Cameras
For 40 years, BACKPACKER readers have explored the wilderness and returned with photographic gold. But we were wowed by the entries for this contest—more than 650 of them. Check out these finalists (and this year's winner), then go to
backpacker.com/photos to submit your own images. We’ll showcase the best entries in upcoming issues.
These six cameras can take it all and still bring home your hero shots.
A compact (read: lightweight and highly packable) camera that's under $200.
Bring back better images and video with these adventure-worthy cameras and accessories.
You’ve found the ideal starry sky. Now, shoot the sparkling display—without investing in a new camera. Use these composition and setting tips from award-winning photographer Ben Canales.
Cameras, gadgets, and cases for the trail.
Create a story-driven video that engages you on the trail and offers a fresh perspective on trip memories.
Tired of the same old weekend loops? Looking to create memories your grandkids will talk about? In this how-and-where guide, we serve up 15 extraordinary escapes that will shatter your expectations of "normal." From adventure moviemaking to canyoneering, we'll take you places you've never been—but will long to visit again soon.
Capture all your outdoor moments with these cameras and camcorders.
Enter this year's Readers Choice Photo Contest... there was more text here.
A point-and-shoot that fires 1080HD video and geo-tags photos.
A tiny helmet camera that delivers flat-screen-worthy footage.
A compact DSLR with an outstanding battery life.
A point-and-shoot that you can freeze, submerge it water, and drop from high heights.
A bomber camera that's a bargain at $200.
Learn how to care for and clean your camera during trips and at home. Use these tips to keep it working, despite the elements you face in the outdoors.
Sand and dust in your digital camera can ruin those once-in a lifetime shots. Here's how to eliminate them from SLR or Micro 4/3rds cameras.
All cameras, whether SLRs or point & shoots, need maintenance. Here's how to clean your baby and get it ready for the next big sunset.
The wilderness is often a wet and gritty place. Fortunately cameras are tougher than we think, but careless handling can trash them. Here's how to stack the odds in their favor.
What do dads really want? Hint: not more ties or car wash gift certificates. We polled our male staffers to find out what they hope to get (or give) this June 19th.
Welcome to accessory and apparel heaven: puffy jackets, stoves, windpants, knives, iPad apps, solar panels, GPS, hydration, first aid, socks, camp food, baselayers, and more.
Shockproof, waterproof, and freezeproof means it's kid-proof
A shockproof, waterproof, freeze-proof camera for all your outings
Turn your Leki trekking pole into a monopod for photo ops.
A rechargeable, lithium-ion battery pack for all your gadgets.
A tiny helmet cam with above average sound quality.
A waterproof video camera that's reasonably priced.
A tough DSLR that's perfect for shooting wildlife thanks to its quiet shutter.
An all-conditions, high-value performance point-and-shoot camera.
A light and streamlined chest camera pack.
If you're looking to splurge on your favorite outdoorsperson, here are the gifts to do it with.
Got a budding videographer on your list? Check out this wearable pocket-size HD video camera.
For the photo-happy folks on your gift list, the StickPic is the ultimate stocking stuffer.
Upgrade your outdoor images with a rugged pocket cam, a pro-level DSLR, and more.
Before all the leaves drop, read these quick tips and take your camera out on the trail for one more shot at Autumn photos.
A great camera backpack that also has room to carry your gear.
This point-and-shoot camera does it all: stills, video, and GPS.
Casio Exilim G EX-G1 point and shoot camera is the perfect solution for the backpacker.
Best DSLR digital camera for backpacking.
Turn your trekking pole into a tripod with this inexpensive, lightweight accessory.
Having the right boots, packs, bags, and tents is never enough. Here, a roundup of all the other "essential" pieces of gear you'll want in the great outdoors.
Photos, videos–this Sony Handycam is an HD beast.
Protect your DSLR camera with this waterproof case.
Make your iPhone trail-ready.
The best smartphone for the backcountry
Resurrect electronics that have taken a swim
A versatile body camera that shoots HD video
The outdoors can be tough on a camera, so be prepared with this survival guide.
Our top photographers share their secrets. Plus: 6 trail-friendly cameras.
You can't shoot like a pro, if you don't have the right camera. Here, six models for every type of shooter.
This point-and-shoot works great in low light and has manual controls.
This waterproof, freezeproof, crushproof camera produces vivid photos and video.
This slim, waterproof point-and-shoot has great image stabilization.
