15 Best Cameras for Hiking and Backpacking: Built for Ruggedness
/Photographing the world around us has become second nature, especially since cameras are so accessible nowadays (including the ones on our smartphones).
Whether it’s to post something on social media or simply to remember precious moments, a digital camera these days are not merely for those fancy frills.
For me, it’s the moments, portraits, stars and just being able to catch a glimpse of humanity and peek into their universe that really makes me want to choose a camera as opposed to my smartphone cam!
There’s nothing like seeing breathtaking views after a long hike. However, it can be difficult to lug around a piece of equipment that may be susceptible to the elements.
Aside from that, bigger cameras take up a lot of space in a backpack, which can be quite cumbersome for any hiker or backpacker.
Fortunately, there are thousands of great options on the market today. Here are 15 of the best cameras for hiking and backpacking that you can bring on your trips.
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Choosing a Hiking/Backpacking Camera
here are the best backpacking and hiking cameras - shot taken with sony a-series in ladakh, india
Before moving onto the list itself, I think it’s important to discuss how to choose a decent backpacking camera.
The two main factors you should consider when choosing a camera are weight and size.
Apart from this, the kind of backpacking you do will also influence your decision. If you’re mostly doing hiking, then investing in a waterproof camera would be best, whereas price might be a more important aspect if you’re backpacking on a budget.
Many experienced hikers and backpackers choose cameras with weather sealing. While there isn’t a universal standard for this, it generally means that the joints and buttons of the camera body are covered and sealed using rubber to prevent dust and moisture from harming the internal components of the device.
Even then, I don’t recommend shooting during a downpour since water will eventually seep through. It is quite useful for hikes that involve light to moderate precipitation, though.
Focal Lengths for Hiking
For outdoor photography, the lens is just as important as the camera body itself. If you expect professional quality landscape photos, then buying a DSLR or a mirrorless camera with a kit lens (18-55 mm) won’t be enough.
Invest in wide-angle, zoom lenses or prime lens instead. More experienced photographers also use prime lenses that perform on the wide end.
All that said, let’s move on to the cameras themselves.
1. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
Mirrorless cameras are great because they’re lighter and more compact than their DSLR counterparts.
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III, while kind of a mouthful, is a great model to bring along on your hiking trips. It’s able to blend several shots together to produce a high-resolution image.
It can also shoot at 30 frames per second using the Pro Capture mode, which starts a burst before the shutter button is fully depressed.
Another great feature of this camera is that it is weather-sealed, so you can use it in wet conditions. I also like that it’s light enough to carry around for extended periods.
You can also use different lenses with the body to give your photos more variety.
The only real drawback here is its battery life, so just be aware of that when bringing this camera on longer hikes or overnight camping trips. It’s better to be prepared with a power bank just in case.
Pros
Lightweight
Weatherproof
Good stabilization feature
Multiple shooting modes
Cons
Below-average battery life
2. Sony RX100 VII
Most hikers find that they need a camera with speedy performance, and the Sony RX100 VII delivers just that.
It has a BIONZ X processor and 20.1-megapixel sensor that produces superior image quality with speed. It also has a quick autofocus feature that allows you to take pictures quickly on the trail.
Another thing I quite like about this camera is that it works well in different lighting conditions. This is especially useful in different weather conditions and overnight trips since you may be dealing with a little bit of lowlight.
Apart from these features, the Sony RX100 VII is compact and easy to use. It has a deep, comfortable grip that secures the camera in your hand while climbing even the most difficult steps and trails.
Pros
ISO sensitivity up to 12800
Fast hybrid autofocus feature
Good image stabilization
Cons
Limited touch functions
Also Read: The Best Sony Mirrorless Camera for Travelers: Ultimate Camera Adventure Kit
3. Canon PowerShot Elph 180 IS
Sometimes all you need is a basic point-and-shoot camera that doesn’t cost too much but will deliver decent results.
The Canon PowerShot Elph 180 IS is a great option because it comes with 8x optical zoom, good image stabilization, and a 20-megapixel sensor.
If you’re choosy about video quality, then it’s worth noting that this camera only comes with 720p video. It’s not bad considering the price point and if you aren’t too particular about having the highest available video quality.
The main downsides for this camera are the limited battery life, which only lasts for 220 shots, and the lack of weather sealing.
I’d recommend getting a waterproof compact camera bag for it and to exercise caution when using it during hiking or camping trips with a lot of rain. And as with all gadgets on these trips, it’s best to bring a spare battery or a charger.
Pros
Image stabilization
Face detection focusing
High-resolution sensor
Light body (only 126 grams)
Cons
No full HD video
No built-in viewfinder
Battery life
4. GoPro Hero 10
Depending on where you’re hiking or backpacking, you may need more than just a regular camera.
Action cameras are great for trips that involve a lot of movement, whether you’re climbing, jumping, sliding, or even spelunking. The GoPro Hero 10 is great because it’s so sturdy and can be used practically anywhere.
The Hero 10 produces 5.3K video, has a front-facing screen, and excellent image stabilization for shooting videos as you move around.
