Camera advice needed

[peregrina2000]

I have read a lot of the threads on cameras, but haven't found exactly what I'm looking for.

I've decided to leave my heavy point and shoot behind this year. I think it's a Canon EOS something or other, the reason I bought it was because I could get good zooms on romanesque capitals, and I now have enough pictures of romanesque capitals to last several lifetimes. So I'd like something smaller and lighter.

What I'm also hoping for is a camera that I will be able to figure out enough so that I can get pictures from my camera onto my blog. I have never been able to do that, and I know from reading blogs here how much the blog is enhanced with pictures. I don't know if that has anything to do with my lack of camera expertise or my lack of computer expertise, but in any event, I'm hopeful that this year's camino will be the eureka year for me and my camera.

Thanks, everyone. Buen camino, Laurie

 

[Tia Valeria]

Terry and I both use Fuji FinePix. Small, also lightweight (200gms with batteries) and use 2 AA batteries for power, so avoiding the need for recharging. We carry a spare pair of batteries.
Our present cameras use SD cards which will go straight into our computer at home. To edit we can adjust the size, or crop to edit; or both. We use MGI Photosuite, but some Fuji cameras come with a photo programme. It is also possible to set the camera to high or low resolution photos - the more you can take on one card the less editing needed to give lower 'kb' size. We prefer to take them at 1.5 to 2 Mg. The cameras are capable of taking photos up to 8Mg in size.

I bought a cheap bag to carry round my neck, Terry has his attached to his rucksac waist strap. The camera is small enough to fit in a pocket - providing it zips !!!

If you want to see how our edited photos look all the ones on this forum and on our blogs were taken with these cameras. The (edited) video clip of the botofumeiro, with sound, was taken on my camera

 

[peregrina2000]

Thanks for the suggestions, Tia and ping. I am going to go look at both of them as soon as possible. I have to admit I particularly like the Canon's description as
"Stylish Value - The Perfect First Camera!" I'm not interested in being stylish, but the rest of the phrase sounds like it's geared to my technology level.

Tia, once I actually buy a camera, I will get back to you and ask for help with transferring them to a computer (I confess I didn't really understand much of what you said, but maybe I will once I get a camera and start to play around with it).

Do I have a range of choices in terms of the memory card I get for the camera, or are these cameras limited in how much memory they can hold?

Muchas gracias, y buen camino, Laurie

 

[peregrina2000]

Quick follow-up question -- A co-worker has recommended the Canon Power Shot S100, I assume that's different than the Canon Power Shot A-800. Can anyone explain the difference? (my colleague couldn't).

Thanks, Laurie

 

[CaminoGen]

Just bought an Olympus like this:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Olympus-VR-310- ... B004GUTO2K

I had a point and shoot Canon the last time but I wanted something with a better optical zoom. This one is a 10 X super wide angle zoom. It's the highest I could find in a small camera.

 

[Kitsambler]

Slap this telephoto on your iPhone (http://www.iprolens.com) and you're done. Upload photos directly to your blog with BlogPress app (for WordPress blogs). No need to carry the weight of a separate camera.

 

[dougfitz]

If weight reduction is you primary purpose, then be careful with the total package weight, rather than just the weight of the camera.

My current camera is an Olympus u-9000, a 12Mp, x10 optical zoom compact which has served me well. I carry it in a small pouch clipped onto to shoulder strap where it is readily accessible but doesn't otherwise interfere with my arm movements any more than the pack itself. The weights are:

• camera with battery and card - 205gm
• spare battery - 18gm
• spare cards in holder - 11gm
• case - 40gm
• lens cleaning cloth 5gm
• battery charger, AS power cord and European adaptor - 161gm
• Total weight 440gm, more than double the weight of the basic camera, mostly in the charger.

Some random thoughts:

• Resolution - higher resolution is not necessarily better. Anything more than 6Mp will give you good results and room for decent enlargements, so don't get entranced by seeking the really high resolutions now available at some cost.
• more optical zoom is better, but if you have done with the close-ups of Romanesque capitals, then 7x to 10x would give good results in a wide variety of circumstances. My own view is that 3x to 5x is not enough.
• there is always tension between using a special Li ion or general AA cells. I used a camera that used AA cells in 2010, but rarely found good quality high capacity AA cells, and ended carrying a couple of packs of four, adding about the same weight as carrying the charger with my current camera.

