Expedition camera(s)

[polar_ben]

Righto chaps.

I'll be shopping for a new expedition camera (or two) soon, and I'd be interested in hearing some ideas...

This year I used a bog standard 2 megapixel Sony DSC-P31, which despite its weedy credentials performed pretty well. A principle reason for choosing this camera was that it took short video clips (no sound) that came out at a v. small file size - ideal for sending via satphone.

Also, it's v. easy to keep a compact camera in a pocket & whip it out while I'm skiing along.

I wouldn't call myself an expert photographer, but the photos may be used in a book, and will definitely be used to illustrate lectures etc, so quality is important.

So, do I take:

1) a newer (5 megapixel) Sony - www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/p92.html

2) the old Sony for point'n'shoot/video for satphone transmission AND take something like a Nikon D100

3) something else??


Requirements:

- MUST take AA batteries (I use lithiums, which are fine in the cold. Nikon D100 has an AA battery pack)

- should be fairly idiot proof

- reasonably durable, although the Sony survived perfectly this year

- lightweight

Over to you

[polar_ben]

ehasler said:

What about also taking one of those disposable cameras with you as a backup

Yep, have done this before - results are surprisingly good & they weigh next to nothing.

[polar_ben]

Thanks Steve. Sounds like just the camera for me

Assuming I go for the D100, what's the best way to store three months' worth of pics - are microdrives fragile??

Also, can anyone recommend a lightweight, bombproof case?

[polar_ben]

No sherpas/dogs/skidoos/etc - pulling everything myself, hence preoccupation with weight

I think I'll go with several big CF cards.

[polar_ben]

Indeed.

I've just spotted the Fuji FinePix S2 Pro. Any thoughts?

[polar_ben]

I couldn't agree more, Simpo. "FinePix"?!

Anyhow, if I buy all this kit, would anyone be able to help out with a crash course in digital SLR photography for beginners?

[polar_ben]

Thanks for your advice, Paul

Now I'm really confused - the MP looks glorious (and my sponsorship budget might just stretch to one). Am I right in thinking it doesn't have a timer? Can an external one be used? (quite important as I'm on my own!!)

I appreciate that for print quality, film is still the daddy - the downside is that film becomes very fragile at cold temperatures (-40).

Just to throw a spanner in the works, I've spotted the Ricoh GR1 after a bit of Googling. Oh bugger...

http://home.pacific.net.sg/~kennetht/GR1specs.html

I take it you're a photgrapher, Paul? What are you up to for the last week of February? (and do you fancy visiting Siberia?!)

[polar_ben]

When I say fragile, I mean it tends to become brittle in extreme cold. Of course, lots of expeditions have had great results with film, it's just that I'm pretty cack-handed at times

There's a great article on the Kodak site here - www.kodak.com/global/en/professional/support/techPubs/c9/c9.jhtml