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NEIowapaddler
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03/16/2023 06:10PM  
Those of you who use cameras that are NOT built into your cell phone, what do you carry on your trips?

My cell camera malfunctioned last year on my trip and wouldn't focus in any mode other than super-wide angle, which was frustrating. And I really didn't like having to dig it out of the dry bag every time I wanted to take a photo of something while paddling. So I'm looking for a decent camera.

I'd rather not spend over $500 if I can avoid it. Bonus points if it's waterproof/shockproof, but it doesn't have to be.
 
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YetiJedi
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03/16/2023 06:24PM  
If I was going to buy one that meets the requirements you outline, I would choose this one.

A friend of mine had one and I was impressed with how well it worked. Waterproof, very durable, video and photos at a relatively good quality, and it's within the budget you mentioned.

For what it's worth, my smart phone (google pixel) functions as my tripping camera and I attach it to my PFD with a small cord which keeps it close but safe.
 
03/16/2023 06:43PM  
Sorry NE, (and all) this is going to be a long post because I am passionate about the BWCA and I am passionate about photography and excited that you want to get into it a bit.

I take a lot of photos wherever I go, including the BWCA. Photography has become one of the main pastimes up there, probably even surpassing fishing(oh that hurts).
I would call myself an advanced amateur photographer. I have many hundreds of photos on this site. Been doing it for a lot of years. So I kind of know photography.

For image quality a DSLR is the way to go but with your budget you can't get there and not even close for a good quality one with a couple lenses. I have a DSLR i have used a lot, including the BWCA but have been frustrated by their lack of versatility. I have a wide angle to short telephoto lens and a longer telephoto lens but it seems that whatever I am shooting, I always need the other lens.

There is a category of cameras called a Bridge Camera. It has a smaller size sensor so you can't quite get the resolution and image quality of a decent DSLR. But truthfully it only matters if you are going to try to sell your photos professionally or enlarge them to a very big print. They take darn good photos. (I will give some examples)

So with a DSLR you get better quality but if you are in camp early morning and you see a moose across the lake you run and get your camera right? But it has the wide angle lens on it so you have to run back, carefully take the wide angle lens off, carefully put the telephoto on, run back to the lakeshore and hope the moose is still there. Bridge cameras can have incredible zoom ranges on their lenses from wide angle to long telephoto so that you are always ready for the shot. They are very easy to use. You can shoot a closeup of a wildflower blooming in the woods and then a minute later a mama loon with babies 100 yards out on the lake with no problem. They offer incredible flexibility and convenience with very good image quality. Image quality is a moot point if you miss the shot because you have the wrong lens on.

The other thing is that to buy quality lenses for DSLR's, they cost as much as if not more than the camera itself. Not budget friendly. There are other categories of cameras besides bridge and DSLR out there that are great but they don't offer the features and zoom range of a bridge camera. If you want to be able to capture the amazing things you see in the BWCA and other places without worrying about which lens you have on, bridge cameras are the ticket. Others may disagree.

I have a Panasonic Lumix FZ 150 which was an early generation of bridge cameras that is a dozen or so years old and still works great. I am sure technoIogy has improved the capabilities of current models immensely. I find myself taking it instead of my DSLR on some trips because it just works better for the type of photographer I am. I like taking photos of flowers and mushrooms and insects and cool things I see in the woods. I like taking scenics and sunsets and I like taking wildlife and bird photos where the zoom range comes in. Mine still works great.

So here is an example of what I am talking about that fits within your budget:

Panasonic Lumix bridge camera

It features a 24x zoom which is a 25-600 equivalent zoom in old 35mm terms. 35 is considered wide angle. A 600 zoom offers incredible reach. Honestly, the 600 zoom range is almost unusable as a handheld camera, at least for me because of camera shake(especially after that strong cup of coffee in the morning) but can be used with a tripod or monopod. Image quality is also not the greatest at that extreme end of the zoom range. But backing it off a little to 400-450 mm it is much more usable and can give you pretty decent photos. More than you probably need.

Depends on your goals with the camera. If you want flexibility, convenience and ease of use these work great. If you want to be able to go from a closeup of a cool mushroom to an otter swimming 100 yards offshore this camera can do it easily. If image quality is the highest priority and you want to sell them or blow them up to huge prints then a DSLR would be better.

Here are a few samples of photos taken with the Panasonic bridge camera - keep in mind they are probably much better than they were 12 years ago:







































I truly believe you would be happy with this type of camera and you would get some great shots. Trust me as an avid and very experienced photographer that it is a good balance between price, quality and features. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Other brands have similar cameras, my Panasonic has been awesome and still going.
 
