Dear Fellow HOG members,
I am taking a trip to Denali National Park in September.
With Alaska's often wet weather, what would be the most economical
and best weather sealed bridge camera to take?
Thank you.
Phil
The best Bridge Camera is the Sony RX10iv. Unsure if it is weathersealed or not?
In response to your question, another person indicated the Sony RX10IV camera is the best bridge camera for your travel needs. I purchased an RX10 IV in December and here's the information on it's safety features in different environments.
"High resistance to dust and moisture. Dust resistant, moisture resistant sealant and construction of operating parts allow the camera to withstand rigorous shooting of outdoor nature, sports, and wildlife in rugged environments under rainy, dusty, humid, and other difficult conditions."
Although I've not had time to fully learned to use all the features (and there are many), I love this camera. The RX10 has a Zeiss 24-600 zoom lens and it's lightening fast. Quality of the images are comparable to my Sony SLR (or better). You can find the complete info with a google search.
Gene51
Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
philklim wrote:
Dear Fellow HOG members,
I am taking a trip to Denali National Park in September.
With Alaska's often wet weather, what would be the most economical
and best weather sealed bridge camera to take?
Thank you.
Phil
I have a Sony RX10M4 and while it is a great camera, it is not a substitute for a DSLR or FF Mirrorless camera. You can get by with a decent APS-C, but as your sensor gets smaller, you give up low light/high ISO, and you have fewer pro-quality lens choices.
My first recommendation would be either a Canon or Nikon full frame camera.
Are you going there before the road lottery starts, around Sept 12th? Last year, September had 10 days of sun or partly sunny, 1 day of snow, and the remaining 19 days were overcast and rainy. Temps were mainly in the 30s at night and 50s during the day.
RX10-III can be bought used and it's almost the same as the RX10-IV. Google Sony RS10 III vs RX10 IV to see if weather sealing is the same. Also compare the one of those you like vs Panasonic FZ1000 and Canon G3X. The Panny is one generation old, making good used ones a bargain. The Canon is physically smaller but does not have a viewfinder. Have a great trip.
RolandDieter wrote:
RX10-III can be bought used and it's almost the same as the RX10-IV. Google Sony RS10 III vs RX10 IV to see if weather sealing is the same. Also compare the one of those you like vs Panasonic FZ1000 and Canon G3X. The Panny is one generation old, making good used ones a bargain. The Canon is physically smaller but does not have a viewfinder. Have a great trip.
Actually, the Canon G3X is a pretty decent camera, and can be had, currently, for $900.00 with an add-on EVF. Makes it a little bulkier to carry around, but if you like the camera but hate not having a viewfinder, this one might be worth considering.
bpulv
Loc: Buena Park, CA
philklim wrote:
Dear Fellow HOG members,
I am taking a trip to Denali National Park in September.
With Alaska's often wet weather, what would be the most economical
and best weather sealed bridge camera to take?
Thank you.
Phil
I use a Nikon D800 which is weather sealed, however I still use a rain cover in foul weather. A weather sealed camera is like a "water resistant" watch. It is protected from a few raindrops, but it may leak if it is subjected to a driving rain. I would not trust any camera in a driving rain unless it was a model designed specifically for underwater use. In many cases, manufacturers may not honor warranties if water intrudes into bodies and lenses even if they are rated as water resistant because they have the out of claiming that you submerged your camera. Go prove that you did not! Also remember that BOTH the camera body and lens must be water resistant or the rating means nothing. That means that your choice of additional lenses may also be limited if you wish to maintain water resistance.
Play it safe, always use a rain cover in inclement weather. Also, if you use a rain cover, you will not be limited in your camera choice to only those cameras that are rated as water resistant.
Like Gene said The RX10iv is a the best bridge out there. It will not replace a DSLR. Just in Mexico and had the RX10iv on a whale shoot. Got some wonderful shots. Wish I had my 5D MKiv and an L lens. Have Fun!!!
This all depends on how you are going to visit the park. If take a bus tour, you will not be allowed off the bus where there is wildlife. You can photograph from the bus with a DSLR, I used a Canon 5DIII with excellent results. I used a long tele-zoom from the window; be sure and get a window seat, the left side of the bus behind the driver is best. If you are out and about, watch for drizzle but September is not the height of the rainy season. Take extra cards and at least two batteries for the camera.
Gene51
Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
Pkfish wrote:
Like Gene said The RX10iv is a the best bridge out there. It will not replace a DSLR. Just in Mexico and had the RX10iv on a whale shoot. Got some wonderful shots. Wish I had my 5D MKiv and an L lens. Have Fun!!!
There is one other concern I forgot to mention. Remember that you are using an actual 8.8mm to 220mm lens. At the shorter focal lengths and focusing distances, dust and grime (and water droplets) that fall on your front lens element all of a sudden become quite crisp and clear on your images.
Chris T
Loc: from England across the pond to New England
philklim wrote:
Dear Fellow HOG members,
I am taking a trip to Denali National Park in September.
With Alaska's often wet weather, what would be the most economical
and best weather sealed bridge camera to take?
Thank you.
Phil
The most economical weather-sealed bridge camera out there is the Fujifilm Finepix S-1 ... which can currently be picked up for around $400 ... check Amazon.
The Sony Cybershot RX-IV may be a better camera, overall, Phil - but, it's hardly economical ... up around two grand ....
But, these guys just LOVE spending other peoples' money ....
http://cameradecision.com/review/Fujifilm-FinePix-S1
Chris T wrote:
The most economical weather-sealed bridge camera out there is the Fujifilm Finepix S-1 ... which can currently be picked up for around $400 ... check Amazon.
The Sony Cybershot RX-IV may be a better camera, overall, Phil - but, it's hardly economical ... up around two grand ....
But, these guys just LOVE spending other peoples' money ....
http://cameradecision.com/review/Fujifilm-FinePix-S1Hey Chris its only money. Get over it and yourself. If you dont want it or cant afford it. Dont get it. Pretty simple.
Chris T
Loc: from England across the pond to New England
Pkfish wrote:
Hey Chris its only money. Get over it and yourself. If you dont want it or cant afford it. Dont get it. Pretty simple.
Fish ... it may be "only money" to you, but to some - how much something costs is right up there ...
To wit: " what would be the most economical
and best weather sealed bridge camera to take?"
All these recommendations of the Sony Cybershot RX-10 Mk. IV ... don't consider money into the bargain ...
At least - my answer DOES ....
Get over what and who, Fish?
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