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| The Canon 450D & tripod ready to photograph evening light on the summit of Ben Nevis. Ricoh GR-D, ISO 100, f2.8@1/25. |
I hadn’t thought of camera choice and method of carriage as
controversial but having become involved in a discussion on this over on Andrew
Mazibrada’s excellent The Journeyman Traveller blog and associated Twitter posts after Andrew
posted a piece called Carrying Your Camera Up A Mountain I realised that for
some people it is. So as with other controversies I decided to state my views
here where I can expand on them rather than just in comments and Tweets in
response to others.
Firstly, there is, of course, no “best” camera, no one
camera that is better than any other. There are a huge number of variables
involving not just picture quality but also aesthetics and ergonomics plus,
crucially, what pictures you’ll be taking and where you’ll be taking them. I
take outdoor photos of usually fairly static or slow-moving subjects –
landscapes, camps, wildlife if still enough, flowers, trees, rocks, hikers. I
take photos while on the move so I want a camera that is lightweight and
reasonably low bulk. I want to be able to carry it so I can access it while
wearing a pack. I also need images of publishable quality and prefer to have a
choice of lenses. For a quarter of a century this meant film SLR cameras plus a
range of lightweight lenses (I never bothered with pro lenses – far too heavy).
Often I carried two SLRs – one for colour, one for B&W – even on
multi-month trips such as the Pacific Crest Trail and Continental Divide Trail.
Then, when magazines no longer wanted B&W, I substituted a compact camera
for an SLR, carried purely in case of failure with the latter. The lenses I
carried varied but the key one was a mid range zoom – 35-70 in the early days,
24-70 when these became available.
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| On the Continental Divide Trail in 1985. Pentax MX SLR with Tamron 35-70 zoom lens, Kodachrome 64 transparency film |
Digital arrived but the quality looked poor and any
half-decent camera heavy and expensive. Dipping my toe in very gingerly I
carried a 2.3mp digital compact on the Arizona Trail in 2000, along with a film
SLR and film compact. That’s the only trip on which I’ve carried three cameras.
I sent the smartcards back so images could be uploaded to a website. That
worked quite well but I could see that the quality of the images was nowhere
near that of my 35mm film photos. It was another four years before I took the
plunge and bought a DSLR – chosen both because of price and weight. It was 6mp,
which back in 2004 seemed enormous. The images looked good. They still do,
especially after processing in the latest software. Initially I was still
unsure about digital so I carried a film SLR as well and took every picture on
both media. Going back to two SLRs meant the weight of my camera gear was now
going back up. Soon though I realised that digital quality was fine for my
purposes so I swapped the film SLR for a film compact. Ideally I wanted a
digital compact as back-up but none had the same size sensor as my DSLR and the
image quality of the ones I tried wasn’t adequate.
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| On the GR20 with 2 SLRs. Canon 300D, 18-55mm lens at 22mm, ISO 200, f5.6@1/100 |
Then came the first affordable compact with a DSLR sized
sensor and a fixed lens. The images were wonderful, the ergonomics terrible and
the durability poor. It lasted less time than any other camera I’ve owned. I
didn’t replace it because very light and small interchangeable lens cameras
with DSLR size sensors had appeared and looked much more versatile and far
better designed. That is what I now use, both as my main camera and as back-up.
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| At the start of the Pacific Northwest Trail. Canon 450D, 18-55mm lens at 29mm, ISO 400, f8 @ 1/100 |
I haven’t mentioned brand names up to now quite deliberately
because when it comes down to it they don’t matter. Over the years I’ve had
cameras from Pentax, Nikon, Olympus, Canon,
Ricoh, Sigma and Sony. I have no loyalty to any brand. I’m aware that at any
time during my photographic career I could have used different brands and it
would have made no difference as long as the cameras were roughly equivalent.
My current choice is based on the same criteria I’ve always used. What is the
lightest weight camera that gives the image quality I require. That whittles
the choice down to a handful of models. Then it becomes a matter of ergonomics,
aesthetics, price and lenses. I described how I came to my current system here
and my current models here and here. Whilst I really like these cameras I know I could
have made different choices and been happy with the results.
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| Sony NEX 7 set up at dawn at a camp in the Cairngorms. Sony NEX 5, 16mm lens, ISO 400, f8 @ 1/50 |
Image Quality: Raw,
manual and tripods
The camera and lens is only the start for top quality
images. Obviously you need to know how to use it – and that means use it
manually. Stick it on auto everything and you’ll get some good shots in good
light but many more that are poor. I use manual exposure most of the time and
use the histogram for guidance rather than the meter. I also shoot raw and then
process the files on the computer. Not to use raw is to throw away much of the
capability of a camera.
