I struggled whether to post this here or in the photography forum, but I chose here because it's probably less selective and would include discussions by the more casual as well as by the more serious photographers out there, the latter probably being more of a niche than most of us.
So the question is this:
What are the most important criteria to you when shopping for a backcountry camera?
We are faced with an increasing number of requests from our readers to review cameras in the context of "lightweight backpacking", so we're evaluating this pretty carefully. If you like, and have a little time, please feel free to read what follows, which is a draft of our proposed camera review guidelines that will be used by authors and reviewers.
Your feedback on the review guidelines is welcome, but your answer to the question above is most important.
Best,
Ryan
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Backpacking Light Camera Review Guidelines
Proposed Draft 24/09/2009
Scope
This document serves two purposes:
1. To articulate what BPL's unique contribution will be in the context of camera reviews.
2. To provide a framework for (a) BPL authors/reviewers responsible for testing,reviewing, and writing camera reviews; and (b) BPL peer reviewers faced with the taskof evaluating these reviews and review ratings.
Backpacking Light and Cameras
Photography can be a major part of some peoples' walking experience, which means that the selection of a suitable camera may in practice be just as important as for any other bit of gear. But most "lightweight" walkers have different requirements compared to, say, a studio or industrial photographer; after all, we are typically walkers who carry cameras first, not photographers going into the backcountry. These guidelines outline what Backpacking Light looks for in a camera review: the focus is a bit different from that of a photography review web site. Ultimately, the point of the review is to help the walker decide why to buy one camera and not another. While a specialist camera review might focus almost exclusively on exploring and assessing all the technical features available, Backpacking Light reviews are designed to help the walker looking to purchase a camera for use in the field as part of their lightweight kit. So two things are important in such a review: to consider the camera as a tool for use in the field, and to compare the camera being reviewed with its likely market competition. Further, we must admit our own weaknesses (inability to provide uber-technical information about optics performance) and capitalize on our own strengths (reviewing gear in the context of the activity of lightweight backpacking) so that our contribution to the overall body of literature about cameras is strengthened and not diluted.
End Use
The maturation of the Internet and digital photography has resulted in dramatic changes to the work flow, post-production, and publication of photos. It's important to distinguish the needs of the casual user (e.g., posted photos as is off their cameras to a social media site; or printing snapshots from the memory card at a one hour lab), what might be considered a prosumer or journalist (e.g., post-processing photos in Photoshop and then posting them to their blog or social media site; or publishing them online or in print as news, magazine, or book journalism), and a professional gallery photographer (e.g.,one who prints large images for sale or gallery viewing; or creates coffee table books). Backpacking Light does not have the expertise, nor the audience, to meaningfully address the latter category, so our reviews will focus primarily upon identifying the strengths of cameras that meet the first two categories of users.
Mission Review
Recall that the Backpacking Light Mission is:"To promote multi-day, backcountry, self-sufficient travel in a lightweight style."
Out of this mission comes the drive to assess products that provide exceptional performance at minimum weight. Because the only thing that matters is the quality of the image in the end, after the trip, there is no need to distinguish classes of cameras by type or size, or otherwise assess "performance to weight ratios". We are looking for the lightest camera that can do the job. Consequently, we can identify three important classes of review criteria for cameras
1. Image Quality
Just as a "shelter" must "keep you dry in the rain" so too must a camera be able to produce "beautiful images". None of us would be willing to tote around an extra 8 or 16 or 24 ounces of camera gear if the end result included images not worth sharing because they lacked the ability to convey the inspiration of the wild place you visited.
The number of cameras today that can produce exceptional images in the hands of moderately-experienced photographers with minor post-processing is extremely high. Consequently, the number of cameras suitable for exceptional web publishing and print journalism is no longer limited to large and bulky single lens reflex cameras. Nevertheless, a camera that is incapable of producing a quality image for the web or small prints should not be graded at the highest levels, even if it meets exceptional standards in the other criteria categories identified below. Likewise, a camera capable of producing exceptional images but not able to meet basic expectations of criteria outlined below may not be the most appropriate tool for the lightweight backpacker. In addition, because the perception of image quality lies primarily in the photographer's ability to capture, post-process, and present the image to their audience, we should be quite cautious about assessing a camera's image quality in lieu of praising the photographic skills of the eyes, and hands, in control of the camera and its images. After all, it's been said that a bad camera in the hands of a good photographer will always produce more presentable images than a good camera in the hands of a bad photographer.
2. Reliability and Accessibility
The criteria that are most unique for outdoor photography in remote environments, and directly tied to the Backpacking Light Mission are these:
1. Weight
2. Compactness
3. Weather Resistance
4. Ruggedness
5. Ease of use
6. Battery life and weight
If any one of these criteria is not met, then a photographic opportunity may be lost (e.g., one is more likely to keep a non-rain-resistant camera inside a pack during badweather). We generally believe that the most appropriate camera for the lightweight backpacker is one that will be light weight, fit in a pocket, be rainproof and shock resistant, simple to use, and have a long battery life.
3. Versatility
These criteria are those criteria that contribute to versatility and further reliability in the field, but are not necessarily directly tied to the Backpacking Light Mission.
1. Low light performance (e.g., wide aperture, good noise control at high ISO,image stabilization)
2. Zoom range (e.g., including macro, wide angle, and telephoto performance)
3. Viewfinder and LCD options
4. Video options
4. Value
An assessment of the camera's cost is a critical component of its value. The cost and complexity of accessories should also be evaluated. For example, if one camera provides rugged, all-weather protection and a built in zoom lens, and can be stowed inside a pocket, while another requires a padded weatherproof case and multiple lenses, yet both can produce similar quality images, then value becomes important. Value should always be assessed in terms of the three previous critieria: image quality, reliability and accessibility, and versatility.
Criteria for Recommended and Highly Recommended Ratings
Any camera proposed for a Recommended or Highly Recommended rating must be evaluated for image quality, described above. At minimum, the camera must be capable of producing quality images that can be published as high resolution photographs on the Web. Further, any camera proposed for a Highly Recommended rating should be evaluated in the context of the criteria for reliability and accessibility, which tie directly into the Backpacking Light Mission Statement:
• Weight and compactness – can the camera comfortably be carried in a pocket orshoulder strap pouch?
• Weather resistance – can the camera be used in the rain? will it resistcondensation on inner surfaces after being in your pocket?
• Ruggedness – is the camera well built and durable? is it shock resistant? is itdust, sand, dirt, mud-resistant?
• Ease of use – how fast can you snap a photo from the time you turn it one? howeasy is it to change modes and key settings?
• Battery life – do the batteries offer good power:weight density relative to others? how many batteries will you need to take for a weeklong trip?
Disclaimer
This document identifies how Backpacking Light can contribute uniquely to the large body of camera reviews. It makes no distinction whatsoever to "camera classes" (e.g.,P&S, RF, SLR). In fact, we purposefully ignore "classes" because the bottom line is this: did you get the image, and did it look good? While we do review other "classes" of gear (e.g., shelters: double wall tents, single wall tents, tarps, etc.), cameras are unique because they do not affect your well-being out in the field so much as they are intended to capture moments enjoyed after you return home.