Video is really this camera’s best feature, especially underwater where it remains waterproof up to 10 meters and even further if you have a protective case. There are many accessories you can attach to the GoPro such as helmets, harnesses, floatation devices, and more.
I’d definitely go for the Hero 10 for action-packed trips, but if you’re on a budget, you can also get an earlier similar model like the Hero 9 for a cheaper price.
Pros
Extremely sturdy
Shockproof and waterproof
Small
Great for action videos
Cons
Photo quality isn’t as good as other cameras with more lenses
5. Panasonic Lumix ZS70
The Panasonic Lumix ZS70 is great if you want to capture objects that are super far away since it has a 30x optical zoom feature.
The lens is also stabilized to help reduce blur that may result from small hand movements.
What I like about this camera is that is has a touchscreen tilting LCD as well as an electronic viewfinder, which is not very common for cameras at this price point!
This made it easier for me to compose images in bright sunlight. Apart from that, you also get built-in WiFi, support for 4k video, and a decent battery life, at least for a compact camera.
The main drawback to all these features is that the camera is a little bit heavier than other models. It also has no weather sealing. Despite this, I still think it’s a great option for a hiking or backpacking camera.
Pros
Fast autofocus and shutter release
Good wide-angle range
Wireless function
Cons
Loss of detail above ISO 800
Heat generation
6. DJI Pocket 2
If you’re looking for other alternatives to the GoPro, then the DJI Pocket 2 is a great one to consider.
Its camera sensor captures images using both 64-megapixel and 16-megapixel modes while videos come in 4K resolutions.
One of the surprising things I found in this camera is the audio quality. It’s surprisingly good for a tiny camera, thanks to the DJI Matrix Stereo technology used to develop its speakers.
Like the GoPro, this tiny camera is perfect for those who are especially active during hiking and backpacking trips.
You can do time lapses, and hyper-lapses too, which is really nice if you want to show off the landscape. You can also seamlessly use its WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity with your smartphone. It’s important to note, however, that the camera isn’t waterproof unless used with a waterproof case.
Pros
Touch screen options are responsive and easy to use
Good stabilization
Lightweight and portable
Great audio quality
Cons
Difficult to get the camera out of its hard case
Built-in battery makes it difficult to replace when needed
Small screen
7. Nikon D3000
Some people want the benefits of a DSLR but are not sure where to begin. And I get it.
There’s a lot to learn when it comes to these cameras, and they certainly aren’t for everybody. But if you want superior image quality on your hikes, then I would recommend models like the Nikon D3000, which is a terrific beginner’s DSLR.
The D3000 line from Nikon boasts some of the best beginner DSLRs on the market. This is in terms of image quality, easy of use, control, and value for money.
Depending on your preferences, you can even get away with using its 18-55mm kit lens since it’s one of the best around, even if you don’t upgrade immediately.
This is perfect for those learning the ropes of photography while out on the trails. Just remember that this isn’t weather-sealed, so prepare accordingly if you decide to purchase it.
Pros
Great value for money
Good kit lens
Very useful guide modes
Cons
Isn’t weather sealed
8. Sony a6400
Some photography beginners going out on hikes may want a camera that is easy to use and yet delivers professional results.
This is what you get from the Sony a6400. It’s a lightweight camera that’s perfect to take on a backpacking trip because of the image quality, portability, and convenience.
One noteworthy feature this camera has is that it performs spectacularly well in low-light conditions. This means that campers who are spending a night out under the stars can capture some pretty awesome images despite it being dark.
Another thing I like about this camera is that it has a wide range of lenses available. If you’re just starting out, try the Tamron 17-70mm lens F2.8 lens. It has a decent level of zoom for some close-up shots and a low enough aperture to capture images in low light.
Last but not least, the Sony a6400 is weather-sealed! This sturdy camera is designed to be protected from water and dust, with great battery life to boot.
Pros
Sturdy design
Performs well in low light conditions
Weather-sealed
Easy to use
Cons
Doesn’t have much image stabilization (additional need for stabilized lenses)
9. Olympus Tough TG-6
There are some hiking and backpacking situations that will require a camera that is as tough as nails. For this, you can’t go wrong with the Olympus Tough TG-6.
This waterproof wonder isn’t just weather-sealed for water and dust resistance. Those who want to submerge their cameras completely can do so with this model.
Apart from this feature, it also has a high-quality zoom lens that covers a range of 25-100mm, which gives you impressive shooting flexibility.
Image quality is also decent, and the camera has some useful modes such as the macro-oriented Microscope Mode for different shooting needs.
The name of this camera says it all. It is not only waterproof but also shockproof, crushproof, and freezeproof.
If you wanted to, you could drop it in the snow during the dead of winter and it would survive.
Pros
Remarkable toughness
25-100mm zoom lens
Various modes available
Cons
No manual mode
Only 12 megapixels
10. Insta360 Go 2
Another mini camera on this list that is great for hiking is the Insta360 Go 2. This wearable camera is excellent for creating time-lapses and video clips of your time on the trail, similar to the GoPro and the DJI Pocket 2.
Weighing just 27 grams, this wearable camera is light enough to be clipped onto a strap or a shirt.
