I have for the longest time always used a Nikon EM SLR. i would typically take the 35-70 lens, and bring a 2Xmultiplier along with it. But to have film developed now a days is outragous. My wife bought me a Cannon point in shoot 8 MP digital camera with the built in zoom and all the fancy little buttons that i dont know how to use. And its about 10 cents a piece to have developed. It is more our fun time vacation camera. But Im thinking of getting a new SLR or on of the bigger, point'n'shoots like the cannon. Does anyone have any good ideas. I see alot of good pics on here and got me to thinking I need another good woods camera, the little digital we have just does not cut it.
I've been using a Canon G9 for the last few years. It's been a very nice camera and very durable. I just throw it in a pack pocket and it's been banged around plenty. They are up the the G12 now so it's probably even better.
Thanks im going to look at that. I was eyeing up the Nikon coolpic 12 MP too
Most times I don't, and that's a "BIG" mistake!
I've been using a Nikon Coolpix 10mp for the last few years, it's a good little camera. I was looking in NG and there was an ad for a new, water resistant model that looks pretty interesting. Here's a couple pics with the old Coolpix...
(http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l502/MrDwood/DSCN1580.jpg)
(http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l502/MrDwood/DSCN2751.jpg)
Panasonic DMC-ZS8, 16X optical zoom Lica lense. Long battery life, very compact, excellent pictures. The stabilizer feature helps on the long zoom pics.
PanasonicDMC-ZS5,25mm Wide Angle,16X zoom,12 MP
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/jbrandenburg/BearSeason2010.jpg)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/jbrandenburg/BearSeason2010153.jpg)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/jbrandenburg/BearSeason2010196.jpg)
Those cool pix pictures look really good to me. SLR type quality (my experience level) with the simplicity of PNS
If you don't mind buying used, you can pick up a older Nikon D40 or Canon XTi for under $200. Value depreciates fast when new bodies come out. The entry level SLR's are fairly compact and light weight. Perfect, for me, for a day out when coupled with a light lens.
For used equipment check out the KEH website. They are very reputable dealers. I've bought quite a bit of "bargain" rated equipment from them and it has all arrived in what most other sellers would call excellent to perfect condition.
I think I might have one of the Panasonic's above coming for my birthday. A little birdy told me. ;)
Rob
That panasonic performed well too. My camera is horrible compared to those.
I have a Panasonic waterproof zoom and HD video point and shoot, but Karen (my wife) uses it. Hunting and wildlife usually gives we hunters fits with low light and telephoto, and the point and shoots don't do so well with that. On the other hand, they are easier to pack and much cheaper. I'd use a DSLR over a point and shoot almost always, and try to get a 300mm focal length in there. That can be done new for under $1,000, if you're careful. An old D-70 and a used short tele lens one could get on e bay for maybe $500. The picture quality would be pretty darn good, even if it was bulky. I still publish pictures taken long ago with a D-70 - see www.jaycampbellphotography.com. (http://www.jaycampbellphotography.com.) The lorikeet and flamingo in "birds" were taken with that old gear. - Jay Campbell
I don't mind used at all. Everything I buy is used it seems, not including underware LOL
I have a Nikon "Cool Pics" that has a 12 power zoom...very compact and takes GREAT, clear photos.....took it to Utah and Arizonia last year in October and clicked 679 times in 14 days....took morning, noon and evening and all turned out well.....
I've had a good Olympus 10X zoom for yrs., but it's been the heaviest thing in my pack at 1-1/2lbs. Finally replaced it with this 7oz. Panasonic this wk. If anything it may be too small. The other reason I wanted it is even though it's lightweight, it takes really good video, handheld at full zoom.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v71/Iflytrout/Pictures/666-panasoniclumixtz30-1_1335878688rs.jpg)
i use a panasonic DMC-ZS5 most hunts just cause it is so small. It takes pretty good pictures as noted by the guys up above. The main advice i can give is buy something that you will take with you and not leave it at home!
I'll be using a Sony Nex7 this season.
For my most of my hunting life I've been TERRIBLE when it comes to collecting photographic memories. I've used my phone more often than not. I did start taking a very small HD Video camera last season. I bought a small window clamp and attach it to one of those screw in gear hooks-works great!
A note to the younger guys, you will appreciate the photos you take now even more in 20-40 years.
I usually take my Canon G11 when I'm hunting; it is fairly small and has lots of flexibility, from auto to manual and lots in between. It has a high quality lens, and is sturdy enough to be banged around a bit. This is typical of the lens quality:
(http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac67/peastes/bc091f16.jpg)
Sometimes I want a bit more telephoto capability, and then I take my Panasonic Lumix G2 with a 70-300 tele (equivalent to 140-600 in 35 mm parlance). It takes great photos, but is obviously more bulky. An example of when a longer lens is a good thing:
(http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac67/peastes/f2248adf.jpg)