3 Things I Learned From Traveling

#1) Most of the world's people are friendly and decent.

Except for the French*.

Some stereotypes really hold up, but on average, most of the people I've met around the world are extremely polite, friendly and helpful. They are generally interested in why I chose to visit their home. They are eager to assist if it's obvious I'm lost or in trouble. They'll go out of their way to try to make sure I have a good stay in their country. And, contrary to what most Americans tend to think (see #3 below), they often don't know much about the United States (or necessarily care).

Don't be convinced before leaving that "everyone there is _______". Show a modicum of respect to people and their culture and you'll be blown away by what you get back. Try picking up a little of the local language. Just learning how to say "thank you" can make a huge impact.

* Sorry, I couldn't resist. To be fair, France is like everywhere else: most people are decent. It's just that France has a particularly large proportion of bad apples that give the place a well-deserved reputation. I've met a lot of wonderful people in France, but also a disproportionate number of a**holes (not travelers generally, but residents of France). This isn't based on a single trip nor is it restricted to Paris. Almost every non-French local in Europe agreed with me on this one.

#2) Most places are as safe (or safer) than home.

I remember confessing to my mother recently that I had a big night out in Budapest and stumbled back to my apartment at dawn. Her reaction was: "But don't you worry about being drunk in a foreign country?"

Ha ha, not at all mom! I've never felt so safe!

The only place I've been violently mugged was in my home city of San Francisco. Many of the people I know there have been robbed at gunpoint, and on more than one occasion there were shootings in my neighborhood.

In one incident just a block away from my apartment (Dolores Park), a man was shot five times and somehow escaped, only to collapse about 10 meters from our front door. You can still see the blood stains on the sidewalk.

Turns out we actually live in a pretty dangerous country.

In over 365 days on the road, staying mostly in dormitory-style hostels and traveling through several countries considered 'high-risk,' the only incident I had was an iPhone stolen out of my pocket on the metro in Medellin, Colombia. I didn't even notice and deserved it for waiving the damn thing around in the wrong part of town. Most people think that in a place like Colombia you'll still get kidnapped or knocked off by a motorcycle assassin, but that's not true. According to the locals I talked to (who grew up there), things have been safer there for at least 10 years.

Caveat: This doesn't give you a license to be stupid, and some places really warrant respect. Guatemala and Honduras, where there are major drug wars going on (and the Peace Corps recently pulled all of their volunteers), or Quito, Ecuador, where everyone I talked to had been robbed, are reasonably dangerous (I had no trouble in any of them).

In reality, based on the sort of mindless binge-drinking that happens in most travel hot spots, you'd expect travelers to get knocked off a lot more often. But if you pay attention and don't do anything stupid, you'll be fine.

#3) You can travel long-term for the price of rent and a round of drinks back home

My favorite question from friends at home has been: "how the hell are you still traveling?"

Well, for what you spent at lunch I can live on for a whole day in Indonesia. That's all there is to it.

Travel safety

Travel safety

Authorities emphasize the importance of taking precautions to ensure travel safety.^[ When traveling abroad, the odds favor a safe and incident-free trip, however, travelers can be subject to difficulties, crime and violence.^[] Some safety considerations include being aware of one's surroundings,^[] avoiding being the target of a crime ^] leaving copies of one's passport and itinerary information with trusted people,^[7] obtaining medical insurance valid in the country being visited^[ and registering with one's national embassy when arriving in a foreign country.^[7] Many countries do not recognize drivers' licenses from other countries; however most countries accept international driving permits ^] Automobile insurance policies issued in one's own country are often invalid in foreign countries, and it's often a requirement to obtain temporary auto insurance valid in the country being visited.^[] It is also advisable to become oriented with the driving-rules and -regulations of destination countries.^[9Wearing a seat belt is highly advisable for safety reasons; many countries have penalties for violating seatbelt laws.

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Five Things I Love About Traveling

5 Reasons I Love To Travel

Having the ability to travel around the world is one of the most amazing things in the world, there are so many awesome things to learn, and help us grow – I could probably name 100′s of reasons why I love traveling but for today here are my top 5 reasons for why I continue to be motivated to travel.

