Best travel camera?
Obviously when someone says this is the best camera, it is totally subjective, and a personal opinion - this is what I take when travelling. When I travel, it is only with a rucksack, so my gear needs to be light and compact. And I cannot confine myself to just one camera.
First off, in the point & shoot category is the Olympus µ[mju:]-II…
Olympus µ[mju:]-II
The mju II is so small, so light at 150 grams, and in my opinion the best compact film camera. It has accompanied my all over Europe, and never let me down. The f2.8 lens is excellent is all light. It starts up so fast so you never miss a shot, the autofocus is quick and accurate and it is is quiet and unobtrusive. Coupled with the great Kodak Gold that is perfect for the beautiful Mediterranean light, it’s a perfect combination.
Olympus µ[mju:]-II - Kodak Gold 200 - Fethiye, Turkiye
Olympus µ[mju:]-II - Kodak Gold 200 - Sofia, Bulgaria
Olympus µ[mju:]-II - Kodak Gold 200 - Mount Vesuvius, Italy
MY SLR of choice for that extra versatility is the Canon EOS 300V, and as with the mju, the weight is a major factor (there is no way I would carry my Nikon F90X around for a week!) - coming in at only 550 grams with the 28-90mm Canon lens. The SLR adds the ability to zoom, get higher quality landscapes, longer exposures etc… And having the electronics inside has a great benefit over older fully mechanical cameras that I would use at home, at the end of the day you want to be soaking up the surroundings and not fiddling with metering and settings.
Canon EOS 300V
Canon EOS 300V - Kodak Gold 200 - Versailles, France
I tend to shoot in Av mode for speed when wandering new places, and the 300V’s quick autofocus, quiet shutter and motor wind make it a great street camera. One final point worth mentioning is the cost of the 300V… should the unthinkable happen to your gear whilst away, a replacement camera is probably less than the excess on your travel insurance! There are plenty of other cameras I would prefer to shoot with, but we have to be practical (sometimes!).
Canon EOS 300V - Kodak Gold 200 - Rhodes, Greece
My final camera that comes with me is not for everyone! But if you love medium format (like me) and the thought of carrying your beloved, heavy, load, cumbersome pride & joy in a bag around foreign cities in 40 degree heat gives you anxiety, then consider this…
The Kodak 66 is not a looker, nor is it a Hasselblad, but it shoots 6x6 on 120 film which is just pure joy. It will not attract attention, it’s compact and light (600 grams) but more importantly gives the ability to carry a medium format with breaking your back.
Kodak 66 Model III
The lens on this little thing is remarkably good, and has a selection of shutter speeds that you can work with in most situations - yes 1/200th top speed is not ideal, but I’ve managed fine. Being a folder it takes up no space and is actually quite easy to set up a shot with a nice big bright viewfinder unlike other similar cameras. The image below was very rushed before the sealed ducked below the water, but the Kodak allowed me to quickly dial in the settings and grab the shot.
Kodak 66 - Ilford HP5 - Howth, Ireland
I am in the planning for the next trip to Norway, the Kodak 66 will 100% be coming with me. Just imagine the view down the Fjord on 6x6 HP5, that is something that no 35mm camera can match! Does twelve shots on the 120 roll justify carrying an extra camera? Hell yeah!
Kodak 66 - Ilford FP4 - Paris, France
When trip planning, I envisage certain shots with certain cameras and film - this shot in Paris was one such idea. Yes it could have been better with a tripod and slower shutter speed, but the idea was realized so I am happy!
To conclude, this is my selection that I expect nobody to agree with, but take one thing - weight is everything! Make your life easier and choose the right gear for the situation. Ask yourself do I really need a big body and three lenses or is there a viable alternative.
Most of all enjoy your travels…