Advice for selecting camera for upcoming Alaskan trip
Sep 27, 2018 17:44:16 #
Looking for advice in selecting a digital camera for upcoming Alaskan land & sea trip. Since I've never been to Alaska before, I'm not certain what zoom demands I will encounter. I'm interested in simplicity i.e. no multiple lenses or bodies and as best as possible - ease of travel. I'm currently considering a Nikon series 900 Cool Pix camera mainly for it's zoom range, although it's not that compact. Pictures taken will be travel pics for family use; not likely to blowup any. Since we will probably be taking a small plane flight in Denali & be on a cruise ship doing the Glacier Bay & inside passage routes, I figure zoom will be needed more than not needed. Would appreciate any informed advice.
Sep 27, 2018 18:01:46 #
looks like the camera you describe would be a great fit for what you want to do - more important than the specifics of any camera is that you take time before the trip to learnm how it works. that way you can more confidently enjoy your trip, rather than reading the manual
take the camera to a local park (zoo's even better if nearby) and practice at a variety of distances; light vs shade, etc to get comfortable with the modes and features you're likely to use; another advantage of a light weight camera is you're more likely to have it around your neck when needed, rather than stuffed in a daypack
take the camera to a local park (zoo's even better if nearby) and practice at a variety of distances; light vs shade, etc to get comfortable with the modes and features you're likely to use; another advantage of a light weight camera is you're more likely to have it around your neck when needed, rather than stuffed in a daypack
Sep 27, 2018 18:13:41 #
Sep 27, 2018 19:58:04 #
BuckNel wrote:
Looking for advice in selecting a digital camera f... (show quote)
Alaska requires wide angle to get the incredible landscapes. THe New Nikon P1000 would be a better alternative. Since you're only going to share images on screen, the Sony RX100M6 should be a contender.
Sep 28, 2018 00:43:40 #
Sep 28, 2018 05:40:00 #
sueyeisert
Loc: New Jersey
I took a cruise to Alaska. You need a zoom of at least 600mm on full frame camera. For wide angle 18mm is fine. Bring a monopod. I used it on the balcony all the time. Also bring rain gear.
Sep 28, 2018 08:36:08 #
Sep 28, 2018 08:40:30 #
mizzee
Loc: Boston,Ma
You are right about the zoom. I think the p900 would be a good choice and you won’t be bogged down with a lot of gear. Also, the weather is very changeable so you don’t want to be in a situation where you’ll want to change lenses and can’t because of the weather. Do take a monopod; I used mine a lot when we went on our Alaska cruise. Keep in mind that even the “warm” season in Alaska can be cold so bring layers and rain gear.
Sep 28, 2018 09:14:53 #
Have done the trip a couple of times, Buck. Wish I had had my P900 with me at those times. You are smart. You will use and appreciate the reach of your P900. Of course, if you shoot a lot of RAW you will appreciate the new P1000!
Have a Great and Safe trip and share the results with us when you get back!
Have a Great and Safe trip and share the results with us when you get back!
Sep 28, 2018 09:51:38 #
Everyone is warning you about the weather. A lot of that depends on which month you visit. Some are wetter than others. Some are stellar. The Nikon 900 series should give you great versatility toward both wide and zoom options. I personally am a bit leary of using too wide an angle for landscapes. Great for getting the "big picture" as a reference, and then a series of close ups to really capture the detail of the bounty you are beholding. If you get to see wildlife, you want the zoom. If you come to Haines, I can work with you on all these aspects, and help you with a tripod set up for those noble eagles. Haines or not, you will have a GREAT trip and you may want to come back! https://timenspace.net/photography-workshop/haines-private-tour/
Sep 28, 2018 10:18:17 #
I might suggest you look into the Sony RX10 IV. I purchased it for a Danube River cruise in August. I was very happy with image quality and particularly not having to carry my 40 lbs of two DSLR's, lenses, ... There is a great deal of learning required to become competent with the camera. I would recommend a monopod for the Alaskan trip. Enjoy the trip. It's fabulous. I did a 2 week land/cruise in 2005 with my new, at the time, Canon 20D.
Mark
Mark
BuckNel wrote:
Looking for advice in selecting a digital camera f... (show quote)
Sep 28, 2018 11:53:37 #
For the use of the photos you describe, the P900 will be the best for your purposes. The P1000 will be ungainly and unnecessary.
Sep 28, 2018 12:00:42 #
If shooting RAW isn't a priority for you, the P900 would be a great choice. At 2000mm reach, you'll bring is things that the folks with full frame DSLRs and 600mm lenses will never get. And the price won't break the bank.
As for weather, you didn't say when you'll be coming to Alaska, but while the weather in SE Alaska can be iffy frequently, in the interior (as in Denali Nat'l Park) it can get quite hot in the summer. By hot, I mean in the 80's and even 90's at times. Here in Wasilla a couple years ago we had a few days in a row that were in the 90's and one day when it was 95! So don't be fooled into believing that it's always cold and rainy with a couple nice days a year. My advice is to come prepared, because the weather can change unpredictably. Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
As for weather, you didn't say when you'll be coming to Alaska, but while the weather in SE Alaska can be iffy frequently, in the interior (as in Denali Nat'l Park) it can get quite hot in the summer. By hot, I mean in the 80's and even 90's at times. Here in Wasilla a couple years ago we had a few days in a row that were in the 90's and one day when it was 95! So don't be fooled into believing that it's always cold and rainy with a couple nice days a year. My advice is to come prepared, because the weather can change unpredictably. Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Sep 28, 2018 12:05:44 #
You cannot have too much zoom in Alaska. The Nikon is the largest and heaviest of the Long Zoom Bridge Cameras. I have owned the Canon SX50 and the Sony HX-400v. Both are very good long zoom cameras and since they are smaller than the Nikon, they are easier to pack around and hide under your raincoat. Note that the Canon SX50 has been replaced by the Canon SX60. The Sony has an excellent Zeiss lens. Panasonic also makes an excellent long zoom camera. Remember, you are on vacation, not on a National Geo Photo shoot. First priority is to enjoy the trip. Happy Shootng
Sep 28, 2018 12:57:55 #
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