Digital camera is a MUST, IMO, on a hike. I always have mine at the ready (strapped to my shoulder harness), I carry a Panasonic DMC-LZ2 (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/LZ2/LZ2A.HTM). However, it can take as long as 5 seconds between between shots, even longer when using the flash mode.

One thing I like about this Panasonic is the zoom capability, which is hard to find in the less expensive cameras without those big lenses.

Question: Anyone have a camera that does not take too long between shots, not including those big expensive professional cameras.

within the last several years, panasonic has come out with the bridge cameras that are much better than point and shoot cameras, and much cheaper than an slr. and just recently, they came out with the fz18 (18x optical zoop). with that introduction, the older fz12 (12x optical zoom, 48x digital zoom) dropped drastically in price. we just bought the fz12 for $250 and its awesome! previously, this same camera was in the $400 range. we are very happy with it. the processing speed is very quick.

i'd recommend www.dpreview.com as well...

One other thing I don't like about my camera: You cannot zoom in/out the camera while operating in motion picture mode, you can adjust the zoom before starting the motion picture recording, just not during.

Well i found out if you get the 2000 mah rechargeable batterys when camera comes on shut off flash. If you camera got a view finder shut of Lcd screen. all this helps.

Try the Canon G7 or G9. I have the 7 and its good!

you might already know this but a lot of people are excited when they figure out the "burst" feature on their camera. most digicams have this. when the mode is turned on, the camera will continually take shots until you let go of the button.

burst is great for making sure you get the furry critter shots on the trail, who just wont sit still.

I just got one of these (http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Coolpix-Digital-Optical-Graphite/dp/B0011N17RU/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2WKHLF44SOUBM&colid=3QYE9JET60SRG) awhile ago and can't say enough about it. I hardly ever use my DSLR any more now that I have this one. 10mp, 5x Optical Zoom, compact. btw - it replaced my Canon A570, which was also a great camera, but only 7mp, 4x opt zoom. (Only?)

My camera is an A620. I bought mine at best buy and got the insurance ( I usally don't do that) That way if it got rained on or ruined for any reason, they fix or replace it.

My first digital camera was a Canon G2, purchased just before my section of Vermont in 2002. It's still working great, but I've got a newer Canon (A620) that I use for hiking now, mostly 'cuz it's several ounces lighter.

I've been using a Canon Powershot A530. Too thick, too heavy, and the macro was useless. Everything blurred. Then I saw the photo gallery of fellow WBer J Rabbit and was stunned by the beauty of the photos! So I asked what was used and was told it's a Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K. Found it on Amazon for $223 - - far lower than the price J Rabbit paid. Went to Best Buy and they don't even carry it anymore. They have the next model up - $379. I'm going for the one on Amazon!!

I've been using a Canon Powershot A530. Too thick, too heavy, and the macro was useless. Everything blurred. Then I saw the photo gallery of fellow WBer J Rabbit and was stunned by the beauty of the photos!

When you're served a fine meal, do you ask the cook what kind of pots and pans he (she) used to prepare it? :-? To assume that the fine pictures are a result of the camera is... oh, never mind.

When you're served a fine meal, do you ask the cook what kind of pots and pans he (she) used to prepare it? :-? To assume that the fine pictures are a result of the camera is... oh, never mind.

Just because you drive Ferrari, that doesn't make you a race care driver

Just because you drive Ferrari, that doesn't make you a race care driver

But, if you drive a 1998 volkswagon you most surely aren't a race driver.

I have a Canon PowerShot SD 800 IS. It has a wide angle lens, and it takes great photos.

Well i found out if you get the 2000 mah rechargeable batterys when camera comes on shut off flash.

I'm the opposite. I see soooo many potentially good photos turn out bad because the flash was not "forced." Basically, if there is a lot of light behind the subject (as happens in outdoors shots), then the flash should be forced to fire in order to illuminate the front of the subject (towards the camera). Otherwise, you get a dark face and mostly just an "outline" of the subject.

