dSLR cameras and biking?
 

Gday all,

After spending several months on the road with my lovely point and shoot, the unprotected lens is slowly getting more scratched and photo quality is declining. A combination of that and the 2012 HUBB calendar pics (you should vote here Horizons Unlimited 2012 Photo Contest Poll) and being in Canada surrounded by beauty to photograph, I'm opting to buy a dSLR camera.

Can anyone recommend a model that is suitable for the road? And any equipment that seems necessary or brilliant for motorbike travelling? How do people carry their dSLR's and lenses on their bikes? Any problems with damage from vibration etc? What are your lens choices for travel photography?

I'm currently investigating the Nikon D3100/D5100/D90 cameras, all seeming nice. Looking forward to hearing your opinions and hopefully we can turn this into a valuable thread for others in the future!!

Cheers,
Rossy.

I'm looking myself so no model advuice but keen to hear from others!

One thing I learnt from climbing trips is to protect your lens always have a filter on - even if it's a clear filter. I have smashed the filter but saved the lens on more than one occasion.

Colebatch uses a polarising filter to great effect, superb photos but have no idea what it does or how it works.

Canon
 

Like you I started with a 35mm 'point and shoot' I now have a DSLR Canon EOS550d and find it great. An upgrade from the 500d previousley owned.

I keep the 35mm in my pocket for the 'super quick' shots or when I'm cold and wet. I keep the DSLR either my tankbag or top box (in s**t weather!)
I take a 18-55mm (close/friends), 75-300mm (distance/public/wildlife) and a wide angle lens (scenery) and have good fun with it. I also have a double battery compartment fitted for those days when no charge is available, a small light portable tripod, a hot-shoe flash, a remote actuator, and filters to protect the main lens, which also remove UV, etc.

I find carrying the gear in the tank bag hasn't been a problem with the vibrations, also carrying plenty of SD memory cards is better than just one card.

p.s, camera shops often have 2nd hand, good lens filters for sale at less than 1/2 price!!

Grant Johnson (HU Boss) gave a presentation about photography back in Spain 2008 and that was what made me decide to convert to DSLR as I couldn't get enough variation out of my 35mm and wanted to experiment more. With the reasonable prices and never ending pictures to take and retake and retake etc with digital, It was a no brainer for me.

My advice is to start small and cheap, an all inclusive package of a couple of lenses, camera and a bag and pretty soon you'll be figuring out what's good for you and maybe move onto something bigger/better/faster. I find that lenses make the camera and my girlfriend loves it when I get something ew as she gets the old one...LOL!

My experience with Nikon DSLR camera's is good.
For several trips I carried a Nikon D70s. With my last trip I used my wifes D5000 to try it out and, for my work as a reporter for a newssite, I used a Nikon D300s daily. Most of the time I go everywhere on my bike.
The last few years a BMW F650GS and now an old GoldWing and I always have the camera in the topcase.

I never had a camera failure while on the road.
My son carried his D50 in the topcase of his moped with no problem.

In general, the profesional or semi profesional camera's like the D300s are stronger then the consumer market camera's because they are intended to be used everywhere, every day in every weather.

If you don't need to shoot video, a second hand D200 or D300 could be a good option.

For my motorcycle trips, I use a Nikkor 18-200 zoom objective and a Nikkor 50mm 1.8 fixed focus objective and a SB600 flash. I always have spare batteries and memory cards with me.

I must say that I hardly ever go off-road with camera's in my topcase but I had my share of bad roads.

Good luck with choosing a camera.

Fantastic!
 

Cheers gents, that's great advice! Thanks for the breakdown on what the lens mm refer to, as I'm not at understanding that yet. I was thinking the same though for lenses, a standard, a zoom and a wide angle. A macro was also a possibility as, being a zoologist, things under bark, logs and rocks excite me!

As for storage, my biggest issue is, I run with ALL soft luggage. Soft pannier bags, and a rolltop duffel bag. My tankbag is a tiny little Wolfman enduro so has no storage space for an SLR. I would have to upgrade my stock 13L tank to get a bigger tankbag I'd say.

Where do you guys keep your lenses as well? With the camera? Do they fit in your tank bag? Which tank bag?

Keep up the good work, the more opinions, the merrier! Cheers!

Macro
 

I tried a macro once and a guy said to me, why no use your telephoto zoom lens instead.... stand back and let your subject matter (bugs/lizards/etc) just get on with whatever it's doing without your huge lump of a body scaring the bejeesus out of it and all it wants to do is run away!

Funny that as it works for the cute chicks across the road too. LOL!

