Five travel-ready cameras so you can always take your best shot

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Sharing your favourite travel memories starts with a great photograph. From pro-worthy to kid-friendly gear, here are five camera picks to consider for your next vacation.

For pro-level results

Mirrorless cameras, like the Nikon Z7 II, are smaller, faster and better at video filming than comparable DSLRs. Features like a full-frame sensor, hybrid autofocus and dual processors make this camera a worthy splurge.

Nikon Z7 II with 24-70MM F4 S lens, $4,800, henrys.com

For photo inspiration

Instant cameras are especially fun for travel, as you can quickly print and share a picture with new friends. This set includes a book of “adventure challenges” — 50 prompts of scenes to snap, like popping bubbly or traversing the town — and you can tuck your pics inside, too.

The Adventure Challenge Friends camera set, $246, ca.theadventurechallenge.com

For skill-building settings

Canon’s EOS Rebel T7 is a classic stepping-stone camera: It’s a reliable option when you’ve outgrown your basic point-and-shoot but aren’t yet ready for a pro kit. The easy-to-learn settings will help you hone your budding photography skills.

Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR camera with 18-55mm IS lens kit, $600, bestbuy.ca

For family vacations

This travel-friendly camera captures video in 4K, and it’s waterproof, shockproof and crushproof, so your kids will have a hard time accidentally breaking it. Bonus: it can take beautiful pictures underwater and macro shots of, say, flowers.

Olympus Tough TG-6 waterproof digital camera, $509, amazon.ca

For action-packed video

On daring adventures, like black diamond snowboarding or surfing massive waves, bring this action cam for high-resolution, first-person videos that’ll make others feel like they were there, too. Powerful video stabilization keeps the footage looking smooth.

GoPro Hero9, $530, mec.ca

The Star understands the restrictions on travel during the coronavirus pandemic. But like you, we dream of travelling again, and we’re publishing this story with future trips in mind.