47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

👍👍👍

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

My comments were posted before we learned that the traveler actually does have some photography experience and isn't quite the rank novice originally implied. What is still true is that weather at the time of his cruise is likely to be unsettled and windy, and seas are likely to be pretty rough. Managing a pile of belongings while trying to get in and out of the boats in those conditions is neither wise nor safe. So yes, a camera that will fit securely in a pocket is ideal.

Most of the daytime cruise itinerary is within the temperate rainforest (200 inches or so of rain per year). Especially in the spring, it is likely to be...raining, even if it is not storming. We last cruised Alaska in September. Had five beautiful, sunny days, except for the day our whalewatching excursion was cut short because of excessively rough seas. Everything was capped off by a powerful storm the last two days, with 15 foot seas.

Bill 45

For God sake, tell him to get a film camera. Yes, a film camera. The one would I would tell him to get is a Pentax K 1000 or a Pentax ME Super. Both cameras are very easy to use. You don't need a PhD from MIT to turn it on. The battery for both cameras is a 357. The battery will go on ever. Lens Pentax 50mm lens and a Tamron-F tele-converter 2X. If the person fine himself with out battery. He still can use the camera, just will not have a light meter, use the 16 rulers of light. Use 400 speed film. I have use both cameras from the Aust' s outback to oil fields of Wyoming. Streets of London to street of New York City and the back roads of my home town with out an problem.

Jack 13088 Loc: Central NY

Haven’t you described the the majority of this forum?

Just kidding! ——— Or am I? 🤫

Canisdirus

Just use his cellphone...he'll have a happier vacation.

Tdearing Loc: Rockport, TX

I have the Sony rx100 and highly recommend it. Put it on "Auto" or utilize the "Scene" selector and go with it.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

Nikon Z50 with two lens kit.

But mostly will use iPhone.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

I would assume that anyone who buys a camera that’s new to them would sit down and learn about it before leaving on a trip like this. I can’t imagine buying a piece of gear then waiting until one is onboard the ship before learning it. In 2019 we went on a cruise in October. In September I purchased a Sony RX100 VII and spent a month playing with it, learning about it and getting familiar with it and how it felt. By the time we left on our trip, I knew how to use my new camera. This fellow may not be a rank amateur knowing nothing about photography, but I’m sure he can learn in the interim. The cellphone is a great backup camera, but it’s always good to have a “main” camera. If a long zoom isn’t required, the RX100 VI or VII fit the bill, as do the ZS100 and 200. If a long zoom is desired, then the Sony HX-99 with a 24–720 zoom is great, even though it has the smaller 1/2.3” sensor, and the ZS70 or 80 is a good choice. They have basically the same range as the HX-99. And the TG-6 or 7 would be great if bad weather is anticpated and/or long zoom isn’t a consideration.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I have the Panasonic Lumix DCZS80 which is a direct competitor. I love it. I much prefer the built-in EVF vs the pop-up of the HX99.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Save the $1000 for something more useful than a camera. Be a real friend, tell them the truth.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

The Nikon Z 50 with Nikkor 16-50mm and Nikkor 50-250mm is running around $1150. That’s a little more than he has budgeted. But if he can squeeze it out, it’s a good travel combo as well as good for every day.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

In every way but price! Multiple macro functions. Multiple white balance settings. Available telephoto, which is crucial in Alaska! IMHO. Any number of built in capabilities. Just an all-around more capable camera! Waterproof to 50 feet on it's own. A dedicated and very affordable under water housing to take it to over one hundred feet. Granted, these might or might not be of interest to the friend going to Alaska.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

I have the TG-6 and I love it! I like my Nikons too, but there are places where I will not take them! The TG, I will take ANYWHERE and not miss a moments sleep. The only thing I don't like about it is no viewfinder! Which is OK when diving, can't use a viewfinder, wearing a dive mask. But it's an exceptional and very capable camera!! Oh yeah, I hate the menu too! And it can get a lot closer to the Titanic than I can!

Designdweeb Loc: Metro NYC & East Stroudsburg, PA

I’ve heard complaints about Sony’s instruction manual. One of the photojournalists I work with switched to Panasonic and has stayed with the line for several years, happily.

Beenthere

Some kind of high quality Point & Shoot?