What's the Best Travel Camera for 2013?
Rugged Waterproof Cameras Built for Travel
What's the best travel camera? It's one that's light and compact enough to fit in a pocket or carry-on, rugged enough you won't need to worry about it getting damaged if your suitcase is tossed by baggage handlers, and capable of shooting high-quality photos that you'll be proud to show your family and friends when you return. And on top of that, wouldn't it be great if this camera were waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, dustproof and had a built-in GPS system to geo-tag all of your photos and pinpoint exactly where you shot them?
If this sounds like your idea of the best travel camera, then take a look at these rugged cameras. They're the perfect travel companions.
(Image: Nikon Coolpix AW100. Available on Amazon. See link below.)
Three of the Best Travel Cameras for 2013
Which one is right for you?
The models shown below on this page are some of the best rugged cameras on the market today. New camera models are introduced every year, so what may have been "best" last year may not still be at the top of the rankings this year.
Right now, the Nikon camera shown below is currently the most popular among the three, the Canon is another favorite, and the Pentax is the most economical of the bunch. Take a look at the travel cameras below and see which one is right for you.
(Image: Canon Powershot D20. Available on amazon. See link below.)
Sample Photo from a Nikon AW Camera
Nikon Coolpix AW110 - The best travel camera 2013
If you're looking for the perfect travel camera, look no further than the Nikon Coolpix AW110. With a width of 4.4 inches, a height of 2.6 inches and a depth of a mere 1.0 inches, the AW110 can easily slide into a pocket and be ready for action whenever you are, and at 6.9 ounces (including the battery and memory card), it's light enough not to weigh you down. But don't let the small size fool you.
This camera has one of the highest resolutions (16 MP) of any of the rugged cameras on the market, is waterproof to 59 feet, shockproof to falls from 6.6 feet, dustproof, and freezeproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, the AW100 offers 5x optical zoom, full 1080p HD video, GPS tagging, a built-in compass, 20 scene modes, and continuous shooting up to 6 frames at approx. 8 frames per second. As if that weren't enough, it also has a sweep panorama mode to capture gorgeous panoramic images on your travels.
The AW110 was just released this year to replace the AW100, which was a customer favorite. With over 500 reviews, the Coolpix AW100 has a 3.8- out of 5-star rating on Amazon. If you're looking for a good travel camera, you won't go wrong with this one.
Highlights:
- Water-proof to a depth of 33 feet.
- Shockproof if dropped from 5 ft
- Freezeproof to operating temperature down to 14 degrees F
- 16 effective megapixel CMOS sensor ideal for low light shooting and fast operation
- GPS and e-Compass functions
- Points of Interest (locations, landmarks, etc.) and location information (latitude and longitude) can be added to your photos
Canon PowerShot D20 - Another waterproof option
The PowerShot D20 is Canon's latest entry in the rugged camera market, replacing the earlier D10. This new model is another great choice for a travel camera, as it is compact (4.4 x 2.8 x 1.1 in), rugged (waterproof to 33 feet,shockproof to 5 feet) and able to shoot great photos and video with a 12.1 MP CMOS sensor, 28mm wide-angle lens, 5x optical zoom and full 1080p HD video. It weighs a bit more than the Nikon Coolpix above (8.4 oz with battery for the Canon vs. 6.3 oz. for the Nikon), but it's still light enough to go with you everywhere. And with the built-in GPS function, you'll be able to geo tag your photos wherever you go. This camera is too new to have a lot of reviews from average users, but on Amazon, the first reviews are coming in extremely positive - as of this writing, the model has a 4.6- out of 5-star rating.
Features:
- Waterproof to 33 feet,
- Can operate in temperatures from 14 -104 degrees Fahrenheit
- 12.1 MP Canon HS SYSTEM with a High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 Image Processor
- 5x Optical Zoom with 28mm wide angle lens
- 3.0-inch Pure Color System LCD for easy viewing
- GPS tracker to record image locations on a map via Canon's software
Pentax Optio WG-1 - Another excellent travel camera with GPS for budget travelers
If the rugged camera models above are out of your price range, the Pentax Optio WG-1 may be the best travel camera for you. This model is a slim 1.1 inches wide, 2.3 inches deep and 4.5 inches long and weighs only 5.9 oz with the battery. Customers rate it 3.4 out of 5 stars with over 100 ratings
Waterproof to 33 feet (so you can shoot underwater), shockproof from up to a 5-foot drop, crush-proof to withstand up to 100KG of force, cold-proof to 14F, and dust-proof, this is one point-and-shoot you're going to have to work hard to destroy. Also tough to beat: advanced features in this high-res 14-megapixel camera that allow you to capture anything from detailed Super Macro shots to HD movies.
The best travel cameras are compact, lightweight, rugged, and have built-in GPS.
Want More Options? - Check out these popular models
The models shown above aren't the only options on the market. The list below shows the bestsellers in Amazon's point-and-shoot camera category and is updated daily to show what's hot. These cameras may not have the compact rugged design of the models shown above, but they may have some other features you'd prefer.