NEIowapaddler
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03/16/2023 07:14PM  
YetiJedi: "If I was going to buy one that meets the requirements you outline, I would choose this one.


A friend of mine had one and I was impressed with how well it worked. Waterproof, very durable, video and photos at a relatively good quality, and it's within the budget you mentioned.


For what it's worth, my smart phone (google pixel) functions as my tripping camera and I attach it to my PFD with a small cord which keeps it close but safe."


That Olympus camera is actually one I've been looking at. It definitely looks promising, although the photo quality is supposed to be poorer than higher-end smartphones. Granted, smartphones can take some pretty amazing photos these days, so that may not be a big negative.

What model of the Pixel do you have, YetiJedi? I haven't ruled out just upgrading my phone rather than get a separate camera, and I was looking at the various Pixel models after seeing the fantastic photos you took with yours. But the newest models of the Pixel are a little pricier than I want to spend. My current phone is fine other than the camera issue, and I can't justify dropping close to a grand on a phone just to get a better camera.
 
YetiJedi
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03/16/2023 08:23PM  
lindylair: "Sorry NE, (and all) this is going to be a long post because I am passionate about the BWCA and I am passionate about photography and excited that you want to get into it a bit.


I take a lot of photos wherever I go, including the BWCA. Photography has become one of the main pastimes up there, probably even surpassing fishing(oh that hurts).
I would call myself an advanced amateur photographer. I have many hundreds of photos on this site. Been doing it for a lot of years. So I kind of know photography.


For image quality a DSLR is the way to go but with your budget you can't get there and not even close for a good quality one with a couple lenses. I have a DSLR i have used a lot, including the BWCA but have been frustrated by their lack of versatility. I have a wide angle to short telephoto lens and a longer telephoto lens but it seems that whatever I am shooting, I always need the other lens.


There is a category of cameras called a Bridge Camera. It has a smaller size sensor so you can't quite get the resolution and image quality of a decent DSLR. But truthfully it only matters if you are going to try to sell your photos professionally or enlarge them to a very big print. They take darn good photos. (I will give some examples)


So with a DSLR you get better quality but if you are in camp early morning and you see a moose across the lake you run and get your camera right? But it has the wide angle lens on it so you have to run back, carefully take the wide angle lens off, carefully put the telephoto on, run back to the lakeshore and hope the moose is still there. Bridge cameras can have incredible zoom ranges on their lenses from wide angle to long telephoto so that you are always ready for the shot. They are very easy to use. You can shoot a closeup of a wildflower blooming in the woods and then a minute later a mama loon with babies 100 yards out on the lake with no problem. They offer incredible flexibility and convenience with very good image quality. Image quality is a moot point if you miss the shot because you have the wrong lens on.


The other thing is that to buy quality lenses for DSLR's, they cost as much as if not more than the camera itself. Not budget friendly. There are other categories of cameras besides bridge and DSLR out there that are great but they don't offer the features and zoom range of a bridge camera. If you want to be able to capture the amazing things you see in the BWCA and other places without worrying about which lens you have on, bridge cameras are the ticket. Others may disagree.


I have a Panasonic Lumix FZ 150 which was an early generation of bridge cameras that is a dozen or so years old and still works great. I am sure technoIogy has improved the capabilities of current models immensely. I find myself taking it instead of my DSLR on some trips because it just works better for the type of photographer I am. I like taking photos of flowers and mushrooms and insects and cool things I see in the woods. I like taking scenics and sunsets and I like taking wildlife and bird photos where the zoom range comes in. Mine still works great.


So here is an example of what I am talking about that fits within your budget:


Panasonic Lumix bridge camera


It features a 24x zoom which is a 25-600 equivalent zoom in old 35mm terms. 35 is considered wide angle. A 600 zoom offers incredible reach. Honestly, the 600 zoom range is almost unusable as a handheld camera, at least for me because of camera shake(especially after that strong cup of coffee in the morning) but can be used with a tripod or monopod. Image quality is also not the greatest at that extreme end of the zoom range. But backing it off a little to 400-450 mm it is much more usable and can give you pretty decent photos. More than you probably need.


Depends on your goals with the camera. If you want flexibility, convenience and ease of use these work great. If you want to be able to go from a closeup of a cool mushroom to an otter swimming 100 yards offshore this camera can do it easily. If image quality is the highest priority and you want to sell them or blow them up to huge prints then a DSLR would be better.


