Re: [Paddlewise] SLR Cameras for Kayaking

Could you specify a budget so that we can have a better idea of what to
suggest?

Minimal electronics: you have now a wider array of choices than, say, two or
three years ago, as several of the major makers have introduced minimalist
cameras.  Among these are the Pentax ZX-M, Olympus OM-2000, Nikon FM-10 and
FE-10.  These cameras are all aimed at entry-level customers however.  For
top-quality manual cameras, you have two main choices; the Nikon FM-2 and the
Contax S2.  The Contax is probably better built, and the Carl Zeiss lenses that
it takes are second to none, literally.  Very, very expensive, though.  Nikon
also has a much wider selection of lenses, including perspective control lenses
which are very useful in landscape photography.  My father has an FE-2, the
automatic version of the FM-2 (no longer made, alas!), and loves it.  It is
durable and compact and has all the features really necessary.

My personal camera is a Minolta 8000i, which I love dearly and am planning to
sell.  Nothing could part me from it, except that it lacks three features that
I require: a depth-of-field preview, a mirror lockup (improves sharpness,
sometimes dramatically) and the ability to use perspective control lenses.

As has already been mentioned, if you are planning to take pictures on the
water, a waterproof camera would be an asset.  Ewa Marine housings are good, or
you might want the spring for the new Nikonos waterproof SLR (lotsa cash, but
good stuff!)

Brian Windrope wrote:

> I am searching for a good SLR camera and the necessary lenses to take
> some quality shots on an long trip this summer. Having used a high
> quality point and shoot camera for many years (they're so darn light
> and easy) I am unfamiliar with many aspects of SLR cameras.  I am
> wanting to buy a good to high quality SLR and prefer minimal
> electronics.  Now I know there are paddlers out there with strong
> opinions on the camera body and lenses of choice.  Most of my
> photography is landscape work with occasional close ups of sea stars
> or funny looking humans.  I am open to all suggestions and thoughts.
> Nikon? Canon? Pentax? This is a black hole topic and so I am
> especially interested in specific "I've used this camera for years and
> love it" suggestions.  Thanks for whatever feedback you offer.
> Brian Windrope
>
> _________________________________________________________
> DO YOU YAHOO!?
> Get your free _at_yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
>
> ***************************************************************************
> PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
> Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
> Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
> Website:         http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/
> ***************************************************************************



***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/
***************************************************************************