Want to add a lightweight camera to your backpacking gear? We love to photograph the world around us, whether it is for sharing on social media or to remember precious moments in nature or on our travels. However, backpackers are always restricted by what they can carry, so backpacking cameras need to be small, light and sturdy. I asked some of my fellow bloggers for their recommendations for the best camera for backpackers and hikers – and here is what we came up with!
How to Choose a Backpacking Camera
Weight and size are two of the main factors when it comes to choosing a camera for backpacking, but what kind of backpacking you do will also impact your choice. If you’re looking for a hiking camera, then a waterproof camera would be useful when you’re out in the woods, whereas price might be more important if you are backpacking on a budget and need something cheap to travel with!
There is a saying that “the best camera to take with you is the one you already have”, so if you already have a camera then think about if it will be sufficient for your needs or if you really do want or need to buy another one.
Then there is the fact that almost all modern phones have built-in cameras – some of very high quality – so do you really need a separate camera at all?
The advantage of handheld cameras over phone cameras is usually the quality. The zoom on most phone cameras just can’t compete with the high resolution of zoomed-in photos of animals for example, so hikers who are also keen bird watchers or are hoping to snap wildlife should definitely look at buying a separate camera.
As for backpackers who are travelling, the same applies. In addition, if you’re a keen snorkeler or diver and want to get some underwater photos then you’ll need an action camera that is waterproof to over 10m if you want to dive with it.
Whatever backpacking camera you buy also needs to hold up to being knocked around while you travel.
Cheap Camera Gear for Backpackers on a Budget
If you are backpacking on a budget, then you can save a lot of money buying cheaper second-hand cameras on eBay or from your local camera shop instead of buying a new camera, but bear in mind that these are likely to be older models and could be out of warranty if something does go wrong with it after your purchase.
You can also buy new discounted cameras on eBay, or from other online stores like Amazon. Older models where the company has launched an upgraded version will be cheaper than the latest version, but may not have all the bells and whistles of a brand new camera.
Camera technology is evolving all the time, so you’ll need to balance what you want to buy with what you can actually afford.
General Tips for Photos While Backpacking
My biggest photography tip for backpackers is to back up your photos regularly – every day if you can! When I had my laptop and camera stolen in Ecuador I lost so many photos that I had backed up to my laptop but not uploaded due to poor Wi-Fi.
Upload everything to the cloud if you can, or make at least 2 copies and save them to different places, such as a laptop and a memory card that you keep in a separate place, or two different memory cards.
The other key thing is to keep your camera safe and protected when you’re not using it. If you just have a compact camera or a digital camera without extra lenses then a case for that model should do the job. This camera bag can be put across your body or attached to a belt which is useful if you’re already wearing a backpack.
If you decide to go for added extras then you may want to get a camera backpack to keep everything in. These camera backpacks will spread the weight more evenly than a cross-shoulder camera bag, but the downside is they’re not usually designed for long-distance hiking so won’t be as comfortable as your hiking backpack.
The Best Backpacking Cameras
GoPro Hero 11
PROS: Sturdy, small, shockproof and waterproof. Great for action videos
CONS: Photo quality is not as good as other cameras with additional lenses. Some issues with charging & overheating
GoPro has set the standard for action cameras for many years, and the latest model, the GoPro Hero 11 is great for backpackers looking for a decent camera that can cope with being banged and bashed around in a bag, jumping out of a plane or going surfing.
The Hero 11 offers 5.3K Ultra HD video at 60 FPS and a front-facing screen as well as HyperSmooth 5.0 image stabilization shooting videos while you’re moving around. The video really is the winner here, and GoPros are some of the best underwater cameras you can buy as they’re waterproof down to 10m (33ft), and even further with an additional protective case.
The GoPro Hero 11 has some upgrades when it comes to shooting images, mainly the new 8:7 aspect ratio option which captures more in each shot for easier sharing to any social media platform.
If you want to save some money, consider getting an earlier model such as the Hero 9 or Hero 10 which is very similar but for a cheaper price. You can add various accessories to attach the GoPro to helmets and harnesses, flotation devices and more.
Pros: Sturdy, small, shockproof and waterproof. Great for action videos.
Cons: Photo quality is not as good as other cameras with additional lenses.
Lumix GH5
PROS: Lightweight, weather-sealed and sturdy. Good for high-quality photos & video
CONS: Heavier than point-and-shoot cameras and you need to carry a lens. Weather sealed, but not waterproof.
