I'm finally gonna get a digital camera, but not quite sure what kind yet. Can anyone recommend a good hiking/backpacking digital camera that can take the trail and is 3 megapixels? Also I will want to boost the memory up quite a bit.
FWIW, the Pemaraal adapter for the TZ3/TZ4/TZ5 is also susceptible to vignetting for normal-thickness circular polarizers. You can get around it by using a step-up to a larger filter or using a thin-profile filter. That camera will work with a linear polarizer, which is thinner, so that's what I plan to try.
Ever thought about buying a square circular polarizer and hand-holding it? Like something for the Cokin "p" series or a 4X4. No worry about vignetting or adapters.
"Arizona is the land of contrast... You can go from Minnesota to California in a matter of minutes, then have Mexican food that night." -Jack Dykinga
azpride wrote:Ever thought about buying a square circular polarizer and hand-holding it? Like something for the Cokin "p" series or a 4X4. No worry about vignetting or adapters.
azpride wrote:Ever thought about buying a square circular polarizer and hand-holding it? Like something for the Cokin "p" series or a 4X4. No worry about vignetting or adapters.
I went back and forth on that. I might still go that way eventually. However, I usually have a hard enough time holding just a camera without also juggling a filter. I've also discovered that snapping pics with trekking poles hanging from my wrists really gives the motion stabilization a run for its money.
Hoffmaster wrote:Is the white-balance the same in each shot?
The white balance on the Cybershot was set to "sun" and the A300 was either sun or auto. Can't remember if I changed it since I took the photos, but right now it is set to auto.
Regardless, it's a pretty noticeable difference in image quality. The A300 shot is showing much more detail in the mountain than the Cybershot.
Thanks. That is exactly why I wanted a camera like this. The Cybershot doesn't take good mountain photos and it was driving me nuts. As a point and shoot it can take some great photos, especially if you can adjust the levels and saturation later, but long distance shots look like crap.
it's weird to hear people discount a camera because it doesn't have "live view". What ever happened to looking through a viewfinder?
This is my first "DSLR". I'm so used to using the live view that having to look through the view finder would be a PITA. I tried it a few times at the store and didn't like having the camera up on my face like that. Also with live view you can immediately see the differences between the adjustments, some of which you can't see in the view finder.
Either way I still have the view finder if I choose to use it down the road. This way I'm covered. That LCD screen is hard to see in the bright sun-light sometimes. I also liked the tilting LCD screen. That will come in really handy, especially when taking "artsy" shots in odd areas.
BTW, I might decide to sell the Cybershot. Gotta talk to the wifey.
azpride wrote:Ever thought about buying a square circular polarizer and hand-holding it? Like something for the Cokin "p" series or a 4X4. No worry about vignetting or adapters.
I went back and forth on that. I might still go that way eventually. However, I usually have a hard enough time holding just a camera without also juggling a filter. I've also discovered that snapping pics with trekking poles hanging from my wrists really gives the motion stabilization a run for its money.
Some of the poles now have a camera mount under the top fascia or ball or whatever...if only I used them.
azpride wrote:Ever thought about buying a square circular polarizer and hand-holding it? Like something for the Cokin "p" series or a 4X4. No worry about vignetting or adapters.
I went back and forth on that. I might still go that way eventually. However, I usually have a hard enough time holding just a camera without also juggling a filter. I've also discovered that snapping pics with trekking poles hanging from my wrists really gives the motion stabilization a run for its money.
I'm in much the same boat. For me, with my low physical coordination level, I'm lucky I can hike without killing myself and others, and let alone hike, keep track of my pole, hold a camera, hold a filter and still perform basic functions like breathing and blinking. It's why I've never graduated to 2 poles - the times I've tried have been pretty disasterous!
I will look at the polarizer adapter, though. It's one of the big advantages of my SLR - if I could do that on the TZ, then I've got less motivation than ever to drag the 3lb moster on every trip...
----------------------------------- Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.- Barack Obama
I purchased a high-end Canon G10 "point 'n shoot" in Dec'08. Being new to digital photography and this G10 being my first digital camera, it was a BIG investment for me ($500.00 +). I have been using it almost weekly since the middle of Dec'08, and so far, I am very pleased with it overall. It was probably an "overkill" for me since I am still mainly just learning how to use the automatic features, but in time I do hope to graduate into more understanding and use of the many functions (manual/raw & other) it has to offer.
This camera had been compared on some respected photography websites (see HAZ-azpride's » Mar 06 2009 11:28am previous posting on another HAZ thread.. copied & pasted below* ) as being a good alternative for some who are on the edge of deciding if they want to go with a good digital "point 'n shoot" or take the plunge for a "DSLR".
