Shooting photographs will make you smarter. Just ask Ansel Adams — the guy was a genius. People who travel with a camera are usually on the hunt for that one epic shot, an amazing image that lingers in their the consciousness and forever sums up their experience with just one look. Take a look at the rise of Flickr and you’ll see just how popular this perennial hobby has gotten.

There are thousands of places online to learn how to take great pictures so that won’t be covered here, but since all great pictures start with great equipment, we’ve compiled a few favorite cameras (as of Oct 2010) for you to become obsessed with before, during and after your journey around the world. Without getting too technical (no one reads the specs anyway, do they?), here is a hugely opinionated short-list of great cameras for the traveling amateur.

If you’re not sure what style of camera to purchase, start by asking yourself how much you want to work at getting a great shot. Here are three different varieties of camera in ascending order of simplicity: the point and shoot, the mid-range all-around, and the D-SLR.

[Please note: Due to the quickly evolving nature of digital cameras, and electronics in general, there may be updated versions, or even better cameras!, than the ones listed below.]

Point and shoot:

If you like to be discreet about taking photos in foreign lands (some people still consider breaking out a massive lens to take a snapshot indiscreet, imagine!), the compact point and shoot is your best bet. There are so many of these to chose from but our fave for size and quality is probably the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS25. This camera comes equipped with a Leica lens, consistently one of the best lens-makers around, and a 5xs optical zoom. So it’s great for wide angle and zoomed shooting. The image quality will be excellent with its 12MP sensor and the 3″ screen will enable you to review your photos in detail. Plus, this little guy comes in around $200.

For something that slips into your pocket, this is definitely a great choice. Makes a great stocking stuffer!

Mid-range all-around:

My nod goes to the Canon G12. Canon has been perfecting its G series, probably because of their size, versatility and popularity. Bigger than most compact point and shoots this camera offers a full set of features (automatic and manual shooting modes, high ISO settings and now video!) and throws it all into a well-built expandable camera body (hot shoe). Sitting at around $500, it’s priced higher than your simpler compact cameras but the added available creativity makes it totally worth it.

It really has all the features of the next category but without the bulk of a detachable lens.

D-SLR:

D-SLR means Digital Single Lens Reflex, or simply stated, a camera that uses a detachable lens. The term comes from the way the mirror moves out of the way to let light reach the image sensor. SLR cameras typically allow for multiple settings (aperture priority, shutter speed, fully manual and creative settings) which gives you the most creative control over your pictures than any other camera-type.

Of course SLRs have a huge price range but these days it’s not necessary to spend $1000 + to get one. Most of these fancy, super-pricey cameras are purchased purely for bragging rights (no matter what they say), or to appear professional. It is, however, possible to stay under $800 and still get a great camera that takes amazing pictures.

Our suggestion for the SLR is the Canon Rebel T1i. This has all the features you’ve come to expect in an all-around shooting camera, with great performance and excellent image quality. Plus it’s far more affordable than the cameras at the next price point up. There’s currently newer version of this camera, the T2i, but at $300 more and no discernible new features, stick with this one.

Honorable mention:

The Olympus PEN E-P2. This camera will wow your friends and live up to any performance standards you have in a camera. With its great retro-look this camera won an EISA award in 2009 for best camera of the year, and you can see why: a great look, the detachable electronic viewfinder, a removable lens, full tracking auto-focus and a nice 12.3 megapixel sensor. Video, too! From what I’ve read it’s as easy to use as any point and shoot but with SLR-quality technology.

At $1100 it’s pricey but the features, cool look and envy of your friends will make up for the splurge.

With all the huge storage options now available in your standard memory card (they’re up to 64 gigs these days!) you can shoot away and get that image to reminisce over from your trip to Paris, Thailand, Australia, Africa or wherever.

Happy shooting!