1. Meeting New Cultures

I’m almost obsessed with meeting and learning about new cultures, I absolutely love it. They’re interesting, often (to me) strange, provoking and always have something to teach.

I learn so much by visiting places with a different culture than my own, I also find that by understanding the culture you can understand why the people are the way they are – on such a deep level.

2. History

I’m not usually a big history fan, but when it comes to traveling I really love to know the history about every place I visit. By learning the history of a place I get a better appreciation and understanding of why things are the way they are there.

3. Food

Food (not just eating it) is a big part of travel for me. I love going to supermarkets, little boutiques and markets, and can literally spend hours just looking at strange new and interesting food items which I’ve never seen before.

4. The People

Often I meet travelers bragging about how many countries they’ve been to and all the ‘fun’ things they’ve done. To me, that doesn’t really matter that much, what matters to me is not the places you go to but more importantly the people you meet while you are there.

5. Using The Five Senses

Another thing I like to remember from my travels are the different smells, sounds, food flavors and visual colors you get to experience. My brain finds itself working on overdrive trying to take it all in, and long afterward I can think back to a place and still remember what  kind of vibe I felt. I’ll always remember the feeling a place gives me, whether it’s good or bad.

What do you love about traveling? And what KEEPS you motivated to travel around the world?

Fastest 3 Cars In World !

Fastest 3 Cars In World ! 

3-  koenigsegg-agera

Country of Origin: Sweden 

Speed: 418.4 kph / 260 mph 

The date of commencement of manufacturing: 2011 

Materials used: carbon fiber and Kevlar and aluminum 

Engine: 5-liter --1,030 horse - V 8 

Up to 100 kilometers through: 3.1 seconds 

Price: $ 4.2 million

2- bugatti veyron super sport

Country of Origin: France 

Speed: 431.3 kph / 268 mph 

Date began manufacturing 2010: 

Materials used: carbon fiber and aluminum 

Engine: 8 liters --1,200 horse 

Up to 100 kilometers through: 2.4 seconds 

Price: 2 million euros

1- Hennessey Venom GT

Country of Origin: United States of America 

Speed: 434.5 kph / 270 mph 

The date of commencement of manufacturing: 2012 

Materials used: carbon fiber 

Engine: 7 liters --1,200 hp - Corvette ZR 1 

Up to 100 kilometers through: 2.3 seconds 

Price: $ 1.3 million 

The number of cars that have been manufactured so far: 3 cars

Biggest 3 Ships In The World

Biggest 3 Ships In The World 

1.  MS Freedom of the Seas

This ship weighs 160,000 tons and a length of 339 meters. 

A capacity for 3634 passengers aboard. Usually contain this ship 

Water park afloat due to the abundance of water and Entertainment, 

Where there are a lot of swimming pools in addition to the water slides, 

The pools , 

The water park is dedicated to children and the rink.

2-  Royal Caribbean. Oasis of the Sea

The length of this huge ship 361.7 meters 

And weighs about 223 thousand tons. The official capacity of 5,400 passengers 

Above all, this ship is one of the few ships 

Do not allow them to cross the Panama Canal, due to the length and height and weight. 

Surface seems like a large park entertaining. For sports enthusiasts there are special areas 

You can even be exercised rock climbing. 

Will be held on board daily deals comparable Offers Broadway. 

The yacht crew consists of 2,400 people.

3- RMS Queen Mary II

This ship weighs 154 400 tons, a length of 345 meters. 

The estimated capacity of 2640 passengers b. 

If you lepers 80 tour bus and behind each other, 

Vbusak that the estimated length of the ship. It is possible to accommodate 

Every corner of the ship of a football field, 

Still not enough space on the back to accommodate the Big Ben clock. 

In 2004, after the construction of the Queen Mary II, 

Recognized as the largest ship in the world.

ِAbout Traveling 2

No doubt that topic is very important,It can affect peopel and the society . Travelling increas our know ledge and enriches our minds.Travelling helps us to get information .Others travel to study When we travel we make new friends . We know customs and traditions of the other countries . We learn many foreign languages . In the past, travelling was difficult and dangerous , Travellers might face problems like of food and water but nowadays . Travelling has become comfortable and safer.

