What makes for a good travel camera?

vandog

Guest
What does everyone use? SLR, compact? what do you think makes the perfect travel camera? I think requirements are slightly different (for me) when it's for travelling.

I often get asked what camera I use, so I thought I'd do a blog post about it in a bit more detail:

What camera do I use? - Vandog Traveller

If you don't want to click the link, I use the Nikon D5100 SLR - a camera I didn't like at first, but I realised this was because I didn't understand how to use it! It has fully introduced me to taking photos (could call it photography, I guess) and now I love this cam!

So what do you travel with? or maybe you know a better camera than the D5100? I'd like to know! :D
 
I have a compact camera, but tend to use my 'phone more than anything. It's a Samsung Galaxy S5 and takes great pictures.
 
Robmac said:
I have a compact camera, but tend to use my 'phone more than anything. It's a Samsung Galaxy S5 and takes great pictures.
Click to expand...

I must admit, when I got my S4, I couldn't believe the picture quality - S5 must be pretty good
 
I really cannot see what I'm photographing with these stupid screens so have bought the cheapest digital I could find with an eye viewer.
 
In your blog you state "The sensor and processor is the same as the D7000 (a popular Nikon camera for pro photographers)". I won't dispute the part about the sensor and processor, as I have no idea or interest in that matter, but to claim a camera with a small DX (APS-C) size sensor is a 'pro' camera is laughable. I'm not suggesting no pro would ever use one, maybe as a backup camera, but the pro Nikons have single numerals following the D, and have what are called full frame (35mm size) sensors.
 
I use a Canon 550D, it's an ok entry level DSLR. The "kit" lenses that come with these entry levels are not particularly good. I bought a used Sigma lens, and a used telephoto Canon lens.

I often travel with a friend who uses an Olympus Pen, and a Canon 5D Mk 3. She's a semi pro photographer.

The Olympus takes pictures that are at least equal, perhaps better then my Canon, although the Olympus is much smaller. Obviously pictures from the 5D are amazing, but what a lump to carry around. No way can cropped frames compete with full frame sensors.

I do find myself using a phone camera more and more though, lol. Just so easy, plus you can text on it and have a sat nav too, blooming wonderful.
 
I always used Nikon F3s and FM2s until I reluctantly changed to Digital

I had got fed up with carrying loads of lenses around just on the off chance that I might need them

Recently, I bought a Panasonic TZ60, mainly because it has a viewfinder and a good zoom. The reviews were good but, unfortunately, mine threw a fault and had to go back. It was returned from repair (over 28 days so they can insist on making a repair) but the fault was still there so I got my money back

Then I got a Canon SX70 by way of replacement. Good camera, good lens but it had some form of autofocus that would generate multi points of focus that didn't bear any relationship to what I was trying to photograph

By now I was seriously thinking of going back to the wax crayons :)

Then I saw the Olympus Stylus 1 - superb lens f2.8 from 28mm to 300mm and the same sort of feel and build quality that I'm used to. There's a converter available to take it out 590mm and I'm waiting for that to come from Hong Kong (half the UK price...)

Here's Robert Wong's blog and his thoughts on the Stylus 1 - Robin Wong: Exploiting the Strengths of Olympus Stylus 1
 
I'm very very happy with my SONY Cybershot DSC HV200V (Boats on the Nazare sandy beach for example). I have a Samsung Galaxy Ace+ but if I go anywhere interesting I take the proper camera!
John
 
My son has me taking everything when we go out in the motorhome.
Canon 5D mk3, Canon 7D, tripod, 6 lens, filters, bags etc. etc.
it reduces my payload drastically lol.

Joking aside the Canon 5D with the battery pack on was my late wife's but to be honest it's far to heavy to carry around for any length of time and we mainly use it for landscapes.

The sons 7D is ok wieght wise but I usually carry a compact for everyday use.
 