My flash is on by default, no matter what.

Rain:sunMan

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... Then I saw the photo gallery of fellow WBer J Rabbit and was stunned by the beauty of the photos!...

Right you are. J Rabbit takes amazing photos. She's got an eye for subjects, composition, lighting, everything, and takes the time to take a good shot.

Rain:sunMan

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When you're served a fine meal, do you ask the cook what kind of pots and pans he (she) used to prepare it? :-? To assume that the fine pictures are a result of the camera is... oh, never mind.

Yeah, but at least then you know that it's NOT the camera's fault, and maybe any future money should be spent on lessons instead of new gear. Can save money in the long run.

I really like my Canon S3IS. Some of the reasons... adjustable LCD screen for one. With the camera held over my head, I can adjust the LCD screen and see what the camera sees. My vertically challenged wife loves that feature. The LCD screen is protected when not in use as well. My other cameras always suffer from screen scratch..,not the S3. The 12X optical is great and the add on polarizer lens protects the main lens and does a good job. It fits on the Joby Gorilla pod well so I can get in the pictures!
I keep it in a quart size ziploc bag in the special camera bag made for it. The camera bag attaches to my hipbelt. One more thing..it uses 4 AA batteries, and I always carry a spare set so I don't many shots.

...so I don't miss many shots.

I have a Canon PowerShot SD 800 IS. It has a wide angle lens, and it takes great photos.
Had that, loved it. Wanted to upgrade so I went with the SD 870. The next day they announced the SD880.

All three of those are excellent.

Pictures are memories, however once you passed Damascus they will be less and less, carry a cheap disposable, use the 2 great photos out of each and enjoy your hike. " Its all about you and your enjoyment" Nobody wants to share your adventure, but you!

Nobody wants to share your adventure, but you!

Generally true, but not absolutely. I first became enthralled with long-distance hiking by spending two fantastic days viewing over 1600 slides and listening to stories one-on-one from a PCT thru-hiker back about '78. I dare say there will be others who are or will be interested.

They are few and far between however, much fewer than we would like to believe.

Pictures are memories, however once you passed Damascus they will be less and less, carry a cheap disposable, use the 2 great photos out of each and enjoy your hike. " Its all about you and your enjoyment" Nobody wants to share your adventure, but you!


Not sure I agree with this, we took pictures throughout our hike, many too, and also found people very interested in them when we got back home (had several talks, etc). The scenery gets more impressive up north and to quit taking pictures would be a shame. But I know that there are people who are more visual than others, (like me) and pictures mean more than words.

Not sure I agree with this, we took pictures throughout our hike, many too, and also found people very interested in them when we got back home (had several talks, etc). The scenery gets more impressive up north and to quit taking pictures would be a shame. But I know that there are people who are more visual than others, (like me) and pictures mean more than words.
I agree, although there were sections and scenery that you end up passing by w/o taking a photo (when you've seen one overlook you've seen...) but there's always an exception. Regardless of how long I go w/o using my camera, I'll always have it at-the-ready (straped to my shoulder harness).

I like my sony cyber-shot w120 had HD pics

Digital camera is a MUST, IMO, on a hike. I always have mine at the ready (strapped to my shoulder harness), I carry a Panasonic DMC-LZ2 (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/LZ2/LZ2A.HTM). However, it can take as long as 5 seconds between between shots, even longer when using the flash mode.

One thing I like about this Panasonic is the zoom capability, which is hard to find in the less expensive cameras without those big lenses.

Question: Anyone have a camera that does not take too long between shots, not including those big expensive professional cameras.

I recently decided to stop carrying my Nikon D300 on the trail. After some research, I decided on a more recent version of the same camera you are carrying. I have been using it for a couple of months now. So far, I am pleased.

But, if you drive a 1998 volkswagon you most surely aren't a race driver.
Time to update Herbie.