Shoot Photos Like a Pro: Cameras

If nominations were in order, I'd second the nomination for the Cannon SX120is. I've taken over 15,000 photos with it in the past year, and it's still doing well. Best in bright light; excellent close-ups, and small enough to fit under mushrooms. It's the best trail camera I've ever had. If it dies tomorrow, it doesn't owe me anything. (I also bought an SX130is as its replacement, and it may prove to be even a touch better. Time will tell.) Bottom line: Pick what works for YOUR needs, not what the reviewers deem to be best for their needs.

I'll inform why I think Cannons aren't one here. Cannons break within days of their 1 year warranty expiring, then you spend 1 additional year hassling endless do loops with their cluster eff call department. In the end you get a refurbished one for 80% of the original asking price, and you pay shipping.

In any given issue we can only fit reviews of so many cameras on the page. Here are some additional camera reviews including the review of the weatherproof K-7 that Dano requested.

Camera reviews from the Fall Gear Guide 2009:
http://www.backpacker.com/fall-gear-guide-09-cameras/gear/13541

Editors Choice Camera from April 2009:
http://www.backpacker.com/editors_choice_2009_nikon_coolpix_p6000/gear/12873

Camera reviews from January 2009:
http://www.backpacker.com/january2009_beginner_expert_quick_sheet_/gear/12698

I agree, backpacker.com needs to create articles that are on one page, (they can still create links for the product), it would flow much easier than what is currently in place.

I have carried a number of small digitals backpacking (mostly Kodak)and most have left me wanting, that is until I ran across the Canon PowerShot SX120 IS camera. Good zoom (10x) large viewing screen AND a full manual mode. Takes great photos

Being an SLR Cannon user myself, I looked hard at the digital cannon's. I crossed that off and since have found the Kodak easy share Z915 digital to be as user/backpacker friendly and small. Takes the SD/SDHC cards. If your use to the SLR's, this will work for you. Lens zoom 10X, 35mm-300 or 350mm. Has many many features.

Hey Readers,
The Canon 7D wasn't available when we were testing.
Just sayin'.

These readers have some good points. The BackPacker website is not user friendly, and can be a pain in the butt to navigate. The several different links for one article is tiresome. A chart comparing the different camera's is a great idea as well. At the very least, lay down the specs in an easy to read format. When it comes down to it, we like hearing your opinions on these cameras. It's your article after all. But we also like to have the facts and make a decision for ourselves. So give us your opinions, but lay down the facts with it. Cheers.

If they are going to put a Pentax on this list, it should be the K7 since it has the weatherproof seals. This is for 'backpacker' use, isn't it? Sure, it's heavier than the Kx, but it is smaller/lighter than the D300.

I agree with what others have said about the layout of the website. My junk drawer is prettier than bp.com.

Capt. Obvious has hit the nail on the head. I HATE the setup of Backpacker's articles! Every page needs a click through (often you even have to click back to the TOC page!)! It's really annoying. Why can't it be setup as a flowing doc. And I'd really like to be able to read the WHOLE article by just scrolling in a printer friendly format. Wake up Backpacker and move into the 21st century.

When it comes to DSLRs, I'm a Nikon man, so I'm stoked to see the D300s on the list. But I gave up lugging a heavy body and a bag full of lenses in the backcountry when the Canon G11 was released. Most people would agree that it's the best point-and-shoot for people who want all the manual control, image quality, and low noise, but none of the bulk, of a DSLR. I love Backpacker, but they either need to bring their A-game when writing future camera articles or just drop them altogether.

Wow! I love a forum that allows honest feedback, and keeps it up here! I can learn from the rest of the people in the field, and what they're using as well. Love the info - thanks, guys!

Omission all of the Canon line and especially the 7D is an inexcusable omission to a list that includes the Nikon 300D. This is obviously not a photo magazine.

Does anyone else hate Backpackers format for these articles? Why can't they just have the narrative to the article instead of several links to different things discussed in it? A simple narrative would be fine and anything less just adds to the reality that this website looks and feels as if it was created in the early 1990's. I honestly haven't seen a worse site in years.

So...no Canon on your list? WTFO? I love the LX3 for portability but if you have the D300 then why not the 7D?

This is great but it would be more helpful if you could include a chart that compares the cameras, including by price.