Re: [Paddlewise] Camera Recommendation

Matt wrote: However, I've been frustrated by the lack of a viewfinder on the
Pentax W's of later vintage than mine (and the Olympus) and have become
hooked
on the Image Stabilization feature of my Canons (S3 IS and A720IS).



The W30 doesn't have true image stabilization, but you can set it to
automagically select a high ASA/ISO (up to 3200) for a very high shutter
speed.
'Course you pay for that with greater grain (not the right term in digital, I
know, but I'm an old school film guy.) It does have a larger, brighter view
screen that's less squinty to read in sun, but, yup, not as good as a
viewfinder.



 B Matt wrote: Philip, I can see the utility of your monopod for surfing shots
and the like (as long as it doesn't get in the way of your stroke or rolling)
but I'm
having trouble seeing it as a stabilizing device. Maybe that was never its
intention. Its length would seem to magnify any rocking of the boat, where
hand holding (and flex in one's body) would seem to allow for a steadier
camera. Please comment.

The monopod is far enough forward not to block my strokes (it fits in the same
Scotty holder that takes my sail, which I sited with that in mind.
 It doesnbt hold the camera any higher than it would typically be in my
hands, so no greater barcb.
You're correct, it was never intended as a stabilizing device - just a way to
shoot hands-free in conditions that wouldn't other wise allow shooting.
To see a weird artefact of this locked down relative to the boat effect, check
my test video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsrXkbYqByM

Note how in video, it creates the impression the sea is a rear screen
projection special effect. Camera movement gives the viewer
 a much better sense of the actual rocking and rolling, as in this older video
taken with the Wpi, hand-held:




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AD6M0l6iABw




So now of course, Ibm wondering about adapting a gimbal from a compass mount
or boat cup holder to hold the camera for video. For still shots, not a
problem b I can always correct the horizon line in bpost production.b


Matt wrote: Doug, Sea Kayaker says they need at least 8 megapixels for cover
photos if you have any ambitions that way.

The W30 tops out at 7.1 megapixels, FYI.

B 

Cheers,

B 
Philip
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