.
Nikon DLSR D850 is another camera from Nikon on our top list due to its fantastic 46MP BSI CMOS sensor. This is a photographic beast. Powerful on its own. It’s well-designed. But this camera is a bit heavier, and it’s not suitable for ultralight backpackers. You can even take photos during rain due to its waterproofing ability. And for the extra seal, it has no built-in pop-up flash. Also, it’s easy to see in bright and even in low light due to its impressive autofocus capabilities.
Moreover, it embodies incredible focus speed and excellently placed controls, making it remarkably ergonomic and ultimately giving a high-standard touch to the camera. If you love to do astrophotography on your camping trips, then this has handy illuminated buttons for you. Furthermore, it has two slots: one SD slot and one XQD slot. The screen is large, bright, and of excellent resolution. Plus, this pictorial crafter captures very precise details. Its Live view is also incredible. It also has a silent, live-view mode, so there is no need to use its mechanical shutter.
It allows you to create an 8K timelapse using the interval mode. It appears to be the best when it comes to video shooting. But autofocus on video shooting is not good, but this does not impact the video quality.
Nikon D850 has a whopping 45.7 megapixels. And another plus feature is the RAW files. They are huge, so you have plenty of storage space. And, now, its updated version has an easy to use on and off WIFI system. It has a complicated menu that could be better for beginners though it’s pricey, yet an incredible piece of tech.
Pros
- Great dynamic range
- Quick startup
- Great battery life
- Focus stacking
- Class-leading situation
Cons
- 30 minutes video clip limit
- Optical viewfinder
- Do not support 4k
4. Canon EOS Rebel T7
- Item Weight: 7.45 lbs.
- Screen size: 3.0 inches
- Resolution:24.1MP
- Video Resolution:1080p
- Focus:Manual and auto
- IOS 100-6400
Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR camera comes with all the required kits. The kit has everything you need to get into photography. It has a 24-megapixel sensor which offers picturesque quality. So, you will get pretty detailed photos. Plus, the screen shows you exactly what your picture is capturing. This camera has a UV, CPL, and FLD filter, which work fairly well. You can even use this to record social media content.
Moreover, it comes with a perfect lens to start with. This gadget comes with two long-lasting batteries and well-functioning SD cards. Although the video quality is not 4K, it does high-definition video captures. It has pretty good macro lens extensions. Also, the transferring function using its card is fast and easy. Lastly, it has a well-textured grip for high-definition safety.
However, the camera’s pop-up flash does not work well. It only functions on a good note if your subject is within 15 feet. Hence, you may have to purchase an external flash for extra light. The accessory package is not of good quality. It’s large and heavy.
Further, there is no input for the external mike. No articulating touchscreen. No manual features. Also, Rebel T7’s carry bag won’t be the best fit if you are a camper or hiker. Although cumbersome, the bag doesn’t fit well in hiking backpacks. Also, its tripod is unstable. The lens hood is difficult to screw on, and this camera doesn’t have Bluetooth.
Overall, this will be the best fit for you if you have recently stepped into photography. This camera is going to take beautiful shots.
Pros
- Built-in wifi and NFC connectivity
- Full video coverage recording
- Huge array
- 9 points auto-focusing
Cons
- Limited auto focusing
- No 4K
- Shooting speed is limited
Best Budget Camera
5. Sony Alpha a6400
- Item Weight 1.43lbs
- Resolution: 24.2 MP
- ISO100-102400
- Video Resolution4K
- Focus:Fast touch focus
If you are looking for a budget-friendly camping camera to minimize the risk and liabilities of carrying an expensive gadget for regular projects, then this is for you. This camera has interchangeable lenses with an acceptable size for taking it on your hiking journeys. Moreover, it has incredible image autofocus. No matter how much you reposition, autofocus works with great exception. This travel-friendly gadget delivers impressive results. And works impressively in low light. A standout feature is that it has no heating issues.
Furthermore, it possesses good sound recording quality. Although the internal mikes are mediocre, the shotgun mic and audio are excellent. It also has a customized menu system. Another wow factor is the digital zoom-in while focusing. This allows viewing the page zoomed in to get the focus perfect. Sony Alpha a6400 is one of the few buddies that does eye AF for humans and animals.
