Hiking is an enjoyable outdoor activity that provides an opportunity to explore and experience nature’s beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, capturing your hiking memories with a camera can enhance your experience and allow you to relive those moments long after your hike is over.
This article features a list of the top 10 best cameras for hiking, to help you choose the perfect camera for your next outdoor adventure.
10 Best Cameras for Hiking (Lightweight and Affordable)
When it comes to choosing a camera for hiking, there are several factors to consider. One of the most important is weight, as you’ll want a camera that’s lightweight and easy to carry while hiking. You’ll also want a camera that’s durable and can withstand the elements, such as rain, dust, and temperature changes. Additionally, you’ll want a camera that’s easy to use and takes high-quality photos and videos, especially if you plan to share them with friends and family or post them on social media.
Fortunately, there are plenty of cameras on the market that fit these criteria and are also affordable. From action cameras to mirrorless cameras, there’s a camera for every type of hiker and budget. The below section takes you through the top 10 cameras for Hiking.
#1. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
- Portable, weathersealed design
- 121-Point All-Cross-Type On-Chip Phase Detection AF
- Compact, In-Body 5-Axis Image Stabilization (up to approx. 5.5 EV steps of...
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is a perfect lightweight camera for hiking. The camera’s impressive features, such as the 5-axis image stabilization system, pinpoint AF precision, and C4K recording, allowed me to capture stunning photos and videos. Despite its compact and lightweight body, this camera packs a punch with its 20MP Live MOS sensor and TruePic VII processor, making it a great choice for anyone who loves photography and wants to capture their adventures while hiking.
Plus, the weather-sealed construction ensures that it can withstand any terrain and weather conditions. Overall, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is the best lightweight camera for hiking, to capture your most adventurous moments.
#2. Nikon D3000
- 10.2-megapixel DX-format imaging sensor for prints up to 20 x 30 inches
- Includes 3x 18-55mm Zoom-Nikkor VR Image Stabilization lens
- Nikon EXPEED image processing; in-camera image editing and Active D-Lighting
The Nikon D3000 is a popular camera for hikers and travelers, thanks to its 10.2-megapixel DX-format imaging sensor. This sensor allows for prints up to 20 x 30 inches in size, making it easy to create large, high-quality prints of your photos. The camera also comes with a 3x 18-55mm Zoom-Nikkor VR Image Stabilization lens, which helps to minimize camera shake and produce sharp, clear images.
In addition to its imaging capabilities, the Nikon D3000 also features Nikon’s EXPEED image processing system, which delivers high-quality images with accurate colors and sharp details. The camera also includes in-camera image editing tools and Active D-Lighting, which helps to balance exposures and bring out details in shadows and highlights. The camera’s 3.0-inch color LCD screen provides a 170-degree wide-angle viewing, and images can be captured to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included).
#3. GoPro HERO10 Black
- Revolutionary Processor: Faster. Smoother. Better. The powerful new GP2 engine...
- High-Res Photos plus Videos, High Frame Rate: Step up to the sharpest-shooting GoPro...
- Unbelievable Image Quality: Shoot with fine detail, realistic textures and stunning...
The HERO10 Black is an affordable camera perfect for hiking. Its revolutionary GP2 engine provides snappy performance and responsive touch controls, along with double the frame rate for amazingly smooth footage. Capture stunning 23MP photos and 5.3K video resolution at 60fps with 8x slo-mo at 2.7K and 15.8MP still photos from 5.3K video that look amazing.
This camera offers unbelievable image quality with fine detail, realistic textures, and stunning contrast even in low light, thanks to its new water-shedding hydrophobic lens cover. HyperSmooth 4.0 ensures the smoothest stabilization and better low-light performance, while fast and reliable connectivity allows for effortless wireless upload via the Quik app or lightning-fast wired connection via USB.
If you want to buy yourself action camera for hiking, read our guide to make a right choice: 5 Best GoPro Camera (or similar) for Hiking.
#4. Panasonic LUMIX FZ80
- Point and Shoot Long Zoom Camera: 18.1 megapixel MOS sensor plus 60X zooms DC Vario...
- High Resolution View Finder and LCD Display: High resolution 1,170K dot view finder...
- 4K video Capture: 4K QFHD video recording (3840 x 2160) with three unique 4K...
