Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Photo Forum
Photo Forum Everything on Travel Photography, from what kind of equipment to take with you to how to light a subject.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia




Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 18 Jun 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Leeds, Yorkshire, UK
Posts: 71
Digital camera or not?

I am going overland from UK to OZ and I am looking to take a Nikon coolpix 5700. I dont intend taking a laptop, instead I intend to take plenty of memory cards and email pics home when I get the chance.

Does anyone have any views on:-
1. The above idea as a whole i.e. taking just a digital camera with no laptop.
2. The camera in question.

Your views would as ever be appreciated.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 19 Jun 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 163
Hi

I've just converted to digital in the last 12 months and would say there are pluses and minuses with both but on ballence I'd go digital. There's often more to go wrong with digital but you get more options. If you search the site you'll find that a hell of a lot of people go with the Sony Mavica - which I did after reading peoples reviews here. The big plus of it is that it burns images strait to an 8cm CD in the back of the camara rather than needing a memory stick etc. Each CD will store upto 240 images depending on the resolution and then when its full just post it home, or if you'd rather, stick it in the CD drive at an internet cafe and e-mail the images home. Dead easey!! They are about £900 but I'd definately say its worth it for the quality, ease of use etc. over other camaras. Jessops have a deal on right now so you may get one cheeper. If I was using memory sticks etc. I'd take a laptop or 200 memory sticks!!

Chris
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19 Jun 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Posts: 40
Hej,

I've just bought a Canon G3 which is an excellent all round Digital camera. Instead of using CF cards you can also use a micro drive which are up to 1 GB (= a *lot* of photos and mini films)
The main reason I went with the G3 is that it has a swivel LCD screen (other cameras also have this feature eg. Nikon coolpix), I use this to take close up people shots without pointing the camera directly at them.

You also have to consider how to charge the cameras batteries. I have 12v charger that I want to wire to my bike so I'll always be charging whilst riding. Another thing which would also be the same with an SLR camera, is dust and vibrations - a pelican box is good for this along with your other sensitive gear.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 19 Jun 2003
Gold Member
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posts: 19
I've got a Nikon cool pix 4500. I wanted to buy the Sony but the budget didn't cover it. I have just bought on the weekend a hand held device called a phototainer. It can store up to ten thousand pictures. So I don't have to buy the huge storage cards for the Nikon now. I can download the pictures to the Phototainer and then take the Phototainer into an internet cafe to download what I need onto the internet. The other bonus is the LED screen is much larger then the one on the camera, so I can view the pictures and get a much better idea if I want to keep them or delete them. THere is lots of info on the internet about the product and it is sold in Canada and the UK. They do sell it in the US but it's under a different name. As a bonus, you can also download MP3 music to it.........cool. In the end it was $759 Canadian and means that we don't need a lap top and don't have to worry about photo storage while we are gone (we are going for a year and leave on July 14th)........I think in the UK it is selling for about 400 pounds.
d
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 30 Jun 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Porsgrunn, Norway
Posts: 48
The cheapest storage solution around must be the X-drive (http://www.vosonic.com/index.php?php...&php_itemid=11). I bought this unit a few days ago with 40GB harddisk for about 3-400 USD (in Norway - which has a very strong currency at the moment). Per MB price must be unbeatable.

------------------
Dag
http://www.RocinantesTravels.com
__________________
Dag
http://www.RocinantesTravels.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 1 Jul 2003
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Taupo, New Zealand
Posts: 194
Definitely digital. My photo count after 10 months is 3,000 pictures - that would be a lot of film. I have a Canon G2 and love it; after a *very* rough time it just keeps on taking great pictures. Dropped on the Inca Trail yesterday and nothing broke. No problems under any conditions at all - including on top of Aconcagua - and excellent battery life. My next camera will absolutely postively be a (third) Canon digital; every man and his dog has a Sony - be a little different

Having a laptop is nice, but not essential. Burning onto CDs at internet cafes (or from someone else's laptop) works just fine. Microdrives don't work above 10,000 feet (not enough air) and have a somewhat flaky reputation - I wouldn't rely on them.

Check out www.dpreview.com for info and comparisons.

James
__________________
James Courtier
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Jul 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Belgium
Posts: 1
What I did is to take a Super Digibin with me. For not too much money(250 EUR), you have a 20Gb harddisk with you. You just put the card into it, press a button, and it's saved on the HD.
There are other systems available (I have one of the 1st super digibin, and it has a lot of battery probz. Have to take the power cable with you), but they are more expensive.
And definitely, the numeric is the best solution.. for point-n-shoot shots. If you want more, go for a MF argentic camera.. But that's a different story ;-)
CU
Y


Quote:
Originally posted by simonrjames:
I am going overland from UK to OZ and I am looking to take a Nikon coolpix 5700. I dont intend taking a laptop, instead I intend to take plenty of memory cards and email pics home when I get the chance.

Does anyone have any views on:-
1. The above idea as a whole i.e. taking just a digital camera with no laptop.
2. The camera in question.

Your views would as ever be appreciated.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 2 Sep 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: longmont, co, USA
Posts: 117
Depends on how many pictures you intend to take.
You have to spend a lot of money to get a digital that takes as good pictures as a medium grade point and shoot 35mm. The difference in money could buy a heck of a lot of film and getting the pictures on CD from film is cheap to have someone else do it or free for yourself (with a scanner). You have to take a lot of digital pics to make up the difference. Plus getting pics to CD can be a pain in the 3rd world. (as opposed to mailing home rolls of film) That said, I still have gone digital.
Do some math and you'll have your answer.
__________________
Stuck at home...

sopgear.com
velocity-research.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 2 Sep 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Worcester, UK
Posts: 61
These people http://www.jobodigital.com/ make a CD writer that burns directly from a memory card. Check out the 'Disk Steno' and 'Visor', the Visor lets you copy back from a CD to a CF card. Not sure about the size / weight or price of these but it means you can have near-instant backup of your digital pics to CD and you can avoid microdrives / hard disk drives which are more fragile (although a much more compact way of carrying large amounts of data). I'm thinking of using a Visor to store digital maps and pictures as an alternative to a digi-bin style device. Any thoughts?

Andy.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 2 Sep 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Posts: 233
The Apacer which writes to CD's is 299 USD from a local (Chicago) dealer. It workes as an external CD writer from a laptop too. Also comes with a vehicle adapter for charging and operation. I think I'll keep my eye on this one....

Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 11 Nov 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Vienna
Posts: 4
Post preferable both

hello,

the best would be 3 cameras:

Canon EOS 10D (or 20D) (very heavy - stable pictures and no easy to damage)

SIGMA 105mm macro fixed - wonderful portraits due to limited focus
SIGMA 28 to 75mm for standard photos and wide angle landscapes
SIGAM 50 to 300mm for the rest
SIGAM 15 to 35mm wideangle if possible

with this you can cover 99% of all situations.

Canon EOS 300 or any analogue camera with a ISO 50 or ISO 100 dia film - makes the most beautiful colors on sunset or evening.

So I can use all lensed on both cameras - digi and analogue.

I make the photos for internet/screen and my VR photography with the digital SLR (less distortion) and only the most beautiful landscapes which will be develped to poster size with my analogue one (use the same settings as in the digital SLR).

And finally I have bought a Canon Powershot G6 (uses also CF cards). This is in my opinion the best compromise between flexibility and quality losses. It has a fair lens and the possibility to adjust aperture and time individually. Another big advantage is the fact that I can use my Canon EOS 550 flash on it as well (in combination with a flash extension cord the perfect thing).

Remember ... you will need more than 19mio px to get the same quality as a dia film and this is far away from the ideal color! So if you are planing to print your photos you will need analogue or a good resolution (do not panic, large printouts have the advantage that the people do not need to come to close to it).

So you need to decide, what is important for you and what kind of pictures you are planing to do - professional, for the web, etc.?

And do not forget - the best friend of a photographer is Adobe and its son Photoshop.

For all german speaking guys ... check this site out to learn photography:

http://home.datacomm.ch/fotografie/

Hope that I could help you a little bit with this info,

BR, Vilijam

one live - live it well!
__________________
one life ... live it well!
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 12 Nov 2006
Redboots's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
Thumbs up Coolpix

Quote:
Originally Posted by simonrjames
..I am looking to take a Nikon coolpix 5700. Does anyone have any views on:-
2. The camera in question.
I'm taking a Coolpic 5700. Partly because the camera is up to spec for what I want. Partly because I bought a second-hand one on Ebay for €123 ;-)) and partly because it came with a 6 battery (AA) grip. This gives better balance to the unit and I can charge AA's on the bike.
AA's also fit everything else I'm taking that need batteries.
Got an 8 batt charger and a couple of dozen Ni-MH batteries... sorted.

Another little accessory is a small bean-bag to rest your camera on.
A girl makes them to pay for her singing lessons:-))
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/loweswood...e-support.html

John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 30 Nov 2006
ArcticHarleyMan's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Yukon, Canada
Posts: 29
Those MajikBags work real well for putting your camera on. It is also good to throw inthe microwave to put on stiff/sore muscles. You can put it in the freezer, too.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 3 Dec 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 37
the Q was asked a long time ago.... but a crime scene photographer from cherwell police once gave me this site to visit. www.warehouseexpress.com pretty sure he knew what he was talking about... doing it for a living. someone might have mentioned this site before but its worth checking it out. there are some good info on various cameras to make a choice for oneself

happy shooting
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 3 Dec 2006
MarkLG's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Sheffield, UK
Posts: 226
Quote:
Originally Posted by macfisto
the Q was asked a long time ago.... but a crime scene photographer from cherwell police once gave me this site to visit. www.warehouseexpress.com pretty sure he knew what he was talking about... doing it for a living. someone might have mentioned this site before but its worth checking it out. there are some good info on various cameras to make a choice for oneself

happy shooting
I've never ordered from warehouse express, but I regularly refer to their website to check prices, etc. They've been going for a few years and their prices are always competitive. The best site I've come across for camera reviews and info is this:

http://www.dpreview.com/
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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.

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.

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!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 19:08.