I also always carry a tripod. It’s lightweight and compact
but still capable of supporting a light DSLR with a zoom lens. In low light at
dawn and dusk it’s just about essential and I also use it for self-portraits –
there usually being nobody else to photograph.
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| Twin SLRs. Crop from GR20 picture above. |
Carrying the Camera
Over the years I’ve tried various belts, chest harnesses, pack
harnesses, clips, buckles, straps and other contraptions designed to keep a camera
handy while carrying a pack. Early on I discovered that slinging a padded case across
my body so it rested on my hip worked well. I still find it the best method for
the cameras I use. I’ve never carried a pro DSLR with pro lens like this –
perhaps that would be too heavy – but for my cameras and lenses it’s fine. It’s
also uncomplicated and completely separate from my pack. Sometimes I attach a
padded lens case to the strap so I have access to it. Mostly I don’t. As with cameras the best carrying system is the
one that works for you. This one works for me.
Good post, Chris, nicely putting the arguments for what means a good backpacking camera for you there.
ReplyDeleteI've used a Canon 50D on a few trips, and while the quality is great, the weight of close to 2 kg is not. With the modern M43s and NEX et al. systems I am now able to capture the same quality of photos (or better, as technic advanced) for a fraction of the weight and size.
I've been carrying my NEX in a ZPacks pouch, attached to the shoulder straps of my backpack. Works very well, protects the camera from the elements and allows me to have it quickly out.
A few years ago I carried my full frame camera and 2.8 lens in a Toploader pack. I tried to carry as Chris does but 2.5kg was murder on my neck! So I strapped it to the side of my framed pack.
ReplyDeleteFrankly I needed something lighter but of equal quality.
Chris knows it took a while to actually believe that a smaller camera and lens was actually excellent. My timing was pretty good, as it seems to usually be, and in short order the NEX 7 was announced! I had to wait 6 months due to the floods in Thailand. But it was worth waiting.
I now carry 700g (NEX7, 18-55 lens, mic for vids, cleaning cloth and non padded Aquapac - last is 100g!) around my neck as Chris does (the styles I mean) rather than 2.5kg! It's a revelation.
At this time I've not taken my longer zoom or wide angle lens but they'll only add a few hundred grams. Not sure where I'd carry them. But I'm not even thinking about them at moment.
It's much better and easier for me to carry this system. Thanks to Chris for advice (and as usual, patience;) last year.
I also carry a 800g tripod that can hold NEX easily, rated at about 4+ kgs. Though last trip I took a Gorilla Pod. Not used tripod much yet. But again, I will in time.
For other photo stuff, I'll almost certainly take my full frame camera and 2.8 lenses! I am used to a large camera having owned and extensively used a Nikon F5! All my camera stuff has its place and knows it :-)
Great post Chris.
Addition... The primary reasons for me choosing NEX 7 over the 5 were the viewranger, clear number one reason and a very close second was the tri nav dials. Though they need a lock! I do shift exp comp accidentally!
ReplyDeleteThe NEX 7 is very good, for me, at shooting video.
Yeah that does look a nice cam. I been watching that model. Egonomically, I think I still prefer a DSLR. Easier handling. But I guess I could adapt!
DeleteHi, The NEX 7 is as close to DSLR you can get for dials etc and the quality really is good. Matches my D700 with pro glass and I never thought I'd say that!
DeleteI've adapted Terry. I now find my DSLR harder to use than the NEX 7 as I've forgotten where all the controls are. Ergonomics are important. When I first decided to get a compact systems camera (or whatever they're called this week) I went to a camera shop and handled all the then current models. Some I really couldn't get on with at all.
DeleteThere is a lock for the tri nav dials Tony, Just hold the tri nav button down for 3 seconds and they are locked. There's also now a new firmware update that means you can disable the movie button. That's good - I'm always taking short unintended movies!
DeleteWell, I think it's worth noting the variations in models' image-processing engines and more importantly sensor size too in this debate. On both counts most mirrorless compacts were not quite up there.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I'm quite excited by the likes of what's upon us and particular with the models such as Canon's EOS M system cameras. It's certainly in my eyes an evolution of what has gone before and a revolution in some respects too.
At the moment, both sets of cams have their pros and cons for what ever one's needs are. But the boundaries are blurring and I guess next year I may well ditch the DSLR and go with a mirrorless cam. We'll see.
Terry, I agree it is worth noting these. I didn't do so as I discussed it in the previous posts explaining my choices. I think though that if the sensor size is roughly the same and image-processing engine is current then there's little difference in image quality. Mirrorless compacts like the NEX series have the same size sensors as most DSLRs (APS-C). I like http://www.dxomark.com/ for comparing the technical specifications of cameras. On their measurements the NEX 7 produces higher quality images than most DSLRs.
