When it comes to capturing breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable moments during your hiking adventures, having the right camera by your side is essential.
There are so many incredible locations to be found along hiking trails that it would be a shame not to capture them.
However, hiking is heavily diverse and therefore you need to find that best camera for hiking that is up to the job.
The key to the best camera for hiking is versatility.
Hiking takes in a range of different landscapes from coastal walks to woodland treks and even dramatic canyons.
Your camera needs to be able to beautifully capture the variety of exquisite colors and details throughout your diverse adventures.
Hiking is also reliant on weather conditions.
The best camera for hiking therefore needs to be capable of capturing stunning imagery in all weathers and lighting conditions.
However, there are so many other essential elements to consider when looking for the best camera for hiking.
When searching for my own camera for hiking, I did an incredible amount of research.
Not only did I prioritize which features were important in a camera for hiking, I also tried and tested multiple cameras along the way.
It would be a shame for all my research to go to waste so I am sharing it here.
After testing many cameras, it was impossible to narrow it down to just one winner.
Instead, I narrowed it down to the best five cameras for hiking that are great for a diverse range of wants and needs.
The following reviews and how to buy guide will help you navigate the market and find the perfect camera that meets your specific needs.
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a beginner looking to elevate your hiking photography, you will find something to take from this.
Best Camera for Hiking – Reviews
All five cameras are worthy contenders for the top spot.
However, everyone has different requirements and preferences in a camera.
Therefore, it is difficult to identify just one best camera for hiking as every individual has unique wants and needs.
Instead, I have identified the five best cameras for hiking and reviewed the below.
So read on to find your perfect hiking companion!
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV – Best Camera for Hiking Overall
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV stands out as an exceptional camera for hiking photography.
Its 30.4-megapixel full-frame sensor delivers stunning image quality, capturing intricate details and the vibrant colors of nature.
This high-resolution sensor offers the flexibility to crop and enlarge images without compromising on clarity.
When it comes to low light performance, the 5D Mark IV excels.
With its expanded ISO range and improved noise reduction capabilities, it handles challenging lighting conditions effortlessly.
This allows you to capture breathtaking shots even during dusk or dawn hikes.
It also helps to adapt to changing weather conditions.
Another great feature is the camera’s weather sealing allowing you to continue shooting no matter the weather.
However, the major downside of this camera is the battery life.
The battery life is seriously poor when shooting in 4K and a great battery life is important for long hiking days.
Whilst you could compromise and shoot in lower quality to prolong the battery life, why would you?
I personally want my videos to be crisp and clear and 4K achieves this.
I was really disappointed by this aspect of the camera.
Regardless, the camera had so many other incredible features that I could overlook this.
Image Quality
Sensational image quality. The EOS 5D Mark IV has a 30.4 mp sensor to support great photo detail. This achieves images with very high resolution images that you can crop as much as you want.
Low Light Performance
This camera has an exceptional low light performance which is crucial for hiking photography. It can capture great images up to ISO 1600 with no image noise. As you move it beyond it, noise starts to creep in and the image loses quality but still achieves great results. The camera’s impressive dynamic range ensures accurate exposure in contrasting light situations which preserves details in both shadow and highlight areas. This is especially crucial when capturing landscapes with varying levels of brightness.
Auto Focus
Exceptional auto focus which is particularly important for shooting nature subjects whilst hiking such as plants and wildlife. It has an amazing feature to select different area focus zones while shooting highlighting specific sections of the frame.
Focal Length
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is compatible with a varying range of focal lengths for optimal performance. This is particularly beneficial to professionals who want to capture the perfect shots. The EF 24-70mm lens is a particularly popular zoom lens which is great for capturing landscapes and more close up shots.
4K Resolution
This camera takes stunning 4K videos which capture your hiking adventures beautifully. Sadly, 4K drains the battery life though. It also creates pretty large files which take up a lot of storage.
