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 In digital camera development terms, that's outdated.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
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.
Best Canon Lens For Low Light Photography. Lenses For Dark Situations
List of Canon lenses that work well in dark photography situations. Best Canon Lens For Low Light Photography Situations.
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?
Are Canon L lenses worth the price? Truth Revealed-Helpful L Lens FAQ
Should you buy one of the Canon L lenses. This post will answer your frequently asked questions about L lenses. Are Canon L lenses worth the price?
Is The Canon 17-40 Worth It? Canon's Popular Wide-angle Zoom Lens
Cleary the Canon 17-40mm wide-angle zoom was the most popular super wide angle lens Canon had. Is it still a good buy these days. Thoughts on whether the Canon EF 17-40mm lens is worth buying and is the 17-40 good for portraits?
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:
Canon Polarizing Filters. Are They Any good And Worth It? My Results.
What do these lens filters do for you? Research into the value of using one of the Canon polarizing filters on your lens.
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.
Canon DSLR Accessories. Must Haves And My Top Picks For Canon Gear
What are the top Canon DSLR accessories you should be thinking about getting? There are some essential gadgets you really should have
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
5 Simple Tips on How to Make Your Canon Battery Last Longer
Battery Life Hacks. Snap More, Recharge Less. Tips for Prolonging Your Canon Battery. How to make your canon battery last longer ways you' re wasting power.
Search for articles on this Site:
Recent Articles
-
My Review of The 10 Best Canon R6 Mark II Features That Impressed Me
Apr 12, 25 08:51 AM
Beyond the Pixel: Discover the Game-Changing Features That Make the Canon R6 Mark II a Must Have Camera -
Canon RF 24-105 Lens Comparison. Guide To Which One Is Right For You
Apr 07, 25 12:47 PM
Which is the best of the 3 versions of the Canon RF 24-105mm Lens for Canon mirrorless cameras? What's The 24-105 Lens Good For -
3 Better Alternatives to Camera Bags From Canon. Helpful Guide To Bags
Apr 03, 25 11:51 AM
After searching for the top best selling Canon bags, I found 3 better alternatives to camera bags from Canon -
Canon 70-200 2.8 Tripod Collar. Article and Video of The Advantages
Apr 03, 25 11:02 AM
Some call it an optional accessory. I say a canon 70-200 2.8 tripod collar is a necessity when using this lens on a tripod or monopod. -
Running With The G1X Mark II, Acting Like a Kid, You Should Try This
Apr 03, 25 10:31 AM
Ever get a new "toy" and want to just play? I did.Got my new Canon compact camera. Went running with the G1x Mark II