Cameras and Photography

[Thumpercrazee]

There are so many great cameras out now, I would find it hard to say which is the best for travel. I use Canon cameras exclusively just because I am accustomed to their controls.
On the bike I always have an SX200 IS which has provided very satisfactory results and it's size is great for pocket carry. Depending on my destination and needs, I might take my 7D with a 28-135./ f3.5 or a Tamron SP 28-75/f.2.8. Shooting film I might carry my A-1 35mm SLR.
Many P & S cameras have exceptional control on exposures. I find the new 4/3 cameras to be interesting too and their sized great for motorcycle carry.

TC ;D

 

[keeponriding]

I traded in my large DSLRs for the smaller interchangeable lens Micro 4/3s...great results in asmaller package.

I ride with a tank bag, partially to always have a map, and also to have ready access to stuff, such as my camera. On the bike, I either carry a Panasonic GF1 with a 20mm lens...or, a S8100...both of which take great pix, with the ability for me to use manual settings, or auto, depending on the lighting and my position at the time. The advantage of both is accessibility and lessened concern about damage...I can pull over, unzip the tank bag and take some very cool shots, quickly (I don't like to stop much or for long). To Ollie's point, I take some quick pix, with really good lenses (albeit, less zoom options on the GF1/20)....lletting me make photographic essays of my trips. Both of them were great additions to a recent essay of the Cherohala skyway and some other off the beaten path roads around the Smokies.

The other advantage of all three cameras (including another interchangeable lens GF1 with a 14 - 140 zoom) is the ease of carrying...I just found myself leaving the DSLR at home too much.

As someone said earlier...there is some really good cameras out, even P&S with great lenses and DSLR-like capacities.

The best camera I've found for me is the one I take with me.

 

[Kebotrans]

Love this thread as I am a photog. I use a Nikon D700 and D7000 as a backup and love both. For landscape stuff and cool stills I like to use a Leica M8 and the Fuji X100.

 

[glazier]

I use a Canon T2i which is a very nice DSLR camera.
Learned long ago...Camera bodies come and go and they're alway more technology next year.
But the lens are where you really spend the money.
Buy the best glass you can afford (Canon L) as you can usual sell later at no or little loss.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Like others, I've found that I really need two cameras. The better camera is for work and when I need better quality photos or know that I'll do a lot of post-shot changes and want a higher rez original to work from. But it's big enough to be a total pain to use while in motion, pegs me as a tourist in places that is not a good thing, and is awkward to carry.


So for years I've had a series of the Canon p&s metal body SD series cameras in a leather holster, right next to the Blackberry. The camera is almost always with me on travel, so I get shots while the bigger camera is in the hotel or in my backpack. On the bike, I can use it left-handed with gloves on and even change adjustments or zoom, then slide it back into the holster.

 

[colorider]

On the bike, I can use it left-handed with gloves on and even change adjustments or zoom, then slide it back into the holster.

I use a strap like this for my point and shoot. When the camera is not in use, I simply tuck it inside my jacket.

 

[zman68]

used to carry nikon d5100 with nikkor18-200mm ...versatile , light weight, sort of hdr mode built in and easy to used(you can ask anyone to take some good picture)esp with rotating lcd screen.

 

[Twisties]

My typical set up is a Canon 5DMII, a 17-40mmm L, a 100mm Macro, a 400 mm L, a bag of filters and accessories, and a tripod. I think on Super Tenere I will carry it all in a day pack to reduce vibration off road. The camera is in the tank bag and the lenses ride in the top case on the RT. On paved roads I will probably put the camera in the tank bag again on the Super Tenere, ready to shoot.

The Rebels are fine cameras. The image quality of the full frame sensor is better however, and I find I have to do much less post-processing with the full frame. Dynamic range is significantly better on the full frame. But it isn't the difference from P&S to dSLR, that is the big jump, right there, that is. If any of you rebel folk are interested, I have a Rebel XSi and some EF-S lenses I might part with. PM me.

My experience is that under ideal conditions a P&S will make an acceptable image, maybe even a good image. However, it is not generally possible to get professional level results with them for a number of reasons: They don't do well in less than ideal conditions, you do not have the same degree of creative control (even with fully manual operation because of no choice of lens or filters), the image sensors and lens are not typically of the same quality as dSLRs (particularly dynamic range on the sensor, and artifacts from the lenses), and most do not offer the option of saving raw files (which seriously limits post processing possibilities). When I look back now at my super zoom P&S images I just cringe.

My philosophy is that making fine images is part of what I am in it for and what I do in fine places. A dSLR left at home is worthless. That's just me, I understand.

Now, a question: What is the best way to post images on this board? I'm thinking I'll just link them to my Smugmug account because this board is set up to reprocess them. I don't think there is a way to post them here without reprocessing.

Here are a few from our last moto trip in July Suggest you use the slideshow button, or click them up to original size. Some are good images (I hope), others just tell the story of our ride.

http://twisties.smugmug.com/Other/Black-Hills-Snowy-Range-2/18704349_8wmSxL#1403278990_Bf7sWMB

 

[rem]

I have a Canon 5D for when I want some really sharp images, and a Canon G9 which I use most of the time. To me, a tripod is essential if you want a really sharp photo. I seldom use the 5D without a tripod. But I mostly carry the G9 just hanging around my neck. It takes surprisingly good pics. R

 

[Twisties]

's all about priorities... those may be changing as I am trying to pack the S10 for departure this morning.... ::010::