The Lumix GH5 is a sturdy and weather-sealed camera that is perfect for long term travel and for those who travel light and don’t have the luxury of bringing an entire backpack just for camera equipment.
Because it is sealed, it keeps dust out when on bus and train rides or when at the back of a truck, and unlike other more delicate cameras it is pretty resistant to being bumped around, although that is not ideal with any camera.
The camera is particularly suitable for backpacking because it is a high-quality mirrorless camera that can shoot ultra high definition video at 4K and 60 frames per second and even 6K which means you can take hundreds of pictures of moving objects and capture one specific action moment you are looking to immortalise.
Despite the quality level, it is relatively light and compact, weighing just a pound, so it can slide into your regular daypack without occupying too much space and you can carry it around all day without ending up with terrible back pain. In terms of value for money, it is an affordable camera for the quality range.
For those traveling solo, GH5 is also a great camera for taking photos that are better than a selfie. You can connect the camera to the app, click from your phone without the need for remote control, and take video while seeing what is being shot through the fold-out screen that can be placed facing towards the front.
Overall, GH5 is a compact, relatively light camera with high-end quality image and video output that is weather-sealed and has useful features for solo backpackers.
Pros: Lightweight, weather-sealed and sturdy. Great for solo travellers.
Cons: Heavier than point and shoot cameras and you need to carry a lens. Weather sealed, but not waterproof.
Recommended by Mar, Solo Female Travelers
Olympus OMD EM10 Mark IV
PROS: Cheap (as it’s not the latest model now) Lightweight and has live composite mode
CONS: Not waterproof.
The Olympus OMD EM10 Mark IV camera is the next edition of what I’m currently using as my main camera, and is one of the best backpacking or hiking cameras you could have. This pretty, stylish but practical camera is a must-have and very ideal for short weekend backpacking trips to also longer vacations.
Upgrades to this version include a flip-down monitor and dedicated selfie mode, and the ability to charge via USB, so you can charge the camera from any outlet or portable charger (although only when the camera is turned off).
The camera itself is great for photography, with the design not overloaded with additional buttons and has fantastic autofocus that never fails. It also has an in-body highly effective 5-axis stabilisation system.
I personally always choose the highest quality for shooting my subjects and locations with RAW, this helps with better photography editing afterwards. For video, the camera can also shoot in 4k, though I personally don’t make many videos with it currently. I do feel this is a plus point for those who may want to make videos during their travels though.
One of the best features I use the most while travelling is the live composite mode in the advanced photo mode. Here you can capture some amazing photos showing the movement of light streaks, water and sunsets for example. It also works well with night photography. This of course works best with a tripod, with carbon fibre tripods being very lightweight to carry additionally.
Pros: 1. Cheap (as it’s not the latest model now) 2. Lightweight 3. Live composite mode
Cons: 1. Not waterproof
Recommended by Zoe, Together In Transit
Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III
PROS: Lightweight, Tilting LCD screen for selfies, Records 4K video
CONS: Not waterproof, no viewfinder. Relatively expensive compared to other brands
The Canon G7X Mark III is an excellent camera for backpackers who are serious about low pack weight. The camera only weighs 10.7 oz (304 g) – with the battery and memory card included. At 4.13 x 2.40 x 1.63 inches (105.5 x 60.9 x 44 mm) in size, the G7X fits into any pocket or fanny pack with ease.
This camera has a surprising number of features given its tiny size. Key characteristics include a 4.2x optical zoom, 1-inch sensor, and manual control wheels on the body. The tilting 3-inch LCD touch panel makes it easy to take pictures from any angle. It even tilts 180° for taking selfies.
The G7X Mark III is especially popular with bloggers and vloggers, given its strong video capabilities. The camera shoots video in 4K (in addition to 1080p) and includes a mic input. It also enables live streaming directly to YouTube.
One downside of the camera is that it isn’t especially rugged. It may not be the right choice for backpackers on particularly adventurous excursions. But for most instances, the G7X Mark III is a great little camera that packs a big punch.