I use a standard tankbag designed for the Tenere I'm riding (www.offtheroad.de) . When I'm not using that I use a small rucksac fastened to the tank which comes off easily when I'm pottering about the town. My camera bag opens up fully with lenses etc so it fits into both rucsac and tankbag no bother!

If your going for soft luggage I'd still recommend a hard topbox!! Somewhere you can lock stuff in and not get crushed if you take a fall!

I've had my Nikon D80 for 5 years now, and used it to great effect in a 3 month trip around Canada. I had a single lens on it, Nikon's 18-200 stabilised, which is a fantastic travel lens, and pretty much all you ever need. However I added the 50mm 1.8 to it for low light work, which it excels at.

Brilliant combination.

My main advice would be to try the cameras in a shop and see what feels good in your hand. I was going to buy Canon, but they just didn't feel right, the Nikon just had something different that felt 'just right' in my hands.

I use a Nikon d80 in a tank bag with a 18-50mm on it fast to use. I take a 70-300mm for a long shot a 50 f1.8 for low light and a 8mm fish gust for fun all in a photo bag in my top box on the back along with other bits.

For kit some filters that may help a circular polarizer, a graduated neutral density filter, a close up lens filters or a Nikon BR2a. A BR2a it lets you mount a lens with a filter size of 52mm to the camera to make a close up lens. A off camera flash. A remote shutter trigger. Lots of memory cards like handfuls hate to see people talk about maybe not taking a shot as there low on there one memory card they take. spare batterys and a charger. Now this all sounds like a lot but take up less space than my 70-300. With all that you will have lots to work with. Add a tripod and some off torches with colored filters and you can work a night as well. There is much more you can take but it will depend on what you like to do.

For a new camera go with the Nikon 5100 or 7000 there new and look to out shoot the d90 in most ways.

I've done several trips with my Nikon D80. On my Alaska trip I carried 2 lenses; however on our last Latin America and Africa trip, I just used the 18-200mm Nikon lens. It worked really well and I didn't have to swap lenses in dusty conditions. As far as storage, I have always stored my camera in my wolfman denali tankbag with a foam insert on both my F650GS and the DR650 and the camera has held up well in spills.
Daryll

I have a Nikon D700 with a 24-70mm as a standard lens. I usually also take a 70-300mm though next time I think I'll also take a 17-35mm. (It's a full frame sensor so shoots wider than the numbers imply.) I always take a tripod and the usual filters.
The camera and one additional lens lives in a camera bag, in a 'soft' bag designed to fit on the top of the panniers but I strap it to the seat. The idea is to minimse vibration (lots of padding!) as well as hopefully saving it from damage in an off unless I turn the bike upside down!
The tripod straps to the top of one the panniers and the bigger filters (and extra lens) live in the panniers. The smaller/screw in filters live in the camera bag along with a spare battery and a memory card. The other cards stay in the pannier.
When I stop somewhere I take the camera bag out of the 'soft' bag and keep it with me, but tend to leave the tripod unless I need it. Everything else is locked away.
If you like your photography then the tripod is a must - it's well worth the hassle.

What about another Point-N-Shoot?

Maybe the Nikon Coolpix AW-100 or the Panasonic DMC-TS3?

Amazon.com: Nikon COOLPIX AW100 16 MP CMOS Waterproof Digital Camera with GPS and Full HD 1080p Video (Orange): Camera & Photo

Amazon.com: Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 12.1 MP Rugged/Waterproof Digital Camera with 4.6x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Orange): Camera & Photo

The the DSLR I carry is a Nikon D40. It works for me. The sensor metering firmware is defective, it usually overexposes. But after reading the review at the website below and compensating for it, great pictures keep popping out of it. I would recommend at least a polarizing filter to cut glare and add pop to blue skies and a UV filter to protect the outside lens.

A good website for reviews and picture taking tips is: http://www.kenrockwell.com/

Another is: http://motojournalism.blogspot.com/

daryl

I just bought a Nikon D5100 for my ride to South America. Stayed with the 18-55 kit lens and coughed up some bigger dollars for a Nikor 105mm macro lens. Macro shooting is something I've just recently been turned on to. Great portrait lens too.

For the distance shots I've got an older 70-210mm but the autofocus doesn't function with the D5100. No problem.

It will all be carried in a padded bag within a Givi top box for security.

I'll also have an older Canon Elph tucked into my jacket for on the fly pics.

My two cents.

Pita
 

Carrying a full DSLR with lenses and all equipment is a pain.

I had my Nikon D700 with 24-70 and 70-200 together with flash and charger, etc. when I was riding for France. After 900 kms away from home I sent them by courier and continued with my G9.

Full system is very heavy and you should take care of them all the time.
Imagine the changing lens under rain, dusty weather, extreme cold...