Another Photo from the Nikon AW Series
Travel Camera Reviews and Comments - Share your thoughts on the best travel camera for 2012
AUTHOR@CynthiaU: For shark cage diving, I actually wouldn't go with any of these. I'd go with a GoPro Hero3 (cheaper option) or a good DSLR or mirrorless ILC in an underwater housing (much, much more expensive option).
Why? Speed and field of view. A DSLR or mirrorless ILC will focus faster than any of the cameras on this page, and the GoPro can shoot 10 frame-per-second bursts. You're going to want that speed to capture the sharks as they come near the cage.
You're also going to want an extremely wide angle of view to get as much of the sharks in the frame when they come near. The GoPro has an extremely wide field of view, and either a DSLR or ILC will give you the option of getting an extreme wide angle lens.
I hope you have fun! Some day I'd love to go shark cage diving.
Very useful information. I was just wondering which waterproof camera I should get for shark cage diving. I'll use this as a helpful guide. Thanks!
that's the great lense and useful information about the cameras for travelers. i'll surely buy one of them for my adventurous trip in Leh-Ladakh, India.
I'm currently searching for a new camera and this lens is really handy! :) I want a waterproof and shockproof camera with a high megapixel.
The best camera is going to be the one that feels good in your hands. This lens gives people a wealth of great ideas on what to buy. I'm sure many will find this very useful.
Nice review. Check out my lens! A buying guide for cameras.
Thanks for these great reviews...they will certainly help with a decision for my next camera.
I like Nikon Coolpix, I have one and I am very happy with it!
I like the waterproof and shockproof cameras.
The waterproof+shockproof cameras really impress me, I need a backup for my DSLR when hiking in not-so-perfect conditions.
kool. just wow
I love small cameras, they are very comfortable to use and hold.
I could have used that Nikon Coolpix on my latest waterfall photography adventure. Waterproof would have been good! Thanks for the recommendations. I'm always in the market for camera equipment that can stand up to my wildest escapades.
Thank you
nice review!
Thank you for listing out the best waterproof digital cameras. I didn't know that there's a Nikon Coolpix waterproof camera just now. :)
Good info to know. I can see a new camera in my future this year. And thank you for liking my lens "Early Signs of Alzheimer's"
Excellent information and it is only the start of 2013. Keep us updated.
Great lens! I am using the Nikon Coolpix AW110 and it is awesome.
We've always liked our Coolpix camera and the blue one you have up there is awesome! I love the color blue and this one is waterproof and has wi-fi capabilities. Perfect for our next trip to Disney World!
I saw that Canon Powershot in action down in Dominican Republic last month. It delivered beautiful digital photos!
I saw that Canon Powershot in action down in Dominican Republic last month. It delivered beautiful digital photos!
I saw that Canon Powershot in action down in Dominican Republic last month. It delivered beautiful digital photos!
Excellent Collection of Travel Cameras. Thanks for sharing!
my Samsung SIII is my travel camera. :)
Still searching for a camera that won't break, since starting my world trip in 2011.
Great lens.
This is a great lens and also check out mine its best cameras of 2013 u wont be dissapointed :)
Great info I was about to buy a camera for the season. You've helped me a lot:) Thanks!
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This year i will try to buy one good waterproof camera , because I want make pictures under water on the sea, it is so great place under the water, even can imagine what is all down there. Thanks for share.
Gave our daughter a Nikon Coolpix AW100 camera for Christmas. Nice selection.
I would love to have a smart camera with wifi. It'll make lens creation even more fun don't you think?
Canon PowerShot SX260 is good camera. Great lens.
Canon PowerShot SX260 is good camera. Great lens.
Canon PowerShot SX260 is good camera. Great lens.
I've been using the Nikon AW100 for a year for my survey work. Rugged, accurate and fast GPS function; good quality pics and HD video. A bit weak in low light situations, but overall a good little machine that can take a lot of abuse. I've recommended to several people.
I love the look of the Canon D20. Beautifully designed. wish i had one.
Thank you for this selection of travel cameras. It's not always possible to pull out a bunch of camera equipment when traveling.
i will pick The Canon Power shot D20 .......great lens thanks for sharing
If it will not fit in a pocket easily, I will forget to use it.
I'm travelling around the world, and my camera just broke so this advice is great.
wow , can take picture underwater XD
Lots of great cameras here
wow!! that's smart. is there a pro cam for canon ?
Olympous is the best! i took the best pictures on my vacations to lefkada rooms
Bought a brand new Olympus, worth its money. Great lense for photographers, keep up the good work.
You have some great travel cameras to choose from here.
Just bought the Coolpix AW100 and can't wait to use it snorkeling in Australia later this year!
This is a solid lens. I have a Canon PowerShot D10 that I use for travel photography. I love it!
The excellent collection of cameras had been introduced in this lens to capture the eye-catching beauty of the world to make immortal way of joy and happiness.
The excellent collection of cameras had been introduced in this lens to capture the eye-catching beauty of the world to make immortal way of joy and happiness.
Excellent Collection of Cameras.
nice lens and a good collection of cameras ...i like canon
Nice selection of cameras! Well done
Great travel cameras. Thanks for your reviews of them.
cool cameras
I am trying to decide on what new camera to buy, so this review helps.
I'll be coming back to this before my next trip!
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