Choosing a Digital Camera for Hiking

Photos are a vivid way to remember and share experiences you have out on the trail. They're also handy for later identification of plants, fungi, or wildlife. But if you don't have a camera that's easy to use when hiking, you're likely to leave home without it. With so many cameras available, how do you choose?

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step 1

Set your budget. While digital cameras can be had for under $100, most good compact cameras suited for hiking will be in the $100 to $500 range. You'll need a few accessories, too.

Step 2

Decide what you want to do with your photos. Higher resolution (more megapixels) is better for making large prints. For online sharing, 2 to 5 MP is fine. If you plan on editing with software like Photoshop, ability to store images in formats other than JPEG is desirable.

Step 3

Consider how you're most likely to use the camera. For quick, no-fuss shooting, look for lots of automated modes. A manual setting offers more control. Shutter or aperture-priority modes are a convenient compromise. Macro mode is essential for close-ups. If landscapes are your thing, look for wide-angle capability. For wildlife shots, you need good optical (not digital) zoom that's fast and quiet.

Step 4

Check out size, weight and durability. How will you carry the camera while hiking: in a pocket, your pack, or with a neck or wrist strap? Go to a camera store wearing your hiking clothes and see which models fit and feel best. Remember that you may also have sunglasses, hat cords and binoculars around your neck. A wrist strap may be cumbersome if you're also using trekking poles. For rainy areas, consider a waterproof camera. One with shock-absorbing construction may survive being dropped or some other trauma.

Step 5

Think about accessories. Most cameras come with USB or Firewire cables, but a card reader makes downloads much faster. Rechargeable batteries are greener and last longer than disposables. If you have other devices that use memory cards, a camera that uses the same kind will keep things simple. You should have at least one spare battery and memory card. You may or may not need a case.

Tips & Warnings

If you plan to buy online, check out cameras in a store first. Register your warranty with the manufacturer.

If you plan to buy online, check out cameras in a store first.

Resources

Article Written By Peggy Hansen

Peggy Hansen holds a Bachelor of Science in biology from UC San Diego, Doctor of Medicine from UCLA, and completed postgraduate training at Stanford, Duke and Harvard. An award-winning writer and photographer, her work has been featured in Catnip, Herbalgram, Porter Gulch Review, and many online pieces. She's also a commentator for KQED-FM

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