If you like to have very good pictures in details: take a DSLR with a large zoom like 18-200, 24-300 etc. In this case you will need a 24, 35 or 50 mm F: 1.4 for low light photography. Need to carry rechargeable batteries for flash and camera.

Carry a point and shoot for quick action. Taking out of that huge DSLR from tankbag under rain can make you giving up shooting that scene.

My whole trip with G9 went ok.

Am I regret ? Not really.

This is my 2 cents.

In addition to what I wrote before, I always carry a Nikon Coolpix S3000 with me. I use the Coolpix for my "on the road" shots, most of the time.
When I take the time for photo's, like when I'm exploring a town, old buiilding, zoo or naturepark, I use the DSLR.

Dslr
 

If you are not really into Photographery or Film carrying a lot of gear is a bit of a pain. I enjoy it as it is one of the reasons I travel & also I travel with my wife, so here is a list that I take : 1:Canon 7D, 1:Canon 550D both with view finders (Zacuto) Lens: 1: Tokina 11-16mm F2.8, 1: Canon 50mm prime F1.8, 1: Canon L 24-70mm F2.8, Canon L 70-300mm F4.5, Canon 18-135mm. We also carry a Kenko 1.4 extender, as well as numerous Filters/Polarisers, ND Faders etc. 1: 4hn external mic, with 2: Sennheiser lapel mics. We also have 2 GoPros. Cards Sandisk Extreme CF, 1x32gb, 2x16gb, 4x8gb. Sandisk Extreme Cards 2x16gb, 4x8gb. We use a MacBook Pro with a Freecom 2T external storage. Our point and shoot cameras are 2x Panasonic DMC-ZS7. Now all this is spread over 2 bikes, our Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 carbon fibre tripod with a 501HDV head, is strapped to the top of my pannier. Most of this goes in my top box as well. We also carry the relevant charges for everything as well.
I know a lot of you will say I am mad, but I have worked in this sort in industry for a long time and I enjoy film making ( for the anuls Video)
Enjoy your travels !!!!:thumbup1:
PaulD

speaking of cameras ...
 

PaulD

I am one of those people who would say you are MAD MAD MAD!

I do envy your passion and knowledge of photography though

MAD I say.

Cheers mate.

I do tend to use a polariser at times (probably under use it) and a graduated ND filter at other times (definitely over use it).

I am a bit of a lazy mans photographer. I compromise a lot on lens quality and set up of shots, because at the end of the day I prefer being on the bike and on the move, and travelling as light as possible. So the way I shoot travel images is just me trying to get the most impact and interest, with the least amount of effort and relatively cheap gear.

As you are now a Jupiters Traveller, and I am now one of the Committee of Advisors, I am happy to have a beer with you Henry and have a chat about tips to get more impact from your photography as simply as possible, without going over the top.

There are a number of cameras available now which aim to bridge the gap between compacts and DSLRs. Mainly using the M4/3 format, they have the aps-c size sensor, similar to many DSLRs, and interchangeable lenses. The bodies are much smaller although they do lack the optial viewfinder. Worth looking into. Search for Olympus pen but there are other makes. If I was spending cash now I would investigate this type. I like my Sigma dp1s though, despite its limitations (fixed 28mm eqiv lens, not great for low light and slow time between shots). The prime lens, while a limitation, contributes to very high quality images.

I carry a Canon 5D, 1-3 lenses, flash, and a pocket digital as a backup.

Definitely a pain to have so much fragile & expensive stuff with you on a trip, and they take up space, and weight quite a bit, too. But image quality on that full-frame sensor makes it worthwile (for me). I know I´d get at least 90% of that from a much lighter and cheaper camera.

I ended up opting for a Nikon D5100 + 18-200mm VRII lens kit for $1500 from amazon. Might grab a 50mm 1.8 soon. The camera and lens is perfect, in that it takes great photos and the broad lens means you don't have to change so much. Haven't been riding with it much yet but will be soon. Now looking for a decent tank bag to take on the trip which will fit it and a small laptop as well!

putting together my travel camera kit.. drawback is it's pretty darn heavy and overkill. definitely not fragile gear. D2H gets banged around without a whimper. advantage is world class photo's if you do your part.

Nikon D2H with Nikkor prime lens, 50mm f1.4, 18-70mm F3.5, 70-300mm f4 with a few filter and SB28DX speedlight. two li-ion packs & 12v charger. light weight tripod and filters.

