best camera for Alaska: I am heading for Alaska and have no idea what camera I should purchase. I don't know anything about new camera's but have looked at the comparison between the...

marty34

I am heading for Alaska and have no idea what camera I should purchase. I don't know anything about new camera's but have looked at the comparison between the digital Cannon and Nikon. I want simple, could someone make suggestions, knowing I am new at photography and need something rather simple. Also it should have a rather long range for wildlife.
Thanks
Marty

Bozsik Loc: Orangevale, California

marty34 wrote:

I am heading for Alaska and have no idea what camera I should purchase. I don't know anything about new camera's but have looked at the comparison between the digital Cannon and Nikon. I want simple, could someone make suggestions, knowing I am new at photography and need something rather simple. Also it should have a rather long range for wildlife.
Thanks
Marty

Your budget?

A. J. Loc: PA. USA

marty34 wrote:

I am heading for Alaska and have no idea what camera I should purchase. I don't know anything about new camera's but have looked at the comparison between the digital Cannon and Nikon. I want simple, could someone make suggestions, knowing I am new at photography and need something rather simple. Also it should have a rather long range for wildlife.
Thanks
Marty

Do you prefer a Pocket camera or the larger Bridge camera and in what price range you are looking at?

skiman Loc: Ventura, CA

marty34 wrote:

I am heading for Alaska and have no idea what camera I should purchase. I don't know anything about new camera's but have looked at the comparison between the digital Cannon and Nikon. I want simple, could someone make suggestions, knowing I am new at photography and need something rather simple. Also it should have a rather long range for wildlife.
Thanks
Marty

Look at the new Canon SX60 good mix of price, ease of use, features and great zoom range.

texasdan78070 Loc: Texas Hill Country

Considering your post, I'd say a good P&S with a good amount of zoom.

TGanner Loc: Haines, Alaska

I do photo tours here in Alaska, and I am continually impressed with the Canon Power Shot SX series. The zoom is phenomenal, and works wonders with wildlife. (If you are coming to Alaska and not interested in wildlife, you are one of a kind). The aperture range is limited, but I do not think there is a better camera for the money, unless you want to get into some serious money. Being a Nikon user, I think you can put stock in my recommendation of this Canon.

wlgoode Loc: Globe, AZ

marty34 wrote:

I am heading for Alaska and have no idea what camera I should purchase. I don't know anything about new camera's but have looked at the comparison between the digital Cannon and Nikon. I want simple, could someone make suggestions, knowing I am new at photography and need something rather simple. Also it should have a rather long range for wildlife.
Thanks
Marty

I'm a retired Camera Repair Tech. you might think of this: Lubricants used in cameras can congeal in cold weather preventing proper functioning of some components in your camera, particularly and most importantly, the shutter.. My usual course in camera repair was to use synthetic lubes in repairing them. You may want to contact manufacturers and see if any are now using them in manufacturing. It wouldn't surprise me, they are popular now. Another method is to contact a repair shop to do what I did. Molybdenum grease works pretty well too, particularly with a synthetic base..

mymike Loc: Tucson, AZ

I am taking a trip to Alaska next May and am considering the Canon SX50. From what I have seen on UHH, this camera gets a lot of good reviews. If I opt to take my DSLR, should I buy a longer zoom, or prime lens or would you go with something like a 18 - 300. I have a 55 -300, and a 35 mm that I am considering to take. I have time to save up, so my budget is pretty good, right now.

TGanner Loc: Haines, Alaska

mymike wrote:

I am taking a trip to Alaska next May and am considering the Canon SX50. From what I have seen on UHH, this camera gets a lot of good reviews. If I opt to take my DSLR, should I buy a longer zoom, or prime lens or would you go with something like a 18 - 300. I have a 55 -300, and a 35 mm that I am considering to take. I have time to save up, so my budget is pretty good, right now.

May is one of the very best months of the year, weather wise. You should have a great trip. If you are coming to Haines, drop me a PM!

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

Take as much zoom as you can afford. You will not regret it. Based on remembered photo opportunities I encountered last time, I think if I went back today I would take my Nikon P900.

MarkD Loc: NYC

I think that a bridge camera would be a good choice for you. I would consider a Canon SX50 or SX60, Nikon P610 or P900, and Panasonic FZ1000 (expensive), FZ300, and FZ200. They have zoom lenses that go from wide-angle to long telephoto both of which you'll need in Alaska.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

marty34 wrote:

I am heading for Alaska and have no idea what camera I should purchase. I don't know anything about new camera's but have looked at the comparison between the digital Cannon and Nikon. I want simple, could someone make suggestions, knowing I am new at photography and need something rather simple. Also it should have a rather long range for wildlife.
Thanks
Marty

Regardless of which camera, take the best tripod that you can afford as it is virtually impossible to hand hold the very long focal lenghts

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Go with the Panasonic of your choice.

krl48 Loc: NY, PA now SC

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