Recommended Cameras
CAMERAS
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 Digital Camera – My Favorite
| The Lumix ZS8 is one of Panasonic’s latest and greatest travel-zoom cameras, and it exudes awesomeness. I’m not looking to be a professional photographer, but for well under $200, the ZS8 is still a quality piece of equipment and includes the Top Must Have Features a study abroad student needs in a camera. Its 16x optical zoom is pretty mind-blowing, and with the Optical Image Stabilizer, iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode, Panorama Assist Mode, and 14 megapixels, it suits all of my needs. Not to mention at just over an inch thick, it easily fits in my pocket. I currently own one, and have nothing but good things to say about it.
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Nikon D3100 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera
| The D3100, is Nikon’s latest entry-level offering and its first DSLR that can record full 1080p HD videos. An upgraded version of the popular D3000, it’s built around a 14.2 CMOS sensor (as opposed to the original 10) and a 3 inch LCD. As well as movies, it gains Live View shooting, a wider ISO range, and a number of other upgrades. One of the best features is the Easy-To-Use Nikon Guide Mode with intuitive controls and on-board assistance. Great for people like me who aren’t yet that into photography, but want to stop taking bad point & shoot pictures. The D3100 is above all other entry-level DSLRs.
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Canon Powershot A3300
| Looking for a point and shoot camera for under $100? With the Canon Powershot A3300, you’re still able to capture all of your study abroad memories without the expensive price tag that come with other digital cameras. It’s 16 MP and 5x wide Optical Zoom lens allows you to blow up and crop your photos with no loss in resolution or quality. You’ll never have to worry about adjusting your settings in different conditions as the Smart AUTO feature automatically selects the best shooting settings for optimal quality. And just like the ZS8, it also has a 3.0 in. LCD display, and 720p HD video recording. Not bad for less than a Benjamin.
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Sony HDR-CX160 High-Definition Handycam Camcorder
| Although both the Nikon D3100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 allow you to record video, if you’re like me, you’ll want something that not only has a recording time of over 5 minutes, but also has an optical zoom above 20x. Sony’s HDR-CX160 Handycam camcorder has a 42x extended zoom feature, and via the built-in embedded Flash memory, you can record and store up to six hours of high-definition video footage (HD LP mode). It features an “Exmor R” CMOS sensor for low-light performance and a wide angle Sony G lens. You can also compose and view your shots on the 3.0″ touch-screen display. If you plan on shooting some great footage while you’re abroad, a camcorder is the only way to go.
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I'm a 23 year old college grad, and during my junior year abroad in Scotland, I came to the realization that it's hard to know what you want to do in this world if you've never seen it. With that in mind, I decided to study abroad again during the 2011-12 academic year, this time in Beijing, China. Read more 