Top Motorcycle Trip Tech/Gadgets
 

I'm embarking on a trip from London to Turkey shortly (all on road) and want to make sure I have all the necessary tech/gadgets to make my trip as comfortable/enjoyable/efficient as possible.

What are the essential bits of tech, gadgets, software, apps that I should invest in and which are not worth the trouble?

top gadget
 

1)GPS
2)netbook
3)tire repair kit with air pump

Anything else is easy to find on the road as you cross EU

Personally I'd take as little unnecessary crap as possible but agree a GPS is handy, I got from Turkey to Scotland without any paper maps and just the basic Worldmap on my old GPS. A reliable & compact 12v pump as mentioned is essential.

If you are going to hit Turkey when it's pretty hot, while not that 'techy', I found those cheap, collapsible bottle cooler bags really great for keeping my water cool.

MikeS, more info on the above would be appreciated please.

Anything like these things, if you buy the water cold, it will keep it that way much longer than if shoved in your pannier. Warm water is nasty when its hot. We had one that would hold 12 cans so I could get water in it plus some food I wanted to keep cool. It was collapsible so packed away easy.

One Bottle Cooler Bag | Bags - Picnic/Cooler | Bags & Cases

GPS and a smart phone. Forget about the laptop pack less and you'll spend less time packing. A good smart phone can satisfy all your multimedia needs like skype, internet, picture sharing, mp3, movies and whatever you enjoy doing while sipping on a latte watching the world go by.

Accommodation
 

Are you camping or staying in hotels ?

If camping, I found a mini camping espresso maker to be a brilliant little morning maker. It was my luxury item and sooo worth it.

GSI Mini Expresso 1 Cup Aluminum

A fold up chair makes the end of the day a bit easier too if you can. We used kids chairs, lasted the trip.Just.

Thanks for your replies and tips. I have now ordered a 12v pump and am on the lookout for a tyre repair kit (any recommendations for something suitable for a BMW, I assume tubeless, with tyre pressure monitors please).

Will probably stay in hotels. I'm more of a tourer than an adventurer (i.e. I'm soft and keen for a hot shower and confortable bed at the end of the day).

I have a GPS, iPod (with plenty of music loaded) and HTC Desire (with UK Vodafone sim) but will also take my laptop so I can plan/download routes from Mapsource as I go. I usually travel with this and it also lets me save video files from my GoPro HD - much cheaper than keeping on SD cards.

Roaming charges on the mobile are way expensive to I plan to turn data off and rely on free wireless in hotels, bars, cafes as I go to stay connected. Can always connect and pay thru the nose if nothing else is available I suppose.

Finding accomodation can sometimes be a challenge as I will probably not book anything in advance. The Trip Advisor app I have found to be ok for finding places to stay but you cannot tell if motorcycle friendly and secure parking.

Any there any other iPhone or Android apps that are essential kit for motorcyclists?

You will have your Hi-tech stuff as momentos of your trip.

If you can divert your eyes and ears from all the gadgets, what about scenery, places and people?

A camera perhaps?

Thanks for the tip Tony. I might try to look around also. The GoPro camera can also take stills - but I'm sure I will have plenty of hours of high quality video as a momento of the trip. My aim is to kit up so I can spend more time riding and doing those things you suggest. Good thing I just learned how to walk and chew gum at the same time!

I agree with Tony, the focus should be on the trip itself and your experiences, not 'stuff'. Bringing more gadgets with you is just increasing the hassle factor in that you have more things to worry about when you leave your bike unattended somewhere. Phones aren't essential as almost every town will have internet cafes with Skype etc.

Don't worry too much about researching all your accommodation in advance, part of the fun of travelling is not knowing where you are going to stay that night ;)

I would like to offer up a differing opinion.....I think a phone is essential and some type of computer, or combination of both.
I've tried the internet cafe thing and frankly, if your butt is in a crack, you need access now. Not when the cafe is open, or they can convert your currency , or they can understand wtf you're saying.
I've tried it both ways.....the self reliant part of having your own electronics gear is a real plus. I can think of MANY occasions that I WISH I had a mini-netbook or such. I carry a smartphone and a roll-up keyboard. (Think I want a mini netbook instead). The phone can even be a pay as you go job, but the netbook is just a necessary item in these modern times. Believe me, I am NOT a tech kind of guy either.