Pros: Lightweight, Tilting LCD screen for selfies, Records 4K video
Cons: Not waterproof, Expensive, No viewfinder
Recommended by Katy, A Rambling Unicorn
DJI Pocket 2
PROS: Lightweight and very portable, easy to use and mounted on a gimbal for stabilization
CONS: Small screen unless connected to a smartphone, not waterproof without an additional case
One of the most convenient and handy cameras to carry while backpacking is the DJI Pocket 2. Perfect for capturing sharp images and videos, DJI Pocket 2 is a tiny camera that you can easily use single-handed. As it is so easy to carry around, it is apt for capturing any kind of content, including timelapse and hyper-lapse videos, while being on the move.
The camera has a 1/1.7” CMOS sensor and captures images using the 64 MP and 16 MP modes. The videos can be captured in 4K resolutions with better audio quality as the camera utilizes the DJI Matrix Stereo technology. It also has a built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth that helps in easily connecting to a smartphone.
Unfortunately, the camera is not waterproof unless used with a waterproof case.
Pros: 1. Lightweight and portable. 2. Mounted on a gimbal that provides stabilization. 3. Better audio quality which is amazing for vlogging. 4. Touchscreen options that are responsive and easy to use. 5. Can capture panoramic pictures.
Cons: 1. The screen is small unless the camera is connected to a smartphone. 2. Camera is placed in a hard case that is difficult to slip in and out. 3. Battery is built-in so spare batteries cannot be used.
Recommended by Raksha, Solo Passport
Sony a6400
PROS: Lightweight, weather-sealed, sturdy design. Gets excellent reviews across the board
CONS: Lacks image stabilization (so you’ll need stabilized lenses)
The Sony a6400 is an incredible backpacking camera to take with you on any trip. This mirrorless camera is very beginner-friendly and yet delivers professional results. In fact, the image quality it produces is simply spectacular. On top of that, it’s also lightweight (weighing a mere 403 g / 14.3 oz.) and compact, making it the perfect camera for hiking or travelling.
If you’re planning to camp under the stars on your backpacking trip, the Sony a6400 has another advantage: it demonstrates spectacular low-light performance so can take excellent photos of dark starry nights.
As many photographers would say, a camera is nothing without its lenses. The good thing is that there’s an incredible amount of amazing Sony a6400 lenses out there, and you’ll be spoilt for choice. If you’re just starting out, the Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 is always a good bet.
Last but not least, the Sony a6400 is very sturdy and weather-sealed for dust and moisture. Its battery life is pretty strong; it can take up to 360 shots and 125 mins of videos in one charge. This camera also features a 180° tiltable LCD touchscreen that makes selfies and vlogs easy to take.
Pros: Lightweight, weather-sealed, sturdy design
Cons: Lacks image stabilization (so you’ll need stabilized lenses)
Recommended by Jiayi, The Diary of a Nomad
Olympus EM5 (Mark III)
PROS: Compact size of both camera and lenses, lightweight and much more affordable than full-size DSLRs
CONS: Smaller sensor size can reduce low light performance, unable to charge via USB
The latest iteration of the Olympus EM5 is a powerhouse camera in a compact package that won’t weigh you down on that hiking trip or overseas adventure.
The perfect travel companion, this fully interchangeable lens camera is small enough for your handbag and capable of producing photos of exceptional quality, with the latest model adding some great new setting options to enable sharp capture of moving images using continuous focus. The Mark III has also added improved weatherproofing.
Sitting at a fraction of the price of a full-size DSLR, the base unit and lenses are also far more affordable, leaving you more money for travel adventures! Drawbacks in the sensor size can be adjusted for with some basic equipment and settings adjustment. Technically, the size of this camera should mean its performance in low light conditions is less, but with the right settings and lenses, it is capable of great astrophotography.
Whether you’re a hobby photographer or just looking for something more versatile, the Olympus EM5 is worth a look.
Pros: Compact size of both camera and lenses, lightweight and much more affordable than full-size DSLRs
Cons: Smaller sensor size can reduce low light performance, unable to charge via USB
Recommended by Holly, Globeblogging
Sony A6000
A compact, lightweight and robust mirrorless camera that still holds its own among newer models.
PROS: Good value as it came out in 2014 and still produces excellent photos. Lightweight & easy to hold.
CONS: Not as good for video and you’ll probably need a more powerful lens to go with it.
The Sony A600 is a compact, lightweight and robust mirrorless camera for backpacking or hiking. It’s an older model and is mostly available second-hand or renewed, so it is lower priced than newer models but still of excellent quality.
