Best 2024 Beginner Hiking Camera Guide: How To Choose A Camera
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LOOKING FOR THE BEST BEGINNER HIKING CAMERAS IN 2024?
Are you on the search for a hiking camera as a beginner? I was in your place in early 2024! There are many different camera types and options out there, so I went ahead and compiled all my research into one post to make it easier to make an informed decision that’s right for you!
Best Beginner Hiking Cameras in 2024: An Overview
Getting into photography is an inspiring thing! Especially as a hiker, because you’re constantly seeing beautiful views, it only makes sense to want to capture them! We’ll cover all the best hiking cameras for beginners options today!
| Sony RX100 | Ricoh GR III | Canon EOS Rebel T7 | Nikon D3500 | Sony Alpha a6400 | Olympus OM-D E Mark IV | FujiFilm X-T5 | Olympus Tough T6 | GoPro Hero 11 | |
| Sensor: | 1″ CMOS | CMOS APS-C | CMOS APS-H | CMOS APS-C | CMOS Full-Frame | CMOS | APS-C, X-Trans CMOS 5 HR | CMOS | 1/2.3″ CMOS |
| MP: | 20.2 | 24.24 | 24.1 | 24.2 | 24.2 | 20 | 40.2 | 12 | 27MP Photos, 5.3K60 Video |
| Lens: | Zoom | Wide Angle GR | Wide Angle | Wide Angle Zoom | Zoom | Inter Change-able | Wide Angle | Macro | Changes Based on Setting |
| Weight: | 240g | 257g | 475g | 365g | 454g | 395g | 557g | 255g | 153g |
| ISO: | 125-6400 | 100-102400 | 100-12800 | 100-25600 | 100-102400 | 100-25600 | 125-51200 | 100-12800 | 100-6400 Video 100-3200 Photos |
| Weather Sealed? | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price: | $ | $$$ | $ | $$ | $$ | $$ | $$$$ | $ | $ |
Best Beginner Hiking Cameras in 2024
There are many great camera options for beginners, and they vary based on camera type, weight, and image quality. This post covers the nine best beginner hiking cameras, including point-and-shoot, DSLR, mirrorless, and adventure cameras. Read on to figure out what’s the best one for you!
In a Hurry? Here’s What We Recommend
Camera Body Type
Ultimately, the first thing you’ll want to figure out before purchasing a camera as a beginner is what type of camera body you’re looking for. Four camera body types are typically used for hiking photography: point-and-shoot, DSLR, mirrorless, and adventure cameras. Each has pros and cons, but we’ll discuss everything so you can make an informed decision as a beginner!
Point-and-Shoot Cameras
Point-and-shoot cameras are popular for hiking because they are lightweight and compact, have larger sensors than phone cameras, and don’t need additional gear. They’re great for beginners because they’re generally easy to use, durable, and easily repairable. The two best beginner options are the SonyRX100 and the Ricoh GRIII.
The Sony RX100 is a great beginner point-and-shoot hiking camera. It’s affordable, compact, easy to use, and offers high image quality. While you can shoot in automatic settings, you have the creative capability to experiment with Program, Manual, Shutter Priority, and Aperture Priority to learn the photography basics!
| Sensor: | 1-inch CMOS Sensor |
| Megapixels: | 20.2MP |
| Lens: | Zoom, 28-100mm |
| Weight: | 240g |
| ISO: | 125 – 6400 Expandable ISO 80, 100, and 25600 |
| Weather Sealed: | No |
| Pros: | Image Quality Performance Size & Portability Ease of use |
| Cons: | Value For Price Camera Quality Focus |
| Price: | $ |
| Pricing Key: | $ = $0 – $500 $$ = $500 – $1,000 $$$ = $1,000 – $2,000 $$$$ = $2,000+ |
>> Check Prices & Reviews of the Sony RX100 on Amazon Here! <<
The Ricoh GR III is another great beginner point-and-shoot hiking camera with more features than the Sony RX100. It has high image quality, stops shake reduction, and can even connect to your smartphone! It also has Manual, Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Bulb, and Time modes you can switch between.
| Sensor: | CMOS APS-C |
| Megapixels: | 24.24 MP |
| Lens: | Wide Angle GR Lens 18.3mm |
| Weight: | 257g |
| ISO: | 100 – 102400 |
| Weather Sealed: | No |
| Pros: | Image Quality Camera Quality Size & Portability |
| Cons: | Battery Life Performance |
| Price: | $$$ |
| Pricing Key: | $ = $0 – $500 $$ = $500 – $1,000 $$$ = $1,000 – $2,000 $$$$ = $2,000+ |
>> Check out Prices & Reviews of the Ricoh GR III on Amazon Here! <<
DSLR Cameras
DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras are another great beginner camera! They pair well with multiple lenses and accessories, are affordable and durable, shoot high-quality images, and generally have great autofocus and low-light settings. However, DSLRs are a bit heavier and bulkier.
