Traveling is one of the best ways to make memories. And when people travel, they want to capture the moment so one of the travel must-haves now is a camera. Smartphones have great built-in cameras already and are of great quality. But if you are a travel photographer or a travel blogger, you might need something more. There are many different kinds of cameras available in the market. Which one should you buy and use when traveling, especially if you are backpacking?

You can choose between point-and-shoot cameras, mirrorless cameras, and DSLRs.

Point-and-shoot cameras

The advantage of a point-and-shoot is that it is very small and compact so it is quite easy to carry with you. Also, it already has features that allow quick file transfers via cable. Most have expandable memories so you can take as many photos as you like. Most already offer high picture quality (like 20 megapixels) and high quality videos (1080p). When it needs juice, you can charge it via USB charging so you are not dependent on finding an outlet to recharge the battery.

The downside is that the lens are fixed. The photo quality may suffer with little light. Zoom options are available but limited, as well as aperture settings.

Mirrorless cameras

Very much like DSLRs, the quality of pictures taken with mirrorless cameras is outstanding, with high resolution pictures (starting at 20 megapixels). The lens are also changeable so it gives you variety in the kind of shots you want to take. Manual controls are available so you can adjust the exposure, the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to your heart’s content. Some brands and models have WiFi connectivity.

Compared to a point-and-shoot, a mirrorless camera is heavier and bigger in size. But, it is lighter compared to a DSLR. Because of its fancy features, it is more expensive than a point-and-shoot yet a bit cheaper than a DSLR. It can be a burden to bring around especially if you bring all your lens during the trip.

Digital Single-lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras

Best for professional photographers and photo enthusiasts, DSLRs take hi-res photos (starting at 20 megapixels) and videos (some have 4K). Like the mirrorless, the lens are changeable and you have full control over camera settings (exposure, the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO). WiFi connectivity is also available.

Of the bunch, DSLRs are the most expensive. The more features, functions, and higher the resolution, the pricier it gets. It is also the heaviest. Though it is great that the lens are changeable, it can be a bane as the extra lens you will bring can be quite heavy and take up a lot of space in your luggage.

All three kinds have their pros and cons. When choosing which one to buy, think about your budget and what you can afford. When thinking about which one to bring, consider the size and weight it will occupy in your bag and the kind and quality of the pictures you need to take