Point and Shoot For Backpacking
I use a very small waterproof Fuji XP I use for backpacking. I have a solar charger and directly charge the battery in camera. It takes decent photos. The desire to use nicer equipment goes out the window after about 10 miles of carrying 40 or 50 lbs.
On a completely different topic..I also carry a Garmin In-Reach which is a text/GPS/SOS device. I cannot recommend it enough. It has helped me stay in contact with people back home during several emergencies...fires, etc. You want to spend money, spend it on this.
zug55
Loc: Naivasha, Kenya, and Austin, Texas
The low-end point-and-shoot segment is quickly disappearing because iPhones and other smartphones have pretty decent cameras. I agree with Nikon1201 that the Canon SX260 is a great camera. I used to have one and was very happy with it--until the lens somehow got scratched. It has a great telephoto lens that also is usable for wildlife shots. Canon does not make this model anymore, but the successor model (SX620) with similar specs still is available and is under $250. I would definitely consider it.
The GX 9 I suggested above definitely is a point-and-shoot. It is smaller and lighter than the SX260. It is a bit over $250, but then you get better image quality than with an iPhone. At 209 g (with battery and memory card), it is a great backpacking camera. The only drawback is an anemic telephoto capability, but otherwise it is a superb little camera.
I do not know the SX530 you are looking at. But it is definitely a large camera (is it still a point-and-shoot?) and weighs 442g--that is just about a pound.
Check out the Olympus Tough TG 5. Can be used underwater, safe for moderate drops, good image stabilization. A little expensive but a very durable worry free little camera. Do get a float strap.
I've been a backpacker for decades, and for me, the photography is a major element of the trip. You'll be seeing rare sights and scenery photo opportunities, and to compromise too much on the camera might leave you disappointed.
However, I get it with not wanting the weight or "too expensive" equipment getting damaged.
May I humbly suggest a used Nikon P7800? That has been my "back country" camera for the past number of years and I am very pleased with it.
It's not overly heavy, or large, nice zoom range, and a satisfying DLSR feel to it. Plus it has an articulating LCD.
After complimenting this camera, for this year's trip I am trying out my new Lumix ZS100. I may miss my Nikon though, but gotta try out the new toy.
Check out the Canon sx60hs. No interchangeable lense,but amazing range of about 21-1300 fairly light weight. Lens isn't threaded so need adaptor ring for filters. Took this unit on the Colo trail and took some amazin photos. A bit more expensive $330 on eBay or 370 refurbished direct from calc w/ 1 yr war well worth $$$
I agree with Mr. B. Look at the Olympus TG-5. very rugged.
Nikon COOLPIX A10 uses AA batteries
Your cell phone will take great photos. You will more than likely have it with you anyway for use with trail and navigating apps and for communication when able. I did the John Muir Trail over a period of 25 days and got wonderful results with my iPhone. I brought along a small solar charger attached to the top of pack. Otherwise I would go for the Olympus TG4 or newer TG5, great point and shoot, dust and waterproof. That many days on the trail, ounces really count in extra weight that you won’t want to carry.
Great suggestions here and one more consideration. You might take a look for a camera that uses AA batteries which are easier to carry and reload without recharging.📸
Be sure to consider the lens and perspective, most point and shoots have a wider view zoom. Or do you prefer a tele-zoom?
I would take a close look at that Olympus Tough models which are water proof. I would also look at the used and refurbished ones. No brainer for your application.
Some of the point & shoots use AA batteries, so a bunch would do. I got my Canon PowerShot A1400 as a refurb from Canon for under $100, some 4 years ago. It has an optical viewfinder.
whwiden wrote:
Batteries? Charger? One month long? Maybe consider a light, mechanical, film camera?
I looked at the SX530 (a friend has one she bought very used but doesn't like) and found it has no viewfinder (which she finds a big problem outdoors in bright sunlight), no hot shoe, and (from the description online) none of the normal shooting modes photographers normally use (M, T, A or even ISO). She says hers has a focusing problem, but I haven't seen it so I can't tell if it is just too slow a shutter speed.
I own an SX50 HS (SX60HS is the current model) and find it more than adequate for social media and more. I've even gotten some good 8 X 10s from it. I'd go refurbished rather than new, or RENT if it is just a week or so.
Canon SX series cameras are bridge cameras, almost as big as a DSLR. I think you might want something smaller like the Canon G series cameras.
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