It has a 24.3-megapixel sensor with super-fast focusing and a maximum burst rate of 11 fps. The photos that this camera produces are sharp, high-resolution pictures with excellent colour saturation and tones.
The camera can use interchangeable lenses, has a built-in flash and offers HD video and WiFi compatibility for quick and easy photo sharing. It uses an SD memory card and a rechargeable lithium battery. The camera’s Hybrid AF system has 179 phase-detection points and 25 contrast-detection points.
Its OLED electronic viewfinder is easy to use and there are a wide range of manual shooting modes, shutter speed and aperture choices as well as a 3-inch tilting LED screen. The camera is easy to carry and hold (it has a useful rubber grip) and does not take up much space in a backpack or handbag.
The a6000 can record Full HD 1080p video at 24, 30, and 60 frames per second, which is more than adequate for most amateur photographers, but it can’t shoot 4K and there isn’t a microphone input to record high-quality audio so if you do a lot of vlogging you’ll probably want a newer model with better video capabilities such as the ZV-1.
Pros: The Sony A6000 is lightweight to carry for long periods of time and is easy to hold when taking pictures. It is useful to have an interchangeable lens so the camera can adapt to different events and travel styles. The electronic viewfinder is invaluable for improving photo angles and alignments.
Cons: The 16-50 mm zoom lens supplied with the camera is good for taking general, everyday photos but I found I needed to invest in a more powerful lens to capture the shots I wanted from our family travels. The battery also needs charging often.
Recommended by Sinead, Map Made Memories
Sony A7III
Excellent quality mirrorless camera with beautiful images even with low light levels.
PROS: Lightweight and compact with incredible image resolution and 4K high-quality video
CONS: No built-in flash and it doesn’t come with a full-articulating screen. High price compared to other cameras on this list.
What every camera for backpackers needs is to be lightweight and compact, that’s a given. But what is amazing about the Sony A7III mirrorless camera is its beautiful, sharp image quality. What’s great about mirrorless camera technology, besides being lightweight, is that the image you see in your viewfinder more closely resembles what you will get in post-production, plus faster video capture than most DSLR options.
The Sony A7III also comes with full-frame versus crop sensor technology, which allows the camera to capture everything in the scene without a crop factor. Say goodbye to pesky math and ruined photos because you didn’t account for cropping.
The Sony A7III doesn’t lack anything given the size of its body. It still has an amazing 24-megapixel resolution, image stabilization and tilting touchscreen. On top of that, it shoots crystal clear 4K video and is superb in low light situations given its 100-51,200 ISO range.
Pros: Lightweight and compact with incredible image resolution and 4K high-quality video
Cons: No built-in flash and it doesn’t come with a full-articulating screen
Recommended by Haley, Haley Blackall Travels
Fuji XT-30
An all-around lightweight DSLR camera that takes very good photos, even in automatic mode, and is a good introduction to photography beyond point-and-shoot cameras.
PROS: Excellent image quality, Lightweight, Sturdy Body
CONS: Q button placement, Mediocre battery life, No image stabilization
The Fuji XT-30 is an all-around lightweight DSLR camera that takes very good photos, even in automatic mode. Low light situations like sunset and sunrise are easy to photograph. Users just need to adjust the aperture and other settings a bit.
This camera is also a good introduction to photography beyond the basic point-and-shoot style. Between the expansive user manual and the popularity yielding several complete YouTube videos, it’s very easy to transition to DSLR. The Fuji XT-30 is also a reasonable price point for backpackers seeking a nicer yet affordable mirrorless camera for travel photography.
While used primarily for photography, it can even be used for video. The camera quality goes up to 4K! Just make sure there’s an extra battery handy. Taking a lot of 4K video results in a much faster battery drain on the camera.
Pros: Excellent image quality, Lightweight, Sturdy Body
Cons: Q button placement, Mediocre battery life, No image stabilization
Recommended by Brodi, Our Offbeat Life
check prices on amazon
Mobile Phone Cameras
I personally use my phone for all my photography, and while I would love to buy a new camera to take backpacking with me, it can be hard to justify the expense when my phone takes great photos in most circumstances.
As technology progresses, cellphone cameras are likely to get even better, and as you will have a phone with you any way you can save yourself a lot of money by just carrying your phone with you. You won’t have to worry about your camera going missing or carrying bulky photography equipment, but if you lose your phone or it gets stolen then you are left with nothing!