You can easily forget about it and go on with your hike as usual. While it might not produce 4K video, you can still get great-looking 2K with impressive stabilization. You also get a tripod that makes it easier to use the camera with a selfie stick for better shots.
Pros
Very lightweight
Easy to mount
Decent 2K resolution
Cons
Only offers 9-megapixel stills
Battery life is not the best
11. Sigma fp
If you want a camera that offers the best of both worlds, then look no further than the Sigma fp, which offers a full-frame sensor in a lightweight body.
I personally love the design of this camera. You get a pocket-sized, boxy, almost brutalist-looking design.
It’s almost hard to believe that it houses a full-frame camera. And yet, the terrific design is able to pack that functionality into a compact model, allowing hikers and backpackers to shoot with a good-sized sensor.
Having a full-frame camera at your disposal is extremely valuable since it produces photos with more dynamic range and under different lighting conditions.
Simply put, you can capture more detail in highlights and shadows are not as noisy. The L-mount on this camera also allows you to use lots of excellent Leica lenses, which are some of the best on the market.
Pros
Great compact design
Full-frame sensor
Cons
Autofocus can be unreliable
Only one SD card slot
12. Fuji XT-30
Another DSLR that you could bring along on your hikes is the Fuji XT-30.
It’s lightweight for a DSLR and takes good photos even on automatic mode. You can also capture sunrises and sunsets beautifully with this model, so it’s worth checking out for camping trips and the like.
This is suitable for those looking to go beyond the basic point-and-shoot style for their hiking trips. You just need to learn how to adjust the aperture and other settings to get the hang of it.
The transition to using this DSLR is fairly easy since it has an expansive user manual and many YouTube tutorials available online.
Not to mention that it comes at a very reasonable price point, so hikers wanting a decent camera won’t be disappointed to bring this out on the trail
Pros
Excellent image quality
Sturdy body
Lightweight
Cons
Lacks image stabilisation
Below-average battery life
13. Ricoh GR III
The Ricoh GR III is one of the lightest cameras you’ll find on the market with a large sensor.
And as we’ve discussed in some of the previous items, sensor size is important for the quality of images you’ll be taking.
This camera produces some of the sharpest, most detailed pictures I’ve seen, even compared to DSLRs. It also has good image stabilization and performs well in low-light conditions.
That being said, it has one major drawback: it lacks a zoom lens. You get a fixed 28mm lens instead. You can always crop your hiking photos into your desired frame since the image resolution is so sharp, but not everybody will want to put in that effort.
If you want super sharp images in a light camera body for your hiking and backpacking adventures, then this is the one to get.
Pros
Sleek and stealthy appearance
High-resolution sensor and superb image quality
Has snap focus mode for zone shooting
Cons
Poor battery life
14. Sony ZV-1
If you’re someone who enjoys vlogging while hiking, then the Sony ZV-1 is your perfect camera.
Not only do you get vibrant photos with this camera, but the slow-motion on videos looks superb.
The features of this camera for hiking are exquisitely sharp. This is best for encounters such as waterfalls, which look breathtaking when captured in slow-motion.
The colour tones are also beautiful on the ZV-1. If you’re holding the camera and facing it, then you’ll get the most beautiful and natural skin tones.
All in all, if you’re someone who is interested in capturing both video and stills without carrying around two cameras, then the ZV-1 has plenty to offer, especially on hiking and backpacking trips.
Pros
Large image sensor
Fast autofocus
Sharp images and great skin tones
Cons
Limited physical controls
No built-in viewfinder
15. Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III
Sometimes nothing captures a breathtaking landscape better than a panorama. The Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III’s 20.1-megapixel sensor does just that and delivers super results.
This compact point-and-shoot is another camera that is suitable for vlogging. I find that it captures good quality shots that are mostly noise-free, so you can rely on it to produce clean images. You can also use this model to live stream directly to YouTube, though I haven’t personally tested this feature.
The touch-sensitive screen makes the camera easy to use as it gets bright enough to see under direct sunlight.
You can also flip it upwards to face you when the camera is pointed at you.
It also provides beautiful depth of field that allows your subject to shine. You can get beautifully detailed photos with a great ambience, even when shot in low light, which is especially important when heading to hiking or backpacking destinations.
Pros
Comes with wide-angle zoom in a compact body
Large image sensor for excellent image quality
Has a tilt-up screen for selfies and low-angle shooting
Cons
Heating issues
Poor battery life
The Bottom Line
As an old saying in photography goes, “The best camera is the one that you have with you.”
Choosing a camera for hiking can be overwhelming, even with this list that I’ve narrowed down for you. My biggest tip would be to choose something that will be accessible.
If you’re a beginner looking to take good images of your hike or backpacking trip, then it might be better to go for the more compact cameras that require little to no fiddling with gear.
However, more experienced photography enthusiasts looking for more ways to customize their shots have the option of choosing mirrorless cameras or DSLRs with interchangeable lenses and additional features.
The bottom line is to consider what will make photo-taking in the great outdoors easier for you. As long as you can capture images that you’re happy with, then the camera you choose will be worth it.
