[pct-l] camera for thru-hiking

[Aaron Wallace]

I have this camera--it is generally good, it has excellent image stabilization and video-shooting capabilities, and the zoom range is very flexible.  I wouldn't be concerned about the ruggedness, although I did have a previous, similar model that started to not want to extent/react the lens or open/close the lens cap, probably due to dust and exposure.  As for power, the proprietary batteries are small, light, and are good for several days of use, but unfortunately, Panasonic makes it hard for other companies to make compatible units, so you have to get their batteries, which are more expensive than the generic knock-offs...


The GPS is mostly useless: it takes awhile to get a fix, so you either keep the GPS on (even when the camera is off) which kills the battery, or you wait for a GPS fix before every shot (not consistent with taking quick snapshots while pounding long miles...). I would still consider the camera, just not because of the GPS.



On Oct 10, 2011, at 12:46 AM, "David Money Harris" <David_Harris at hmc.edu> wrote:

> I'm curious to hear what kinds of cameras thru-hikers have been carrying 
> and how they performed.  Has anyone tried the geotagging cameras such as 
> the Panasonic ZS10 and is this actually useful or is it a gimmick?  What 
> are your opinions on AA battery power (e.g. Cannon SX130/a1200) vs. the 
> specialized batteries?  For those using AA batteries and a GPS, is it 
> better to carry a solar charger or a bag of spares? Will a standard 
> camera survive the trip when treated with ordinary care, or do you find 
> the waterproof/ruggedized cameras worth the trade-offs?
> 
>