Camera Gear for Cruisers: A Buyer’s Guide

From rugged point-and-shoots to mirrorless rigs, here's how to find the right tool for capturing life on the water.

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Taken with a TG-5, a camera well-suited for capturing more rugged cruising adventures. (Photo/ Todd Vorenkamp)

You love sailing. You love (or like) photography, and you want to share some of the spectacular things you find out on the water with friends or family or social media strangers. What type of camera makes for the best cruising companion?

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Todd Vorenkamp
Todd Vorenkamp is a proposal writer and editor for Valiant Integrated Systems. He is a former Senior Creative Content Writer for the B&H Photo blog, Explora, where he wrote educational articles about photography and optics as well as product reviews, Op-ed pieces, and feature articles. Since 2017, Todd has worked as an Adjunct Instructor of Photography at Dakota College in Bottineau, North Dakota teaching the full curriculum of photography classes. He engages in freelance work as a photography workshop instructor, professional photographer specializing in commercial architectural assignments and environmental portraiture, writer for aviation and maritime magazines, and has worked as a sailing instructor for both adults and children. Todd has a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Photography from the Academy of Art University and his photographs have appeared in books and magazines. Todd is also a graduate of the US Merchant Marine Academy and is a former naval aviator who has served as an aircraft commander in the Boeing H-46, Sikorsky H-3 and H-60, and Eurocopter H-65 helicopters. He has raced sailboats and sailed across the globe on commercial containerships as a licensed merchant marine officer—holding a 3rd mate unlimited tonnage ocean license. Todd is the author of “A Is for Aperture: The ABC’s of Photography.” He is the former editor-in-chief of Rotor Review, the Naval Helicopter Association’s quarterly publication and "Hear This," the USMMA midshipman newspaper. His writing was featured in the anthology “Operation Homecoming: Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Home Front in the Words of U.S. Troops and Their Families,” published by Random House and the National Endowment for the Arts. Todd has written over 100 print-published articles and hundreds more for online publications.

4 COMMENTS

  1. I’ve been using a TG-6 for many years as my go-to boating camera. Waterproof and sharp, with a wide light range (for indoor and shaded shots). And tough. Like everyone, I also use a smartphone, but it’s not close; the TG-6 (or TG-7) is a much better camera.

    Prior, I used non-rugged cameras. In the long run, the marine environment always got to them within a few years.

    The lightweight means it is easy to mount and won’t shake when pounding through waves. See “How to Mount Your Camera on Deck: Record Your Adventures with DIY Innovations,” January 2024 for ideas.

  2. Good article, thanks. How about drones? I have a DJI mini4 Pro but have yet to use it while under sail. I have some terrific footage on anchor but not confident enough to land it while moving. Any tips?

    • Hi Robert,

      Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Drone photography is a great way to get aerials of your boat without having to hire a helicopter and helicopter pilot!

      Folks have definitely used them while underway.

      My suggestion would be to, at mortal risk to your drone, put on your Test Pilot hat/helmet and do some test flights while underway under power on a calm day on smooth seas.

      If you land successfully, try next while under sail on a light air day.

      Drones can be tricky around rigging, so do this at your own risk! I watched an experienced drone pilot crash a drone into my bow pulpit one day at anchor…luckily (VERY luckily) it didn’t then fall into the drink, but the props were damaged!

      Let us know how it works out!

      Best,

      Todd