The flip side is that it’s devoid of a full frame. However, understanding using a 1.5 crop factor will give an entire frame look. Another flaw is its body. It’s difficult to take steady video without a gimbal or tripod. Also, the battery’s functioning is poor that does not last long. Although it has faster autofocus, it isn’t compatible with video.
Additionally, the camera cannot output 264 videos over USB or WIFI. The big zoom does use up the battery. Lastly, it shoots only one format video. Sony Alpha a6400’s color science is cool and a leading choice for campers and hikers.
Pros
- Superior image quality
- Great size
- Proper weather sealing
Cons
- No body stabilization
Best Beginner Friendly
6. Panasonic LUMIX FZ300
- Screen Size: 3 inches
- Resolution: 12.1 mp
- Video resolution: 2160p
- Focus: Autofocus
- IOS Not available
Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 is a beginner-friendly backup camera for jobs or a lightweight hiking camera for scenery. It’s the finest for landscape photography, capturing 4k images and movies at 30 frames per sec. It has four distinct photo modes, 4K burst, BK burst S/S, play and pause in the video, and 4K pre-burst.
Additionally, It also has a freeze animal motion mode. Easy to use in auto mode. You can set it to full auto exposure, manual, aperture priority, or shutter priority. Also, if you hold the shutter mode down, the burst mode will keep clicking pictures. Then, it has an auto braslet mode. This clicks a picture, automatically taking two more, one with a slightly darker exposure and one slightly lighter. Also, it has a handy Cute-Fluff, so you can set it, so the image shows up on the LCD panel in the viewfinder, or you can use the LCD panel but then automatically switch to the viewfinder when you have your eye up to it. A standout attribute is its autofocus, which keeps a moving object in focus in manual focus.
Furthermore, its shutter speed ranges from open until you release the button to 1/4000 of a sec. Plus, the shutter speeds can be faster if you use the electronic shutter. However, the mixed mode opens the shutter electronically and closes it mechanically.
This versatile camera allows you to take pictures in sepia tones, with high contrast and soft focus. Common options are quickly reached from a few main buttons, like ISO speed, white balance, and focus mode. There is a quick, customizable menu, so if you routinely use some features, you can set it to be reached fairly easily without having to scroll through all menus. Also, its touch screen is a wow. It’s a great buddy for camping with an excellent grip. Additionally, the microphone port allows for adding an external mike. Hence, you don’t have to worry about windy camping.
However, this is no swapping of lenses as it’s got a zoom lens that is permanently attached. Further, its ability to give a shallow depth of field is limited. And, if you like taking portraits with a blurred background, you may need help achieving this. Besides, high ISO performance is weak. Although it has eight apertures to meet the required quality in low light when shooting, its extra light pictures are better. Although it has weather stealing which can be used in inclement weather, it’s not waterproof.
Pros
- All weather build
- Fast burst shooting
- 24x zoom lens
- Quick focus
- 4k video
Cons
- Costly
- Large sensor
Best All-Purpose Option
7. Fujifilm X-T30
- Item weight3.5lbs
- Resolution: 26.1 MP
- ISO160-12800
- Focus: Face Detection
Fujifilm X-T30 is the best all-purpose camera. It has a four-image sensor, and The X-T30 has a quad-core processor, so it can easily handle video tasks. This fast processor leaves no room for lags. Consequently, it makes the overall interface feel snappy and consistently quick. The X-T30’s still image quality, video quality, ease of use, and good portability add to a winning combination. Albeit too thick for some pockets, it has great portability. Which means it’s still a convenient option for camping.
Super-fast, accurate, predictive autofocusing makes it eminent for sports photography. Besides, it has manual controls readily available at your fingertips that bring back the joy of photography. Then comes the great upgrade. The much-discussed Q-button placement is now directly under your right thumb. Moreover, it offers simultaneous still shooting, up to 30 FPS or 20 FPS, with no crop. Fuji has embraced a great feature that we usually find in pricy cameras.
