camera novice on extended hike

[jlev]

I'll be heading out soon to hike the AT and would like to have a reasonable sized, somewhat rugged, weatherproof digital camera to take along. Some other characterisitcs I'm looking for:

zoom(within reason)
handle action shots outside as well as people shots indoors
option of larger prints (8x10)
never used manual controls but am interested in learning
long battery life - though I'm not certain which battery type would be best
I will have access to mail drops where I can resupply with memory cards and or battery charge
overall simplistic & straight forward operation as I've never owned a digital

My price range is between $300-$500

Also, recommendations on where to purchase, whether online or retail, would be appreciated.

Thanks

[flippedgazelle]

Maybe the Pentax Optio W20 will fit the bill for you. It is advertised as a "waterproof" camera, which is a pretty rare find in the compact P&S field. Here is a link to a review: http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/optio_w20.html

[jlev]

I read that the Pentax Optio W20 takes a long time to take a picture.
Is that true?

Also, it has no image stabilizer. How will that effect the quality of picture, if at all?

Do you know of a weatherproof camera that takes AA batteries?

Thanks again for the help

[reppans]

I wouldn't go near a camera with a proprietary Li-ion.... you absolutely need AAs on an extended hike (AT through hike?).

Start on this page http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/cameraList.php# and then take closer looks at the AA cameras. Consider packing AA lithium batteries, they're a third lighter than alkalines, should last about 4-5x as long (like high capacity NiMh.... say 500pix from 2AAs in the camera below), but they are costly. If nothing else, buy at least 1 set as a back-up.

I'd recommend the Canon A710IS. Versatile camera with 6x optical zoom, Image stabilization, full manual controls and 2 AAs, about as small/light as you'll find in a AA camera and <300$. Not weatherproof, but I'd just keep it in a boating grade ziplock bag made for electronics... don't think you'll want to take all that many pics in the pouring rain anyway.

I bought one for my kayak/backpack/motorcycle camping trips :D. Love it.

[jlev]

I read a couple of reviews for the Canon A710IS and it sounds like a nice camera for my hike. Thanks for the suggestion. Do you know if a padded travel bag is available for this camera? I would like the camera to remain in good shape for my thru hike. I'm going to try and find this camera tomorrow in a store so I can brush up on the operation before I leave for the AT.

Thanks again!

J

[reppans]

This is the smallest case I've found that seems to perfectly fit the 710, yet still be able to carry a spare set of batts/SD card. It's padded all around, but I won't say that it's the most protective (no hard plastic/stiff sides).

I've seen it at a number of different camera stores. There's tons of choices out there in this size.

http://www.caselogic.com/small_nylon_camera_case/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=54526

[mattdm]

Hey, thread dejavu. http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28472

Coincidence?

Anyway, probably pretty much every comment in that thread applies here and vice-versa.

[Riley]

probably on the same hike as the other guy :)