So, you’re ready to gear up for summer camp, but are you wondering how to go about choosing the right camp camera? Durability, quality, and, of course, cost are important factors to consider. We’ve compared three of the most popular camera brands–Canon, Nikon, and Fujifilm–and we’re passing on that info to you. Pros? Cons? Special features? Check out the info below so you can make the right decision for your summer camp gear.
Canon Options For Every Camp Budget
A Canon Value Model
Canon PowerShot SX530 Digital Camera w/ 50X Optical Zoom ($250)
Although on the low end when it comes to price, this camera still captures quality pictures and video without all the extra–and sometimes confusing–features that come with a professional high-end camera. A simple, yet quality, “point-and-shoot” camera, the Canon PowerShot SX350 is lightweight, features a 50X zoom, and has built-in WiFi which is great for sharing possibilities.
Features at a glance
- 50x Optical Zoom comes from virtually any reasonable distance
- Equipped with built-in Wi-Fi and Near Field Communication (NFC) for wireless sharing of photos
- Fully compatible with Canon’s photo and video storage device: the Canon Connect Station CS100
- 16.0 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS quality sensor helps you get the crisp, high-quality images you want
- Full HD video at 1080p30 captures smooth videos of all of the summer camp action
But what are the drawbacks?
The Canon PowerShot SX530 Digital Camera can’t shoot in RAW format (a file format able to produce higher quality images) like higher-end cameras can. You also may struggle with the autofocus feature if you have the zoom all the way out. Lastly, some photographers and videographers may find that 1080p30 resolution isn’t high enough to produce the quality they want. Others, on the other hand, feel that it’s more realistic to new and improved 4K video resolution.
Here’s the bottom line…
This camera has all the basics and gives you crisp, professional photos and smooth videos for the money. It has fewer options than a higher-end model and autofocus may be slow to lock. Overall, a great value for your summer camp budget.
A Canon Mid-Range Model
Canon Powershot SX70 20.3MP Digital Camera 65x Optical Zoom Lens 4K Video 3-inch LCD Tilt Screen ($550)
This moderately-priced camera features 65x zoom and 4K video capability. Also, for the new photographer, the high-quality Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) allows you to preview your photo in real-time, making capturing the perfect photo much easier.
Features at a glance
- Powerful 65x optical zoom (even more powerful than our recommended value model)
- 4K video and 4K time-lapse movie. Great for capturing an all-day summer camp excursion
- High-quality Electronic ViewFinder to help you assess the quality of your images in real-time
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for quick and easy sharing
- Image Stabilization for easier and crisper snapshots
- High-speed Continuous Shooting at up to 10 fps
What do the reviews say?
This camera has mixed reviews. While most reviewers give it 5 stars, several were disappointed with the new menu navigation and were more comfortable with the older model, the SX60. Reviewers also mentioned that the image quality, especially in low light, was not what they expected; however, the consensus on video quality was that it’s top-notch for this price range.
The bottom line…
The SX70 may be difficult to navigate at first. Familiarize yourself with the functions of the camera before jumping into the action. The extra features and high-resolution video may just make this Canon model worth the higher price.
A Canon High-End Model
Canon EOS 80D Video Creator Kit ($1500)
Contrary to this camera kit’s name, video is not the only thing that this high-end model is known for. While the EOS 80D does take professional-quality videos, it can also take your still shots to the next level. You can purchase the camera body alone, but we recommend going with the supporting gear (mic, power zoom adapter, and Sandisk memory card) to make sure you get the most out of this camera.
Features at a glance
- The kit includes the Power Zoom Adapter PZ-E1 for with easy, smooth zooming
- Intelligent Viewfinder is user-friendly, displays autofocus points and autofocus mode, a horizontal electronic level, a grid display, and other hideable features
- Provides high-quality photos and videos in virtually any light setting
- The 24.2 Megapixel sensor captures high-resolution images (16000 for still photographs, 12800 for movies)
- Fast and incredibly quiet, smooth autofocus transitions
- Shoots up to 7.0 fps for quick performance
There’s good news…
When it comes to price, this camera is a pretty penny, but is it worth it? The overwhelming amount of five-star reviews indicate that it is. Reviewers are happy with the touchscreen, face tracking feature, autofocus, and overall professional-quality pictures and videos. Some also noted that the lack of 4k hyper-detail actually makes the videos more realistic, so what may seem like a negative is actually a positive.
Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? Rest assured: there is a Canon camera for just about every need you could have, from the novice to the professional. If you want to learn more about Canon options and choosing the right camp camera, click here to check out the 10 Best Canon Cameras of 2019.
Nikon Cameras Options: Which To Choose?
A Nikon Value Model
Nikon Coolpix W300 ($299)
Made for adventure, this waterproof compact camera is a great value for the price. Photograph or record your summer camp adventures with a model that even beginners can use. Take this tiny but tough camera anywhere and don’t worry about staff dropping it. It can handle the rough and tumble of outdoor activities, which is why we recommend it for your camp fun.
Features at a glance
- Shockproof and waterproof to 30-meter depth
- 5X Zoom Lens for getting those good shots
- 4K Video Resolution- impressive considering its price and durability
- Extra camera controls and features that you don’t get on a GoPro or similar adventure camera
- User-friendly and lightweight design
- 16 Megapixels
So what’s the catch?
