What Camera to take? $2,000 Budget

[susiegear]

Hello, I am looking for the best camera to take on the trail. I am really into photography and am looking at making it into a small business after I get back from the trail in 2016. I have a budget of around 2K. My main preferences are the ability to shoot wide angle/ultra wide angle, durability, and weight. i have always shot with film and will be switching to digital so I am not too familiar with whats out there these days. I thought some of you might have some experience on the trail with your camera equipment. Thanks much!

Susie

[Gray Bear]

2K. I'd go with a Nikon D810, 10mm fisheye, 50mm 1.8 and 85 1.8. its not light but man it would give you some serious firepower! You would need some serious amount on memory too. Then again I'd just get a nice GoPro if in was my money

Hello, I am looking for the best camera to take on the trail. I am really into photography and am looking at making it into a small business after I get back from the trail in 2016. I have a budget of around 2K. My main preferences are the ability to shoot wide angle/ultra wide angle, durability, and weight. i have always shot with film and will be switching to digital so I am not too familiar with whats out there these days. I thought some of you might have some experience on the trail with your camera equipment. Thanks much!

Susie

[Havana]

And extra batteries and one or two chargers.

If I were to carry a DSLR on the trail I would also look at the Canon SL1. Small Camera. Pair it with an awesome lens like the Canon EF-S 17-55 and you got a very solid wide-angle to mid-range zoom on a cutting edge technology body. Don't skimp on lens quality. You should be able to get the body, lens, a couple of extra batteries all in for under your $2K budget.

That said, it's not a pro level camera but it also doesn't weigh what a pro-level camera weighs (and costs).

[bigcranky]

$2000 is more than I would spend on a trail camera system, and not at all enough to spend on a professional assignment photography business system. The two systems really aren't the same.

Speaking as someone who makes a living with a camera, I'd not want to carry a large kit for all kinds of reasons. Weight is one, of course, but there's also weather, accessibility, image quality, and other accessories like a tripod. That D810 suggested above is a great camera, but seriously requires a heavy duty tripod to take advantage of its high pixel count. Also, too, it's huge.

Features I would want in a serious trail camera:

Weather resistance, optical image stabilization, high ISO image quality, good lenses, large-ish sensor size, overall reasonable weight and size. I'd bring a fast general purpose zoom lens, and maybe a second telephoto zoom.

The Olympus OMD-EM1 meets all those features. The Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 zoom is an excellent choice for a main lens. You can get both for about $2200. You'd of course need several spare batteries and a bunch of SD memory cards. If you're serious about the photos, you'll want to shoot raw files and they use a lot of space. This camera can be used as part of a professional system (you'd need a second camera and some additional lenses). I expect the total outlay to be $2500 or more.

Alternatively, the Panasonic LX100 has the same large sensor and a terrific fast zoom lens built into a compact body -- the lenses aren't interchangeable but it's still a serious picture taking machine. You'll save a lot of weight and complexity, and it costs under $1000. Save the rest for when you get back, as you'll need to spend money on all sorts of things to start a photo business. The LX100 is about 90% of the goodness of the Oly but at less than half the price. It would make an excellent trail camera and an everyday carry camera for a pro or serious enthusiast. (However, it's not designed for shooting professional assignments.)

If you haven't transitioned to digital imaging yet, then I would strongly suggest that you do so long before your hike. There's a lot to learn about image processing, archiving, etc. The actual shooting isn't all that different from film, but everything else is.

[Mobius]

A digital body that goes with your current collection of lenses (from your existing film cameras) would be my first recommendation. Buying new glass is expensive.

[jawnzee]

sony a7 looks crazy good. full frame sensor (larger than many/most dslrs, and is a crucial specification to look at when comparing cameras and their potential image quality) but still way smaller than a dslr. too expensive for me. but with a budget of $2000 for a trail-ready camera capable of producing very professional images, this should be the one.

you should also look at the sony rx100 iii. sure, it's a compact, but it's a really amazing compact.

[Shutterbug]

Hello, I am looking for the best camera to take on the trail. I am really into photography and am looking at making it into a small business after I get back from the trail in 2016. I have a budget of around 2K. My main preferences are the ability to shoot wide angle/ultra wide angle, durability, and weight. i have always shot with film and will be switching to digital so I am not too familiar with whats out there these days. I thought some of you might have some experience on the trail with your camera equipment. Thanks much!

Susie

Before deciding on the camera, you need to answer a few key question:
1. How do you intend to carry the camera?
2. Do you intend to use multiple lens?
3. What is the maximum weight you will allow for all your camera gear?
4. Is taking pictures of wildlife an important goal?

My answer to those questions steers me in a different direction than some of the other advice.

Getting good pictures of wildlife is a important goal of mine. That means I can't carry my camera in the back pack. It has to be quickly available. That also means that I have a lens with telephoto capability.

