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View Full Version : How many of you carry DSLR's?



dragoro
03-16-2012, 18:31
So many great photog oppertuinities, but if ya aint got the right equipment..

Lyle
03-16-2012, 18:43
I carry a D5100 of late. Many years ago I carried a FM2n. Have never been satisfied with the P&S photos that I got, or the process.

Shutterbug
03-16-2012, 21:19
So many great photog oppertuinities, but if ya aint got the right equipment..

I often carry a DSLR -- I litterly carry it in my hand because the opportunity to photograph wild animals is just an instant.

Last year, I hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim to rim carrying my Nikon D300.

I recently switched to a Canon 5D, Mark II. It is quite a bit heavier, but I have still been carrying it in my hand.

My photo albums are at http://www.davemcclung.com

Heald
03-17-2012, 01:18
I guess until DSLR's weight as much as an alcohol stove, or are manufactured out of titanium there won't be much use for them for modern AT hikers. I carry one though, exclusively for it's video capability's. I wouldn't hit trail without it.

Feral Bill
03-17-2012, 02:09
I'm currently using an Olympus EPL1 interchangable lens (Micro 4/3) compact camera. It, or it's competitors, may be a good option for some. I can use my old OM system lenses, too, with a cheap adaptor.

MissMagnolia
03-17-2012, 02:34
I'll be carrying a D5100 but I've been told I'm crazy. I just see the photography as more than half of my reason to be on a thru-hike. We'll see if I have to send home all my other gear in order to keep carrying it.

bigcranky
03-17-2012, 09:14
I usually take my Panasonic GF1 with the 20/1.7 lens. Makes a nice compact package and the image quality is outstanding.

Visionmonger
03-17-2012, 10:12
I take my D300 on most outings as well, however, lately I am looking into picking up a Fuji X100 (http://www.finepix-x100.com/), same manual capabilities, just one lens to keep up with and compact. ;)

ChinMusic
03-17-2012, 12:01
I always take the DSLR for trips out west. I have a Canon 5D MII but have NEVER carried it on the AT. I have yet to miss it on the AT where I just carry my iPhone.

I have only hiked the AT from Springer to Damascus. I may change my mind up north and would certainly bring the 5D with me for Katahdin.

Maren
03-17-2012, 14:21
I used to carry a dSLR on day hikes, but even that got to be annoying. As Shutterbug said, I found I had to be carrying it at all times. Wearing it around my neck was painful so I would wear it across my shoulder/chest which meant I had to stop, pull the strap up and around my arm and then take the picture. Not to mention dealing with lens covers. Using a p&s is just more convenient. Granted I don't get pics that I would blow up, but I do get what I need.

ChinMusic
03-17-2012, 14:38
I used to carry a dSLR on day hikes, but even that got to be annoying. As Shutterbug said, I found I had to be carrying it at all times. Wearing it around my neck was painful so I would wear it across my shoulder/chest which meant I had to stop, pull the strap up and around my arm and then take the picture. Not to mention dealing with lens covers. Using a p&s is just more convenient. Granted I don't get pics that I would blow up, but I do get what I need.


I searched and searched for the best way to carry my heavy DSLR. I found the following: http://www.amazon.com/Tamrac-N-11-Backpack-Camera-Straps/dp/B0000AB4NV

With these straps the weight is not on your neck and the camera is at the ready. It is also easily removed for tripod use. I love it.

Feral Bill
03-17-2012, 14:48
I used to carry an SLR with the strap attached to my external frame pack. It worked well. With my current photo and backing gear, I may need a new idea.

swammie
03-17-2012, 17:17
How about the Cotton Carrier Strap Shot? Here's a video from the company when they were running a contest to name it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcdT12hBLYY


http://www.cottoncarrier.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/BBB_8131-501.jpg

P-Train
03-17-2012, 23:13
I often carry a DSLR -- I litterly carry it in my hand because the opportunity to photograph wild animals is just an instant.

Last year, I hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim to rim carrying my Nikon D300.

I recently switched to a Canon 5D, Mark II. It is quite a bit heavier, but I have still been carrying it in my hand.

My photo albums are at http://www.davemcclung.com





Me too. Life's too fast to try to pull out your camera when you need it.

ankaka
04-24-2012, 23:14
I really like my Canon 550D digital hd video camera (http://www.sencart.com/Supply-camera_c76).

LDog
04-24-2012, 23:28
I've been carrying a Fujifilm X100. Has the same APS-C sensor as many DSLRs at a significant weight savings. It still ain't no compact, and it's autofocus can be challenging, but its IQ is phenomenal. I wrote about my search here:
http://www.laughingdog.com/2011/09/backpacking-camera.html

Bear-bait
04-25-2012, 08:17
I second LDog's recommendation of the Fuji x100. Great images with excellent low light capability. The only downside is that it is a fixed focal length camera (equates to roughly 33mm in a full frame 35mm DSLR). Here is a link to some of my images shot with the camera: http://wbchronicle.tumblr.com/post/21753023723/trail-people-volume-1

Bear-bait

flemdawg1
04-25-2012, 12:38
Fewer than 5% (source my own mind) carry an SLR camera (digital or otherwise).

I only saw one on my 100 mile section in early April from GA-NC (primetime thruhiker start). He had a 13lb pack, 8lbs was camera gear (shutter, was the trailname I think). Blazing fast out of the gate too.