Although this gadget offers continuous and still shooting, up to 30 FPS or 20 FPS with no crop, the image buffer is on the small side. The 20 FPS mode sometimes can’t be used for over a second. Also, it does not give off a good sound from the external mike (2.5mm mic jack), so you may have to buy an adapter. There is no battery grip option, which means it will be annoying. Besides, the size and weight of this camera would be perfect for blogging, but you can’t see yourself because the screen only tilts and never flips up to face the front. Lastly, Battery life is barely adequate.
Pros
- Big sensor
- Nice lens
Cons
- Expensive
- No in-body stabilization
Best Point And Shoot Option
8. OLYMPUS Tough TG-6
- Item weight: 253g
- Resolution12MP
- Screen Size3.0 inch
OLYMPUS Tough TG-6 is the most realistic point and shoot camera with advanced functions. It easily fits into the pocket without looking bulky, so it’s also good for backpacking. It is the best and most updated replacement for phone photography. OLYMPUS Tough TG-6 possesses decent picture quality in daylight and outstanding picture quality at night, way beyond what any phone can do.
It also has decent optical zoom, though only a little bit of it. It’s also beginner friendly and smoothly operates. It starts quickly and is ready to go in about one second from pressing the power button. Besides, it takes RAW photos. It even has a well-functioning manual focus. And the super-macro setting is also very impressive. It has way better Micro USB charging than the old model’s proprietary connector.
Another handy feature that makes it prime camping gear is its impressive waterproofing. This is a true underwater camera unless you’re a scuba diver. You can take it swimming with you. However, it has a mediocre image processor. Its JPEGs are extremely crunchy, but RAW can fix this problem. Also, the scene mode filters are not efficient. You can’t capture RAWs when using them, and it only saves 3-MP photos despite this being a 12-MP camera.
Furthermore, it has recording limits. You can only record up to 29 minutes. This is not the best video recorder. Overall, it is a decent camera for backpacking.
Pros
- Tough
- Shockproof
- waterproof
- Optical lens
Cons
- 12mp resolution
- No complete manual control
Best For Backpacking
9. Canon PowerShot Digital Camera
- Screen Size3 inches
- Item weight1.0 lbs
- Resolution20.9 mega pixels
- Video resolution1080p
- Focus Autofocus
- IOS Not Available
This is another great camera for replacing your phone and a bulky DSLR. It undoubtedly gives a little bulgy look in the pocket, but It’s very friendly. If you are someone who tends to drop things a lot, then this is your savior. It’s easy to handle, light, and very sturdy. This capturing gadget comprises 13.8mm f/5.7 and 55.5mm f/6.2 lenses, with an estimated crop ratio of 7.25x, resulting in full-frame equivalent optical focal lengths of 100mm and 400mm. Worth mentioning Canon Power Shot clicks beautiful, bright, and crisp photos. Its touch screen works great, and the touch-to-focus is awesome and quick.
Moreover, this is a real control set having a splendid grip. Its design is also very elegant and versatile. Then it has an adequately nice flip flash. This means it’s easy to bounce in smaller spaces, which is best for backpacking. Also, it has a classical menu. This friendly gadget is equipped with Micro USB, although not that fast. Furthermore, it’s super fast in capturing moments that flash by. So you won’t miss the shot. It’s quick, buddy! And it’s a holy grail for night photography.
Talking about its downside, it can’t do a 4k video. Although it has amazing video quality, the lack of 4k drags it in most situations.
It does not have the best zoom. Although it can be touched to focus on particular objects, it can’t do the best job. It has no GPS or a built-in compass.
There is no set to shoot RAW + JPEG. Lastly, a backup battery is recommended, as durability is not the best. Overall, this is a quality camera that can take really good clicks, but not without some knowledge of photography and post-processing.
Pros
- 8x optical Zoom lens
- Great image quality
- Tilting screen
- Built-in wifi mobile companion
Cons
- Low battery
- No long connection of wifi
Best For Travelling
10. GoPro Hero9
- Resolution20MP
- Item weight: 5.6oz
- Capturing mode:4, 240 frames/ sec
- IOS Uses APP
- Battery:Rechargeable
- Focus N/A
GoPro Hero9 is the best lightweight camera for hiking on rocky journeys. It is an ideal option for outdoor photography. It’s also very suitable for bike riding photography. Although it has no optical zoom, you can attach it to your helmet and have the best footage at 100 Mbps or live stream at 1080p.