Here are a few samples of photos taken with the Panasonic bridge camera - keep in mind they are probably much better than they were 12 years ago:







































I truly believe you would be happy with this type of camera and you would get some great shots. Trust me as an avid and very experienced photographer that it is a good balance between price, quality and features. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Other brands have similar cameras, my Panasonic has been awesome and still going. "


Wow, Lindylair, those are beautiful shots. I appreciated your summary and the information you included. Learned a lot and now I'm curious about doing more than the cell phone thing!
 
YetiJedi
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03/16/2023 08:24PM  
NEIowapaddler: "
YetiJedi: "If I was going to buy one that meets the requirements you outline, I would choose this one.



A friend of mine had one and I was impressed with how well it worked. Waterproof, very durable, video and photos at a relatively good quality, and it's within the budget you mentioned.



For what it's worth, my smart phone (google pixel) functions as my tripping camera and I attach it to my PFD with a small cord which keeps it close but safe."



That Olympus camera is actually one I've been looking at. It definitely looks promising, although the photo quality is supposed to be poorer than higher-end smartphones. Granted, smartphones can take some pretty amazing photos these days, so that may not be a big negative.


What model of the Pixel do you have, YetiJedi? I haven't ruled out just upgrading my phone rather than get a separate camera, and I was looking at the various Pixel models after seeing the fantastic photos you took with yours. But the newest models of the Pixel are a little pricier than I want to spend. My current phone is fine other than the camera issue, and I can't justify dropping close to a grand on a phone just to get a better camera. "


Pixel 6. It's more camera than I know what to do with but I simply don't have the ability to compare with what Lindylair outlined above.
 
NEIowapaddler
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03/16/2023 08:28PM  
Thanks, Lindy! That's really helpful information. Your photos are awesome. Especially the loon and the butterfly. Really shows the different things that camera can do well. That type of camera definitely sounds like it would fit all my criteria. I'll look around at some other bridge camera options too, but I really like the look of that Panasonic. I'll get in touch with you if I have any specific questions.
 
NEIowapaddler
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03/16/2023 08:33PM  
YetiJedi: "
NEIowapaddler: "
YetiJedi: "If I was going to buy one that meets the requirements you outline, I would choose this one.



A friend of mine had one and I was impressed with how well it worked. Waterproof, very durable, video and photos at a relatively good quality, and it's within the budget you mentioned.



For what it's worth, my smart phone (google pixel) functions as my tripping camera and I attach it to my PFD with a small cord which keeps it close but safe."




That Olympus camera is actually one I've been looking at. It definitely looks promising, although the photo quality is supposed to be poorer than higher-end smartphones. Granted, smartphones can take some pretty amazing photos these days, so that may not be a big negative.



What model of the Pixel do you have, YetiJedi? I haven't ruled out just upgrading my phone rather than get a separate camera, and I was looking at the various Pixel models after seeing the fantastic photos you took with yours. But the newest models of the Pixel are a little pricier than I want to spend. My current phone is fine other than the camera issue, and I can't justify dropping close to a grand on a phone just to get a better camera. "



Pixel 6. It's more camera than I know what to do with but I simply don't have the ability to compare with what Lindylair outlined above."


Thanks, Yeti. That's good to know. That model is definitely more in my budget range, and obviously still is capable of taking excellent photos. Even if I do go with a camera like what Lindy suggested, I'll keep that in mind for down the road whenever I do elect to get a new phone.
 
Bearpath9
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03/17/2023 09:11AM  
YetiJedi: "If I was going to buy one that meets the requirements you outline, I would choose this one.


A friend of mine had one and I was impressed with how well it worked. Waterproof, very durable, video and photos at a relatively good quality, and it's within the budget you mentioned.


For what it's worth, my smart phone (google pixel) functions as my tripping camera and I attach it to my PFD with a small cord which keeps it close but safe."


I have an older model Oly, the 810. Bought it about a dozen years ago when we went to the Caribbean every winter since I do a lot of snorkeling. It has become my every day camera. Fits in the front pocket of my pants, can be banged around, and it is waterproof.

I plan on getting the new one, since they moved the lens to the middle of the body. Previously it was up in the corner, and you had to be aware or you would get some finger shots. And I could always use a new camera.



Weird garter snake



Iguana





Just be sure to follow the directions after you have used it underwater. I should add that the last two pictures I took from videos. It is a lot easier underwater to use the video on the camera.
 