Nikon D2H shoots at only 4 megpix, so folks tend to under rate this camera. that's why you can pick one up for $400 range (loosing a D2H would not be painful as a D3). what folks don't grasp is how those 4meg are used. in Raw format properly exposed, good for 20inx30in prints. or plenty good for 99% of my needs. besides web pics never require more than display's resolution.

here's the whole enchilada at 8lbs (without tripod)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...s/DSC08949.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...s/DSC08945.jpg

Nice setup mate. Where do you carry this when you're riding?

thanks... still in process of figuring out what goes where.

here's the setup so far, R80G/S PD with soft side/tank bags. plans are to add a lockable aluminum top box only (no side aluminum cases). camera gear will travel in top box.

http://www.happy-trail.com/images/1.25/HTB_47_m.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...01120002-1.jpg

Just a quick one, I was looking at buying a Nikkor 50mm 1.8 lens. There are two options... a 1.8G and a 1.8D. Does anyone know what the big difference between these is?

Personally I prefer to keep cameras on the tank - great vibration isolation, and much less pounding than in a top box at the back! :mchappy:

Good:
The tank is a big mass of weight sitting on rubber mounts, in the center of the bike. Perfect.

Bad:
Top box is at one end of the bike - swings up and down a LOT doh compared to the center of the bike - and no vibration damping at all, unless it's on rubber mounts, and even then not much.

We carried three cameras over 5 continents and never even had a screw come loose. Excess lenses we carried as far forward in the right saddlebag (non-exhaust side) and high up as possible, same thinking, plus easy access.

For vibration damping we used special foam rubber mat for shipping electronic equipment. Closed cell stuff, not squishy open cell rubbish. 12 mm underneath, and 4 mm in front and inside of bag. Worked a treat.

I've seen lots of laptops carried in top boxes - and they don't fare as well as you'd like. And of course I've seen a top box launched over the top of a guys bike on a big bump! :rofl:

and more than a few tales of lost top boxes...

hope that helps!

thanks... was thinking I was crazy for bringing along that much camera gear. will put rubber bumpers on top box with a separate locking cable in case box comes loose.

looks like camera in tank bag, lens, charger, ipad, etc in right side bag in water proof canoe bags.

main reason for top case is to have one place to lock things up. going with soft side panniers instead of aluminum. with camera gear weighting 8lb. going minimalist on rest of gear.

too many models to keep track of...

Nikkor lens came in three different flavors with lots of minor differences in between.

1. original Nikkor lens were manual focus, manual metering

2. then came AF Nikkors on film cameras. need motor on camera body to drive auto focus. electronically coupled for AF and metering.

3. then came AF DX lens with motor inside lens, full electronic coupling

4. then came AF FX lens for full frame sensor bodies, full electronic coupling. motor inside lens

hope this helps ...

All depends on your purpose, preferences and what you want to do! Oh yeah, and it helps prove you're not crazy if you know what you're doing with it all!

We carried 2 Canon SLR bodies, one pro EOS1N and one amateur EOS Rebel. All circa 1996, so film! Also an Olympus weatherproof point and shoot, whioch was heavily used and lived in Susan's jacket at all times for quick shots.

My lenses:
28-105 3.5/4.5
20-35 2.8 L
70-200 2.8L
1.4 x and 2x Canon extenders for 70-200. Great for animals in Africa.

Susan:
28-70
100-300 f4/5.6
Her kit was ultralight!
Mine was all HEAVY.

Also a collection of filters: polarizers, graduated ND's (very useful) a couple of strong warming, a "sunset" filter, and of course haze filters lived on all lenses always.

I carried a Gitzo carbon fibre "Mountaineer" tripod which got a lot of use. TIP: Make VERY sure it's super easy to get at or you won't use it! 15 seconds tops!

300 rolls of film :(
Lens cleaners and all the usual crap.

And of course a bag to carry a set each in, etc.

I am sooooo jealous of guys travelling now with digital...

Yikes... 300 rolls of film... compared to today's 32gig flash memory.
way back then I shot with Nikon F and Hasselblad. still got both cameras but it's been quite some time since I shot film.

there's a new photo lab trend that delivers 24meg digital scans along with regular pictures/negatives. for about $16 per roll. this gives all the 35mm film cameras a new lease on life. North Coast Photographic Services

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...s/DSC08953.jpg

Traveling with a slr kit can be a pita. On every trip I've regretted some shots I didn't take because I was bored/tired to go through the procedure.

The fasted/easiest way I've found out until now, is to have the slr with a usefull lens (quite different for each one) on the tank bag where with a single unzip to get the camera and take the shot. The rest is left on a sidecase. I don't any padding or extra bag on ether one, although on the sidecase I try to place them on a fixed position between some soft stuff (clothes, etc). I didn't had any issues after 25k km. On the last two trips though in Iceland and Tuscany I took with me just one lens, a 50mm & 28mm respectively :) .

