What camera set up do you use, or want to use, on tour
#26
Senior Member
Yes, the stabilization on the OMD series is outstanding. I'm a little shaky to begin with (slight tremor left hand, both after 3 cups of coffee, lol) which was always sort of an issue for me in my photography, but was minimized with heavier SLR type bodies. One reason phone cams are a nightmare - too light, and no ergoes or decent OIS.
The EM1 (and the other OMD bodies) is a dream. Heavier body + stabilization = always sharp images, even in very low light.. Seriously, the minute I press the shutter release slightly, the image goes rock solid, even with my 75 f1.8, which is another amazing lens. That's the only drawback to the XT1 - no stabilization with primes. I need it.
The EM1 (and the other OMD bodies) is a dream. Heavier body + stabilization = always sharp images, even in very low light.. Seriously, the minute I press the shutter release slightly, the image goes rock solid, even with my 75 f1.8, which is another amazing lens. That's the only drawback to the XT1 - no stabilization with primes. I need it.
Last edited by mtnroads; 12-27-15 at 03:11 AM.
#27
Senior Member
Nice image Ty, no idea what city that is but I suspect I *should* know, lol.
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Jiaxing, China
Posts: 60
Bikes: Rodriguez 6-Pack, Giant Halfway
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I take a Panasonic GM5 with three lens.I enjoy stopping to take photos, not that any are all that great but I enjoy taking them.
#29
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Left Coast, Canada
Posts: 5,126
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2236 Post(s)
Liked 1,314 Times
in
707 Posts
Back from my dive and pretty happy with first results considering I was using a video light and no strobe. Our waters are pretty dark and green so natural lighting is almost non existent.
and a video of the dive:
.be
and a video of the dive:
#31
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 13,452
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4328 Post(s)
Liked 3,949 Times
in
2,641 Posts
I bought a hideous little point and shoot that takes horrid pictures. I believe it is a Vivitar. It was cheap and I realized I didn't have one kind of last minute before a tour and this was before my iPad, so I bought it. I wish I hadn't but what is done is done. For future use I will probably just use my iPad or buy a better point and shoot with the help of a photographer friend who has actually taken some of her best photos via a point and shoot (some were even published).
I really am not great with photos anyway. I tend to be in a lot of situations with cameras about and I generally don't care a huge amount for them.
I really am not great with photos anyway. I tend to be in a lot of situations with cameras about and I generally don't care a huge amount for them.
#32
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Left Coast, Canada
Posts: 5,126
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2236 Post(s)
Liked 1,314 Times
in
707 Posts
I can relate. I dive primarily with UW photographers who have very good (expensive) systems. Not just the camera and lens but WP housings, dome ports, strobes, arms and focus lights, easily 5K+. I benefit from their knowledge but really just want an easy to use but rugged camera that takes fair quality pics.
Here's are two shots, one of my buddies
and one of me
Here's are two shots, one of my buddies
and one of me
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Vancouver/Whistler, BC
Posts: 110
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks for sharing. Was up the highway from Lions Bay...in Whistler today. Saw quite a few people carrying their DSLR's while it snowed (not weather-resistant cameras). A few advanced compact cameras. But, mostly people taking photos with their smartphones. Kinda sad to see families on their big trip to Whistler from somewhere else in the world capturing their children's adventures on a phone. Better than nothing, of course. But, where will those photos be in 20 years Yet they probably have photo albums of prints of their own childhood trips.
#34
Senior Member
Very good pictures can be taken without resorting to big heavy cameras. If you are willing to accept a few limitations some cell phones have surprisingly good cameras. They don't do well at using limited depth of focus to isolate a subject and also have a few other limitations, but those limitations are pretty easy to live with on tour. On the other hand they are very good at pictures with near/far relationships where you want everything in focus and also great for macro closeup work. Most of us are carrying a phone any way so no added items or weight are required if you use the phone camera.
If you really want more camera, the micro 4/3 cameras are a nice size and provide excellent results. The extra lenses are also smallish in size and weight. I like my Olympus Pen E-pl1 quite well and I imagine the newer models are even better, but I don't typically take it touring or backpacking, preferring to rely on my cell phone.
A few cell phone pics:
I find my phone to be pretty adequate at documenting the sights on bike tours and backpacking trips. I think all those pictures were taken with my phone two upgrades ago and the cameras have only gotten better since then.
One other factor is that the best camera on tour is often the one that will be most quickly and easily at hand and therefore more likely to be used. In general the cell wins out on that.
If you really want more camera, the micro 4/3 cameras are a nice size and provide excellent results. The extra lenses are also smallish in size and weight. I like my Olympus Pen E-pl1 quite well and I imagine the newer models are even better, but I don't typically take it touring or backpacking, preferring to rely on my cell phone.
