UL Cameras On Trail.

[Deacon]

On the AT, a hiker is never more than 5 days from a place to plug in to recharge (maybe the HMW). That said, my iPhone 6 Plus an Anker Astro lipstick size external 3000 mAh battery at 2.5 oz. is more than enough.

[perdidochas]

While certainly among the equipment that many people will insist we leave at home, I would not dream of hitting the trail without a camera that would give me photos of a quality I'd be proud to hang on my own wall. Towards these ends, I'd love suggestions from those of you who do bring cameras, beyond an Iphone, and what you use? Low weight and quality of the picture are far and above my biggest concerns, though if somehow there's an option for less than several thousand, that's my hope I've looked into go-pro's for their fantastic size/weight and reasonable price, but I'm open to options that give me better photo quality.


Thanks for the suggestions UL hiking camera goers!

Iphones take a pretty good picture. The main downside is no optical zoom.

[MuddyWaters]

Iphones take a pretty good picture. The main downside is no optical zoom.

Main downside is battery life if you leave it on, and boot up time if you dont.

Dedicated cameras are ready to shoot almost as fast as you can push the ON button.

[MuddyWaters]

Main downside is battery life if you leave it on, and boot up time if you dont.

Dedicated cameras are ready to shoot almost as fast as you can push the ON button.

A real shutterbug doesnt mind carrying 5-10 lbs of camera weight. Its one of the main reasons they go out.

Im not a shutterbug at all. My 4.5 oz Point and shoot does fine for me. Mostly. It is very lacking sometimes.

[dervari]

I have no problem carrying a good amount of equipment if I'm going to a specific place to shoot, and then leave. Not too keen on carrying all that equipment for miles and miles.

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[Tundracamper]

I consider myself a real shutterbug - as I sell what I shoot as stock. No way am I carrying 10 lbs of camera gear on an 18 mile weekend trip. Right now I'm just over 2 lbs for a camera and flash. That is fine for me. 28 mm fixed lens on my Coolpix A works great.


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[jshannon]

Rugged cell phones are getting more and more popular.

[rmitchell]

What about auto focus? I have used an older Pentax digital but have missed some wildlife shots because the camera chose to focus on a tree. That wasn't a problem with my Olympus OM1 (35mm).

[Vegan Packer]

What about auto focus? I have used an older Pentax digital but have missed some wildlife shots because the camera chose to focus on a tree. That wasn't a problem with my Olympus OM1 (35mm).

The GoPro is great for this, except for really close up shots. There are aftermarket lenses that resolve this, but then that is more weight to the kit.

[linus72]

after much research and many reccomendations i bought a Sony RX100. Loving it so far for day hikes. Haven't had a chance to overnight with it yet but for the weight the quality is amazing and i got it $100 off on sale for the holidays. Still use my phone for some shots, and my goPro for video clips. You can view some of the photos at my blog below if you wanna.

[NewHeart]

What about bluetooth capabilities, I need one to connect to laptop to download to my blog. Any suggestions?

[Franco]

The GoPro is great for this, except for really close up shots. There are aftermarket lenses that resolve this, but then that is more weight to the kit.

Yes the GoPro give everything pretty much in focus BUT if you want to take birds with it they would have to be about two feet away.
Those clip on lenses for it are not going to give you a decent enough tele because you are starting with a VERY wide lens.

[Vegan Packer]

Yes the GoPro give everything pretty much in focus BUT if you want to take birds with it they would have to be about two feet away.
Those clip on lenses for it are not going to give you a decent enough tele because you are starting with a VERY wide lens.

Actually, there are kits out there so that you can attach almost any kind of lens to the GoPro, and get even excellent telephoto shots. However, everything adds weight, cost and size, so it then becomes a question of tradeoffs. Nonetheless, they are out there. For example, take a look at the Back-Bone Ribcage Hero4 Mod Kit, or you can buy a GoPro from them with the kit already modded for you.

[jshannon]

Apple Ipod Touch, 6th generation.

[jshannon]

I realized you wanted cameras other than cell phone like, but there is no delete on this website that I can find.

[Franco]

Actually, there are kits out there so that you can attach almost any kind of lens to the GoPro, and get even excellent telephoto shots. However, everything adds weight, cost and size, so it then becomes a question of tradeoffs. Nonetheless, they are out there. For example, take a look at the Back-Bone Ribcage Hero4 Mod Kit, or you can buy a GoPro from them with the kit already modded for you.

Yes, well...
the GoPro Back Bone Rib cage kit is just a mount, does not include a lens.
You need to modify your GoPro (voiding the g/tee) then yes you can add lenses but you have a small square box to hold with a long lens sticking out, a lens that you need to focus and set the aperture manually as well.
Very practical for backpacking and particularly bird photography, or maybe not.