Flying Spider Controlled By Smartphones

Flying Spider Controlled By Smartphones !! 

A new application for smartphones, allows to control Flying Spider !

Maybe this is still a small plane that comes in the form of a spider, is not able to transport goods, but they are able to take pictures if at all, which is an important step for the development of this modern technology. 

As stated by the newspaper "Daily Mail" the British, the French electronics company, has announced the issuance of a robot birdie, claiming that it is able to perform a variety of tasks that include the transfer of simple things, as well as take pictures.

This new technology is the ability to precisely controlled by smart phones, and programs of the "Android" or the iOS. The device contains 4 engines, and can fly in the air easily. 
The price of this tool is about the $ 150 until this moment, issued by the Company andweighing not more than 65 grams, and aspire in the future to reduce this weight. 
This device will be available to the public from the beginning of next month, and will comeequipped with an application that will allow operated by smart phones, such as the iOSand the "Android".

The Most Expensive 5 Private Planes In The World !

The Most Expensive 5 Private Planes In The World !

1- Airbus A380

Of the most expensive private jets, the plane "Airbus A380" and priced at 500 million dollars, which is equivalent to 1.875 billion riyals, and characterized as a two-tier, and contains a garage for two cars and a stable of horses, and a barn for the Hawks, and a prayer room rotates to face the direction to the Kaaba length of time.

2- Airbus A318 Elite ACJ

Owned by private plane "Airbus A318 Elite ACJ" to Vaegaa financially Group President "UB Group", which is a conglomerate owns several Indian companies, including the airline "Kingfisher Airlines", India's second largest company, with a price of $ 81 million plane, which is equivalent to 303.8 million Saudi riyals, and nine to 24 passengers and can cut the distance from Mumbai, even the United States without the need to refuel only once, has spent Vaegaa 40 million dollars, which is equivalent to 150 million riyals, to make adjustments in the cabin according to his desire.

3- Boeing Business Jet 2

Be Mukesh Ambani, head of one of the list of 500 richest company in the world Tune for 22 billion dollars, which is equivalent to 825 billion riyals, it means that you can easily buy a hotel bird like a plane "Boeing Business Jet 2" by up to $ 73 million dollars, which is equivalent to 273.7 million riyals. Characterized by plane Batsalla from the inside area where up to a thousand square feet, and contain bedroom, meeting room and an office administrative wing.

4- Gulfstream G650

Was announced in 2008 but is still in the testing phase and is available to the public after, the plane will prepare one of the fastest private jets and the most advanced in the world with a top speed of up to 704 miles / hour, and will be businessman and billionaire Warren Buffett, the first owner of a price of up to $ 65 million, which is equivalent to 243.8 million Saudi riyals.

5-  Dassault Falcon 7X

Characteristic of private jets and luxury markets, which appeared in 2005 at a cost of 50 million dollars, which is equivalent to 187.5 million riyals, paid American director Steven Spielberg, nine aircraft and 13 people can cover a distance of 6.8 thousand miles.

Top 10 Paid Photography And Photo Editing Apps For Android

Hey Guys !! This Is Mahde Diab From EasyTravel

Now Some People Don't Have a good photography Camera so they use Phone Camera So I'm Going to show you The Best Paid photography And Photo Editing Apps With Download Links

1-  A-Better-Camera

A Better Camera» is a camera application, able to take snapshots of high quality thanks to optimally chosen functions used by such notable camera-makers as Canon, Nikon, Sony, etc.

There are also the following important functions in «A Better Camera»:

* HDR: bright colors and rich detail, the pictures look like a professional camera shot
* Panorama: up to 360 degrees to 100 MPix
* Multishot: Group portrait, Sequence shot, Removing unwanted objects with one click
* Night mode
* Video recording + time lapse
* Pre-shot: pictures are taken before pressing
* Burst and Expo-bracketing
* Timer
* Different kinds of focusing
* ISO option
* White-balance.

Using «A Better Camera» you can get a professional photo without any extra applications.

