I love nature and landscape photography. I’ve spent hours researching the best camera for hiking and backpacking outdoors, and I’m excited to share my picks and recommendations with you!
Overview
| Camera | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fujifilm X-T5 | Best Overall | ~$1,700 | ★★★★★ |
| Sony ZV-1F | Best Budget Option | ~$500 | ★★★★☆ |
| Sony Alpha 7 IV | Highest Quality Camera | ~$2,700 | ★★★★★ |
| GoPro Hero 12 | Best Compact Camera | ~$400 | ★★★★☆ |
| OLYMPUS TG-6 | Best Sturdy Camera | ~$2,300 | ★★★☆☆ |
Best Cameras for Hiking
1. Fujifilm X-T5
✅ Over 40 Megapixels
✅ Exceptional Autofocus
✅ Fast Shutterspeed
✅ Great Low-Light Performance
❌ Expensive for Beginners
If you’re looking for a reliable and high-performing camera for your hiking trips, the Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Digital Camera is a great overall camera to get.
With over 40 Megapixel and an APS-C sensor, you’ll get amazing quality and resolution.
With a shutterspeed of 1/8000s and amazing 425 focus points you can even capture fast moving motifs like butterflies or birds. Just perfect for great nature photography!
All in all, this is a great and compact allrounder camera. APS-C is also sufficient for nature photography, as you normally don’t have many problems with lighting when hiking, so full-frame is unnecessary!
Most Important Specs:
| ★★★★☆ Sensor | APS-C 40 Megapixels 7728 x 5152 |
| ★★★★☆ ISO | Auto, 125-12,800 (Expands to 64-51200) |
| ★★★★★ Shutterspeed | 1/8000 sec |
| ★★★★★ Autofocus | Phase Detection 425 Focus Points |
| ★★★★☆ Measurements | 557 g (1.23 lb / 19.65 oz) 130 x 91 x 64 mm (5.12 x 3.58 x 2.52″) |
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
2. Sony ZV-1F Vlog Camera
✅ Quick and Good Autofocus
✅ Compact and Intuitive Design for on-the-go
✅ Top-tier Audio Capturing
❌ No built-in flash
❌ No internal stabilizer
If you’re on a budget, this point-and-click camera is just perfect for you! You’ll get a very reliable camera with the ZV-1F for a few hundred bucks.
The ultra-wide lens is a huge selling point for me, as it allows you to capture more of the panorama scenery around you.
I am also impressed by the camera’s low-light capabilities – for a point-and-click camera, it has a surprisingly great performance!
One thing to note is that the battery life isn’t amazing, so it’s worth bringing extra batteries with you if you plan on using the camera for extended periods.
However, for a budget camera, this is a great choice that will most certainly satisfy you!
Most Important Specs:
| ★★★☆☆ Sensor | 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) 20.1 Megapixels |
| ★★★☆☆ ISO | Auto, ISO 80 – ISO 12800 |
| ★★★★☆ Shutterspeed | 1/4000 sec |
| ★★★☆☆ Autofocus | Contrast Detection Face Tracking |
| ★★★★★ Measurements | 256 g (0.56 lb / 9.03 oz) 106 x 60 x 46 mm (4.17 x 2.36 x 1.81″) |
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
3. Sony Alpha 7 IV
✅ Incredible Video Quality at 4K 60 FPS
✅ Cinematic Quality
✅ Amazing in any light condition
✅ Suitable for any other photography task
❌ Expensive
If you’re looking for a high-end camera for hiking, the Sony Alpha 7 IV is definitely worth considering!
With a full-frame sensor, 33MP, and the power of Sony’s processors, your photos will be phenomenal.
Especially if videos are your vibe, the Alpha 7 IV will be amazing for you. With 4K 60fps 10-bit video recording, you will get stunning results and high-quality videos.
Other than that, you of course have great low-light performance, amazing autofocus, and just TONS of different settings! But, of course, all of that comes with a rather hefty price.
