![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
1 Jan 2009
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posts: 1,049
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
All good points. I agree about megapixels. Down loading huge files while on the road could be S L O W. 8 MP is plenty, IMO.
One thing to remember: How well will the Camera work out on the bike? Not only should it be reasonably rugged but being small can be an advantage too. Some riders don't mind pulling over, going to top box and pulling out the "big gun". I used to work that way .... now I'm just a point and shoot guy. My big (and beautiful) Canon 20D just sits.
DP review is a good source of reviews. I've read it many times.
Warthog, one thing you missed on "compact" cameras is zoom range.
Both the Lumix's I mentioned above have HUGE optical zoom ranges. There is a whole new generation of compact "super Zoom" cameras out now.
|
Large zooms (notably the Lumix range) are available but not that common. If the Lumix cameras have everything Keiren needs then these make a good choice and, indeed, the zoom is what sets the Lumix apart from most other manufacturers.
Personally, I rejected them for my choice due to the lack of manual overrides and no optical view finder in most cases. Keiren's needs may well differ: most are not botthered about the viewfinder.
My issue with megapixel size is less to do with the download times (my 6MP SLR saves 3MB files to my girlfriend's 8MP 1.3MB files, or my 7MP Canon), it is more with the loss of picture quality. Most compacts use similar size sensors (ie significanly smaller than SLRs).
So, the downside of bigger MP (over 6MPish) on such relatively small sensors means smaller sensors and, so, the risk of greater image noise, meaning all you get is worse picture quality than with a lower MP on the same sensor size.
__________________
Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
1 Jan 2009
|
![gixxer.rob's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Avatar040.gif) |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Back in Melb
Posts: 287
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by keiren
I dont actually know much about cameras and was wondering if any one could recomend a model to me Im no proffesional photographer and i need something thats quite sturdy.
|
Guys I think we are going off what keiren wanted and starting to defending our own purchases.
As keiren said he is not a pro so although a dig SLR or bridging type would probably be the best in the long run. To get to the stage where he will use all the features and then want more is a bit down the track (not saying you are not a fast learner keiren) and probably many, many photos in many different situations.
As you can see everybody has found something that they like and that works for them. All I can suggest (and a few others) is set yuou price, read up, try out in a shop if possible and then get out there and use it in as many differrent ways as you can. Any short falls will soon show up.
Enjoy
![Thumbup1](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/thumbup1.gif)
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
1 Jan 2009
|
![mollydog's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Animal036.jpg) |
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
|
|
(discontinued? but see does have manual settings as do many other models.
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 17:35.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
1 Jan 2009
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 879
|
|
Whoa, Nerd alert!
If Keiren's head didn't hurt beforehand, I bet it does now!
I think Gixxer.rob has the right idea - set a budget, do a bit of internet browsing of the manufacturer's websites to see what is out there, then head down to a local camera store and try a few for size so to speak...
Don't get too hung up on the technical specifications - pottsy says what I was trying to say - ultimately it's the picture you take that counts, not what you take it with... something that is simple, robust and easy to use would get my vote every time...
xxx
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
26 Jan 2009
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: warkworth
Posts: 7
|
|
thank you for all the answers much appreciated im going to go and get a cam in the next week or so glad you all could help me
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
27 Jan 2009
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Estonia
Posts: 351
|
|
On bike I suggest to get smaller camera that can be put into front pocket, so it is always accessible and no need to reach your bag to take a quick snap.
I'm fan of compact cameras, many have now decent image quality.
Personally I use Panasonic LX series compacts for their small size, robustness and advanced feature set, however for newbie it may be too much. You can see some photo links on my signature. New DMC-LX3 is an ideal compact travel camera for advanced users (24mm f/2 lens).
Also, I suggest to get one with 28mm wide lens (more in view at once, especially in tight room/places). Many cheaper cameras come with 35mm or even 38mm wide lens as standard (not so good).
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
27 Jan 2009
|
![Matt Cartney's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar14008_1.gif) |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
|
|
I agree with above regarding megapixels. Above about 4 mp it's the lens that lets your pix down on a digi compact, so pay more attention to the lens. In general big is good(i.e. a big fat lens) this means more light gets into the camera, big lenses are expensive to make, so cheap cameras tend not to have them. The above poster is right, you want a nice wide angle lens on a compact, it's much more important than the 'telephoto' end of the zoom. The Lumix cameras are great. Next time I have a few quid spare I am getting one of them. My current compact is a Nikon Coolpix 4800, which I was given. It is great, but a bit bulky.