Download Link

2-   Camera ZOOM FX  -

 FEATURES:
● Fastest camera on Android
● Best Photo Mode!
● Stable Shot
● Timer
● Voice Activated
● Burst Mode
● Collage
● Time Lapse
● Silent camera mode
● Grid overlays
● Horizon level
● Set actions for hardware buttons

POST PROCESSING:
● Powerful editing suite
● 1-click presets: Diana, Retro, Holga 35mm, Toy...
● Total control of color, vignettes and fun effects
● Collages: e.g. 2x2 selfie shots
● Tilt-shift
● Light leaks
● Bokeh FX

Download Link

3-  Camera_Awesome

Take better photos with your smartphone. SmugMug’s Camera Awesome, with 20+ million downloads on iOS, “actually helps you take better pictures” (TechCrunch: Best Apps of 2012). Just released on Android.

Pack your phone with pro features and get more creative control with the following standard and exclusive Android features: 

• Shooting modes: Big Button (tap screen to shoot), Burst, Timer, Interval, Image Stabilization, and Panorama modes
• Composition guides: set up better shots with screen guides for horizon, rule-of-thirds, golden ratio, and more
• Face recognition and tracking: identify and track multiple faces in the shot to keep faces in perfect focus
• Resolution settings: shoot both photos and video in the resolution of your choice
• Creative Editing Tools: 100+ artistic effects, crop, rotate, and insta-edit with the “Awesomize’ button
• Selective Editing: touch to add or erase which parts of the image have filter applied
• Sharing: in addition to sharing on Facebook, Twitter, Sinaweibo, Google+, Instagram, Photobucket, Picasa, Tumblr, YouTube and Flickr, users can now share to any other services via supporting apps installed on device
• NVIDIA® Tegra® 4: Additional features on supported NVIDIA® Tegra® 4-powered devices including slow-motion video, enhanced HDR, and integrated stylus support

Download Link

4- Instagram 

We All Know This App.... 

Download Link

5-Night Camera+

Night Camera grew up into A Better Camera - all-purpose, full featured camera for Android! 11 shooting modes, full camera control.
Get A Better Camera NOW!

Capture high quality images in low light. Use your mobile camera everywhere, in any conditions, no matter how dark is it. Take sharp and noise free images. See the scene clearly with night vision viewfinder.

- No blur, no noise!
- Full resolution.
- Advanced low light technique based on multiple exposure fusion.

If you like the app - purchase the paid version, Night Camera+. Support the development and get more features (zoom, location tagging, flash control, shutter mute).
Night Camera+ is a perfect tool for shooting indoor, at night and evening, in twilight and any other dark environment.

Download Link

6- Photoshop Touch 

Transform your images with core Adobe Photoshop features in an app designed for tablets.

Combine images, apply professional effects, share results with friends and family through Facebook and Twitter – all from the convenience of your tablet.

• Use popular Photoshop features designed for the tablet such as layers, selection tools, adjustments, and filters to create mind-blowing images.
• Use your tablet camera to fill an area on a layer with the unique camera fill feature.
• Select part of an image to extract by scribbling with the Scribble Selection tool. With Refine Edge, use your fingertip to capture even hard-to-select image elements, like hair, with ease.
• Work on high-resolution images while maintaining the highest image quality. Supports images up to 12 megapixels.
• Follow step-by-step tutorials to easily learn techniques the pros use for great-looking results.
• Search and acquire images with the integrated Google Image Search.
• Browse an inspirational gallery for the styles and results you'd like to achieve.
• Automatically sync projects to Adobe Creative Cloud* and open layered files from Adobe Photoshop Touch in Photoshop CS6 or Photoshop CS5.1.

Download Link

7-  Pixlr Express - photo editing

•Easily crop, rotate and adjust images
•Choose from four pre-defined dimensions (or input your own custom dimensions) for fast and flexible 
image resizing after editing. 
Create and customize a photo collage by editing its layout, background, and spacing. 
• Share your photo directly with friends through Facebook or email, or just save it back to your photo library.
• ‘Auto Fix’ photos for a one-click fix to balance out colors, adjusting for poor lighting conditions.
• Remove red-eye and whiten teeth with simple tools.
• Make your photo look like a drawing or sketch with stylize adjustments such as halftone, watercolor, and pencil.
• Explore the growing catalog of additional effects, overlays, and border packs.
• Overlays help adjust the mood of the photo – amplify the tone, cool it down, or add surreal shades.
• Lighting effects can add drama, sparkle, or a grunge look. Easily adjust the intensity and orientation of each effect. 
• Finish off your editing process with the right border – pick a style that fits you.
• Look like a pro with cool photo effects such as focal blur, denoise, and more. 
• Explore cool tools: easily adjust the contrast and brightness of your image, or focus on one color with the color splash tool.
• Keep track of your favorite effects and overlays with the favorites button.

