dSLR cameras and biking?

[lbendel]

The idea that a dSLR is good because, and only because of IQ (image quality) is a common misconception. I also used to deride casual photographers who are shooting only jpeg on full automatic with crappy lenses.

IQ is such a dead horse that it doesn't need any more flogging here. What is acceptable IQ for you isn't someone's else, bla-bla-bla. There are dozens of reviewers shooting brick walls for you to compare. I just want to stress that usability and the pleasure of using a reflex camera is unmatched, (currently) leaps and bounds above anything else.

First off is the joy of looking through a real viewfinder. Of course the full size 5dMKII viewfinder is much nicer than the APS-C cramped viewfinders, but even those are a million time better than any compact camera viewfinder - or LCD screen for that matter (new EVF cameras may change that but I haven't tried them).

Second is the responsiveness. When I take a picture, I want to be able to take a second immediately, without any delay - just like with a film camera. With a PAS I need to wait 1 or 2 seconds with all controls frozen before I can use it again. A huge PITA for me. The dSLR never interferes with you, it will do the writing in the background, power up and down instantly (at least since I replaced my EOS 300D).

Joy of use. Freedom. Non-inteference. Given that the entry-level dSLR from Canon/Nikon with kit lens is in the same price range as a G12, I totally understand the soccer mom who buys this kit and keep it in full auto mode and may only use 25% of its potential. It's still way more friendly and intuitive than most point-and-shoot cameras.

Now if you don't want to compromise, you can have the perfect usability of a reflex camera with the amazing IQ of the full-size sensor and the fantastic L lenses with the 5dMKII.

The bottom line is, it's a great tool, just too heavy and expensive - hmmm, wait a minute.. that sounds just like the BMW 1200 Adventure that so many people are choosing for their trip..

Laurent

[garnaro]

After having a couple of point and shoots do the same thing as you describe with the extendable lens, I would never bring one - dust just gets in there and they break. Perhaps I'm not careful enough, but its hard to be careful with stuff when you're on the bike and there's lots of stuff going on around you.

The fact that you don't have to worry about this with the ruggedized camera's is a huge asset - I love the lumix TS3 for this reason.

Originally Posted by lbendel

Finally, after just a couple months, it just broke down, the lens extraction mechanism would make a grinding noise and wouldn't retract: sand and dust obviously jammed the mechanism. How good is your 1-year warranty in the middle of Africa ?

These gadgets are designed as cheaply as possible and they will break down. On the other hand, the 5D mkII feels solid and indeed it is very well built: after 1 year and multiple crashes, it still was working like clockwork, even with many moving parts (mirror, shutter, diaphragm, IS, etc..). If I had taken a Rebel or other entry-level dSRL, I'm convinced it would have broken down half-way through. And no chance to fix it.

[colebatch]

Originally Posted by BugsOnMyBoard

After having a couple of point and shoots do the same thing as you describe with the extendable lens, I would never bring one - dust just gets in there and they break. Perhaps I'm not careful enough, but its hard to be careful with stuff when you're on the bike and there's lots of stuff going on around you.

The fact that you don't have to worry about this with the ruggedized camera's is a huge asset - I love the lumix TS3 for this reason.

I gotta emphasise this one ...

Been saying this for years on this and other forums ... adventure biking and regular compact cameras with extendable lenses do NOT go together. Compact cameras for my kind of use must not have an extendable lens. I use a Sony TX5 for the same reason ... waterproof, dustproof, shock resistant and fully compact with no extendable lens.

As you mention, my SLR lenses have no problems, tho some lenses seem to work better in rough conditions than others.

But please readers, if your are travelling and your trip is a long one, involving off road, vibrations, water crossings etc ... choose a compact with a NON extendable lens. There are a million stories out there of adventure riders shagging their compact cameras with extendable lenses on trips because water and dust DOES get in around the lens. Yet still people buy them???

[sbn351]

I know this is an old post but I will post here anyway.

Im going with my wife for a 3-4 week trip to Spain on our BMW G650GS Sertao this september.

I plan on using my Sony Xperia Z2 and I also plan on bringing my Dslr canon eos 600d with my tamron 18-200 lens.

The Z2 will go in my jacket pocket and the Canon/Tamron will go in a case logic day bag which then will go in my tank bag.

The tank bag will double as a backpack when we are off the bike.

[garnaro]

Originally Posted by harrenz

One option really worth looking at are the new micro 4/3 cameras from Olympus and Panasonic. The Olympus PEN EP-3 is getting great reviews. The micro 4/ have interchangable lenses and from the review excellent quality - at least comparable to consumer DSLR, but much smaller and lighter.
I could not give a view on durability, but if size and weight is an issue then these are really worth a look at.

I'm trying to figure this out too. I'm new to photography, but it seems that the micro 4/3 system is ideal for applications like moto travel where space is at a premium. I'm thinking of the olympus PEN ep-2 as it can be had on ebay for about $200 now. Maybe with just a 17mm lens (?) as I'm trying to keep it as light as possible.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-pla-_-NA-_-NA

I have a lumix TS3 rugged/waterproof that I've used as the same way that a go-pro would be with modified go-pro mounts. This camera actually takes really decent still images too. But I'm sure that the micro 4/3 sensor would be a large jump in image quality and you can add an external mic, which would be great for video.

just need the decide if its worth the extra space and cost for my level of interest in taking photos/videos. The posts here have been been very useful on this front btw...