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July 08, 2007
[ THE TRAVELLER'S CAMERA ]
THIS IS THE TIME OF YEAR when the fortunate few forsake these frozen latitudes and head north in pursuit of sun and culture. Which means it is the time of year when Imaging is asked for advice on the best camera for recording sights and sites on the travellers’ itineraries.
The answer is simple: take a digital single lens reflex with a lens or two, covering the range (in film terms) of 24mm to about 200mm and you have all the gear you need. This is excellent advice that practically no one takes, for a number of reasons.
First, there is an assumption – erroneous, as it happens – that SLRs are fantastically complex and difficult cameras to use. Rubbish! Of all camera types the digital SLR is the easiest to use and takes the best pictures.
Second objection, SLRs are too bulky. True. There is a lot to be said for a compact camera that retracts its lens and which fits in a coat or shirt pocket. But portability and miniaturisation comes at a cost of versatility and quality. However, as the purpose of the overseas trip is to visit and see, and not to take photographs of professional standard, the compromise is usually acceptable.
But third, the killer argument against the SLR that Imaging has heard more times than he cares to remember: “I don’t want to look like an American tourist!”
If the destination is Europe there is a greater need for a wide angle lens than for telephoto. There are not many compact digitals that come with a good wide angle zoom, but one of the best is the Canon 850is ($700) that has a zoom range from 28 to 105mm (film equivalent). This 7 megapixel camera has an optically image stabilised lens system.
The Canon is ideal for Europe. Wide enough to take buildings in narrow streets and just long enough for a shot of the Matterhorn from Gornergrat. And it has an optical viewfinder. Even in bright sunlight you can compose the image in the viewfinder when it is invisible on the LCD screen.
After Europe, if you intend to come home via Africa and a bit of photographic big game hunting on the Serengeti, 105mm won’t let you get the close-up of the lioness and her cubs without becoming their lunch. You need more at the telephoto end of the lens.
The camera with both wide and long is the Panasonic Lumix DMC–TZ2 ($660) or TZ3 ($770). These have 28 to 280 mm zooms. The lens “folds” in the camera, making for a slightly bulkier unit than most compacts but it is a small trade-off for a versatile digicam. And the Panasonics have effective image stabilisation for when the bull elephant charges and you tremble with terror.
The Panasonic only has an LCD viewfinder which is invisible in equatorial sunlight, but help is at hand. Delkin Devices makes a range of LCD hoods () for this type of camera. The hoods shade the screen from overhead and side light. Local distributor C R Kennedy plan to have the Delkin hoods in the shops later this month.
Bon voyage.
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Posted by terry at July 8, 2007 01:10 AM
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Comments
I have the traveller digital camera.Now the battery died,and i did not see the battery to replace to replace.I want a solution to this situation.I am living VALENCIA SPAIN.
Posted by: Gerald at November 11, 2007 11:35 AM
Gerald: You don't say which "travellers' camera" you have, but if it is either a Canon or a Panasonic then there must be dealers in Spain who can get you a replacement battery.
Posted by: Terry at November 11, 2007 09:59 PM