DeleteI like having the best of both worlds, and keep an m43 and DSLR. I thnk for most people an m43 is a great trail camera, taking images of a quality that approaches that of a DSLR. I wouldn't ditch one for the other, as both have their place and their uses. If I'm heading out the door and I want to have a decent camera with me I'll grab the GF1 (m43). If I want the absolute best, I'll take the DSLR. If I was doing super-long treks like you, Chris, the NEX would be the obvious choice.
ReplyDeleteThere has been some recent talk of the death of the DSLR, but in my opinion the DSLR has only recently been truly born. DX cameras (and whatever Canon had) with their small sensors always seemed an interim measure to me – something the companies came up with before they could develop a full frame camera. It's a shame that the industry adopted a kind of inherent obsolescence model, with every new camera inevitably superceded every couple of years by higher megapixel counts. But now there are full frame cameras, I hope that pattern changes. I certainly hope I won't be buying another new camera for a long long time. 36mp should last a good while.
On a DSLR I'll never go back to DX sensors. I have a D300 and it's good but no match for the 700. For me full frame rules in DSLR world. You have massive advantage as your sensor so big you can crop to DX and still have masses of data.
DeleteTop camera that 800 I hear.
Its an interesting subject with many variables and fast changing technology where, even now, big developments are still being made. I will question though two 'traditional' ideas. It is simply not the case that an automatic mode limits you and "experts" use manual. The important point is you - your thinking capacity - and what you do with an auto mode which many times (in my experience) means you adjust it to avoid blown highlights, retain shadow detail etc. with some kind of exposure compensation. Auto modes are just slightly faster because the camera adjusts - obviously - automatically. That's all there is to it, and the speed is an advantage.
ReplyDeleteAnd tripods....well, in film days when the ISO capability was enormously limited a tripod was essential. Contemporary cameras have extraordinarily good quality at high ISO settings which means you can use reasonable shutter speeds with the f stop you want to get good quality images. In short - the difference between the old school ISO film limitations and modern digital capabilities is so enormous that for most of the time, all things considered in regard to quality needs, a tripod is mostly unnecessary. Self portraits are of course another matter.
I'm thinking of course, more about high spec DSLRs than compacts - even the Nex series which are extremely good. So in regard to that, there's a choice to be made as follows: a high spec DSLR with astonishing ISO performance, or a compact camera with less ability which therefore may need the support of a tripod.
Have you seen high ISO on NEX 7? It's pretty impressive. For what it is. I've not done much testing, but reluctantly, I'd say equal to D700 pretty much.
DeleteHigh ISO on the NEX 7 is very good, far better than on my old Canon 450D (though that's not full frame of course). However when you look at the measurements on DxO Mark they are all at their best at the lowest ISO. I shoot the NEX 7 handheld at high ISOs quite often but when it comes to the subtleties of dawn and dusk I still find the best results come from 100 ISO with a tripod.
DeleteAuto mode and exposure compensation is a different way to control the camera settings. It doesn't give as much control as manual though. I use aperture priority when using a tripod as the shutter speed is less important and shutter priority when shooting moving wildlife as the aperture matters less. Mostly though I'm not in a hurry and so prefer manual. With the NEX 7 tri-nav controls I can alter aperture, shutter speed and ISO very quickly anyway if I need to.
Its all relative. My point is more about the general principles. The Nex 7 was an achievement - but so was the Canon 5D3 which changed the parameters once again. And don't forget - the lens you use also makes a huge difference both in quality terms and capacity terms, ie a fast lens improves low light facility: lenses are a limitation of the Nex series in terms of what's available. High spec DSLRs are so good, they need the best lenses to justify their cost ie to use their abilities. And thats not even getting into Leica or Zeiss glass which excludes most people, including me!
Delete"Auto mode and exposure compensation is a different way to control the camera settings. It doesn't give as much control as manual though" I think that's just academic. If you want the best or correct exposure and your camera facilitates it in an auto mode with some EV adjustment, that a) makes no difference to the final outcome and b) is slightly faster. That's all there is to it. I think it's an old school traditional mystique that manual is a) what you should teach beginners and also b) what "experts" use. The first is just for training purposes and the second - when you look into it - makes no sense. Auto modes are just slightly faster because the camera adjusts one variable as you control another. That is labour saving, not limiting.
