Backpacking with a DSLR?

[bighammer]

My phone does not take good photos. I've had point-and-shoot cameras in the past and they perform pretty well, but haven't lasted. I have a smaller DSLR (Nikon DX cropped sensor) that I'm considering bringing on a short section of the AT, but it's heavier, bulkier, and not as easily accessible as something smaller that fits in the waistband pockets. I brought it to Porcupine Mountains and to Isle Royal on 5 day trips, but it always seemed to end up in the top of my pack and only used for longer breaks or campsites. I kept feeling like there would be a moose or other Kodak moment and I'd be empty-handed.

Just wondering if I'm crazy to consider it, or if others have found a decent way to bring one along.

[Slumgum]

Look into a Cotton Carrier. I would not want to thru hike with a DSLR. They are heavy! But I have used one on a multi-day backpacking trip to Peru and it worked wonderfully. If photography is a priority, it doesn't get any easier. I found one on sale, but they aren't cheap.

[Traveler]

I don't think you are crazy at all!

I use a DSLR camera a lot and prefer the quality of the photographs I can get with it and the ability to change lenses and filters to capture scenes and nuances. There are times when I will use a cell phone or point 'n shoot type camera, however I still prefer the DSLR when I can bring it.

Convenience of getting the DSLR camera out to use was a problem until I figured out how to attach a fanny pack to my pack(s) using it's waist strap and carabiners so it is stable. Set up this way, the DSLR is easily reached with my left hand, the convenience issue was overcome. The fanny pack is a deep pocket type and is attached to the pack so it can remain open without the camera falling out. The camera goes in and comes out the same way, with my left hand on the grip so I can get the DSLR camera out and be taking pictures usually faster than a cell phone or a point 'n shoot camera from a shoulder or belt mounted case.

[bighammer]

I just replaced my 18-140mm with an 18-300mm that is almost the same size. It's still sort of heavy, and I've considered buying just a 35mm prime lens that is much lighter and compact, but I'm not sure I would like a fixed focal length. It will probably be just the camera and a spare battery, no extra lenses or tripod.

I have a LowePro top-loading holster type bag that I might be able to attach to the waistband of the pack. I've also seen some kind of quick release mount that goes on one of the shoulder straps, but then the camera is just completely out and un-protected. I will have plenty of time before we take off in early May to try and tweak some different options.

When I think about how I look at and compare other gear and their weight, I feel like an idiot to even consider bringing a clunky heavy camera, but I know it will drive me nuts if I don't.

[peakbagger]

I have seen several folks sew up a pouch and attach the pouch to the shoulder straps. Heck I have run into thru hikers carrying 35MM cameras in a padded pouch that clipped into both shoulder straps. They could get at the camera quick and take a shot but required a bit more time and effort when the put the pack on and off. Kind of sucked if they tripped and fell forward.

[bighammer]

I checked out the Cotton Carrier. Looks like a really nice setup, but I'm big and I seriously doubt I would find it comfortable, especially when hot and sweaty.

My LowePro is pretty old and I don't use it much anymore, so it may be a padded pouch that I can somehow modify to attach someplace.

[Slo-go'en]

As to whether it's worth carrying, that depends on the section your doing. Some sections simply aren't very photogenic. Looking back at (what few) photos I took through PA, the cell phone camera was good enough. I rarely pulled out my "good" camera in that state.

[Maineiac64]

I have been very impressed with quality of sony rx100 iv, very compact. To me it isa good compromise.

[Tipi Walter]

My backpacking tent weighs 8 lbs 10 oz and my pack alone weighs around 8 lbs. So what's the problem in carrying a heavy camera?????

[johnacraft]

I have a smaller DSLR (Nikon DX cropped sensor) that I'm considering bringing on a short section of the AT . . . I kept feeling like there would be a moose or other Kodak moment and I'd be empty-handed.

A moose on the AT? I've seen Rocky many times, no Bullwinkle.

If photography is your motivation to hike, take it. I carried a Nikon FM on my first Grand Canyon rim to rim, and my D300 (and a gorillapod) on my second rim to rim, and spent a very enjoyable early morning photographing the Milky Way from the bottom.

