Camera for mountaineering

[gaus]

Hi there,

Can anyone recommend me a good camera for high altitudes as I was thinking of shooting past the 4000 m. mark. I am looking for Canon/Nikon that has a quality lense, light and durable.

This is the kind of photo I am after:


http://www.summitpost.org/images/original/86594.jpg


Thanks in advance,


G.

[David Metsky]

I'm happy with the Canon SDxxx line for my trips, but it would be nice to have a bit more on the wide angle end and you might want manual controls as well.

I'd definately look at the A620 or new A700 if you think a compact would be good. I like my SD300 for skiing and hiking because the ultracompact format makes it always available on my sternum strap or pocket. It doesn't have manual controls, and that is a negative, but the photos have been excellent.

I haven't been to altitude with this camera, but I don't think that's an issue. There's not much in the camera that would be affected by altitude. AA batteries would be nice for long trips in cold temps. Make sure you have an optical viewfinder so you can turn off the LCD to save juice.

-dave-

[TampaJim]

Another you might want to look at would be the Pentax Optio W10. The reasons I mention this particular camera: 1)It is waterproof; 2)It is compact and; 3) It uses Lithium Ion batteries, fairly resilent in extreme cold (other batteries types are not).

[David Metsky]

The Li-Ions work only marginally better than NiHM AAs. I have cameras that use both and regularly take them down to -20 F. Both work about the same.

I find that for the best range of shots you need something that is in your hand or very close by. That's why I use my ultracompact most of the time. But a good compact adds many features that may be worth it. I haven't found a need for a waterproof camera yet, but in some enviornments it could be a lifesaver. I'm not convinced that the picture quality of the Pentax is up to the Canons.

The picture you posted is dramatic, but I think that most cameras could take that shot very well. There's lots of light and contrast, those are the easy ones.

-dave-

[gaus]

Thanks for your replies.

David, could you be a bit more specific about the digicam you are using, please?

I have been suggested the following cameras (but maybe I need something a bit different, like the Powershot or Coolpix series):

Nikon D70
NikonD200
Canon 350D Digital Rebel XT
Canon EOS 5D (out of my current budget)
Canon EOS 20D & 30D


Problem is that all these cameras look nice but they might not be the best choice for an alpinist.

And as I said I care more about the lense quality than what the body looks like.

Please help me to decide.


Thanks,



G.

[Rhys]

DSLRs take lots of space for lenses etc. I suggest the Canon S2 IS. It;ll do video, 5mp photos and has a 12x zoom. Plus, as it takes AA batteries you can use NiMh or throwaway lithium batteries. Plus, it's fairly small. It's not waterproof but ziploc bags are cheap enough!

[David Metsky]

I use an ultracompact Canon SD300 for most of my trips.

Personally, I'd recommend against a dSLR. They're just too big and heavy to climb or ski with and still have them immediately available for shots when you need them. You can carry them in your pack (and I've done that) but it's just not handy. Also, they weigh too much and are very bulky when trying to pack.

If you want more zoom and manual controls, one of the ultrazooms would be a good choice. Rhys mentioned the Canon S2 which would be a good choice, but there are a few others (Panasonic, Nikon, Olympus) that you should also look at. I'm not as up on the ultrazooms, but it would be very useful to have one that goes below 35mm for landscape shots.

Go to a camera store and pick up and play with a few of them. If you think you can comfortably carry a dSLR while climbing, then go for it. You'll get the best results with that assuming you buy good lenses. But for my money/time/effort, I no longer carry an SLR while hiking/skiing.

-dave-

[gaus]

Rhys, I read bad reviews about the Canon S2IS. I guess it's a matter of personal preference. Thanks anyway for your suggestion.


If you want more zoom and manual controls, one of the ultrazooms would be a good choice. Rhys mentioned the Canon S2 which would be a good choice, but there are a few others (Panasonic, Nikon, Olympus) that you should also look at. I'm not as up on the ultrazooms, but it would be very useful to have one that goes below 35mm for landscape shots.

Go to a camera store and pick up and play with a few of them. If you think you can comfortably carry a dSLR while climbing, then go for it. You'll get the best results with that assuming you buy good lenses. But for my money/time/effort, I no longer carry an SLR while hiking/skiing.

-dave-


Dave, could you be more specific again about the ultrazooms?

Again which is the best camera of this lot in terms of lense quality.

So I can start now a list which will enable me to pick from:

1. Canon Powershot A620

2. ?

3. ?


Thanks,


G.

[TampaJim]

I will say that any bad reviews you read concerning the Canon S2 were either specifically designed to damage the sales of the camera and/or they were written by someone you wouldn't want teaching your kids!

The camera is one of the best Point and Shoot models to ever come down the pipe, period.

BTW, you should be able to see from my signature that I own one - among others. I still hold my ground on recommending the Pentax Optio W10 for its small size, weatherproof design, Lithium cell and ease of use. I do a ton of mountain hiking, whitewater kayaking, etc. and less camera means more room for something possibly more important - I take a Canon Elph when weight/size is a concern, not my S2.

[David Metsky]

The Canon S2 is a fine choice, I'm not sure either what reviews you are reading.

You have to decide what you are looking for in a camera before we go too far. Do you want manual controls? How big is too big? Does it matter what type of batteries it uses? How much optical zoom do you need? Is video important? How about burst mode? Do you want weather/water proof?