I bought a DSLR as my first camera and I’ve been satisfied with my experience. DSLRs have a ton of different modes and the option of changing out lenses to practice shooting with wide or zoom lenses. I usually carry my DSLR around my neck or put it in my backpack during hikes!
I’m biased because the Canon EOS Rebel T7 (also known as the Canon 2000D) is the camera I currently use and love. However, I think this is a great beginner camera because it’s affordable, has many different shooting settings to play around with, and can connect straight to your phone. It’s currently rated as one of the top DSLR cameras on Amazon!
| Sensor: | CMOS APS-H |
| Megapixels: | 24.1 MP |
| Lens: | Wide Angle, 18-55mm |
| Weight: | 475g |
| ISO: | 100 – 12800 |
| Weather Sealed: | No |
| Pros: | Camera & Image Quality Ease of Use Value for Price Performance Battery Life |
| Cons: | Auto Focus Size/Weight |
| Price: | $ |
| Pricing Key | $ = $0 – $500 $$ = $500 – $1,000 $$$ = $1,000 – $2,000 $$$$ = $2,000+ |
>> Check Reviews & Prices for the Canon EOS Rebel T7 Here! <<
The Nikon D3500 is another great beginner DSLR for hiking though a bit more expensive than the Canon. It’s fast and easy to use, and more lightweight for a DSLR, making it a great option for hikers. It also has a guide mode to learn as you go!
| Sensor: | CMOS APS-C |
| Megapixels: | 24.2MP |
| Lens: | Wide Angle Zoom, 18-55mm |
| Weight: | 365g |
| ISO: | 100 – 25600 |
| Weather Sealed: | No |
| Pros: | Image Quality Ease of Use Value For Price Weight |
| Cons: | Performance |
| Price: | $$ |
| Pricing Key: | $ = $0 – $500 $$ = $500 – $1,000 $$$ = $1,000 – $2,000 $$$$ = $2,000+ |
>> Check Reviews & Prices for the Nikon D3500 on Amazon Here! <<
Mirrorless Cameras
Mirrorless cameras are currently all the rave in the photography world, but it’s best to consider the pros and cons! These cameras are great for smaller sizes, advanced autofocus, quick shooting, and high image quality. The downfalls are they offer shorter battery life, higher prices, limited lens selection, and an electrical viewfinder (which is limiting in low-light environments).
Ultimately, you’ll have to decide what’s right for you, but my recommendation is to start with a DSLR, and if you want something more lightweight, switch over to a Mirrorless! At the end of the day, you can always upgrade to something more expensive once you figure out what you like or dislike about certain camera features!
One of the most popular beginner mirrorless cameras out there at the moment is the Sony Alpha a6400 camera. It’s compact and fast, has phenomenal video capabilities, real-time object and eye autofocus, and interchangeable lenses. It also has a 180-degree tiltable touch screen to watch yourself when recording vlogging videos!
| Sensor: | CMOS Full-Frame |
| Megapixels: | 24.2 |
| Lens: | Zoom |
| Weight: | 454g / 1lb |
| ISO: | 100 – 102400 |
| Weather Sealed: | Yes, water-resistant |
| Pros: | Image & Camera Quality Focus Size & Weight Value For Price Ease of use |
| Cons: | Battery Life Performance |
| Price: | $$ |
| Pricing Key: | $ = $0 – $500 $$ = $500 – $1,000 $$$ = $1,000 – $2,000 $$$$ = $2,000+ |
>> Check Prices & Reviews for the Sony Alpha a6400 Here! <<
The Olympus OM-D E Mark IV is a phenomenal mirrorless beginner camera, especially for those who like to take self-portraits! The camera has a flip-down monitor and image stabilization for bumpy trails! It also connects to your phone to quickly transfer your images.