A Nikon Mid-Range Model
Nikon D5600 ($495)
This DSLR is great for beginner and intermediate photographers. It packs a punch for its moderate price. With a pivoting touchscreen and on-point autofocus feature, this Nikon is easy to use and offers sharp pictures and 1080p video resolution. It’s not 4K, but it still gets the job done.
Features at a glance
- Pentamirror Viewfinder
- 3.2-inch Pivoting Touchscreen
- 1080p Video Resolution- more realistic than the uber-smooth 4k resolution
- 39-point Autofocus for crisp pictures
- 24.2 Megapixels
The bottom line…
A Nikon High-End Model
Nikon Z6 ($2300)
The price on this camera may scare you away, but take a look at its features before you make the call on your Nikon camera choice. The Nikon Z6 is mirrorless, which makes this model lighter, smaller, faster, and better for video. It’s best suited for professionals, so if you want the best of the best, this is the way to go. With seemingly endless high-end features, this camera offers sharp images and ultra-fast shooting speed, so you don’t have to worry about missing anything if this camera is part of your media gear.
Features at a glance
- One of two highly-rated mirrorless models
- 24.5 Megapixels
- Continuous shooting speed
- High-quality Electronic Viewfinder (EVF)
- 4K Video Resolution or 1080p- whichever you like best
- Stellar image quality due to a full-frame image censor
What doesn’t this camera have?
It would seem that the Nikon Z6 has just about everything and then some, but some reviews comment on its short battery life. But, if you plan to get a lot of use out of this model, an easy fix is to order an extra battery or two, which we recommend for virtually every camera anyway.
Interested in learning what other gear you could need for your summer media package? Click here to read our article on how to gear up for summer.
Fujifilm Cameras: A Camera for Any Budget
A Fujifilm Value Model
Fujifilm FinePix XP130 ($149)
This compact camera is lightweight, shockproof, waterproof, dustproof, freezeproof, and suitable for low budgets. Another advantage? Beginners can get the hang of the FinePix XP130 quickly, so it won’t be long before camp quality camp photos and videos are posted for the world to see.
Features at a glance
- Compact and lightweight for easy carrying and storing
- 16.4 Megapixels
- 1080p Video Resolution- for the price, you can’t get much better
- 5x Optical Zoom Lens
- Built-in Bluetooth
- A quality LCD screen makes up for the absence of a viewfinder
What you should know…
Since the FinePix XP130 is a compact camera for beginners, it lacks some of the more advanced capabilities of our other featured cameras. It struggles in low-light settings and doesn’t have 4K video resolution (however, as we mentioned before, some videographers aren’t fans of 4k as it appears too smooth to be realistic). The bottom line? If you want a quality camera that can survive water, dirt, and roughhousing, this is it.
A Fujifilm Mid-Range Model
Fujifilm X-T100 ($499)
We chose this mid-range model because it’s got a reputation for traveling well, and we know you won’t spend your summer camp days inside the four walls of a cabin. This camera is a mirrorless model with an Electronic Viewfinder (EVF). This combination, at an affordable price, makes the X-T100 a logical addition to your summer camp gear.
Features at a glance
- Mirrorless with a high-resolution EVF- a winning combination at this price point
- Compact, lightweight, and user-friendly
- 3-inch tilting touchscreen
- 4k Video Resolution (limited to 15fps)
- 24.2 Megapixels
The drawbacks of the X-T100
Since the 4k video resolution is limited to 15fps, video quality can appear choppy. But if you can’t get the professional look you desire, you can switch to 1080p and get some usable video that way.
A Fujifilm High-End Model
Fujifilm X-H1 ($1299)
Like the Nikon Z6, this mirrorless camera has it all. A tilting touchscreen, an electronic viewfinder, 4k resolution (not limited to 15fps like the mid-range model), and professional-grade features. It also boasts sensor-shift stabilization, so your videos will have that next-level, smooth feel. The X-H1 is great for action and sports, and we know you’ll have plenty of that going on this summer.
Features at a glance
- Mirrorless model with a quality Electronic Viewfinder
- Small and durable, but with all the professional features you expect from a high-end model
- 24.3 Megapixels
- 3-inch tilting touchscreen
- 4k Video Resolution
- Sensor-shift stabilization for smooth videos
- Bluetooth and Wifi capability
- Splashproof, dustproof, and cold-resistant
Other than its high price, are there drawbacks?
This high-end camera has stellar reviews, but the 310-shot battery life has been quite the frustration. Plus, its Bluetooth capability is also known to drain the battery as well. But just like the Nikon camera noted above, you can add an extra battery pack to make sure you don’t miss out on any key shots.
The bottom line…
Even though there are some drawbacks, the Fujifilm X-H1 is top-grade in almost every sense of the term. Its durability and professional functionality make it an easy choice if your media staff can take advantage of its features and if your budget can handle the price.
Too many options?
Sometimes, too many options can make choosing the right camp camera frustrating or confusing. But, if you go with one of these three popular brands, you’re likely to end up happy with the quality of your camp pictures and videos. Durability and reliability are two of the most important features when it comes to camp gear, and one of the cameras above is sure to fit the bill and the budget.