Camera for Biking

[NoNo]

I've been looking to get a camera to carry with me on the bike. I'm not looking to spend a ton of money (under $200). Just wondering what people here use, as you can relate to the need to capture something quickly while whizzing by on the bike while not being too bulky. My real camera is a Nikon D70, obviously nothing I can carry on the bike:p

[mimitabby]

I have an Elph, the size of a pack of cigarettes.
it's not the best camera in the world, but it's easy to use and
even takes movies.

[ridebikeme]

I have a Sony Cybershot, which tends to be around the $200 pricepoint. I have used it on several occasions for cycling, backpacking, snowboarding and it takes great pics! It also has a small video clip... small and fits in a jersey pocket very easily.:D

[bluebug32]

I just picked this up for an upcoming trip and for biking. It's very small and light takes great pics, even at high speeds.

http://http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B000Q30420 (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B000Q30420)

[Zen]

You already shoot Nikon, have you looked at a Coolpix?

I looked at this one (http://www.target.com/Nikon-Coolpix-Digital-Camera-Media/dp/B0015UY1Z4/qid=1211480114/ref=br_1_1/601-3713761-8584134?ie=UTF8&node=160213011&frombrowse=1&pricerange=&index=target&field-browse=160213011&rank=pmrank&rh=&page=1) in the store recently.
Very slim and light, high resolution, large viewing area, anti-shake and low light capability.

Can't go wrong with Nikon glass.

[F8th637]

I've been wanting to join my 2 loves in this regard as well. I have a Canon 30D but have yet to carry that on a ride. My "point and shoot" is the Canon S3 IS which is not like a simple rectangular camera. I carry this on rides sometimes in its Tamrac bag which is attached to the Tamrac belt that I wear around my waist. I have an old point and shoot but it's dying so I stick to the S3. I know that my option is probably not for everyone but my pictures are important to me. One day I'm going to carry the 30D on me the same way I carry the S3.

[F8th637]

Can't go wrong with Nikon glass.

Nor a Canon. ;) I love them both.

[jesvetmed]

I also have the Canon Elph... love it. Great pics. Easy to use.

[NoNo]

I was also thinking of the Coolpix series. But I can look at the specs all I want and it won't tell me if it actually holds up in real life. The main thing is quick focusing and shooting. I know a P&S won't be the same as my D70, but I don't want to miss shots while I'm riding because the camera can't focus or takes forever to actually capture the scene. It also helps that the Coolpix are in blue, as it will match the rest of my bike attire :cool:

http://mini.grazfam.net/ms%20bike%20tour%2008/MS25-15.jpg

[F8th637]

Are you planning on riding and taking pictures at the same time? Of course, nothing is faster than an SLR like you mentioned.

[Zen]

I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Why not go to the store and try one out?

[NoNo]

Yes, I would like to take pictures while riding. I have the MS50 coming up on June 1 and want pictures of my brother and cousin while their riding. I'm sure there will also be times when I see a cool house or something that catches my interest and need to be able to whip the camera out and fire off a (relatively) quick shot.

Zen, think Best Buy will let me ride my bike around the store to test the autofocus speed? :p That's what I meant by comparing the specs to people's real-world experiences. I do plan on going to the store, though, just to see how things feel in my hands and to play around with the menus.

[uforgot]

I have a Canon A720 is. Compact, but not as small as the elph, but you can put lenses and filters on it. I like the image stabilizing also. The elph was just a bit too small for me and I like the shots I get with the A720 better.

I also look at customer service. Last Thanksgiving, I had an elph that quit working. I called Canon and the camera had been out of warranty for 10 days. They told me they would cover it anyway since it shouldn't have quit working. They paid shipping and I had my camera back within two weeks. I've been sold on Canon since.

[F8th637]

You probably want something with image stabilization to help with taking non-blurry shots while on the move.

[Kalidurga]

I've also been thinking of replacing my old, discontinued point'n'shoot. I'd love to go DSLR, but really have the same issue as NoNo: It's got to be small and light enough for biking, kayaking, hiking, etc. Both the Canon Powershot and the Coolpix look good, but I did notice one of the reviews of the Powershot mentioned that the images have a lot of noise above 200 ISO. Have any of you ladies noticed noise issues with the other cameras you've recommended here?

