You want to choose the best camera for your trip to Colombia, and you’re right. You want to take a good camera because you know it, you’ve understood it, you’ve felt it, this country is going to blow your mind!
Whether you want to photograph wildlife, thousands of birds, spectacular landscapes or scenes of everyday life, Colombia is a paradise for photo enthusiasts!
Disclaimer: we apologize in advance for any grammatical or syntactic errors, as our native language is not English (we're a Colombian-French couple), so we hope you'll forgive us and still enjoy the information we share with you! Please note that all the information on our blog is based on our own experience, and is checked and updated regularly.
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Which camera to use when traveling in Colombia
Choosing the best camera for a trip to Colombia
Over the past decade, the market for photographic equipment has evolved considerably. There are now different camera ranges to suit all tastes and prices. The choice is vast, and it can sometimes be very difficult to find what you’re looking for.
First of all, you need to ask yourself what you’re doing and how you relate to travel photography. Then you need to decide what you want from your camera in terms of features and functionality. Finally, you’ll need to set a budget limit, to try and find the best value for money.
How do I relate to travel photography?
Whether you just want to make memories, are an amateur photographer or want to improve your skills, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t take a camera with you to Colombia to record your travel memories.
Sit back and think about your photography.
Compacts, Hybrids or SLRs?
In 2023, there’s no such thing as a photo… Hybrids are, in our view, the cameras of the future. Proof of this is that brands like Canon and Nikon, which were slow to get on board, have finally given in to the evidence and are now trying to catch up.
The main difference: sensor size
- Compact 1″: 8.8 x 13.2 mm (magnification factor x2.5)
- Micro 4/3: 13 x 17.3 mm (magnification factor x2)
- APS-C: 15.6 x 23.5 mm (magnification factor x1.5)
- Full format: 24 x 36 mm
What does it affect?
- Magnification factor: the smaller the sensor, the greater the magnification factor
- Sensitivity: the larger the sensor, the more light it can capture
- Depth of field: the larger the sensor, the greater the depth of field
- Size: the larger the sensor, the bulkier the camera body and associated lenses.
Compact cameras
Which camera to choose for your trip to Colombia
The compact camera is the right choice for “souvenir photo” enthusiasts:
- You’d like to have some nice souvenirs
- You may want to print a few photos
- You don’t want to change lenses
- You want a camera that’s as versatile as possible
- You want a camera that fits in your pocket
Sony RX100
- 24-200mm (35mm equivalent)
- f2.8-4.5
- 1″ sensor
- 20MP resolution
- Tropicalized: NO
This is the SONY compact series that revolutionized the market. It brings together everything you’d expect from an expert compact. You can confidently choose any model within your budget.
Lumix TZ100
- 27-270mm (35mm equivalent)
- f1.7-f5.9
- 1″ sensor
- 20MP resolution
- Tropicalized: NO
LUMIX (Panasonic) is Sony’s main competitor in this type of compact camera. The Lumix features a rather impressive x10 zoom.
Lumix LX100 II
- 24-75mm (35mm equivalent)
- f1.7-f2.8
- Micro 4/3 sensor
- 20MP resolution
- Tropicalized: NO
The Lumix LX100 II has a very bright lens and a micro 4/3 sensor that’s much larger than the competition’s, and rare on this kind of compact camera. The zoom, however, is somewhat limited.
Canon G7X
- 24-100mm (35mm equivalent)
- f1.8-f2.8
- 1″ sensor
- 20MP resolution
- Tropicalized: NO
Canon’s proposal is coherent, with a bright lens and a more powerful zoom than on the LX100 II.
Micro 4/3 camera
Our choice for traveling in Colombia
For us, micro 4/3 format cameras are the best choice for photographers on the move:
- You love photography
- You want to be able to change lenses as you please
- You need lightweight, easily transportable equipment
- You need sturdy, resistant equipment
- You want high-performance, professional-quality equipment
In the micro 4/3 format camera range, two brands share the market: OM System (ex-Olympus) and Panasonic. We’ve chosen OM System because we’re more photo-oriented. If you’re a videographer, Panasonic will be a better choice for you.
OM-1 (OM System)
- Interchangeable lens body
- Micro 4/3 sensor
- 20MP resolution
- Case stabilization: YES
- Tropicalized: YES
The OM-1 from OM System (ex-Olympus) is the camera we use to back up the OMD-EM1 MKII, which is also a high-performance camera. A little performance bomb in the smallest possible format! Wide range of high-quality lenses available.
OM-5 (OM System)
- Interchangeable lens body
- Micro 4/3 sensor
- 20MP resolution
- Case stabilization: YES
- Tropicalized: YES
The OM-5 is the little brother of the OM-1, and replaces the OMD-EM5 MKII that we’ve had until now, which we also recommend! Wide range of high-quality lenses available.
GH6 (LUMIX)
- Interchangeable-lens camera
- Micro 4/3 sensor
- 26MP resolution
- Camera stabilization: YES
- Tropicalized: YES
LUMIX (Panasonic) is OM System’s main competitor in the micro 4/3 range. Their lens ranges are fully compatible. The GH series is aimed more at video enthusiasts, but is also a very good photo camera.
