Commodus

Following some advice from another thread, I thought I'd solicit some advice from the crowd here.

I know some of you are into photography, and I've been considering it myself. But I don't know anything about cameras...so what would you recommend? Why? What kind of money do I have to spend to get something I can enjoy and grow with?

I'd like to be able to take pics of stuff I see out riding, and some action shots at the races.

Is that enough information?

Seattle Forrest

I have a really nice camera system, which is too heavy and bulky to bring on the bike. So I'd like to see what people recommend for a jersey pocket and a long ride.

Probably the one useful thing I can say is that the field of view a 24 mm lens (for 35 mm) produces is magical. No, that's not true ... I can also say that action shots at the races, unless you're talking high noon on a sunny day, probably aren't best done with a camera that fits in a jersey pocket.

RUOkie

foo

wkg

If you want to be able to take it on a ride use your cell phone camera or a point and shoot. New point and shoots are all pretty comparable at corresponding price points. I like the Panasonic Lumix for a cheap point and shoot. It has a slide down lense cover and still manages to get 4x optical zoom without a pop out lense.

I hate point and shoots with pop out lenses because I've had a few and they have all failed because after awhile dirt or sand or whatever renders the lense unable to move.

merlinextraligh

Unfortunately, you're looking for 2 different cameras. For action shots at races, you really want a DSLR, but that's not practical for a jersey pocket riding.

For shots while riding, I like a Canon S100. Small enough to be pocketable, larger image sensor than many point and shoots, full manual control, and it shoots RAW, which will be important if you get into this.

I have the predecessor Canon S90. All the shots on my Provence thread awhile back were shot on it.

todayilearned

If you want something to get into photography you can pick up something like a Canon G11 or Panasonic LX5 but those are in the $300+ range and take great pics with features. They're a bit big due to the lens and expensive to take on a ride.

For when I'm riding I take a cheap Sony W370 I got for $60. I'm not recommending this model but I'm just saying on rides you might want to take something cheap and leave the learning camera at home.

Commodus

Ah I see. I suspected it might be something like that, requiring two different cameras.

Maybe I'll start with something I can carry in a jersey pocket. So we've got the Canon S100 and the Panasonic Lumix so far as contenders.

wkg

Some of the Lumix line has Leica designed lenses (you can tell by the Leica "L" logo on front). Not sure if that means anything, could just be marketing but it sounds good. Sounds like the Canon might have a better sensor. Maybe somebody who knows more about point and shoots can provide better input.

pgjackson

My iPhone 4 takes pretty decent pictures...not nearly as good as my DSLR, but pretty good when the lighting is good. A P&S would be the best for riding as DSLRs are just too big. If you are considering getting into photography, you definately need a DSLR. Canon Rebel is generally considered one the best entry-level cameras out there. I have a Lumix G1. Expect to pay around $600-1000 for an initial set-up (camera, extra telephoto (zoom) lens, carry bag, sturdy tripod).

ivan_yulaev

2nd vote for S100. I also have the S90 and it is a great camera.

FWIW progress in digital cameras has been...slower...than I'd like. My old A70 took great shots, despite being 3.2mpixels I'm always surprised as how nice they looked and how much adjustability that camera had.

Seattle Forrest

It's kind of like needing two different bikes...

rat fink

For on the bike, I've heard good things about the Panasonic Lumix with Zeiss optics. It gives real good results for a P&S. For off the bike, I've heard good things about the Canon Rebel Xti. That might be a little outdated, though. I think the the T3i is it's successor. Can anyone confirm?

My camera knowledge is a little behind the times right now.

rat fink

Oh gosh. It looks like in the time it took me to reply, the question had been answered.

Commodus

Two different bikes? If only...