Perfect Camera for Motorcycle Trips

[doc_cj]

I have to buy a new camera, but before I do I thought I'd get some opinions from you hard core riders. I've been using an older HP 315 digital camera with 2.0 megapixel and a 3x zoom. I think I want to step up a notch or two now.

My own personal qualifiers is that the camera has to be easy to use from the back of the bike. That means it has to be small, lightweight, and easy to snatch from the windshield bag in case I want to shoot something while riding. The HP 315 fit all that, but now I wonder if there are better units.

So here's some questions to see what comes up.

1. What is the BEST camera for motorcycle travel?

2. What are the most important features?

3. How easy is the camera to use from the saddle?

4. What are the biggest problems with the camera?

5. Did I leave anything out?

This should be fun, I've never known this group to be shy about giving opinions. :)

[Shredder]

I don't know why they should make a camera just for motorcycle trips. Size is the only consideration and any p/s digital camera should be fine. Now if you are asking about riding AND shooting, that is pretty dumb. Don't take the chance.

[Klattu]

Try a few at Wal-Mart.
See if you can operate it with just your left hand.
I don't worry about my hand covering up view finder, never look thru it.
The closed flash makes a good grab area and my index finger turns it on and off while also pressing the shutter release.
http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/3265DSCF0118.JPG

All the photos you see here posted by me are using a Fuji 3800.
It is a 3 + megapixel.
I never set it above 1.
They have made improvements.

75% are taken by me while underway.
20% are taken by wife on back
5% are from a stop
I take many that do not turn out, but you don't see those.
My stap is shortened so camera hangs mid chest.
Easy to grab and way above tank.
Using the pre-focus is the trick.
Gloves really make it tough, take many more if wearing gloves.

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/3265DSCF0117.JPG
http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/2520VanisingPoint.JPG

[backwoods]

I used the Pentax Optio WP for a recent road trip, though in a cage, not a bike (http://roadtripodyssey.blogspot.com). Most of the pics on that blog were taken with the Optio (straight from the camera, no photoshoping). It's not a professional camera with interchangeable lenses, ...etc., but it's small, WATERPROOF, very easy to use, and takes better pics than any other camera I've had. Being pocket size makes it more likely that you'll have it with you when you need it as well. :) I do wish it had a lens cover to protect the lens when in your pocket, and I wish it had a little better battery life, but overall I've been happy with it.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007CZ6F0/ref=ase_roadtripodyss-20/103-5928523-8255856?s=photo&v=glance&n=502394&tagActionCode=roadtripodyss-20

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/257/1089/0/unnamed-image-1-704562.jpg

[gramps]

Have a Kodak DX4530 about $150 at wally world when I got mine with software, docking station (also charges the rechargeable batteries) 5mpix, 3X zoom, lens cover (128meg SD card added later)

Get the rechargeable batteries whatever you get.

Will take 1.2, 3, 4.5 or 5 m pixel pictures. It's a little larger than some but can be operated with one hand and fits in a jacket or shirt pocket. With the 128meg card I can get 309 pictures at 1.2 mpix or 83 at 5 mpix. With the 32meg internal memory 79-21. Haven't had any problems with it yet.

Its not the most advanced camra by any means but it works good and takes good pictures. Software is easy to understand and work.

[FEI-MGR]

I use a Nikon Coolpix 5600. It is the BEST camera for traveling on a bike that I can see. It's small but with a lot of shutter options and takes GREAT pic's

[Tennhome]

I've had this camera for about 3 months now. Takes 5 mp pictures and up to an hour of MP4 video on a 1 gig SD.

Very compact and easy to use "on the fly".



http://www.sanyo-dsc.com/english/products/vpc_c5/images/design_image05.jpg

http://www.sanyo-dsc.com/english/products/vpc_c5/index.html

[Cruz'N]

I have a Kodak DX6440, 4megpix and takes great pictures.
It can use rechargeable or regular AA's.