[JackieO]

Has anyone used the cotton carrier under their backpack? It looks great for easy access to my camera! I'm just curious about how it would feel after miles with pack straps over the cotton carrier straps.

The altered fanny pack idea seems worth looking into as well.

[JackieO]

Wait, I may have found my own answer. I just found a cotton carrier that just fastens to the pack strap, so no need for the harness straps.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1379519-REG/cotton_carrier_288grey_ccs_g3_strapshot_gray.html/?ap=y&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzIzRyvTt4AIVRz0MCh1O5gJdEAQYBSAB EgLXIvD_BwE&lsft=BI%3A514&smp=Y

[OCDave]

My phone does not take good photos. I've had point-and-shoot cameras in the past and they perform pretty well, but haven't lasted. I have a smaller DSLR (Nikon DX cropped sensor) that I'm considering bringing on a short section of the AT, but it's heavier, bulkier, and not as easily accessible as something smaller that fits in the waistband pockets. I brought it to Porcupine Mountains and to Isle Royal on 5 day trips, but it always seemed to end up in the top of my pack and only used for longer breaks or campsites. I kept feeling like there would be a moose or other Kodak moment and I'd be empty-handed.

Just wondering if I'm crazy to consider it, or if others have found a decent way to bring one along.

I think you have clearly expressed the problem with carrying the DSLR when backpacking. It is unbeatable when you are in dedicated photographer mode but, for a backpacker who wants to capture moments on the trail it is not the best option. Small point an shoot cameras are providing higher quality images and even video than ever before. Most importantly, they will be within reach when you want to capture a fleeting moment.

Keep the DSLR for dedicated photography but get something smaller for a hiking accessory.

[bighammer]

My backpacking tent weighs 8 lbs 10 oz and my pack alone weighs around 8 lbs. So what's the problem in carrying a heavy camera?????

I have an 8' x 8' dome tent that I do like, but that's a car camping only tent for me. I guess whatever floats your boat. (may sink mine)



I have been very impressed with quality of Sony rx100 iv, very compact. To me it is a good compromise.

I have considered buying another more compact camera, but I don't think I'm at the ~$700 level. I have also thrown around the idea of upgrading my phone, but I sort of like my prepaid service and that $200 lasts for almost a year sometimes.



A moose on the AT? I've seen Rocky many times, no Bullwinkle.

HA! That was in reference to the Isle Royal and Porcupine Mountains trips here in Michigan. Lots of poop and giant hoof prints in the mud, but never saw one on those trips. I had 2 previous very close encounters (like almost within arm's reach close) in Idaho and Montana with a mama moose and a calf. Had I been "wearing" rather than "packing" a camera, I might have some amazing photos. The ID moose was clearly charging me, but I didn't see her until the last seconds, so it wouldn't have made any difference either way. I was just damn lucky.

[bighammer]

I think you have clearly expressed the problem with carrying the DSLR when backpacking. It is unbeatable when you are in dedicated photographer mode but, for a backpacker who wants to capture moments on the trail it is not the best option. Small point an shoot cameras are providing higher quality images and even video than ever before. Most importantly, they will be within reach when you want to capture a fleeting moment.

Keep the DSLR for dedicated photography but get something smaller for a hiking accessory.


So can I give you my wife's number so you can explain this to her? :-?

[Tipi Walter]

I have an 8' x 8' dome tent that I do like, but that's a car camping only tent for me. I guess whatever floats your boat. (may sink mine)


It's funny how people are so different. While I don't mind humping a heavy pack---I would never consider bringing a bulky heavy camera on any of my trips. My little pocket point and shoot works well enough. And I don't own a smartphone of any kind---but then I wouldn't buy one just to take pics. Or even consider carrying such a phone---as I NEVER want to get online when I'm out. See, we're all very different from each other.

[bighammer]

It's funny how people are so different. While I don't mind humping a heavy pack---I would never consider bringing a bulky heavy camera on any of my trips. My little pocket point and shoot works well enough. And I don't own a smartphone of any kind---but then I wouldn't buy one just to take pics. Or even consider carrying such a phone---as I NEVER want to get online when I'm out. See, we're all very different from each other.

