Which Camera For Cycling Travel?
There was a time when a 35mm rangefinder and a couple of rolls of Velvia meant that you would absolutely be covered for quality photographs (if you knew what you were doing) on a week long cycling adventure anywhere in the world. Some argue that today, all you need is a decent phone, and in many ways, they’re right. But what if you’re that special breed of cycling “photographer” who wants the best imagery possible in a compact, can-travel package. Let’s look at a couple of options.
FUJIFILM X100V - AU$1600
https://fujifilm-x.com/global/products/cameras/x100v/
The Fuji X100 changed the compact digital camera game when it first came out. Retro/Vintage styling, including dials on top for that full manual rangefinder feel, coupled with a beautiful sensor seemed to be just what the hip crowd wanted. Now many versions later, this camera is still a favourite and for good reason.
Still sporting an amazing 26 megapixel X-Trans sensor and old-school styling, the latest version of this camera has a new 23mm F2.0 lens, perfect for epic landscapes or up-close wide portraits. For some though, the fixed focal length (ie, lack of zoom) is a deal breaker. Another deal breaker may be that this camera isn’t aimed at video people. It’ll shoot video, but there’s no flip screen for vlogging.
Another new feature with the latest model is some level of weather protection, meaning you can get it out as the mist rolls in on the hills without worrying as much about that moisture getting in and wrecking your camera.
It’s compact, fancy, and capable of beautiful images in the right hands.
SONY ZV-1 - AU$1099
https://www.sony.com.au/electronics/cyber-shot-compact-cameras/zv-1
Sony have long been a leader in compact, affordable digital cameras. The ZV-1 is aimed squarely at people who like to vlog and if you’re a cyclist that is into sharing everything, I reckon this is the camera for you. It has a fully articulating screen so you can see yourself as you film and the 35mm camera equivalent to a 24-70mm zoom lens that’s just beautiful. Add in a directional mic and a few cool effects built in and you have a complete blogging package that’s small enough for a saddle bag and big enough for inter-web stardom.
It’s 20 megapixel sensor is big enough to allow you to produce some pretty decent print enlargements for the office wall, but won’t be quite as pretty as the Fuji. It’s unlikely anyone will notice so shouldn’t be considered a deal breaker, not when there’s so many other advantages in functionality and versatility.