As long as the gear doesn't dominate your focus it's a blessing.

I don't agree that it is an unnecessary extravagance. I think you could be just as over the top about tubes and wrenches. ( I say this based upon the style of travel you say you enjoy.)

Just my .02 pennies...:taz:

Hi,

>> for a BMW

First thing: get a travel bike wich can be repaired in less developed countrys as well. Even the team of charley borman could not repair there computer GS on there long way round...

>> ordered a 12v pump

Rather take a smaller bicycle pump and a adapter. You will not need it much and the electric ones are to big.

>> and am on the lookout for a tyre repair kit


If you dont own one and dont know how to use it its not worth taking it. If you need to pay someone to to the job for you anyway he will have his own stuff...


>> Will probably stay in hotels. I'm more of a tourer than an adventurer (i.e. I'm soft and keen for a hot shower and confortable bed at the end of the day).

So why dont take the plain and book a all inclusive hotel trip?


>> I have a GPS, iPod (with plenty of music loaded) and HTC Desire (with UK Vodafone sim) but will also take my laptop so I can plan/download routes from Mapsource as I go.


Get the maps ready before you start. I used tracs4africa & Garmin worlmap all around africa Transafrika - Riding on a motorbike through africa part 1

>> I usually travel with this and it also lets me save video files from my GoPro HD - much cheaper than keeping on SD cards.


And what about some gravel roads with strong vibrations that will destroy your hard disk? Rather save everything on sd cards that you can switch to read onely if you are in a internet cafe with lots of viruses.

>> Finding accomodation can sometimes be a challenge as I will probably not book anything in advance.

No not at all you will find people who are interesdet in your money and offer you acomerdation everywhere in the world.


>> Any there any other iPhone or Android apps that are essential kit for motorcyclists?

No there isnt any need to take expensive nonsense stuff like that anywhere in the world. Leafe them at home and enjoy not to have to worry about them.

Enjoy the experience, Tobi

Edit: Whater bottles you will get 4 free with every coca cola...yes you can even get them in congo ;)

Thanks to those who have contributed. I have invested in a pump, tyre repair kit and water bottle - all as a result of the feedback and I am most grateful - but not exactly hi-tech here. The rest of the stuff I have had for some time and found it suits my style of high mileage but 'soft' sport touring (about 30,000 miles in Western Europe over the last 3 years including several organised tours).

It is always good to canvass opinion and it may even be worth opening up a new thread about the merits of technology in the context of biking. Each to their own I say and good luck to the adventure junkies who want to light a fire by rubbing two sticks together and fix their bike with chewing gum. It's not my thing and I am envious of those that have the time, skills and confidence.

My interest, although poorly worded, was more to get a feel for what types of technology rather than kit that others had found useful. I do appreciate that none of this is needed and much of depends on personal and travel preferences and interests. My experience is that technology can achieve greater levels of safety and efficiency. I have a new bike, with roadside assist, and little knowledge on how to fix it if something goes wrong (and it is way too complex anyway). If I'm in a pinch I want all that is available to get me out of it in as little time as possible and get back to the major focus which is to visit new/different countries and ride some of the best and most scenic roads I can - provided they are good, sealed surfaces. An app on my phone adds no extra weight on my bike nor takes up space in my luggage but can save precious hours in certain circumstances.

I also like to keep in touch with what is going on and don't like to line up but hey that's just me. Nothing wrong with not being able to be contacted for a few weeks.

This is a great community and I very much appreciate being part if it. It is even stronger for the depth of experience of the members and their breadth of views. I'll keep my eyes and ears open and let you know of any new gadets/tech I find that make life easier just in case anyone is interested. I'll be sure to have researched them even if I don't have them!

Hi,

How come you first talk about high milage and then onely about 10.000 per jear in the same sentence? But what i realy would like to know is in wich certain circumstances a app on a iPhone (which will probably not even surwife strong vibrations, dust and moisture while realy traveling) can bring you out of trouble while there is no reception? Doesnt people use motorbikes insted of cars because they want to go back to the roots with not more then one engine and two wheels?

All the way from the UK to turkey will be tarmac and no problem at all so the onely thing special you will have to take is a first aid kid and spare bulbs if you legaly want to cross austria. Onely remember to tell your GPS not to use the highways but rather travel slow, winding roads through little villages to enjoy the beautifull side of europa. The insurance for turkey you will get at the border for about 5 Euros per week.