It is sort of funny. I love my big tent and the space/height it provides, but when thinking about carrying it, the small, tight, spartan home shines. Most of the time, I'm fine with a heavier pack on flatter trails, but when there is some elevation change, I want to minimize as much as possible. (I should lose some weight, first)

[Feral Bill]

Two options:
1. Use the camera you have with one travel lens (wide to moderate telephoto), attached to you pack with a cheap carabiner. My Olympus mirrorless is weather sealed, which helps, as does the cropped format.
2. Get an older "ultra zoom" advanced point and shoot with a sharp lens for really cheap used. Same attachment. 44764 I took this with an Olympus SP 500 that would cost about $50 today. Weight is around 12 Oz.


Also, scenic vistas and popular animals are not the only photo subjects out there. Go after those flowers, rocks, and other close is stuff.

[bighammer]

Cool shot! Yea, I saw a lot of interesting tiny stuff on my Michigan trips, but didn't shoot a lot of it just because it was not convenient. Isle Royal was tough on my feet, ankles and knees; I was hurtin' and photography was not high on my list. In the Porkies, the weather was a bit on the damp and chilly side. Stopping became uncomfortable pretty quickly, but some of the wild 'shrooms and fungi were just amazing to look at. Pretty sure I saw some of the "magic mushrooms" but didn't get a photo to confirm. We were about a week early for decent fall colors. Just missed it. :mad:

[Feral Bill]

Cool shot! Yea, I saw a lot of interesting tiny stuff on my Michigan trips, but didn't shoot a lot of it just because it was not convenient. Isle Royal was tough on my feet, ankles and knees; I was hurtin' and photography was not high on my list. In the Porkies, the weather was a bit on the damp and chilly side. Stopping became uncomfortable pretty quickly, but some of the wild 'shrooms and fungi were just amazing to look at. Pretty sure I saw some of the "magic mushrooms" but didn't get a photo to confirm. We were about a week early for decent fall colors. Just missed it. :mad: Any camera that's right at hand is a good thing. Sturdy or disposable gets you that.

[Maineiac64]

The gopro thread was interesting, I have been playing with time lapse photos from pack strap and you do get some very cool pictures you wouldn’t get otherwise. The new hero7 has some incredible features all in a very tiny form factor.

[Slo-go'en]

I do like to have the camera close at hand and easy to get to, because you just never know when you'll need it to capture a wildlife scene.

I bought a smallish DSLR like FUJIFILM camera with 20mm lens a few years back. Kind of one step up from a shirt pocket deal. Never did figure out how to comfortably carry it, so gave up. It just got in the way.

My little S+P Samsung with 16 meg image does a pretty good job, even though a photo might need a little post production tweaking to make it really stand out. Fall foliage and sunsets come to mind. Sadly, my trusty Samsung has seen better days and it just might have to be replaced.

[fastfoxengineering]

One of the most experienced photographer thru hikers...

Recommends a sony rx100 for hiking purposes.

Unless your absolutely after the $$$ making shots.

Nicholas "Click" Richards

The next camera he recommended was a sony a6xxx family.

Why run a dslr when you can get a mirrorless for smaller/lighter?



Sent from my SM-J737V using Tapatalk

[Feral Bill]

[QUOTE=
Why run a dslr when you can get a mirrorless for smaller/lighter?



Sent from my SM-J737V using Tapatalk[/QUOTE] Because he already owns one?

[bigcranky]

One of the most experienced photographer thru hikers...

Recommends a sony rx100 for hiking purposes.






I have two Sony RX100 cameras. There are now six models. The versions III, IV, and V all have a fast 24-70mm equivalent lens, and the VI model has a slower 24-200mm eq. lens.

Advantages: 1-inch Sony sensor is excellent in good light and very good in poor light - especially with the faster lens. All models from III onward have a tiny pop-up electronic viewfinder that I can hold up to my eye so I can see what I am shooting. Lenses are very good, overall resolution is excellent. Noise is well controlled for a small sensor. The 1-inch sensor is significantly larger than a typical p+s camera, and infinitely larger than your phone's sensor. The camera folds up to the size of a pack of cigarettes and easily slides into the tiny front pocket of my waist pack. Easy access.

