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Backpacker Magazine – January 2009
Quick Sheet: Perfect Beginner to Expert Cameras
Whatever your budget or photo ambitions, we've found the perfect shooter for every type of backpacker.
Pentax Optio W60 (Courtesy Photo)
BEGINNER
You want: A point-and-shoot camera with user-friendly controls, a large LCD screen, automatic picture settings, and no-hassle connections to your computer, printer, or TV.
EXPERT
You want: A point-and-shoot camera with user-friendly controls, a large LCD screen, automatic picture settings, and no-hassle connections to your computer, printer, or TV.
You are: The Eco Hiker
You want: Canon SD 890 IS
You are: The Bargain Hunter
You want: Nikon Coolpix L18
You are: The Gear Abuser
You want: Pentax Optio W60
You are: The Technophobe
You want: Sony W130
EXPERT
You want: Manual controls for shutter speed, f-stop, ISO, and flash power, plus high-performance lenses and superior image quality (read: lots of megapixels) for crisp detail, sharp color, and large prints.
You are: The Eco Hiker
You want: Sony W300
You are: The Bargain Hunter
You want: Canon PowerShot A590 IS
You are: The Gear Abuser
You want: Olympus Stylus 1030SW
You are: The Wildlife Photographer
You want: Sony H50
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READERS COMMENTS
I would like to see a review of the various GPS integrated cameras. With the popularity of geotagging and the availability of several such products on the market, there should be a comparison of what each has to offer.
I own a Nikon Coolpix P6000 and love it.
Posted: Sep 05, 2009 Erik
As a Wilderness Manager my crews and I need to take pictures for a variety of issues from work projects, camp inspections, document citations, and just plumb gorgeous stuff. After a variety of cameras the one we have settled on, given the current crop, is the Pentax Optio Ws. I found they fit in a Pelican 1010 case perfectly (however the later models require the strap loop be removed with a sander. This combination is perfect for carrying in saddle bags, back pack, or tossing in the truck as needed. The battery lasts plenty long enough for a hitch. They have notlet us down yet.
Posted: Feb 26, 2009 TetonWild
The Optio W-series are seriously tough cameras -- I've used these to cover (and sell pictures from) everything from backcountry skiing to huge sailing regattas in the Caribbean and haven't broken it yet. A big SLR is great, but sometimes you don't have the time/space/gentle circumstances to use one. Recommended.
Posted: Feb 19, 2009 Scott
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