[KathiCville]

I bought a Canon Powershot about a month ago to take with me on my first supported bike tour. The darned thing is downright addictive! I shot probably 500 photos that week. (I jettisoned the lousy ones every evening to give me plenty of room on the memory card.)

I, too, wanted to take at least some pictures on the move, as well as when I was stopped. I found it to be doable but tricky. My set-up included a compact and very stable Ortlieb handlebar bag that allowed me to keep the camera within easy reach. I tucked the camera into the top third of the bag, down far enough so that it couldn't pop out if I hit a bump.

Even with the image stabilizer, I found it tough to get decent on-the-move shots. For every one that came out well, there were probably a half dozen throwaways. It was also difficult to see the screen in glaring sunshine, so aiming was a bit of a challenge. AND, of course, safety on the bike was, ahem, compromised, too. I only took photos when I was confident that I didn't have any traffic creeping up behind me, or any potholes or other nasty obstacles ahead of me. :D:p

Have fun!

[Zen]

Zen, think Best Buy will let me ride my bike around the store to test the autofocus speed? :p That's what I meant by comparing the specs to people's real-world experiences.

Ohh. I thought you meant how fast you could shoot one after another.
They always have those cameras tethered down :mad: otherwise, you could get someone to push you around real fast in a shopping cart :D

[Bad JuJu]

Let me throw in a plug here for an Olympus camera, the Stylus 720 SW. The SW means shock-resistant from 5 feet, and waterproof to something like 10 feet (my main concern is having it survive an occasional rain shower, not snorkeling with it). My brother sent me this camera, so it's not one I shopped for, and my other cameras are Canons, but this Olympus has been a real trooper. I've even rolled my kayak with it in my shirt pocket (tethered) and it came out fine. 7.1 mp, 3x optical zoom, well-made.

[Aint Doody]

JuJu, I have an Olympus Stylus, too. Don't know what numbers. I've loved it. I've absolutely rubbed the words off it from use. Never had any problems at all, but on the move it's not going to do so great.

[dachshund]

The smaller, the better. I got one of the Canon powershot models because my bigger camera is a Canon, and they use a similar menu system. So maybe one of the Nikon coolpix would be a good choice so you don't have to learn another system.

The other thing is the data card - get one with the same type as your other camera so you don't have to buy those all over again.

I think any of the current models of the major brands will take good pictures.

[Pedal Wench]

We have a Pentax Optio WP -- waterproof, so we don't have to worry about sweaty jersey pockets or rain on the bike.

[OakLeaf]

I was also thinking of the Coolpix series. But I can look at the specs all I want and it won't tell me if it actually holds up in real life. The main thing is quick focusing and shooting.

Google "shutter lag" and you'll find several sites that rate P&S cameras.

I know, I'm going through the same thing right now. Now that I've looked through the optical viewfinder of the Canon G9, and with my vision getting worse seemingly daily at my age, I have a really hard time going back to a digital viewfinder (and I just can't use those awful displays at all). But the G9 scores rather poorly in the shutter lag department, plus it doesn't have as long a zoom as I'd like. But then it has the larger sensor....

I want it all. DH keeps telling me to step up to a SLR, but one thing I definitely DON'T want is carrying around all that bulk and weight. He can carry his own 30 lbs of lenses, not me.

[mupedalpusher]

We bought a little Casio last fall and we love it. It very small and fits in pockets nicely. We have taken pictures and video from our bikes with great success.

[Harley]

I'm a long time nature photographer, the 2 cameras I love for adventures when I don't carry all the big DSLR gear are a Canon digital elph SD700IS (when I need to go very light), Image Stabilization fantastic, allows for crisp photos without tripod, slips in the pocket. But, Canon has made the Elphs for years and you can find 4-6mp versions fairly inexpensive.
or
My other favorite is the Canon G9, I don't use a case just sling it around my neck/shoulder, it's flat, light, doesn't bounce, has a built in lens cover, is ready for stopping and shooting anytime, and is rugged, has IS 35-200zoom. I have a small handlebar bag with a plastic ziploc if it rains, or gets nasty.