DeleteI guess it depends on the camera. I've just been playing with auto modes on the NEX 7 and yes, EV compensation is easy, though no faster than manual adjustments. However the adjustments favour faster shutter speeds and bigger apertures. I usually want smaller apertures. Of course if the results are the same as with manual control then it's just a matter of choice.
DeleteLenses certainly were a limitation for some purposes with NEX cameras but that is changing rapidly. As with cameras I look at the weight of lenses as well as the spec. Fast lenses are usually heavy. The fastest I have for the NEX 7 is the Sigma 30mm f2.8, which is excellent.
Good points again there James.
Delete70% of the time when I do landscape shots, I go straight to 'auto' because more often than not it's pretty spot on and of course it's much quicker. Then I may manually change it afterwards.
It really depends. After all, it's just a tools to a means.
Well, Chris I'm pretty swayed to the Nex 7. Suitable for my needs on paper. Ergonmics-wise I'd have to give it a play. But I reckon it will be well into next year before I think about replacing my DSLR. Or at least when it finally comes to the end of it's life.
DeleteTimes certainly are a changing.
I changed to the NEX system (NEX 5 initially) after my main DSLR lens and my backup APS-C sensor compact both broke. By then my DSLR - Canon 450D - was rather long in the tooth so it seemed an opportunity to try a smaller, lighter camera. I'm glad I did!
DeleteAs you say, any camera is just a tool.
Seeing as I started this all off, or at least rekindled an old debate, I guess I should weigh in with my position. I am regularly at pains to point out that others' points of view are relevant unless offensive and, even where I disagree, I respect people who put their views across elegantly and courteously. We all make decisions based on criteria unique to ourselves and twitter's 160 characters doesn't really permit reasoned debate. I was disappointed by some of the finality of some aspects of people's arguments.
ReplyDeleteThere is no doubt that the NEX-7 is lighter and image quality is at least close to as good as mid-range DSLR cameras. Excellent. It is not, from the point of view of ease of use, as nice to handle as the 5D Mk II (or any Canon or Nikon DSLR) as far as I am concerned.
Chris, you said this: "Image Quality: Raw, manual and tripods". That's the trilogy, I agree. I am a RAW convert and will never go back to JPEG. I don't even shoot RAW/JPEG combined. RAW is all I want. The top DSLR's (meaning full frame as far as I am concerned) have unparalleled image quality and flexibility. My 5D Mk II allows me to be in complete control of my photography. Ergonomics is also a crucial consideration given that composition and the arena in which you are using the camera is also important - if you cannot get the image you want, superb quality is pointless. I prefer the viewfinder approach in photography, I prefer the shape and feel of a DSLR and I prefer the lens quality and choice of the Canon L series lenses. I like the RAW files produced by the 5D Mk II and the flexibility it gives me to leave my own artistic imprint on my exposures. In short, I prefer my 5D Mk II. I accept that the NEX-7 is lighter and therefore makes far more sense for long range trekking, but I'll still take my DSLR because with me, I have confidence that whenever I press the shutter, I am going to have exactly what I need when I get home.
There is no doubt that the NEX-7 (and others) mark a change in direction and an increase in options. I just don't want one. That's my choice and, although some may disagree, it is not a poor decision to keep a DSLR and to take it everywhere I go. Good luck to NEX-7 users - long may you create great images!
I agree with you on many of those points Andrew. But at the end of the day, a picture is only as good as the photographer's eye who captures the image.
DeleteI've seen some excellent pictures taken on 'advanced compacts'. Heck! I've even sold a few from such a camera. Admittedly I didn't have a DSLR to hand at the time. But you get my point.
Since I've taken photography seriously and now make a living from, I can honestly say more often than not, a mid-range DSLR or something like the Nex7 serves most needs in the outdoors - up to a point of course.
Craftsman and his tools springs to mind.
But for now, I'll be sticking with my DSLR. Then I may well consider the likes of a Nex7 or at least it's new equivalent in the future.
I've taken good pictures with advanced compacts too. The disadvantages come in low light, high isos and big enlargements.
DeleteIn terms of image quality the Sigma DP1 with fixed 28mm equivalent lens is one of the best cameras I've owned. But the ergonomics were terrible and it failed after a short time. I see the new Sigma DP2 Merrill with fixed 35mm equivalent lens is getting extravagant praise for its image quality - http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/sigma_dp1_merrill.shtml
One of my favourite images is a picture posted to twitter of a sun setting over a camp, the subject with his back to the sun, making dinner. It's absolutely stunning. It makes me yearn for the outdoors like no other picture. And it was taken on an iPhone. Initially, the snob in me was appalled - until common sense prevailed. You see, here's the dirty little secret...
DeleteIt's not about the camera.