I have found that changing lenses on a hike is a real pain. Carrying multiple lenses adds to the weight. It is really hard to keep dust out of your camera when changing lens on the trail. For that reason, I only carry one lens and don't change it on the trail. In my opinion, one can't beat the Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR DX lens. Once you chose the lens you will use, the camera body is a matter of personal choice. I personally use a Nikon D300, but I had it for a few years. There may be something better on the market now.

I experimented for years on the best way to carry my camera. Putting in the pack results in missing most wildlife shots. Carrying it in my hand prevented me from using two hiking poles. Hanging it around my neck on the camera strap causes my neck to hurt. The solution for me was to adapt a camera case so that it is suspended from my backpack straps and hangs in front.

[fastfoxengineering]

Make sure shooting photos is something you actually want to take seriously while your hiking. Consider your hike your full time job and then shooting professional quality images a part time job on top of that full time job. It'll get tiring, unless of course, you are able to take your sweet ass time on your thru hike.

Alot of people take nice cameras and want to capture everything, then after a few weeks get tired of doing it. It would really suck to buy a $2k camera and send it home.

I would bring the best compact camera out there. You can't get the very best professional quality images, but good enough to get your point across.

You'll still learn a ton about photography.

I've had people send me pictures that I've drooled over on my computer... then to have them tell me they took it with their iphone

think long and hard about this decision

[Venchka]

The Olympus OMD-EM1 meets all those features. The Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 zoom is an excellent choice for a main lens. You can get both for about $2200. You'd of course need several spare batteries and a bunch of SD memory cards. If you're serious about the photos, you'll want to shoot raw files and they use a lot of space. This camera can be used as part of a professional system (you'd need a second camera and some additional lenses). I expect the total outlay to be $2500 or more.

RIGHT ON! A friend of mine has some HUGE enlargements (20x24) from his OMD-EM5 that are drop dead gorgeous. Naturally, my friend's talent had quite a bit to do with the quality of the photos. The Olympus 12 mm f/2.0 (24 mm equivalent on 35mm film) is one of the finest wide angle lenses I have seen. You could spend more, carry more weight and not have better equipment.
YMMV.

Wayne

[susiegear]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions! I have been doing photography for about 25 years now and have always taken my camera equipment on all of my trips which include bicycle touring, long distance canoe trips, and backpacking. I find that taking the time to take photos is very relaxing and very much a part of my trips. I have really been looking at the Olympus OMD-EM1 and the sony a7. The Panasonic LX100 is one that I have not read much about but i do like the compact idea(and the price). i will have to read up some more on that one. I am not too much into wildlife photos unless a good opportunity arises. i found that taking wildlife photos does take up too much of my time since in my experience, a lot of wildlife shots require sitting and waiting for the right shot. i am more interested in landscapes and things like that. i did buy a cheap compact digital a few years ago to start learning a bit about digital. It is a sony DSC-HX10V. Very basic but I wanted to learn the digital features and how to deal with the computer work that comes with digital. I will always prefer my old Film cameras but realize I need to get up with the times and do not want to be carrying so much film thru the humidity. Thanks again for all of your help!
Susie

[Venchka]

I still shoot 4x5 & medium format film. Then I scan the negatives and do a bit of tweaking in Lightroom. I use Microsoft ICE for stitching. I don't own Photoshop and see no need for it. If I buy any additional software, I will buy the Google Nik Collection.
I also own a Canon 1D Mk III. Overkill for my digital efforts. Alas, it has become a relic. It isn't worth enough to sell it.
One of these days I will buy a mirrorless body (Sony or Olympus) and put my rangefinder lenses to good use.
Good luck! My favorite negatives were shot on a backpacking trip with a Pentax 6x7. Mentioning carrying The Beast to 13,000 feet in Colorado sends the youngsters into A-fib.

Wayne

[susiegear]

Venchka- I'd love to see some of those medium format shots! I'm glad to see another who still believes in film.

[Slo-go'en]

I'm convinced that taking a great photo is 1% camera and 99% being at the right place at the right time and knowing how to compose the shot.

On a thru hike your always on the move. You get to a vista, snap a picture or two and move on. You don't have time to wait around for just the right lighting or weather or critter to come along. Sometimes your are at the right place at the right time but mostly you take what you can get at the moment.

Therefore, having a camera which is quick to access, easy to use and is reasonably light but of decent quality should be sufficient. The little shirt pocket cameras today take amazingly good photos. I only wish I had some kind of uV filter as the sky is often washed out.