And if all fails there is the cell phone camera, good for snapshots

It's fun to document your journey, bicycling is ALL about the journey.

[OakLeaf]

Harley, so how do you find the shutter lag on the G9? Is it acceptable to you? Would you be able to shoot candid photos of people as they go about their activities? Or is it strictly posed shots and landscapes?

[NoNo]

Thanks for all the great replies! Hadn't thought of the wetness factor, but it's definitely something to consider. My very first digital camera was an Olympus 2.1mp 2000UZ (for ultra zoom). I loved that camera, took great pictures. I wouldn't mind going back to Olympus. As for memory cards, I don't think the smaller cameras take Compact Flash. I see a lot of SD and xD being used, so no matter what I'm going to have to buy a new card. But if it's SD I can use it in the Wii, too :D One thing's apparent: everyone seems to have something different and are generally happy with it, so it doesn't look like I can really go wrong. P&S's have probably come a long way since I was last interested in them.

[Bad JuJu]

As for memory cards, I don't think the smaller cameras take Compact Flash. I see a lot of SD and xD being used, so no matter what I'm going to have to buy a new card. But if it's SD I can use it in the Wii, too :D
Another good thing is that memory cards--at least SD--seem to be pretty inexpensive now, compared to what they were a year or so ago. I recently bought a new DSLR camera and a 2 gig SD card for it was only around $35.

Another thing is that I was noodling around on the Canon website last night and saw that they now offer point-and-shoots with Image Stabilization--designated by the IS in the camera's name. Though I still recommend the Olympus SW line for its resistance to the slings and arrows of outrageous outdoor fortune, those IS P&S cameras are worth a look too.

[Harley]

Harley, so how do you find the shutter lag on the G9? Is it acceptable to you? Would you be able to shoot candid photos of people as they go about their activities? Or is it strictly posed shots and landscapes?

Oakleaf... the shutter lag is noticeable on single shot, but is much better then most compact cameras in continuous shot mode. Not as fast as the DSLR's but for a small camera ok for action.
It is a fun semi serious camera, image quality is excellent with the Canon processor, same processor that is in the Canon XTI/400D and in my opinion it's all about the capture with digital photography.

Sorry I'll miss this thread, we are headed out of town for the weekend... off to play:D

[surgtech1956]

I just bought a Canon S5 IS, its a little bigger. I haven't used it yet, just started reading the first of three owner's manuals:)

[F8th637]

I just bought a Canon S5 IS, its a little bigger. I haven't used it yet, just started reading the first of three owner's manuals:)

Man, they are on S5 now? I only bought my S3 less than two years ago!

[OakLeaf]

Actually the S5 is already a little dated. FWIW I was looking at one in the store the other day, and the sales guy was steering me away from it (and not toward more expensive cameras either, toward more up-to-date ones in the same price range). I've also read that it does rather poorly in low light situations, which was a big complaint I had about the Minolta 7Hi that just died on me.

But in any event, the S5 IS is rather large for bicycling.

[NoNo]

On Saturday I had a bunch of friends over. There were various digital cameras there, and I made sure to take a peek at each. My friend's Panasonic Lumix TZ3 seemed too bulky for what I want. My other friend had one of the Olympus SW cameras, and while it was the right size, that particular line is a bit more than I'm looking to spend. The 3rd camera was a Canon of some sort, probably an Elph, but I didn't check the exact model so I don't know how much it costs. Some day I'll get this figured out......

[Zen]

Get thee to a store and look at those new Coolpix.
Tiny little things, Nikon glass and technology and less than $200.

[F8th637]

Get thee to a store and look at those new Coolpix.
Tiny little things, Nikon glass and technology and less than $200.

Yeah, don't you see all those 'cool' Coolpix commercials with people having way too much fun with Ashton Kutcher's camera while he's supposedly not looking? ;)

[michelem]

Coolpix L11 just listed in the FS forum:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?p=322285#post322285