A camera ? ? ?
 

Hey guys I am getting ready for the summer and im intending on doin a fair bit of riding on my bike i would love to take a camera with me. 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.

any advice welcomed please

thank you in advance

keiren

Most modern digitals are sturdy enough for general snaps. As a 'starter' to cameras I would suggest you spend no more than £100-£200 on a small (thin) compact digital.
Learn about the functions first to see what fits in with your intentions. ie. action shots, stills, landscapes, zoom/wide angle, low light etc. Then look at memory storage (cards) capacity.
But only enough to get the idea. Dont get hung up about it all. BUY - POINT - SHOOT- LEARN - ENJOY.

When on the bike, wear it on a cord/ribbon around your neck. Then it is always instantly ready for quick photos. Dont let it hang loose, tuck it in your jacket. If wet, keep it inside any waterproof layers or in its own waterproof case if jacket not fully waterproof.

Tony has pretty much said it all - this is exactly what I do.

Most modern compact digital cameras have more than enough resolution for magazine publishing these days, the only downside is the shutter speed is usually not instant (like a digital SLR) and you may be limited with the zoom range (obviously SLRs allow you to change lenses).

However, unless you are shooting action shots and/or wildlife from a long distance (for example), then there really is no need to hump a digital SLR kit around with you, especially on a bike... for typical travelogue type photography, a modern compact camera is ideal - personally I like Canon and Fuji brands.

It is far easier to get creative within the limitations of a compact camera, while the (technical) results are almost a given these days. Afterall, the most important part of the photo is the subject, of course...

xxx

I have a Canon 710 IS compact.

Very nice, but I have developped a healthy obsession for the Pentax W60.
Water and dust proof, with a 5 x optical zoom and a 28mm equivalent wide angle, meaning you can take shots that give nice landscape perspectives or zoom in to get a closer look (by comparison I'd say about 85% of compacts have a 3x optical zoom, and perhaps a 35mm wide angle equivalent). Presently avaialbe for about £185 on line.

Only down side for me is no optical view finder and only limited manual functions (like setting your shutter speed etc) but then I only use these once in a while and it sounds like you don't plan to use them at all: you'll still get good quality pics.

I am starting to develop the same obsession for the W60 :thumbup1:. I like the fact it shoots semi decent video too. Anyone have one of these yet?

N

I've had one of these for a couple of years...

Fujifilm FinePix S8000fd Digital Camera - Black 2.7": Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

It has a 28-400 zoom lens and runs on AA batteries. Easy to charge up when on the road. It's not a pocket camera but is a lot smaller than an SLR.

for me, it is important, that i can buy the batteries everywhere, or you have to carry spare accu's. also have a look, that you will get a good objective, its more important then a big megapixel.
its better to have a optical stabilisator. the electronical stabis are :thumbdown:.

there are so many cameras, go to a spezialized photo shop(not the supermarket) and spend a lot of time with the people there. and then buy it! it will cost a bit more then the bay but you have the answers and the knowledge of the specialists.

I have the Fujifilm FinePix S8000fd as well and I love the camera. As flyingDoctor says it's not a pocket sized camera but is a fair bit smaller than most dig SLRs. One the big advantages to this camera is the 18x Optical zoom. It also has a big screen and quite a few manual mode for when the auto modes don't quite cut it.

Having said all that I am taking 2 cameras the S8000fd and a smaller F40fd that will live in my pocket for those happy snap type shots. It's a Fujifilm too so the controls are very simular to it's big brother.

I think panasonic do a fully waterproof camera which is small and you don't have to buy / worry about a waterproof case it.

Cheers

This is how I carried my Zoom Like a mini SLR, "old school" work. Rugged!

I used to use a Sony compact, its major draw backs were a small screen and no good for taking 'action' shots at Enduro meetings for our club website. I am no photographer but just really needed a 'point and shoot', then at the 2008 TT I got talking to a guy with a Sony and was impressed with the picture quality, and he was taking 'shots' of Road racers. So without hesitation I purchased the Sony DCS-H10,it takes great pictures and for the interested,a 3 inch LCD screen, 10x optical zoom, and is 8.1 mega pixels, back in June it cost £185 incl 2gb card chargers etc but I am sure by now they can be picked up for less.
Happy snapping

I used a Lumix(Panasonic) FZ20 for about 2.5yrs from new until it died, but it did get exposed to some awful conditions. I currently use a Canon compact which keeps working but the pics aren't very good - a shock from Canon! On the whole i was most impressed with my first digicam, a bottom-of-range Sony from '03. It put up with all sorts of abuse yet managed outstanding shots for it's type, and it used (supplied) AA rechargeables. And being a Sony it was built well. You could check out Olympus SW's which are weatherproof/tough, but don't use AA batts and the cards are pricey compared to the competition. Just my experiences...

Keiren
 

As you can see there are a zillion options. There are also a zillion opinions. The reason is simply that people buy cameras for different reasons, other than taking pics. Every one has different requirements and no single camera can satisfy such diverse needs, so what you now need to do is think what is important to you.

Creativity, and flexibility?
Sturdiness?
Price?
Zoom?
Size?
Brand?
Picture quality?Weight?
Image Stabilisation?
etc

You get the picture (geddit?)


For me these points were decent optical zoom, manual overides, price, size and an optical view finder (to reduce the effect of shutter release "lag"). Hence my recent choice of the Canon 710 IS. For you choice criteria may differ a lot: you might like landscapes, night shots, portraits etc. Have a think.

Then you go to a site such as this:
Buying Guide: Features Search: Digital Photography Review

I have often looked here to get an idea of what is out there. One note: more megapixels does not automatically mean better pics, so I'd say be flexible on that point. Zoom? For me the more the better, but in a compact the most you can get is about 6x optical. After that you start edging toward bigger "Bridge" cameras, or SLRs. Forget digital zoom: it just degrades the picture quality, better to crop and zoom on a PC later...

Once you have a few models in mind. Go to the shops and handle them. See if the button locations feel "natural" to you, or awkward, then you can buy the best model for you, rather than me, or anyone else!!

Now go do some window shopping from the comfort of your armchair!!

As Warthog's fine post says

...and it's so easy to get bogged down with the details/options out there. I'd just stick to a fairly basic unit at a lower price and get used to it before possibly upgrading to a more upclass one when your priorities become more apparent. With cameras it's often a case of not what you've got, it's what you do with it (or so i tell the ladies...:rofl:).

I have the Canon Powershot A720IS with a 4GB memory card, it takes 2 AA rechargable batteries. You can buy a charger which plugs into your bike. I can take about 5000 pictures with this camera and card.

I managed to totally submerse the camera in the mud at Mont St Michel, wash it off and carry on shooting. That was over a year ago and it is still going strong.

It is an 8MP camera which is plenty enough. I have just published a book of our Italy trip where all the pics are taken with this camera. All the pics are pin sharp and great colour.

My advice is to read as many camera reviews as possible. But set your price BEFORE you start looking. Decide what you want in a camera and stick to it. You probably do not need anything over 8MP.


Steve

For you choice criteria may differ a lot: