Full size DSLR on the trail
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I tried carrying a DSLR-sized super-zoom a few years back (I know, not even remotely similar to DSLR quality), but never found a good place to store it while hiking. Most carrying cases flop around too much when hiking, but putting it in the pack can really slow down a hike (and you can miss a good shot). I know one company makes a hipbelt DSLR holster that should be less floppy, but it would interfere with my backpack's hipbelt. I finally decided to just settle with 'good enough' and got a high end compact that fits into the hipbelt picket of my SMD backpack, and it is quick and convenient enough that I don't see myself going back to a larger camera.
My next camera will be a Panasonic TZ6 (I have the previous model). With the 25-300mm Leica lens, optical stabilization, and 16×9 aspect mode, really the only major compromises for me are low light performance/noise, super zoom option, and the delay common to all compacts. I know a DSLR will always look better, but I've taken some remarkably good shots with Panasonic compacts. Panasonic has improved it's noise issues considerably, and they have no visible barrel distortion at the wide end (at least on my 28mm model).
These are two Panasonic compact shots I took in low light last summer that have had no post processing and I used no tripod. They were both taken at Crater Lake in Oregon:
That said, if high quality photography is a real passion of yours (or part of your job), and you like to do things like blur a stream in low light or capture wildlife, there is no reason not to take whatever you need to get the shots you are looking for. Going UL liberates you to do things like focus on high-quality photography gear.
I lug a Canon 5D with the 24-70mm f/2.8, about 4 pounds of kit, in an old Eagle Creek fanny pack that happens to have the d-rings to fit my lowepro Toploader AW75 chest harness (takes a couple of BPL UL carabiners to strap it all together for quick-release at rest stops). Strap that on before the pack, the camera rides on my chest but not my gut, and balances just fine. Works for me…
(man, have I lost weight since this pic. embarassing!)
I carry an Olympus 420 +14-42 whenever i am interested in doing some photos.
I sewed a small dynema pouch to protect it (22g) and use a plastic bag over it when it rains.In Iceland last year i wasnt happy having it in my backpack so i used a stuff sack + 2 small pieces of cord and 2 mini carabineer.
Since that i bought an OMM4 or 5L frontpack and i am very happy with that solution.I ll be closely looking on the EP1 /DP1 successors to see if i can save some weight.
I use an old CCS case with the 450D – CCS made some of the best camera bags in my opinion but ceased doing so a few years ago. I have tried a Lowe TLZ1, which would be my second c
hoice.The picture was taken on the GR20 in Corsica. I am carrying two SLRs slung across my body – one film, one digital. This was before I made a complete commitment to digital!
Photography is a passion for me and a major reason why I got so interested in lightening my load so I could carry equipment into the backcountry. Here is a couple from the past weekend. I went a little heavy on the equipment with only a four mile walk in to camp.
Gitzo GT1531 legs and Benro KS-0 ballhead on my ULA OHM
Nikon D700 and 4 lenses in a Lowepro Toploader 65 AW
This was my first trip with the Ohm and it carried all this very well. I love having the
D rings on the shoulder straps and the Nite Ize S Biners are a great attachment tool.I have used this Lowepro case attached with carabiners to the shoulder harness on my "vintage" Osprey Aether 60 on lengthy trips to Patagonia and New Zealand with a Nikon N80 and D80 and various lenses in the past.
Nikon N80 in Torres Del Paine
Nikon D80 on the Routeburn track
hoice.
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