Best Cameras for Camp

One of the most commonly asked questions we get here at GTA Photography Camps is:

“What Camera Does My Child Need to Bring to Camp?”

The most important thing to remember when buying a camera is that all of our programs require that the camera have manual mode. Manual mode can be found on the dial with an “M” indicator. Alternatively, some cameras have manual mode embedded in the camera menu.

Photo by PublicDomainPictures

1) DSLRS

For some, the DSLR may seem intimidating but for those who are truly passionate about photography it is a necessity. There are a wide variety of DSLRS to match all skill types and if your child has a real interest, a DSLR is the best investment. DSLRs allow the photographer the most creative control, flexibility through having interchangeable lenses and high quality image sensors for the best results.  Here are a couple good starter cameras for our camp:

Canon Rebel T6i

Though this version of the Rebel is older, it continues to be ahead of its time for image quality and metering speed. The Canon Rebel T6i is a great camera that is easy to use but will produce a good image. The meter has been adjusted so it is faster and more accurate which is critical to shooting in manual mode. The video quality in all of the Canon Rebels including the T6i don’t compare to any other brand so if your child is interested in videography, this camera is for them.

Nikon D3400

This is the most basic Nikon DSLR model and one of their lightest. The image quality is outstanding! The interface of the Nikon D3400 is aimed at beginners and is very easy to use. This is perfect for a camper who is looking to experiment with photography as a hobby.

2) Mirrorless Cameras

A mirrorless camera absorbs the light of an image through the lens and then directly onto the image sensor, instead of using a mirror like a DSLR. Mirrorless cameras function similar to point and shoots because of how they collect light but they have fully interchangeable lenses and customizable settings that point and shoots do not. Mirrorless cameras are fairly new to photography but can be a great option when you want all of the features of a DSLR but you want a more compact camera. Mirrorless cameras are recommended to someone that has some photography experience as they are slightly different than a traditional DSLR.

Sony Alpha A6000

The A6000 pushes boundaries in the mirrorless camera market as one of the fastest cameras available. Another notable feature is its ability to capture a wider range of low lighting conditions. The Alpha A6000 offers video mode and several wifi reliant applications. For a tech savvy and photography experienced teen, a mirrorless camera like the Sony Alpha A6000 may be the camera to consider.

Olympus OM-D-E-M10 Mark III

Even as an entry-level mirrorless camera, the Olympus OM-D-E- M10 Mark III requires some basic photography knowledge and a creative eye. This camera has a fantastic in-body stabilization system that almost eliminates camera shake entirely which can be useful for shooting while moving. Olympus also worked to simplify the interface and mode dial on the camera to easily display what the camera can do and make it more user friendly. This is the perfect mirrorless camera to learn on for those who are interested in trying something different.

3) Point and Shoots with Manual Mode

If the DSLR camera is too big for your child, investing in a point and shoot may be the best way to go. A point and shoot is a very basic camera with a fixed lens and is often smaller and more lightweight than a DSLR. Point and shoots tend to offer more modes and limit your creative ability when taking shots. Most point and shoots offer manual mode but we recommend point shoots more for our younger campers with less photography experience.

Canon Powershot G7X Mark II

The Canon Powershot G7X Mark II is the closest camera you’ll get to having a DSLR that isn’t a DSLR. Designed to be lightweight and small enough to fit in your pocket, the G7X Mark II is an update on the G7X that makes it better handling, allows for manual control, and RAW processing. This is an ideal camera for traveling and movement (something we do a lot of at camp!) as its compact shape is good for transport . This camera gives photographers the ability to shoot high quality images with a wide aperture range to work with without interchangeable lenses.

Here’s a quick comparison chart for all of the camera models we talk about in this post:

For a more in-depth comparison of these cameras, check out Digital Photography Review’s side by side comparison tool!

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