Marten
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03/17/2023 03:15PM  
Great info posted so far. IMO the best camera type is the one you can have the handiest. I have been using a Panasonic Lumix ZS100 for years now. Research back then rated it pretty high. When experts start bashing a cameras image quality look into what they are basing it on. High power lenses for long distance sounds great but unless its on a tripod the smaller cameras are not going to do well. Cameras have really improved in the last few years because they have to beat out the cell phones. I keep my Lumix in my shirt pocket, on a tripod or in a small pelican box on the bottom of the canoe.
 
03/22/2023 05:14PM  
I took a boatload of photos and video with my Pixel 5 on last year's trip, and with my Pixel 3XL on 2020's trips. Night sight for dark photos coupled with a tripod are really something. Got this on Oyster last September....
 
03/23/2023 02:51PM  
I've been taking more and more camera gear to the BWCA each time I go. I started with my Fujifilm X100F, a fixed 23mm f/2 lens APS-C body, which is awesome but limited in usefulness when your scales of distance are highly variable. I then switched to the X-T3 with 16-55mm f/2.8 lens, which is a big step up in size, weight, and cost. However, the versatility and image quality was more than worth it for me. I added an X-T4 in 2020 and it's been my main body since then, with many improvements like a bigger battery, IBIS, and a front-facing screen.

Last year, I upgraded to a two-body setup in a Watershed Chattooga duffel, with the X-T4/16-55mm and X-T3/100-400mm, so I don't have to change lenses to get the shot, where I'd normally say "eh, it's probably not a good enough frame to be worth taking the time and effort to change lenses", or miss a shot of a moose in a creek because I had to swap lenses. I also bring a 10-24mm for ultrawide shots which are awesome for tight intimate spots, landings, and big sky views.

This year I've taken a big leap in upgrading, with the purchase of a Canon R5, with the RF 24-105mm and 14-35mm lenses. I will still bring the X-T4 with the 100-400mm as my long landscape and wildlife lens but the R5 will be my workhorse. I've been shooting Fuji since 2015, so learning Canon's interface has been an experience - some things are easier, some things are harder, and some things simply aren't possible. As soon as it gets a bit warmer (and greener), I need to get out and find some vistas to shoot to put it to the test.

I don't expect anyone to spend this amount of money on gear, or carry this much weight (~15lbs not including 4lb tripod), to get a nice photo. It can be done for so much less, especially when those so called "bridge cameras" or "superzooms" have such decent image quality, and offer unparalleled zoom range. That would be my recommendation 9 times out of 10.

However, I've really dialed in my setup, and have produced some photos that really stir something inside of me, that capture the essence of the backcountry, and keep my fire burning for the wilderness. I love the process of photography and I love the results I get from my efforts, so I'll continue to deal with the size, weight, and cost, because it makes me happy. I'm hoping to launch an actual online gallery of my images soon, but until then, I'll just share a few here.

-JD





 
andym
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03/23/2023 04:38PM  
I second the advice from YetiJedi. We are on our second of the Lumix bridge cameras. The image stabilization lets you use the higher ends of the zoom in ways that weren't possible back with film. So these cameras are great for wildlife photography. They are also great for scenics in good light and my wife has taken approximately a million photos of water lillies. Works great for those too. The one place they suffer is that the images get a bit noisy in low light. But it has to be pretty low light for that to be an issue and maybe the image processing is getting better in the new models (that's how cell phones manage it). The real solutions for low light are an expensive camera with a large sensor or a tripod and long exposures.

We also have a rugged cameras in the Lumix line and it is very good too (similar to the Olympus mentioned earlier). The upside of those cameras is they fit in your pocket. The downside is that the zoom is smaller and so wildlife photography isn't as good.
 
03/24/2023 05:41AM  
"my wife has taken approximately a million photos of water lillies"

andym, I understand the attraction but I have managed to keep it under control - I only have about half a million:)



 
03/24/2023 05:46AM  
technicallyrugged, wow, really nice photos. The sharpness is incredible. I have a low to mid range DSLR with a few lenses that give me the focal length I need, if I am willing to change out lenses frequently as subjects change. I feel a little guilty that I am moving away from my DSLR due to not wanting to deal with that. Bridge or superzooms are so much easier to deal with and you always have the lens you need available. I always use it in fully manual mode and it allows for plenty of adjustments and creativity.

