The flowers are blooming, summer travel is looming, and it’s time to gear up for some great pictures. Here are my camera recommendations to help you snap your best travel memories.
Sony RX-100 Mark III
Some critics have called this simply the best point-and-shoot camera on the market. This is the third iteration of the camera, and each version gets better. What I like most about the Mark III is that it has an electronic viewfinder, or EVF. It’s like a tiny television screen that pops up and gives you a clear picture of what you’re shooting as well as a complete view of all the menu information you want. For older eyes it has a diopter so you can adjust the view for your own vision. This is a solidly built camera with just about all the bells and whistles of many digital single-lens reflex cameras (DSLRs) without the interchangeable lenses. Price at the Sony Store is $800.
Nikon Coolpix S9900
Hands down the best feature of this camera is its tremendous optical zoom, the equivalent of 25mm to 750mm – an almost mind blowing 30X zoom. I was very impressed with the lens performance; both the sharpness zoomed in all the way as well as the wide-angle scope when it’s zoomed back out. The camera comes with a big 3-inch diagonal LCD screen that tilts in every direction and swings to the side, which makes it easy to shoot full HD videos. Price is just about $330 direct from Nikon USA.
Sony Alpha A7 Mark II
Sony pioneered the first full-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens camera with the A7. That means the camera has a sensor equivalent to a 35mm film camera, not the reduced sized sensor found in most digital cameras. But it still has the advantages of a compact camera, since it uses electronics instead of a traditional mirror (that’s where the reflex in the Digital Single Lens Reflex camera comes from). The second version of the camera has advanced anti-vibration technology that makes it easy to get steady shots regardless of distance and action. Price for the body alone is $1,500.
Nikon D5500 18-55 VR II Kit
This is a lightweight and compact DSLR that’s ideal for the photo enthusiast who wants something better than an entry level body without breaking the bank for a high end professional camera. It has a 24.2MP sensor, and great autofocus capability. Coupled with the kit lens – a versatile 18-55mm lens with vibration reduction – this will give you flexibility for most of your shooting needs. Price at NikonUSA, $850.
Sony 4K Action Cam FDR-X1000VR with Live View
While the entertainment world struggles to come up with content for the new generation of 4K (or UHD) televisions, camera makers like Sony have miniaturized the technology so now we can create our own 4K content. The Sony 4K action camera delivers stunning video of your adventures. It comes with a waterproof and dustproof case, along with available steady shot technology, stereo microphones along with wind noise reduction. But our favorite part of this bundle is Sony’s Live-View remote. It will provide a view of what the camera is recording as well as acting as a remote control. Price for the bundle is $600 at the Sony Store.
VSN Mobil V.360°
This is a panorama action camera that allows you to view your world in 360 degrees, either with HD videos or stills. It has a standard tripod mount and it's compatible with the GoPro mounting system, so you can attach it to all sorts of accessories – helmet mounts, handlebar mounts and many more. It comes with a remote control to turn the recording on or off, but you'll be using a smartphone or tablet (Android or iOS) as a viewing platform and controller. It has four different modes: video, stills, surveillance, and time lapse. Price from the VSN Mobil website is $449.
Gary Kaye is the creator of Tech50+ (www.tech50plus.com), the leading website covering technology from the Baby Boomer perspective. Kaye has been covering high tech for more than 30 years with outlets including NBC, ABC, CNN and Fox Business. He is a regular contributor to AARP and other websites on issues regarding the nexus of technology, seniors and baby boomers.