Battery Life
Whilst the battery life is decent enough when shooting in low quality, battery life isn’t great when you shoot 4K images. This is a real disappointment of this camera
Weather Protection
The camera body has pretty good weather sealing protecting it from both moisture and rain. This makes it a great choice for hiking.
Whilst the battery life of this camera is a huge downfall, its other features certainly make up for it.
The image quality and low light performance is simply unrivaled.
Plus, with great low light performance and weather sealing, you can capture no matter the conditions.
“I loved the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. I found it to be a great all-rounder and it is now my go-to camera for hiking. If you’re looking for a camera that does it all in equal measure, this is the camera for you.”
Sony RX100 III – Best Camera for Hiking Which is Feature-Rich
The Sony RX100 III is a game-changer for hiking photography.
This camera offers impressive photo quality that rivals some mid-range DSLR cameras, despite its compact point-and-shoot design.
With its 20.1-megapixel sensor and advanced image processing, this camera delivers stunningly detailed and vibrant images.
Its fast autofocus and excellent low light performance make it perfect for capturing fleeting moments and those magical hiking sunsets.
The RX100 III’s portability and ease of use make it an ideal choice for photographers who want professional-quality images without the bulk of a DSLR.
Image Quality
Photos are very sharp with a nice dynamic range with reduced brightness variation. The camera lens is fast and wider compared to other similar point-and-shoot cameras capturing a larger field of view.
Low Light Performance
Shoots amazingly in low light performance, particularly for a point and shoot camera. There is also a ring around the camera lens that you can use to change the aperture.
Auto Focus
Outstanding auto focus that is fast and accurate. It also features focus locking that remains on and tracks the subject once focused.
Focal Length
This point and shoot features a fixed 8.8-25.7mm lens with an equivalent focal range of 24-70mm . Whilst it has limitations when compared to a DSLR or mirrorless camera, the zoom is great for a compact camera.
4K Resolution
Doesn’t record videos in 4k resolution.
Battery Life
Can take up to 320 images per single charge. Whilst this is low, for its compact size, I think this is decent.
Weather Protection
Sadly this camera does not have weather sealing.
The Sony RX100 III is a highly recommended hiking companion.
This camera captures stunning, high-quality images without having to carry the bulk and weight of a DSLR on your adventures.
“I loved that the Sony RX100 III was so lightweight and easy to carry without compromising on image quality. I wish this camera captured 4K video but I would be happy to compromise on this aspect for its lightweight design.”
Canon EOS Rebel T5 – Best Camera for Hiking for Beginners
The Canon EOS Rebel T5 is a reliable and affordable camera for hiking photography.
With its 18-megapixel APS-C sensor, it delivers impressive image quality, capturing rich colors and fine details.
The lightweight design of the camera makes it easy to carry during long hikes and its easy to use controls make it suitable for beginners.
The T5’s solid battery life ensures you won’t miss any picturesque moments during your outdoor adventures.
While it may lack some advanced features, it’s affordable and beginner-friendly.
There is no compromise when it comes to image quality, making it an excellent choice for hikers looking to capture stunning landscapes.
Image Quality
Brilliant image quality that produces crisp and bright stills. High resolution with 105% saturation which creates brilliant results.
Low Light Performance
Excellent low light performance with no image noise up to ISO 3200. Beyond this, quality does decrease but is better than a lot of cameras. Also has a great adjustable shutter speed for capturing more light.
Auto Focus
Great auto focus system but sadly doesn’t work well in low light.
Focal Length
The EOS Rebel T5 body typically comes with a EF-S 18-55mm zoom lens. However, it is also compatible with Canon’s excellent range of both prime and zoom lenses.
4K Resolution
The Rebel T5 can shoot 4K video at 60fps.
Battery Life
Up to 600 shots or two hours record time which is relatively decent.
Weather Protection
The camera is not dust-resistant, weatherproof, or waterproof. However, it has protective sealing at vulnerable points. It has great durability considering it is not technically weather sealed.