ν.

100% agree

I used to do that, then decided to skip "the rest" as I was never using it, or almost never using it.

I carry the usual DSLR gear, Camera, a few lens, filters and usuallya tripod. Also a G11 which I keep in easy reach to grap quick shots with my helmet and gloves on or carrying light - coffe/lunch break or a wander around the market place when I don't want to carry the SLR. Works for me

I'm debating the same thing to death... I'm leaving for the second installment of my RTW next April. I am sticking to the 24-70 2.8 and the D700. As well, a Canon S95 for a pocket camera. The rest of the gear stays home...

One of the things I've learned about myself on motorcycle travel is that I'm fundamentally lazy. As much as I enjoy photography. I hate carrying and managing the gear.

I purchased a Nikon AW100 to carry instead of my beloved Nikon D40. So far I've been happy with it. Over the holidays I walked around dad's nursing home playing with the various settings.

daryl

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...2c/028-1-2.jpg http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...h62c/036-1.jpg
http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...h62c/037-3.jpg

The G type doesn't have an aperture ring so aperture is set via the camera. They're compatible with most Nikons including D3, D2, D1, D700, D300, D200, D100, D90, D80, D70, D60, D50 and D40. I've only listed these as they seem to be the most common at the moment. If you have a different Nikon let me know and I'll check the list for you.
If it helps, I have both G and D type lenses that I use with my D700.

Also, the D lesns does not have a built in motor so autofocus will not work with some entry slr's that don't have an in-camera motor (d40,60,3000?, etc..)

ν.

this was 2009 Now 2012 the GX1 replaces it
 

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...s-camera-45572

Took panasonic 3 years but the GX1 is the GF1 upgrade.

After much deliberation I am now down to four lenses:
14mm f2.5 (equivalent 28mm) - Panasonic
20mm f1.7 (equivalent 40mm) - Panasonic
9-18 zoom f4-5.6 (equivalent 18mm -36mm) relatively slow aperture - Olympus
45mm f1.8 (equivalent 90mm) - Olympus

Attachment 5937
45mm not shown and thats a 14-42 zoom not the 9-18, but theyre similar sized.
The tripod is awesome replaced with a tech-trek ball head for travel.

There are also 2 long zooms that would be really useful: 45-200 zoom (equivalent 90-400mm) if you need to keep it compact, Or (the bigger higher quality 100-300) depending on what you are likely to be photographing

The 14mm is duplicated but for its size and weight - 53gms I simply cant leave this f2.5 prime behind.
total weight including; polarising filter, external flash (with off camera radio slave), 2 batteries, lens hood and intervalometer - 2.2kgs.

To put this into perspective thats the same weight as my Nikon fm2 with 35mm f2 lens film and hood.

It is incomparably small and it will all easily fit into your tankbag. The key benefit of the micro fourthirds system aside from smaller bodies are the much smaller lenses, whereas Canon and Nikon have still got to have larger lenses, this holds true with the Sony Alpha range, where the lens selection is not as advanced not anywhere near as compact.

Whats more there is a higher quality range - a 12mm f2 Olympus a 25mm f1.4 Panasonic a 45mm f1.8 Leica/panasonic as well as the 7-14 f4 Panasonic All for those with deeper pockets

Four Thirds | Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds | Chart(Lenses) - lens range here.

I do have a Canon 5d with 5 L lenses to choose from but when it comes to travel - the Panasonic is the way forward, it is a little bit of a compromise, but is just so so much more convenient that I use it far more.

I initially got the Panasonic for a walking / hiking outfit, but its grown - its just kind of addictive.
However given any specific assignment or photographic task I will undoubtably take the Canon gear.

Good luck.

regards G

I used to have my D200 + Sigma 24-70 (and filters, etc.) in my tankbag, but after a couple of years I decided that it took up too much space, and some people gave it very long eyes when I was walking around.

So when the m4/3 started to come out I got a Panasonic GF1 with the 14-45mm kit lense, and even as there are a few things which I miss from a decent DSLR, it can do 90% of what I need, and take up 1/3 of the space. Also it's small enough to be able to take photos while riding, which I would never try with a DSLR.

Right now I'm discussing if upgrading to a GX1 would be worth it....

Casper

been thinking of doing same. leaving humongous Nikon D2H + lens at home. buying a Nikon AW100 for RTW duties.

Sony NEX series
 

Took a shot in the dark and replaced my no-name point and shoot with a Sony NEX 5 Sony NEX-3 & NEX-5 Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review . Think the current model is a NEX 7, seemingly a major improvement $$. Was intrigued by the very small body of the 5 and was my main reason for shying away from a true SLR. It has an optically stabilized 18-55 lens and an incredible pan function.

