Reasons Why Tough Camera Is The Best Camera For Backpackers
10 Reasons Why Tough Camera Is the Best Camera for Backpackers
In my one-year travel around the world, I find my tough camera an ideal companion. If you are a backpacker looking for a camera, you may like to consider a tough camera or a rugged camera too.
Small and Compact
A tough or rugged camera usually comes with special features such as waterproof, shock proof, crush proof and freeze proof capabilities. Though packed with many additional features, tough camera is small and compact, making it easy for safekeeping. Compared to a DSLR, it is less likely to attract unwanted attention from thieves and robbers. Being small and compact also means it does not add too much weight to your backpack.
Waterproof
Waterproof camera is one of the greatest inventions for travelers, in my opinion. All, if not most, tough cameras come with waterproof capabilities. You can take photos when you are swimming in the pool, whitewater-rafting in the river, snorkeling in the sea or diving in the ocean. If you are in Thailand during the Songkran festival, you can celebrate and join in the fun and with the locals - throw water at one another on the street without worrying about your camera getting wet.
Shock proof
Depending on the brand and model, a tough camera can be shock proof up to a height of 2 metres. This means, your camera will not spoil if you accidentally drop it on the ground. Last year, I visited an orphanage in Cambodia. The kids were thrilled to see their faces appeared on the LCD screen of my camera and almost all requested to play with it. Being kids, they were clumsy in handling the equipment. I was glad then that mine was a tough camera.
Crush proof
Imagine you were witnessing the running of the bulls in Spain. Suddenly, somebody pushed you from behind and your camera flew out of your hand, dropped onto the ground and got trampled by the bulls. When the dust settled after the whole event, you retrieved your camera and found that it is still alive! How wonderful would it be?
Dust proof
As a budget traveler, I often chose to walk whenever possible instead of taking public transportation in order to save a little more money to stretch my trip. I remember getting badly choked by the dust as trucks and lorries roared by when I was walking on the side of the road in New Delhi. In such circumstance, the camera can become faulty when dust particles gets into the internal circuitry and sensors. A tough camera, however, is designed with fine protective seal to keep off the dust.
Freeze proof
Generally, the performance of cameras deteriorates when the temperature gets lower, making it more difficult to take photos in cold countries in the winter. So, if you intend to travel in cold countries, or climb a snow-capped mountain, you will need a rugged camera to do the job. A good tough camera can allow you to go to a temperature as low as -10 degrees Celsius (or 14 Fahrenheit).
Manometer
If you like mountain climbing or diving, a compact camera that comes with manometer will come in handy. It can help to record the elevation as you ascend a mountain or water depth as you dive. It will even display a warning when you are approaching the camera's tolerance level for its waterproof feature.
In-built GPS
With the latest technological development, your camera can double up as your travel guide too. In the marketplace, we can find tough cameras that are equipped with in-built GPS system and electronic compass. Although these features comes with a price, they are definitely useful to travelers navigating in a foreign land.
Durability
For backpackers, it is important to carry a durable camera. Due to the "tough" features, tough cameras are relatively more durable than normal compact cameras, thus last longer. Can you imagine the hassle of looking for a reliable camera repair shop in a foreign place and having your travel schedule delayed because you have to wait to get your camera repaired? Enough said.
Ease of Use
Despite its many special features, a tough camera is easy to use and operates the same way as a compact digital camera. The learning curve of using a tough camera is no steeper than learning to use a new compact camera.
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