View Full Version : digital camera for thru hiking
Dirtygaiters
03-11-2008, 22:27
I'm wondering what's the best digital camera for thru hiking using the criteria that it's light, small, can use standard AA or AAA batteries, takes good pictures, and uses a standard memory card?
I realize this has been discussed many times before, but since manufacturers introduce new models of cameras every year, I think the topic could be revived and still be relevant.
Blissful
03-11-2008, 22:31
I carried a cheaper Samsung S630 (probably diffferent model out this year - I didn't happen to look). When it broke in the Whites (fell on a rock), it wasn't too awful expensive to replace, thank goodness (under $100). Takes batteries. 6.0 megapixel. 3x zoom. You can see the pictures I took along the hike in my gallery.
Unfortunately (AFAIK) the very lightest cameras all take proprietary rechargeable batteries. If I'm wrong about that -- I'd like to know.
My last digital was a Sony that cost $700.00 The one I have now is a Fuji that cost under $100.00 and it takes great pictures, they look as good as the Sony. The Fuji is a lot smaller and easier to carry and runs on normal AA batteries, not a $70.00 battery like the Sony.
The one thing I would look for is an optical zoom, not a digital zoom. My Fuji has both.
I don’t think you need to buy an expensive camera to get good pictures.
Critterman
03-12-2008, 08:22
Try looking at a Nikon L11. Fits all the criteria you mentioned and is relatively cheap. Weighs 5.6 oz with 2 lithium AA.
Kerosene
03-12-2008, 10:30
I agree with terrapin, the lightest cameras (sub 5 ounce) rely on proprietary extended life batteries which last for 100-200 pictures depending on how much you zoom and review on the LCD screen. If I was thru-hiking I would bring two batteries (each less than 1 ounce) and put the charger in a bounce box. I'd carry a lot less weight than carrying replacement batteries.
If that seems like a viable option for you then consider the Pentax Optio waterproof digicam (http://www.dpreview.com/news/0501/05010501pentax_optiowp.asp).
I bought a Sanyo for $89. Probably not the best camera, but so far I like it, and if I break it so what. Also you can zoom in on pictures after you have taken them, which will be really cool for wildlife pictures. I went to Yellowstone about ten years ago and saw 5 or 6 bears. When I developed the film they just looked like dark spots in the woods.
German Tourist
03-16-2008, 12:24
I would consider a much broader approach and look for a multi-function gadget.
On my CDT thruhike I was carrying a camera, an ipod and a GPS. This year on the AT I wanted to reduce weight and came up with a surprising solution: a cell phone.
Actually, I don't need a cell phone at all, but it is it's other functions that made me buy it.
I now have a Nokia N95 that has the following features:
- 5 Mega pixel camera with flash
- uses micro SD card meaning unlimited memory
- includes MP3 player
- includes radio
- includes GPS (I haven't tried that feature yet)
- you can surf the internet with WLAN
- and finally: you can use it as a cell phone if you want to.
Think about it.... for me this was the ultimate weight saving with maximum luxury...
Christine
Dirtygaiters
03-16-2008, 16:48
what about the battery life of that futureal gadget?
German Tourist
03-16-2008, 17:20
Sorry, I have just received it two days ago and can't say much about battery life yet.
Pokey2006
03-18-2008, 03:37
This is what I used. Mixed reviews, but take a peek at my gallery and you'll see it does a decent job. Small, light, cheap (got a floor model for around $80 at Wal-Mart), and takes AA batteries. If you take a lot of pics, get a 1GB memory card, rechargeable batteries and a GOOD recharger, and you're good to go.
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Digimax-Digital-Camera-Black/dp/B0007ZGXQI
Ok, here's a stupid question: If you carry a camera on the trail, do you just use one big memory card the whole time? How many photos does a standard issue 6-7 mpxl camera fit into a gig of card space? If you fill it up, do you burn the pictures, send them home, and clear the card?
I do dslr photography for college stuff, but we shoot with 12 mpxl cameras in RAW format (huge files, about 100 pictures per gig of card space), but I know nothing about little point and shooters.
Ok, here's a stupid question: If you carry a camera on the trail, do you just use one big memory card the whole time? How many photos does a standard issue 6-7 mpxl camera fit into a gig of card space? If you fill it up, do you burn the pictures, send them home, and clear the card?
I do dslr photography for college stuff, but we shoot with 12 mpxl cameras in RAW format (huge files, about 100 pictures per gig of card space), but I know nothing about little point and shooters.What I've read in a couple TJ's that people do is take 2 cards, use one, mail it home to get downloaded and mailed back, while they use the second one in its place. I think that's how Certain and Persistent did it last year if I'm not mistaken. If nothing else, it seems like a practical idea. :D
hammock engineer
03-21-2008, 00:38
I did the mail game with 2 memory cards. It worked out pretty good for me. With as cheap as they are now, you can get a large size one really cheap. I think I took 4k pics on my hike. It went in spurts, but was fun.
What capacity were the cards? How many pictures did each hold? How often did you swap out? Thanks for the help...
DuctTape
03-21-2008, 02:57
The Nikon L11 is a good choice as mentioned, or anything in similar in the Coolpix series. AA lithium batteries last quite some time. Here's a brief article I wrote on the subject:
http://www.jamiecompos.com/cameras
frisbeefreek
03-23-2008, 09:20
I'm also looking for a camera. Just a request that if you have an accurate weight, please post! I have a digital camera I love, but it takes 4AA's, and is too heavy. I'm looking for something that I won't cry over when it gets crushed.
--ff
Rocketman
03-27-2008, 09:37
I used a Panasonic DMC-LZ5 with 6 Megapix, nice 6X Zoom, image stabilized, and takes AA batteries and SD cards up to 2 GB.
Weight 220 grams or 7 3/4 Oz.
I just saw a later model with more pixels and same zoom at Big Lots for just about $100.
Gray Blazer
03-27-2008, 09:47
This is what I used. Mixed reviews, but take a peek at my gallery and you'll see it does a decent job. Small, light, cheap (got a floor model for around $80 at Wal-Mart), and takes AA batteries. If you take a lot of pics, get a 1GB memory card, rechargeable batteries and a GOOD recharger, and you're good to go.
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Digimax-Digital-Camera-Black/dp/B0007ZGXQI
I peeked at your gallery. Your camera does take good pics. You are photogenic which helps, also.
I bought the Nikon S600 and have enjoyed it. I keep it in a 1010 Pelican case attached to my shoulder strap so it's always readily accessible. The camera's start up time is less than half a second so I get allot of photos that I would have missed with my old Canon. It has a 28mm wide angle lens which is great for landscapes and group shots and has a 4x optical zoom which is comparable to 112mm (a guess) on a 35 mm camera. The only bitch is the proprietory batteries but they're dirt cheap on ebay and very light. I'll bounce the charger and keep enough batteries on hand for 500 shots= 2 batts. It doesn't do mp3s, make phone calls, or surf the web but it takes great 10 megapixel photos and the shutter is extremely quick.