7 Best Camera for Hiking Video: (2023 Best Guide & Reviews)

Last Updated on August 28, 2023 by Sharon Advik

Not everyone gets the opportunity to travel around the world.

Luckily, I’ve been on the list of those privileged individuals who have explored new adventures and nature’s beauty.

My traveling isn’t limited to visiting museums or spending the day at the beach.

Being a wanderlust, I’ve been exploring unique stuff, finding hiking the best option.

My love for the outdoors and nature sparked a desire to share my experiences with others, including a passion for storytelling.

Additionally, hiking and exploring new places are a source of inspiration and creativity for me.

I need the best camera for hiking videos to accomplish all of this.

While I’ve used plenty of them, below are my top picks.

Which is the Best Camera for Hiking Video?

Here are my recommended top 7 Best Camera for Hiking Video:–

Sony A7riv: (Best Camera for Hiking Video)

If you’ve been to Yosemite National Park, you may have an idea of how beautiful it is.

From amateurs to professional hikers, this place is for everyone.

I even got a chance to discover the Yosemite mariposa hikes, where I had to climb up against the rocky granites.

I didn’t want all this to be in my head to recall.

Instead, I used the best camera for hiking video, which is the A7riv by Sony.

Features:

Model: Sony A7riv
Effective Megapixel: 61 MP
Image sensor: 35.7 x 23.8 mm(BSI CMOS sensor)
ISO range: 100-32000 (expands to 50-102800)
Shutter speeds: 1/8000
Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC
LCD: 3.0 inch tilted screen
Dimension: 129 x 96 x 78 mm
Weight: 665g

ISO / Shutter Speed:

For taking the best video shots while hiking, I opted for the standard settings: a quick shutter speed and a mid-ranged ISO.

Using a shutter speed of 1/1000th and an ISO of 800, I could shoot the waterfalls without choppiness in the video.

Aperture / Depth of Field:

Moving on to the aperture to complete the task.

I had to set the aperture in the middle, choosing f/2.8. With the kit lens, it may, however, open up to f/3.5.

White Balance / Frame Rate:

Whether it was capturing intricate details of the unique plants or the flowing waterfall, I had to calibrate the white balance for ideal color tones.

Additionally, I set the frame rate in the ideal range to get the best possible images.

However, its maximum fps is 10.

Why is this camera the best?

One of the finest features of the Sony A7R IV camera is its high-resolution sensor.

It boasts a 61-megapixel full-frame sensor, currently one of the highest-resolution sensors available in a full-frame camera.

It results in incredibly detailed and sharp images, making it an excellent choice for hiking videos, as in such scenarios, detail is essential.

It also features a high dynamic range, fast autofocus, and a high frame rate for shooting 4k videos.

Conclusion:

It is a high-end mirrorless camera and an excellent option to shoot videos with.

Its full-frame sensor alone makes it easy to shoot high-quality and detailed videos.

Additionally, it has 5-axis in-body stabilization, which can help reduce camera shake and produce smooth footage.

If you’re okay with carrying a bulky camera, you won’t face any issues using it.

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Sony ZV-1 Vlogging Camera: (Best Camera for Hiking Video)

The biggest reason I switched from the previous Sony cameras to the ZV-1 is its video quality.

I got to test it out while on a hike on John Muir Trail.

This iconic hike is massive in terms of the journey, as it is America’s longest hike.

I’ve used this camera before briefly for shooting an outdoor event.

But trusting a camera for hiking is different.

Trust me, it didn’t disappoint me, and I can safely say it’s the best camera for hiking videos.

Features:

Model: Sony ZV-1 Vlogging Camera
Effective Megapixel: 20 MP
Image sensor: 0.52″ x 0.35″ (Exmor RS® CMOS)
ISO range: 125-12800
Shutter speeds: 1/32000
Storage: SDXC/SDHC Memory Card (UHS-I U3 )
LCD: 3.0 inch TFT LCD
Dimension: 105.5 x 60.0 x 43.5 mm
Weight: 294g

ISO / Shutter Speed:

As discussed in the specs, its ISO and shutter speed have a wide range enough to provide you with smooth videos that are grain-free.

