SummitPost.org

Hi all!

I coud use some recommendations for a good compact digital camera which takes great - of course - landscape / mountain photos,
and will perform well over 5500m.

There are many in the gear section, but it is not really up to date. I just need to know some of the best camera out there.

Btw: when I search the forum, in the upper right corner I get no results! Hasn't this question been asked before?
Or has the new layout removed some threads somehow?

If you don't mind spending $600-$800 and carrying a bit more bulk, the new micro-4/3 cameras, with their larger CCDs and raw image format, will take excellent photos. For something cheaper and smaller, the Panasonic Lumix cameras (e.g. ZS-1, ZS-3) have wide-angle lenses and generally get good reviews. I'm not sure about high altitude performance, but I think keeping the battery warm is the main issue -- either keep the camera inside your jacket, or carry two batteries, keep one inside your glove or jacket, and swap them.

I think you're right that the forum search was broken by the upgrade.

ncst, I'm in a similar situation as you, needing something better than my 10 year old Nikon Coolpix 4300. For me the issues are: It must have a viewfinder, it must allow me to take shots in a freezing weather and if I go for 2-3 weeks (or longer) the batteries must last. I think Lithium or eq. battery is the only way and carrying spares (4-5) is the way to go. I need something compact so I can carry it while rock and alpine climbing and I don't like extra weight. I carried the Nikon and 5 extra lithium batteries last year on a very extended trip (26 days of hiking and climbing in the Sierra) taking over 1,500 shots. That's what I would like to replicate.

I'm looking for a new camera as well. My Panasonic Lumix which I really liked just up and died. Not sure if it is worth it to have it looked at or to just buy a new camera.

I got a new Nikon Coolpix S560 and am satisfied with it. The only problem is the lack of a view finder, which makes shooting on a sunny day on a snowfield really hard. Other than that, it is a great, small, point and shoot camera.

So many variables.

Popular good climbing cameras? Panasonic LX5, Canon G12, Panasonic TZ10, Canon S95 ...

http://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?t=427181&v=1
www.dpreview.com

I just bought a Pentax W90 for high altitude expeditions that a friend recommended. I'm just getting used to it but he's taken great photos and video with it, even with it mounted to the front of his kayak and flipping it over several times. It's light, small and tough. I bought one extra lithium battery for long trips.

Canon S95 Small, good image quality


Lumix LX5 Not quite as small, great image quality, faster lens.

Does either the Pentax W90 or Nikon Coolpix come with a viewfinder??

I have the same problem as mountainjeff when trying to use a digital camera with just the LCD and no viewfinder......in bright light situations, the glare on the screen makes it very difficult to compose the photo. Also, if you use a camera with a long optical zoom (ie 10X), you must hold it perfectly still to avoid distorting your shot. This is more difficult without a viewfinder because using the LCD requires you to extend your arms out from your body.

All of the photos that I've put on SP were taken with a LX3. It's very light and has a very fast clear lens. I am interested in taking a SLR on a trip to have more options.

Kai wrote:Canon S95 Small, good image quality
Lumix LX5 Not quite as small, great image quality, faster lens.

Thanks for all the input. I've been reading some reviews and I might get the Lumix LX5 in the end. Albanberg, I see you took it with you high up in the Andes, so I guess
it handles the cold pretty well.

I currently have a Lumix. I got some weird green lines criss cross over my display earlier this year summittingCotopaxi, although they disappeared some days later. It seemed to me it was rather the display than the battery that got affected by the cold. But I was glad it didn't give in.

It would be worth doing a bit of research on the Canon Powershot D10.

http://www.canon.ca/inetCA/products?m=gp&pid=793

It's the camera we chose for a few reasons: durable, waterproof, and takes good pictures. We especially like the waterproof factor, because when its raining or snowing...we don't have to protect it. The zoom is not great...but really, we don't zoom all that much.

Good luck in your search!

Yeah, the LX series, Canon G series and S90-95 plus perhaps the Nikon P7000 are the cream of the crop. Due to the often high contrast nature of shooting in the mountains, I personally think a camera with RAW is a must. I also prefer WA to zoom and as often the best photos are taken at the golder hour, a good aperture and low noise are very helpful.

I managed to sneak past 5,500 m with my own LX3. Some pics here.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/radson/sets/72157622961912388/

adventurer wrote:Does either the Pentax W90 or Nikon Coolpix come with a viewfinder?

The W90 does not.

I dont know fortmental, they are great shots but heavily post-processed and may be replicated on some P+S.