Consistent bad comments relate to its awkward menu system... better once you use it for a while... and I really miss a built-in viewfinder, now in the 7. Love the quality of the pictures but haven't yet tried it on the road, so can't attest to its robustness.

But if you are concerned about space... might be worth considering.

have had a slew of Sony cameras... really like the friendly menu layout. but weakness is lack of waterproofing. have lost two sonys to water and they barely got wet.

an old Sony cybershot 4.1 meg is my main web camera... works really good. very easy to upload pic's for web use. but would not trust it for any thing close to wet conditions.

then get a Sony TX5 or TX10 ... waterproof, dustproof, shockproof

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 have a Nikon D80 with a 18-135 lens (UV filter which stays on), SB600 flash, remote shutter release, small portable tripod and a regular tripod. Everything except the reg tripod goes into a well-padded camera bag and this is carried in my topbox. When I get off the bike to do a little walk-about, the helmet and gloves go in the topbox and the camera bag goes over my shoulder. Works well for me.

I also have a waterproof Fuji compact (quality only mediocre) that I keep in a jacket pocket and can be pulled out easily for a quick shot.

I have a Ram-ball on the handlebars and often use this instead of getting out the tripod or if I don't have it with me, works very well.

Well said Colebatch. I'll chip in with my own experience, now almost at the end of my 18-months tour of Africa and middle-east on an F800GS.

The most important thing to remember is to take the camera that you will enjoy using when time comes to take a picture: if it's too big, too slow or stowed away, you just won't bother take the picture. A picture not taken is always worse than the one taken by the crappiest camera in the world!

I enjoy very much photography, so I took my best toy - the Canon 5d MKII. But it's BIG and heavy, which goes against the rule when you're traveling by bike. I put in in the hard panniers to protect it, and I take it out only when I decide to stop for a while and do some photography.

So I needed a second camera: a simple point-and-shoot in those cases when I need to take a quick snapshot and the quality is less important than the fact that I'll get the shot that I want. So it needed to be:
- small, to fit in my jacket's pocket, when I'm riding, and in my trouser's pocket, when I'm strolling in town
- robust, because it will be exposed to dust, sand, humidity, shocks, etc..
- responsive! I want to be able to stop, put in neutral, reach for the camera, compose, shoot and stow it away, all in 5 seconds or less.
- lastly, have decent image quality. For me this is less important than the first 3 criteria, but the Sony is producing very nice pictures. If a scene is really worth it, then I park, take off my helmet and gloves, take the 5dMKII out and shoot. But this takes 10x more time. Often the scene will be gone, or the people scared off, etc..

When I left, the only camera that fulfilled my conditions was the Sony TX5. It's waterproof (so dust-proof), has few moving parts so it's robust. Most importantly, I can hold it with one hand, power it up by lowering the cover with my middle finger, and it will be ready to shoot in 1 second. I can compose with the helmet and goggles on, and it will autofocus in a split second. Then, immediately after taking the picture, I just slide down the cover and put it back in my jacket, and off I go.

It's (almost) perfect!

The only fly in the ointment is the LCD screen which is not protected, so after rubbing against the fabric of my pockets, it lost the anti-reflective coating and then it was just impossible to see anything in bright sunlight.

And then I lost it.. so my girl-friend who joined me left me her camera, who was also a Sony point-and-shoot, but a more traditional one, the WX7. It's terrible: you have to reach for a tiny button to power it up, which is impossible with the gloves on. Then it needs to extend the lens, which takes at least 2 seconds. And even worse, after you've taken the shot, you have to wait for the lens to retract before putting it back into the pocket, of course, and this is incredibly annoying (just as annoying as using a smartphone, don't get me started on those..).

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.

Actually, I flew back shortly to Europe after 1 year. I sent the 5D mkII, which was still working perfectly, to Canon for CLA (clean - lube - adjust). It cost me as much as a new entry-level camera but it came back like new! it may sound crazy to take a 3000$ photo kit in an off-road bike trip, but knowing that you can rely on it, and that it can be serviced and fixed is invaluable.

Lastly, one practical problem with the DSLR is that it is a bit too "flashy". People in the street (much more so in African than in Asia it seems) are more easily scared/angered by the big photo camera pointed at them than by a tiny point and shoot. Especially so if you can get it out of your pocket and take a shot in 2 seconds before they can react (pose, ask for money, walk away, etc..)

At the end of the day, there are photos that I've taken with the small kit that I wished I had taken with the DSLR for the extra image quality; but I just know that I wouldn't have been able to take it at all with it, so I have absolutely no regret.