The Panasonic Lumix FZ80 is a point-and-shoot long zoom camera with an 18.1 megapixel MOS sensor and 60X zooms DC Vario lens that is perfect for capturing far-off moments during hiking. It features a high resolution 1,170K dot viewfinder and rear touch-enabled 3-inch LCD Display for clear viewing even in bright sunlight. Additionally, it can capture 4K QFHD video recording and has low light performance for impressive results during nightlife. It also has USB charging and Wi-Fi connectivity for easy transfer of files to your mobile device.
The camera’s lens has 14 elements in 12 groups, and it has three unique 4K Ultra HD video pauses and saves 4K photo modes. It also has HDMI D (Micro), Micro USB, and USB 2.0 for additional connectivity to other devices. With a viewfinder of 0.20″ LVF, and a field of view of approximately 100%, it has a lens of 19.6x. This camera is an excellent choice for hiking and outdoor photography.
#5. Olympus TG-6
- Water proof (50 feet /15 meter), dust proof, shock proof (7 feet / 2.1 meter), crush...
- High resolution F2.0 lens, maximum 8x zoom, true pic VIII, back illuminated CMOS...
- Variable macro system comprised of 4 macro shooting modes, magnified shooting up to 1...
The Olympus TG-6 for its excellent performance, long battery life, and sturdy build making it perfect for hiking and capturing unforgettable moments. Thanks to its fast processor, better low-light sensitivity, and versatile features, the camera took ethereal and lifelike images and videos. Its rugged design, tough sealing, and waterproof feature allowed the writer to capture spotless results, even in harsh weather conditions.
The camera’s advantages include a 12MP BSI sensor, TruePic VIII image processor, 3-inch LCD monitor with 1.04m-dot, 4K video recording, 20fps shooting rate, ISO 12800, built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, Full HD at 120p, and water, crush, shock, freeze, and dustproof capabilities. The Olympus TG-6 is an excellent choice for adventure seekers who want to capture every moment of their hikes, no matter how extreme the environment is.
#6. Panasonic Lumix FZ2500
- The ideal hybrid camera choice for the advanced 4K video enthusiast and photography...
- Large 1-inch 20.1 Megapixel sensor and bright 20X LEICA VARIO-ELMART F2.8-4.5 lens
- 4K Ultra HD video recording plus exclusive LUMIX 4K PHOTO and 4K Post Focus and...
The Panasonic Lumix FZ2500’s lightweight and sturdy design makes it perfect for hiking, and the speed is remarkable throughout the camera system resulting from its speedy processor. With its 4K capabilities and unique yet highly remarkable Post Focus focusing system, it provides a vast range of features, including built-in focus stacking, enabling you to have a range of focusing fields. Moreover, it permits you to acquire sharply focused imagery even walking on stony hiking trails. The results are pretty promising, no matter wherever you utilize it.
This model is a top-class camera that is ready to face any situation and turn them into a cinematic view. This cutting-edge piece is perfect for capturing the natural beauty of hiking trails and immersing yourself in diverse, fantastical habitats. The camera’s top-notch features make it an excellent investment for anyone who loves to spend time outdoors doing awesome healthy activities. However, one disadvantage of the camera is that it does not have rainfall sealing.
#7. Nikon Z50
- Compact, lightweight and durably constructed mirrorless camera
- First DX-format mirrorless camera to use a large 55 millimeter lens mount, offering...
- 20.9 MP sensor with robust 4K UHD video features
This mirrorless camera is compact, lightweight, and durable, making it a great option for hiking. The Nikon Z50 is the first DX-format mirrorless camera to use a 55mm lens mount, which provides excellent image quality and low-light performance. Additionally, it has a 20.9 MP sensor with 4K UHD video capabilities and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy smartphone pairing.
The camera also features a “selfie” flip-down touch LCD screen, which is ideal for self-portraits and vlogging. It is compatible with Nikkor Z lenses and can also be used with F Mount NIKKOR Lenses using the FTZ Mount Adapter (sold separately).
#8. Canon G7 X Mark II
![Canon PowerShot Digital Camera [G7 X Mark II] with Wi-Fi & NFC, LCD Screen, and 1-inch Sensor - Black, 100-1066C001](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51noZbmp16L.jpg){kind=small}
- The advanced video capabilities of the PowerShot G7 X Mark II camera can capture...