This Olympus has interchangeable lenses that take magazine-worthy shots.
This DSLR is under $700 and works great for landscape and wildlife shots.
This still and video camera comes complete with 10 in-camera editing features.
Refine your work with these top programs.
Learn the basics of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO.
Capture great wildlife photos with patience and know-how regarding their movements and your camera.
Avoid grainy nighttime shots by shooting at a low ISO.
Learn when to stop the action or pan along for the best shot.
Emphasize the steepness, and the accomplishment, with these techniques.
Get a classic shot of friends or family.
High noon. Check. Dawn and dusk. Check. Overcast days. Check.
Water and snow shots can be a lighting nightmare--but not with these tips.
Whether you're shooting wide angle or on zoom, learn how to best capture the beautiful scenery around you.
Whether you want to shoot action video or beautiful still photos we have a camera for you.
This is a great camera bag for all occasions thanks to multiple shoulder strap configurations.
This versatile helmetcam is great for action video, both fast and slow.
This compact DSLR not only takes great pictures, but shoots video and shrugs off precipitation.
This camera was made to be abused, yet takes great pictures and is compact enough to slip into your pack's hipbelt pocket.
Great HD quality and tough-as-nails housing make this camera your go-to for great video, not to mention you can get a full week of shooting on just two charges!
Find and frame animals perfectly with this wildlife photography primer.
Go wireless, get dialed in, and navigate like a pro with these gadgets.
For quick-and-easy, YouTube-ready videos, this inexpensive camera won't let you down.
Backpackers get a made-to-order digital camera with the first affordable GPS-enabled shooter.
This light and totally waterproof camcorder changes the game for backcountry moviemaking.
We tested more than 500 products–stoves, clothes, cameras, filters, tech tools, knives, and meals–to find these proven performers.
LowePro CompuRover is the outdoor photographer's best friend.
Got juice? Here are energy solutions for everything from weekend hikes to an Everest expedition.
The HyMini solar-powered fan does way more then just keep you cool
Need power? The Brunton Solaris charges any device you've got using included solar panels or a battery pack for low light conditions.
The compact PowerSource Mini gives a power boost to just about anything, including your USB-compatible devices.
The Petzl Ultra uses LED's for brightest, and most costly, headlamp.
AirDrives Interactive Earphones stay put on bumpiest trails and helps you rock out safely.
Lightweight and durable, the low cost Oregon Scientific ATC3K camcorder is practically outdoor-proof.
Sony HandyCam HDR-TG1 packs face detection, a touch screen and HD quality into lightweight camcorder.
Small and compact, Canon's Vixia HF10 produces great HD-quality video and easy-to-use interfaces for any budding outdoors filmmaker.
If you want to save time, weight, or money when buying a video camera, we found the best options.
Sony's H50 camera is packed with features like a infrared night mode, movable screen and easy-to-use slide shows.
The sturdy Olympus Stylus could be a backpacker's best point-and-shoot yet, with it's smash-proof LCD and a high 10-megapixel image sensor.
Canon's PowerShot A590 delivers some adjustable manual-like features in a bulky device too big for most front pockets.
Sony's W300 packs a massive 13.2 megapixel sensor and trail-friendly scratch-resistant body.
Simple and thin, Sony's W130 features crisp pictures and web-ready video.
Protected against small amounts of water, this sturdy camera is for the klutz in all of us.
Nixon's budget-priced point and shoot camera runs on AAs
A perfect, pocket-sized digital camera for any weekend warrior.
Whatever your budget or photo ambitions, we've found the perfect shooter for every type of backpacker.
The Garmin Oregon 400t GPS is a fast, simple and full-featured GPS device well worth the extra bucks
The Magellan Triton 2000 GPS is packed full of outdoor-worthy features.
Capture your trail memories with the 5-megapixel camera and light-duty GPS of the Nokia N95 cell phone.
Experience fewer lost signals with the Magellan Triton 200, a basic GPS for a bargain price.
Apple iPhone 3G brings maps and downloadable GPS software to your fingertips.
With a quad-helix antenna and preloaded topo maps, the Garmin Colorado 400t is the fastest of GPS units.
Rain, snow, cold, hard knocks–the backcountry can be tough on trail gadgets. You can either upgrade your devices, or learn how to protect them.
Beat wind, rain, and snow with 5 tips from an expert outdoor cameraman.
Before you shop–and buy–your dream camera, familiarize yourself with these commonly used terms
Solar charge all your outdoor electronics with Mediastreet's MP3 Player.
