Best Camera For Backpacking: Getting The Perfect Shot On The Trail

Decidedly durable, the Olympus Tough TG-6 is one of the best compact cameras on the market for outdoor photography. 

Olympus crafted the Tough TG-6 to be fully waterproof up to 50ft, so it’s the perfect companion in the mountains. It’s one of the lightest models available, too, with a weight of just under 9oz.

As far as image formats go, the Tough TG-6 can shoot both RAW and JPEG, which is rare in compact models with this kinda price tag. It also offers 4K video and a battery life of up to 340 images, so it’s a great compact camera for hiking.

The downside to the Olympus TG-6 is that it has a pretty small optical zoom range of 25mm to 100mm (35mm equivalent). It also has no exposure compensation settings and its manual controls are fairly tedious. But, when getting a weather-resistant camera is your priority, the Tough TG-6 is hard to beat.

If you won’t settle for anything but the finest in image quality, the Sony RX100 VII might be what you need.

This high-end point-and-shoot is made with a ZEISS zoom lens, which is one of the finest in the industry. It offers an impressive 20.1-megapixel sensor size with both digital and optical image stabilization to ensure crystal-clear photos.

Although it doesn’t have an interchangeable lens, the ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* f/2.8-4.5 lens on this camera offers plenty of focal range with 24 to 200mm of zoom. It also offers 4K video and superb auto-focusing for quick snaps in the mountains.

While the battery life on this model isn’t ideal (240 frames), the RX100 VII is light enough that you could easily carry a spare. Plus, even though this model is a bit pricey, it’s a great camera if quality images are your goal.

With the Canon G7 X Mark II, getting a quality camera for hiking doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

As one of the best value options on the market, the Canon G7 X Mark II is a mid-range point and shoot that boasts a solid 20.1-megapixel resolution. It’s a compact camera with a weight of just 11.25oz, so it’s a nice option for remote adventures.

It features an easy-to-use tilting screen electronic viewfinder as well as the ability to shoot RAW and JPEG. Furthermore, it has optical image stabilization for higher-quality photos as well as a packable lens hood to cut glare while you shoot.

While the G7 X Mark II’s relatively small focal and aperture ranges aren’t ideal for all photography styles, it is great in low light. Additionally, despite the lack of 4K video capabilities, the G7 X Mark II is still an amazing choice for aspiring photographers.

An all-around performer in remote terrain, the Sony a6400 wins our award as the best backpacking camera available.

This mirrorless camera tips the scales at just 14.22oz, making it one of the lightest on the market. It has a 24.4-megapixel APS-C sensor with the ability to capture both JPEG and RAW. Furthermore, it has a 180-degree tilt screen to ensure ease of use while you’re outside.

As with all Sony mirrorless cameras, the Alpha a6400 is compatible with all Sony E and FE lenses. So, you have a spectacular range of high-end lenses to choose from for image quality.

While the Alpha a6400 is a quality camera for outdoor photography, we should mention that it doesn’t have body image stabilization. Its kit lens selection will also leave the professional photographers among us wanting. But you can always upgrade to a lens that suits your needs.

When cutting weight in your pack without sacrificing quality is your main priority, you ought to consider the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III.

This compact mirrorless camera has a timeless aesthetic with great weather sealing for outdoor use. In addition to being weather-sealed, this model boats built-in image stabilization and 4K video for increased versatility.

It can also capture both JPEG and RAW on its 20.4-megapixel sensor. Furthermore, the OM-D E-M5 Mark III is compatible with the Micro Four Thirds system. So it offers the ability to use a slew of affordable and highly compact lenses during your adventures. 

The downside to this model is its smaller image sensor, which can affect clarity in certain conditions. It also has a mostly plastic body construction, which is a bit of a durability concern. However, if you need a smaller mirrorless camera for hiking and backpacking, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is worth considering. 

Jonesing to shoot some sweet footage while you’re hiking and backpacking? The Fujifilm X-T3 might be what you need.

Featuring 4K functionality for video and the ability to shoot up to 60fps, the X-T3 is a go-to for up-and-coming videographers. It also has an excellent 26.1-megapixel crop sensor with the ability to use up to four CPUs for improved image processing.

Additionally, the X-T3 has fantastic auto-focus capabilities and an overall high-quality image output. It’s also a relatively affordable price for a mid-range mirrorless and it has a touch-screen for ease of use.

The primary drawback to the X-T3 is that it’s fairly heavy and that it doesn’t have image stabilization. Plus, Fujifilm lenses are known to be quite pricey, so this is something to consider before you invest in a camera body.

One of the world’s top mid-range full-frame mirrorless cameras on the market, Sony Alpha a7R IV is a must for ambitious photographers.

Boasting a mind-boggling 61-megapixel sensor and the ability to shoot 4k, the a7R IV blows the competition out of the water in terms of image quality. It also has both sensor-shift and 5-Axis image stabilization and the ability to shoot JPEG and RAW.

If that wasn’t enough, this model is compatible with all Sony FE lenses, which include everything from high-end wide-angle lenses to telephoto options. It also has an amazing battery life of 530 shots and a light weight for portability.

Of course, mirrorless models like this aren’t cheap, so you can expect to shell out a pretty penny for the a7R IV. But, its superb image quality and ease of use make it the ideal full-frame camera for hiking.

If you’re looking to break into the world of photography with a DSLR, the Canon EOS Rebel T7i might be the camera you need.

Featuring a relatively lightweight build and an affordable price point, the Rebel T7i is a great starter model. It has built-in image stabilizers, the ability to shoot RAW or JPEG, and both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Furthermore, the Rebel T7i has a crop sensor and a versatile lens mount that allows it to be used with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses. As a result, you’ll have access to some of the finest lenses on the market as you start your photography career.

That being said, the Rebel T7i is fairly bulky, even if it is light. It also doesn’t support 4K shooting for videos, nor does it have very high sensor resolution for a DSLR. But, for a starter model, it offers solid value.

Want a DSLR on a budget? The Pentax K-70 should be toward the top of your wish list.

This highly affordable DSLR has a 24-megapixel sensor with an APS-C crop factor for functionality in the field. It can shoot JPEG, RAW, or even DNG for maximum versatility.

Plus, the K-70 comes complete with weather-sealing to protect your gear from inclement weather. It also has both in-body stabilization for clearer photos and a tilting display for ease of use.

The downside to the K-70 is that it’s designed for use only with Pentax K-mount lenses. These lenses are not nearly as common as those from Canon, Nikon, or Sony, so you’re limited in your selection as you shop.

One of the most popular DSLRs on the market, the 5D Mark IV has a full-frame sensor with 30-megapixel resolution for high-quality images. It also boasts an optical pentaprism viewfinder for a crystal-clear look at your subject as you shoot.

As an added bonus, the 5D Mark IV comes with an expanded ISO range for sharper images in low-light environments. It also has 4K capabilities for video to help you get the perfect shot. Oh, and it’s compatible with all Canon EF lenses. So, you can choose from one of the finest lens collections on the market.

Of course, all these features don’t come cheap, which is our biggest complaint with the 5D Mark IV. It’s also heavy and it doesn’t offer in-body stabilization. But, for quality in your images, it’s tough to top.