Choosing the Best Camera for your Travels

Travel photography is the joy of making a unique moment last longer than our fragile memory is capable. It is the forethought of enjoying these tangible memories years down the line. Perhaps we just crave an 'I-remember-that!' while reminiscing about our many travels. Whatever the case, we ENJOY the process of capturing images, and we relish in the enjoyment it brings to others (all twelve of them). Personally, when I visit blogs or read books about travel and see amazing photographs of exotic locations (or familiar ones that look completely foreign to me), the underlying thought to my enjoyment is, 'How did they capture this,' or 'What gear did they use to make this moment stand out?'

This got me thinking that there are probably others out there wondering what travelers like us bring on our trips with the intent of capturing the best possible photos. Always keep in mind that it isn't just a relationship between the landscape, the photographer, and the equipment. The post production work (any photo editing software like Photoshop, Lightroom, etc...) plays a huge role in determining the final image. Whether you wondered about any of this or not, here is some insights into our gear and process!

The Cameras

Currently, Checkpoint Chanislawski is rocking the Canon 6D. Complete with a gorgeous, full-frame 35mm sensor and kit 24-105 USM Canon lens, this DSLR package set us back about $2,000 (less than half the price of it's more popular, older sibling, the 5D mk iii).

The Canon 6D with 24-105mm USM lens

This camera/lens combination not only takes stunning, rich photos, but also can take 1080p cinema-quality video. With built in GPS and WiFi connectivity, excellent battery life, and two custom shooting profiles, this camera can do so much for amateurs and professionals alike.

Mike on the 6D, taken with the GoPro Hero 4 Black.

On the video side, we currently use the GoPro Hero 4 Black. For consumer action cameras, this is, admittedly, pricey. For $500 a pop (for the camera/battery/case alone), you seemingly are paying a lot for very little. However, this versatile little camera not only can take a beating, but can capture some very spectacular images in a very travel-friendly, compact size. The similarly-impressive GoPro Hero 3 is a fraction of the cost, but loses points due to its resolution and user-friendliness (or lack thereof). Not only has GoPro vastly increased the WiFi responsiveness (a great help to remotely control or check footage from a tablet/smartphone), but it has somewhat future-proofed itself by being able to shoot at 4K resolution. Again, for an action camera you can operate with two fingers, this is pretty incredible. The still images you can capture aren't much to write home about, but do allow the shooter to create some fun fish-eye photos in well-lit exteriors. When combined with a selfie stick, we are able to do our daily video diary entries with clear audio and video alike.

Including an out-of-the-box water-proof case helps!

Alternatives

You may be thinking, 'Traveling is expensive enough! Why would I throw an extra $3,000 for this?!' Dropping any significant amount of money is going to cause some fear/remorse in any sane, practical mind. I can't spend $10 dollars without spiraling into a temporary depression. I get it. However, the amount you spend is completely dependent on what you want to achieve in your photos. It is true that the more you spend, the better the quality of your photos will be generally. However, there are always alternatives. Can you get great images for under $1,000?

Yes. You can.

Memories... like the corner of my mind...

If Spock says it's possible, then it must be true. But, seriously, yes, you can. Before plunging into a better camera package, Checkpoint Chanislawski and Yours Truly toted the Canon Rebel xsi, an ancient crop sensor DSLR (more on that in a minute), around for over half a decade. With that camera and two relatively cheap zoom lenses, we were able to capture some stunning images. The Rebel series is still being made today and is a great, lower-cost alternative to serious amateur photographers. If it takes such great pictures, why is it a lower price, you ask? Well, that's where the crop sensor comes in. Aside from obvious technical specs (BORING), the sensor is what actually captures your images digitally. The Rebel series gives you a smaller sensor on which to capture information. This gives a slight zoom-in effect to your photos that you don't get on a full sensor camera.

Mountains of Austria in Salzburg.

The images produced by lower-cost crop sensors may not have the initial vibrancy, shallow depth of field, or dynamic range of a full frame camera, but as you can see, with some love and know-how, you can still produce striking images. Again, it's all dependent on your budget and what you want to accomplish. Here is a fairly simple, informative article explaining the major differences between the two types of sensor to help you decide which system is best for you.

Amsterdam at night. Even low light can be captured with some steady hands.

The Canon Rebel T6i.

If SLRs aren't really your speed, there is always the point-and-shoot option. Usually cheaper, and much less technically daunting. These are the 'I just need proof I was there' option. However, with the advent of advanced camera technology in cellphones, the point-and-shoot market has taken a hit and may not be much of a future-proof option much longer. Another intriguing option is the mirrorless (compact system) camera.

Fuji is the current leader of the CSCs.

This option gives you the ability of looking through an electronic viewfinder rather than an optical one. By seeing a digital rendering of the image, you see what the camera will capture before snapping the photo. In contrast, DSLRs give you a 'true view' through an optical viewfinder that tells you what the lens sees before the camera processes the image. Different strokes. Different folks. The prices on these mirrorless systems range from 'Wow, that's cheap!' to 'Wait, why don't I just get an expensive SLR?' However, the best of the best (Fuji X100t) is still only about $1,100. Since I actually have very limited experience with these types of camera systems, check this link out for more information.

