“What camera should I buy for mountain photography?”
I can’t count how many times I’ve heard this question, and I always found difficult to reply. Every setup has pros and cons, there simply isn’t a best and a worst. Usually if you want higher quality you have to carry more weight; this makes you slower on the climb/hike, maybe so slow that you will miss the perfect moment and all that gear you carried will prove completely useless. On the other hand, you can go super light, sacrificing a bit of quality but gaining efficiency.
First abseil from Punta della Rossa, Alpe Devero, Italy. Shot on iPhone7
Over the years I’ve tried a lot of different cameras, from super lightweight compacts to bulky and super expensive medium format systems. I’ve shot amazing moments on my phone and lost the good light trying to haul 10kg of glass up on a wall. After many years of trial and errors, I finally have the answer you were looking for. It might be different from your expectations, but the good news is that you don’t need to buy anything expensive. You already have it in your pocket (or maybe in your hands).
Your smartphone camera is the best one you can carry in the mountains.
I think this can apply to most of the people you’ll find on the alpine, with the only exception being the ones who want to make big prints from those photos, but they are just a few. The majority just wants to create great photos to publish on social media, to show your friends or parents or to have memories of good times in the mountains.
Sunrise from Cresta Signal, Monte Rosa, Italy. Shot on iPhone11 Pro.
I know, you are disappointed by this statement, but I have some good reasons to say it:
today’s phones have cameras that are as good (if not better) than the first generation of DSLR. They can shoot videos and stills at outstanding quality with a good amount of control over your settings; in most cases now you can even select between multiple focal lengths, including ultra wide angles. Of course you can’t mount a 70-200 f2.8 on a phone, but the advantage of having virtually no weight (because I bet you would carry your smartphone anyway) is far greater than the limitations you get
the most important pieces of gear you will use to make a photograph are your eyes and the way you look at the world. It take a lot (and I mean a lot) of practice to push these little cameras to their limit, so before spending a fortune on a new DSLR or mirrorless kit try to improve your composition, the use of light, the way you position your subject in the frame, the moment you choose to capture. A bigger camera will give you more sharpness and more megapixels but won’t help with any of these points
one of the most challenging parts of shooting on a technical ascent is to keep your camera accessible. You don’t have the time (sometimes even the space) to take your camera from your backpack, so you must have it ready, and with a DSLR isn't always easy. On the other side, you can carry your smartphone on your chest pocket, always ready without even noticing it
by limiting your options when it comes to focal lengths and settings you will be forced to be more creative, and this will make you a better photographer. You will train your eye and your brain on how to create compelling images instead of relying on your brand new, super heavy zoom. Again, with a better camera you’ll get higher quality photos, not better photos
unless you’re really fit and constantly training for the mountains, you will want to carry the less weight possible. You’ll feel every gram, and you have to carry that backpack for many hours or even days. Does it make sense to put a couple kg of camera gear, if you’ll be too tired to take it out from your backpack when the moment will come?
View from Eccles Bivy, Mont Blanc, Italy. Shot on iPhone11 Pro.
Next time you go for a mountain mission just take your smartphone and commit to use it. Take it out when things are getting harsh - most of the best shots happens there. Use it early, while you’re running up the ridge and the first rays of sun are hitting you. Use it late, when you’ll be tired and your brain will refuse to stop for taking pictures. Shoot a lot and try to be creative. When you’ll be happy with the photos you’re taking with your phone, you’ll be ready to evolve with a bigger photo setup.