Regards,

 

[Tia Valeria]

I take the opposite approach to 'ping' re memory cards. One large card is great for not running out of space. However on the Camino I felt that if I lost the camera I could lose all of my photos. Instead of a single large capacity card I took 3 smaller ones and changed them at intervals even though they were only part filled. The spares, once used, were kept with my passport. That way if there had been a disaster I would still have had most of my photos.
SD cards typically run out at a lower capacity than SDHC, but then I think you will you need a card reader. There are also other types of card around, but the camera shop should advise you. Spare cards are cheaper on Amazon, just check you buy the right type for the camera.
SD cards will go straight into most computers but I don't think others will. We have a multi card reader as our old cameras used different cards.
For us the type of battery (AA) and compatible cards would be important if choosing a new camera. What card does you current camera take? It might influence your final choice for the new one. Having different cards can be annoying.

Re batteries:- the only poor set we bought was in a small shop in Grandas de Salime. Supermarket ones were fine. I think they lasted a couple of weeks, while the poor ones only lasted a couple of days :cry: I took a lot of photos too
I like not having to re-charge stuff

Re transferring photos - a PM when you are ready, even if just to alert me to a question here - and we'll offer you what help we can.
Happy camera hunting

 

[dougfitz]

SD cards will go straight into most computers but I don't think others will. We have a multi card reader as our old cameras used different cards.

In 2010, it was rare on the Camino Frances to find an albergue computer modern enough to have card slots or the USB ports that would allow one to connect a card reader. In some cases where there was a slot or USB port, they had been disabled. More modern machines were available at internet cafes in the larger towns.

I found that it wasn't until after I finished that I was able to transfer all of my photos.

 

[Tia Valeria]

We didn't use many public internet points at all, preferring to wait until we reached home. Our blog was then written up from our diaries and our editing programme was our own one. KiwiNomad gave a good tip for managing the dates on the blog. (Works really well and can even turn a blog right round so it scrolls down. Brilliant )
However when we did actually link the card/camera to a 'public' PC we made sure to lock the card first. That way we could upload, but not save edits or inherit viruses. The card retained the original and clean images.

 

[dfitzg773]

I bought the Panasonic Lumix DMC-Z619 and loved it. It is compact and has a great lens (Leica) with a 20x zoom. When I researched cameras it has great reviews. It has a rehargeable battery which has a pretty long charge time. I had no problem finding an outlet in an albergue every few days to recharge it. You use the same cord that you charge with (just unplug the cord from the wall plug) and plug it into the USB port on a computer and you can see your pictures just like anohter disk and I was able to upload onto my blog during the camino.

There were some albergue computers where I had trouble uploading, but most of the time it worked.

I also had the Caselogic case that fits it and I just strung the case loop through my backpack waist strap so it was always handy to take pictures while walking.

My blog (with pictures) is located at:

http://www.danscaminotravels.wordpress.com

I just returned from the camino on October 24.

Dan

 

[peregrina2000]

I am enjoying all these posts, even though I'm still confused. At least I now know the difference between MP and GB and USB, at least I think I do. It looks to me like the Panasonic is more in the luxury range than the others -- does that mean it has more bells and whistles? Because I wouldn't mind having a "more intelligent" camera with better focus, zoom, etc, but I worry that I'll be back in the world of complicated camera, with settings and icons I don't even begin to understand.

The camera I have now is a Canon PowerShot S3 IS. It has a ton of settings and displays. I don't use any of them. It's clunky but the pictures I get, without changing any of the settings, are usually very good.

It also sounds like getting pictures onto the computer is pretty easy with the Panasonic. That's another important thing for me, because my kids moan endlessly about my blogs being boring without pictures.

So, as between/among all the suggestions here, can anyone point me to the differences and the pros/cons. I am willing to splurge (the Panasonic seems to be most expensive at about $300) and the weight it not the main concern. But the bulkiness is another reason I want to switch cameras this Canon fits into my fanny pack but it is much clunkier than the ones you guys have mentioned.

And I will leave till later the differeces between SD and SDHC and a few other things!

Many thanks, Laurie

 

[dougfitz]

If you are already a Canon user, the IXUS 500HS and 510HS, or SX 260HS are options. These will give broadly equivalent performance to your current camera with greater sensor resolution. The IXUS 230HS is slightly less capable, but might also be a reasonable choice.

Note that if you do move to the true compact end of the market, you will lose features like the electronic viewfinder and use of AA batteries that you with get with the bridge style body you have now.

If using AA batteries is important, the only Canon that I found (in a quick search) was the Canon Powershot SX150 IS. This is at the larger end of the Canon compact style bodies.

All these cameras seem to have a simple 'intelligent auto' function that effectively removes any control you have over the combination of ISO, aperture and shutter speed settings.