Cell Phones

Like it or not, the time when cell phone cameras were a joke have come and gone. Even the lower-end camera phones can now, when in symphony with mobile editing software like Snapseed or Instagram, can produce gallery-quality images just in the palm of your hand (please, for Ansell Adams' sake, though, shoot your landscapes in landscape format). If all you're looking for out of your travel photos is some solid wide-angle landscapes and a fun selfie or two, your phone is all the equipment you need. Don't feel like any less of a photographer because you've only got a cell phone. Know what you want to shoot, compose the shot, tweak it a bit in post, and you'll be just as happy (with less gear to carry around, too!). As long as you don't ruin one of our shots with a terribly timed selfie, we can remain photo-buddies. We, at Checkpoint Chanislawski take plenty of photos with our cell phones and some even make it to our Instagram.

Sunset over Nha Trang, Vietnam. Taken on my Droid Turbo 2.

I'm not going to tell you what the best camera phone is because I genuinely don't know (care) and therefore cannot tell you (lie) that the camera should be the reason you purchase a particular cell phone. However, I can tell you that I purchased a phone that neither had the best camera or was the most expensive option and I still can get pretty fair results. With the Motorola Droid Turbo 2, a little knowledge of framing and composition, and Snapseed, we're able to take some stunning photos when we either can't pull out the Canon or can't be bothered to.

Slightly cumbersome, but well-made.

Other Gear

Aside from the obvious things like lens caps and extra batteries (DO NOT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THEM), if you want your camera to last and your pictures to pop, you're going to need some support gear to both enhance your photos and keep it protected. Start with the case. The proper case will give you piece of mind that your gear is protected and help alleviate the burden of carrying a cumbersome camera and lens combo. Checkpoint Chanislawski always has at least one camera and one lens on them during their travels (if not more). For us, that means a case with padded compartments.



A must-have accessory!

If you want your images to pop immediately (without any touch ups), I cannot recommend a circular polarizing filter enough. It helps reduce glare on reflective surfaces (and often will remove unwanted reflections) and makes outdoor colors pop with much more brilliance than the lens alone. I say it is recommended for outdoor shots because it does often cut down almost an entire stop of light coming through the lens, which will make the image darker. However, you will notice an immediate jump in the quality of your landscapes once you add a polarizing filter and tune it just right.

Comparing images with and without the circular polarizing filter.

The Verdict

Each photographer (whether they be professional, amateur, or casual) has specific needs when it comes to the equipment they choose to bring with them. A professional may decide to focus on taking rich, vibrant landscapes, and therefore may lean more toward a full-frame sensor camera with wide lenses and a polarizing filter. An amateur may want to chronicle city life of a local population from afar and be compelled to go with a smaller, crop-sensor camera and a telephoto lens. Maybe a casual photographer just wants selfies to prove they've been everywhere they say they've been and only tote a phone and an app. Whatever the aim, make sure you go over a couple of things before you take the plunge into buying gear.

First and foremost, what is your budget? If you aren't looking to break the bank, but yearn for something more intuitive and responsive than your cell phone or old point-and-shoot, try looking into the mirrorless cameras like the Olympus, Sony, or Fuji lines of mirrorless systems. Keep in mind that these options come in a wide range of prices. If you're ready to try your hand at an SLR-type interface for the first time, I recommend saving your big-purchase money for when you have more experience. Instead, going with a crop-sensor option like the Canon Rebel series and a nice lens or two. If you, like us, have loved shooting with an DSLR and want to upgrade to more professional-looking images with a greater clarity and dynamic range, take the plunge and go with a full-frame option. Both Canon and Nikon have great DSLR options in a couple of different price brackets. Keeping in mind that lenses for these bodies will be pricey.

Next, what are you looking to do with your gear? Do you want better images, but not the hassle of going through settings every shot? If you're just looking for a camera to shoot on auto, the lower cost of a crop-sensor DSLR may be your route. The auto settings on the new Canon Rebel line are wonderful for someone who wants the camera to do the heavy lifting. Are you someone that wants light, compact, powerful gear with a low profile? Try the mirrorless route. Tiny and lightweight, but powerful and versatile, the Fuji X100 series can be a great travel companion. Want a great sensor and don't mind a little extra weight around your neck in your travels? Our Canon 6D has proven to be a great buy. With built-in WiFi and GPS connectivity, you can transfer favorite images straight to your phone already geo-tagged and ready to upload to the web.

Whatever the final choice, remember that the images you want people to see first and foremost come from your eye. Your individual perspective when you travel is what is going to make the image memorable more than any technical detail a camera system can provide. In the end, the satisfaction of putting your eye to the eyepiece and capturing a moment from your travels will be worth any price you may end of paying. Happy shooting, everyone.