Digital camera: Essential gear

The following recent post here at VFRWorld.com is a good example of why it is very wise to always carry a digital camera when riding: http://vfrworld.com/forums/general-vfr-discussions/20313-good-god-hit-cager-today.html

I've been through two low-side accidents, and in both cases I'd brought along a small digital camera, and so I was able to take multiple photos of the scenes with my digital camera. While no one but myself was at fault on both occasions, the fact remains that if one is able to walk away from an accident, the ability to quickly take digital photos is a powerful legal and documentary tool.

 

Sorry to resurrect an old thread but it's right on the subject I want to talk about.

So what camera do folks ride with? Make/model? Likes? Dislikes?

I only have a Canon digital SLR and that is NOT coming with me on the bike. I realize that you can't be the true digital SLR for picture quality but when you just want the quick picture, the point & shoot (PS) camera's can't be beat. And the newer cameras give very, very good quality.

My only real criteria for PS camera would be easy to carry in my leather jacket. Asking too much? Maybe in a tank bag? Backpack?


.

 

I have a FujiFilm FinePix S602z. It's a little old in technology times but it still takes pretty darn good pictures. Check out this thread I made a while ago all the pictures in there are from that camera: http://vfrworld.com/forums/trips-events/14419-cherohala-skyway-tour.html

The only drawback I see with this camera is that it isn't something you can put in your pocket unless you're wearing 3 sizes too big. I just put in my tankbag. Have you seen this site http://www.dpreview.com They have a lot of reviews.

 

I like the Canon Elf, but there are lots of pocket size cameras out there now.

 

ive always got my phone to take quick pics if i need to

 

Ya, so do I. But the camera in my BB is not that good and it is very sensitive to movement. The slightest movement and the picture is blurry.

That's why I thought I'd ask around for good PS camera to use while out riding.

 

I really like the Canon Power Shots, not very big, super quality, great quality video in addition to the still pics, AA batteries, what's not to like.

 

+1 on Canon cameras. They make excellent digital point & shoot cameras without all the annoying farkles like editing pictures with graphics on the camera(Kodak, Fuji). Most of them come with a great ccd sensor and good image stabilization technology(A MUST).



Hard to go wrong with Nikon equipment as well.

 

I have always been very fond of Nikon cameras, they have some very good point and shoots on the market right now also.

I have a slightly older version of this camera: Nikon S60

It is VERY compact yet still takes great photos. The large screen is nice and actually very durable. If someone wanted to carry it in a case it could still very easily fit in a pocket, even easier in a tank bag.

My version is the S51 - it is only 8.1MP, but that is good enough for a point and shoot IMO. I bet they have some good deals on ebay for them right now!



Edit, forgot to add..

I think that it is a great idea to carry a camera at all times. When I first started driving my dad had a Rubbermaid tub of things I was to keep in my car at all times, including a disposable camera.


Also, here is one to watch on ebay... If I didn't already have this camera I would definitely buy one used. LINK That particular one would be great because it has the Nikon refurb warranty aaaaand the wireless features!

 

It won't take much to convince me to get another Canon camera. I'll have to check out their PowerShots line up.

 

My itsey witsey one is a pentax something or other. They are cheap now. Mine even has an anti shake thingy which sure comes in handy for my decrepid old joints and muscle spasms

 

+1 on Canon, Power Shot or DSLR.

Just picked up an XSi to upgrade from a S3IS, and have a Power Shot for a pocket cam.

Mike

 

Are you sure it's not from the whiskey? :tongue:

 

I have a little Sony touch screen 10.2 MP PS. The images are great and can be blown up to enormous sizes and keep all the quality. I have 3 Sony cameras and have never had an issue with any of them.

 

Lack of maybe. There are certainly lots of new compact cameras out there and the prices have sure come down. Each seem to have their own pluses and minuses but most now are 8mp or better these days. 6mp = roughly 35mm in quality so I am told.

 

Yeah, I've had great luck with two Sony's and Canon film cameras. Other family members swear by Nikon. Just follow the camera mags or Consumer Reports or whatever. Hard to go wrong with any of those three.

 

I use a Canon Power Shot S3 IS (Image Stabilization), which includes a 12x zoom lens.

 

+1 for Sony

Nikon, Canon good as well:thumbsup:

 

I carry a cheap little 8mp digital video recorder that I picked up from Zellers.($99.00cdn...probably works out to $3.00us haha)
Anyway,it's made by Mercury, whoever the heck they are.
It is slightly larger than a credit card, records to an SD card, and it takes good pics and fair video.
It is small enough to easily stash under the seat, and cheap enough to not worry about.