Photography is art. And art is more than just a visual description of what the artist saw that day. Great art inspires something in the viewer. Look at writing for one example - JK Rowling is the highest selling author EVER. Harry Potter is a fantastic series, despite the fact that,in a technical sense, the writing could charitably be described as "a bit crap". A £7000 full frame camera, and a perfectly framed and exposed photograph done to text-book perfection can completely fail at evoking any sort of feeling, while a grainy picture from a cameraphone can achieve it with as much ease as a 5D.
If you were to think purely in practical terms, cameras such as the 5D are great while being used - all the settings you could ever need (and more) have their own individual knobs and dials, while in the Nex series you have to go through some annoying menus (although the Nex 7 may have addressed this, I haven't used one yet). But full frame cameras weigh a fuckton, and the Nex (and compact system cameras in general) wins hands down in that respect. As always, it's horses for courses.
What's the best camera for the outdoors? The one you have with you, obviously.
As for how you carry it... who gives a shit? If it's comfortable, protects the camera (in other words, fit for purpose) and you can afford it... who gives a shit?
Good points Jake. I've taken images on my HTC Desire phone that have appeared in TGO and a couple of books. They look fine. Of course they are printed small - if enlarged they start to disintegrate and look terrible. For the internet you don't even need a 1mb camera. The pictures I post on this blog are in the 100-300kb range.
DeleteThe NEX 7 has dials so you don't need to go into the menu very often. I mostly only use the menu for deleting images and formatting the card.
I think the ergonomics as Andrew refers to is an important point. There's a 'feel' to using a camera and finding a composition in relation to that 'feel' is the reality of taking pictures. If you have to squeeze up your body, strain, squint, etc, that's not conducive to the creative process. The Nex 7 is a beautiful little thing - I immediately liked it compared to the Fuji X-Pro 1. But after a DSLR it does - to me at least - feel like you have to 'squeeze' yourself into it and through it.
DeleteNot sure I agree with your logic Mr Jake. Popularity and sales do not = art. They = commerce and what is very often, in books, film, music and more, a calculated appeal to mass markets.
DeleteFor interest here's a link to the DxO Mark sensor ratings - http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cameras/Camera-Sensor-Ratings
ReplyDeleteThe Sony NEX 7 comes in at number 13 with a score of 81, the same as the Canon 5D Mk III and higher than most DSLRs and all other mirrorless cameras. Of course other factors like lenses and ergonomics are important but having such a great sensor is a good starting point.
I've liked most of the cameras I've owned (two exceptions - one due to poor image quality, one to poor ergonomics). I thought the Canon 450D was excellent. Now when I pick it up it seems heavy, clumsy and awkward to use because I'm used to the much smaller and lighter NEX cameras. The NEX 7 is my current favourite camera. It does everything I want it to do faster and more easily than any other digital camera I've used and the image quality is better.
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cameras/Camera-Sensor-Ratings good site that. The NEX 7 usurps the D700 by a point. I notice the D4 has dropped with the new D600 ahead. Our friend above will be happy with his D800. Canon don't feature much ;-)
DeleteThe weight of a FF DSLR is certainly a problem. And not just the weight, also the bulk of it. For the outdoors, comparing a Nex 7 to APS DSLRs is a no brainer if size and weight is an issue. FF is another matter. And there's the further problem of getting wide angle shots when your lenses get 'cropped' to a factor of about 1.5. The Canon 17-40 is excellent for the hills and I use 17 mm quite extensively on a 5D. I used to own a 10D - in fact I've still got it - and changing back to 'normal' 35mm view was a joy. My photos are stock and exhibition quality, from shooting raw and converting to tif. I've had a few exhibitions and they look stunning at A3 and A2. I am considering getting a Nex 7 - I know what its value is - but it does have limitations too.
ReplyDeleteWide angle shots were a concern of mine too. I've been using the 16mm lens with ultra wide converter and getting pretty good results. Sony has announced a 10-18mm lens that sounds excellent and could be the answer for a wide angle zoom. I believe it's due out mid-November.
DeleteThank you, I'd forgotten the name of it ;-) I'll keep you posted...
DeleteAlso thanks for the update info. I smiled at your inadvertent movie taking :-)
Carrying my D700 was nuts. It was heavy and awkward with a rucksack. Getting the NEX 7 was a relief on weight. Easily carried on my chest strapped over my shoulder is so much easier to access. I could hardly reach my 700 on side of pack.
DeleteA stick or a rock can knock a bullet out of position without needing to be in view of the 700 tvl dome camera or even close to the camera.
ReplyDeleteVery informative and well written post! Quite interesting and nice topic chosen for the post.
ReplyDelete