This camera can shoot in 4K, and to make the most out of it, I set the ISO to 400 with an optimum shutter speed.

Aperture / Depth of Field:

It has a variable aperture of f/1.8-f/11, allowing for a shallow field depth and a smooth bokeh effect in your shots.

I found it helpful to separate me, i.e., the hiker, from the scenery.

White Balance / Frame Rate:

It has a maximum frame rate of 120 fps for Full HD (1080p) video recording.

It also supports 4K (3840 x 2160) video recording at 30 fps.

However, the more you increase the fps, the more space it will take on the device.

Why is this camera the best?

I love how, as a compact camera, its sensor size produces excellent, high-quality images.

It has both manual and automatic modes.

So, I let this camera do its best if I am capturing any scene where I cannot adjust the setting.

Conclusion:

The Sony ZV-1 is a compact camera designed for vlogging and content creation.

It features a 20.1-megapixel 1-inch type sensor, a 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 lens, and a 4K video recording.

The camera also has a flip-up touchscreen LCD, a microphone input, and built-in wireless connectivity for easy content sharing.

If you’re getting all these high-end features in a mid-range camera, there’s no point looking for any other option for hiking videos.

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Sony Alpha 6600: (Best Camera for Hiking Video)

Regarding outdoor photography, there is nothing better than the A6600.

Most of you may disagree with it because the internet is filled with bad reviews for this series.

I was also skeptical about using it because of bad experiences with the 6000 series.

But I got to use it since it was my backup camera during a hike.

Surprisingly, it did well, and it has the potential to be the best camera for hiking videos.

Features:

Model: Sony Alpha 6600
Effective Megapixel: 24.2 MP
ISO range: 100-32000 (expandable to 102400)
Image sensor: 23.5 x 15.6 mm (APS-C CMOS )
Shutter speeds: 1/4000
Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Pro Duo
LCD: 3-inch tilting LCD
Dimension: 120 x 67 x 69 mm
Weight: 503g

ISO / Shutter Speed:

Even though I advise using a low ISO, extending the range up to 500 won’t affect the video quality with this camera.

Its high shutter speed of 1/1000s is perfect for motion, whereas a slower shutter speed purposefully blurs it.

Aperture / Depth of Field:

The Sony A6600’s kit lens has a maximum aperture of f/3.5, a standard aperture for shooting hiking videos.

However, if you’re shooting in the evening, you might want to use a wide aperture for optimum exposure.

White Balance / Frame Rate:

Hiking isn’t an hour-long activity; it can also take from morning to noon.

It means you won’t get to witness the same lighting throughout.

To help you with this, the camera offers auto white balance and preset white balance mode.

These preset color choices match the lighting of the environment.

The continuous shooting option lets you shoot up to 11 fps of video to have break-free videos.

Why is this camera the best?

The Sony Alpha 6600 is a good camera with a high-resolution 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, fast autofocus with 425 phase-detection points, Real-time Eye AF, and in-body image stabilization.

Additionally, it can shoot in 4K, which is perfect for hiking videos.

Conclusion:

After considering all the features above, its battery should drain out soon.

However, unlike the other Alpha models, it has a high-capacity battery.

Moreover, it also has a wide range of customizable buttons and controls, making it a versatile and powerful option for photographers and vloggers.

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Sony A7 S3: (Best Camera for Hiking Video)

The Sony A7 S3 was my companion on a hike across Iceland, where I rigorously used this camera to put it to the test.

Surprisingly, it lived up to its hype.

If I had to write a standalone article on this camera, there’d be no issue.

From its ergonomics to its features, everything is worth praising.

If you’re hunting for the best camera for hiking videos, this might be the one for you!

Features:

Model: Sony A7 S3
Effective Megapixel: 12MP
ISO range: 80-102400 (expands to 40-409600)
Image sensor: 35.6 x 23.8 mm (BSI CMOS )
Shutter speeds: 1/8000
Storage: Dual UHS-II SD/CFexpress Type A slots
Dimension:129 x 97 x 81 mm
Weight: 699g

ISO / Shutter Speed:

For hiking videos during the day, a good starting point for ISO on the Sony A7S3 would be around ISO 100-400, and for shutter speed, around 1/60th – 1/125th of a second.

