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Its 2015, and you need a new travel camera.
There just isnt a right answer about which is the best travel camera for each photographer.
Fortunately, there are some pretty clear guidelines for choosing the right equipment.
The options for choosing the best travel camera in 2015 are simple and straightforward.
you might go mobile, go mirrorless, go high end or go used.
Ill start with mobile, where you might already own an incredible, professional-approved travel camera.
Todays iPhones and Android devices sport superior image quality to the compact cameras of yesteryear.
Just look at the number of professional photographers who shoot their travel photos on the iPhone.
The work ofDan Cole,Kevin RussandOlly Langshould inspire you to think twice before splurging on a new camera.
Thats the philosophy behind this buyers guide.
A cheap compact or mirrorless camera is purely a cross-grade from the phone you already have.
What is the best travel camera money can buy in 2015?
Its the first of its kind to offer this technology.
Its excellent in low light, its great handheld in countless situations.
It produces crisp images in full frame resolution in a compact rig.
The Sony A7II is pricey.
It isnt the most costly camera on this list though.
For the body alone, you’re free to expect tospend about $1,700.
Lenses are also pricey.
(a note you might buy used and refurbished Sony A7 models, the camera that preceded this one.
Compact size and weight?
And if you want to see it in action, just check out whatInstacoolists insta-friends are doing with it.
Especially the work ofMasson Liang, an awesome Instagrammer based in Miami.
Buy the body-only version and then buy a 50mm lens separately.
You dont need a zoom lens if you have feet.
If thats the case, why buy a GoPro?
Because its built to take a beating.
A GoPro is purpose-built, and thats why weve included it on this list.
It is in a league of its own for adventure video.
Its the best travel camera for journeys where there are no roads.
They built this genre, producing pro-quality compacts for decades.
When digital cameras went big and bulky, Fujifilm stuck with compact designs.
Then the market started favoring mirrorless designs, and Fujifilm once again had its day.
It bridges the gap of quality between a camera like the A6000 and the A7II.
It features a 16MP sensor, a number that should not be discounted by camera enthusiasts.
Megapixel count is not an indicator of quality, especially when were talking about a Fuji.
But the point of value that separates the Fujifilm X-T1 from the alternatives listed above is its pro-class functionality.
Two things stand out.
No need to dig through menus.
There are rotating wheels atop the camera that can be set for shutter speed, ISO and exposure compensation.
Aperture can be set directly on the lens itself.
No need to look, just feel your way through the image.
Second, the Fujifilm Camera Remote is amazing.
Set the camera on your tripod, control it via WiFi on your tablet.
This one does it out of the box.
Body only, the Fujifilm X-T1 isavailable for $1199.
Kit lenses are available for a bump in price.
Lets say youre willing to make a significant investment.
But the reasons the Nikon D750 makes such a great travel camera arent about image quality.
The D750 features a monocoque body to shave off precious weight.
It sports a flip/swivel screen in the back that rotates for easy composition in tight angles.
It also sports built-in WiFi for remote control and image transfer.
These are features that the D810 and 5DMkIII do not offerdespitethe price different.
And thats why if you dont care much about size and weight, the D750 is a special stand-out.
Youre right to question the cost.
I own refurbished camera bodies and used lenses and youd never know it from looking at my photos.
I shot this 2014 BMW 328d with a refurbished Nikon D600 and a 55mm manual lens from the 1960s.
My flash units are off-brand.
My diffusion is home-made.
A great example is the Canon 5D MkII.
This is one of the most incredible DSLRs ever built.
Some tips ask about shutter count when you buy a used body.
ensure youre buying from a reputable source.
Ask if the camera has been serviced.
Consider sending it in for service yourself.
you’ve got the option to get great equipment used.
Repeat that until you feel it in your bones.
Know when to buy used and know when to buy new.
(If youre going to buy new glass, make it the Art series from Sigma lenses.
Dont wait for that stuff to show up on eBay.
Youll thank me.)
Thanks for reading, and safe travels!
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