HD Adventure Camera

[Photowoder]

Hello Everyone,

Let me start off by saying I'm new to this site and digital photography in general. I took high school and college courses in B&W SLR photography. This means I know a thing or two about a thing or two, but I'm far from an expert.

I'm looking to start traveling and exploring the world, and I want to document everything. I'm looking for a camera to shoot high quality photo's and is as durable as me. Money is a factor, but I wouldn't mind I don't want to sacrifice too much quality.

Multiple recommendations at different price points would be awesome!

Thanks

Chris

 

[Patrice]

My standard answer:

DX: D7100, kit lens, SB700
FX: D600, 24-120f/4, SB900

Since you had the words 'durable' and 'adventure' I'll add D3s or D4 or GoPro Hero3.

 

[The_Traveler]

How much money is available?

I would certainly consider one of the m3/4 cameras with a good quality zoom lens. (Olympus Om-D 5 or equivalent)
They are small with good resolution and, most of all, much smaller and lighter than any dslr.
There are small, relatively inexpensive dslr camera bodies but the lenses are big and heavy.

 

[Photowoder]

Thank you! What are your thoughts on a canon t4i?

 

[Photowoder]

My standard answer:

DX: D7100, kit lens, SB700
FX: D600, 24-120f/4, SB900

Since you had the words 'durable' and 'adventure' I'll add D3s or D4 or GoPro Hero3.

What do you think about the D5100

 

[The_Traveler]

suggesting that someone start off on a trip with a relatively big dslr, no real experience, no other lenses, no ideas of backup or porcessing is, to my way of thinking, almost maniacal.

at most a small m3/4
probably a decent P&S.

 

[monoloco]

If you want a bombproof camera, check out the Pentax K-5.

 

[molested_cow]

suggesting that someone start off on a trip with a relatively big dslr, no real experience, no other lenses, no ideas of backup or porcessing is, to my way of thinking, almost maniacal.

I have a D700. I did a one-month road trip across the states and was updating my blog along the way with fully edited photos. My friends were wondering how I found the time. 1/3 down the road, I gave up. It got too much and I wasn't even getting enough sleep on the trip. I ended up just enjoying myself and just clicked away. After the trip was over it took me another month to get all the photos to the quality I want.

Also, DSLRs with lens and other accessories are freaking heavy on trips like this. Yes I was driving, but when there were nice trails to hike, like those in Arches National Park in the middle of the summer, the bag becomes a dreadful thing to take along. Plus, when you carry that much gear around, there's little room for the necessities, like food and water. In the end, you don't enjoy your trip. I'd rather be carrying a camel pak in those situations.

So I would suggest a small portable camera. Probably one or two interchangeable lens. Micro 4/3 is nice, but kind of expensive to invest in. I think a high end point and shoot (with options for lens attachment) is also a good choice, like the Canon G12 or something.

 

[molested_cow]

Another advice. Spending too much attention on snapping photos will sacrifice your time on really absorbing the experience. You will end up feeling that you have not been there before even though you've got nice photos of the place. All you will remember would be the frustration trying to get the technicals right. In any case, no matter what camera you get, please remember to slow down for a moment and enjoy the place as it is. No matter how good you are with your camera, a good memory will always be more vivid than a photo.

 

[Derrel]

GoPRO mounted on a crash helmet might be kind of fun,actually.