The Best Phone Cameras for Backpacking
Huawei P30
I personally use a Huawei P30 which I bought because of the high-quality camera. The Leica Triple Camera System has a 40 MP Super Sensing Camera, a 16 MP Ultra Wide Angle Lens, and an 8 MP telephoto lens, so it takes a variety of great quality photographs.
The automatic settings switch to suit whatever you’re taking a photo of, from food to portraits and night settings and I’ve been very happy with the quality of the photos, although they do lose detail when zooming in.
Unfortunately, Huawei phones aren’t available in the US, and newer models like the P40 don’t have access to Android’s database of apps, which is a serious problem so when I upgrade I won’t be getting another Huawei until that issue is fixed. Check out Huawei phones on Amazon in the UK
Apple iPhone 13 Pro
If you’re an Apple user it’s hard to stay away from iPhones, and the cameras tend to be upgraded with each new model. The latest iteration – the iPhone 14 Pro has an impressive camera system with new 12MP Telephoto, Wide, and Ultra Wide cameras, 6x optical zoom range, Smart HDR 4, Night mode, Apple ProRAW, and 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording. A new iPhone 15 pro is due out in September 2023.
The price of a new iPhone certainly isn’t cheap, so it is worth checking out the last couple of models to see if you can get a cheaper deal without sacrificing too much quality – the iPhone 13 has very similar specs and will save you some cash if you go for that instead of the newest model. Check prices on Amazon
Samsung Galaxy S23
For Android users, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is an incredible phone camera to use under any circumstances. It has a 50MP high-resolution camera with upgraded nightography settings and zoom and will record 8k video.
Pros: You just use your phone for everything so there is less to carry, and no additional cost aside from a more expensive phone. Easy to upload images without Wi-Fi depending on your data package.
Cons: If you lose your phone you also lose your camera. Images won’t be as good quality as most cameras, especially if you zoom in – although new models are improving all the time.
Extra Kit for your Phone Camera
Even though a phone will do a great job taking photos and videos, there are some extra bits of photography equipment that will help you to get the best out of your footage.
Waterproof Pouch
Most mobile phones aren’t waterproof, so a handy waterproof pouch like this can keep your camera safe and dry, as well as protect it from dust and anything else that might get spilt on it!
Portable Charger
Having a mobile phone that works is essential for all backpackers, whether you’re travelling on the other side of the world or hiking in the mountains. Anker is the best brand I’ve found for power banks and portable chargers that will give you an extra battery boost when you need it most.
Different sized power banks are available, such as the smaller Anker PowerCore 5000 Portable Charger which is great for day hikes or weekend trips, and the larger Anker PowerCore 20100 which will charge a phone up four or five times. Don’t forget your charging lead to plug in your devices!
Selfie Stick/Tripod
While these add extra weight and bulk to your backpack, if you want to take any kind of photo with you in it, then a selfie stick that can also be used as a tripod is essential. The first one I had was lighter and could easily fit into any rucksack pocket, but it wasn’t very sturdy.
The current one I use is the JOBY GripTight™ PRO TelePod which is heavier but much less fragile and less likely to fall over on uneven ground or in the wind. Which one you choose will depend on how much you use a tripod versus a selfie stick. You find the more compact gorilla pod (below) is more suitable for you.
Gorilla Pod
The GorillaPod flexible tripod has flexible legs that will wrap around objects so you can take stable photos from anywhere. It’s compatible with any smartphone and the legs also double as a handle for selfies, vlogging or hand-held video. The rubber feet grip on any surface and it is compact and lightweight which is great for backpackers!
Microphone
Vloggers or anyone wanting to record video with high-quality sound will need an external mic, and while it certainly isn’t necessary for most people. I use the JOBY Wavo microphone and it really does make a difference, especially on a windy day!
Portable Light
Again, not for everyone but if you do a lot of vlogging work or food photography then a small LED light like this one won’t add too much weight or bulk to your backpack, but will give you an extra boost of light when you need it.
I hope this post has given you some tips for what to look out for when buying a camera to go backpacking or hiking – it certainly gave me a lot to think about when I’m looking for a new backpacking camera, and how much money I want to spend.
Whether you’re looking for a sturdy no-nonsense camera for hiking, or a cheaper backpacking camera to take photos while you’re travelling the world, then we’ve had some great suggestions here.
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