Top Cameras for the Holidays [2017]

Backpacker's Best Of

The holidays are coming and a new year of travel is quickly approaching! A great camera is the perfect travel companion. Taking pictures lets you be more aware of your surroundings, lets you capture the beauty of wherever you are, and creates the best memory and only souvenir you will need from your journey.

We have put together this list of our favorite camera picks for this 2017 holiday season. Find one that fits your tastes and treat yourself or get the perfect present for the traveler on your list.

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Cameras for ALL Travelers

You don’t have to be a professional to take professional-looking photos. These cameras are lighter, easier to use, more durable, and more affordable than our professional picks, which you will find at the end of this list. No matter who you are, you can capture the best parts of your journey on one of these awesome cameras.

canon powershot

1. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II

A perfect to the point compact camera for travelers. If you are not concerned with all the thrills and special features of more advanced designs, then this camera is perfect for you. The image quality is sublime, it does not take up a lot of room in your luggage, and it is easy to learn. 

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fukifilm x-t2

2. Fujifilm X-T2

Dust and moisture-resistant body, freeze resistance to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, Image Quality 24.3MP X-Trans* CMOS III Sensor, Focus Lever to instantly change the focusing point, and more, the Fujifilm X-T2 Mirrorless Digital Camera is packed with features and is sure to make all your photos professional quality. This camera is the perfect investment for new year’s resolutions and dreams of travel.

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go pro

3. GoPro Hero 6

With a new processor chip that GoPro calls the “GP1,” the GoPro Hero 6 is packed with features. For Slo-Mo lovers the 6 can reach 240 frames per second, and for videographer junkies try 4k video shooting at 60p, or 60 full frames per second. This camera does have a very short battery life, which does not bode well for those looking for long days of shooting. Regardless, the GoPro Hero 6 is a great gift this season!

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nikon d3400

4. Nikon D3400

The Nikon D3400 is one of the easiest to use cameras on our list. This camera is perfect for first-time DSLR users. If you are looking to upgrade from using a smartphone and want to start taking more professional-looking pictures, without having to spend a great deal of time getting to know a camera, this is the camera for you!

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olympus tg4

5. Olympus TG-4 16 MP

This waterproof camera is actually shockproof and freezeproof as well. The Olympus TG-4 is the perfect option for travelers moving around a lot and braving the elements. Even though this is a simple point-and-shoot camera, this camera has enough to offer that makes it worth upgrading from smartphone photos and throwing in your backpack when you leave home.

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sony a6000

6. Sony Alpha a6000

The Sony Alpha a6000 is a mirrorless camera with great EVF and built-in wi-fi. Its small size and relative ease of use make it a great travel companion. Users have also spoken very highly of this camera’s feature set and the fact that it allows for fast continuous shooting.

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sony rx1

7. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1

The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX1 is a compact camera that won’t feel compact at all, particularly because it comes with a full-frame sensor and a fixed 35mm F2 lens. In fact, this is the first compact camera of its kind on the market to offer these features, which make it competitive with other, larger cameras.

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Professional Cameras

These last three picks are our recommendations for the pros or those looking to take more professional photos. While pricier than others on the list, these three options will give you everything you need in a camera and more, guaranteeing beautiful, polished shots.

canon 5d iv

8. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is one of the most well-rounded cameras on the market and absolutely worth its higher price tag. This state-of-the-art camera has exceptional resolution and can shoot just about anything, including action shots. The camera also has built-in wifi, 4K video recording, and a great touchscreen.

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nikon d850

9. Nikon D850 FX-format Digital SLR

The Nikon D850 is one of the fastest shooting cameras on the market and can shoot nine frames per second if the optional MB-D18 battery grip is added.  The camera also uses a backside illuminated sensor and offers ISO 64, which means it also has one of the highest resolutions of any camera on the market. Nikon D850 also has 4K video from the full width of its sensor.

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sony a7riii

10. Sony a7R III

Sony has done a great job updating early models of this camera, making the Sony a7R III as near perfect as they come. This model has exceptional autofocus speed and excellent accuracy, as well as great battery life and a viewfinder that actively shows where it is focused when a subject is moving.

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Meghan Waters Mbaye

Meghan is a contributor for Backpacker Travel. She is an avid traveler who is always up for a new adventure. Meghan loves exploring new parts of the world, especially in Africa and Latin America.

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