Have fun even with all your high tech Tobi

Thanks Tobi - there are plenty in the UK who have not put on 10k over the last 10 years but I accept this is not record breaking mileage but perhaps not bad for someone who works full time and does not use the bike for commuting.

I'm not off to Africa so horses for courses though I agree with your point.

I hate the highways but they do get you out of Western Europe quicker and into the parts I really want to see ie east of Germany. Plus I can really put this great German bike I own to the limits on the superb Autobahn's in Germany - its the only part of the world where you can really appreciate the qualities of my bike.

Will buy you a beer when I pass through.

Cheers

PS. Was in the Black Forest a couple on months back. Why aren't all roads like the B500?

Hi,

>> there are plenty in the UK who have not put on 10k over the last 10 years


But not here at the HUBB ;)


>> Autobahn's in Germany - its the only part of the world where you can really appreciate the qualities of my bike.

Hihi well then have fun there but dont get cought...a lot of Autobahn parts are limited by now even in germany :(

>> Will buy you a beer when I pass through.


Will you come to one of my diashows about africa on the 22.07 in Stuttgart and the 28.07 in Überlingen?

>> PS. Was in the Black Forest a couple on months back. Why aren't all roads like the B500?

Dont know but have you been in switzerland riding the Grimsel, Furka and Susten passes? They are great as well :)

Travel save Tobi

I didn't realise there was a minimum annual mileage requirement to join the HUBB! What is it? I'll be more than happy to comply. Making a start on this trip on the 28th ex London and will not be far from Stuttgart on my way east. Any other dates for your shows? Would love to attend - I'm good for that beer - but my German comprehension is limited to junior high school (can only now remember how to recite Die Affen! eg Der Bauer sprach zu seinem Jungen etc). Spent the last half of 2010 working in Africa (only sub-Saharan) - I can understand the appeal and great people but not for me on a bike (I'm way too soft) but can always be convinced otherwise. Might do those passes in Switzerland on the way back to the UK if not too late in the year. Thanks for the tip - I'll put them in my GPS now!

Sony NEX 5 digital camera, DSLR quality at a fraction of the size.

Agreed. Take no notice - this is a place where people of all sorts with an interest in long distance biking get together. Some of these people will have clocked up zero miles so far.

I'm heading down to Turkey in a couple of weeks, too, leaving London on 24th and stopping in Koln until 27th, then over to East Germany/Czech and down through Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania etc. No planned route and I'll be roughing it a bit more (mostly camping) but I'll look out for you - it would be nice to cross paths.

As for technology, how about a GS911 diagnostic machine for BMWs? Or in-ear headphones which double as earplugs? Or go the whole hog and get an autocom sound system. Definitely a laptop or netbook: for something really high quality how about a MacBook Air.

My gut feeling as Tmotten suggests is just to take a smart phone (or maybe an ipad) which can perform most of the functions of a netbook.
Having done it yourself Im wondering why you feel you need a netbook rather than or in addition to a smartphone. Im guessing people with lots of video etc and websites to maintain may need the netbook?
Any advice appreciated.

Cheers,

James

The only upside of a netbook is the screen with keyboard, and the USB host capability to upload stuff to the GPS. But apparently with the new Montana this is sort of solved, and in reality you should have all the maps already uploaded as mentioned. An ipad is just a 10" phone with USB host, but no computer type software. No mapsource. There are sub 10" netbooks but you need all the charging equipment as well and it just adds up.

Personally I don't plan a trip in mapsource but just tap it in. In reality you can't really replace paper maps. Even on the road. But everyone is different.

Less is more.

I've never had any electronics completely fail on me but I look after it quite well.

I've been on the road a month now traveling through Canada and Alaska. Here is my experience with technology I brought:

GPS: Very useful gadget, but I could just as easily live without it. The only time it has been at all important is navigating big cities, but I don't spend much time there.

Phone (not a smart phone): I have not turned it on since I left. If I continue to not use it through Central America I will probably give it away.

Netbook (Asus EEE 901): Used once a week (or so) for photo editing and writing blog entries. If a tablet could handle photo editing I would use that instead with a roll-up keyboard, but they cannot do this yet. The photo editing is important enough to me to keep the netbook around because I shoot all pictures in "RAW" mode on my camera. If not for the photo editing I would probably not bring a netbook at all and instead use internet cafes for blog writing and/or a tablet with roll-up keyboard.

