cameras:

• depending on the type of trip you're taking, you may find that a small, easy-to-carry camera is just right. in another situation, you may want a high-quality camera that gives you lots of options. whatever you choose, a camera of some sort is obviously the most important item in any photographer's bag, so it's a good place for us to start.
• in the market today, you'll find three categories of digital cameras:
• point-and-shoot: small (often pocket size), easy to use, and may have some advanced features, but it's designed for quick shooting. you might find that the image quality is average or above, but it usually won't match the quality you'd get with a more expensive camera and lens.
• prosumer: a step up from point-and-shoot cameras in size, price, and quality. you won't have the option of changing the lens, but you might find some adapters you can attach. prosumer cameras often have many of the features of SLR cameras, and the image quality is usually quite good.
• single lens reflex (SLR): provides the highest level of quality and options, so naturally, it costs a bit more. digital SLRs match the features of traditional 35mm SLRs, and because you can switch to different lenses whenever you need to, they offer the most versatility. the sensors and viewfinder technology in digital SLRs (dSLRs) are usually better quality than those in prosumer or point-and-shoot cameras.

lens length:

• wide-angle lens: gives you a broad area in your viewfinder. when you're looking at wide-angle lenses at the camera store, remember that the lower the number, the wider the angle. some of the widest start as low as 10mm, but anything less than 50mm is considered a wide-angle lens.
• telephoto lens: there's always something that you'd like to see closer when you're traveling. whether it's a child's face, a wild animal, or just an unusual flower, make sure you always bring the best-quality, longest lens that you can afford.

lens function:

• prime lenses: come in fixed focal lengths, like 50mm, 85mm, or 200mm. they may be wide-angle or telephoto, but they don't move, zoom, or change length at all. it's rare to see a point-and-shoot or prosumer camera with a prime lens, but they are available for digital SLRs. since the lens is only designed to work at one length, the technology supports better images. it might seem like a good idea to only have prime lenses if you're serious about your photography, but that's not very practical for most photographers, especially the traveling kind. zoom lenses offer versatility with excellent results.
• zoom lenses: allow you to move through a range of focal lengths with the push of a button or by physically sliding the lens in or out. they're great for many occasions, but especially for traveling—the less equipment you have to take, the better.