[pct-l] Camera

[ned at mountaineducation.org]

I hope that it has already been said, but your choice in a camera may also 
be influenced by the fact that you may not be able to return to the trail, 
later, to re-take a killer picture taken with a poor quality camera.

For many thru hikers attempting a long trail, it may be the only time in 
their lives they will have the time to do such a feat, so don't skimp on the 
quality of the camera!

Light weight, compactness, and battery type are important, but make sure it 
takes the kind of pictures you want and can do anything with later, because 
who knows if you'll ever return...



"Just remember, Be Careful out there!"

Ned Tibbits, Director
Mountain Education
1106A Ski Run Blvd
South Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150
    P: 888-996-8333
    F: 530-541-1456
    C: 530-721-1551
    http://www.mountaineducation.org
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Gary Wright" <gwtmp01 at mac.com>
To: "Ethan Smith" <esmith11 at my.whitworth.edu>
Cc: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Sunday, November 21, 2010 11:50 AM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Camera


>
> On Nov 20, 2010, at 11:37 PM, Ethan Smith wrote:
>
>> I would love to get some advice about buying a camera for my 2011 
>> thru-hike. I am looking for one that is light-weight, durable, $150 
>> range, takes good (doesn't have to be excellent) pictures, and is easy to 
>> use.
>> Also, what have you done about memory cards?
>
> - go to www.dpreview.com for excellent digital
>   camera buying guide, comparisons, reviews, etc.
> - if you have a choice spend money on a larger
>   or higher quality lens rather than more
>   mega-pixels
> - digital zoom: bad
> - optical zoom: good
> - try to get an optical zoom of 4x or higher
> - select a camera that uses standard batteries
>   rather than a custom battery that needs to be
>   recharged in town
> - use lithium batteries for digital cameras
> - use multiple memory cards rather than one
>   huge card
> - rotate cards via mail to a trusted
>   person at home who can back them up and send
>   the card back a resupply point
> - you can burn disks yourself at larger towns
>   with a Walmart/CVS/Walgreens/etc.
> - Don't put all your pictures on one
>   memory card!  If you have problems with the
>   card you'll lose all your pictures.
> - take pictures at the highest quality, lowest
>   compression possible to get the best photos
> - experiment with your camera before you hit the
>   trail.  Make sure you learn how to:
>     -- force the flash on (google "fill flash")
>     -- force the flash off
>     -- force 'macro' mode for taking close up
>        pictures (plants, flowers, bugs, etc)
>     -- zoom in/out to improve composition
>     -- take movies
>     -- use special picture taking modes (portrait,
>        landscape, night time, indoor etc) for
>        your camera
>
> - regularly go through your pictures and write
>   down a quick summary/title for *each* one. Don't
>   wait until the end of your trip to do this.  Especially
>   include the names of people and places.
>
> - best time to take landscape pictures, early in the
>   morning or late in the day when the sun provides
>   the most interesting light
>
> - keep your camera with you in town
>
> Radar's #1 Trail Photography Tip:  Make sure you camera is
> accessible at all times!  You should be able to get at your
> camera while you are walking. Except for rainy days your
> camera should never be buried in your pack.  Even then make
> an effort to take it out when you see something interesting.
> Except when it is pouring buckets the trail can still be
> quite picturesque in inclement weather.
>
> Radar
> _______________________________________________
> Pct-L mailing list
> Pct-L at backcountry.net
> To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>
> List Archives:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
>
> __________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus 
> signature database 5636 (20101121) __________
>
> The message was checked by ESET Smart Security.
>
> http://www.eset.com
>
>
>