This will give you a balanced exposure with minimal motion blur.

Aperture / Depth of Field:

The best time to hike is to start early, which I did.

Hence, I changed my camera settings accordingly.

While shooting videos during the day, the suitable aperture would be around f/8 to f/11.

It provides a good balance between depth of field and light gathering, resulting in well-exposed shots with optimum focus.

White Balance / Frame Rate:

The camera can shoot at a maximum frame rate of 120fps in Full HD and 60fps in 4K resolution.

I like that it allows for smooth and detailed footage when filming hiking videos at any time.

Why is this camera the best?

The video quality of this camera is a game changer.

Its detailed image sensor can capture stunningly precise and sharp images even in dimly lit environments; It makes it perfect for grabbing footage of hiking trails and scenic vistas.

According to the brand, this camera records at 4k at 60p for 60 minutes because of better heat dissipation than prior models.

With a maximum bit rate of 600Mbps, the camera supports Long GOP and All-Intra compression.

Conclusion:

This full-frame mirrorless camera is well-suited for shooting video in various settings, including hiking.

It has a 12.1-megapixel sensor that can shoot 4K video at up to 120 frames per second.

It also has a wide dynamic range and low light capabilities, which proved perfect in varied lighting conditions I encountered while hiking.

Even though it isn’t as lightweight as other options in this range, it is still easy to move around with because of its fantastic hand feel.

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GoPro Hero 11: (Best Camera for Hiking Video)

Hike and camp cameras are a little more challenging than others.

After watching videos of the famous Luxe Hiking Gear and his recommendation for the best camera for hiking videos, I discovered GoPro.

This brand explicitly designs cameras for this purpose, as they are shock-proof, waterproof, and lightweight.

I was excited to test it out and made it my companion to the Grand Canyon.

Features:

Model: GoPro Hero 11
Effective Megapixel: 20MP
ISO range: 100-6400
Image sensor: 35.6 x 23.8 mm (BSI CMOS )
Shutter speeds: 1/8 to 30 Sec (Photo Mode) 1/30 to 1/480 Sec (Video Mode)
Storage: supports microSD cards from 32GB to 1TB
Dimension: 2.64 x 1.34 x 1.85 inches
Weight: 159g

ISO / Shutter Speed:

The Hero 11 has a signature black look with a mini body but is well-equipped with every feature.

From its wide ISO range and decent shutter speed, hiking videos were easy to shoot with it.

Even though you cannot manually adjust the ISO, you can select from “Min and Max” modes.

It also has different shooting modes, such as Night, Time-Lapse, and Burst, suitable for videography at any time of the day.

Aperture / Depth of Field:

It has a fixed aperture of f/2.8, suitable for hiking and camping.

It allows for good low-light performance and a shallow depth of field for captivating shots.

However, remember that the GoPro Hero 11 does not have manual controls for the aperture, so you will need to rely on the camera’s automatic settings.

White Balance / Frame Rate:

Along with the HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization technology and in-camera 360-degree Horizon Lock, it shoots video in 4k @60 fps.

Both of them, when combined, result in unbeatable footage for fast-action shots while hiking.

Why is this camera the best?

The feature that intrigued me and made me buy it was its HyperSmooth 5.0 video stabilization technology.

It is the reason behind smooth and stable footage, even in challenging conditions.

It also has improved battery life and added live streaming capabilities.

The GoPro Hero 11 is a versatile and powerful camera that captures action and adventure.

Conclusion:

To summarize the features of this camera, it is a small, waterproof, and durable camera that you can use to capture high-quality photos and videos at any event.

Its commendable features include its ability to shoot in 4K resolution, built-in voice control, and touchscreen display.

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Canon R6: (Best Camera for Hiking Video)

There was a time when I went with a group of hikers to Blyde River Canyon, South Africa.

Surrounded by spectacular rocks, it gave me an adrenaline rush.

Luckily, I took my trusty Canon R6 on this trip.

I’ve previously used it after borrowing it from a friend.

After using it briefly, the next thing I knew, I had to buy it as it is the best camera for hiking video.

Canon is a trusted brand for many videographers for most outdoor events.

Even though hiking videography and photography are one step ahead of this genre, you can still trust the R6.