Download Link

8-  Wondershare PowerCam

★★★★★HAVE GREAT FUN WITH PHOTOS/VIDEOS
The NEW Powercam comes with video recording! PowerCam is a powerful yet easy-to-use camera app. All the tools that you need to capture and share fantastic photos/videos can be easily found right here in this elegant and easy-to-master Android app.

★★★★★ROCKS IN THE iOS COMMUNITY
• "App Store BEST of 2012" at Apple App Store
• "Staff Favorites" at Apple App Store
• "App of the Week" at Apple App Store
• No.1 App in Photo/Video category or all categories in nearly 100 countries
• 1 Million Downloads in the first 7 days
• Over 30 Million Downloads in 6 months

★★★★★FEATURES

★Shooting Videos with Real-time Effects
The first Android camera apps that support to recording video with real-time effects in Google Play, WYSIWYG! (Android 4.3 and above);

★Capture Photos with Real-time Effects
Add real-time effects to photos while shooting. Simply switch between 36 effects like Old Photo, Lomo Cyan, for inspiration or simply for fun.

★Photo Booth with Various Layouts
You can take consecutive photos and to fool around with your friends, how fun it is!

★Panorama
Snap away in a semi-circle and the app will automatically combine your shots seamlessly into a great looking landscape. Also, add all those great effects to your panorama photos in real time, too!

★Color Splash
Keep a bit of color against black and white, or vice versa. Tap to switch between different color splash shooting modes and the app will do the rest.

★Tilt-Shift
Choose between Linear Mode for landscapes and Polar Mode for round objects. This technique plays with the focus of the lens in order to make your subject look like miniature.

★Time Lapse
Intelligently recognize faces and start counting down - so you can just smile and look good.

★Smile Shot
Detect you smile and capture the photo automatically. This is the coolest and the easiest way for you to capture a portrait photo.

★Touch
Tab on the viewfinder area to capture a photo directly.

★Anti-Shaking
Stand on shaky and wanna capture great photo? That’s what Anti-Shaking will help you.

★Incredibly powerful toolsets for editing
• Tap to enhance photo in seconds
• Transform a soulless picture into a work of art with over 60+ effects and frames
• Tap once to beautify portrait with Face Beauty
• Crop or rotate your photo any way you like, and adjust Brightness/Contrast/Saturation/Sharpness to fine tune to your liking.

★Multiple options to create awesome collage
• Three ways to create collage: Template, Free and Join.
• Select suitable grid from plenty of templates.
• Set different ratio for photo.
• Change among lots of backgrounds and layouts.
• Adjust edge distance and corners.

Download Link

9- ProCapture 2.0 camera 

Features:
> Photo, Video, Wideshot, Panorama, and Photo Sphere shooting modes.
> Wideshots, Panoramas, and Photo Spheres stitched from full resolution photos.
> Timer and burst drive modes.
> Reduced Noise+, Night+, and other scene modes.
> Time lapse video.
> Real-time on-screen RGB histogram.
> Multiple aspect ratios: 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:10, 16:9, and 2.35:1.
> Camera composition aids: grid and Fibonacci spiral.
> Volume buttons for zoom or photo capture.
> Mute option (doesn't work on all devices).
> Complete help guide (tap the circle button next to the shutter).
and much more.

