What type of camera?

[[e-mail]]

Hello,

My question is simply, What type of camera should I get for a tour around Europe that will probably last about a month next summer? I would like a camera that is:

small and lightweight and reasonably durable so that I dont have to carry around something that weighs a ton and preferably something that can be carried in my pocket.

An easy to handle camera with basic functions so I dont want one that has all sorts of highly complicated functions that are hard to operate and  that will jam easily and make life miserable.

A camera that is able to take a good variety of clear shots, such as wide angle ( shots that include the background scenery like mountains and such) as well as zoomed in (up close) shots.

A reasonable budget of course, but I am willing to pay a little extra for a good quality camera.

So far, I have checked out a few brands but you cant really tell much by going to the shop and looking at the huge variety of cameras on sale. The salesperson will always tell you that all the cameras are fantastic, when we know that Buyers should beware! All I want is an unbiased opinion on what really works and I would appreciate any sort of advice on this matter.

One last thing, the only experience I have with cameras is the simple birthday shots kind of thing. Would it be advisable to go for some photography classes so that I can learn how to take more "professional " shots and not mess up most of what I take?

Anyway, I would like to thank everybody for all their help    

[Kim]

I personally prefer Pentax cameras-the one I took the pictures on this site with is a Pentax point and shoot with zoom. (All the pictures were taken with it-the Europe ones, the Australia ones etc.)

It has been a fantastic camera.

My boyfriend took a Pentax as well to Europe, but his was a 35mm with different lenses. The extra equipment was a bit of a hassle to drag around and you worry more about it due to the fact that it's more expensive.

Basically, I would definately buy one with a zoom-the more zoom the better. It's worth paying a bit more for more zoom.
I like ones that have a timer, so if no one is around and you want to be in the pictures you just use that.

A photography class can't hurt-if you have the time and the money, why not! You don't need it but it's definately nice to know how to use your camera. I have used mine for years so I know it and got better shots than my boyfriend (don't tell him I said that!) because he didn't have enough time to use his enough and get used to it.

Hope that helps!
Kim

[LHR02]

Kim,
 I'm in the market for a new camera before I go.  Which Pentax do you have???

ginger

[Kim]

Ginger,

I will look when I get home-but you can't go wrong with any model.

Kim

[LHR02]

Thanks Kim,
 Before my trip two years ago I bought a rather expensive Olympus PAS and had really good results from it.  However.....it lasted only about a year before the 'computer innards/brain' fried so I am not a big fan of that brand nowadays.  I have seen your pics and thought I would take your advice.  I have also been looking at the Nikon's.....but personal affidavits count with me!

BTW.....thought you were offline for awhile!    Nice huh?  The boards are finally picking up a wee bit of steam!

ginger

[Kim]

OK, here is the low down on my camera.

It's a Pentax Zoom 70-R...and it takes fantastic photos. The only thing I would change is to get a Pentax with a bit more zoom. The more zoom, the better!

It's small, automatic and easy to use. It's about 7 years old now so I'm sure they have even better models but this one has been my baby. (All the photos on my webpage have been taken with it).

[jetown]

Canon Elph LT 260 Zoom APS
Shoots in three formats: classic, wide-angle and panoramic. Choose one of five captions to imprint on back of pictures. Automatic flash has red-eye reduction for natural portraits. Ultra-small, ultra-light 26-52mm APS camera is simple to use. Took on a trip to Ireland, Scotland & London. Took great pics even in overcast weather. Fits in a coat pocket. Got mine at Walmart for $120, its seems to have gone up a bit, I last saw it for $128. Very user friendly. Any other questions?

[e-mail]

[[e-mail]]

Hey,
I brought mine 2 years ago and I love it! I carry it with me everywhere I go!
it takes great pictures. I bought a silver OLYMPUS 35mm-80 mm.  I got it in Taiwan and costed me 5500 NT which is around 250 CND dollars.  it is a little bit expensive, but it is worthy.  I don`t know how much is today though, you have to check.
it is very small, has zoom, easy functions, and if you paid a little bit more (I paid last year 300 NT which is 15 CNA$), I got the remote control so I can be in the picture too.

By the way, when you buy a zoom camera just dont buy the zoom to big : if you just shake a little while taking the pic, the taken pic will be look like it blurred; the longer is your zoon lens, the easier to get blured pics (angle stuff).  moreover, becuase of the too long zooming, the flash will not work properly....

blablabla.. I bet most you guys know about it and bored.. so just bear with me   ...sorry and hope this helps.




Angel

[[e-mail]]

all this talk about cameras . . .

I own a digital camera now and I really love it and its small and light enough to almost fit in my pocket so its perfect.

Now heres my question--in you experiences w/internet cafes and the like--so they allow people to download pictures there (and proabbly post them to a site) or should I just make plans to bring extra memory (also very light and small, but not cheap) with me?

I will be spending about 2 months backpacking . .

Thanks!

[Kim]

I would definately bring more memory. Some places have decent computers but as a rule, the computers tend to be old and out of date-not to mention, slow.

