Been traveling with a rather big/bulky expensive HP camera that I have had for a few years. It did take great pictures but it also used espensive batteries and 4 at a time. Recently it died a rather violent death at a killer Gogol Bordello concert (but that is another story). So it is time to be thinking about the camera that I will take on my RTW. I am into photography so I am willing to pay more and carry a heavier camera- but rechargable batteries would be best.
Are there any photographers that can suggest camera models? I like taking interesting close ups....flowers, food, insects, sea life etc but I do take indoor photos also. I don't know if I would want to be changing lenses but zoom is important. any thoughts?? how did rechargable batteries work out with adapters etc... tips??
RTW, I see where there are a few comments on your cross-post, over on the 'Computers, Cameras & Phones' branch, but I will add my voice to the Nikon D-40, in case you are interested in an entry-level SLR. I had the Canon 350D before but it fried after only 20 months. The Nikon, which I bought only this past November, and to replace the Canon, had been highly recommended to me by another user. Now, after 900+ shots uploaded to my photo-site thus far for my current trip, I am quite happy with it. Note also, the higher Meg D-40X was also recommended.
A buddy I just met up with, here in Bali, has the D200. From some of his shots, and he is much more avid on the macro and close-ups etc., I was impressed. Therefor, it depends on how much you want to spend for a SLR. Have you checked out the comparison reviews on dPreview.com?
Take a look at the Canon G9. I have one as my pocket camera for times when I'm not using my 1D series cameras. It's a very compact camera relative to it's features. It is of a very solid construction with a nice 'high end' feel to it. It has quite a lot of features for a compact camera that can fit in a pocket or handbag. This feature set and ability to have manual control over the camera has made it the compact of choice for many photographers such as myself. For my non-serious photography I just use this camera as it really is a joy to use. Use it like an automatic compact or get creative with it. It's up to you. Naturally for the compact size there is a trade of in technical performance in comparison to a dSLR but for the average joe this is not a problem.
So, that's my recommendation. Pop into your local camera dealer and they should have one for you to look at. They are pricier than your average compact and most people are put of for this reason. However, you need to ask yourself why this is the compact of choice for many pros for their 'fun' pics.
I'm going to second the reccomendation to check out the G9. I haven't done an around the world trip with mine, but I did take it to Honduras for two weeks and LOVED the flexability it gave me (disclaimer, I'm not used to using high-end dSLR's). It was nice and compact and easy to cary around. The pictures turned out great. Here are some I took with it underwater with the Canon housing: http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLandingReg.jsp?Uc=a1ygej7.8ytgpc07&Uy=-2c64em&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=0&UV=812479286771_193844708111
Hi! I'm a total novice at photography, but it sounds like the camera I have would tick a lot of your boxes. It's fujifilm finepix S5700. It's got 10x optical zoom, uses rechargeable batteries (and doesn't gobble them up too fast normally), 7MP, and settings for macro, scenic, natural light etc. Also shoots film with sound - I added a 2GB memory card and can take 30 mins of film, which I'm pretty chuffed about. Sound quality is decent, which is a nice bonus.
It's not small, but it's not enormous either, and not too heavy.
Go canon. When it comes to value for money, I don't think it can be beaten.
See my snaps for a $400 camera - canon A700 which should be almost obsolete by now. www.photoblog.com/shangrila my trip starts at 3.11.07 so flick back through the calendar to see the start. Probably not enough quality for your needs but take a look anyway. The lack of resolution is my fault largely, too much camerashake and probably dirty lens. It is a very versatile little camera and I didn't use all its options. It has manual mode, night mode, kids mode and so on and so forth. Eg. I usually forgot to switch to portrait mode for the quickest way to a shallow depth of field. There is macro but I never use it.
6megapixels which if you are not selling your pics should be enough. I had three sets of rechargeable batteries which is a little more than enough which is good. And I took 5 1GB memory cards which for my four month trip was more than enough.
Its cheaper to load all your snaps onto a DVD than a CD. You can get a lot more on there but i think sticking with 1GB cards or have a variety is the way to go for various reasons. One in case of loss. Two quicker to download and in some undeveloped countries their computers will handle the smaller cards better.
I don't know anything about the G9 but i am interested to find out more.
This is not particularly relevant to your more specialist needs, but for anyone else brought here by the title of the post... for everyday snaps, I got the cheapest Canon at the time of my leaving - £120 I think - and am highly impressed with its tiny size, sturdiness and great pics. It's a Digital Ixus 70, 7.1 Megapixels. I had 2 Fujifilms before that and neither lasted the distance.
ive just bought an olympus mju 1030sw tough camera, its waterproof, shockproof and crushproof so i might not kill this one, it has 10.1 mp but a low zoom so it wont be the best at pictures but hopefully it will last
im not a keen photographer but i am very clumsy, this camera seemed the best for me i`ve tried a few shots and they all come out alright
trusted partner
