Top Tip
If you need a new camera for the trip, buy it at least a few weeks in advance, and make time to use it. Buying at the airport might save money, but it’s a false economy if it means you struggle photographically for the first half of the adventure of a lifetime.
If you're not thinking of buying a new camera, the good news is that most cameras can deliver good results from a wide range of scenarios – if you use them with a bit of thought.
Even if you use an iPhone with an engaged brain you’ll get a better set of images than someone with ‘all the gear and no idea’. That’s not to say all cameras are equal; every category has pros and cons.
Recommended smartphone: Apple iPhone 5s
Pros Small, light, only one gadget to carry. Can be less intimidating than a ‘proper’ camera when taking pictures of people.
Cons Limited photographic control – though additional apps can give you much more of this; limited lens range; can be slow when shooting people or action.
Verdict Apple’s smartphone might not have the features or pixel counts of some rivals but it regularly tops out for taking more consistently good photos.
£549, apple.com
Recommended compact camera: Sony Cyber-shot RX100
Pros Small, light.
Cons Limited lens range, especially for wide-angle shots; can be difficult to see screen in bright light; can be slow when shooting people or action.
Verdict The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 is a fine example of the sort of quality compact you need to beat smartphones for image quality and all-round performance.
£469, sony.co.uk
Recommended superzoom: Olympus Stylus 1
Pros Quite versatile.
Cons The long zoom lenses which they have are less useful than really wide-angle lenses which they lack; many models seem quite fragile.
Verdict The Olympus Stylus 1 has a good lens, plus a large sensor for its class which boosts image quality. Build quality is good too.
£550, shop.olympus.co.uk
Recommended mirrorless or compact system: Nikon 1 AW-1
Pros Very versatile; generally excellent image quality; smaller and lighter than DSLRs.
Cons Not many: battery life less good than DSLRs; many models still a little slow for demanding action shots.
Verdict The Nikon 1 AW-1 is rugged and waterproof yet light and compact, and boasts great image quality and superfast autofocus.
£749, europe-nikon.com
Recommended digital SLR (DSLR): Pentax K-5 II
Pros Extremely versatile, excellent image quality, wide range of lenses and system accessories, good battery life, very robust
Cons Some models are bulky and heavy
Verdict The Pentax K-5 II An unjustly-overlooked rival to Nikon and Canon; extra weather-sealing makes it a compelling choice for active outdoor use.
£730, ricoh-imaging.co.uk