I don't recomment taking pictures while riding without some kind of mount. I use a Ram-Mount that holds my camera. I turn it on and just have to reach up and push the shuttle button while riding. I tried once to get it out of the pocket, turn it on, and snap it while riding. I almost dropped the camera. I also us the same mount for my GPS or Digital camcorder.

checkout some pictures on my site. The ones taken thru the windshield was with a ram-mount. I have since moved the mount to the side of the windshield.

[Gbrady2]

I have a Fuji 550E that takes incredible pictures but if you live near a CompUSA they have a Nikon on sale (my daughter just bought one) for about $325 with a 2 1/2 led screen and is fully featured.

[doc_cj]

Hey CRUZ N ... go PIGS! ... I'm orignally from OK (go Sooners!) and my best friend is just up the road from Fayetteville, AR (Springdale). Some nice riding country around there.

I've ridden that Talimena route several times. Beautiful drive with lots of hills and twisties. Plenty to take pictures of as well..

I'd call 'em mountains, but now that I live at 6500+ feet in Utah, with peaks up over 12,000, I know that them there's hills. :-)

Good idea on the camera mount.

[Cruz'N]

Hey CRUZ N ... go PIGS! ... I'm orignally from OK (go Sooners!) and my best friend is just up the road from Fayetteville, AR (Springdale). Some nice riding country around there.

I love this area, I moved up here from Little Rock last year.
Great move !

Yes they are hills <grin>.

[Miles]

1. What is the BEST camera for motorcycle travel?

2. What are the most important features?

3. How easy is the camera to use from the saddle?

4. What are the biggest problems with the camera?

5. Did I leave anything out?

This should be fun, I've never known this group to be shy about giving opinions. :)

1....Cannon 9.0 M. pixel
You can blow up your pictures on the computer and
or crop out what you would like to have and tost the rest
( I take wide pictures and crop later )
2....Camera MUST fit in your pocket
Who would like looking for their camera in a bag every time they wish to take a picture
I love having mine at any time it's in my front pocket
3....How big is your card
The bigger the card the more pictures you can take with-out
reloading a new card.
4....Know your camera before you go!!!!!!!!

5....Make a tag line for your camera!!!!!!
You would not like seeing your pictures all over the road
I have one from my pocket where the pen goes
My Camera will not tuch the ground when I am sitting on the bike
You can also use your jacket pocket
I think this is a MUST

ENJOY you camera I love seeing all the pictures on this bourd

[wildabouthorses]

I am on my third digital camera... I love my Kodak cx7330. It has 3.1 mp which is plenty as I have to resize the pics down they are so big. It has a video feature too. It has a "sports" mod that takes great pics while moving on the bike. Here's a few samples from Colorado, only thing I did was resize the pics. I have the docking station but I tend to use my card reader and memory cards moreso.

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/1858watermine.jpg

the rest are taken while riding down the road off the back of the bike in the sports mod

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/1858southloopwatera.jpg

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/1858fivepa.jpg

[Miles]

I agree with you wildabouthorses
on most resizeing it will be down ,,,, not up
I do like to cut thing out of some pictures from time to time also
I do find the bigger the memory card the better
There are some GREAT Camera out there
I fell you will enjoy anyone you use ;)

[Rickie]

I've done allot of traveling all over the states and have taken hundreds of pictures with my Kodac LS443 4.0meg camera, but if I bought another one, I'd get one with these features.

Prioritized:

1) Extremely fast shutter speed, for the quick shot at speed and candid shots

2) 4X optical zoom (not to be used while shooting from the bike)

3) Auto lens cover (you don't want to be messing with a lens cover)

4) Easy to use with left hand, and a neck tether.

[Klattu]

This is what mine looks like.
Did not know how good it was for taking photos while riding at the time of purchase.
Turns out it has places to grip with left had, and may be turned on and off easy with index finger.
Cheap on Ebay, approx $100
Better and improved models available.

Whichever model or brand you choose...
Just make sure you can turn on and take photos with only your left hand and without looking.


The on and off switch rotates and I can feel its position, and know if its on or off.
I never zoom and do not look thru view finder or at screen,
Just aim in the general direction and always grip it the same way.
One day of practice and you will be good at it.

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/5169camera-front-angled2-med.jpg

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/5169camera-top-med.jpg