What are the Best 4K Cameras Currently on the Market?
No matter what your profession there are certain tools that you need in order to do your job well, and travel blogging is no different. There are of course, certain things that you don’t need regardless of what some bloggers will tell you, but if you are serious about your blog, there are three things every good blogger travels with – their laptop, a notebook and their trusted camera.
However, sometimes trying to find the right camera for your specific needs can be quite a daunting task, possibly more daunting than trying to figure out what all of the icons on the little dial mean once you take the camera off of safety mode, I mean auto!
If you read articles by professional photographers they will start to recommend all sorts of different cameras to you – full-frame, mirror-less, compact and, don’t whatever you do discount, the GoPro. If you were take note of each recommendation you would end up needing a suitcase just for your camera equipment, and trust me, I travel as a full-time photographer, it can become quite heavy-going.
If however, you are looking to start out in the travel blogging world or simply looking to upgrade your camera there are now many, smaller lightweight cameras out there that do a fantastic job in capturing the world around us.
So which cameras do we recommend?
4 Cameras Every Travel Blogger Should Consider
#1 Sony Cyber-shot RX100IV
Sony RX100 IV
The top features include: (aka The Technical Bit!!!!)
20.1 Million Pixel Exmor RS CMOS Sensor
Bions X Image Processor
16 frames-per-second Continuous Shooting
ISO 125-12800
1.23 Million Dot Tilting LCD Screen
WIFI, NFC (Near Field Communication) and Built in ND Filter
Slow Motion Recording Up To 1000 fps
4K Video Recording
Weight: 297 grams
Our Thoughts
The Sony RX100IV launched in 2015 and still remains an excellent choice for the man or woman on the go. It’s small size and numerous feature setting mean that the RX100IV would be an ideal travel companion for any travel blogger.
Not only can you record stunning 4K video (a must for capturing those special travel moments) you can even capture 17-million pixel still images whilst recording, impressive.
The pop up electronic view finder makes framing those important shots a joy and the built in WIFI make sharing those shots a breeze. The 20.1 million Exmor Sensor produces impressive detail all the way up to iso 3200 although this is where noise does start to creep in a little, but for those of you who like taking long exposures the built in ND filter is perfect.
Overall the Sony RX100IV is a great little camera, packed full of features and if you don’t mind paying around £800 for this ultra portable camera then this camera could be for you.
Purchase your very own Sony Cyber-shot RX100IV
#2 Panasonic GX800
Panasonic Lumix GX800
The top features include:
16.8 Megapixel Live MOS Sensor
ISO 200-25600
10 frames-per-second Continuous Shooting
180˚ Rotating Screen for Selfies
WIFI
Mirror-less System
4K Video Recording @ 30 frames-per-second
4K Photo Mode, Time Lapse, Panorama Mode
Weight: 269 grams
Our Thoughts
Panasonic’s latest offering the GX800 is built with the travel blogger in mind. From 4K video and photo capture to the 180˚ rotating selfie screen making group shots or selfie’s in front of any major landmark easy.
The GX800 comes with a 12-32mm collapsible lens which is extended manually. The great thing about this camera is that it comes with an interchangeable lens system so you can purchase other lenses from the Panasonic line up as and when you wish.
The auto focus, something that is always handy, is for the most part quick and accurate and the sensor produces excellent images. With 4K becoming ever increasing in popularity the GX800 produces nice smooth footage at 30 frames-per-second.
With a feature packed auto setting that boasts modes from ‘Silky Skin’ to ‘Artistic Nightscape’ and ‘Glistening Water’ to ‘Romantic Sunset Glow’ this 4K CSC camera has all your bases covered.
For a camera that retails under £500, records 4K, has an interchangeable lens system and more mode options than there are days in the month then the GX800 is worth considering.
Purchase your own Panasonic GX800
#3 Olympus OM-D EM1 Mark II
Olympus OMD E-M1 Mark II
The top features include:
Weather Sealing, Dust Proof, Freeze Proof
ISO 200-25600
20.4 Megapixel Live MOS MFT Sensor
In Body Image Stabilization
1037K DOT Tilting/Rotating Screen
2.36 Million Dot Electronic View Finder with 1.48x Magnification
Cinema 4K Recording
Twin SD Card Slots
60 frames-per-second Shooting
Weight: 574 grams
Our Thoughts
Olympus’ new 20.4MP sensor now incorporates an improved focusing system consisting of 121 cross-type phase detection points spread across the entire frame whilst the in-body image stabilisation now offers 5.5 stops of shake reduction so taking shots at a slower shutter speed should still produce sharp images.
Not only can you record Ultra High Definition 4K at 30 frames-per-second, Olympus has included the ability to record Cinema 4K which produces a slightly wider aspect than the standard 16:9 frame.
The OM-D EM1 Mark II with it’s 12-40mm kit lens is a fantastic Micro Four Thirds camera that produces wonderful images and the ability to swap lenses will allow your photography to develop in the future. It’s not a cheap system to buy but you are getting one heck of a camera with features yet to been seen on other systems.
Purchase your own Olympus OM-D EM1 Mark II
#4 Sony Alpha A6300
Sony Alpha A6300
The top features include:
4D 425 Phase-detect-point Focusing System
24.2 Megapixel CMOS APS-C Sensor
11 frames-per-second Burst Shooting Mode
ISO 100-51200
BIONZ X Processor
3inch 921K DOT Tilting Screen
2.359 Million DOT XGA OLED Electronic Viewfinder
WIFI, NFC, USB, HDMI Micro
4K Video Recording
Weight: 400 grams
Our Thoughts
With a large rubber grip the feel and handling is better than most of its competitors. The electronic view finder and rear screen produce very good image clarity but this does suffer slightly in bright sunlight. You can switch to sunny weather option which does help but this does impact the life of the battery.
With a fast memory card you can shoot 21 consecutive RAW frames or 44 JPEG frames which is pretty incredible. The A6300 coupled with it’s 16-70mm f/4 Carl Zeiss lens produces excellent and detailed images with noise not really being too much of an issue until you reach ISO6400.
With 4K video recording at 30 frames-per-second, interchangeable lenses and excellent image quality in a compact and portable build, the Sony Alpha A6300 is a great choice for travel bloggers and explorers alike.
Purchase your own Sony Alpha A6300
In Summary…
This is just a selection, in no particular order, of the various makes and models out there on the market today although we have of course listed what we think are the best options in terms of features, image quality and price.
Portability is key if you are travelling for extended periods of time so you don’t want a heavy camera taking up precious weight in your luggage allowance. Small and lightweight is the way to go however, in some cases this does come at a cost.
What camera do you use when travelling? Do you travel with multiple cameras? Are you thinking of making a change?
This is a great article! I’m searching for a new camera for travel so this was perfect timing to stumble upon this article. Thank you 🙂
I hope it helps you with your decision. Let us know what one you opt for. 🙂