* by azpride » Mar 06 2009 11:28 am:
Before you take the DSLR plunge, I would suggest looking into some of the higher end point n shoots. The main advantages of a DSLR are super-wide lenses and good filters. Taking advantage of these can turn into a pricey setup, though. My 40D with a 10-20mm lens and a polarizer came out to well over a grand. Throw in a cheaper longer lens (normal pictures on a superwide look silly), a tripod and a good camera bag to protect it on hikes, and you've got quite the investment. Then, factor in that if you keep the thing swinging around your neck on hikes your really risking ruining the investment, so you've got to keep it in a camera bag and sling it over your shoulder like a manpurse (and if you really want to take care of it, keep the lenses and camera body taken apart and in separate compartments while hiking).
Google "Guy Tal g10", click the first result that comes up, and follow the link on that page to Guy's very positive review of the Canon g10 (a $500, 14.7 megapixel point 'n shoot). He also posts shots he took with the g10 that are VERY impressive.
part of Guy Tal's Review Conclusion:
"The G10 delivers what would have been almost inconceivable just a few years back: a complete camera system, capable of producing high quality large prints, with a level of detail previously reserved to SLRs costing many times more, in a package small enough to carry just about anywhere, and tough enough to withstand even the most demanding field work. Certainly there’s some room for improvement. A larger sensor would be at the top of my personal wish list; and undoubtedly the G11, when it becomes available, will likely push performance even further. But for anyone looking for a serious compact, as their main camera or to fill in some gaps alongside other systems – the G10 sets the bar very high and produces results well worthy of publication and fine-art work."
(Canon SX110 IS)
I just recently stumbled on to this forum topic. I reviewed some prior treads inquiring about the Canon SX110 IS. My current camera is a SX110 IS. I have been using it since my Panther Gulch photoset on 12/21/2008. I love this camera and have nothing but good things to say about it. Its small and sleek, user friendly, has great features, great image quality, and performs well under adverse conditions. I originally used Canon A-Frames for many years. I still use an A-550 for my work. I wanted a camera with greater performance, yet still relatively small. I carry my SX110 IS in a Lowepro Ridge-30 belt holster. Ten photosets later, and I am still in love with the camera.
It's important to remember that any camera, regardless of price will take a lousy picture if not properly set up and used correctly. Higher priced cameras will not compensate for inexperience.
Last edited by ssk44 on Apr 07 2009 7:22 am, edited 1 time in total.
I will again recommend that anyone looking to upgrade to DSLR take a look at Guy's review so you can see the shots he takes with this camera. They are absolutely spectacular and prove that great shots can be taken with a point and shoot. While your at it, go to his website and look at his other shots if you want to be blown away.
"Arizona is the land of contrast... You can go from Minnesota to California in a matter of minutes, then have Mexican food that night." -Jack Dykinga
azpride wrote:I will again recommend that anyone looking to upgrade to DSLR take a look at Guy's review so you can see the shots he takes with this camera. They are absolutely spectacular and prove that great shots can be taken with a point and shoot.
(G10 vs. SX110 IS)
This is a rather interesting real world comparison between my camera, a SX110 IS, and Hanks camera, a G10. For this picture, both of our cameras were set up exactly the same and each shot was taken at a -2/3 exposure. Ignore the differences in the overall subject. Look at the differences in the overall quality, color, and clarity. I feel that the picture taken by the G10 is noticeably better. My SX110 IS cannot take that picture. I took about three shots of this subject. With my camera set at a -1/3 exposure, my foreground improves but I loose quality in background. It started showing more of the noticeable distant haze near Armer Mountain that was apparent that day.
Please realize that neither of us are advanced photographers. I am sure there was other things that could have done to further manipulate the conditions that day to produce a better photo. What makes this comparison so cool is that these are two simultaneously taken pictures shot by different cameras set up exactly the same. It's a great real would comparison that is applicable to many weekend warrior photographers.
A G10 has a retail price of $500.00 dollars. A SX110 IS has a retail price of $250.00 dollars. Are the differences in the photos worth paying twice as much? For me, at this current time and with my level of experience, I would have to say no, however the G10 is certainly a better camera and in the hands of an experience photographer is likely capable of shocking results for the price. Not only is the G10 a superb camera, but it's also incredibly compact. The G10 is not much larger than my SX110 IS.
