Have you looked around while traveling and noticed everyone is carrying their own style of digital camera?  The world is more photographed today than ever before!

With so many digital cameras on the market it can be hard to find the right one to suit you. Some are small point and shoot, light-weight cameras that fit in your pocket and others bulky SLRs with interchangeable lenses, some come in funky colors and others even offer digital HD video.

Whether its mini-movie stories you want to tell about your latest adventure, artistic shots to blow up and frame on your wall or simply show all your friends on ExplorerGirls.com, you can find the best camera that suits you and your creative needs.


Choosing the Right Camera

All digital cameras are a lot of fun, but you need to decide whether you want to fit yours in your handbag, strap it to your belt or lug it around off your shoulder while on the go.  

If it’s pure convenience you’re looking for you might consider a smaller point and shoot camera that doesn’t weigh you down and can be easily pulled out whenever you feel snap happy.

Another benefit of point and shoot cameras are the automatic settings.  You can worry more about getting your subject in the frame then fiddling with shutter speeds and f-stops.

SLR (Single Lens Reflex) used to be known as more of a camera enthusiast or professional’s choice, but with more semi-pro and entry-level SLRs anyone can enjoy them.

If you’re looking to change lenses from telephoto to wide-angle and have more depth of field with your subjects then this might be the choice for you!   

Another benefit of digital SLRs is their file size and quality.  If your travel images might end up in a magazine or newspaper or you’re thinking of doing more than just putting your pics on facebook then you have it made with larger image files and more manual camera options.

Creatively Cool SLR Cameras

Nikon D90

This 12.3-megapixel camera is the world’s first D-SLR with an HD (1280 x 720 pixels) movie mode making it more than just a still frame camera.  You can choose to shoot cinematic-quality movies (24 fps) with sound in Motion JPEG format using your telephoto lens at the click of a button.

With its one-button Live View option you can frame up any subject using the 3-inch color LCD screen.    

It’s also super light weight and even though you might have to carry it off the shoulder while hiking or sight-seeing all day it won’t weigh you down.

Editors Note: I love my D90.  We use it to shoot movies for our YouTube channel and it’s my choice of camera when I want quality pictures and know I’ll be on the move all day. (Courtney Crow, Photographer and Founder ExplorerGirls.com)

Olympus E-620

If its creativity your after then this 12.3-megapixel SLR just might get you excited with six-built in Art Filters – Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Color, Light Tone, Grainy Film and Pinhole.

You can tweak your shots while out and about with out waiting to get back to your computer. It also offers a convenient Live View on a 2.7 inch swivel LCD screen to help get the shot.

Sensational Point and Shoot Cameras

STYLUS TOUGH-8000

If you are the true adventurer and always scared of destroying your digital camera then this 12-megapixel virtually indestructible point and shoot digital is for you!

The STYLUS TOUGH-8000, the latest in the Olympus range of waterproof cameras, is suitable underwater up to 33 feet, can perform at below freezing temperatures, shock proof and crush proof withstanding up to 220lbs of pressure.

It’s the perfect light-weight all around camera for everything from travel shots to underwater exploring. No longer worry about the rain, surf, snow and mud with this handy camera.

Editors Note: In a recent trip sailing in the Whitsundays, I was able to use my STLYUS while snorkeling and got some great photos of fish! (Courtney Crow, Photographer and Founder ExplorerGirls.com)

Sony Cybershot T-900

If it’s compact and convenience with the latest technology you’re after, the Sony Cybershot T-900’s ultra-slim design measuring just over 5/8’’(16.33mm) has it all fitting straight in your pocket or tiny handbag.  For a point and shoot camera it not only has a large file size, but also offers HD Video (720px).

One of the coolest features is the 3.5 inch LCD touch screen.  Change your setting, zoom into, retouch and enhance photos all with the touch of your finger. You can also get super creative with in-camera editing functions including Soft-Focus, Partial Color, Fisheye Lens, Cross Filter, Radial Blur, Retro, Happy Face, Unsharp Masking effects as well as a paint function allowing you to draw on images using a Paint Pen (stylus).

Another great plus for this camera is the sliding protective cover which means less chance at damaging the lens when not in use.

Editors Note: I never leave the house with out my Sony Cybershot in my handbag, this way I know I have a great camera to take images and video with at any time.  It really is the perfect light-weight all-round point and shoot camera. The video and sound is also great for making YouTube videos. (Courtney Crow, Photographer and Founder ExplorerGirls.com)



www.ExplorerGirls.com / Courtney Crow

Images: Nikon, Olympus, Sony and Explorer Media