I would suggest that one of the most important things for a beginner snapper is to have a camera you can whip out at a moments notice, rattle off a couple of shots one handed and pop away in a pocket without fuss. So nice and small is good. It's often these quick opportunist shots that are the best.
Whatever you buy, try it out in the shop first. Make sure the camera has minimal lag between pressing the shutter and taking the shot. This, almost more than anything else, can mess up pictures IMHO.
Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com
http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/
*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
28 Jan 2009
|
![klaus's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Animal044.jpg) |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Ehime-ken, Japan
Posts: 273
|
|
SLR, compact and so on
I own both, a Nikon SLR and a Fuji compact digital camera. For touring purposes I use the compact one. If I want to take pictures during "chill-ou-sessions" I use the Nikon (which I normally carry in my paniers).
To begin with shooting digital pics - I have to agree with most people here* don't get more than 4 Mega-pixels, go for a maker, i.e. Fuji, Canon and so on, I don't like the models that are using AA batteries (too much weight, not enough power). And check the Internet for digital camera comparisons - you will find lots of pages with great information!!
Hope this helps a little!? Safe riding!!
__________________
Klaus D. Orth A German in Japan 1992 Honda TA
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
28 Jan 2009
|
![Alexlebrit's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Avatar124.jpg) |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
|
|
A couple more thoughts just to spin the head a bit further.
Save a little bit of your budget for a small (pocket-sized) tripod, or similar. If you're travelling you're going to want to take photos on self-timer with you in the shot, and a tripod makes this so much easier than trying to find a convenient rock. Who knows perhaps in this current credit-crunch atmosphere a camera shop might do you a deal. Of course if you do, check the camera has a tripod mount, I'm fairly certain all the known makes do, but I've seen some strange makes without.
Another thing to consider (even if you don't buy it right away) is a remote control. Think of it as one up from the self timer. With a remote you can not only take static shots of yourself, but with a bit of practise you can take riding shots of yourself. I have no idea which makes/models do this though, I've been trying to find out myself having seen a friend's excellent self-portraits.
And as other people have said check the lag time between when you push the shutter button and when the camera takes the actual picture. How many of us have pictures of people's rear tyres, because there's an age of delay between the two.
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
28 Jan 2009
|
![Crusty's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar20036_1.gif) |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Herts, UK
Posts: 216
|
|
Rechargeable battery issues
Sorry if this is a little
I have a Fuji finepix A700 7.3 mp. Great little camera, takes cracking pictures but it absolutely hates rechargeable batteries-AA size.
A pair of fully charged 2500nimh batteries gives me a MAX of 30 pics, outdoors, no flash. Sometimes as few as 15-20.
Surely this isn't normal..?
I've got 'regular' lithium batteries in it now and it's fine, loads of pics, no sign of them giving up yet.
Anyone else had this problem?
Is this a known issue with some cameras or is it just mine..?
__________________
Beware the dark, mechanical bird.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
28 Jan 2009
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Estonia
Posts: 351
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Crusty
A pair of fully charged 2500nimh batteries gives me a MAX of 30 pics, outdoors, no flash. Sometimes as few as 15-20.
|
SOunds stupid but have you tried with different re-chargeables? Perhaps the ones you tried are just old and do not keep charge or there is something wrong with charger?
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
28 Jan 2009
|
![Crusty's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar20036_1.gif) |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Herts, UK
Posts: 216
|
|
Quote:
SOunds stupid but have you tried with different re-chargeables?
|
Yep, various brands, all bought new. Tried a fast charger, trickle charger and then a mate's charger. No difference.
Just to be sure, I charged them with my charger then gave them to a mate to try in his camera-Canon sureshot, I think. He got over a 100 pics and around half an hour of video so I'm pretty confident the batteries are good.
I took it back to the shop who sent it on to Fuji. It came back a week or two later with a note saying the "Firmware had been upgraded" but no one could tell me what that meant..! Didn't make any difference and the warranty's up now anyway.
__________________
Beware the dark, mechanical bird.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
28 Jan 2009
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Estonia
Posts: 351
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Crusty
It came back a week or two later with a note saying the "Firmware had been upgraded" but no one could tell me what that meant..!
|
The software (operating system) that is inside your camera is called firmware. Occasionally problems are found and new firmware is made available (similar to computer programs where updates are released frequently). Probably they did not find the problem or thought the problem was caused by older software your camera had.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
29 Jan 2009
|
![mollydog's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Animal036.jpg) |
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
|
|
The key to this is that consumer type AA
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 17:35.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
![Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.](/stuff/ripcord/ripcord-logo-250.jpg)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
![Five books by Graham Field!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|