Looking for a compact digicam that will take a CF card

[thehikingdude]

I just got back from a 4 day backpacking trip and decided to leave the 4 lbs. of D70, 18-70 and small case at home. My buddy brought along his Sony 5MP, but since it's his I got to take very few pics with it.

I made the mistake of selling my Sony 5MP thinking I would never ever use it again since I had gotten the D70 - and I never had. But it would have been so nice to have it with me on this trip.

Here's my quandry, do I put down the money to get another camera during the very FEW times that I won't want to take the D70 with me, or do I just deal with it?

Looking for any input for a small digicam, 3MP-5MP that will accept a compact flash memory card.

Any thoughts on the Canon S60? I'm open to any suggestions as long as the camera is small and light for those times where every ounce counts.

Thanks,

Jeff

[Antsl]

Sad to say there are not that many compact cameras on the market anymore that use CF cards anymore, I would therefore be prepared to bite the bullet to look at broader options.

My favourite camera at the moment is the Ricoh GX8, a compact 8 -megapixel camera that has a 28-85mm lens, a dual power supply (lithium ion rechargable or AA) and a sensor that at 100 and 200 ISO delivers results that will be very comparable to your D70. Price is reasonable to. This is a camera that means you can take a compact camera away with you and yet still come back with exhibition quality images.

Forgot to mention that there is practically no shutter lag with this camera, it is good for capturing candids.

Worth a look if you get the chance! Let me know if you want and I will post and image or two from it!

[MattC]

I have often considered this one myself. I figure that the weight of a compact is much of a muchness - I am not going to worry too much about the difference between 350g and 500g but you may feel differently about that. I have considered the Canon G6, Nikon 5400 (replaced by the 8400) another 5700 or 8700 (to replace my broken 5700) - these last two are probably a bit bulky. All of these use compact flash.

Cheers

[Andyt]

Yep! I have the same problem, but experienced it before I sold my G2 Canon. So take it as a "just in case" camera or am not prepared to lug the gear around.

However, last weekend was an example, at a Birthday party, took the G2 "JIC" and took a few pics. The next day was frustrated working with the quality (lack there of) of the pics and wished I had taken the Big Black Camera & shot in RAW.

My dilema is that in a social situation when people see a "BBC" you loose the Moment, pic quality is great! but trying to get those candid shots is a challenge as people seem to feel threatened or a concious of being photographed.

I don't know what the answer is but in future as a minimum, I will take the D70 + 50mm F1.8 + SB800 at least then I can take home pice that I can work with and PP to an acceptable result.

Cheers, Andyt

ps Be interested in the replies to this thread

[thehikingdude]

My favourite camera at the moment is the Ricoh GX8, a compact 8 -megapixel camera that has a 28-85mm lens......

I'm not finding that Richo cameras are sold in the US for some reason.

I should mention a couple of other factors:

1. The ability to use my 2 existing 1GB CF cards - I suppose this isn't an absolute priority, but it sure would be nice.

2. Cost in the US$200-$250 range.

I doubt I would use this camera more than just 2-3 times a year.

I suppose I could just ask my dad if I could borrow his when I really need something light.

-jeff

[Antsl]

Im an unsure why but Ricoh are not getting a lot of press anywhere at the moment, you can buy them in the US though. If you are not into the GX8 they do actually make some 5 megapixels that are also affordable.

I think the cameras are good value, practical and easy to use. On top of that they are not too heavy and so they are easy on the pocket. I know you think you are only going to use them once in a while however my guess is that you will grow attached to it and use it more than you think.

[thehikingdude]

I spoke to soon. I am now finding Ricoh here but it seems that the GX8 is so new that I can't locate a price as of yet - still looking. I will let you know.

thx, jeff

[Onyx]

Canon S60 as you mentioned will do the job. So will the less expensive A95 - one of few other currently made compact cams that take CF media.

If you can justify the cost of the S60 - keeping in mind your planned frequency of use, it is one of few that is capable of wide angle IIRC. Most compact cams' zoom range start from about 35mm (35mm equiv FOV), the S I think is 24mm.

[hangdog]

I hope it's not a silly suggestion, but for such infrequent use, and of course depending on how many pictures you take, you could consider a compact 35mm film camera like a Canon Sureshot or something similar. These days they're often going cheap at various places.

--Chuan

[Luke Smith]

GraysOnline have been flogging some stale Ricoh gear of late, none on the site ATM tho. Maybe look at a second-hand CoolPix 4500 on eBay... I have one and its great and takes CF cards.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... 29586&rd=1

If the auction breaks $400 you can have mine for that

[Sheetshooter]

Jeff,

Might I suggest that you do a Google Search on the name Alex Majoli.

He is a multi-award winning photojournalist listed with magnum and working for the likes of Newsweek and he uses Olympus point and shoot digitals for much of his work.

