The Best Small Camera for Capturing the Slopes
Ski trips are packed with moments worth remembering—sunrise over a mountain ridge, a friend carving down fresh powder, the golden glow of après-ski. Capturing those moments while staying light, fast, and safe on the mountain is a balancing act. After testing different setups, one camera consistently stood out for me: the Sony RX100.
If you're looking for a small camera that delivers big on image quality without weighing you down, here's why the RX100—and others like it—might be your perfect companion.
Why a Small Camera Is the Right Choice for the Slopes
Skiing and snowboarding demand freedom of movement. You want gear that won’t get in your way, slow you down, or put you at risk. A small, high-performance camera strikes that balance between image quality and portability—offering more creative control than your phone without the bulk of a DSLR.
What to Look for in a Slopes-Ready Camera:
Compact size & lightweight build
Fast autofocus for action shots
Good low-light performance for early mornings and overcast conditions
Weather resistance or at least solid protection options
Manual settings for exposure control in changing light
Built-in stabilization for smoother video
Why I Chose the Sony RX100
On my recent trip to Sölden, Austria, for the Electric Mountain Festival, I brought the Sony RX100 with me on the slopes. It hit the sweet spot between performance and portability.
Highlights:
Size: It easily fit into my Lululemon sling bag, which I wore under over my jacket for quick access.
Image Quality: The 1-inch stacked CMOS sensor captured crisp, detailed images in a range of lighting conditions—from bright alpine glare to cloudy, shaded runs.
Zoom Range: With a 24–200mm equivalent lens, it offered incredible flexibility for shooting wide landscapes or zooming in on action from a distance—all without swapping lenses.
Autofocus: The real-time tracking and fast autofocus system kept up with fast movement on the slopes, making it great for both stills and video.
Video Capabilities: Shoots 4K video with no crop, and features like S-Log and a mic input give you a surprising amount of creative control in such a small package.
It never felt like a burden—and it never missed a moment.
Other Small Cameras Worth Considering
GoPro HERO12 Black
Best for: POV and action footage
Why: Rugged, waterproof, and easily mountable to your helmet or chest. Great stabilization and 5.3K video.
Drawback: Limited manual photo control; shines more for video.
Insta360 X3
Best for: 360° immersive footage
Why: Captures everything around you, so you never miss a shot. Great for self-filming on the move.
Drawback: Editing takes more time; niche format.
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Best for: Smooth cinematic footage in a tiny package
Why: Built-in gimbal provides silky-stable video. Fits in a pocket, literally.
Drawback: Smaller sensor than the RX100; better for video than stills.
Pro Tips for Using a Small Camera on the Slopes
Carry Smart: Use a padded sling bag or chest harness. Keep the camera close to your body to protect it from cold and shock.
Battery Care: Bring extras and keep them warm in an inner pocket—cold weather drains them fast.
Protect the Lens: Use a UV filter or lens cap, and carry a microfiber cloth to wipe off snow and condensation.
Know When to Shoot: Pick safe spots—lift rides, trail sides, or scenic stops—to shoot without putting yourself or others at risk.
Is It Worth It?
You don’t need a full-frame setup to get incredible shots on the mountain. With the right small camera—like the Sony RX100—you can travel light, stay in the moment, and still come home with sharp, vibrant images. The best camera is the one that’s ready when the moment happens, and for me, the RX100 delivered every time.