Cameras in the outdoors

i dont spend much time outdoors, but i always have a point and shoot on me
i will occasionally go out with my SLR (canon 1dmk2n) which has allowed me to get some great shots, i can remember stalking a Quokka (small marsupial, looks like a large rat and only lives on a small island on the west coast of australia)
for nearly an hour just to get one good shot (i actually got several, but i only wanted one)
 
kgd said:
You have to enjoy the photography for the sake of it. When you are walking around you are looking at things with composition in mind. Sometimes its kinds of silly. Sometimes you will walk through paradise, but see most of it through a viewfinder. But it is fun and addictive. I get almost as much enjoyment reviewing and editing my pictures after a trip as I do taking the trip (does that make any sense at all????).
Click to expand...

I'm the same way
You see stuff when editing that you didn't see when taking the shot

I use a Canon S80 compact/point and shoot
My main reasons for not getting an SLR are:
1)I don't want to have to spend 100's of dollars on lenses
2)SLR's are really bulky

My tip is to buy an extra battery and a cigarette lighter charger
Also
I got this plastic film that is designed for Ipod LCD screens
I put it on the first day I got my camera
It really protects the LCD from getting scratched
I keep my camera in my front pocket and sometimes my keys or a lighter rubs up against the LCD screen
http://www.amazon.com/da-Protector-Model-104-Description/dp/B00080S9GY

I live by the beach, but I am deathly afraid of getting ONE grain of sand IN my camera
I'm extra careful when I am on the beach

For lens cleaning I use Alpine Innovations Spudz microfiber lens cloth
I clip it to my camera bag
3size_spudz_large.jpg


http://www.alpineproducts.com/Products/Spudz.aspx

Canon just announced 4 new cameras this week
Most of them use AA batteries
It seems to be a new trend
I know my batteries are like 30 bucks :grumpy:

If you get a tripod make sure you get one with a QUICK RELEASE shoe
It's a pain it it doesn't have a QR
 
Thank you to everyone that has posted.

Mentor - the 2 pics you posted are fantastic, wish I could take pics as good as you.

I have decided to get a new camera. It will be a compact so I have no excuse not to take it with me on trips. It will have a wide angle lens for landscapes and a decent zoom.

Seeing all the pics that are posted here, my regret is that I did not have a camera on some of my trips. Although I can revisit some of the areas, I cannot recapture some special moments.
 
I've got a D70 with 28-90(really need to replace that lens) and a 70-300
Also have a FM2(n).. talk about durable.
One comment is that as far as digitals go, a point & shoot will often result in better images straight from the camera, but inferior as soon as the photographer does some basic editing with the DSLR's
 
Mentor said:
Canon PowerShot G5. 5.0 megapixel, with a small zoom lens. It runs on lithium-ion batteries, so I can't recharge in the field. But, one charge has been sufficient for a two-week trip, and since work won't allow me to take longer periods off, I'm not worried about running out of juice. The camera is a bit on the bulky side - newer models are packing the same features into a considerably smaller package. However, lugging it around in my pack has been worth it, as it has provided some truly memorable photos.


Best,

- Mike
Click to expand...

I carry a Canon 5D or a Canon 40D depending on whether I'm shooting wildlife or just landscapes. The Canon G5 is an excellent compact digital camera. I wish I could still get one new. I got one for my brother for Christmas about three years ago and every time I see it, I kick myself for not getting one for me too. It takes outstanding pictures and doesn't have all the bulk of an SLR. You can also shoot in RAW format as well which gives a lot more versatility in editing the pictures. For shooting up to 11x14's, this camera is great and is probably the best balance in MP's and sensor size. I haven't seen a compact that's come out since that beats the image quality of the G5. Everyone gets caught up in the MP race, but 5MP's is plenty for about 90% of the population and they don't even know it.

Nice shot, by the way!
 
Millhouse said:
Thank you to everyone that has posted.


I have decided to get a new camera. It will be a compact so I have no excuse not to take it with me on trips.

Seeing all the pics that are posted here, my regret is that I did not have a camera on some of my trips. Although I can revisit some of the areas, I cannot recapture some special moments.
Click to expand...

As you are after something compact you might like to consider a Fuji Finepix S5700. I don't have one so I can't speak from personal experience. However, I'm quite clued up and I believe for an entry level camera you should be able to wring quite a lot from it. It's all a bit last year now and places such as Tesco keeping up with the consumer have just dropped them. [Although the nearest one to me still has them on the shelf]. Basically that means you can pick them up dirt cheap. eg: £84.98 at @ Currys

Fuji's Finepix range have been pretty consistent at getting decent consumer reviews.