The camera is perfect for those who are getting started with professional photography.
It has excellent low light performance, great auto focus and a decent battery life making it a great camera for hiking.
“Easy to use and simple to understand without compromising on image quality, I think the Canon EOS Rebel T5 is an excellent choice for beginners.”
Panasonic Lumix FZ80 – Best Camera for Hiking for Video-Shooting
The Panasonic Lumix FZ80 is a fantastic camera for hiking photography.
It offers exceptional image quality and captures stunning details and vibrant colors.
With its 18.1-megapixel sensor and versatile 60x optical zoom lens, it has an impressive focal length range.
This allows you to capture both wide-angle landscapes and distant subjects with ease.
However, its low light performance may not be as strong as other camera..
It’s ideal for well-lit outdoor environments but struggles with quality should lighting become tricky.
Image Quality
The picture quality is pretty sharp and correctly exposed with decent color reproduction.
Low Light Performance
Sadly, the low light performance of this camera is below average. Not a good camera for low light if you want to use it without flash or external lighting.
Auto Focus
Features contrast-detect auto focus designed to adapt to lighting. The auto focus is exceptional in good lighting but I found it was unreliable in tricky lighting conditions.
Focal Length
This camera features a phenomenal 60x optical zoom fixed lens. The focal length range is 28-1680mm equivalent.
4K Resolution
Shoots 4k video with 60x zooming capability. The video is sharp and doesn’t lose the quality even if you go to full zoom. This is without a doubt the best option for anyone wanting an excellent camera for shooting video on hikes.
Battery Life
Captures up to 330 shots per charge. This is below average.
Weather Protection
The camera isn’t sealed well from moisture or dust.
The FZ80’s lightweight and compact design make it a convenient companion for hiking, and its user-friendly interface ensures a seamless shooting experience.
“Overall, I think the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 is a great camera choice for hikers seeking excellent image quality and versatility in their photography.”
Sony DSCW800 – Best Camera for Hiking for Affordability
The Sony DSCW800 is the perfect camera for hiking, thanks to its lightweight design that won’t weigh you down on long treks.
Despite its compact size, it boasts an incredible 5x optical zoom, allowing you to capture stunning close-ups of distant landscapes or wildlife.
The image quality is impressive, delivering sharp and vibrant photos with its 20.1-megapixel sensor.
The camera’s simplicity and user-friendly interface make it accessible for beginners, while its sturdy build ensures durability on rugged trails.
It also has a panorama mode in which you can take 360° shots, perfect for shooting dramatic landscapes.
Image Quality
It packs 20.1MP which is great to take some nice pictures. Whilst the image quality does not compare to DSLR and mirrorless cameras, the quality is brilliant for a point and shoot camera at this price point.
Low Light Performance
Decent low light performance, particularly for such a budget-friendly camera. You can configure ISO sensitivity, light exposure and scene selection easily to work with the lighting you are presented with.
Auto Focus
Great auto focus for stills, not as effective for video but I wouldn’t recommend this camera for video anyway.
Focal Length
It has a 5x zooming capability with an equivalent focal length of 26-130mm which is pretty decent for the price.
4K Resolution
Only records video at a maximum quality of 720p. This is not a great camera for shooting a lot of video but is decent enough for spontaneous, amateur video.
Battery Life
Captures up to 200 shots per single charge. This is average for a point and shoot camera at this price point.
Weather Protection
Does not have any weather sealing but you can purchase camera cases that offer protection.
“If you’re seeking a lightweight camera with exceptional zoom capabilities and great image quality for your hiking adventures, the Sony DSCW800 is an excellent choice.”
How To Choose The Best Camera For Hiking
Choosing the best camera for hiking requires careful consideration of several key factors that can enhance your photography experience in the great outdoors.
By considering the following factors, you can find the best camera for hiking that suits your needs.