I have long been a fan of Olympus P&S cameras and use a MjuII (35mm 1:2.8 lens) as my only supplement to a 4x5 Toyo and Linhof. On a trip to England I shot 250 sheets of 4x5 on a themed project and 40 rolls of colour neg on the MjuII. It never missed a beat and I am strongly considering getting the digital version myself.

Cheers and happy hiking,

[Antsl]

I had an Olympus Mju II and loved it ... so did a friend of mine who took it on world travels and wore it out! Sadly they are not making the camera anymore but if you can get one, grab it. They are very affordable... AU$70 second hand or there abouts!

[Sheetshooter]

Antsal,

I am on my second one. I love 'em!!

Here is a link to a feature article on Majoli which will possibly be of interest all whether they are interested in compacts or not.

http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_ ... -6468-7844

Cheers,

[thehikingdude]

Thanks for all the comments.

A few more points of criteria - yes I am very picky.

1. Fairly small, along the lines of the Sony or Canon P&S models
2. Accept CF cards - Reason being I already have (2) 1 GB cards
3. I don't want to use film as I generally take 100's of pics over a few days out in the field.
4. The lighter the better.

The Olympus line looks possible, I will have to look into those.

I have another backpacking trip coming up at the end of the month and will need to figure it out soon. I'm considering foregoing my sleeping bag and just using a sleeping bag liner. If I do that, then I can fill the void with my Nikon D70.

I already have a 60GB Image Drive for transferring images in the field which has been very valuable to me.

Wish me luck in my search.

I look forward to any other suggestions.

-jeff

[gstark]

I still want an Epson RD-1.

[rjlhughes]

I have faced the same dilemma with the BBC vs the P&S and am trying to get back to carrying the Canon A95 with me.

It's a great little camera, although too big for most shirt pockets, and uses CF.


It's also got a lot of manual control.

[thehikingdude]

Actually the Canon A95 is one that I have looked at and it looks very promising. I love the fact that it offers so much control, the price is right AND it will use off the shelf AA batteries.

Now I just need to see if I get a bonus from work to make it easy on the pocket book.

-jeff

[Antsl]

Antsl,

Here is a link to a feature article on Majoli which will possibly be of interest all whether they are interested in compacts or not.
http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_ ... -6468-7844
Cheers,

I saw that story, it does prove that you do not need a BBC to make great images. I actually picked an award a few years ago with an Olympus Mju II, given it was in pro nationals I was rather satisfied!

Worth noting is that Ricoh are bringing out a pro P&S camera in the next three or so months ... looking forward to seeing it. I am selling my konica Hexar in atticipation of it at the moment if anyone wants a Japanese Leica.

[informer]

Sorry I can't really see your avatar clearly, but are you a woman?

[Antsl]

If your question is directed at me then - no!

[thehikingdude]

I've decided to not limit myself to cameras that use CF. So with that said I'm looking at the Nikon Coolpix 5900. Has anybody ever tried one out?

-jeff

[Raydar]

Have a read of some of the reveiws posted here about the 5900.
I had a play with one down at my fav mini lad & it felt good in the hands.
There were no Bat's in it so that's as far as I could go.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/read_op ... kon_cp5900

Cheers
Ray

[MCWB]

Considered the Coolpix S1 or S2? SD, but super-compact, neat little camera!

[thehikingdude]

To all:

After much research and finally stopping into the local camera shop and checking out numerous models I have decided on the Nikon CoolPix 5900. Now I just have to come up with a few $$$ to snatch one up.

Thanks to everybody for all of your comments. And especially thank you for not saying "This is a D70 forum. Go away!" Sadly so many other forums are full of a-holes.

-jeff

[thehikingdude]

UPDATE:

I never ordered the 5900 and ended up taking my D70 on my backpacking trips - however I have since ordered a 7900. I should have it in just a few days.

And now I need to decide between the Sigma 10-20 and the Tokina 12-24 for the D70. Any thoughts?

-jeff

[Nnnnsic]

You do realise that the 5900 and the 7900 are identical except for the sensor size, right?

[radar]

Hi Jeff,

http://www.dslrusers.net/viewtopic.php?t=7772

Plenty of discussions regarding which WA to get. A number of forum members have been getting the Tokina lately, myself included. I have only been using it for a couple of weeks, but love it so far.

Have a look at the link above for a discussion about the Nikkor vs Tokina WA.

If you do a search, you will also find multiple other discussions. BTW, Antsl has written an extensive review of various WA lenses in the magazine Australian Photography. You won't be able to get it where you are, but just to let you know that he has looked at a lot of WA.

Note that if you plan to take hiking the Tokina is 100g heavier, if that makes a difference.

HTH,

Andre

[thehikingdude]

You do realise that the 5900 and the 7900 are identical except for the sensor size, right?

Along with 7MP compared to 5MP.

EDIT: Sorry - at first I thought you meant the LCD display when I first read your comment. Yep, very much the same camera.

-jeff