Technical specification
Attribute
Value
Benefit
Picture Resolution
7 million pixels
Resolution refers to the number of pixels (picture elements) that make up an image. The more pixels will mean a better quality of print
Optical Zoom
10 times magnification
Optical zoom is most important. When you move the lens optical zoom magnifies and also maintains the image quality
Motion picture recording
YES
Allows you to record short video footage with audio
LCD Screen Size
2.5 inches
Size of the LCD screen measured diagonally across the screen
LCD Screen
YES
The LCD on the back of digital cameras is an indispensable help. You can use it to compose your photos and for instant replays of photos you've already taken
Memory Type
XD and SD
*
Aperture/Shutter priority
YES
Under the aperture/ shutter priority mode, you select an aperture and the camera chooses an appropriate shutter speed. The main purpose of using this mode is to control the zone of acceptable sharpness
Continous shooting mode
YES
The camera will continue to take photographs whilst the shutter button is depressed. Ideal for capturing sports events
USB Connection
YES
These cameras plug directly into a port on your PC with an appropriate USB cable
Video Output
YES
Allows you to connect from your camera to TV so you can see your pictures on your TV
Digital Zoom
4.8 times magnification
Digital zoom uses the "electronic brain" within the camera to digitally zoom in, the higher the digital zoom the closer you can get
Resolution Settings
5
More pixels on the CCD mean a higher-resolution image. Greater resolution translates to bigger, more detailed prints from those images
View Finder
Yes
An optical viewfinder allows composition without the need for the LCD screen, So saving battery power
Manual Exposure
YES
This functionality allows you to manually override the exposure
Manual Focus
YES
Essential for situations when the auto focus can?t cope such as shooting through a window or when you want to concentrate on something closer to the lens than the main subject
Image modes
YES
*
Manual ISO overrides
YES
*
Multi mode flash
YES
Allows you to change the flash mode according to the type of shot you are taking
Exposure compensation
YES
Adjust the exposure compensation according to the level of brightness or darkness in the image and always get the perfect picture
Self timer
YES
Allows you to set up the camera and get into your own photos
Picture Effects
YES
Get creative when viewing, recording or playing back your videos and photos with various picture effect modes
Camera Weight
306 g
*
Body Colour
Silver
*
Battery Supplied
YES
*
Type of Battery Included
4 x AA Alkaline
*
Wrist Strap Supplied
YES
*
Software Supplied
YES
*
Auto/Manual exposure
YES
Guarantees optimal exposure under any shooting conditions
Connection Type
USB
*

review 1
review 2
review 3


I think it may well be in you interest to go and have a look at one of these as it could well be a great deal smaller than the impression one gets from tinternet pics of it. For a paltry £84.98 I don't see you can go far wrong with this.
 
I use a Fujifilm E550 that I bought in 2004 for a bit over $200. Not sure it's made anymore. I dropped it once (when I almost fell into Frijoles Canyon at Bandelier) and bought a backup while the original was being repaired. Takes great pics for a pocket digital, so I plan to keep using my pair until they can no longer be repaired. They were rated best in price range by Consumer Reports.

Here's a sample of one of my favorite pics:

DSCF0041copy-1.jpg


One feature I especially appreciate and use all the time is the option to select black & white, color or Kodachrome modes. The kodachrome option is responsible for the rich colors I get in my photos.
 
Have a Panasonic fz-20. 5mp, 36 - 432mm (equiv.) F2.8, 12x Leica Zoom Lens with one ED lens. Takes fairly good photos, though it's seriously short on sensitivity. Saving up for a DSLR.
 
Dougo83 - thanks for the link to your original post.

High Desert Walker - That is a gorgeous shot of Dingus. I've seen a lot of your pics and really like the ones with your dog in them. Always thought you were using a dSLR for your shots.

Again, thank you to everyone who has posted. I've narrowed my choice to 3-4 cameras, but haven't quite decided yet. I always thought you guys were using high end gear, but it appears not which is pleasantly surprising - a testimony to your photographic skills.
 