A few cell phone pics:
I find my phone to be pretty adequate at documenting the sights on bike tours and backpacking trips. I think all those pictures were taken with my phone two upgrades ago and the cameras have only gotten better since then.
One other factor is that the best camera on tour is often the one that will be most quickly and easily at hand and therefore more likely to be used. In general the cell wins out on that.
#35
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Left Coast, Canada
Posts: 5,126
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2236 Post(s)
Liked 1,314 Times
in
707 Posts
Thanks for sharing. Was up the highway from Lions Bay...in Whistler today. Saw quite a few people carrying their DSLR's while it snowed (not weather-resistant cameras). A few advanced compact cameras. But, mostly people taking photos with their smartphones. Kinda sad to see families on their big trip to Whistler from somewhere else in the world capturing their children's adventures on a phone. Better than nothing, of course. But, where will those photos be in 20 years Yet they probably have photo albums of prints of their own childhood trips.
I agree Staehpj1, it's all about finding that balance between the camera that will take good images and the camera you will actually take.
#36
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Left Coast, Canada
Posts: 5,126
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2236 Post(s)
Liked 1,314 Times
in
707 Posts
Just did another local ride to work on the camera. I have to say I am really digging the JOBY gorilla tripod. I used it in the traditional way, wrapped around a fence and even bent over to take a portrait image. I think it's going to make a great touring tripod.
#37
Senior Member
Very nice shots Happy Feet! I like your compositions and the use of B&W to make a more powerful image. Good work.
#38
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Left Coast, Canada
Posts: 5,126
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2236 Post(s)
Liked 1,314 Times
in
707 Posts
Thanks, I'm just starting to learn about shooting B&W. Most of my experience is in editing video and I'm still a newbie when it comes to manipulating settings.
#39
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Left Coast, Canada
Posts: 5,126
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2236 Post(s)
Liked 1,314 Times
in
707 Posts
Well... after talking to my diving photographer friend, who convinced me that the Canon D30 might become too limiting too fast, I upgraded to the Olympus TG-4. The missus actually agreed! It comes first in its class in most reviews but more importantly, allows greater manipulation of settings and shoots in raw format. I did some shooting the last couple of days and discovered it had two dust motes on the sensor Fortunately there was one left in stock and I had it replaced as a factory defect. So now I have even more of a learning curve ahead of me.
I'm pretty stoked about this turn of events because, in the past, I have never really been much of one to record my activities, always rushing from here to there and then regretting not having something to reflect upon. Through video, and now I hope photos, I find that even a simple bike ride can be (more) fun because I'm fully engaged in observing the scenery and noting different things.
I'm pretty stoked about this turn of events because, in the past, I have never really been much of one to record my activities, always rushing from here to there and then regretting not having something to reflect upon. Through video, and now I hope photos, I find that even a simple bike ride can be (more) fun because I'm fully engaged in observing the scenery and noting different things.
Last edited by Happy Feet; 01-05-16 at 02:32 AM.
#40
Heretic
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Posts: 2,246
Bikes: Specialized Sirrus, Giant OCR3, Giant CRS3
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2827 Post(s)
Liked 561 Times
in
429 Posts
I like an optical viewfinder as I find it hard to see those screens in bright sunlight. You only tend to get them on expensive cameras these days.
For that reason I use a Canon PowerShot A460 that's at least six years old. Put two new AA batteries in at the start of a trip and replacements, if needed, can be bought easily along the road.
For that reason I use a Canon PowerShot A460 that's at least six years old. Put two new AA batteries in at the start of a trip and replacements, if needed, can be bought easily along the road.
#41
Full Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 321
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 22 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I mainly use the iPhone, but I just bought a Sony Hx90 for the 30x zoom. Weighs less than half a lb. Will not do well in low-light, and not weather proof. To combat the latter I paid $35 for 3-yr spill coverage through Amazon. This after my daughter killed my RX100 II on the AT.
#42
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Left Coast, Canada
Posts: 5,126
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2236 Post(s)
Liked 1,314 Times
in
707 Posts
Caretaker, I have also been using less expensive cameras up until this point, usually either a Sony cybershot 16MP or 7.2 MP, both without viewfinders. The 7.2 finally needed replacing after I sat on it this summer and cracked the LCD screen, could have used that viewfinder then. Hard to take pics when you can't actually see the scene. For a while I just moved the camera back and forth to see what was there and then shot. I never worried too much about the cameras because they were cheap but thought this time I would at least try to buy a more robust unit and perhaps not put it in my back pocket.
Last edited by Happy Feet; 01-05-16 at 10:06 AM.