My Lumix camera is quite old and there have been many improvements. There are a couple cameras in the Lumix line (Sony too) that have a larger sensor, somewhat bridging the quality gap between them and DSLR's. That is what I have my sights set on now but they are not cheap(well compared to your setup they are).

I loved how eloquently you described the passion you have for photography and how it keeps the connection and love of the wilderness alive. I feel the same way.
 
andym
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03/24/2023 05:48AM  
Nice. Our first trip to the BW, soon after the entry, we were in a lily filed creek, and she was in heaven. My contribution to the lily photos is positioning the canoe and holding it in place. It’s a two person activity.
 
NEIowapaddler
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03/24/2023 07:56AM  
lindylair: " "my wife has taken approximately a million photos of water lillies"


andym, I understand the attraction but I have managed to keep it under control - I only have about half a million:)




"


GREAT shot, Lindy! That might be the best photo of a lily that I've seen.
 
soundguy0918
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03/24/2023 11:05AM  
I carry two older cameras that I wouldn't be too broken up about if they took a swim. Main camera is a Sony DSLR-A100 (new in ~2007) which I only use on calm waters or dry land. But I also carry a Panasonic DMC-ZR3 (new in ~2010) point-and-shoot which does really well in its "Sport/Action" setting. Even at 15 years old, they both have enough resolution to make a pretty 8x10, and that's all I really need.
 
03/25/2023 04:52PM  
Any insight regarding the Sony RX 100 Vll would be appreciated. Looking for more options than my current iPhone and fourth iteration of the Stylus Tough. I completely understand it won’t be as forgiving to carelessness. However I do like taking pictures and really like the idea of having zoom capability in my chest left pocket, seriously tethered to my being of course. And I’ll continue to bring my Olympus for rainy times.
Thanks for your help. Yes, I’ll be dropping some coin, but I haven’t bought any other gear for quite some time.
 
03/28/2023 07:09PM  
MacCamper: "Any insight regarding the Sony RX 100 Vll would be appreciated. Looking for more options than my current iPhone and fourth iteration of the Stylus Tough. I completely understand it won’t be as forgiving to carelessness. However I do like taking pictures and really like the idea of having zoom capability in my chest left pocket, seriously tethered to my being of course. And I’ll continue to bring my Olympus for rainy times.
Thanks for your help. Yes, I’ll be dropping some coin, but I haven’t bought any other gear for quite some time."


The RX100 line from Sony was very highly regarded for quite some time, as one of the most capable P&S (point and shoot) cameras on the market. Plenty of control over the exposure if you want it, but also simple, with sharp optics and a good sensor behind them. Since then, they've had many revisions... I don't have direct experience with any of them, actually, but I've always heard good things. The main downsides I've read about are price and ergonomics. It's obviously a small camera that's not fun to hold for longer periods of time if you're walking around town or something, but if you're sticking it in a dry bag inside a PFD or day pack or something, and only taking it out occasionally, I don't think that's an issue. One question that comes to mind is "is it so much better than a phone that it's worth buying, learning, storing/handling, etc". Phone cameras are pretty good these days; they only break down when you zoom in, which is something you have noticed and seem to be interested in addressing.

I think it depends on a few things...

1. What are you trying to accomplish? Do you want close ups of wildlife? Do you want snapshots of your trip, like a photo journal? Are you trying to take more artistic landscape photos that you could put in a gallery or print? Do you just want better-than-phone quality for anything you deem photo-worthy, but aren't sure what you intend to do with those photos besides MMS/iMessage/email them to friends and family? The answer to this will determine the class of camera you should be looking at. If you don't know the answer, try to figure it out before buying anything. I know new gear can be fun, but without a clear purpose, I find that the excitement wears off pretty quickly once you realize you don't know what to do with your shiny new thing.

2. Do you have a day pack or other bag in which you could carry a camera? Some of the superzoom style cameras out there will give you much more zoom, much better image quality, and you'll quickly realize the benefit. The zoom on an RX100VII is pretty impressive with a 28-200mm FF equiv range, but it's nothing like a 28-600mm FF equiv (which a superzoom could provide), which is likely what you'd want for moose, loons, any moderately distant wildlife.

3. How much money are you willing to spend? $250 to $500 to $1000, there are quite a few options but with varying features that may or may not meet your requirements.

I could go down the discovery questionnaire path all day, but I think these questions will narrow down your options pretty quickly, to the point where you know which cameras you'd want at various price points, and it comes down to whether you want to fork over the cash, or carry the size/weight, for a specific camera in your selection.
 
