With the advent of digital cameras, further miniaturization (i.e., smaller than the traditional "35mm" film cameras) was possible without significant loss of image quality. Travel writers were thus offered cameras that would fit conveniently in a purse or pocket, be able to make hundreds of images on a single "roll of film," and yet maintain enough quality to satisfy many editors. But there are a bewildering number of those small, highly-automated cameras available; how does one choose between them?
Desirable features of Point and Shoot (P&S) cameras
The more important features to consider in selecting a compact digital camera for travel photography are:
- An optical viewfinder (in addition to that available on the LCD viewing screen)
- A zoom lens focal range that gets as wide as "28mm effective."
- ISO (or, "film speed) ranges from around 100 to at least 800.
- Adjustable iris and shutter speeds
- Image stabilization
- Readily available batteries
- Pixels per inch, and total number thereof
Viewfinders
An optical viewfinder is a vital feature, if you expect to create the best possible images. Using the camera's LCD screen is undesirable for too many reasons to detail here. Use the LCD screen to review images, or change camera settings; otherwise leave it turned off.
Lens focal length
Travel writers need a "wide" lens far more often than a "long" (or "telephoto") one. Optimally, the "effective" range of the zoom lens should get as wide as 28mm, but few of the P&S cameras offer that wide a setting. When photographing the interior of a room, where you're 10 feet from the subject, a 28mm lens will include everything in a 25-foot wide swath; a 35mm lens will include only 20 feet of width. The high (or telephoto) end of the zoom range is far less important, and "digital zoom" is worthless.
ISO settings
Most digital cameras default to a "film speed" (ISO) setting of 100, but to permit useful photography under low light conditions, you usually must crank up that setting, sometimes to as much as 1,000. Be aware that doing so may well introduce undesirable "noise" in your images, but at least you'll have one.
Adjustable settings
To maximize the quality of your photos, you need to learn how to change both the shutter speed and the lens opening (f-stop). The effects of such are a whole other subject; suffice it to say that you need that capability, and should learn how to use it.
Image Stabilization
Image stabilization, when in use, allows relatively sharp images to be shot, even when hand-holding the camera and using slow shutter speeds (e.g., 1/60th or less). Travel photographers seldom carry and use tripods, so, for them, this is a useful feature.
Batteries
Unfortunately, most of the current crop of P&S cameras utilize custom batteries, which are seldom available in places travelers visit, and which are way too costly. A few P&S cameras utilize those common AAs, which is a plus.
Pixel count
Pixels per inch is even more important than the total number of pixels (see digital-photography.suite101.com/article.cfm/pixels_and_digital_cameras). A 10MP camera, with a 1/2.3-type of sensor, should work well for most of us.
Two cameras to compare
Here are just two P&S cameras that are among the many available today. You can see that the $500 model offers significant improvements over the $350 camera. If you're serious about your travel photography, the extra $150 is a wise investment.
- Canon PowerShot G10: 28-140mm equivalent lens; 15 MP, with 348 ppi; large, 3" screen; optical viewfinder; accepts optional, more powerful flash, and an underwater housing; 12 oz weight; $500 list.
- Canon PowerShot SD890 IS: 37-185mm equivalent lens; 2.5" screen; optical viewfinder; image stabilization; 5.5 oz weight; $350 list price.
We've attempted, in very limited space, to offer useful suggestions to travel photographers considering the purchase of a new camera. Keep in mind that we limited our discussion to compact, point-and-shoot digitals. If you have the funds, and don't mind toting heavier and bulkier cameras, then consider stepping up to the "single lens reflex" category, which permit changing lenses, and make possible the creation of significantly better images. Good shooting!
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