Solar panels and hand crank keep Eton Microlink FR150 weather radio going and going.
This hearty camera bag has plenty of room, and padding, to haul picture-taking paraphernalia plus hiking gear.
Capture fast-paced summer adventures with these image-improving tips.
Want to make adventure films? Emmy Award-winning director Michael Brown shows you how. Plus, go behind the scenes as BACKPACKER staffers learn from the masters at Adventure Film School.
True-blue reviews on the latest items we've taken out on trail.
Your adventure is ready for primetime. Here are 19 ways to reach the audience in your living room–or around the world. Web-based photo sites aren't all created equal. Here are our top 5.
Learn how to save your photos, print them, get published, and produce an audio visual slideshow.
Learn how to upload your video to YouTube and tap a social network like Facebook or MySpace to post links to your movie.
Your adventure is ready for primetime. Here are 19 ways to reach the audience in your living room–or around the world.
Your adventure is ready for primetime. Here are 19 ways to reach the audience in your living room–or around the world.
Your adventure is ready for primetime. Here are 19 ways to reach the audience in your living room--or around the world.
Master dawn and dusk photographs with these pro tips.
Here's how to turn raw data into finished files that will wow your friends and preserve trip memories better than any photo album.
Here's how to turn raw data into finished files that will wow your friends and preserve trip memories better than any photo album.
Here's how to turn raw data into finished files that will wow your friends and preserve trip memories better than any photo album.
Here's how to turn raw data into finished files that will wow your friends and preserve trip memories better than any photo album.
Here's how to turn raw data into finished files that will wow your friends and preserve trip memories better than any photo album.
Take your new tools to the trail to master the skills you'll need to navigate, record, and share your best adventures. The best new digital tools for every budget and skill level.
Take your new tools to the trail to master the skills you'll need to navigate, record, and share your best adventures.
Take your new tools to the trail to master the skills you'll need to navigate, record, and share your best adventures.
Take your new tools to the trail to master the skills you'll need to navigate, record, and share your best adventures.
Take your new tools to the trail to master the skills you'll need to navigate, record, and share your best adventures.
Every great trip boils down to this: Picking an ideal location, capturing memorable moments, and bragging about it.
Every great trip boils down to this: Picking an ideal location, capturing memorable moments, and bragging about it.
Every great trip boils down to this: Picking an ideal location, capturing memorable moments, and bragging about it. Here's how to get started the high-tech way.
Every great trip boils down to this: Picking an ideal location, capturing memorable moments, and bragging about it.
A Complete Guide to the Digital Revolution–and How to Join It
Packs, tents, boots, and bags–that's easy. Now comes the hard part: Everything else. Below, you'll find our top picks for all the lust-worthy backcountry essentials you'll need to make your trip safe, fun, and simple.
Rechargeable batteries are better for the environment and can save you money. Learn about the pros and cons of the different types of rechargeable batteries.
Whether you're a backpacker, dayhiker, geocacher, runner, or cyclist we have a GPS unit for you.
Cameras, camcorders, and GPS–our testers pick the best for the trail.
The Backpacker testers try out some ingenious products for photo taking, map making, screen cleaning, and portable recharging.
All our picks weigh less than 8 ounces and cost less than $400.
Four packable, trailworthy camcorders that could launch your YouTube career
Be a YouTube Star: Learn how to shoot, edit, and post your next wilderness adventure.
You'll never miss a shot with this camera's lightning-fast lens.
Film your first wildlife documentary with this svelte digital video recorder.
Capture every backcountry moment with this wafer-slim digital camera
Learn your camera's capabilities by doing, not reading.
Push your photos to the next level with these shooting techniques
Before you buy a camera, you have to get some details straight. Here's a list of the most frequently asked questions and their answers.
At first glance, digital cameras can be intimidating. Use this guide to take the guesswork out of the features on your camera.
Add valuable intermediate techniques to your shooting repertoire.
6 tricks for successful backcountry shooting
Troubleshooting tips for 9 common problems
Not sure if you need a digital camera you can put in your pocket or one with all the lenses and accessories? No problem. Here's a guide to help you make the right choice.
Satellite broadcasting gets light, cheap, and trailworthy
New Zealand is pretty to look at, but harsh on gear--making it just what we needed for our Kiwi challenge.
Camera hints for bringing home hard-to-get photos in the backcountry
