IS4rowan Loc: Colorado

I recommend the SX50. I used one as my backup and extreme focal length camera. Forget the auto setting and go with the P mode. It will allow you to do some adjustments. On the back, right side, look at the largest circle. Think of it as computer mouse pad. The top +- button, push it, then use the raised bump circle to move the icon +- to temporarily change your exposure. Play with it; it won't break the camera. The bottom button on the circle, I SO is useful for changing speed. On a moving ship, I SO 400 is the most useful, lower number if bright daylight, higher number up to 800 in the evening or early morning low light. This camera will allow you to capture distant whales and bald eagles. If you get this, practice steady hand holding and check for sharpness. Raise I SO as needed. Don't use the flash outdoors while on the ship and shooting scenic or wildlife, it won't help. I hope this camera review helps. Happy cruising.

RixPix Loc: Miami, Florida

DITTO

oldgeezer3 Loc: SoCal

May I put my oar in? My wife and I took a Holland America cruise to Alaska a few years ago; I thought it a great trip. Have since bought a Canon T2i with the 18-55, and 55-250. It has been to London, etc.; New Zealand; and Hawaii. Got some very good shots with it. 135mm is pretty short for shots from the ship. On excursions, it might be more than just adequate. Renting something in the 300 to 500 range would be my suggestion. Enjoy your trip!!!

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

If you want to keep the price at or less than $400 and a lens length of between 24/28 to 140/1200, you have 12 choices from seven manufacturers. All of the cameras will capture your images very well in program mode while not weighting you down. I suggest program mode over auto since most, if not all the cameras, allow one to change aperture and/or shutter quickly with the turn of a dial.
My wife and I cruised the inland passage in 2001 with my Hassy and Canon. On our trip, I needed nothing less than 28mm or over 135mm long for all my shots. But the other contributers would agree that my trip was the exception and not the rule. A 200 or 300 length lens would increase your odds for pictures. Not everyone will be less than 100 feet away from a whale breeching. A 300 telephoto lens will do one no good at that distance. Whatever you decide to buy, be sure to enjoy the view without the camera as well as with the camera.

rbweddle

Well I bought the SX50 at Walmart, of all places. They had just reduced price to $359 from $399. I went on line to Canon USA and they said they have a rebate of $30. We will see. I have been playing with the SX50 and learning slowly. One function I found from my SX500 that I like is viewing from the LCD and going to the view finder which senses you looking from the LCD to the finder and changes immediately. Since we are going to Alaska we will be doing a lot of long reach photography, for us amateurs.
I thought about getting a 18-300mm lens for the t2i instead of the SX50 but there is a lot of weight difference. Carly can take the ship board pics with her little Panasonic and I will do my zoom on the SX50
Thanks for a lot of camera comments and cruising.
Bruce and Carly

Longhorn Loc: Austin, Texas

I think you made a great choice. The photos from the SX50 that have been posted are very good. And mo matter where you are you can use the camera with ease. I know you both will have a wonderful time.

JLM

Cruises are great, but for photography I recommend touring in an RV (motorhome). You can probably fly to Anchorage and rent a MH for less then a cruise and spend all of your time seeing the state. Pick up a copy of The Milepost at Costco or Sam's and if you have time, contact some locals for tips on where to go to see what most interests you as well as tips on places most people do not know about.

Alaska Society of Outdoor and Nature Photographers (ASNOP) website can give you an idea of what photography is like up here and you can probably make some contacts thru ASNOP.

With an RV you can carry good gear (I carry everything from the 500 f4 to an 11-16 mm wide angle). It is a good idea to pick up a can of bear spray. Some people also recommend carrying a firearm (if you are proficient with a large bore rifle you can use it for self-defense, if you have time. If you carry a handgun you can fire all but the last round at the bear. if that doesn't stop the bear put the muzzle in your mouth and fire the last round.

The odds are you will not have a problem even if you have a close encounter with a bear, but odds are no comfort when you are being chewed on (in my experience). The rest of the world is O.K. for photography if you can't be in Alaska.