| Sensor: | CMOS |
| Megapixels: | 20MP |
| Lens: | 14-44mm, Interchangable |
| Weight: | 395 g |
| ISO: | 100 – 25600 |
| Weather Sealed: | No |
| Pros: | Image & Camera Quality Size & Portability Ease of use Value For Price |
| Cons: | Performance Wi-Fi Connection Viewfinder |
| Price: | $$ |
| Pricing Key: | $ = $0 – $500 $$ = $500 – $1,000 $$$ = $1,000 – $2,000 $$$$ = $2,000+ |
>> Check Prices & Reviews for the Olympus OM D E Mark IV Here! <<
The Fujifilm X-T5 is the ideal mirrorless camera if you want to go all out for your first camera. Even though it is expensive, photographers love it for its lightweight, high-quality, quick images. It has fantastic video stabilization, object tracking, and high-definition video capabilities. If you’re willing to spend thousands of dollars on a luxury mirrorless camera, this is your camera!
| Sensor: | APS-C, X-Trans CMOS 5 HR with a primary color filter |
| Megapixels: | 40.2MP |
| Lens: | Wide angle |
| Weight: | 557g |
| ISO: | 125 – 51200 |
| Weather Sealed: | Yes |
| Pros: | Image & Camera Quality Value For Price Features Ease of use |
| Cons: | Autofocus Performance |
| Price: | $$$$ |
| Pricing Key: | $ = $0 – $500 $$ = $500 – $1,000 $$$ = $1,000 – $2,000 $$$$ = $2,000+ |
>> Check out Prices & Reviews of FujiFilm X-T5 on Amazon Here! <<
Rugged Action Cameras
Last but certainly not least, we have rugged action cameras. Rugged action cameras are built with durability in mind for active adventures. They are waterproof, durable, and designed for any hardcore sporting activity. These are unique cameras that might work perfectly for your hiking adventures!
First on the list, we have the Olympus Tough TG-6. This camera is waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, dustproof, crushproof, and anti-fog. It even has five underwater shooting modes! The Olympus Tough TG-6 is a great camera that will survive your adventures without sacrificing image quality, but it is a macro lens, so it captures small items to make them appear large.
| Sensor: | CMOS, 1/2.3-inch |
| Megapixels: | 12MP |
| Lens: | Macro |
| Weight: | 255g |
| ISO: | 100 – 12800 |
| Weather Sealed: | Yes |
| Pros: | Image Quality Ease of Use Portability Waterproofness |
| Cons: | Performance Value For Price Battery Life |
| Price: | $ |
| Pricing Key: | $ = $0 – $500 $$ = $500 – $1,000 $$$ = $1,000 – $2,000 $$$$ = $2,000+ |
>> Check Reviews & Prices on the Olympus Tough T6 Here! <<
If you are looking for a lightweight and waterproof beginner hiking camera with high image quality, you should look into getting a GoPro Hero 11. I have a DSLR and a GoPro. When I don’t feel like lugging around a hefty camera, the GoPro is my hero (pun intended). They have impressive stabilization and image quality, and this model even offers live streaming!
| Sensor Size: | 1/1.9 inches |
| Megapixels: | 27MP Photos, 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video |
| Lens: | Changes Based on the Setting |
| Weight: | 153g |
| ISO: | 100-6400 Video 100-3200 Photos & Night Photos |
| Weather Sealed: | Yes |
| Pros: | Video & Camera Quality Ease of Use Compatibility |
| Cons: | Battery Life Problems with SIM Card Performance |
| Price: | $ |
| Pricing Key: | $ = $0 – $500 $$ = $500 – $1,000 $$$ = $1,000 – $2,000 $$$$ = $2,000+ |
>> Check Prices & Reviews of the GoPro Hero 11 on Amazon Here! <<
Best Beginner Hiking Camera Accessories
Now that we’ve gone over nine of the best beginner hiking cameras covering point-and-shoots, DSLRs, Mirrorless, and action cameras, let’s talk about popular accessories for your camera! The camera is super important, but accessories can completely upgrade your photography game!