Regards,

 

[WildPlace]

I have the Panasonic DMC-FS35 and it's in my pocket most of the time, it's very slim and lightweight. I am and have always been, a keen photographer and have a whole array of digi SLR cameras and lenses but they will NOT be going in my camino back pack! The Panasonic has a Leica lens and produces great quality images which are nicely exposed, it also takes great video too - this camera cost me less than £100 and i feel the quality of shots is just as good as on compact cameras costing more than twice that.

 

[Tia Valeria]

As a second camera, peregrina, you do not say how much or little you would want to spend. The Fuji FinePix, with AA batteries, that I mentioned has zoom, and other fairly simple to find/alter options on the menu button. Also quick close up on/off button and similar for flash options. Cost under £100 in UK.

 

[unadara]

Laurie
I have held off replying because I wanted to understand your re actions to other replies. I will try to keep this simple.
I can't comment on Tia's advice as there are so many Fuji Finepix models out there. (I have one, a fantastic bridge/high specification similar to the Canon you own).
I have 4 cameras.
1 is ruled out (slr, with lenses).
2nd is an old Olympus model which can't be got now but I took great photos on Camino 2011, it's damaged so I replaced it.
With a Canon Powershot A1200. This is one of the ONLY small, compact cameras you can buy with an OPTICAL viewfinder, that is you put your eye up to the camera/not a lcd screen to choose your scene/position your "subject", this prevents shake, gives you a better idea of actual "result". If you can find it, it is small/cheap, takes aa batteries, normal sd or sdhc (high quality) cards, if you buy it you need to buy eneloop aa batteries (see amazon), or aa lithium batteries (mine lasted 4 weeks on camino and are still going)
It does not have Manual functions but it does have a program feature. I recommend taking your photos in the best quality format. I recommend editing on the pc when you get home, or on your blog page, it lets you edit after uploading, never edit and save to your camera or you'll lose the original.
... and an integral card reader. The card reader goes into a usb port on the computer, you insert your card into it and bingo! it means the pc does not have to have a card reader attached.
I also can recommend and there is another thread recently on cameras, the Panasonic ZS 20 (usa)/Europe it is DMC-TZ 30EB-S, a super, high quality lens, very modern, easy to use, drawback looses charge quickly (won't with any of the batteries mentioned above).
It does not have a optical viewfinder.
Last year I had no problem using lcd screen to see subject, this year my near sight is letting me down, and I'm not getting any younger so eyes not likely to improve, unlike my legs, which are getting stronger and fitter!
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Powershot-A ... 2455&sr=8-

 

[peregrina2000]

Thanks again to everyone. Now that I've digested a lot of these comments, I see a couple of points that may be important.

Thanks Una for the point about the viewfinder. I strongly prefer to look through a viewfinder when I take pictures rather than holding the camera away from me, so I think that may really limit my options. I would also prefer to have a camera that will take non-rechargeable batteries in a pinch, so I wouldn't have to carry charger.

Doug, the Canon PowerShot SX 150 might be just the thing, but it looks like it might be getting me back into the bulky range. But I'm going to see if I can see one in a store.

Tia, I am willing to pay -- I won't say money is no object, but I haven't seen any that are more than $300 or $400 (US) and I can handle that.

Dan, I have seen a lot of panasonic lumix models but can't find the specific number you have -- is there maybe a typo in the model? I'm guessing it's the ZS19. I see comments about it that there are many menus and adjustments, which gives me pause -- would you recommend this camera for someone who just wants to point and shoot?

I have many more questions, but work beckons. Thanks so much everyone, Laurie

 

[methodist.pilgrim.98]

The Panasonic DMC-TZ27 that i used this month was brilliant. It has a 20x zoom, incredible macro and, best of all, when I turn the dial to SCN it throws up all sorts of options for the specialist shot.

I got some glorious sunrises by using the sunset option (!) and with the people option I got a nice flesh tone colour especially with flash.

It is slightly heavier than most pocket cameras but you will need to buy the correct lithium battery charger as the USB link is slow.

Not cheap but worth every penny. On iA it becomes a simple point and shoot camera and it worked out fine. No viewfinder though; it relies on the typical screen.

 

[Grease]

At the risk of coming off like the "Hey-you-waana-know-what-I-think-even-though-I-haven't-done-my-own-Camino-yet-new-guy"... I will. :lol:

Cause I've just recently addressed the same question myself in doing some preliminary stuff for my trip. The first thing you really have to realize (Camino and non-Camino circles... no offense meant to anybody) if you ask 50 different people what camera they would recommend, you may very well end up with 50 different camera suggestions. So the essential answer to your question is get what you feel comfortable with. As long as you stay with the major labels most will pretty much have the same features. What do you plan on doing with the pictures? Even the cheapest Point & Shoot has the capability of being able give you 11" X 17" clear prints. Do you want to be able to do video? This is again a pretty standard feature, even HD video is a standard on most any consumer grade digial point & shoot.