03/28/2023 08:56PM  
I consider myself an advanced amateur and like to think I know my way around cameras.

1st trip I took my DSLP and a couple lenses. I didn't have a great way to carry it and keep it dry, so don't know that I used it enough. Still go a few decent pics.

I bought a better waterproof case for the 2nd trip, but again just wasn't sure it was worth the weight.

Then I got the Olympus TG-6 camera. I'm not so sure it'll keep using it. It's okay and is waterproof, and records the GPS location too. The quality just isn't all that, and the zoom really isn't any better than my cell phone. I'm tempted to sell it, not sure yet.

I've gone to keeping my smart phone (iPhone) in a small dry bag in my life vest pocket. For trips where I'm not packed light I'll bring the DSLR again. When packed light the smart phone will have to do.

For advise on what to look at, the Bridge style camera listed is a great option. There is also a newer class of cameras called mirrorless. Quality of a DSLR but much smaller. If I were to put money into a camera now, that's the way I'd go.

This isn't from the BWCA but had to jump on the water lily kick.
 
NotLight
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03/29/2023 06:21AM  
Canon M200 is on sale for $350 right now at the canon refurbished store. There are better cameras, but there aren't better $350 cameras. I own and use a TG-3, RX 100 II, and the Canon.

The "killer app" on the canon is the flip up screen and touch screen focus that make it easy to shoot those water lilies right at the waterline. The camera isnt waterproof - but its only $350. That said, it isnt leaps and bounds better than a phone (unless you upgrade the lens and shoot raw and edit your photos). But neither is the RX 100.









 
03/29/2023 07:52AM  
My mind spins like a picker wheel and I look forward to it stopping. Thank you all for your interest and suggestions. What sticks out to me, technically_rugged's comment, "is it so much better than a phone that it's worth buying, learning, storing/handling, etc". Truth be told, I can be an impatient man. Typically I snap off five photos of topic and choose the best to capture the memory. Thus I take well over a thousand pictures per week on any trip I go on. I don't like to putz around too much and I don't have the mental capacity to memorize all I need to know to create a breathtaking picture. I don't like using my phone as it has options I couldn't afford to lose. In the past, I have brought long lenses and different camera bodies and recently took a set out of storage to remind myself how I didn't care for the bulkiness and overkill (although I greatly admire what more patient and proficient people can create using theirs).

Upon reflection, I suppose I am talking myself into an upgraded Olympus TR, however I was disappointed to read AceAceAce's review on picture quality.

Around and around the spinner wheel goes... I appreciate all of the input and education I have received.

!$/a

Sorry, no lily pics.
 
03/29/2023 10:05AM  
MacCamper, that third photo looks so serene. Makes me want to be out there, just floating. Not too long now.....
 
03/29/2023 11:13AM  
NotLight: "Canon M200 is on sale for $350 right now at the canon refurbished store. There are better cameras, but there aren't better $350 cameras. I own and use a TG-3, RX 100 II, and the Canon. "


The R series mirrorless bodies have effectively killed the M series. Last I heard, we are ceasing production of the M's - I work for Canon but not in that part of the company. I have a M100 that I got w/a wide and zoom lens kit. I'm sure it'll see some wilderness travel but there aren't a lot of lens options for the M series unless you use a mount adapter to use the EF-S or R lenses.

At the end of the day, if you're going to go DSLR or similar then you're buying into an ecosystem for which the camera body matters far less than the glass you attach to it.
 
TreeBear
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03/29/2023 12:58PM  
I have had a Nikon D7000 since 2015 that's been with me for trips all over the west: up mountains, through deserts, in 100 degree heat and in white-out blizzards. It's also been along for four guide seasons in the BWCA and all personal trips in between: over 60 overnight trips into the BWCA in that time. It lives in a padded pelican 1400 case which has protected it remarkably well. The camera itself is reasonably weather-sealed which has helped keep it running. Taking a look at it, it's sure been through the ringer since there's lots of paint missing now besides also missing all of its labels and a few trim pieces. That said, I've grown attached to it. I usually have it in the case with a Tokina 12-24 mm lens on it and a Tamron 70-300 mm alongside. The wide angle does what I need landscape wise and I can swap over to the bigger lens for BW wildlife as needed. It's not the lightest, and I can't do underwater photography with it, but it has been a trusty set up for me for now nearly 30,000 photos.
 
yogi59weedr
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04/01/2023 11:50PM  
Wow...
That's a lot of camera info there.
 
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