I am only a point and shoot photographer, but I bought an Olympus many years ago which I liked and have stuck with the brand, This is my third and it is the SH 1 with a 24 x wide lens. Its nice and small and light but still has a good zoom. I am not really into any of its features as yet, but I am enjoying it as a camera.
 
i cant get on with the modern compacts with a screen you cant see in sunlight.

most of the time i use a fuji bridge camera, the one ive got has a flip out screen, very handy for low level shots,
but for proper photography on wildlife and plants you cant beat the manual focus on a dslr, i still use the pentax k100 ,its good enough to make a4 prints, anything any better would just be a waste of pennies.
 
I use a Medion 20 megapixels with 35X optical zoom. Also a Sony 16.1 megapixels with 10X op: zoom 25 wide angle x 360 sweep panorama. Now I have to learn how to use them to the best of their advantage.☺☺☺
 
Steve121 said:
In your blog you state "The sensor and processor is the same as the D7000 (a popular Nikon camera for pro photographers)". I won't dispute the part about the sensor and processor, as I have no idea or interest in that matter, but to claim a camera with a small DX (APS-C) size sensor is a 'pro' camera is laughable. I'm not suggesting no pro would ever use one, maybe as a backup camera, but the pro Nikons have single numerals following the D, and have what are called full frame (35mm size) sensors.
Click to expand...

To be fair,the D300 was classed as a pro camera and was aps-c sensor.It was the build quality that determined whether or not it was classed as a pro body as listed to qualify in the NPS list of accepted bodies.
 
Steve121 said:
In your blog you state "The sensor and processor is the same as the D7000 (a popular Nikon camera for pro photographers)". I won't dispute the part about the sensor and processor, as I have no idea or interest in that matter, but to claim a camera with a small DX (APS-C) size sensor is a 'pro' camera is laughable. I'm not suggesting no pro would ever use one, maybe as a backup camera, but the pro Nikons have single numerals following the D, and have what are called full frame (35mm size) sensors.
Click to expand...

Quite right about sensor size. A lot of users quote pixel number of camera but it is the pixel density that is important. An 8 MP camera with full size sensor will give far better results that an 30 MP on a small sensor as fitted in a cheaper camera.
 
Mullsy said:
To be fair,the D300 was classed as a pro camera and was aps-c sensor.It was the build quality that determined whether or not it was classed as a pro body as listed to qualify in the NPS list of accepted bodies.
Click to expand...

Most of the pro bird photographers have / are moving to full frame cameras for the better quality they produce.
I have found I can 'blow up' a shot taken on my 5D to the equivelant size taken with my sons 7D using the same lens and the quality is still superior.
Another advantage I have found is the image through the view finder is brighter which is a great help in low light situations.
 
after 30 years of slr cams pentax richo and all the goodys i gave up and about 5 years ago i bought a orit 6 mg pixal compact fitted with 2 aa batts so easy to charge in van through usb charger.and here is a pic of erigal mountain behind a church the roof was stolen hope you like.
 

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You pay your money and you make your choice

Quote: "The best camera is always the one you have with you." Sorry, can't name the originator.

Personally, I have a Canon 7D and a Canon 400D and a range of lenses which I use for 'photography' if that isn't too precocious. I also have a Canon G10 - a great everyday, carry everywhere camera with the flexibility of fully manual control ... And it takes great 'snaps' too.
 
Obanboy666 said:
Most of the pro bird photographers have / are moving to full frame cameras for the better quality they produce.
I have found I can 'blow up' a shot taken on my 5D to the equivelant size taken with my sons 7D using the same lens and the quality is still superior.
Another advantage I have found is the image through the view finder is brighter which is a great help in low light situations.
Click to expand...

Quite so.But then I was responding to Steve121 's comment that DX cameras being used by Pro's was laughable.Seemed to do ok before FX came along.You are comparing a pro body to a consumer body when you compare the 5D to the 7D are you not? Don't know too much about Canon ,but I would think the 5D has a better sensor and a far superior focus system.
 
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