I am an avid photographer with more money invested in Nikon DSLR gadgits and lenses than I ever really should have! Guess what? Almost immediately upon my decission to do the Camino I'd decided that the DSLR was not going to be making the trip! Just too heavy, and then have to decide what lenses to bring, yadda, yadda, yadda...

So I just purchased a Nikon AW100... and I'm not even gonna tell you, "you really should get one of these...". But I will tell you a couple of the features were that I really like about it.
- It does photos and HD video (OK that,s nothing too overwhelming these days)
- It is fairly rugged and water proof to 10 meters (something like that, not really an important factor cause I don't plan on going diving with it... pretty good chance it will get rained on at some point though)
- One of my key considerations in this choice, it has GPS... I know, I know, "My phone has a GPS...", yes but this camera will like the GPS data to the photo data. So I won't be going, "Now where the heck was I when I took this one?"

So any ways jus my 2 cents on the issue, and hopefully it comes off helpful for somebody at some point...

Mike G

 

[methodist.pilgrim.98]

Mike, the waterproof aspect of the Nikon is worth considering for those who are walking in the spring or autumn. I experienced a fair bit of rain this last trip October 26th to November 7th and it has affected my panasonic but that's just a Camino thing.

 

[ffp13]

Mike, the waterproof aspect of the Nikon is worth considering

I took a waterproof / shockproof Nikon with me on my Camino earlier this year. It took nice pics but the downside was the screen is too dull to see in normal daylight, which makes it difficult to take and or review photos .

 

[peregrina2000]

I realize I've let this slide for a while, but since I'm all done with my Christmas shopping, my thoughts have turned to me and my camino needs!

I am now leaning towards the Canon Powershot 1200 because of Una's comments. I realize that there is no one perfect camera, and I'm not looking for something fancy. Now I have two follow-up questions:

-- I've read up on eneloop aa batteries" and see that they are rechargeable. Is it possible to use plain old alkaline batteries in this camera? I typically recharge all batteries at home, but I'm interested in shaving off a few pounds of pack weight this year and the recharger adds weight that could be used by my immersible coil and cup (new additions to my pack this year, as I've described on another thread).

-- Are flash pictures satisfactory? I have read some reviews on the web that suggest that the camera doesn't do a good job indoors. My two main uses for the camera on the camino are for outdoor landscapes and indoor sitting around the table in the albergue shots. So I'd want something with a decent flash function.

Thanks everyone. Laurie

 

[Deleted member 3000]

From EPhotozine:

Get in close
The distance built-in flash can cover isn't huge so make sure you're working close to your subject.

For all the flashes you see at a concert, anyone past the second row is wasting the electricity! You may want to emphasize weight and easy of use over a flash capability. Nikon and Olympus make weatherproof compact cameras that are light, convenient, rechargeable, and have good zooms. The Olympus Tough line has replaced the Stylus models, but you might find some deals on discontinued Stylus cameras.

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, falcon, thanks.

I've decided to give up on the zoom feature, and I'm not too concerned about the waterproof feature. I've got a heavy point and shoot nikon with a good zoom but I am going for lighter. Does your comment mean that all point and shoots are created equal when it comes to indoor flash?

 

[Deleted member 3000]

all point and shoots are created equal when it comes to indoor flash

Pretty much. They will get to about the midpoint of a long dining table!

Weatherproof means I can keep my camera in my cargo pants pocket even when it is pretty moist out. When my camera is buried under layers of rain gear, I never bother to pull it out.

 

[newfydog]

I beat the heck out of my cameras. I keep it in a jersey pocket mountain biking, so it is there when I want to shoot. The upside is I seldom miss a good opportunity.

I bought a Nikon Coolpix S8000 (10x zoom)and loved it, but eventually scratched the lens. I replaced it with the Coolpix S9100 (18x zoom). That camera survived half the Nice to Rome trip and started locking up. I kept it going but had to remove the baterry every time it locked up. Nikon fixed it under warrenty, and it survived a trip on the great divide trail, but started to lock up again in Cuba.

To top it off, it is bigger, heavier, and seems to miss the exposure and focus more often than the old s8000.

I have seen some good prices in new but old stock S8000 cameras and I think I'll get one of those. I sure got some nice pictures with that one.