This page may contain affiliate links that pay me a small commission. There is no cost to you. You can review the affiliate statement at the very bottom of this page if you want more information. As an Amazon affiliate Canon Camera Geek may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at NO added cost to you.
New Canon For Hiking With Optical Viewfinder
by Steven
(Northern California)
Canon Powershot A1400-Camera
I like having a camera with me when I take off into the wilderness on hiking trips. I keep it attached to my pack, as I often have no more than 2-3 seconds to capture a photo. Because of that need to speed, I need an optical viewfinder. I have to be able to grab the camera, bring it up to my eye, and snap the image very quickly.
I have been using Canon cameras for years, most recently a Powershot A1400, but would love to upgrade to something with more optical zoom. Does such a camera exist? My other considerations are the camera has to be lightweight, and not too expensive. The latter is important as on more than one occasion, my camera will end up in a river, or falling over a cliff, dropping into a talus field, etc. Thanks for the help.
Hi Steven!
Great question. The Canon A1400 was released in 2013. In digital camera development terms, that's outdated.
New Canon Camera For Hiking
It sounds like you're going to want a camera with these 3 features:1. COMPACT: Small and light enough to travel with on the trail in a ready-to-shoot position.
2. FOCAL LENGTH: Strong enough for photographing wildlife.
3. OPTICAL VIEWFINDER: A must have feature for locating, composing, and focusing on your subject.
-A Canon mirrorless would save you some space and weight, but to get an optical viewfinder and good zoom lens would likely push it out of your price range.
-One of the Canon Super-zoom Bridge camera might work, but they are bigger than your pocket-sized A1400.
-I use an Canon APS-C sized Canon 90D and carry it during my hikes in a belly bag for super quick access.
Canon camera chooser
Steven, you might want to visit a page I published on the Canon Geek website that will help me more precisely find a good match for you. There are a few specific questions that will provide more clarity on what you want. I'll be able to narrow down from the many possibilities that exist in the Canon lineup for a good hiking camera.
Canon Camera Finder
Also, I'm seriously hoping you and/or your camera don't end up falling in a river or over a cliff. Northern California is a great place to hike!
Bruce
Follow me on YouTube
Bruce Lovelace is the publisher of Canon Camera Geek. Read more about him on the About Page. He also publishes how to articles and camera gear reviews at the Photography Tips website.
View some of Bruce's photos on Instagram and Flickr. Join the tribe of followers on YouTube. Bruce also runs photo workshops and provides 1 on 1 digital photography coaching.
You might like these
Best Canon Portrait Lens For 2024. EF vs. EF-S Portrait Lenses
Which Canon portrait lens is right for you? Lens guide on how to choose the best Canon portrait lens and how to use best canon lens for portrait photography
Best Canon Prime Lens For Your Money-List of Top Prime Lenses by Canon
There's a large selection and price range of solid choices for you. Which Canon prime lens is worth it? Helpful list and guide
5 Best Canon Lenses is For the Dogs. Guide To Choosing The Right Lens
You want to get creative with your photography of dogs. It starts with using the best Canon lenses for dog photography. Helpful advice on choosing a dog lens.
Ditch the Default: Top Alternatives to the Canon 17-40 Lens
Not sure about investing in a Canon EF17-40mm L lens? It's a great lens, but is it worth it? What is the best choice for a good Canon 17-40 alternative?
The 7 best Canon Lenses For Wedding Photography And Their Alternatives
There are several candidates for the right wedding equipment but what is the best Canon lens for wedding photography
KEH: WHERE I BUY CANON GEAR
"I've found that the condition of the used equipment from KEH is excellent and a whole lot cheaper than buying new" - Bruce, the Canon Camera Geek
You might also like:
How Do Canon Extension Tubes Work. Are They Any Good And Alternatives
Are they any good and how do Canon extnesion tubes work? Should you get the tubes made by a 3rd party or go with the extension tubes made by Canon
DON'T Buy a Canon Digital Camera Accessory Kit Until You Read This
You've got your digital camera. Should you get extras separately or go with a Canon Digital Camera Accessory Kit
5 Ways To Get Canon DSLR Protection That Keeps Your Canon Camera Safe
Does your Canon have enough protection from damage and theft? Here's how to select the best Canon DSLR protection. Cases and camera safeguards
Most Expensive Designer Camera Bag-Who's Crazy Enough To Buy One?
Can you justify spending more on your gear bag than your camera equipment? Ponder these thoughts about the most expensive designer camera bag.
Two Canon Tripods Choices And Alternatives You Can Get. Helpful Guide
Are the Canon tripods any good? Can you abandon your loyalty to Canon when it comes to getting a tripod for your Canon camera?
Search for articles on this Site:
Recent Articles
-
10 Best R6 Mark II Accessories. Creative And Essential R6 M2 Add-Ons
Nov 05, 24 02:04 PM
Unleash Your R6 Mark II's Full Potential. Canon Geek's recommended top 10 R6 Mark II Accessories you need to know about. -
What is the Canon 100-400 Lens Good For And Is it Worth The Money
Nov 02, 24 02:13 PM
You're considering adding a zoom telephoto lens to your camera bag. Do you need one for what you want to photograph?? What is the Canon 100-400 Lens Good For -
Canon Camera Guide. Useful Advice on Canon Cameras-Lenses-Accessories
Nov 02, 24 08:27 AM
Helpful advice on Canon Cameras, Canon lenses, and Canon camera accessories. Answers to your questions about Canon equipment. Canon camera equipment guide. -
Free Canon 60D Manual -Download 60D Instruction Manual User Guide Free
Nov 01, 24 02:31 PM
One of the best sources for Canon 60D specs and instructions is the Canon 60D manual. You can get the free manual here. -
Canon R6 Mark II FAQ. Answers To All of Your Canon R6 M2 Questions
Oct 31, 24 01:49 PM
There's a lot you can easily learn about Canon's mirrorless R6 Mark II camera. Get your questions answered in this R6 Mark II FAQ