Based on what I do, I went with an ultracompact that takes excellent shots (but minimal manual controls) and an ultrazoom that I rarely use these days.

-dave-

[gaus]

What I am after is a light camera that I can put in my light backpack, not too big, batteries that last long in a very cold environment 5 deg Fahrenheit and below., waterproof is a not a big issue as I can get a specific container/bag for that, good at absorbing blows, etc. In other words a camera that you would carry when climbing the north face of any major peak and which would take quality shots.


Thanks again,


G.

[Militaris]

Two cameras which should be worth a look are.

Canon PowerShot S80, this camera is fairly compact and has a nice wide angle lens which would make it good for landscapes. It has a good lens and takes good quality photos.

Another camera would be the Olympus Stylus 720SW, this little camrea is water proof and has a shock proof body. Although its photo quality is below that of the Canon.

[David Metsky]

No batteries will last long at very cold temps. When out in cold temps (0 F and below) I always carry two sets of batteries, sometimes more. Something that takes AA batteries will allow you to use Lithiums (not Li-Ion Rechargables) which will last longest in cold temps. To get that you'll need a compact camera, most ultracompacts have Li-ions, which are good but not the best.

Aside from that, the biggest issue with an ultracompact is operating them with bulky gloves. A slightly larger camera has some advantages there.

I like the idea of the S80, mainly for the wide angle lens. But it doesn't take AA batteries. The Canon A620 and A700 have great features and high image quality. They lack the wide angle lens, however. I know mainly Canons, so I'll let others chime in about othe brands.

IMO, if you are really concerned about the best possible image quality in mountaineering terrain, you need manual controls and to learn how to use them.

-dave-

[Rhys]

I have the Canon S1 IS. While it does have limitations (low-light focussing), I find it's excellent for most applications. The dynamic range could be better but it's not too bad.

Try an S2 IS or for real dynamic range, go for Fuji or something that uses RAW files.

[gaus]

I will say that any bad reviews you read concerning the Canon S2 were either specifically designed to damage the sales of the camera and/or they were written by someone you wouldn't want teaching your kids!

The camera is one of the best Point and Shoot models to ever come down the pipe, period.

I popped into a shop yesterday to check some digicams out and I agree. The S2 is an awesome cam! You are right, those reviews are very biased.

I also liked the A620 but the S2 has got a better lense. It might be a bit too heavy/bulky for climbing but I put it on my list so:

1. Canon Powershot A620
2. Canon Powershot S2 IS
3. ?
4. ?


No batteries will last long at very cold temps. When out in cold temps (0 F and below) I always carry two sets of batteries, sometimes more. Something that takes AA batteries will allow you to use Lithiums (not Li-Ion Rechargables) which will last longest in cold temps. To get that you'll need a compact camera, most ultracompacts have Li-ions, which are good but not the best.

Aside from that, the biggest issue with an ultracompact is operating them with bulky gloves. A slightly larger camera has some advantages there.

I like the idea of the S80, mainly for the wide angle lens. But it doesn't take AA batteries. The Canon A620 and A700 have great features and high image quality. They lack the wide angle lens, however. I know mainly Canons, so I'll let others chime in about othe brands.

IMO, if you are really concerned about the best possible image quality in mountaineering terrain, you need manual controls and to learn how to use them. -dave-


I forgot to ask you guys if any of these digicams are good taking the occasional blow (for instance, if I drop the backpack with the cam inside).

I know, they told me in the shop to carry two sets of batteries.



G.

[Rhys]

No. No digital cameras outside of some old 1.3 megapixel Casios are droppable. Better to pack them in closed-cell foam to protect them.

[gaus]

Rhys,

Yes I'll take that into account.

Pity that the Canon S80 doesn't take AA batteries because I was thinking of purchasing this cam.

If there is any other cam you recommend me let me know.

Cheers,


G.

[Rhys]

Would you be looking more for wide-angle or for an ultrazoom?

Many ultrazoom digitals seem to start at about 38mm and go to 380mm. There are some widezooms that start at about 24mm and go o about 70mm. I have a feeling a widezoom might be more to your liking for panoramic views.

[gaus]

Yes I followed David Metsky's advice and looked into Panasonic.

They have the following model that appeals me a lot: Lumix DMC-LX1 (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Panasonic/panasonic_dmclx1.asp.

And the good thing is that it shoots RAW :) and the shutter speed is faster than those of the Canons, and also holds lithium-ion rechargable batteries which if I recall are good for cold environments (correct me if I am wrong please).

I guess this is the cam I need: a light and small and state-of-the-art piece of equipment.


Thanks for your advice,



G.

[Rhys]

Lithium non-rechargable are good in cold environments. I don't know about rechargable lithium ion batteries though.

Having said that, most cameras will take an external power source. If the one you buy does then it's a simple matter to rig up a small battery supply in your pocket (where it'll be warm) with a cable that you can plug into the camera.

[David Metsky]

Lithium non-rechargable are good in cold environments. I don't know about rechargable lithium ion batteries though.
Pretty well. Slightly better than NiMH, but not better than regular lithium non-rechargables.

Raw is also a good thing to have if you want to recreate exactly what you see. It takes some work in a digital darkroom, but the results can be spectacular.

-dave-