[philmont] Backpacking Camera ?

Before you go far down the solar charger path, perhaps you should answer the
question as to whether you have found rechargable batteries that will drive
a camera for any length of time. It has been my experience, and I've tried
all kinds of rechargable batteries with all kinds of different number of mAh
ratings, particularly very high ratings, that the 1.2 v rechargeables just
don't drive a digital camera well at all. They seem to drain very quickly
and have no staying power, even if they will drive the camera at all.
Cameras want 1.5v batteries, regardless of mAh ratings.
Rechargeables are fine for portable radios and flashlights, but I have yet
to find one that will drive a digital camera for any appreciable time.

Dispite tons of statements to the contrary on the web, I also find that
after only a few charges, the staying power of any type of rechargeable is
appreciably less, to the point that after only a few recharges they won't
drive a digital camera at all even when freshly charged.

As to digital cameras, for backpacking small profile and fast shots at
reasonable resolution is what you want to look for. At least 5 megapixels
(hard to find less these days, so not much of a problem there).
Look to higher optical zoom over digital zoom as the ability to hold the
camera steady for digital zoom is more problematic.
SD media seem to be the most common, so selecting a camera that uses that
media may be adviseable as well. I standardized on Xd when I went digital
and now if I want to use my legacy of media, I'm limited to Fuji and
Olympus.
Stabilization is nice, particularly for zoom shots, but it is quite
expensive. At Philmont, the photographer may find him/herself zooming in on
wildlife from a bit of distance (turkeys are common for photos), so it may
be a consideration.
Shutter speed is the most important. Digital cameras have a lag based on
the time it takes to write to media. This is affected both by the camera
and the media. Xd cards come in high speed that is appreciably faster. I
don't know about sd, but that may be the case.

Bottom line: look for a small camera that fits the pocket well, has fairly
high optical zoom (say 5x or better), takes at least 5megapixel photos and
uses the SD memory card.

THe camera drives the choice of battery, some take AAA. I would give
consideration to having the same size batteries in all electronics that go
on the trail. If your hubby carries a GPS a headlamp and a hand held flash
light, look at what size batteries THEY use and try to get a camera that
used the same.

Hope this helps
Don Roberts
See March 2004 (I think that was the date) Scouting Magazine "favorite
scouting places" photography contest 1st place winning photo by yours truly
:-)

  -----Original Message-----
  From: philmont@troop47.com [mailto:philmont@troop47.com]On Behalf Of Susan
Hamilton

        I'm looking for a great backpacking camera for my husband to take to
Philmont - and with Dad's Day just around the corner. . seems like a good
idea.. Any suggestions?

        and has anyone found a good lightweight solar battery charger for AA
batteries?

        Susan
        Troop 711
        Gilroy, CA

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Received on Thu Jun 12 11:40:23 2008