[iAmKrzys]

I have a Sony a6000 ($700 with 16-55 power lens or $550 for body only) that I coupled with 18-200 mm lens SEL18200LE ($850). Camera + lens + battery weighs just under 1 lb 14 oz (I hesitated about the weight a lot but eventually came to accept it .) For carrying it I got a cheap Case Logic SHC-101-BK DSLR Day Holster (small) and mounted it fairly high on my pack left strap using velcro. This gives me pretty quick access to the camera and only marginally gets in the way of my left hand. The holster is not waterproof so I also carry a ziplock bag inside the holster in case it rains. I also got a set of two extra Wasabi Power batteries with charger. Between the 3 batteries I lasted a week of backpacking with descent amount of picture taking. Here is a sample taken a Rae Lakes looking north (downsized for the Web):

DSC02443.JPG

You may also want consider reading some camera reviews on sites like dpreview before you part with your money...

[swonut]

I'd look at two cameras. A full DSLR featured Cannon G15 or the older G12 and pair it with a small external flash and remote shutter release (only a few grams and relatively cheap). I'd also go for a waterproof camera to capture the days that it's rainy and wet out and a GOpro for the time-lapse video and maybe some interviews of the folks you meet. I'd then highly recommend an ultra-pod to give you the ability to have a small, light tripod. Pair that with a Stick-pic for unusual angles. Pair it up with a universal battery charger so you don't have to carry three chargers. Then use the left over money to buy down your total pack weight so you can carry the extra photo gear. I found the ALOKSAK bag is much better than ziplocks over the long haul as it's pretty expensive to have to buy a box of freezer bags when you only need one or two.

[Venchka]

Venchka- I'd love to see some of those medium format shots! I'm glad to see another who still believes in film.

I still believe. In the near future, I'll be free to devote more time to silver based media.

Please excuse the mess. My online galleries need work.

Backpacking in what is now the Holy Cross Wilderness, Colorado. Pentax 6x7, 105mm/2.4 Super Takumar, Plus-X. Y'all remember Plus-X, right? Kodachorme and Plus-X were/are my favorite, departed, lamented emulsions.
http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/venchka/rocks-clouds/

Europe with a Mamiya C-220 and Canon IV-S2 with Agfa and Plus-X film.
http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/ven...rope-1969_001/

A mix of 4x5, 6x7 and 35mm film. A digital image or two as well.
http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/venchka/cemeteries/

Holmesville, MS.
http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/venchka/Door/

Hodgepodge of formats.
http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/ven...Texas+Project/

Thanks for looking.

Wayne

[Venchka]

I'm convinced that taking a great photo is 1% camera and 99% being at the right place at the right time and knowing how to compose the shot.

On a thru hike your always on the move. You get to a vista, snap a picture or two and move on. You don't have time to wait around for just the right lighting or weather or critter to come along. Sometimes your are at the right place at the right time but mostly you take what you can get at the moment.

Therefore, having a camera which is quick to access, easy to use and is reasonably light but of decent quality should be sufficient. The little shirt pocket cameras today take amazingly good photos. I only wish I had some kind of uV filter as the sky is often washed out.

Taken on the move. Bamboo hiking staff (Thanks, Mr. Fletcher) as monopod. Exposure by guess & by gosh. 1768 grams of Pentax 6x7 & 105mm lens.





For the record, I was carrying a 2 1/2 pound frameless backpack which I still own and can still be purchased today from Rivendell Mountain Works. We carried an 8x10 blue tarp for shelter. Ultralight in the mid-70s.

Wayne

[Odd Man Out]

I still shoot 4x5 & medium format film. Then I scan the negatives and do a bit of tweaking in Lightroom. I use Microsoft ICE for stitching. I don't own Photoshop and see no need for it. If I buy any additional software, I will buy the Google Nik Collection.
I also own a Canon 1D Mk III. Overkill for my digital efforts. Alas, it has become a relic. It isn't worth enough to sell it.
One of these days I will buy a mirrorless body (Sony or Olympus) and put my rangefinder lenses to good use.
Good luck! My favorite negatives were shot on a backpacking trip with a Pentax 6x7. Mentioning carrying The Beast to 13,000 feet in Colorado sends the youngsters into A-fib.

Wayne

Something like this? I just have a point and shoot. But this is my favorite picture of a guy taking a picture. (near Bright Angel Point)

gc.jpg

[Connie]

Venchka, thank you for sharing.

Inspires me to bring out my Leica M3.

How I love Ilford XP-1 for B&W and Fujifilm for all the many green colors in nature.

My Fujifilm Finepix F550EXR with GPS 15x zoom 24mm wide has a setting for Fujifilm.

I don't know $2,000 will get you a Leaf digital back. They have rentals at Adolph Gasser, San Francisco, CA.

Hint: think the light ratio brightest with detail to darkest with detail and getting it all on the straight portion of the "film curve" and your B&W will look like the best of Ansel Adams.

My B&W was C-41 process Ilford XP-1.

[Venchka]

Something like this? I just have a point and shoot. But this is my favorite picture of a guy taking a picture. (near Bright Angel Point)

gc.jpg

Someday. Maybe. That might be me.

Wayne