Internet Tablet (Archos A43 using Android OS), pocket sized: It has wifi so I can check email when I have an internet connection. Copies of my photos to share with people. MP3 files for music and language lessons. Currency and unit conversion. Voice recorder for recording music I want to learn (I travel with a fiddle as well). But not capable of photo editing or writing blog entries. Better than a smart-phone because of battery life: 35 hours playing music, 12 browsing the web. If it were to fail, I would miss only the MP3 player, and that not much.

Amazon Kindle. I brought this along because I already owned it when I left. In addition to entertainment when sitting around, I have medical references, my bike manual, guide books and I can forward emails to it with reservations, travel information, etc. I'm not entirely certain I would bring it again (or replace it), but it has been useful.

Camera (Canon S95): Best bit of technology I brought along. I would find a way to go without any of the above, but a good camera I would miss a lot as I enjoy sharing photos of my travels and plan to make prints when I get back.

I have no regrets on the above choices so far. I am happy to not use any/all of the above as my mood suits so it does not get in the way of traveling (I have plenty of people annoyed that I have been up to two weeks behind on my blog). It does take up space, but the only one that gets annoying this way is the netbook, everything else fills in cracks in my packing.

Now we're getting somewhere. This is great.

Thanks for the camera recommendations. Was going to use the camera on my mobile and mostly rely on HD video from the GoPro camera (I take a few hours every day and download from the SD to disk every night using my laptop - quality is superb but very large files). Will think some more about getting a stills camera.

Apart from HU and Google Maps, what other websites are good resources when planning a trip or on the road?

Hi,

This one:
Free worldwide routable Garmin maps from OpenStreetMap

Have fun, Tobi

Some Android apps that may be of interest - at least the free ones are worth checking out:

- Best Biking Roads
- Trackmaster
- Touring Navigation
- Trip Advisor
- iTravel
- Headset Button Controller
- Tapatalk
- WhatsApp
- Intercom
- Backcountry Navigator
- Maverick
- Skype
- Google Earth
- booking.com
- doubleTwist
- GoExplore

Most require data - can be expensive if free wifi cannot be found. For those in the UK Vodaphone have reasonable roaming data packages if you are touring in Europe (no I don't work for Vodaphone).

If you are in the market for a new phone and don't want to wait for the new iPhone (or are anti Apple - everyone has them!) check out the Samsung Galazy SII - very slick.

I have a different set up.

I like a relatively small amount of luggage compared to many, but I have invested in gadgets, many of which are involved in the recording and processing of words and images related to the trip ... i.e by having a few gadgets, I am better able to record and document my travels. Thats important to me.

Phone: I typically have at least one smartphone. Every village in the remotest areas of Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Siberia et has mobile phone coverage. With a local sim card in there I have smartphone internet access in the most unusual of places. Make sure your phone is "unlocked" so that you can use other sim cards in it.

Netbook: I also take a netbook. I used to have a 10 inch, but have switched to 12 inch (eee1201n). The weight is much the same, but the bigger, higher resolution screen makes a significant different in image editing. I have pretty decent routine down that most days when I am not in a city, I write a blog and edit the days images on the netbook. Writing a blog and recording daily, allows you to record much more vivid, detailed images in your thoughts than if you leave it a week, or if you try and do it post trip.

Cameras: I have, at times, had 4 specialist cameras in my gear. A ruggedised compact camera (Sony TX5) in my pocket, a DSLR (Nikon D90) in my tankbag (there is no substitute for a DSLR - no such thing as DSLR quality at a fraction of the size), a helmet cam type video camera, and a proper video camera in the luggage. I keep all my cameras set at zulu time (UTC) as thats what the GPS satellites use. That allows for quick and easy geotagging of pictures (getting the exact GPS location of each picture) via free software like geosetter which can take a batch of fotografs and a GPS track and take the time and GPS data from the GPS track to automatically locate and geotag each picture on the map.

GPS: Yes. I back up my GPS tracks to netbook once every 2-3 days.

