2010 Best Budget P&S Cameras for Backpackers

by Michael Tieso on May 21, 2010

Through extensive research, I’ve put together a list of what I think are the best budget Point and Shoot digital cameras for backpackers. A few things were kept in mind: price, weight, quality, resistance, and size. These five things are essential to all backpackers. All cameras are priced around $200USD and are not only recommended by me but also recommended by reviewers on Amazon and other top photography bloggers. Check it out for yourself. Full details about the camera is included within each link.

Canon PowerShot SD780IS 12.1 MP

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 10MP

Canon PowerShot SX200IS 12 MP

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 12MP

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 10.1 MP

Nikon Coolpix L20 10MP

Canon PowerShot S90 10MP

Canon PowerShot SD1200IS 10 MP

What camera do you recommend? Any cameras that should be included in this list?

Article by Michael Tieso

Michael Tieso travels around the world writing, photographing, and filming his adventures. He is the Editor-in-chief of Art of Backpacking -- a website that provides stories, tips, and advice about all things backpacking. He runs a travel blogging community called Art of Travel Blogging. He's currently filming a documentary on travel and technology called Everywhere Connection. He left the cubicle life to travel the world in May 2009 and he still continues the journey to this day with no end to it. He loves adventure, food, and music. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Michael has written 256 awesome articles for AOB.

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dolcecorazon
I'm a personal fan of Canon's simply because they are a lot easier to use, but I've heard a lot of good things about the Lumix. Might want to go with them if you want something in the advanced level, while Canon's for me seem a bit easier to learn.
Michael Tieso
Canon may be the next camera I get.
http://globetrooper.com/ Globetrooper Todd
Great round-up Michael. I'm also a proponent of compact cameras.
Out of the lot in the post, I think the Canon s90 is absolutely the pic of the bunch. We also just posted the 3 secrets to buying a great travel camera (which also includes a recommendation for the S90, amongst a few others). http://globetrooper.com/notes/3-secrets-to-buyi…
David Rothstein
I replaced my Powershot with the Lumix ZS3. Great camera, but it takes a moment for it to open its huge lens, and I've lost shots I would have had with the Canon. Other than that, great camera for pictures & video.
http://foxnomad.com Anil
Got a review of my favorite, the Casio Exilim series. I've used several of their cameras and they are extraordinarily hardy plus have a good set of options for those who like to tinker with the settings.
http://foxnomad.com Anil
I'm typing too fast :/ meant to say I'm working on a review of the Exilim cameras I've used. Although I'll admit the SLRs and their falling prices have me tempted.
dolcecorazon
Let us know how that goes! I had one that I broke in Barcelona =( But, it was probably one of my favorites. Had it for years so I'd imagine the newer models must be good.
dolcecorazon
Let us know how that goes! I had one that I broke in Barcelona =( But, it was probably one of my favorites. Had it for years so I'd imagine the newer models must be good.
Pingback: Portable And Dependable Point And Shoot: Casio Exilim Series | Tech Guide For Travel
http://conmistion.blogspot.com NaN
I’d take a kodak zi8. it’s only 5 megapixels when taking photos, but it has 1080 hd video and a stereo audio in, which you could use with a small zoom h1 stereo recorder for a complete portable hi quality multimedia recording studio, and also use the zoom h1 as a mp3 player.

Fgadea
by the way: nice site. Goes to my favorites!

http://artofbackpacking.com Michael
Thanks! Really appreciate it

Fgadea
by the way: nice site. Goes to my favorites!
http://artofbackpacking.com Michael
Nice. Not bad. The mic input in must be a really nice to have.

http://conmistion.blogspot.com NaN
I’d take a kodak zi8. it’s only 5 megapixels when taking photos, but it has 1080 hd video and a stereo audio in, which you could use with a small zoom h1 stereo recorder for a complete portable hi quality multimedia recording studio, and also use the zoom h1 as a mp3 player.
http://twitter.com/tomschinablog Thomas Aylmer
Which camera do you have..the powershot s90, right? I thought it was only 300?
Will be in the market for a new camera soon.