#43
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,624
Bikes: iele Latina, Miele Suprema, Miele Uno LS, Miele Miele Beta, MMTB, Bianchi Model Unknown, Fiori Venezia, Fiori Napoli, VeloSport Adamas AX
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1324 Post(s)
Liked 927 Times
in
640 Posts
I like an optical viewfinder as I find it hard to see those screens in bright sunlight. You only tend to get them on expensive cameras these days.
For that reason I use a Canon PowerShot A460 that's at least six years old. Put two new AA batteries in at the start of a trip and replacements, if needed, can be bought easily along the road.
For that reason I use a Canon PowerShot A460 that's at least six years old. Put two new AA batteries in at the start of a trip and replacements, if needed, can be bought easily along the road.
Cheers
#44
Senior Member
The electronic viewfinders (EVF) on the newer mirrorless cameras are amazing. The image in my OMD-EM1 viewfinder looks like an optical viewfinder (even better in low light), and the Fuji XT1 is at least as good. As a long time amateur photographer I always preferred looking through a real viewfinder, so this was a big deal for me. You can compose better and it's more steady than holding something out in front of you. If you haven't tried one, check it out.
#45
Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 41
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hello
I use a canon T3i, and Xti body with a leans range from 10mm to 250mm. I also use a tripod which is pertty light. Here's a picture of my bike with a orblite front pannier holding my gear in a soft case. When I toured in agust I had my orblite handlebar bag and didn't have any issues with my camera in it.
I'm also posting a picture of hawk sitting on a rail along the path in Tucson.
I use a canon T3i, and Xti body with a leans range from 10mm to 250mm. I also use a tripod which is pertty light. Here's a picture of my bike with a orblite front pannier holding my gear in a soft case. When I toured in agust I had my orblite handlebar bag and didn't have any issues with my camera in it.
I'm also posting a picture of hawk sitting on a rail along the path in Tucson.
#46
Heretic
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Posts: 2,246
Bikes: Specialized Sirrus, Giant OCR3, Giant CRS3
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2827 Post(s)
Liked 561 Times
in
429 Posts
That's an excellent point about the screens in bright light and no viewfinder window! That's a problem I sometimes have with my Canon PowerShot SX120. Turning up the brightness level on the LCD screen ca REALLY eat up the two batteries. However I do LOVE that image stabilization as it means I can pull the camer out of my jersey rear pocket, turn it on and shoot the image whilst riding one handed. I've even done that whilst pointing the camera behind me and still got good images I'd otherwise have missed.
Cheers
Cheers
If you're into serious photography then whatever you can afford and are able to carry.
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,023
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 223 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Photography is probably the biggest of my hobbies outside of cycling, naginatado, and fishing. So I'll usually take my Nikon D810, 28-300mm lens, a fast 20mm or 35mm prime lens, and a tripod. Light weight? Absolutely not. But it completely blows my smart phone out of the water. I've got no problems with carrying a rig like that since cycling lets me cover a lot of distance, and catch things that I'm probably guaranteed to miss if I'm scoping things out with a car or motorbike.
If I do want to go for something light, I have an older Canon G12 that I'm still very happy with. I see those going for around $100-$200 used these days. The manual controls on it allow for more flexibility than you might get out of other point and shoot cameras.
If I do want to go for something light, I have an older Canon G12 that I'm still very happy with. I see those going for around $100-$200 used these days. The manual controls on it allow for more flexibility than you might get out of other point and shoot cameras.
Last edited by manapua_man; 01-08-16 at 07:09 PM.
#48
Senior Member
I use my phone, why? because I have it with me at all times... I do wish it had some kind of telephoto lens, but...
#49
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,441
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 33 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
They do sell lenses for phones, I have no idea how appalling they are.
The best iPhone lens kit: Put a little DSLR on the front of your iPhone | Macworld
I have two pentax Q bodies, A Pentax Digital SLR, Pentax SLR, Nikonos, and a canon powershot.
Sometimes I don't take a camera at all, other times I will take the Powershot, and I am interested in the Q now. I used to use Rollex mini, and Minox 35 mm, so I have always liked the small cameras. I only have two Qs because the bodies are so cheap I got a backup. Apparently with an adapter for my SLR lenses it will be super telephoto, we will see if I get interested enough to play with it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8QdMmI7RyM
The best iPhone lens kit: Put a little DSLR on the front of your iPhone | Macworld
I have two pentax Q bodies, A Pentax Digital SLR, Pentax SLR, Nikonos, and a canon powershot.
Sometimes I don't take a camera at all, other times I will take the Powershot, and I am interested in the Q now. I used to use Rollex mini, and Minox 35 mm, so I have always liked the small cameras. I only have two Qs because the bodies are so cheap I got a backup. Apparently with an adapter for my SLR lenses it will be super telephoto, we will see if I get interested enough to play with it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8QdMmI7RyM
#50
Banned