Camera for hiking

[Hiker]

Hi,
I've been looking around the net, trying to find some suggestions about a camera for hiking. I haven't really found some solid answers, so I'm trying here.
I'm going to hike the PCT(Pacific Crest Trail) if anyone knows what it is, and through it there aren't many towns, so I will be needing a camera that operates on AA's.
Also, I've learned image stabilization will be a must. Other than that, there are too much attributes out there and too much selection to really differentiate anything.
Any suggestions or a point to the right direction will be much appreciated.
Thanks.

[Bob Atkins]

I us a Canon Powershot A720is, but it's now been replaced by the Canon Poweshot A2000is

I reviewed the A720is here: http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/canon_powershot-a720is_review.html

I previewed the A2000is here: http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/canon_powershot_a1000_a2000_sx110.html

The "A" series powershots all use AA batteries and all the "is" models have built in image stabilization. I haven't had a chance to use an A2000is myself, but it's pretty similar to the A720is that I've owned for while and which I think is a great "pocket" camera.

Even better (because of the wider zoom range) is the new Canon Powershot SX110is. I think that's the camera I'd look at if my A720IS broke and I needed a new pocket sized camera. At around $210, the price is right too.

[Hiker]

Yeah, I've looked at all of those, but I've also noticed there are cameras that are waterproof/shockproof and since I will be hiking, wouldn't I rather opt for them?
Also, on my last hike, I used a Powershot A530, which is the predecessor of the aforementioned A720. I didn't really like the image quality I got(shot only on the highest quality) and after the hike, it really is rendered useless now due to it's condition.

[Bob Atkins]

Well, I've been pretty happy with the A720is images. All digicams start to suffer at higher ISO settings of course, but at ISO 400 and lower the image quality is surprisingly good. If you're prepared to do a little work and use the various options it offers, it can yield images that rival those from a DSLR, at least as far as small to medium sized prints go. Obviously at higher ISO ratings and larger print sizes, a DSLR is going to provide superior image quality. I can't speak for the A530 since I've never used one,

Having something that's shockproof and waterproof could be usueful, depending on how you use the camera. I tend not to shoot much in the rain and I usually keep the camera in a small padded belt pouch.

If you're looking for shockproof and waterproof, you might want to look at something in the Olympus Stylus SW series like the Olympus Stylus 1030SW . It's 10MP with a 28-102mm lens but it's not Image Stabilized.

The problem is that I don't think there are any ruggedized, waterproof P&S cameras which have Image Stabilization built in, so it's a bit of an "Either Or" situation. You can have IS or you can have shockproof and waterproof, but I don't think you can have both.

My preference is to go for the best camera and try to keep it dry and not drop it!

[KeithB]

If you get the A720, you can get a waterproof case from canon:
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=StandardDisplayAct&fcategoryid=113&keycode=underwater_photo

I have one for my A400, and it works great.  (They do not yet have one for the A2000).

[Hiker]

My main fear is rain, since the PCT's average elevation is above 8,000 and rain there can come and go and be fierce when it does.
Question is, since batteries are an issue, should I go for a more robust Cannon, like the Powershot SX10 IS(rhat uses 4 AA) and the likes, or should I stay with the pocket sized ones?
Also, since only Cannon cameras have been mentioned, I'm wondering if any other company is worth looking at/has better quality?
Thanks.

[Bob Atkins]

I'd just make sure that what I carried was secured in a waterproof bag when not in use. That could be as simple as a Ziplock freezer bag if the camera is packed away or you could use one of the many "All Weather" (AW) cover pouches made by LowePro such as the Apex 5 AW if you want to carry the camera on your belt. Unless you actually want to shoot in the rain, or you're worried about dropping the camera in a lake or river, you probably don't need a camera that's truely waterproof.

I don't think there's much difference in durability between the smaller "A" series Powershot cameras and the somewhat larger ones. The larger ones are usually larger to accomodate a larger lens, not because they are built more sturdily.

When I was looking for a P&S for hiking and travel, I chose the Powershot A720is as I said. I looked at a bunch and found it to have the most features that I wanted (basically manual control of just about anything), plus the image quality was high and the price was reasonable. I have no doubt that there are many other good P&S cameras out there, but there are so many of them that it's hard to keep track. The Powershot "A" series cameras are among the bestselling P&S cameras, which must say something about their suitability for many photographers. The new Canon G10 seems to be about as good as P&S cameras get by most reports if you're looking for "the best".

[Hiker]

What I meant with the mention of the Canon Powershot SX10 IS was, that compared to the p&s cameras, these excel them in many categories. Thing is, they weigh more and need 4 AA instead of 2. My question was if I should look into them because of the increased features and what not, or give them up and focus on the p&s?
I'm not out there looking for "the best", just the best one for my needs. And the G10 is based on a special rechargable battery, so I cannot take it.

[Bob Atkins]

The Powershot SX10is is a very good camera. Of course you are sacrificing size for a longer reach lens. The SX10is is approaching the size and weight of a small DSLR (though the DSLR wouldn't have a lens with such a large zoom range).

If size and weight aren't big issues (and that depends on what sort of hiking you are doing I suppose), the SX10is would be a fine choice. The 20x zoom range (28-560mm equivalent) is amazing. It won't fit in a pocket however, which cameras like the Powershot A2000is will. I wouldn't really expect to see a significant difference in image quality between the A2000is, SX110is and SX10is. All use similarly small 1/2.3" digital sensors (6.16mm x 4.62mm), and have pixel counts in the 9-10MP range. 

[Hiker]

Well, from all your help, I am now thinking of either getting the A720is or the A1000is, since the A2000 doesn't have a viewfinder, which I want. While the A720 may be older with less resolution, the 6x optical zoom is my main draw towards it. Any other suggestions or things I should be looking at?