Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 1, 2016 18:22:37 GMT -8
For the last 5ish years we been using a Pentax WG-2. My wife has used the camera to take photos for 4 books, 3 backpacking. We got a spare battery, a high speed sd card, and a soft carying case off of Amazon.
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amaruq
Trail Wise!
Call me Little Spoon
Posts: 1,264
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Post by amaruq on Feb 2, 2016 7:34:59 GMT -8
I've had my Canon ELPH 300HS since about 2010-ish. It's been with me both backcountry and around the world (including Antarctica). It has a swath of shooting modes and features, and the glass isn't half-bad either. It's pretty solid with its metal body and is slim enough to not notice in a pocket. It does use a proprietary battery, but they weigh nearly nothing (which is why I like them for backpacking) and the charger also isn't very obnoxious. My only complaint is the tiny sensor, but the MP and software do a service working around that. I don't think it retails any more, but you may be able to find its descendant in Canon's lineup if you're interested.
I've taken a bit of a side step lately with an older, lower-end model Rebel (1000D or XS, something to beat around the bush without feeling too bad). Less resolution and older software, but the massively larger sensor and ability to use real glass have all contributed to better photos.
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Post by cweston on Feb 2, 2016 8:16:12 GMT -8
Looks like Canon P&S models are popular here. I use a Canon SX 260 HS (a 12 M pixel, 20x optical zoom P&S). I find that I can get really good results from a P&S with a little attention to managing the exposure/light. I like having a decent optical zoom, although it does add a small amount of weight and bulk.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Feb 2, 2016 8:54:36 GMT -8
I'll second the optical zoom, though that's becoming a lot more common anyway, the reason being for clarity that with an optical zoom the full area of the image sensor is used for every photo with the lens being the thing that changes the image. With an electronic "zoom" all that happens is the camera crops the image on the sensor, using less and less of the sensor area to "enlarge" the image: and even with higher pixel count current sensors that's just throwing away image detail by the handfuls....
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Post by ashepabst on Feb 3, 2016 7:07:26 GMT -8
my Canon Powershot (A...something, something) took great photos and provided me like 12 years of backcountry service before the lens cover stopped shutting. and that was most likely because I didn't care for it as I should have initially. it took great macro and great low-light for a P&S. and it took AA batts that I could swap out during the trip. lately I've just been using my phone.
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daveb
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Post by daveb on Feb 9, 2016 8:38:42 GMT -8
I would like to see a comparison between some of these less expensive point and shoots to what you could pull off with an iPhone and some of the external lens attachments on the market these days. I mean, come on, you're probably going to carry a phone anyway and the resolution is going to be comparable. Just a thought.
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jay
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Post by jay on Feb 9, 2016 9:08:26 GMT -8
Several posts have mentioned having a good optical zoom and it is one of my priorities. I have found that my old one, as well as the basic camera phone, leave a lot to be desired in this area.
Does anyone have any input on the supposed waterproof digital cameras? My last one, as mentioned before got trashed when it got wet and that is also a concern with a phone, I usually keep it bagged and turned off, as I really don't want a call from the office on a trip, either.
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Post by cweston on Feb 9, 2016 9:40:28 GMT -8
I would like to see a comparison between some of these less expensive point and shoots to what you could pull off with an iPhone and some of the external lens attachments on the market these days. I mean, come on, you're probably going to carry a phone anyway and the resolution is going to be comparable. Just a thought. I'm trying to imagine how this would work in the case of backpacking. I do carry my phone in my pack, strictly as an emergency communication device, which probably has about a 1% chance of working in the areas where I typically backpack.* I have learned from experience, though, that a charged cell phone can be extremely helpful in a non-emergency change-of-plan scenario, like you end up exiting on the opposite side of the ridge from where your car (or your ride) is. So, if one used a phone as a camera on a multiple day trip, wouldn't you now also need to carry some sort of solar charging device or something, to keep it charged enough to function not just as a camera, but also as a backup communication device? Carrying a dedicated camera, and keeping the phone well protected from the elements in my pack, seems like an easier/superior plan to me. (* I figure in an emergency scenario, it might be worth climbing to the top of a peak or ridge to see if I could get a cell signal there.)
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jay
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Post by jay on Feb 9, 2016 10:06:39 GMT -8
Carrying a dedicated camera, and keeping the phone well protected from the elements in my pack, seems like an easier/superior plan to me. This is my thinking, also.
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amaruq
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Call me Little Spoon
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Post by amaruq on Feb 9, 2016 10:35:22 GMT -8
I don't oft carry a phone backcountry any more and not simply because it becomes a brick. Another reason I wouldn't use a phone for photography (outside of the obvious) is because I can take more photos on one camera battery than I can on one phone charge.
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Post by Coolkat on Feb 9, 2016 10:37:34 GMT -8
I mean, come on, you're probably going to carry a phone anyway and the resolution is going to be comparable. Just a thought. I'm not sure what others do but I rarely take my phone into the backcountry.
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Post by Coolkat on Feb 9, 2016 10:39:36 GMT -8
Does anyone have any input on the supposed waterproof digital cameras? On the first page of posts I talked about Olympus tg-4. I still highly recommend it. If you're looking for good zoom look elsewhere but it has incredible macro capability.
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reuben
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Gonna need more Camels at the next refugio...
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Post by reuben on Feb 9, 2016 10:40:38 GMT -8
I mean, come on, you're probably going to carry a phone anyway and the resolution is going to be comparable. Resolution is only one issue. For me, dynamic range is a big issue, and I'm not going to get that with a phone. SNR is another one.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Feb 9, 2016 10:54:09 GMT -8
I mean, come on, you're probably going to carry a phone anyway and the resolution is going to be comparable. Just a thought. I'm not sure what others do but I rarely take my phone into the backcountry. For myself I leave nothing of value in my car at trailhead, remote or in a park. So my phone is coming with me, just like my wallet, though as I have other cameras it's powered off and tucked away. One thing I've added to my kit is a one time recharge little power stick that weighs about an ounce. They come in multiples up to at least 5x charges for an iPhone Plus at weights competitive with solar charging outfits and as they can be topped up by the car's 12 v system make for a useful travel option.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Feb 9, 2016 10:58:00 GMT -8
I mean, come on, you're probably going to carry a phone anyway and the resolution is going to be comparable. Resolution is only one issue. For me, dynamic range is a big issue, and I'm not going to get that with a phone. SNR is another one. I have found the HDR setting on my phone to give some really nice grab shots.
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