jay
Trail Wise!
Posts: 152 
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Post by jay on Jan 31, 2016 10:28:38 GMT -8
Am in the market for a new digital camera and figured I would ask for input from the group here. I have seen a lot of excellent photos here and figure that this would be the best place to get input on a reliable digital camera that is up to the rigors of the trail and won't break the bank. I am not looking for a professional level camera, just something dependable that I can use to record some of my travels.
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Westy
Trail Wise!
Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
Posts: 1,960
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Post by Westy on Jan 31, 2016 10:57:26 GMT -8
When it comes to photography, count me among the least knowledgeable forum users. There are super photo wizards amongst our congregation for sure. Therefore, recognizing my personal limited photography skill sets and seeking a suitable camera resulted in the acquisition of the rugged, reliable and unpretentious Nikon Coolpix AW-120 |
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jay
Trail Wise!
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Post by jay on Jan 31, 2016 11:13:04 GMT -8
I feel your pain, there. I was pretty good with film photography when I was younger but I learned that shooting digital pics can be a lot different under certain circumstances. I have an older Nikon Coolpix camera that I am replacing...they don't like getting caught in sudden rainstorms.
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tigger
Trail Wise!
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Post by tigger on Jan 31, 2016 11:19:46 GMT -8
Unless I am planning on taking "real" pictures, I find my smartphone to take decent pictures. It is compact, waterproof, shock resistant, takes pictures and 4K video, and works in -50F temps just fine. My last trip report was taken only using my smartphone and the pictures are "untouched". bpbasecamp.freeforums.net/thread/1634/trip-report-on-edge-freezing |
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rebeccad
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Writing like a maniac
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Post by rebeccad on Jan 31, 2016 14:30:18 GMT -8
I got a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 for Xmas, a close but much more compact relative of the Lumix I've been using. My experiments so far suggest it is going to be very nice; at least as good as the last one, and much lighter. Cost was, I think, under $400 (my husband got it for me and I didn't ask). It has an excellent zoom and macro, as well as a viewfinder with optical adjustment for my presbyopia (essential for me). We got the recommendation in part from my brother-in-law; see some of his suggestions and reviews here. (I thought he'd done a review of my camera, but I don't see it. So take a look at his other compact-camera recommendations). |
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jay
Trail Wise!
Posts: 152
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Post by jay on Jan 31, 2016 15:52:30 GMT -8
Thanks, Rebecca, I have seen some of your work here and think it is excellent. Was hoping to get an idea of what you shoot with  |
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Jan 31, 2016 16:06:18 GMT -8
Does depend on what you want to do, for myself where I like wildlife photos as well as the ability to "crop" the scene to the interesting detail a ,modest zoom capability is appreciated so for a point and shoot I've selected a follow on to one I got when I first got a laptop for playing around with next to my film setup, a Canon ELPH like this one: shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/powershot-sx610-hs-blackThe one issue with these very small cameras is they use proprietary batteries to save space so if you need/prefer standard batteries you'll have to get a somewhat larger version and even then it'll be rarity, my full format Nikon uses a proprietary battery... For rain I carry gallon ziplock bags. |
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Post by JRinGeorgia on Jan 31, 2016 17:08:45 GMT -8
Another vote for the Lumix. They have various models but all share a large Leica lens that allows a lot of light in. In general the Lumix line is a good value offering great quality, good lens, long optical zooms, and a decent price for comparable features. Costco usually has at least one model priced on sale in the $200-250 range.
HSF is correct about the proprietary batteries, it's easy to find some off-brand Chinese made for a pretty good deal on Amazon or eBay that will fit whatever camera you pick, that's a lighter way to go than getting a bigger camera that takes standard batteries.
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franco
Trail Wise!
Posts: 2,297
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Post by franco on Jan 31, 2016 18:33:15 GMT -8
Given your avatar photo and the comment on your Nikon I would suggest one of those waterproof/shockproof cameras like the Nikon AW 130.
