Camera Reccomendation

Posted by: JWE

Camera Reccomendation - 06/02/09 02:15 PM

Being relatively new to photography I'm looking for reccomendations for a camera. It will be most likely used in the outdoors only, carried on my AT thru hike but weight is not an issue for me but durability is, I'd prefer not to carry multiple lenses with me so a good all around lens reccomendation is appreciated if that's the type of camera I decide to purchase. Color photos only and fairly economical.
Posted by: Rick_D

Re: Camera Reccomendation - 06/02/09 02:51 PM

Howdy. It's a big camera universe out there. Can you narrow things down a bit?

Film/digital? If digital, do you post process on a PC or use the images as is? Maximum kit weight? "Durable"=waterproof? Budget? Any preference for wide angle, long telephoto, macro?

Cheers,

Rick

Originally Posted By JWE
Being relatively new to photography I'm looking for reccomendations for a camera. It will be most likely used in the outdoors only, carried on my AT thru hike but weight is not an issue for me but durability is, I'd prefer not to carry multiple lenses with me so a good all around lens reccomendation is appreciated if that's the type of camera I decide to purchase. Color photos only and fairly economical.
Posted by: JWE

Re: Camera Reccomendation - 06/02/09 04:27 PM

Prefer digital. Post process? Kit weight isn't a big deal. I don't plan on carrying a tripod. Waterproof would be nice but if I pack it right it's not necessary. Haven't decided on price range yet and I'd like wide angle.
Posted by: Rick_D

Re: Camera Reccomendation - 06/04/09 03:08 PM

I guess if I were starting with a clean slate (had no existing gear I wanted to keep using) and wanted an interchangable lens system I'd get a Panasonic G1 with the 14-150, then save up for the 7-14 once it's in wide circulation. For the size and weight nothing else can match it. For a smaller outlay, an Olympus E420 or E450 two-lens kit is the smallest, lightest dslr option and gives entre into a big array of available 4/3 system gear. The Oly kit lenses are very good, and a great value.

For a P&S I'd look at the Canon G10 and Panny LX3.

Cheers,

Rick

p.s. "Post processing" is manipulating the photos using PhotoShop or some other software. Most digital hobbiests dig into this pretty heavily--it's the equivalent of taking the negatives into the darkroom, back in the age of the dinosaurs.

Originally Posted By JWE
Prefer digital. Post process? Kit weight isn't a big deal. I don't plan on carrying a tripod. Waterproof would be nice but if I pack it right it's not necessary. Haven't decided on price range yet and I'd like wide angle.
Posted by: kbennett

Re: Camera Reccomendation - 06/15/09 09:21 AM

If I had to pick up a new hiking camera right now, it would be this one:

The Panasonic Lumx DMC-LZ10.

Rationale:

1. Features. It has a moderate wide angle lens (30mm equivalent), and optical image stabilization. Both of these are very helpful in a small camera. It weighs less than 5 ounces.

2. Power. It uses 2 AA batteries. This provides several choices for the hiker: carry NiMH batteries and a charger, carry AA Lithium batteries (much lighter), or buy AA alkaline in any convenience store (expensive but works in an emergency.)

3. Cost. At $140, I'm not too worried if it gets trashed on the hike.

There are other similar cameras out there, though most use a proprietary lithium battery. I do like the Pentax waterproof cameras (we own 2), but the lack of image stabilization makes them less useful as trail cameras.
Posted by: scottyb

Re: Camera Reccomendation - 06/29/09 05:49 PM

Quote:
For a P&S I'd look at the Canon G10 and Panny LX3.


I would agree with the Canon G10. I have it's predecessor the G9 and have been very pleased. I was looking for an acceptable alternative to my DSLR setup, for backpacking. It uses a proprietary battery but I get 250+ RAW+JPG's, using a lot of playback, with one charge. It is also built very solid (aluminum body) which adds a little weight.