Be sure to check out below to see my favorite travel photography cameras! (Disclaimer: I purchased, own and use all of the cameras and lenses listed. However, as an Amazon affiliate I can earn a small amount for any sales purchased from these links with no additional cost to you)
*Last updated 11/1/2023
Film and early digital
I enjoy photography and have used a few cameras over the years to record my travels. When I was a kid, my dad had a Canon film camera, which I thought was so cool the way the lens would retract electronically. I used a basic point-and-shoot 35mm film camera through high school, college and when I first graduated.
Around the early 2000’s, I bought an Olympus 3x zoom point-and-shoot digital camera and then upgraded to a 10x Kodak “superzoom”. The Kodak was actually a “mirrorless” with an electric viewfinder, before those were popular. They were definitely less refined and more clunky than today. However, it helped with my telephoto photography, but it lacked more wide angle perspectives. I used this camera on my Alaska trip.
DSLR Cameras
I decided to upgrade my camera when my first child was born. I started with a Nikon D90 and then got a Nikon D7000. The latter I used for nearly 10 years and was my main camera from 2012-2022. I mostly used a 35mm prime, 70-300 telephoto and 12-24mm wide angle lens. A large majority of the photos on this site were taken with that camera. If you are on a budget, you can get some good deals on used DSLR cameras and lenses.
Mirrorless cameras
I started using this Nikon Z6 (pictured) in January, 2022. The newer mirrorless cameras are really light. This full frame Z6 is smaller and lighter than my APS-C smaller sensor D7000. While traveling, I primarily use this Nikon Z 24-200mm “superzoom” lens, which is a great one lens solution for hiking and travel. I also have a 14-30mm wide angle lens and a 100-400mm telephoto that I will use for wildlife and kids sports when needed. For higher frame rate, the newer Nikon Z6II is an option (although I would probably wait at this point for the upcoming Z6iii). If you don’t need a high frame rate for sports, then the Nikon Z5 would make a great travel camera.
Cell Phone Cameras
Lastly, don’t discount your cell phone. I have a Pixel 7a and it is light years ahead of the old digital point and shoot cameras. It’s great for everything except fast motion, low light and distant telephoto. But even newer phones are getting telephoto lenses. If you don’t have a nice phone with a nice camera, that is probably where you want to upgrade first. If you are on a budget, you can get a refurbished Google Pixel 6 for about $240.
Travel Photography Suggestions
I definitely don’t consider myself a “professional” photographer, so I’m hesitant to give out much advice. My best photos tend to have a prominent subject, like a person, an object, etc. in the foreground. Try to eliminate distracting elements from the background. A lot of the best outdoor photography occurs during the “magic” hour, the beginning and end of the day around sunrise and sunset.
Additionally, I try to make sure that taking photos compliments my travels and doesn’t take over. With kids, you want to capture some of these moments, but not have your camera take away from them. Sometimes that means putting the camera away or leaving it behind and just focus on making memories.
Additional reading
Be sure to check out the main USA travel page for great places to use your camera!