Another two good candidates there are the Panasonic FT5 and Olympus TG4.
Not a big difference from one to the other .
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Feb 1, 2016 9:36:48 GMT -8
FWIW out of doors I prefer a viewfinder camera like that Nikon AW 130 than my all display back ELPH (or my iPhone) since I often ind it difficult to impossible in bright sunlight to SEE the image own a display.
ETA: LOL, AND that very camera pops up on my FaceBook timeline in a B&H advert! Sorta creepy (well I did look at B&H to see it's specs...).
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Post by Coolkat on Feb 1, 2016 10:46:18 GMT -8
Last spring I purchased a new point-n-shoot digital camera. My last one that I had I almost ruined by trying to take pictures in the rain and I didn't want to have to worry about that any more. So I went digging and ended up with this... Olympus TG-4Not only is it water proof but it takes incredible photos (in my opinion anyway) and has a phenomenal macro mode. Along with a "live composite mode" that will allow you take photos of the stars and other night images. I am extremely happy with it and would recommend it. If you want to see examples you can take a look here Coolkat's Pics and any album done in 2015 was with the TG-4 |
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Westy
Trail Wise!
Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
Posts: 1,960
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Post by Westy on Feb 1, 2016 11:53:18 GMT -8
Almost bought the Olympus TG-4 but chose the Both are designed for outdoor recreational use. The decision had nothing to do with which camera features and benefits. Performance for both was acceptable. It was all about ergonomics. Was I able to hold it in a single gloved hand and squeeze off shot without dropping the camera or including the gloved hand in the photo. That was my deal maker. |
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Post by Coolkat on Feb 1, 2016 12:03:50 GMT -8
It was all about ergonomics. Was I able to hold it in a single gloved hand and squeeze off shot without dropping the camera or including the gloved hand in the photo. That was my deal maker. I actually find this interesting. I'm gonna pick up my camera tonight when I get home just to see what you're talking about. You might have a very good point that I never thought of before. The other thing I was looking for was how fast was the camera ready to take a picture once you hit the power button. Most newer cameras are good at this being almost instant but it's still worth noting. Nothing like wanting to capture a moment only to have it pass while you're waiting for your camera to actually power on. |
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driftwoody
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Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
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Post by driftwoody on Feb 1, 2016 16:37:00 GMT -8
Last spring I purchased a new point-n-shoot digital camera. My last one that I had I almost ruined by trying to take pictures in the rain and I didn't want to have to worry about that any more. So I went digging and ended up with this... Olympus TG-4Not only is it water proof but it takes incredible photos (in my opinion anyway) and has a phenomenal macro mode. Along with a "live composite mode" that will allow you take photos of the stars and other night images. I am extremely happy with it and would recommend it. If you want to see examples you can take a look here Coolkat's Pics and any album done in 2015 was with the TG-4 I received the TG-4 after requesting it for Christmas, but have not yet used it. My hiking buddy dropped my Canon S100 when he was taking my pick in Utah's Little Wild Horse Canyon. A fly bit him on the hand just as he was ready to snap, and even though he was using the strap it spun off his wrist when he reacted to the bite and it landed on a rock. The screen spiderwebbed but it was still able to take pics, though the cracks kept slowly spreading until I had no view. I decided a waterproof shock-resistant camera was better for my adventures, and the TG-4 got the best reviews. It's a bit heavier & bulkier than the S100, so I'll use a belt pouch rather than sticking it in a front pants pocket. |
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Post by Coolkat on Feb 1, 2016 17:34:43 GMT -8
It's a bit heavier & bulkier than the S100, so I'll use a belt pouch rather than sticking it in a front pants pocket. I'm also looking for a different option of putting in pants' pockets. I was going to get this which is a quick disconnect on your backpack strap. However, in another discussion somewhere here, someone mentioned using a neck strap. Much cheaper. I'm gonna try this option my next trip this spring. |
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