For me the combination of a high-end kit and a small cheap one was better than the compromise of a single medium quality kit. For most people it makes sense to take only a small point and shoot, and I respect this very much. Also, the industry has made some great progress since I left, so I may review my decision in a future trip (e.g., Sony NEX-7, Fuji X-100).

Lastly, whatever your gear, do post the photos and share them with us!

Laurent

AAAAAHHHH.... Camera's and motorcycles... always a big discussion...

I can follow Laurent for a big part, but I don't totally agree.
I am also a (semi)professional photographer, get assignments every few weeks and I almost always go traveling with my bike(s).

BEFORE you decide what to BUY, you should consider this: Are you going on a trip to enjoy yourself and take a picture, or are you on a quest for the best possible pictures that you can take?
How much room and money are you willing to give up for your pictures?

If you buy a dslr, you need to buy a good one and a good lens, don't buy the entry level ones, there's absolutely no point in doing that! My G12 shoots better than the cheap dslr's! So, we are talking 200€ (point and shoot) - vs 500€ (G12) vs 2000+€ (dslr). How much is your picture really worth? What are the advantages of all of them???

When I go on a trip, my techstuff is almost half of everything we have with us... and every new trip I try to downsize this again! Ok, we are always going offroad so that's a really big issue, size and weight.

So, you can choose between a (high-end) dslr or a point and shoot or the thing in between. Until last year I took my dslr + 2 lenses with me. Until last year all the other options were 'crap' if you want a good quality picture... but now I've bought myself the Canon G12 and I leave the dslr at home for my concertphotography.

Honestly, with a cam like that you can take ok pictures (for web and prints up to A4 really no problem!) and you can make movies. Allright, your options are limited, but so is the price and the size of the cam. When does it get tricky? When do I have the feeling "shit - If I just brought my dslr with me..."? At night, and with fast movement pictures. That's it. How many times are you going to take pictures at night?

I can give you a lot of examples why to buy this or that but this is my conclusion:

I built a Pelicase on the back of my DRZ400 with one purpose: placing the dslr in it. I used to bring my dslr with lenses with me.
I don't anymore.
I take my Canon Powershot G12 and a (waterproof!) Contour HD helmetcam and that's it.
The Pelicase serves now for the macbook air, and all electronic stuff (waterproof!) > 1 ortlieb bag less to take with me!
I have mounts on different places on the bikes for both of the cams and the G12 is usually in my (small) tankbag.
I take the G12 out, switch it on, take a picture/film, put it away, all the way without having to stop riding!!! So for the lazy people (/good drivers), go for this option! I never regretted to take the G12 with me on my motorcycle adventures and leaving the dslr at home for all the other photography!

Seb

PS; if you have more questions, or want a better advice, you can always mail/pm me, I will be happy to help you out. I'm tired of people thinking they should buy expensive camera's to in the end just take "point and shoot" pictures on auto mode with a dslr.......... !!!!!

Hi Seb,

the G12 makes a cracking camera and if your requirements are to simply record the trip then it makes really good sense.

My old trusty G2 (which finally died late on last year - after just passing it's tenth birthday) provided many published images, so that's proof that you don't need a DSLR to get paid for the results.

The problem I have is that when touring by bike I also like to include my other passion of aviation, and that's were the DSLR comes into it's own.

Regards

Reggie

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.. :scooter:

Laurent

somebody mean no need to carry a full frame DSLR for the sake of weight and room. Better to take a smaller camera like a G12.

Results almost similar ?

It makes me smile a bit.

so better to sell all the kit and buy one point and shoot camera only, even an I-phone...

We save room, weight and money...

And me, what will I do with all those Hasselblad, Sinar, Nikon and Canon systems? I even carried my Hasselblad on bike some times. doh

Cameras
 

The same people that knock DSLR Cameras usually are the same people that knock BMW's (They simply can't afford them) now you can get by without either and be more than happy, but there seems to be a pattern emerging !
I have alot of different cameras that can & will do the job, but the fact you want a camera means you are interested in what you see and do. Simply buy one that suits your budget and you will be happy. Listen to what everyone else says as this is a good information forum but remember our circumstances & needs varies so dont take it as gospel. !!!!!!
Happy snapping !!!!!!

started to purchase a waterproof travel camera several times... was leaning towards Nikon AW100. but each time stopped myself.

already got a butt load of nice cameras. Nikon D2H, D1X, with 12+ prime Nikkor lens. there's more...two Lumix, 3 Sony, Go Pro ....that's not even counting film cameras.... arrrrggghhh

unless there's a compelling reason (waterproof?). using what I've already got. is waterproof important enough to purchase yet another camera?

would much rather spend the $$$ on my G/S

I think that a very good choice for biking is the Fujifilm X100, if you don't mind not having zoom. I'm saving for one right now actually.