- - -

Other electrical appliance related tips I have learned from my experiences:

Change all electrical plugs away from bulky and unconventional Australian, Swiss or especially British plugs. Cut the ends off and change to European style schuko plugs (or US plugs if going to south america). Saves a huge amount of bulk and not insignificant weight for UK riders in particular, and means most trips you will not need any adapters ... another weight and bulk saving in itself. (see 4th item on this page ... 10 low profile europlugs for about 12 quid) Schuko, European & USA plugs
Also note that most mains chargers have the same lead that goes from the plug to the voltage adapter ... no point taking a whole bunch of duplicated cables.

Avoid cameras that take AA batteries. They are in my experience a false convenience. A false idol.

Avoid compact cameras with pop out lenses (about 98% of them) if possible. They let in dust, moisture and typically have terribly flimsy built in lens covers.

Camera gear MUST be very accessible. If you cant get it out quickly, you wont use it enough. Tank bags and pockets are the go.

Recharging items from the bike: a huge amount of different chargers takes up a lot of space. Apart from smaller items like smartphones, I end up rarely recharging items on the bike. Despite starting with a bunch of extra sockets installed on the bike, I have reverted to just one. They are over-rated and an easy way to cut out duplicating recharging systems. Things like camera batteries that need to be recharged only once every two or three weeks, I do from mains power. A lot of other stuff can be charged by USB cable ... these are great in terms of weight and bulk saving. EU initiatives to standardise all small electrical devices (beginning with all phones) to charge via a micro USB cable will help massively on this front. Think about using a high output USB socket like this (2.1 amps, vs a standard 0.4 or 0.5 amps) as it charges everything 4-5 times as fast as from a standard socket or from a laptop. 2100ma HIGH POWER USB CHARGER

Or get a modern bike, prepare it properly and it wont need to be repaired.

I did a survey of bikes that had been as far, and then done the Road of Bones in the past 3 years .... 70+% of them were modern fuel injected bikes. None of them broke down or needed to be repaired.

Dont even worry about it mate. The degree of adventure has nothing to do with camping. Personally, I hardly ever camp, cause I too like a shower every day if I can get it.


If you dont stick your computer or hard drives in metal boxes, then nothing will vibrate. Take soft luggage and you can take all the hard disks in the world. I have ALWAYS used normal computers carried in soft bags and NEVER had a hard disk problem. I even take additional USB hard drives with me (video files are large). There is NOTHING wrong with taking modern hard discs.

I had an impromptu bikers meeting last year in Mirny, far northern Siberia, a place only about a dozen adventurers have even made it to on bikes, with my riding companion Sherri Jo Wilkins, and well known Austrian adventurer Joe Pichler. After dinner, we all pulled out our laptops to show each other photos ... all were normal garden variety laptops with normal hard drives. For what its worth, all riders were on modern fuel injected bikes too. I would like to think Joe Pichler and myself have enough experience to know what works and what doesnt when riding through very remote and rugged regions. We were both were on modern, fuel injected bikes that provided us with 100% reliable transportation. We both were riding with normal laptops, and normal additional hard drives. We both avoided camping wherever possible (90% of the time).

So Brett, there are a lot of "conventional wisdoms" about adventure motorcycling to become familiar with ... but equally, be aware that MANY of those "wisdoms" are 1st generation adventure motorcycling wisdoms from the '80s and '90s that are now not only out terribly of date, but in many cases, the opposite is now a better option.

Thanks for all this excellent information and advice.

I'm off at the end of the week and will be sure to make the most of my gadgets and tech.

Hope to see you on the road soon.

Cheers

http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon_D9...ha_NEX-5/specs

By removing the mirror you can have the same sized sensor within a much smaller unit.

Its interesting that they have managed to get a DX sized sensor into a relatively small form camera. Certainly in doing that they have bridged a part of the gap towards DSLR quality. Having said that, I often bemoan the fact that the DX sized sensor gives notably less impressive results than DSLRs with the even larger FX sized sensor.

But there are other drawbacks to the smaller camera. One of the other primary advantages of a DSLR is its speed. Speed to turn on, and speed to respond when you press the button.

Startup delay 300 ms vs 1000 ms
Shutter lag 208 ms vs 441 ms

So if something interesting starts running across the road, the D90 has been turned on, started up and got off a shot within half a second, as opposed to about 3 times as long with the small form Sony. I have missed too many shots in the past with cameras that take too long to boot up, and then the shutter lag is too slow to capture that key action shot.