Download Link 

10- HDR Camera

- Full resolution
- Take HDR image in one tap
- HDR image fused and tone-mapped on device within seconds
- Don't have to be rock-solid while shooting
- Correct handling of moving objects and de-ghosting
- You can control tone-mapping parameters: contrast, micro-contrast, color vividness, exposure
- Save original exposure bracketed images
More features in paid version: http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.almalence.hdr_plus
- Zoom
- Adjust tone mapping parameters on-the-fly
- Geo tagging
- Flash control
- Shutter mute (on some models)

Download Link

Top 10 Cameras for Travelers

Sony Alpha a7

Photograph courtesy Sony

This is the one many pro photographers have been waiting for: a full-frame sensor jammed into a mirrorless camera. It's not quite as portable as the others on this list because the full-size sensor requires Sony's full-size lenses, but it's still a noticeable reduction in bulk, with 24 megapixels of image-capturing goodness. To really push the smallish camera paradigm, try the Alpha a7R, which bumps the megapixel count to 36.

Get it: www.store.sony.com

Sensor: Full-frame 24.3MP

Features: Full-frame mirrorless, interchangeable lens, Wi-Fi, electronic viewfinder, HD video

Sony NEX-6

Photograph courtesy Sony

Sony's answer to the micro 4/3 cameras is its NEX line of compact models, which use the same intermediate-size chip as the early digital SLRs. When they first came out, these cameras were called EVILs (Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens) but are now mostly just referred to as mirrorless. Some of the models in the NEX series are so small that they're dwarfed by the lenses attached to them. While some photographers really like that small-form factor, the added EVF on the larger NEX-6 makes it more useful for serious photography.

Get It: www.store.sony.com

Sensor: APS-C 16.1 MP

Features: Interchangeable lens, Wi-Fi, electronic viewfinder, HD video

Olympus Stylus TG-2 iHS

Photograph courtesy Olympus

Although this camera has the very small point-and-shoot-size sensor, its other attributes more than make up for that slight handicap. It's pocket-size and completely shockproof, freezeproof, and dustproof, as well as waterproof to 50 feet without a housing. Sometimes the best photos come from the sketchiest circumstances, and you won't be afraid to bring this camera along—it's one you don't have to worry about.

"Dan told me to bring this camera on my first diving trip to the Great Barrier Reef. I was very impressed by the clarity of the images I got below the surface. All of my dive mates were jealous, especially the one who paid extra for housings and whose pictures weren't as clear." —Carolyn Fox, manager of digital content, National Geographic Travel

Get It: www.getolympus.com

Sensor: 12MP

Features: Waterproof (rated to 50 feet), f2.0 25-100mm lens, 3" OLED monitor

Olympus OM-D E-M1

Photograph courtesy Olympus

Olympus is leading the vanguard of smaller, higher-quality cameras that take heavy styling cues from yesterday. Back then, they were known for smaller than ordinary OM film cameras and lenses with second to none optical quality. Now we have all that, but in digital. The OM-D E-M1 is the flagship of the micro 4

/3 fleet. For the first time in its mirrorless cameras, Olympus uses a focusing system that can keep up with speedy, full-size systems. A new imaging chip that works great at high ISO has also been implemented. Finally, all the promises of 4/3 come together and are fulfilled in the newest OM-D.

Get It: www.getolympus.com

Sensor: Micro 4/3rds 16.3MP

Features: Interchangable lens, Wi-Fi, electronic viewfinder, HD video

Ricoh GR

Photograph courtesy Ricoh

When film ruled, savvy photographers always had a Ricoh GR1 somewhere within reach just in case something happened. It was barely thicker than a canister of film, and its 28mm lens was one of the best available. Ricoh even took a version of this lens and put it in a barrel for use with Leica rangefinder cameras—it was that good. After a few releases of small-sensor digital lookalike versions of the legendary GR1, Ricoh has finally put in a reasonable-size sensor and reproduced the 28mm field of view. With the new GR, the Ricoh magic is back. Because of its uncommonly straightforward menu settings this camera is often called "the shooter's digicam," meaning the camera does exactly what an experienced photographer thinks it will do, no second-guessing.