- Features a large 1.0 inch, 20.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor that helps capture high quality...
- An aperture value of f/1.8 at the wide angle and f/2.8 when fully zoomed to a factor...
Another affordable camera that’s perfect for hiking is the Canon G7 X Mark II. With its manual control ring and excellent area coverage, this camera is ideal for capturing all your outdoor adventures. Plus, its incredible image stabilization ensures that your shots are always steady and blur-free.
The Canon G7 X Mark II is also equipped with a powerful 20.1MP CMOS sensor and DIGIC 7 image processor, which allow for quick and efficient shooting at 8fps. You can also enjoy Full HD 1080p resolution at 60fps, and the camera’s built-in WiFi and NFC connectivity make it easy to transfer your photos and videos. While it may have a few drawbacks, such as occasional autofocus misses and no support for 4K video, the Canon G7 X Mark II is still an excellent choice for anyone looking for an affordable hiking camera.
For the Canon G7 X Mark II, you should use an SD card that is compatible and provides optimal performance. The camera supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, with the following specifications recommended: Class 10 or higher for Full HD video recording (UHS-I U1 or U3 is ideal). At least 32GB or higher capacity for extended shooting sessions and video recording. Find the best SD Cards for your camera: Canon Cameras SD Cards (Top 10 Picks)
#9. Canon PowerShot ELPH 180
- 8x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer helps you capture images with...
- 20.0 Megapixel CCD sensor combines with the DIGIC 4 plus Image Processor to help...
- 720p HD video capabilities. Focusing range: Normal: 2.0 inch - infinity (W), 4.3 feet...
For an affordable hiking camera, the Canon PowerShot Elph 180 is a great option. It offers 8x optical zoom, image stabilization, and a 20-megapixel sensor. However, it only supports 720p video, has a limited battery life of 220 shots, and isn’t weather-sealed. A waterproof compact camera bag is recommended and bring a spare battery or charger is advisable.
The camera’s main advantages are its image stabilization, face detection focusing, high-resolution sensor, and lightweight body of only 126 grams. The disadvantages include the lack of full HD video, no built-in viewfinder, and limited battery life.
#10. DJI Pocket 2
- POCKET-SIZED: DJI Pocket 2 fits perfectly in your hand, bag, or pocket so that you...
- MOTORIZED STABILIZATION: A 3-axis gimbal stabilizes the camera for smooth video on...
- ACTIVETRACK 3.0: No matter how you move, Pocket 2 keeps you and your friends in the...
For hiking enthusiasts, the DJI Pocket 2 is an excellent camera choice due to its compact size, making it easy to carry in your pocket or bag. Its 3-axis gimbal stabilization ensures smooth video even while on the move and is great for creative photos, including handheld long-exposure shots. The camera also features ActiveTrack 3.0, which keeps you and your friends in the shot no matter how you move.
The DJI Pocket 2 has impressive photo and video capabilities that allow you to create share-worthy content and make your memories last forever. With a 1/1.7-Inch Sensor, 64MP photo, 4K/60fps video, and Hybrid AF 2.0, you can capture stunning footage and images. The camera’s DJI Matrix Stereo technology also records high-quality audio, letting you relive the sounds of your adventures.
To be able to enjoy your camera a 100% check out the best accessories: DJI Osmo Pocket 2: Must Have Accessories & Gear.
Which One Did You Like The Best?
Capture the beauty of nature without breaking the bank with these best and most affordable cameras for hiking. Our top pick is the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III but if you are looking for a more budgeted choice then, there are many other options mentioned above. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer, these cameras offer great features such as high-resolution sensors, optical image stabilization, and long zoom lenses that can help you take stunning photos and videos while on the trail. Don’t let your budget hold you back from capturing your hiking adventures, grab one of these cameras and start snapping away!
When hiking, it’s essential to have a comfortable and secure strap for your camera. There are several types of hiking straps available that can help keep your camera safe and easily accessible during your outdoor adventures. Read to choose one: 8 BEST (Affordable) Camera Straps for Hiking.
More cameras for outdoor activities:
- 10 Best Cameras For The Outdoors (On a Budget)
- 12 Best Cameras for Landscape Photography (Entry to Pro)
- 7 Best Lightweight Cameras for Travel and Hiking
Thanks for reading!
I hope this guide helped you know all about the best camera for Hiking. 🙂
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