Camera Choice

[EOS]

So viewing all these fabulous Skiing pictures on the forum has inspired me to look into purchasing a new camera (current camera is a 4yr old point and shoot) to carry with me while skiing.

Any suggestions on camera models and features I should check out specifically for outdoor/action shots?

Also, how does everyone choose to carry their cameras while skiing?

Thanks in advance
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[EOS]

Move This Post

Mod's - I would rather not double post so would you mind moving this post to Northeast Skiing and Snowboarding Trip Reports? That's probably where I should have posted it.

Thank you!!
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[RootDKJ]

I'm using a Canon SD790IS. It's small enough to fit into any pocket.

 

[playoutside]

I'm using a Canon SD790IS. It's small enough to fit into any pocket.

I have the same one...am very happy with it. Easy to use, fits in a pocket, easy to switch to video mode which I've used more this year. Only thing I sometimes want is a greater zoom, but my main goal when I bought it was to be sure I would bring it with me...my last one was too bulky to throw in a pocket. Battery life in it's first year has been exellent...even during cold weather.

 

[RootDKJ]

I have the same one...am very happy with it. Easy to use, fits in a pocket, easy to switch to video mode which I've used more this year. Only thing I sometimes want is a greater zoom, but my main goal when I bought it was to be sure I would bring it with me...my last one was too bulky to throw in a pocket. Battery life in it's first year has been exellent...even during cold weather.

I would agree completely. In terms of picture quality vs. size of the camera, this was a home run for me.

 

[gmcunni]

i'm suddenly in need of a new camera now too. i have a decent point and shoot and HAD a nice camcorder that was small enough to fit in my pants pocket but due to my stupidity the camcorder is dead. Now I'm looking for a single camera for both GREAT stills and VERY GOOD video.

looking at the panasonic ZS3 but read about some problems with the HD video format they use and incompatibility with Movie Maker.

How's the video output on the Canon?

 

[RootDKJ]

How's the video output on the Canon?

It's ok. Better if you don't zoom in. All the video on the Blue Bump-n-Jump thread I did with my Canon.

 

[Geoff]

I personally don't mind having a somewhat larger camera to get the better optics. I'm really bummed that the Canon PowerShot G11 only does VGA video. If it did 1080p, it would be the perfect camera.

The critical features for me are an optical viewfinder and a good optical zoom. There aren't many cameras like that these days.

 

[EOS]

Great! Thanks for the replies. I'll check out the mentioned models.

I'm wasn't concerned about it doing video, but after reading all the input, that should be in my decision process as well.
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[gmcunni]

It's ok. Better if you don't zoom in.

The critical features for me are an optical viewfinder and a good optical zoom. There aren't many cameras like that these days.

a good optical zoom is high on my list. The Panny does 12X optical zoom (my old camcorder, also panny, did 10x) . image stabilization on video is also key.. realized after this past weekend that my helmet cam (got as a gift) has none and basically it is worthless.

 

[RootDKJ]

a good optical zoom is high on my list. The Panny does 12X optical zoom (my old camcorder, also panny, did 10x) . image stabilization on video is also key.. realized after this past weekend that my helmet cam (got as a gift) has none and basically it is worthless.

My Canon is 3X optical & 4X digital. I try not to use the digital zoom at all. In video mode, the only option is a digital zoom. I'm really not interested in doing much video, so that works well for me.

 

[gmcunni]

My Canon is 3X optical & 4X digital. I try not to use the digital zoom at all. In video mode, the only option is a digital zoom. I'm really not interested in doing much video, so that works well for me.

my still camera (canon) has the same specs. and, as you mentioned, if i don't zoom it does OK for video. since my camcorder broke i'm focused on finding a replacement for that. I'd really like to find one device that does both, not sure how successful i'll be.

 

[RootDKJ]

my still camera (canon) has the same specs. and, as you mentioned, if i don't zoom it does OK for video. since my camcorder broke i'm focused on finding a replacement for that. I'd really like to find one device that does both, not sure how successful i'll be.

How about a GoPro? Toast from PASR has one of these, and used a bicycle light mount to attach it to one of his poles. Pretty ingenious.

 

[Greg]

my still camera (canon) has the same specs. and, as you mentioned, if i don't zoom it does OK for video. since my camcorder broke i'm focused on finding a replacement for that. I'd really like to find one device that does both, not sure how successful i'll be.

If I was in the market I would look for a Panasonic Lumix with at least an 8X optical zoom and HD video capabilty with zoom. I have an older Lumix (no HD) with I think a 10X optical zoom and it's a great camera. Bunch of pics I took with it yesterday:

http://forums.alpinezone.com/showthread.php?t=73564

I reworked the contrast/brightness on those shots and did some other editing (sharpening, etc.) but I think for a smallish point and shoot it takes great shots. Don't even consider digital zooms as they suck. Go for as much optical with IS as possible.

 

[gmcunni]

If I was in the market I would look for a Panasonic Lumix with at least an 8X optical zoom and HD video capabilty with zoom. I have an older Lumix (no HD) with I think a 10X optical zoom and it's a great camera. Bunch of pics I took with it yesterday:

http://forums.alpinezone.com/showthread.php?t=73564

I reworked the contrast/brightness on those shots and did some other editing (sharpening, etc.) but I think for a smallish point and shoot it takes great shots. Don't even consider digital zooms as they suck. Go for as much optical with IS as possible.

i had the lumix ZS3 in my basket and ready to click PAY ($235, no shipping, no tax) but took a minute to read reviews. apparently the HD video codec they use isn't readily supported by most of the video editing software packages. found conflicting reviews as to whether Microsoft MM can read the file format. The workaround is to use a different setting on the camera but that reportedly yields poor quality video. in the end i'm only making videos for family stuff and quality isn't going to matter since it all just ends up on youtube or vimeo anyway.

 

[o3jeff]

Gary, I think they are coming out with an new version of the zs3 in the coming months. I've been looking at the zs3 too, but am holding off to see what the new one has.

 

[gmcunni]

Gary, I think they are coming out with an new version of the zs3 in the coming months. I've been looking at the zs3 too, but am holding off to see what the new one has.

jeff, i found info on the new ZS7, is that the one you heard about? seems to be brand new.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/1001/10012605panazs7.asp

 

[o3jeff]

Yea that could be it. I remember reading it had gps. I know costco had the zs3 on their website with an instant rebate the other week, if you don't like it you have 90 days to return it!

 

[gmcunni]

Yea that could be it. I remember reading it had gps. I know costco had the zs3 on their website with an instant rebate the other week, if you don't like it you have 90 days to return it!

will recheck costco.. thought i saw the zs1 but if they have the 3 i'll buy and try.

 

[gmcunni]

will recheck costco...

costco has the 3 for $299.. buy.com has the 3 for $237