It is my opinion that if you are an enthusiast photographer that is wanting to expand their skills, I would not even hesitate from buying a G10. It's a camera that you will likely not soon grow out of and is something that is not a burden to bring during long day hikes. Sure, high-end SLR's are better cameras, but what you need to honestly ask yourself is just how far do I really want to go? For the weekend warrior enthusiast photographer, a G10 is great hiking companion that is capable of taking killer photos. As Joel has pointed out in the above treads and other recent topics, taking the next step up into the SLR realm has its disadvantages.
Anybody seen or heard anything about the Canon D10? Supposed to be rugged and waterproof. Not sure if it shoots RAW.
Anybody can make a hike harder. The real skill comes in making the hike easier.
life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes. Andy Rooney
Take this camera anywhere: waterproof to 33 feet, cold resistant from 14-104°F and shockproof up to 4 feet.
A selection of unique accessories available such as customized straps and interchangeable faceplates.
DIGIC 4 Image Processor has evolved Face Detection Technology that tracks the faces of moving subjects and lets the shooter enter the frame seamlessly with the Face Detection Self-Timer.
12.1 Megapixels for amazing resolution and editing, plus 3x Optical Zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilizer.
Blink Detection alerts a shooter after a shot has been taken that a subject has closed eyes.
Smart AUTO intelligently selects the proper settings for the camera based on 18 predefined shooting situations.
Looks a little pricey at $330 for the May availability. It is loaded with 12 megapixels and the Digic 4 processor and waterproof to compete with Olympus. I guess most wouldn't drop their camera more than 4 feet. It still seems a little wimpy considering they advertise it. They also advertise it at "freezeproof", then as stated in the specs it's 14-104 degrees fahrenheit. Boy where do I stand in line for one of those The most discouraging part is the sample photos Canon provides. They really don't look that good. They didn't even take the time to rotate one of the frames that's sideways.
New entry coming out at the end of this month in the point and shoot race. If it lives up to hype another improvement for Sony.
Cybershot dsc-HX1
CMOS sensor, BIONZ processor, 9.1 MP, 20X zoom
Features I find interesting--
28mm on wide end, a little wider for PS camera
G Lens---same glass used for their DSLR's
Sweep Panoramic mode---You sweep the camera and it stitches the photos together for you
Low light super steady designed for those of us who don't use a tripod---takes a burst of 6 pics and layers them to achieve a photo without blur.
In camera filter choices ( H50 also has this) retail for around 500.00
I still like Canon DSLR and now temp use a Nikon, but I like the Sony DSC-H50 a lot as a walk around camera, and this one could be an improvement.
thanks for the update. The sweep Panoramic mode sounds intriguing. I know my camera is getting well worn as two side panels have now fallen off. My Panasonic FZ20 takes quite a licking :stretch: but keeps on ticking. I was looking at the Panasonic FZ28 or the Canon Powershot SX1 IS. I will do a comparison at the end of the month with the Sony and then head to a camera shop to give them all a look-see and feel. However, I also need to buy backpacking gear so the camera may have to wait.
For me, sometimes it's just as much about the journey as the destination. Oh, and once in awhile, don't forget to look back at the trail you've traveled.
tibber wrote:I was looking at the Panasonic FZ28 or the Canon Powershot SX1 IS.
Angela,
Unless you need the x20 zoom on the "Canon SX1 IS", I would recommend my camera, which is a "SX110 IS" with x10 zoom. The "SX110 IS" is half the price of a "SX1 IS". My dad has a "SX1 IS" and is currently pleased with the camera with the only exception being that it is a large and heavy. Ten power zoom is typically plenty for wildlife photograph. I am extremely pleased with my "SX110 IS".
Angela- Go for the backpacking gear first. No photography gear can improve photos as much as spending nights in the middle of nature. Experiencing the sunrises and sunsets from a tent in the middle of the wilderness is like nothing else.
"Arizona is the land of contrast... You can go from Minnesota to California in a matter of minutes, then have Mexican food that night." -Jack Dykinga
azpride wrote:No photography gear can improve photos as much as spending nights in the middle of nature. Experiencing the sunrises and sunsets from a tent in the middle of the wilderness is like nothing else.
Very true statement Joel. Most really good pictures are either taken in the early morning or late afternoon.
This is my first "DSLR". I'm so used to using the live view that having to look through the view finder would be a PITA. I tried it a few times at the store and didn't like having the camera up on my face like that. Also with live view you can immediately see the differences between the adjustments, some of which you can't see in the view finder.
The most discouraging part is the sample photos Canon provides. They really don't look that good. They didn't even take the time to rotate one of the frames that's sideways.
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