The Best Cameras & Phones for Balloon Photography
One of the best parts of a hot air balloon ride over Melbourne is how photogenic every moment is—from the fiery glow of takeoff to the golden light of sunrise over the city. Whether you’re using a professional camera or just your phone, you can capture stunning shots if you know what to bring and how to use it.
Here’s our guide to the best gear for taking incredible photos on your flight.
1. The Best Cameras for Balloon Photography
If you prefer using a traditional camera, look for something lightweight, versatile, and easy to handle. You’ll want to move around comfortably in the basket while keeping your gear secure.
📷 Recommended Types
Mirrorless Cameras (e.g. Sony α7C, Canon R8, Fujifilm X-S20)
Compact but powerful, perfect for sunrise lighting and high-quality detail.
DSLR Cameras (e.g. Canon 90D, Nikon D7500)
Great for professionals who want maximum control and long zoom options.
Compact Cameras (e.g. Canon G7 X Mark III, Sony RX100 VII)
Small enough for one-handed shooting and great for casual travelers.
📸 Pro Tip: Use a wide-angle lens (16–35mm) for sweeping landscapes and a zoom lens (70–200mm) for close-ups of the city skyline or other balloons.
2. The Best Phones for Balloon Photography
Modern smartphones are incredible for sunrise balloon photography—light, easy, and powerful enough to compete with many cameras.
📱 Top Picks for 2025
iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max – Excellent low-light performance and natural colour tones.
Google Pixel 8 Pro – Stunning HDR balance for sunrise skies.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Long zoom range and crisp clarity for skyline shots.
📸 Pro Tip: Turn on HDR mode and gridlines to help balance your shot and keep the horizon straight.
3. Essential Accessories
Wrist strap or neck strap – A must for safety (there’s no recovering dropped gear mid-air!).
Lens cloth or wipes – Morning dew or mist can fog up your lens.
Small crossbody or camera bag – Keep it light and secure inside the basket.
Portable power bank – Flights start early; you’ll want full battery for the post-flight celebration shots.
4. Recommended Camera Settings
Mode: Aperture Priority (A/Av) or Auto for simplicity
Aperture: f/5.6–f/8 for clear, sharp images
ISO: 100–400 (higher if pre-sunrise)
Shutter speed: 1/250 or faster to avoid motion blur
White balance: “Daylight” or “Cloudy” to preserve warm sunrise tones
📸 Pro Tip: If you’re shooting on your phone, tap and hold to lock focus and exposure—this prevents the camera from overcorrecting brightness as you move.
5. Framing & Composition Ideas
Include part of the balloon or basket edge to tell the story of where you are.
Capture landmarks like the MCG, Flinders Street Station, and the Yarra River.
Turn toward the sunrise for silhouettes, or away from it for vivid colour detail.
6. Safety First
Remember: keep all equipment inside the basket at all times. Avoid leaning out or using selfie sticks. Our crew is always happy to help take a safe photo of you on board before or after flight.
7. The Bottom Line
You don’t need fancy gear to capture amazing photos—just a good eye, steady hands, and a sense of wonder. Whether you’re shooting with an iPhone or a full-frame camera, the views from a Melbourne hot air balloon will do most of the work for you.
✨ Ready to test your camera in the sky?
Book your sunrise hot air balloon flight in Melbourne and discover why every shot looks like a postcard from above.