This will allow you to document your outdoor adventures with stunning imagery and create lasting memories.
Image quality
The need for great image quality depends on what you are using your hiking photography for.
For professionals, image quality is of the utmost importance because it allows you to capture the essence and beauty of nature in crisp, clear detail.
Higher image quality not only allows you to achieve great results but also provides the option to produce great quality print too.
For amateurs and beginners, this is of less importance.
However, when today’s smartphones can capture in stunning detail, there is no point buying a camera that captures images of the same or lower quality.
In my opinion, image quality should be an important factor everyone considers.
When you’re surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, vibrant flora and fascinating wildlife, you want your photographs to reflect the richness of these scenes.
High image quality ensures that every detail, color and texture is captured accurately.
With exceptional image quality, you can relive the awe-inspiring moments and share the beauty of nature with others.
Low Light Performance
Great low light performance is absolutely essential for hiking photography.
It allows you to capture the stunning beauty of nature during sunrise, sunset and twilight hours.
It also adapts to changing lighting conditions that vary depending on the weather.
Having a camera with excellent low light performance ensures that you can capture the subtle nuances, rich colors and intricate details even in dimly lit environments.
It opens up opportunities for unique and atmospheric shots, enhancing your hiking photography.
Auto Focus
Auto focus is essential for hiking photography as it enables quick and accurate focusing.
This allows you to capture those fleeting moments in nature without missing a beat.
With the unpredictable movement of wildlife and the changing light conditions of the outdoors, having reliable auto focus ensures that your subjects are sharp and in focus.
It saves time and eliminates the need for manual adjustments, giving you more freedom to explore and capture the beauty of the outdoors with ease.
Get crisp and clear photos with no blur every time when you have a great auto focus system.
Good Focal Length
Focal length and lens options are crucial for hiking photography as they provide versatility and creative control.
A wide-angle lens can capture expansive vistas and sweeping landscapes, while a telephoto lens allows you to capture distant wildlife or intricate details.
Having a range of lens options ensures that you can adapt to the diverse scenes encountered while hiking.
The best option is to get an impressive zoom interchangeable lens or a bridge camera with a great zoom.
This not only saves you money on multiple lenses but there is also no need to carry additional lenses or spend time switching them out.
4K Resolution
If you want to capture video as well as stills during your hiking adventures, you should ensure your camera has 4K resolution.
4K captures the true detail and color of your landscape or subject reproducing it beautifully.
If you are primarily wanting to shoot stills, this is an area where you can compromise.
However, for those capturing video, particularly professionals, 4K resolution should be a big consideration.
Battery Life
For hikers, battery life is a vital consideration.
Look for a camera with long battery life or the ability to use external power sources to keep you shooting throughout your entire journey.
A camera that supports easy charging and interchangeable batteries is also advantageous for extended trips.
Weather Protection
Hiking is an all weather activity and one thing we know about weather is it is unpredictable.
It is therefore critical to have a camera that has good weather protection.
This protects it from the elements such as rain and moisture from high humidity.
This ensures that your camera does not get damaged and has the durability to last through years of hiking adventures.
Ideally, you need to look for a camera with a weather-sealed body.
Any advancement is a bonus!
Best Camera For Hiking – My Verdict
There are many factors to consider when it comes to a camera for hiking.
For me, the best camera for hiking overall was the Canon EOS 5D Mark III.
This camera has insane image quality with incredible auto focus, excellent low light performance and a great selection of lens options.
It is also excellent for shooting video capturing in stunning 4K.
However, if you are in need of something more lightweight for your hiking adventures, this camera may not be appropriate for you.
In that instance, the Sony DSCW800 and the Sony RX100 III are great options.
For those just starting out, the Canon EOS Rebel T5 is perfect for beginners.
Alternatively, if shooting video is a priority, the Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 is an excellent choice.
There are so many factors to consider when searching for the best camera for hiking. However, there is a camera here to suit every requirement and preference.