Features:

Model: Canon R6
Effective Megapixels: 20 MP
Image sensor: 35.9 x 23.9 mm CMOS
Shutter speeds: 30-1/8000 sec
ISO range: 102,400
Storage: 2x SD/SDHC/SDXC and UHS-II
LCD: 7.5cm (3.0″) Clear View LCD II
Dimension: 138.4 × 97.5 × 88.4 mm
Weight: 680g

ISO / Shutter Speed:

The camera has a native ISO range of 100-102,400, which you can increase up to 204,800.

It has a mechanical shutter with a shutter speed of 1/8000th of a second and a silent electronic shutter with a maximum speed of 1/20000 second.

Aperture / Depth of Field:

This camera’s maximum aperture is f/3.5.

However, the f/2.8 setting with ISO 400 at a shutter speed of 1/800th sec was convenient for me in most conditions.

If you’re on a detour of the Blyde River Canyon, this setting with the R6 will result in the best vlog you’ve ever made.

White Balance / Frame Rate:

The frame rate also varies as it has both mechanical and electronic shutters.

The camera can shoot continuously up to 12 fps using the mechanical shutter and up to 20 fps using the electronic shutter.

Why is this camera the best?

One of its standout features is its full-frame sensor, which provides excellent image quality at night.

The camera also has fast and accurate autofocus, which helped me capture unique plants I found along the hike.

Another great feature is its in-body image stabilization system, which eliminates camera shakes and delivers sharp images.

Conclusion:

All in all, the camera is an excellent choice for vloggers who document their hikes as it is capable of shooting 4K video.

It is a high-performing camera well-suited for various photography and videography genres.

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Nikon Z6 ii: (Best Camera for Hiking Video)

As a photographer turned vlogger, Nikon has always been my go-to brand for covering different events.

But when it was time for my first hike in Angel’s Landing, Utah, I made sure not to miss out on my Nikon Z6 ii.

Of all the options I mentioned, this is my favorite, yet the best camera for hiking videos.

Features:

Model: Nikon Z 6 ii
Effective Megapixels: 24 MP
Image sensor: BSI-CMOS sensor
Shutter speeds: 1/8000 to 30 seconds
ISO range: 100-51,200
Storage: CFexpress B and SD (UHS-II)
LCD: 2.1M-dot tilting screen
Dimension: 134 x 101 x 68 mm
Weight: 675g

ISO / Shutter Speed:

The camera has an ISO range of 100-51200, which you can push up to 50-204800.

This wide range was the reason behind my properly exposed vlogs during the evening, as it works well in dimly lit situations.

Ensure you don’t use an unnecessarily high ISO, as it will make the image grainy.

Aperture / Depth of Field:

I need an optimum aperture that matches the ISO and the shutter speed of 400 and 1/1000th sec, respectively.

I opted for an aperture of/5.6. As a result, I was able to have a more significant depth of field so that it kept both the background and foreground in focus.

White Balance / Frame Rate:

This camera works at a maximum frame rate of 14 fps.

The brand invented this camera while keeping outdoor photography and videography in mind.

Hence, this figure made it easy for me to shoot hiking videos.

I chose the Auto WB mode out of plenty of preset options for white balance.

Why is this camera the best?

Being a successor to the Z6, the company had to make some necessary upgrades.

After comparing both models, I am amazed by the updates.

Not only do you get more memory with dual card slots, but you have improved features as well.

It has an improved image sensor, autofocus, and exceptional 4K video shooting capability.

Not to forget its electronic viewfinder, which made it easy for me to capture the intricate details of nature.

Conclusion:

In short, this camera isn’t just for capturing small events or covering old-school events.

You can make it your travel partner and start making hiking videos using it.

It has a high-quality image sensor, accurate auto-focus, and an IBIS system, which makes it perfect for creating videos along the bumpy roads, trails, and tracks along the hike.

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CONCLUSION:

All the cameras we will discuss in this article are all right, guys.

Do you guys have any experience with these cameras? What are your thoughts on them?

Which is your Best Camera for Hiking Video?

Is there a camera you love to use for hiking that I didn’t mention in this article?

Would you please leave your thoughts and comments below?

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