Also, it is convenient for still photography. GoPro Hero9’s sensor is a 1-inch 12mp sensor with a wide-angle lens that opens at f/2.8. It is completely automated but allows you to change IS0, shutter speed, and the type of picture you must capture; RAW or JPEG. Besides, you can click great underwater pictures. It’s a Great camera operating in 50-degree weather.
Although quality footage, it seems to not operate in more cold temperatures. The camera just shuts off if cold, like 20-30º F. It also turns on itself unless it is disconnected from WiFi and the Go Pro App. Overall, it is highly portable.
Pros
- Useful front facing screen
- Stable connection to a phone
- Large rear display
Cons
- Sometimes it have unresponsive touch
- No 4K/120p mode
- Buggy voice control
Comparison Table
| Product | Resolution | ISO Range | Focus |
| Nikon D3500 | 24.7 MP | 100-25600 | Auto-Focus |
| Sony a7 III | 24.3 MP | 50 -204800 | CMOS Sensor |
| Nikon D850 | 45.7 MP | 64 – 32 | Auto-Focus |
| Canon EOS Rebel T7 | 24.1 MP | 100-6400 | Manual and Auto |
| Sony Alpha a6400 | 24.2 MP | 100-102400 | Fast Touch Focus |
| Panasonic Lumix FZ300 | 12.1MP | N/A | Auto-Focus |
| Fujifilm X-T30 | 26.1MP | 160-12800 | Face Detection |
| Olympus Tough TG-6 | 12 MP | N/A | N/A |
| Canon Powershot | 20.9 MP | N/A | Auto-Focus |
| GoPro Hero9 | 20 MP | Uses App | N/A |
How To Choose Hiking Camera: Buying Guide
Types of Cameras for Hiking
There are a variety of cheap cameras for photography but knowing which one would meet your need is important. The types of good camera include
- Compact Cameras
- DSLR
- Medium format cameras
- Traditional cameras
- 360 cameras
- Mirrorless Cameras
- Action Cameras
Compact cameras
Compact cameras are mainly going to cameras for hikers and backpackers due to their size and weight. This type is conventionally also known as point-and-shoot-camera. This name is given because of its easy operational design—for example, a firm grip and some automated features. Hence, with prior photography knowledge, capturing mesmerizing moments with compact cameras is straightforward.
Customarily, these cameras possess a fixed lens and a small sensor. This fixation intends that they may not be better than DSLRs or mirrorless cameras in terms of quality or versatility.
Compact cameras are popular with casual photographers who want a simple and convenient way to capture memories or take snapshots while traveling. Talking about their popular features, built-in flash, Wi-Fi, connectivity, and easy navigational touchscreens make them preferable. Some models also offer manual controls for advanced users who want greater creative control over their images.
DSLR
DSLR stands for Digital Single-Lens Reflex. This design, through the lens, allows the photographers to see what they are capturing. In this way, they can adjust focus, exposure, and framing further. This camera type endorses photographers to choose from various lenses to suit different shooting situations and creative preferences. These interchangeable lenses could be either wide-angle lenses or telephoto lenses. The former lens is great for landscapes and architecture, while the latter is ideal for wildlife and sports photography.
DSLRs are known for their excellent image quality, versatility, and control over the photographic process. DSLRs can also shoot in RAW format, which captures more detail and allows for greater flexibility in post-processing. Such cameras don’t have settings. Instead, they have manual control like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
Because of their weight, these cameras are pointless for hiking and other outdoor activities. On the other hand, in some situations or for some photographers, this weight is a bonus as they allow better handling of lenses due to their stable and sturdy platform. These are best for shooting.
Mirrorless cameras
Mirrorless cameras are alternatives to DSLR i.e. they are light in weight and more compact in size. Such cameras do not have a mirror for light reflection to the sensor, instead, the light goes straight to the sensor.
Action Camera
As the name reflects, they are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and accidental drops. Action Cameras are best for hand-free footage because they can be mounted on helmets, bicycles, surfboards, or other equipment. They own features like durability, waterproofing, and shock proofing. Their best feature is advanced image stabilization to ensure smooth footage even in shacky environments.
