Buying a camera for your young adult’s Overseas Experience?
Over recent months, several friends have sought my advice on choosing cameras for their young adults who are about to embark on an overseas experience after graduation. Here are my insights (with a noticeable lean toward Canon equipment).
When it comes to capturing the essence of your travels, the camera you choose can make all the difference. I’ve been using Canon gear for the last 15+ years, and the brand stands out as a leader in the world of photography, offering a diverse selection of digital cameras that cater to every level of photographer and budget. Let’s explore how Canon cameras, complemented by offerings from GoPro, Insta360 for adventure seekers, and the latest in smartphone photography from Apple and Samsung, can transform your travel memories into stunning visuals.
1. Point-and-Shoot Cameras
Best for: Seamless Photography on the Move
Canon’s compact point-and-shoot cameras are the epitome of convenience, combining user-friendly features with impressive imaging capabilities. These cameras are perfect for travellers in search of an easy-to-carry device that doesn’t compromise on image quality, thanks to intelligent auto modes that adapt to diverse environments to capture the perfect shot effortlessly.
Example: Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
Cost: Approximately NZD $1,385
Why It’s Great for Travel: Its pocket-friendly design, exceptional image quality, and 4K video capability make it a superb choice for those wanting to document their journey with ease and style.
2. Mirrorless (APS-C) Cameras
Best for: Compactness Without Compromise
The Canon EOS R APS-C (crop sensor) series are available at a wide array of price points to meet the needs of newbies, amateurs and semi-professional photographers alike. Mirrorless systems marry the convenience of a compact camera with the performance of a larger sensor, offering a middle ground for those who value both portability and image quality. These cameras support interchangeable lenses and provide more control over your photography, packaged in a sleek, travel-friendly body.
Example: Canon EOS R100
Cost: Approximately NZD $1095 (inc. kit lens)
Why It’s Great for Travel: Known for its stellar image quality, user-friendly touch screen, and lightweight profile, the EOS R100 is perfect for the adventurer who appreciates the option to switch lenses without the bulk of a full-frame DSLR or a full-frame system.
3. Mirrorless (full-frame) Cameras
Best for: Ultimate Control and Quality
Canon's full-frame range, such as the EOS R5 Mark II, offers professional-grade photography with unrivalled versatility and quality. They are celebrated for their durable build, extensive lens ecosystem, and capability to grow with the photographer’s skills.
Example: Canon EOS R5 Mark II
Cost: Approximately NZD $7300+gst (body only)
Why It’s Great for Travel: The Canon EOS R5 Mark II is an ideal travel companion for photographers looking for exceptional image quality and performance in a compact and robust body. Its advanced image stabilisation and high-resolution sensor ensure every detail of your travels is captured with precision, whether you're shooting stills or 8K video.
4. Adventure Cameras
Best for: Durable, Action-Packed Photography
For those whose travel involves more rugged and outdoorsy exploits, action cameras from GoPro and Insta360 are hard to beat. They're built to capture the thrill of adventure with robust, go-anywhere designs.
Examples: GoPro HERO12, Insta360 GO 3
Cost: GoPro HERO12 approximately NZD $748, Insta360 GO 3 approximately NZD $730
Why They’re Great for Travel: Waterproof, durable, and incredibly versatile, these cameras are perfect for everything from snorkelling to mountain biking, ensuring your most adventurous moments are caught from every angle.
5. Smartphone Photography
Best for: The Photographer in Your Pocket
With advancements in technology, smartphones by Apple and Samsung now rival traditional cameras in terms of image quality and versatility. They offer the utmost convenience, ensuring you’re always ready to capture the moment.
Examples: iPhone 15 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Cost: iPhone 15 Pro starts at approximately NZD $2000, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra starts at approximately NZD $2200
Why They’re Great for Travel: Beyond just taking photos, these smartphones allow for immediate editing and sharing, making it easier than ever to share your travels with the world. With an array of photography apps and accessories, the creative possibilities are endless.
Conclusion
Canon’s broad range of cameras ensures every traveller can find a perfect match for their journey, from the simplicity of point-and-shoot cameras to the creativity unleashed by mirrorless models. For adventurers and action seekers, GoPro and Insta360 offer durable options that keep up with the pace of your explorations. Meanwhile, the latest smartphones from Apple and Samsung represent the zenith of convenience and connectivity, putting impressive photographic capabilities in your pocket. With these tools at your disposal, every trip becomes an opportunity to capture and share memories in breathtaking detail.
If you have any questions, hit me up in the comments below…
The small print:
The prices provided above are approximate and provided for guidance only - shop around!
Please consider other brands (such as Fujifilm) when deciding what brand to go with.
Don’t forget DSLR cameras. Mirrorless systems have mostly superseded these, but they are still very much worth considering.
Higher-end mirrorless systems are typically bought as ‘body only’, meaning that unless you buy one with a lens included as part of a package deal, you will also have a lens (or two) to buy.
When buying lenses for mirrorless systems (or DSLRs), the glass quality (and therefore cost) plays a huge part in the quality of the imagery captured. I recommend spending less on the camera body, and more on the glass, unless budget allows you to invest in both a great body and lens.
No matter what type of camera you choose to use… Just remember to tell your young adults to have fun, and go forth & photograph some cool stuff!