I've been shooting the x100 for six months now. Absolutely stunning exposures, design, portabliity, reliability and resolution (to 11x14 prints). The fully auto mode does not miss interpret any lighting situation. I'm comfortable actually leaving the viewing screen off to save battery! It is better than my lumix LX3/GF1, mamiya 6x6cm, and nikon (d300) for auto mixed lighting sources situations. Got it for better travel and non intrusive environmental portraits. Now i use it for everything . . . and i'm not looking back. I admit i normally view the world from a 105mm (35mm) perspective and miss not being able to screw one on. So if the primary mission is low natural light photography i'll sometimes pack the D300 and a 50mm 1.8 FX lense . . . but find myself still reaching for the x100 for almost all situations. Feel and shoots exactly like my stolen Leica M4. I'm not even gonna bother nitpicking it. Get one ! You'll like :thumbup1:bier
The panoramic mode alone is reason to get it.

PS. I have no financial interest in the photo industry

olympus pen ep2?
 

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...

rugged = good
 

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???

doh

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.

My wife has had a Canon s95. it takes good walk around shots and decent video.

I carry a Nikon D3s with a 28-300, a 50 1.4, and a SB-700 flash.

I wrap my camera in a foam towel and keep it in my side case.

A very old thread (apart from Bill's post) but a current topic for me. Should I put the effort in and take one of my DSLRs on a trip starting in a week's time or should I just stick with my tried and tested combination of GoPro fixed to the bike and (now somewhat elderly) Panasonic HX-DC1 which is kept readily available in my bike jacket pocket.

I know if I take a DSLR it'll take my photography "to the next level" (to coin a phrase) but only when I can be bothered / have the time to dig it out from its resting place in one of the panniers. To make room for it I'll probably have to leave a pair of shoes or similar behind and to make use of it I'll have to ride in photographer rather than snapper mode. Usually though, when I make the effort, the results are worth it, but, to some extent, it means changing my mindset from recording a ride to going on a photoshoot by bike.

The whole business of what "electronics" to take with you has been exercising my mind for some time, but particularly this year. The photo link below is of about half the bits we took on a trip up through Canada back in the spring and the potential list gets longer and longer. It's not just whatever you're taking but batteries, chargers, cables, accessories etc for them all and it all adds up.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4599/...ccf5e2a3_n.jpg
Canada electronics by backofbeyond, on Flickr


We found space for most of that stuff eventually (we were riding a GoldWing!) and for the similar amount of stuff that went on our friend's bike but there was no DSLR (didn't make the cut for that trip), no drone, no travelling tripod etc.

While I'm not a biker but with car (with family) I also think about if I should bring the DSLR. Things are changing rapidly last couple of years.
I still think that almost nothing beats pictures of a DSLR with a nice lens (fixed 1.8f lens for example). However, some things are changing.

New (samsung) phones are taking very nice pictures. The newest to come, the S9, has 1.5f and 2.4f mechanical diafragma changing and sensors keep getting better. 4K video resolution.
Sure, it will still not beat a DSLR, however, quality (also in darkness) is good. And much more convenient to do a simple edit on, and send away on the road if you have wifi somewhere. And always in reach to make a quick pic. Imagine you stopping on the side of the road, still on the bike. Are you going to get a DSLR out of your luggage every time?

Then the whole action cam thing. Sure a Gopro is nice (and water resistant!)
But this field is changing.

Why not take a 360 camera instead? They are also filming with a nice quality. And they let you decide afterwards what you want to focus on. So you don't have to make a 360 video, no you just shoot in 360 in take the angle you like afterwards.
And again, easy editing with a phone app.

And even drones are getting compact, so you could almost bring one in the same space of an old-fashioned DSLR. Of course there are smaller bodies which are worth the effort (especially for you bikers)

For me, I think we will bring our older DSLR with a fixed lens and a larger zoomlens (200mm or 300mm) because there is no substitute for that when you need it.
But I will put it in some corner of the car where we have some space left, so I'm afraid what will happen.
What I expect (since I'm lazy) that the camera will stay in 90% of the time, and that I'm using perhaps an S9 and a 360 camera to do most stuff. Because they are always in reach.
The Gopro we have is very small so we can still bring that along, but I guess it will be running as a dashcam kind of thing. Not using all the potential.

I tend to use a compact DSLR such as the Panasonic Lumix with a clear or UV filter to protect the lens.

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