When you’re on the road, the gear you carry can shape your whole travel experience. Some things are just practical (like a good backpack or power bank), while others add that little extra magic — especially when it comes to capturing memories.
Most of the time, we rely on our iPhones for quick snapshots and stories on the go. They’re light, easy, and always in our pocket. But on our last trips, we decided to test out an action camera to see if it really makes a difference — and we were pleasantly surprised.
Why we tried an Action camera
We tested the LAMAX X9.2, a compact sports camera that comes with a full kit of accessories. The main reason we gave it a go was curiosity: could it do things our phones couldn’t?
Here’s what stood out:
- Smooth video – The built-in stabilization keeps clips steady, even while walking or biking.
- Two screens – A rear touchscreen plus a smaller front screen, which makes selfies and vlogs way easier.
- Waterproof up to 40 meters – Perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, or rainy adventures, without worrying about fragile phones.
- Accessories included – Helmet mounts, handlebar mounts, a selfie stick, and even an external mic.
- Longer recording time – Up to two hours in Full HD on one charge.
We don’t see it as a replacement for our phones — more like an extra tool for moments when phones aren’t practical. For example, underwater, on bumpy trails, or when you need hands-free filming.
Tips for better travel photos
Whether you shoot with your phone, a DSLR, or an action camera, here are some tried-and-true tricks that can make your photos stand out.
1. Use the Golden hours
The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset are your best friends. The light is soft, colors are warmer, and shadows are less harsh. A crowded square in the middle of the day looks ordinary, but at golden hour it suddenly feels cinematic.
Pro tip: If you’re not a morning person, at least make the effort once or twice during your trip. Sunrise over a quiet city or an empty beach can be the most magical memory you bring home.
2. Change perspectives
Travel photos often look similar because everyone takes them from the same standing height. Get creative: lie down to capture the reflection of a building in a puddle, hold your camera high above your head for a bird’s-eye feel, or shoot through objects (like archways or palm leaves) for natural framing.
With the action cam mounts, we even clipped the camera to a bike handle and got some fun “rider’s view” shots that we’d never manage with a phone.
3. Capture movement
Still photos are beautiful, but movement brings your memories to life. Think waves crashing, a street musician strumming, or kids playing football in a square. Use burst mode to freeze motion in photos, or try slow motion and time-lapse in video.
We used the slow-motion mode to film water splashing on rocks — it turned something simple into a scene that looked straight out of a travel documentary.
4. Underwater = Stay near the surface
Colors disappear surprisingly fast under the sea. Just two meters down and reds are gone, followed by orange and yellow. That’s why deeper shots often look flat and blue. To keep the tropical vibe alive, shoot closer to the surface where the sunlight still penetrates, or use an extra dive light if you’re going deeper.
With the LAMAX, we tried snorkeling just below the surface and the coral looked vibrant without any filters — much better than phone shots in a waterproof pouch.
5. Tell the story
Think of your photos as a travel diary, not just random snapshots. Start with a wide establishing shot (a city skyline, a beach panorama), follow with details (local food, street art, a flower on a café table), add a few action shots, and finish with a personal selfie or group photo. When you look back, it feels like a complete story rather than a random photo dump.
One trick we love: take at least one “transition shot” every day — like a train leaving the station, footsteps on a hiking trail, or the opening of a market stall. These small moments help tie your photo story together.
6. Don’t forget people
It’s tempting to focus only on landscapes and monuments, but often the most powerful travel photos include people. Capture locals in their element (respectfully, of course), or make sure you step in front of the lens too. Years later, you’ll want to remember not just the view, but how you looked and felt at that place.
Final thoughts
We’ll still keep using our iPhones for everyday photos and quick social media updates — nothing beats their convenience. But after testing the LAMAX X9.2, we realized how useful it is for capturing action, water, and steady travel clips.
It’s not about replacing your phone, but about having the right tool for the right moment. And if those moments include snorkeling in turquoise waters, cycling through the countryside, or filming a mountain hike without shaky footage, an action camera really earns its place in the backpack.
At the end of the day, the best travel photos are the ones that make you smile years later — no matter what you shot them on.