Lenses
The type of lens that you choose for your camera will determine what kind of images you’ll be taking! As a hiker, you might be interested in landscape photography to capture the entire scenery. However, you might be interested in a zoom lens to take photographs of the animals you see that are farther away! Here’s a general rule of thumb:
| 14-44mm: | Wide Angle; Best for landscape images |
| 35-85mm: | Standard; Best for portraits & travel |
| 85-135mm: | Short Telephoto; Best for street photography & portraits |
| 135-300mm: | Medium Telephoto; Best for action, sports & wildlife |
Shop for these interchangeable lenses here!
| 14-44mm | 35-85mm | 85-135mm | 135-300mm | |
| Sony | Sony 14mm (fixed) | Sony 24-70mm | Sony 18-135mm | Sony 70- 300mm |
| Olympus | Olympus 14-42mm | Olympus 40-150mm | Olympus 40-150mm | Olympus 100-400mm |
| Canon | Canon 14-35mm | Canon 15-85mm | Canon 18-135mm | Canon 75-300mm |
Batteries
It’s always a good idea to bring an additional battery or charger with you in case yours dies. I know how devastating it is to have an exciting vlog or photo shoot on the calendar only to realize I forgot to charge my camera the night before. Plan to ensure that you’ll have enough charge for your epic hiking adventures!
Tripod
If you’re going to be hiking solo or want to be hands-free when taking videos or pictures, a tripod is worth the investment. There are many different kinds of tripods out there, and you can even find some that are lightweight, pack down, or are flexible to adjust to whatever situation you’re in. Here are a few popular ones:
GoPro Handheld & Expandable Tripod
Mini Flexible Tripod Stand (GoPro, DSLR, Phone, Mirrorless Compatible)
Lightweight, Pack-Down Tripod
Lens Filters
One way to experiment with your photography skills is by buying filters for your camera! It’s like editing your photo but you get the desired result while capturing it! Filters aren’t necessary, but they can be fun to play around with! Popular camera filters include polarizers, Neutral density filters, and UV filters.
Browse for filters here with the option to choose your lens size!
External Hard Drive
Getting into photography is so much fun because you’re learning a new skill. Believe me when I say you’ll want to capture everything, and the photos and videos can pile up quickly! Make sure to buy an external hard drive to keep all your images in one place to look back on in the future! Back them up consistently so you don’t lose any!
Buy the 2TB Seagate Hard Drive to keep your photos together!
Camera Bag
Last but certainly not least, you’ll want to have a way to lug all your camera equipment around! I have two lenses, a drone, and a GoPro, and I need a place to store all my precious photography items. I use this BagSmart camera bag to store everything efficiently and safely, but you might consider a hard case to protect your camera even more!
FAQs: Best Beginner Hiking Cameras
Fantastic! Now that we’ve covered nine of the best beginner hiking cameras, we can discuss some frequently asked questions. Remember that the best beginner hiking camera for you may look different than it does for others because we all have different priorities and needs when it comes to our preferences for photography!
What kind of camera is best for hiking?
Generally, the best kinds of cameras for hiking are compact, lightweight, and durable. Point-and-shoot and rugged cameras are great for beginners because they are lightweight and easy to use. However, those looking for more advanced photography may upgrade to a DSLR or Mirrorless camera for more features and better image quality.
What is the best action camera for hiking?
After researching, we’ve concluded that the best action camera for hiking has to be the GoPro Hero 11. It’s lightweight, has image stabilization, can take photos and videos, and has livestreaming capabilities. It’s also waterproof, extremely durable, and way more affordable than other cameras on the market!
What is the best camera for recording walks?
The best camera for recording walks would have high image stabilization. After researching the best nine beginner hiking cameras, a few are at the top of the list for smooth recording: the GoPro Hero 11 (low price range), the Olympus OM D-E Mark IV (mid-price range), and the FujiFilm X-T5 (high price range).
Is a GoPro good for hiking?
GoPros are ideal hiking cameras because they have good image quality, are lightweight and compact, are waterproof and durable, and are affordable. The newer versions also have ideal image stabilization that can help the shakiness when you’re scaling a steep slope. I would personally recommend a GoPro to anyone looking for a hiking camera that they can also get wet.
Wrapping Up: Best Beginner Hiking Cameras
That’s a wrap! Nine of the best beginner hiking cameras. This post covered different camera types, including point-and-shoot, DSLRs, Mirrorless, and action cameras. It gave recommendations for beginners in each category and covered camera features, pros, cons, and price ranges. It also covers camera accessories that upgrade your photography skills and ensure you’re prepared to capture the best hiking shots!
Hopefully, you’ve taken away a few ideas on what to look for in your first beginner hiking camera. Getting into photography has made hiking even more exciting because I’m encouraged to look at my surroundings to find creative shots. Take it slow, and have fun! Happy photographing!