Disadvantages: It's super expensive; the latest model VI is $1200. It's still a point and shoot, with tiny controls, a tiny switch to zoom the lens, difficult to hold, slow to shoot, etc. Compared to a DSLR the files are not as good and it doesn't take interchangeable lenses. Compared to a phone, it's a single-use device that can't make phone calls or play music or show you the weather radar. The batteries are tiny and don't last long, so bring at least one spare, and also a wall charger (though it can be charged with a micro USB cable from your USB smartphone charger too.)

Comments: I've been making a living taking pictures since 1987. I've shot with every kind of camera system out there, from Instamatics to 4x5 field cameras. My current kit is all Fujifilm, including the big digital medium format GFX system that cost as much as my car and probably weighs the same, too.

I would not travel anywhere, especially on the trail, without my little Sony. I often bring two of them, the III and the VI, because of the different lenses. (OK, not when hiking.) I get high quality images that make even me happy, from a tiny camera that fits in my waist pack and is thus always available.

Yeah, it's super expensive and I don't recommend it for most people. I think it's a good choice for photo enthusiasts, professional photogs, etc. If you're considering bringing a DSLR on a long hike, *and* you have the cash, the RX100 is a much better choice IMHO. If you just want pix of the hike, modern smartphones make very good photos. (My wife shot all her Long Trail photos on an iPhone 5 and I was able to make some great prints up to 11x14 out of the files.)

Happy trails!

[bighammer]

Thanks, I looked it up and found this nice explanation of all the differences.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/buying-guide/picking-a-pocket-camera-sony-rx100-edition

One of the original versions might be very handy and sort of reasonable. I've been really enjoying trotting around shooting wildlife and frigid landscapes with my new 18-300mm zoom, but with the camera body, it's a 2 1/2 brick that I might be wanting to mail home if I'm slogging up a mountain in 90+ degree heat.

[BlackCloud]

Check out the Canon Powershot G series. Point and shoot size w/ DSLR capabilities.https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcSO7eJxxswacM5J31XNWlmvEi5hfXD 2GQfxZ7EjcnPvKDNDbEznNA&usqp=CAc

[Shutterbug]

... Just wondering if I'm crazy to consider it, or if others have found a decent way to bring one along.

I agree with those who have recommended getting a camera that weighs less, but if you do decide to take your heavy DSLR, this is the best way I found. I tried a number of different methods but didn't like to have the weight of the camera on my neck and wanted to have my hands free to use hiking poles.

I rigged a camera case so that it connected to the straps of my back pack. The strap of the camera was around my neck, but the weight was on the straps. It provided easy access to the camera and left my hands free.

[TurboPants]

I agree with all the old timers here, they have solid advice. After 2 days that camera case is going to feel heavy, especially after you resupply. My camera case recently broke the shoulder strap on my pack where it was attached by carabiner. The camera pouch and all my SLR gear was 1 lb, but it can still be annoying. Lots of folks have done it though, so it's about what you can tolerate carrying.

I realized I could have something 1/4 the weight and take up 1/14 of the space. If you could find a used A6000 or even 5100, that could work and the mirrorless APSC sensors still do very well. Sony's have pretty shotty battery life so expect to carry several batteries and a bulky charger. But at the same time, something with at least an APSC sized sensor with a FIXED lens will be much less hassle. Just make sure whatever you choose is based on the features you think you'll need (long exposure, HDR built in, syncs with smart phones etc).

[Traveler]

Bring what you need for most of the photos you will take. New pals met along the way, meal photos at camp, and a few view snapshots only need basic cameras found in simple digital pocket cameras or cell phones. If you are prone to finding that perfect photograph and waiting for long periods of time as lighting changes to capture the scene, the heavier SLR/DSLR cameras are going to probably be the better bet.

I typically take a Canon PowerShot with me regardless of what I am doing. However if I am going to someplace special like the Pacific Northwest I will most definitely bring the DSLR along as well for those defining photos. The minor extra weight of the DSLR will be long forgotten and the photograph enjoyed far longer.