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Travel Cameras for the Enthusiastic Amateur

Light and sturdy. Those are my two criteria for travel cameras, whether digital or film. Anything else is a luxury.

I have four cameras and choose between them, depending on the trip: a Polaroid, a Contax TVS (35mm but ohhh so simple to use and such great photos - I can't bear to get rid of it), a Nikon Coolpix 775 (simple and light), and a top of the range Nikon digital SLR, only for professional jobs. Even so, I'm missing a mid-size sophisticated point and shoot, like the Lumix LX3 for example.

Assuming you want to take a camera along...

So what should YOU be looking for?

Obviously much will depend on why you're taking pictures and how good you are at it.

If you're already a good photographer with plenty of gear, then you could probably write this page better than I could. But if you're planning a major trip and aren't equipped with your travel photography camera gear, then you might find the following criteria useful.

Size matters. You may sometimes want to be discreet, and you might want the convenience of slipping it into your pocket.
Weight is also important, especially if you have to carry it on your back.
Try to avoid something that looks too expensive. You don't want to attract every thief's attention to your travel digital camera.
If you're backpacking, you'll have to pack it carefully each time you hit the road so sturdiness is an issue.
I like a decent zoom - you can't always get up close and personal.
I'd consider a viewfinder. As soon as the sun is out, it's difficult to see your picture in an LCD screen, even if you stand in the shade.
If you have the choice, look for a camera with as little shutter delay as possible so you don't miss those perfect moments, but do not get anything too fancy either.
Durability is key, especially if your trip is going to be lengthy.
Memory. The more the better.
Go for the widest angle lens you can get.
Batteries are crucial. Make sure they're easy to remove and replace. Some cameras use AA batteries, which you can find virtually anywhere - even in distant places where you might not be able to recharge your batteries otherwise.
Travel cameras these days can multitask - and you might want one with video functions as well as stills.

I'd take along a lightweight travel camera tripod, like the Gorillapod, which twists into different shapes and can even be fastened on a tree branch or a fence - but I'd be careful if you have a heavy SLR plus lenses!

Should you even be taking a camera on your travels?

Of course you should!

I raise this because some people feel a camera somehow dampens their 'travel experience' by getting in the way of their environment. That can be true - if you spend your day behind your lens. But if you don't record what you see as you travel, you may regret it when you're back home trying to share your journey with others, or simply trying to remember whether that beach was in Bali or Bonaire.

That said, you might want to brush up on your skills before you go. If that's the case, you could start by visiting my page on beginners' photography and if you're slightly more seasoned, you'll probably still find some useful tips at travel and scenic photography 101 or digital travel photography.

I won't recommend a particular camera because there are so many and each one has different features. I suggest you take a look at the various digital camera reviews you'll find all over the web - and make up your own mind.