GX9 (LUMIX)
- Interchangeable lens body
- Micro 4/3 sensor
- 20MP resolution
- Camera stabilization: YES
- Tropicalized: NO
The GX series from LUMIX (Panasonic) offers very compact cameras without skimping on quality. The only drawback for us is the absence of tropicalization.
APS-C cameras
Choosing the best camera for a trip to Colombia
APS-C format cameras are on the borderline between micro 4/3 and full-frame. To tell you the truth, we’re not fans of this format, because it’s right in the middle. Too bulky without the advantages of full-frame. But above all, it will be a heartfelt choice for all FUJI brand lovers.
- You want to be able to change lenses as you please
- You want a slightly larger sensor
- You don’t have the budget to go full-frame
- You need solid, durable equipment
- You want high-performance, professional-quality equipment
Canon R7
- Interchangeable lens body
- APS-C sensor
- 32.5MP resolution
- Camera stabilization: YES
- Tropicalized: YES
Canon has relaunched its APS-C camera range with its new R mount (used for its full-frame cameras), giving access to Canon’s full range of professional lenses.
Fuji XT-5
- Interchangeable lens body
- APS-C sensor
- 40MP resolution
- Camera stabilization: YES
- Tropicalized: YES
The FUJI XT series is a reference in the APS-C world (sensor slightly larger than micro 4/3). A perfect camera for lovers of manual settings. The FUJI lens range is renowned for its high quality.
Full-frame cameras
Choosing the best camera for a trip to Colombia
Full-frame cameras are the choice of pros and those who aren’t afraid of weight and bulk:
- You want the best of the best in camera gear
- You’re not afraid of the weight and size of your camera equipment
- You need to produce large-format photo prints
SONY A7
- Interchangeable lens body
- Full-frame sensor
- 33MP resolution
- Camera stabilization: YES
- Tropicalized: YES
Sony pioneered the full-frame hybrid camera. Since then, Sony has reigned supreme, leaving the competition behind with each new release. Other brands are just trying to catch up. Today, the A7 series offers a wide range of cameras for every price and purpose.
CANON R6 II
- Interchangeable-lens camera
- Full-frame sensor
- 25MP resolution
- Camera stabilization: YES
- Tropicalized: YES
Canon is finally moving into full-frame hybrids, replacing the mythical “D” cameras that pros have been snatching up until now. From the travel-oriented Canon RP to the sublime Canon R5, Canon offers a wide range of cameras for all uses and price ranges!
NIKON Z6 II
- Interchangeable-lens camera
- Full-frame sensor
- 25MP resolution
- Camera stabilization: YES
- Tropicalized: YES
In the race behind Sony, Nikon has carved out a place for itself at the very top of the best hybrid full-frame cameras. With the Z series, we have in our hands the quality cameras that Nikon is famous for, from the affordable Z5 to the ultra-high-performance Z9.
Lumix S5
- Interchangeable-lens body
- Full-frame sensor
- 24MP resolution
- Camera stabilization: YES
- Tropicalized: YES
This is the latest addition to Panasonic’s full-frame range, and a great success for the brand better known for its micro 4/3 cameras. A camera with excellent video performance, a Panasonic trademark since the very beginning.
Choosing the best camera for a trip to Colombia
Our final choice
After 10 years of traveling in Colombia, we’re sure we made the right decision in choosing the micro 4/3 format. For us, it’s the right compromise that allows us to make no concessions to the quality of our photos, while at the same time having lightweight, hard-wearing equipment that’s easy to transport.
OM-1 from OM System
The OM-1 is the latest camera from OM System (formerly Olympus), which we recently acquired. It features the same technical specifications as its predecessor, the OMD EM1, with a few improvements. In particular, it features a “stored” or “stacked” sensor, which is a real game-changer. Another important point for Samuel, who is keen to get into wildlife photography: the new autofocus assistance with tracking of moving animals is frighteningly effective! Tropicalized, robust, compact, but above all of exceptional quality, everything is perfect.
OMD EM1 from OM System (ex-Olympus)
The OMD EM-1 (mark II) was our number 1 camera before we switched to OM System’s latest model, and is now our second camera. It’s still a great, high-performance camera at an affordable price! First of all, of course, it boasts the robust, tropicalized design for which OM System is renowned, and this is something we feel is really important, so that we don’t have to wonder whether or not it’s wise to take the camera out in different weather conditions (dust, rain, etc.). With its 5-axis stabilization and fast Auto Focus, it’s a real winner and, in our opinion, still a great choice.
Old camera: OM-5 from OM System
TheOM-5 boasts a rugged, tried-and-tested design (resistant to dust and rain), and is more compact than the OM-1. Combined with a small, discreet lens, it’s invisible and practically pocket-sized. Its predecessor, the OMD EM5 (mark II), was our favorite for a long time, until we acquired our new cameras.
Camera Colombia: The conclusion
Choosing the best camera for a trip to Colombia
As you can see, the best camera for traveling in Colombia will inevitably depend on how you practice photography and how you travel. The combination of these two factors will determine whether you opt for a compact camera or an interchangeable-lens body.
Your desires will also have to be weighed up against the weight and bulk of your equipment, and this is a very important factor when traveling. If you don’t mind carrying heavy, cumbersome equipment, and you want the best camera, you’ll opt for a full-frame, but if you want to travel light, micro 4/3 cameras are the best compromise in our opinion !
