We tapped the National Geographic photo engineering team to select this year's best travel video cameras to help you document your most memorable journeys. They design and build custom equipment for professional photographers. Here are their best bets for your future adventures.
Panasonic Lumix G9 II
The new Lumix G9 II uses an improved version of the GH6 sensor and adopted some of the new features introduced with the Panasonic S5 II earlier this year.
It features improved dynamic range, 25-megapixel, phase detect autofocus, subject detection, a higher resolution rear LCD panel, two card slots, more robust in-body stabilization (IBIS), and some handy computational photography options like live compositing.
Tip: We recommend using the Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ASPH POWER O.I.S. lens from Panasonic, which offers an impressive 24-120mm equivalent zoom.
Find it now at B&H and Best Buy.
GoPro Hero 12
The GoPro 12 is best seen as a refinement to the already outstanding GoPro 11, with slightly better stabilization due to including an advanced threaded mounting hole and some menu updates.
Our favorite feature of the GoPro Hero 12 (and the GoPro 11) is the horizon lock. It uses its almost square sensor and gyroscope system to lock off the horizon no matter the camera's angle. Imagine a steady horizon while you ride your mountain bike through rough terrain.
Tip: The only thing missing from the GoPro 12 is a geolocation system. This was removed to help improve the camera's runtime.
Find it now at B&H and Best Buy.
Insta360 X3
The real key to Insta360's success is the high quality of the user experience both on the device and in the cellphone app's editing mode.
With the Insta360 X3, you can edit the captured content on your phone (or computer) as a vertical or horizontal video. This lets you reframe the video in whatever way you want in a user-friendly way.
The camera is also waterproof down to 33 feet.
Pro Tip: Insta360 sells a special dive case if you want to take this on your next scuba adventure.
Find it now at B&H and Best Buy.