Cameras - Appalachian Trail

imported
#1

Would like some input from thrus re what cameras they used. Also which would you definitely use again and which not.
tks!

Emm

#2

I use a NIKON COOLPIX L2, small and light plus you can record voice and with a 2 gb SG you can take a lot of pictures.

I also rigged a 1/4 bolt on my hiking stick so I can mount the camera to take self portraits.:slight_smile:

Rocky65

#3

I used a Canon A550 for my thru-hike and it turned out to be the perfect little camera.

Pros:

  • Cheap
  • great pic and video quality
  • takes pictures quickly (none of that 3 seconds of pre-blinking crap…It is point/click)
  • Uses AA batteries not special rechargeable lithiums. I ended up using Energizer AA lithiums anyway and I only had to replace them twice on the whole hike. Batteries lasted forever.
  • Simply user interface
  • Lots of great scenery modes

Cons:

  • A little bulky/clunky…but It took a few drops and still worked fine.
  • Only 3X optical zoom (although the new 570 I believe has 4X)

all my pics and vids on my journal site (lakewood) were taken with it. There’s a pic of it in my gear section too. The video quality of the original videos is a lot better than what you see here because I had to lower the quality of the videos for youtube. The original vids look great.

Obviously I would have rather taken my Nikon D40 SLR camera…but it was way too heavy and I didn’t want to risk dropping it. Hope this helps.

-john “lakewood”

lakewood

#4

i use a Canon A530. great camera, great pics. a bit bulky compared to some others but there’s no need to bring (or bounce) a charger. Lithium batteries last for months in this camera.

Happy trails!

freebird

#5

Such a timely question! I just bought a Canon Power Shot SD 1000. It weighs just a tad over 4 ounces and measures only 2" X 3 1/4" X 5/8". It’s lithium powered but the charger is ultra light. Haven’t used it on the trail yet but looking forward to it. Bought it at Best Buy for $150.
Good luck!

Lady Treehugger

#6

I used a NIKON Coolpix L6 on my 2007 PCT hike. A pair of Lithiun AA batteries would last me for 1400 photos. It’s easy to record audio memos of up to 20 seconds with any or all photos. I used that feature lots to help remember the subject of the photos. It has speeds up to ISO 800. I took over 10,000 photos. It took a real beating but kept on working great. I used Seamgrip to glue nylon washers around the power and slideshow buttons so it would not turn on accidentally in my hipbelt pouch.
Have a great hike!

Voyageur

#7

Check out the Pentax Optio W10 - light, rugged and WATERPROOF!. A camera is no good if you cant get to it quickly in all sorts of weather conditions. I carried mine in my front pack and could get it out, take the photo and replace it - all in a matter of seconds! Didn’t matter if it got wet or not

Slow Walker

#8

Olympus makes a great weatherproof camera called the Stylus, small, compact, light (for a camera) and takes amazing pictures. I have an older model (bought in '03) and it’s still going strong after a few hikes!! Just adding another to you list! Happy shopping!

chickety

#9

The camera I use is a Powershot SD 1000 Digital ELPH. It’s terrific because it’s one of the smallest, lightest cameras around (it almost fits in the palm of your hand) yet takes great pictures. The only problem I’ve had (assuming it’s a problem) is that the camera has a rechargable battery, meaning you can’t purchase batteries in towns; instead, you have to recharge the battery that comes with it. Both the battery and recharger, though, are light, and the recharger is slim, not bulky.

Diva

#10

I used a Nikon Coolpix L-10. Absolutely bulletproof design. It had no problems in 7 months and 1,800 miles of trail. I had a half gig SD card which allowed plenty of space for pictures and video clips. It also used standard AA batteries which was convenient.

Doggiebag

#11

I have been using a cheap $99 Koday EasyShare C763 7.1 mega pixel with a 2 gig SD card. It has a litium ion battery which can take about 300 pictures without a charge and the card holds over a 1,000 pictures. What I really like about it is that I no longer overexpose shots and have eliminated most bluring. It uses simple terms to describe the situation like "close up, landscape and backlight. It weighs 5 oz and is ready to shoot in seconds.
John D

John D

#12

I second the Pentax Optio W10 I love not worrying about getting it wet or dirty. I’m bringing it on the AT this season for its 3100th mile it’s as good as new still.

Feral

#13

I’m not sure whether you’re looking for a price range, but I didn’t mention the price of the Powershot SD 1000. It’s about $250, which is a good price, compaired to many of the cameras. I also didn’t mention that it’s not waterproof, if that’s important to you. :slight_smile:

Diva