Best mini / ultra-compact camera for trekking

A couple of years ago, I wouldn’t have been caught dead recommending a mini-camera to anyone. But these days, I see how slick they are! An inch or less thick! Ultra compact cameras, perfect for trekking! And the pictures that comes out of them? Spot on all the time! Most can do good video, have image stabilization and zooms from fairly wide to fairly long. They don't provide the best image quality or the most 'creamy look', but for lightweight trekking with a camera, these mini cameras have a big advantage in being so small!

(This is post 2 out of 4 about finding the Best Camera for Trekking.)

• Choosing the best camera for trekking
• Best mini / ultra-compact camera for trekking
  
• Best compact camera for trekking
• Best dSLR camera for trekking

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Leica D-Lux 4
Here's a camera I'd love to have as my new trekking buddy! The classic Leica brand's high-end digital mini-camera, it has really received some fantastic reviews for a camera in this class!

Specifications: Weight : 8.7 oz / 248 g Size : 109 x 56 x 27 mm / 4.3 x 2.2 x 1.1 inch Lens : 24-60mm (2.5x), f/2.0-2.8 Pixels : 10.1 MP ISO : 80-3200 Other features : Built-in pop-up flash, RAW/JPG mode, 2.5 fps, image stabilization, auto/manual focus. Released : September 2008 Price : About $800 - Some pride-of-ownership factor here. And you will enjoy every click of the button with this one! You can buy it here!

Yep, it ain't exactly cheap for a camera in this class! But the joy every time I'd pull it out of my pocket and snap the shutter button... Oh yeah! --- But you might also want to consider the Panasonic Lumix LX3 camera as an alternative. Click the link to check it out. It's very close to being the same camera, but without the red dot marking (:the Leica name) - and it's a lot cheaper at around $500 or so! Whichever camera you buy, for extra batteries get the Panasonic ones HERE. They also fit the Leica camera and are just as good - and a lot cheaper.

Cheaper trekking camera options?

Yes, it is possible to get a good mini camera for your trek without paying that much. There's a staggering number of good mini-cameras from all the manufacturers. If I have to pick one, it will be the...:

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15
In close competition with similars from Sony, Nikon and Canon, this one came in on the top. For trekking it beats them with it's good wide-angle and ISO, allowing you to capture the grand scenery and even indoor scenes, while being a super slim camera at 0.9". Half the weight of the Leica, perfect for the pocket!

Specifications: Weight : 4.2 oz / 120 g Size : 97 x 53 x 22 mm / 3.8 x 2.1 x 0.9 inch Lens : 29-145mm (5x) Pixels : 12.1 MP ISO : 80-3200 Other features : video recording, image stabilization Released : January 2009 Price : About $170 - Super small and lightweight, you won't miss any photo opportunities while digging your camera out from deep in your bag. This one goes in any little pocket you have! Buy it HERE, Now!

Runners-up / alternatives :

Sony Cybershot T500
Nikon Coolpix S630
Canon Powershot A2000 and the Canon S90 (new).

The easiest way to buy one of these ultra-compact cameras for your trek is to order it online - and have it delivered on your doorstep in a few days! Just click any of the above links to see more user reviews and order. You will also be supporting my blogging efforts and it won't cost you extra.

Happy trekking and happy shooting!