What kind of camera do you use?

[abja09]

I usually take all my pictures on my iPhone but this summer we are sailing to Norway and Iceland and feel I need a better camera to capture the beauty of the scenery. Does anyone have a recommendation for a camera that they use that takes great pictures and is easy to use? I did look at a dslr but think that is to much camera for me. I would like a camera with a better zoom than a standard point and shoot and would like to keep the cost under $500.

 

[o&smom]

I have been very happy with my Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. I even used it on our Iceland cruise last summer! It is compact, easy to use and has a 30x zoom. Sometimes you are even surprised by things that show up in the pictures that you did not even see with your eye.

 

[Cackyschmackers]

I do use my canon dslr for our disney cruises, but I've also always taken my Canon powershot elph on our beach /water excursions. You should check canon's website for refurbished cameras. I got an amazing deal on my last powershot. It's a great little camera.

 

[fdefulvio]

I have a Canon SLR, but I've had "travel zoom" cameras for about 10 years. I've had a Panasonic and now two Sonys, but the lastest Canons (Powershot SX710/720) also get very good reviews. Most now have 20-30x zooms yet are still very small, and easily fit in your pocket.

I would highly recommend getting something with built in WiFi. If you have a phone or tablet with a descent amount of storage space, you can transfer your pictures and then upload to online storage. I use Dropbox and Amazon Prime photos.

 

[Judyat]

I used to be into cameras. Now I just use my iphone. It works great.

 

[MickeyEarrings]

We are sailing through the Panama Canal next month and we want to travel lights, so we are planning on using our phones for photos.

I took a free iPhone photography workshop at the Apple Store last week and I learned a lot! I feel prepared to take better photos than I would have...and when I return I will take an editing workshop. You might want to check them out at Apple.com

 

[fdefulvio]

While an iPhone is cabable of very good pictures, it's lack of zoom and limited shutter/aperture limits it's usability. It does really well in good lighting, and low lighting with no motion, but lower light situations with any kind of motion are its downfall. Also a digital zoom is no replacement for an optical zoom. The picture quality drops dramatically with a digital zoom.

I've taken some very good photos with my phone, but have also found many situations where it was just not sufficient. The instant gratification of seeing your photos on that beautiful screen may convince you that it is sufficient, but a dedicated camera will be a better overall solution.

 

[carolina_yankee]

I used my iPhone exclusively at Disneyland last summer and I normally shoot with a Canon 6D - a full-frame dSLR. I was very pleased with my photos and the lack of gear to carry around in a theme park. Using the phone exclusively forced me to think more about being creative with less options. You can be creative with an iPhone, just in different ways.

I'm becoming less of a fan of telephoto, except for things like the Kilimanjaro Safari and animal shots. Unless you're u are shooting in bright, stable conditions, long telephoto eats light and increases haze. Rarely do I want to go over 105mm and I'm really enjoying shooting more wide angle these days.

In terms of documenting a trip, an iPhone with an odd-on lens sent like the Ollo clips gives you decent flexibility for little cost and little gear.

Having said all of that, I'm taking my dSLR on our upcoming cruise! For a beach day, the iPhone might suffice.

Dirk

 

[abja09]

I have been very happy with my Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. I even used it on our Iceland cruise last summer! It is compact, easy to use and has a 30x zoom. Sometimes you are even surprised by things that show up in the pictures that you did not even see with your eye.

Thanks! I can't wait to go Iceland and Norway!

 

[abja09]

We are sailing through the Panama Canal next month and we want to travel lights, so we are planning on using our phones for photos.

I took a free iPhone photography workshop at the Apple Store last week and I learned a lot! I feel prepared to take better photos than I would have...and when I return I will take an editing workshop. You might want to check them out at Apple.com

Great idea about the class! I will look into it at my local Apple Store.

 

[abja09]

I have a Canon SLR, but I've had "travel zoom" cameras for about 10 years. I've had a Panasonic and now two Sonys, but the lastest Canons (Powershot SX710/720) also get very good reviews. Most now have 20-30x zooms yet are still very small, and easily fit in your pocket.

I would highly recommend getting something with built in WiFi. If you have a phone or tablet with a descent amount of storage space, you can transfer your pictures and then upload to online storage. I use Dropbox and Amazon Prime photos.

I was looking at a Canon power shot. And thanks for the recommmedation about the wifi.

 

[abja09]

I do use my canon dslr for our disney cruises, but I've also always taken my Canon powershot elph on our beach /water excursions. You should check canon's website for refurbished cameras. I got an amazing deal on my last powershot. It's a great little camera.

Thanks! I do like canon myself. I will check out their website.

 

[Cackyschmackers]

Thanks! I do like canon myself. I will check out their website.

I actually purchased my latest DSLR from there as well, but I think I already had the lenses and just wanted the updated rebel eos body. Good luck!

 

[lothik2]

We are sailing through the Panama Canal next month and we want to travel lights, so we are planning on using our phones for photos.

I took a free iPhone photography workshop at the Apple Store last week and I learned a lot! I feel prepared to take better photos than I would have...and when I return I will take an editing workshop. You might want to check them out at Apple.com

We are also sailing the Panama Canal. I could never use my iPhone bc of lack of storage but with your comment I feel I could survive with my point and shoot vs a DLSR. Thanks for the comment. I tend to over pack.

 

[fdefulvio]

I second the Canon refurbished site. I've bought SLR kits and lenses at significant savings. All looked brand new. I've never shopped there for compacts, but they do regularly run sales.

 

[jujubiee4]

Canon dlsr also. However i noticed on our last vacation compared to the iphone the photos
were not that much off. With todays easy online editing not sure if i will lug that camera
next trip. However will be bringing the gopro for underwater shots.

I always look for any way to PACK LESS.

 

[MickeyEarrings]

We are also sailing the Panama Canal. I could never use my iPhone bc of lack of storage ....

Hubby has samsung and isn't taking an extra memory card! Otherwise, I'd be worried too!