Let me start by saying I have tried a lot of cameras over the years as a full time travel blogger and photographer. When I first started traveling and writing about my adventures on this blog, my photos weren’t anything to write home about it. In fact, I’m quite embarrassed looking back at my early days! But over time I have learned on-the-go how to take better travel photos and throughout this process I’ve found the best travel camera to invest in. And if you’re interested to know exactly what cameras and lenses I use, read on!
The best travel cameras to invest in
Over the years I have tried my fair share of cameras. From starting out my travel blogging career on a budget to now being able to splurge on the best camera on the market, I’ve tried and tested quite a few cameras throughout my time being paid to travel and take photos.
Right now, I use a Sony A7iii Camera body. The lens I use most is a 24-70mm F2.8 Sony lens. If you were to invest in just one camera and one lens, these would be my choices. Sony is commonly considered one of the top three brands in photography and in my opinion, it is better than rivals Nikon and Canon (both brands I have tried before!)
Another lens I use a lot is the Sony FE 50mm 1.8 lens. I personally love this lens more than anything, as it takes a really crisp, focused shot. It is great for headshots and creating immediate bokeh (blur) in the background, so I love this lens for portrait photography.
If you plan to photograph hotel rooms and small spaces, you can’t get by without a wide-angle lens. I’d recommend investing in the Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 lens. This lens will allow you to capture more within the frame, which is the only way you can get photographs of hotel rooms in their entirety.
Investing in a drone is almost a travel blogger’s rite of passage. But you don’t have to spend too much money or buy the fanciest drone on the market. In fact, a DJI Mini 2 will do the trick. These drones are a great way to show the bigger picture for your readers, sharing a wide birdseye view of the place you are visiting. I think in the present day, this is a must for travel bloggers!
As far as vlogging cameras go, I’ve tried too many to count! But this year I finally found the perfect vlogging camera. The Sony ZV1 is the best travel vlogging camera on the market. Period. The sound quality is great, eliminating the need for an external microphone. The image quality is even more impressive, along with the adaptability of lighting in different situations (especially great if you’re vlogging outdoors).
For adventure cameras, you can’t beat a GoPro. These cameras are essential for adventure activities, like stand up paddle boarding or jet skiing and the like.
How I edit my travel photos
When I first started traveling and taking photos, I did not edit my photos. I know, I know, a sin! In the early days I was blissfully unaware how to take photos let alone edit them, so it is safe to say that I have come a long way since then. Nowadays I edit my travel photos with just one click.
I spent a long time learning the ins and outs of Lightroom, finding my own style with colours, contrast and HSL. From there I created my own presets, which I can quickly click once on my images to get the desired look/feel I’m after, depending on what type of photos they are. For example, I have different presets for city photos than I do for adventurous landscapes.
(use the code WELCOME10 for 10% off)
Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.