Most Important Specs:
| ★★★★★ Sensor | Full-Frame 33 Megapixels 7008 x 4672 |
| ★★★★★ ISO | Auto, 100-51200 (expands to 50-204800) |
| ★★★★★ Shutterspeed | 1/8000 sec |
| ★★★★★ Autofocus | Contrast & Phase Detection 759 Focus Points |
| ★★★☆☆ Measurements | 659 g (1.45 lb / 23.25 oz) 131 x 96 x 80 mm (5.16 x 3.78 x 3.15″) |
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
4. GoPro HERO12
✅ Incredible image quality with 5.3K video and HDR
✅ Emmy Award-winning HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization
✅ Rugged and waterproof up to 33ft (10m)
❌ High Price for Action Camera
❌ Battery runs out fast with 5.3K recording
Wait…the GoPro is an action camera! Well, yes! But in my opinion, it also makes for one of the best camera for hiking.
The main advantages of a GoPro are the compact size and the sturdy build. It is designed for action, so it doesn’t really matter if you get it wet or even if the camera drops on the ground. (Try telling that to the Sony Alpha 7…:D)
Also, the 5.3K video and HDR capabilities capture stunning footage, and the HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization also makes a huge difference in the overall quality of your footage, even when hiking on rough terrain.
But of course, really think about if an action camera is what you’re looking for!
Most Important Specs:
| ★★★☆☆ Sensor | 16:9, 4:3 27 Megapixels |
| ★★☆☆☆ ISO | 100-6400 |
| ★★★★☆ Shutterspeed | 1/4000 sec |
| ★★★★☆ Autofocus | Phase Detection even for Videos |
| ★★★★★ Measurements | 154 g (0.34 lb / 5.43 oz) 72 x 51 x 34 mm (2.83 x 2 x 1.32″) |
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
5. Olympus TG-6
✅ Absolutely Robust
✅ Amazing Low-Light Performance
✅ Decent Optical Zoom (8x)
✅ Takes RAW photos
❌ No Advanced Features
Now, this one is basically a hybrid between the sturdity of the GoPro and a real traditional camera.
This camera is waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, crushproof, and freezeproof. In other words, even the clumsiest photographer won’t destroy this camera!
The high-resolution lens and back-illuminated CMOS image sensor allow you to capture great images even in low-light situations. I am especially impressed with the variable macro system, which lets you get up close and personal with your subjects.
So, if you need a sturdy camera, this is the best camera for hiking for you!
Most Important Specs:
| ★★☆☆☆ Sensor | 1/2.3″ 12 Megapixels 4000 x 3000 |
| ★★★★☆ ISO | Auto, ISO 100-12800 |
| ★★★☆☆ Shutterspeed | 1/2000 sec |
| ★★★☆☆ Autofocus | Contrast Detection 25 Focus Points |
| ★★★★☆ Measurements | 253 g (0.56 lb / 8.92 oz) 113 x 66 x 32 mm (4.45 x 2.6 x 1.26″) |
Overall Rating: ★★★☆☆
Buying Guide
If you’re still unsure, don’t worry! Let’s quickly look into the most important aspects to look for when choosing the best camera for hiking.
Size and Weight
When hiking, every ounce counts, and carrying a bulky camera can be a real burden. Therefore, it is essential to choose a compact and lightweight camera that is easy to carry around. Look for cameras that weigh less than a pound and can easily fit in your backpack or pocket.
Durability
Hiking involves a lot of physical activity, and your camera can be exposed to harsh weather conditions, such as rain, dust, and extreme temperatures. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a camera that is built to withstand these conditions. Look for cameras that are weather-sealed, dust-proof, and shock-resistant.
Image Quality
The primary purpose of a camera is to capture high-quality images. Therefore, it is essential to choose a camera that can produce sharp and clear images. Look for cameras with high megapixel counts, image stabilization, and fast autofocus.
Battery Life
You may not have access to a power source when hiking, so choose a camera with a long battery life. Look for cameras with a battery life of at least 300 shots per charge.
Additional Features
There are several additional features to consider when choosing the best camera for hiking. Look for cameras with built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity.
My Opinion on the Best Camera for Hiking
For hiking, you want to find the perfect hybrid between a lightweight and compact option, and a high-quality camera. Overall, I would recommend the Fujifilm X-T5 as it is a great camera in general, and peaks at the amazing autofocus and the great ISO range.
If you’re on a budget, the Sony ZV-1F is a great deal to get, and will definitely bring your hiking photography to the next level.
Now you’ve got everything you need to decide on the best low light video camera! If you need some other recommendations or want to read some photography guides, have a look at these:
Also, have a look at our Socials to stay up-to-date with the latest photography trends!
Do you have other recommendations for the best camera for hiking? Let us know in the comments down below!