It is the best option for hikers who are mounting and recording. Moreover, they feature wide-angle lenses. GoPro is among the most popular brands, becoming synonymous with this category. GoPro is popular for being highly portable and having image and high-quality video capabilities. They even possess an exquisite and rugged design.
Action cameras customarily offer advanced features like high-speed burst shooting, slow-motion recording, and time-lapse photography. This enables users to transfer files with much less time. And also control the camera using a smartphone or tablet. Overall, whoever needs a camera for sports or outdoor photography will benefit greatly from its versatility and durable design.
360 Cameras
Just like action cameras, they are weather-resistant and they are capable of capturing 360 degrees footage by using the back to back lenses. These could definitely be the best action camera for hiking as they are good for adventure videography as well as photography.
Medium format camera
Medium format cameras are a type of camera that uses larger film or digital sensors than traditional 35mm cameras. They typically use film sizes larger than 35mm, such as 120mm or 220mm film. They may even use digital sensors larger than full-frame sensors used in DSLR or mirrorless cameras.
These cameras are best for Images that require a professional touch, like commercial, portrait, fine art photography, high-end fashion, and product photography. Such images require high-resolution images with great detail, dynamic range, and tonal gradation. Medium format cameras have a variety of formats. For instance, square, rectangular, and panoramic. These gadgets also offer interchangeable lenses for greater creative control over depth of field and perspective.
Besides, they also possess other features like electronic shutters, advanced autofocus systems, and built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for easy file transfer and remote control. Those photographers who make large prints can profoundly find it useful because of medium format cameras’ ability to provide excellent detail and sharpness. However, they can be expensive, heavy, and bulky, making them less practical for everyday or casual photography.
Traditional cameras
These are the older version of cameras that require film (reel) which restrains the photography and involves developing them later. Though it is an older version indeed it is the nostalgic one.
Weather Proof
Waterproof cameras are excellently sealed to withstand exposure to water, dust, and other environmental factors. Specific attributes like sealed compartments for memory cards and battery compartments, rubber gaskets to prevent water from entering the camera body, and reinforced ports and controls to prevent water from seeping in. Hence, empowering such cameras to be water resistant.
However, there are always limits to the level of water resistivity. For example, the camera may not withstand prolonged exposure to water or exposure to water at high pressure or depth. For this reason, it is important to acknowledge the manufacturer’s instructions regarding water resistance. These details will help ensure the camera’s safety and choose the best waterproof camera according to your needs.
Focal Length
For the best cameras for outdoors, along with the lens, the camera itself is important. Cameras whether dslr or mirrorless with 18-55mm kit would not be a good idea. You must go for the kit with a wide angle lens and a prime, quality zoom camera performance.
As most of the pictures as landscape variety, the optimal focal length range might be 16mm to 24mm.
Lens Selection
While getting a camera for hiking, if you are going for point and shoot, try to keep an eye on the zoom range with 24mm wide end and narrower. Nonetheless, it would not bw on the optimal for the photography for landscape.
In case you are buying a mirrorless camera or DSLR try to find 35mm lens or equivalent as many of them that are APS-C variety offers 18-55 mm kit lens which is equal to 27-82.5mm.
Weight
The weight feature in cameras refers to the physical weight of the camera body and any attached accessories, such as lenses, batteries, and external flashes.
Size and type of camera: For hiking, durable, compact cameras are the most suitable option. For hiking, mirrorless cameras are the best. Besides, you can easily stuff a small camera into your pocket. Some cameras in my pocket don’t even look bulky.
Material: Camera bodies are typically made from metal or plastic, with metal bodies being more durable and heavier. Lenses can also vary in weight depending on their construction and the materials used.
Accessories: External flashes, battery grips, and tripod mounts can add extra weight to your camera setup.
Summary
Having a recreational trip or love for traveling, we all want to get the most out of it and cherish the memories and natural sceneries. Moments fly and can’t be reminded. We should strive for the best-capturing gadgets that are affordable. This guide has assembled a list of the best hiking and other expensive options.
However, don’t forget to carry one of the best camera straps for hiking beside the camera for easy photography on the trail.