What are the top adventure cameras to capture your world epic journeys? Do you spend time in the outdoors hiking, camping, kayaking, or climbing? Or do you ride a motorcycle (as I do) or a mountain bike on twisty mountain roads? Or do you enjoy snorkeling or SCUBA diving in clear ocean waters? If you do any (or all) of these activities and would like to capture some of these moments in photographs – there are a whole series of cameras available.
Some of the common characteristics of these cameras are that they are waterproof; some op to 100 feet underwater. They are shock-resistance and can take a drop or two at six feet or more without breaking. Most of these cameras are also freeze-resistance, and you can use them in sub-freezing temperatures. Most all have GPS, unlike most of today’s DSLR cameras. The new models also take pictures up to 16.1 (MP) in size!
I first started searching for these types of cameras when I was leading a Southern California motorcycle group on trips throughout our area. I am more of a fan of still photography rather than the GoPro-type videos, so I started researching on these cameras well before I ever heard the term “adventure cameras.”
I was specifically looking for small, waterproof cameras with quick shutter-speeds for motorcycle riding, and I came across the term “adventure cameras.” This was exactly what I was looking for and in doing my research on the different models available I chose the Olympus TG-1 camera (which I still use today). It has a quick shutter-speed, I can wear it around my neck and take one-handed shots with my gloves on riding the motorcycle and (some, not all) of the pictures come out very sharp, and it is hard to tell that I am riding at 45 – 55 mph!
Adventure cameras are always improving every year with new or improved features and abilities. Some of the current adventure cameras available with the highest consumer and\or expert ratings include the following models (not in any ratings order), along with some key features of each:
- Canon PowerShot D30
- 12.1 MP
- Waterproof to 82 feet
- HD video at 1080p
- GPS
- FujiFilm FinePix XP
- 16.4 MP
- Waterproof to 50 feet
- Full HD video at 1920 x 1080p
- Fast Shutter Speeds – 10 frames per second
- GPS
- Nikon COOLPIX AW130
- 16 MP
- Waterproof to 100 feet!
- Fast Shutter Speeds – F2.8
- GPS
- Olympus TG-4
- 16 MP
- Waterproof to 50 feet
- Fast Shutter Speeds – F2.0
- Add-on lenses available
- Shoots RAW format
- GPS
- Panasonic LUMIX TS6
- 16.1 MP
- Waterproof to 43 feet!
- Full HD video at 1920 x 1080p
- GPS
I have used my Olympus TG-1 in several ways – take it along on long hikes – it is lightweight, shock-resistant, has a GPS, and is much easier to carry than my regular DSLR. The camera has a decent zoom lens, so sometimes I can get a good picture of wildlife in the distance or of an interesting-looking rock outcropping. I also used it while snorkeling off of Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Parks National Park and got some good pictures of the kelp plants and the colorful fish hiding within the kelp forests. And as I mentioned earlier, I have gotten some great shots from my motorcycle; either riding or stopping and not having to dismount from the motorcycle!
If you are a photographer – amateur, hobbyist, or professional; with an active lifestyle, you should consider adding an adventure camera to your tool belt. Do your own research, determine the features most important to you, and go out and get one!
See our Adventures on YouTube: @HBMaverick
Check out our Adventures on our blogs page: Blogs – HB Maverick Filmmaking
“We will see YOU on the next adventure!”