Kyp Degal said:
I've got basically the same setup, though your second lens has more reach than mine. I went with the two lens kit for the D40: 18-55mm kit lens and the 55-200mm VR, which I used today. Callaway Gardens was having their yearly Labor Day weekend to-do, and I went to get some shots of the dog disco show, where they essentially play Frisbee with them in a large ring in the grass. Those dogs are amazing, though.

I also walked a few miles on the trails with my camera, got some great shots of a dragonfly by the lake. A circular polarizing filter is a must if shooting near water, IMO. I use a Tamrac shoulder bag, it fits my camera, two lenses, etc (lens hood, filter, notepad, granola bars, cell phone and MP3 player), perfectly without being unwieldy.

Next for me is the 60mm macro lens as well, most likely, and a good sturdy tripod.
Click to expand...

Thats a great setup!

I shoot with a D60, oddly enough though, your D40 does have a few advantages - your base ISO is 200, mine is 100, due to you having a lower pixel density (thus larger pixels), and your max shutter sync speed is 1/500 to my 1/200 :x

A note on your 55-200mm, it has a sweet spot from f/8-f/11, same with the kit lens for the D60 (the 18-55mm VR), where it becomes nearly pro-quality :)

Photography is one of my major hobbies, I love hiking/biking/etc with my camera, and oddly enough I'd take my D60 over a D50/80/90/300 due to size :D

Oh, and you guys should consider the Sigma 105mm Macro over the Nikkor 60mm - it gives you better magnification and you don't have to get as close to your subject. Sharpness is almost identical, if not better. The lens will run you ~$400 as well.

My favorite lens though is my Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 - AMAZINGLY sharp lens, beautiful bokeh, its just perfect ^^ I do have to manually focus it on my body, but once you get used to it, its not really an issue :) There should be an AF-S version coming out soon..
 
Just read through more of the thread.... :0 @ the 1D owners, and 5D! Expensive cameras, them....

One camera I'll recommend to pretty much anyone is the new Fujifilm S2000HD - not only does it have 15x optical zoom, but it will shoot 7 frames per second @ 5 megapixels and 14 (!!!) FPS @ 3 megapixels. It also uses AAs and is very compact! Runs about $300 retail.
 
Bump..

By the way, the Nikon D40 actually has some advantages over the D60 - it starts at ISO 200 due to the physically larger pixels, and its max flash-sync speed is 1/500, as opposed to the D60's 1/200. Better for out-door photography :)

I'm actually probably going to get a D40 body sometime soon...
 
Native ISO of 200 is an advantage? I must disagree. The max flash sync speed is nice, but it's a shame the native ISO isn't 100.
 
Curse said:
Thats a great setup!

I shoot with a D60, oddly enough though, your D40 does have a few advantages - your base ISO is 200, mine is 100, due to you having a lower pixel density (thus larger pixels), and your max shutter sync speed is 1/500 to my 1/200 :x

A note on your 55-200mm, it has a sweet spot from f/8-f/11, same with the kit lens for the D60 (the 18-55mm VR), where it becomes nearly pro-quality :)

Photography is one of my major hobbies, I love hiking/biking/etc with my camera, and oddly enough I'd take my D60 over a D50/80/90/300 due to size :D

Oh, and you guys should consider the Sigma 105mm Macro over the Nikkor 60mm - it gives you better magnification and you don't have to get as close to your subject. Sharpness is almost identical, if not better. The lens will run you ~$400 as well.

My favorite lens though is my Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 - AMAZINGLY sharp lens, beautiful bokeh, its just perfect ^^ I do have to manually focus it on my body, but once you get used to it, its not really an issue :) There should be an AF-S version coming out soon..
Click to expand...

Yeah, I prefer the D40 over the D60 for a few reasons. However, the ISO isn't one of them. I'd love a base ISO of 100! I do love my 55-200mm, though. Very sharp lens.

I've been looking at the Sigma and Tamron 105mm lenses, actually. Still undecided, but it's a moot point until I have the money. :D Definitely going to pick up a Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 before long, though.
 
Evolute said:
Native ISO of 200 is an advantage? I must disagree. The max flash sync speed is nice, but it's a shame the native ISO isn't 100.
Click to expand...

Considering that you get the same [very, very low] noise levels at ISO 200 on a D40 as you do @ 100 on a D60, I'd say its a pretty strong advantage. One stop faster on your shutter speeds always makes for sharper images :cool:
 
The ability to be one stop faster is modestly useful on rare occasions; the ability to be one stop slower is a huge advantage, quite often.
 
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