Let's just say I had a hard time checking my online banking at most-never mind trying to download something. It might take you a good year!

That said, in the major cities, the internet cafes to use are called EasyEverything. They are the cheapest (there are usually at least 100 computers in one space) and have decent computers. Places like Amsterdam, London etc. have them.

Kim

[wanderworthy]

I use a Kodak that's like the funsaver. It can take standard 35 mm print, a larger one, or a panaramic shot.
Its great! It cost US$40. I forget the model name. Its the size of the funsaver.
Point and shoot sympliciy.

I saw a computer tv show. They said scaning in a snapshot works as good as a digital camera.
I took 13 rolls (35mm cartrages, special type "advantix").
I wandered Spain and Portugal for a month.
Came back with 3 roles left over.

Have a great trip.
Film is very expensive over there.
So go to Wally World 1st.
8)

[me]

film cost so much in europe because the price includes development.  this doesn't help someone who brings the undeveloped rolls home to America.  

[tryshah]

I have to agree with doubleo about the digitals. I love mine. It's a little expensive (a cannon digital elph), now they are going for about 400 usd, but it's easy to use, takes amazing pics, and has a lot of features. It also has an extremely hard case - very durable. If you can stretch your budget a little, check it out

www.circuitcity.com/detail.jsp?c=1&b=g&qp=0&bookmark=bookmark_0&oid=70639&catoid=-8025#specs

[Eagle]

Some good suggestions in the previous Posts, however I wanted to add a few additional comments.

Based on the criteria you mentioned, it sounds like a 35 mm "Point & Shoot" type of Camera would be a good choice for your trip to Europe next summer. On a one month trip, it should be relatively easy to pack enough Film along (do NOT place Film in checked luggage -- only carry-on or it may be ruined by high power Scanners!). The BEST verstatility of course would be an SLR-type Camera with interchangeable Lenses, however a full SLR kit (Camera body, Lenses, Flash, Filters, etc.) is fairly large and heavy, so probably wouldn't be too convenient to travel with.

I've always had good results with both Pentax and Canon. Both companies have been in the photography business for many years, so have the knowledge and experience required to manufacture good Cameras.

I primarily use both Canon S-50 Digital and Pentax Espio 135 35mm Cameras lately (I will be taking both Cameras on my trip to Europe, hopefully this September if everything works out?). The Pentax offers fairly good zoom capability, along with a "panorama" feature which provides for a type of wide angle photo (may require special processing though). So far the exposures and focus on the photos I've shot have been consisently good.

One thing to keep in mind is that virtually of the newer higher quality P&S Cameras are mostly electronic, so in some ways the user requires a bit of skill to use these properly. For example, the auto focus can sometimes be "confused" if there are large objects in the vicinity of the subject being photographed -- in this case, a "focus lock" is required by pushing the button halfway, and then re-aiming to achieve the desired composition. Of course in the cheaper "fixed focus" Cameras, this isn't a concern. I would recommend reading the manual thoroughly, and taking some test photos to get used to the Camera BEFORE you leave on the trip. Also, most of these use a small Lithium Battery which may be difficult to find in some places or terribly expensive -- best to take a few "spares" with you.

Another item to think about is what type of Film you want to use. I've used a number of different Films, including Kodak MAX, the newer Kodak HD Film, Agfa and Fuji. A "medium range" ASA 400 Film might be your best option for different situations. They all produce good results, but you will have to decide which one works best for you. I would recommend AGAINST using the Advantix Cameras or Film, as the results I've seen have not been as good as 35 mm. Also, I believe the entire Advantix line has now been discontinued.

Buying a Digital Camera for the trip may also be an option for you, however there's a bit of a "learning curve" with these so not sure if there is enough time to become comfortable with this before you leave on your trip. Also, Digital Cameras present other unique problems while travelling. *** You many want to have a look at my previous Post in the "Tips & Advice" section on this board ("What Kind of Camera") to get some idea on whether a Digital Camera would work for you.***

If you want to check out some reviews of various Digital Cameras, check www.dpreview.com for good reliable information on these. There will be a LOT of new models introduced at the PMA Show in Las Vegas next week, so prices on current models will probably drop a bit. I prefer the Canon line for a number of reasons (DigIc chip, colour accuracy, good white balance, etc.), but there are good Cameras from other manufacturers as well.

Not sure where you are located, but check out several of your local Camera stores, and try and find something you're comfortable with. Unless you go to a store that specializes in Cameras, etc. you may find the level of knowledge of the sales people a bit "lacking" so you will probably have to visit a few stores to get a clear idea of the features and other info you will need to make an informed buying decision.

Hope this information will be of some help to you. Have a great time on your trip!!!

[tryshah]

I had forgottten about the costs of film development, and I think that, with that in mind, a digital camera is probably a better buy. I looked at some of the other posts. It seemed like people were concerned about the camera batteries. They are very expensive, but realistically, you only need one and a charger (my camera came with one), which could be plugged in to an adaptor that you would probably already have for other electronic devices. I also recommend Cannon!