www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Just taking a quick survey of what type of cameras do you guys use out there ona daily basis, for tours, or chicas or whatever?

DSLR, Compact Point & Shoot? Brand? Model?

I am in the market for a camera b4 my upcoming trip (11 days away) and having a tough time deciding whether to go for the big bulky or the small pocketable type.

Thanks.

I use a 5 megapixel Polaroid camera that I won at work, as part of a event we held. It doesnt cost more than 100 bucks, but it takes excellent pics, and fits right in my pocket. All I need for my CR excursions.

I use a DSLR, Olympus E-1 and E-3. They have a magnesnium-alloy body with weather sealing. However, Nikon/Canon dominate the DSLR market so research may lead you down that path. Olympus also makes a line of point n click models called Stylus SW, depending on which model is drop proof from 5-10 feet and waterproof up to 33 feet. You may not need those features but Costa Rica can be somewhat unfriendly to camera equipment with the high humidity and rain (and salt and sand if going to the beach).

5 megapixel Kodak Easy Share. Great pics, easy to download and edit. Not very expensive.

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I had the Olympus SW..forgot which one. It was orange in color and was waterproof, shockproof, etc. I didn't like the picture quality so I got rid of that camera but it sure is waterproof. Used it while snorkeling. Lots of fun. I really like more manual controls as present in DSLR's but don't want the bulk. The Canon G10 seems to be a nice balance of size and features. It drops some time in October. My trip is October 4 so it may not be delivered b4 then. Also considering Nikon D60 or upcoming Panasonic G1 which will be based on the micro four third lens system shared with Olympus. Kind of hesitant about jumping the gun on a 1st generation product. I hope I can make up my mind b4 my trip. I guess I can always borrow a friends camera for the trip.

I have the earlier version (SD1000). Smaller than a deck of cards and takes great pics. $170 at Wal-Mart in Feb of this year.

http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/digital ... views.html

I agree with
Bobcat 100 percent.

Get a small Canon with image stabilization.
Either a AA battery powered one or a specialized battery one as I use.
I use the SD800IS which has more than enough pixels and a viewfinder which I think is important. As usual this is a discontinued item.
Most camera models are on the market for 6 months.

Also consider the water reisitant Olympus cameras if you like to take showers and hot tub adventures.

Do not take a digital single lens reflex. It to too big and a target for theft.
Keep it small and in your pocket. You can get great photos with such.
I know I do.

I am a former professional photographer and use the small Canon cameras. I am happy with what the camera industry has produced in small cameras. Do not get sucked in by the big camera stuff. Trust me.

Of course if you are in a studio and have extensive strobes, this does not apply.

Post your photos.

Ace

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PacoLoco: "You pay for it one way or another."
Ace: "Rent everything, do not buy in Costa Rica"

The only hang up with the small cameras is that it is easy for a chica to stash it in her bag as she leaves. Keep an eye on it and don't fall asleep. I lost one like that last year.

Yeap, nice camera. I also have the money expensive Canon G7, but those SDs are so small, you can't go wrong. I take it with me all the time. It is amazing what you'll come across that you want a picture of when you actually have a camera with you. It comes in handy as a noting taking tool too, for example instead of taking a note with pen and paper, I take a picture. The SDs have video mode as well so again, good for creating a note without pen and paper. I have a long strap on mine so I just put it around my neck and have the camera pushed to the side. Convenient in your pocket as well.

Took everyone's advice and ordered the recently released Canon sd880. Compact, pocketable, 4x op zoom, 3in lcd, tons of features. Seems like a great point and shooter. Only downside is there isn't an optical viewfinder. Oh well...I'll adjust. Thanks fellas. Pura vida.

ah man...you should have went for the Canon mark1 w/ a 70-200 f2.8 IS lens... thats the set up LOL

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there is no chin behind Chuck Norris beard, just another fist!

Those things are waaaaaaaaaaaay out my league. I am more suited to a EOS XSi but I needed a good pocket cam for trips.

J/k... I took my 20d w/ a 10-22 and even that was to much to carry around. The pics however were much higher quality than my mini I used last time but wouldnt take it again! Have fun Man...I know you will haha!

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there is no chin behind Chuck Norris beard, just another fist!

As I just posted in another thread, I had my pockets picked yesterday. I had my small Zony 'Cybershot' in my front pocket. They got it and I NEVER FELT A THING.
If you bring a camera here, bring a cheap one and do not carry it where it can be seen; hell I guess "do not carry it at all".

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Old and retired but still bang, and bang, and bang!!!