Also despite the advantage of the same size sensor, the 4 actual image quality scores (rather than stats) at the bottom of the page are all in favour of the DSLR.

So you still dont really have the image quality, or that critical speed of operation. And a very limited supply of lenses (3) that are specially made for the smaller form cameras, which may or may not be compatible with future models. At least with Nikon or Canon DSLRs you pretty much KNOW any lens you buy will work going forward. There must be thousands of lenses that will fit a D90.

And on lenses, lenses are as much or bigger part of the bulk and weight than the actual camera body. The advantage of the smaller body is diluted the more lenses you take.


I see the attraction of smaller form cameras, but I also see a lot of downsides to them. For someone who just wants to take one camera and not have it too large, yet still get good quality, stuff like this or the lumix gf2 can be great options. But for me, I prefer to take 2 foto cameras. A small one, and a good one. And for me, there is no substitute for a DSLR when it comes to that "good one". If anything I would prefer to go up in size (and weight and performance) to an FX camera, rather than down. I chose the D90 because its the cheapest and lightest of the possible DSLRs I would want to use on the road ... so already, the D90 is a compromise in favour of cost, size and weight. It already is my cheaper, smaller and lighter "good" camera. I would like to be using a D700.

What I found usefull.
 

I downloaded the Tomtom app on my iphone. A back up to the handlebar mounted GPS unit, also usefull when walking around towns/cities when all other gear at accomodation.

Best Biking Roads (BBR) App.

Road Trip App. Calculates fuel consumption, converts fuel cost to home currency, maps refuelling stops etc.

For me it's all about value, personally I would rather spend $500 on a camera that takes good or even great photos anywhere I want than $4000 on a full-frame camera which takes excellent photos but takes up lots of room, is unsuitable for taking to bars etc and has high risk, if I were to lose or break a $4000 camera it would have a seriously negative effect on my bike trip, also buy taking a cheaper camera I have all that extra money to enjoy!

I started off with a point-and-shoot + DSLR but found it to be a pain in the ass because you have multiple chargers, cables, SD cards, all the photos come out with different filename standards and in different resolutions. It really adds a lot of time to the workflow which could otherwise be spent, well, drinking beer I suppose.

That's assuming you have your D90 handy, where as a smaller camera will likely be far more accessible. 1000ms is only 1 second, any extra time removing a larger camera from it's pouch or whatnot will far surpass that 0.7 seconds difference. Also overall the specifications of the NEX in the shootout have surpassed those of the D90, so what you're losing in one respect you are gaining in another, for example the 7fps vs 4.5fps continuous shooting is more relative for taking photographs of fast-moving motorcycles than a little extra boot time.

It's still well within DSLR quality standards, bettering by far the image quality of DSLR's such as the D3000 or Canon Rebel XS. The D90 is a mid-range DSLR and the difference is minimal, the difference between the D90 and the NEX 5 sensor is less than the the difference between Nikon vs Canon sensors, yet the NEX is 30% cheaper and much, much smaller.

This is true except when I began traveling with my DSLR I found I was carrying a 50mm 1.8, 10-20mm wide angle and 18-55mm yet only ever really using the 18-55mm. For motorcycle travel I will seriously reconsider which lenses I bring. With that said the NEX has another 3 or 4 more lenses coming, as it's only a newly released camera.


Yes, it's really just a difference of opinion on how you prefer to travel, personally I feel that less is more, gives me more time to enjoy myself at the end of the day and less time worrying about 'oh geez where did I put this' or trying to cram thousands of dollars of electrical equipment into my hostel locker, or going to the supermarket while having to worry about all my gear being in my tent at the campsite. This is why I would chose the NEX, it has DSLR quality (slightly less than the D90, but still DSLR quality), and will fit into my pocket with the pancake lens, or my camelbak with the 18-55mm.

Cut the plugs off and install xyz,
Simply brilliant, I'm on it, love tips like that it makes my day :)

Cheers
Pete

2 cameras is the way to go for me, too. A Canon 5D with 3-4 optics, flash, etc on the tank bag, and another small pocket-size digital.

Image quality on that SLR (especially in low-light situations) is just so superior, for me it has made it worth the hassle.

That said, digital cameras are advancing technically all the time, and you might be able get almost (~90%?) same quality from a much smaller/lighter/cheaper setup these days.