Point and Shoot
By Courtney S. Ries
Introduction to Cameras
Backpackers have been hauling around cameras long before they were digital, and continue to do so. This piece of equipment is something most don't do without. Cameras help you create your 'brag book', capture memories and inspire you - and others - to travel.
Camera Options
There are three main types of camera: instant-print, digital and non-digital. In reality, we've never seen a backpacker take along an instant-print, aka Polaroid, camera. They're simply too bulky and flimsy and not suited to taking a number of high-quality prints. Between digital and non-digital cameras, quality, price and features can vary greatly within both types. Technology isn't always better: the worst digital camera is far inferior to a good "old-fashioned" one.
What is it? What does it do?
Non-Digital Cameras: Non-digital cameras dominated the market until a few years ago. Non-digital cameras store images on photographic film. There are a number of different features that distinguish the cheap cameras from the expensive cameras, namely, the power of the zoom and the resolution of the shots. The nicer cameras tend to have removable lenses. The more lenses, the more expensive the hobby. However, this doesn't mean that you need to go with a point and shoot camera either. Most travelers are well-suited with a middle-of-the-line automatic flash camera that offers some zoom capability with decent resolution. Extra features like night flash and red-eye reduction are increasingly included in these cameras as well. Prices vary from $15 USD to thousands of dollars, however a good, mid-range camera will run you around $150 - $200 USD. Digital Cameras: Digital cameras first appeared in the early 1990s, although they didn't enter the mainstream until right around the turn of the century. Digital cameras store their images digitally instead of on film. Most digital cameras allow pictures to be viewed almost instantly via a small LCD screen on the back of the camera. Pictures are then transferred to a computer, where they can be e-mailed, printed or put into a slide show. Unfortunately, due to the limitations of camera memory, digitizing mechanisms and printers, the best digital camera pictures cannot surpass the highest-quality film prints, however, most amateur photographers do not worry about the slight difference. The cheapest cameras can be found for around $75 USD and the most expensive go up to the thousands. $300 will get you a good, reliable digital camera.
Why You Should Bring a Camera
Record your memories: Ah, the memories. When most travellers set out, they hope to mentally - or physically - record every trip experience. This way, they can re-live them an infinate number of times through daydreams, writings and pictures. Pictures are excellent memory 'triggers' - they show where you went, what you saw and who you did it with. They help keep events in chronologial order and answer important questions like "Did I meet that sensational Swede in France or Spain?" and "What Prague bars did we do shots of absinthe in?" They are also excellent complements to your journal, scrapbook or other trip memorobilia. Highlight your trip: It's much easier to tell a story with pictures. When you get back home, pictures are the easiest way to make your friends jealous and maybe inspire them to travel. If you've ever had dreams of being a phtographer, you can even submit your pictures to travel competitions! Blackmail!: An extension of the "remember your memories" line of thought, but better - you get to remind other people of theirs! Pictures of exploits on the road make excellent blackmail.
Why You Should Not Bring a Camera
Expensive, re-occuring costs: Cameras are pricey - and it isn't just the initial investment. The costs of flash cards, camera batteries, film and print development add up! Flash cards are removable cards that store the pictures on digital cameras. They can be re-used, but if you don't have access to a computer that allows you to download your pictures, you'll be forced to erase 'em or buy another card for more room. Batteries always go a lot quicker than you realize and film and development costs can average up to $10 USD for a standard 24-shot roll! Warning! Fragile!: Cameras break when dropped. LCD screens go out. Lenses get scratched. Water destroys components. Film gets damaged by heat, X-rays and the drinks your buddy spills on the table. Flash cards are easily crushed. If you can't be careful with your things, there's a change your camera won't make it through your rough and tumble trip. Easy to lose: People usually take cameras everywhere with them - which increases the likelihood that they are going to be forgotten somewhere along the road, or stolen from a day bag. Tigger-happy syndrome: Sometimes, people become obsessed with taking pictures of EVERYTHING, to the annoyance of their subjects, their travel companions and even the photo-phile himself. The pressure to bring the camera and be snap-happy can actually be detrimental when you're too busy trying to record the experience rather than live it.
So, Boots crew, do I take it?
BnA Seez: Yes, yes and yes. The bigger question is, what type do you take and how much are you willing to spend?
Non-Digital Pros
- Most people are familiar and comfortable with non-digital cameras
- Produces higher quality and resolution prints
- Some use rechargable batteries
Non-Digital Cons
- Film has to be replaced
- All pictures must be developed, regardless of quality
- Film is very sensitive and can be easily spoiled
- Film is not reusable
- Pictures must be scanned to be edited
Digital Pros
- Can erase poor pictures
- Some cameras allow for short movie recordings
- Generally comes with a lot more flash settings and options
- Can choose what pictures to develop
- Reusable flash cards
- Pictures can be e-mailed to friends and family or posted on a blog without the hassle of developing and scanning
Digital Cons
- Need to carry extra cords to be able to transfer pictures
- Can be difficult to download pictures at an internet cafe, or put them on a CD
- Flash cards are expensive
- Camera options can be difficult to figure out
- More likely to use non-rechargable lithium batteries than non-digital cameras
- Drain batteries faster
Recommended Cameras
Non-Digital
Digital
Article added on March 01, 2005
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