Get It: www.us.ricoh-imaging.com

Sensor: APS-C 16MP

Features: 28mm f2.8 lens, HD video

Sony DSC-RX10

Photograph courtesy Sony

This is the camera for someone who wants a camera to do everything, from shooting pictures of the inside of Notre Dame to capturing close-ups of lions in the Serengeti. Usually that's a trick that requires interchangeable lenses and the foresight to remember carrying the one you might need. With the DSC-RX10, Sony has created a stunning camera with a 24-200mm equivalent zoom—and the best part is that this lens has a fixed f/2.8 aperture, so that zoom will be more useful in interesting low-lighting conditions. The camera itself is no slouch, but the lens is so good that you might be tempted to buy this model just for the optic. Good thing, because the two come as a permanent pair. For those who just want a great camera that will meet most of their needs while not having to carry around a bag of lenses, this is the one to have.

Get It: www.store.sony.com

Sensor: 20.2MP

Features: Carl Zeiss f2.8 24-200mm lens, Wi-Fi, electronic viewfinder, HD video

Fujifilm X-Pro 1

Photograph by Tyler Metcalfe

Most photographers working on assignment for National Geographic use full-frame digital cameras and fast zoom lenses that prepare them for almost any photographic problem they may encounter in the field. The problem with that setup is the weight and expense of the gear. A few years ago Olympus and Panasonic partnered to create a new format that promised smaller cameras and lenses while maintaining great image quality. To make this new system work it was necessary to remove the reflex-viewing mirror. Now many of these cameras incorporate eye-level electronic viewfinders (EVFs) that finally make them feel like real photographic tools. Fujifilm and Sony have joined Olympus and Panasonic with similar mirrorless cameras that have now matured into full-featured small camera systems that don't have to apologize for their performance.

One of these is Fujifilm's X-Pro 1, an affordable digital rangefinder with superb image quality. Since digital overtook the business, I've been lamenting the loss of my Contax rangefinder film camera. It was compact and had crazy-sharp lenses. Now I can get the same thing in digital from Fujifilm, along with a fantastic retro look.

Get It: www.fujifilmusa.com

Sensor: APS-C 16MP

Features: Interchangeable lens, hybrid multi viewfinder, HD video

Fujifilm X-E2

Photograph courtesy Fujifilm

This is a smaller and lighter version of the X-Pro1, without the optical viewfinder. Fujifilm cameras use a new type of sensor array called X-Trans CMOS. It's a radically different way of separating colors that leads to small-sensor image quality that rivals its full-frame competitors.

"I love the X-E1 [precursor to the X-E2]. I love how portable it is, and the lens quality is outstanding. But the picture is the big thing—the images are really strong. I'm amazed at how little I have to correct them on the computer. Usually I shoot in RAW, but these Fujifilm cameras produce amazing JPEGs straight out of the camera." —Jonathan Irish, program director for National Geographic Adventures and contributing photographer for National Geographic Traveler

Get It: www.fujifilmusa.com

Sensor: APS-C 16MP

Features: Interchangeable lens, Wi-Fi, electronic viewfinder, HD video

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3

Photograph courtesy Panasonic

The Panasonic G-series micro cameras that have a 4/3 imaging sensor size use the smaller format in a modern way, with sleek camera design incorporating next-generation, eye-level electronic viewfinders in addition to the back screen. This Panasonic is quickly developing the reputation of producing the best looking video files of any digital still camera. The video quality is said to be better than cameras twice its size and cost. But its still quality also ranks with the best of the micro 4/3 cameras.

For less money there's the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6KK, which has the same image quality but less refined user functionality.

Get It: www.panasonic.net

Sensor: Micro 4/3rds 16.05MP

Features: Interchangeable lens, Wi-Fi, electronic viewfinder, HD video

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7

Photograph courtesy Panasonic

The Panasonic G series has been a photographer's favorite for a few years. The cameras are loved for their small size and excellent image quality, as well as for the huge range of lenses available from Panasonic, Olympus, and Leica. An added advantage is that the micro 4/3 cameras in this series all share common lens mount and functionality. Photographer David Alan Harvey even used one of these surprisingly tiny cameras to capture many of the pictures featured in a recent National Geographic magazine story on North Carolina's Outer Banks. The Lumix GX7, the latest in the G series, adds a built-in EVF, the one thing that was keeping these cameras from fulfilling the expectations of the format.

Get It: www.panasonic.net

Sensor: Micro 4/3rds 16MP

Features: Interchangeable lens, Wi-Fi, electronic viewfinder, HD video