Smartly Choose a Travel Camera

• Smartly Choose a Travel Camera

A wonderful trip is made up of countless precious memories, which definitely call for a good camera to record them. But with luggage and local souvenirs already taking up so much weight, how do you choose the right travel camera? What should be the key considerations when making your selection? And if you don’t want to carry a heavy DSLR, how can you pick the highest cost-performance compact model to get the most out of it?

This time, Jingdianjia has specially invited senior technical editor Sun Zongwei from DIGIPHOTO and travel & food blogger Wisely to offer consumers guidance on choosing a travel camera—how to pick the most practical one for your needs.

First of all, people who enjoy travel photography can generally be divided into two types: professional photography enthusiasts and casual users of compact cameras. For professional photographers, the focus when traveling should be on selecting a suitable backpack. But for casual users, the biggest concerns are weight and the inconvenience of carrying a tripod, so they prefer lightweight, compact cameras. However, they still have certain expectations for image quality and performance. Therefore, high ISO sensitivity and image rendering become their top priorities. Wisely, known for his food photography, believes that the last thing you want when traveling is a bulky camera. If you don’t want to bring a tripod, it’s best to choose a camera with high ISO sensitivity for added convenience—it won’t be easily affected even in poor lighting conditions. Also, choose a camera based on your travel destination. For example, Kyoto benefits from a telephoto lens, wide-open spaces call for a wide-angle lens, and cultural landscapes are best captured with a standard or mid-range lens. When it comes to professional compact cameras, Wisely recommends mid-range options like the Canon S95 and Panasonic LX5, which can meet most needs.

• Travel cameras should feature both high ISO sensitivity and high definition

Sun Zongwei states that under the dual criteria of “high ISO sensitivity” and “high definition,” the recommended compact digital cameras can generally be divided into two systems: 1. EVIL, 2. APS.

The EVIL system refers to “Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Cameras.” They are DSLR-style interchangeable lens cameras that are also lightweight, truly meeting the needs of most people. This system is also known as the “Micro Four Thirds System,” jointly developed by OLYMPUS and Panasonic. Its primary goal is to make DSLRs more compact. Thanks to its high ISO sensitivity, the image quality is quite impressive. Models like OLYMPUS’s E-P2 and E-PL1, or Panasonic’s GF1 and GH2, are all great choices. This system does away with the mirror, but the focal length is effectively multiplied by 2, giving it a telephoto advantage. Moreover, with 1600 ISO sensitivity, it performs excellently for indoor shooting. Since this system was co-developed by the two companies, lenses are interchangeable, offering users more choices.

The other system, the APS-C system, includes SONY’s NEX series, which features high-sensitivity sensors. SONY’s sensor quality is excellent, naturally resulting in great image output. However, this is a system developed by SONY and is relatively new to the market, with fewer lens options available. But for general photographers, it’s very practical because even in full auto mode, it can produce fantastic photos. Additionally, the SONY NEX series allows for vertical movement, making framing very convenient—ideal for beginner photographers.

Both of these systems, with one body and one lens, typically cost around NT$20,000 to NT$30,000, yet are highly practical—closing in on the entry-level range of DSLRs.