Cameras

New camera models come out nearly every day.  Below is a list of the items we recommend.  These cameras were all chosen by us for their combination low cost, high features and strong durability.  We spent two years on the road with these products and every single one lasted and keeps on ticking…you’ll be wise to heed our advice in this department.  Although many of these models are no longer sold, we’ll steer you to their younger siblings.

Point ‘N Shoot Camera: Pentax Optio W60 Digital Camera – This was our sturdy “everyday” camera.  We chose it because it was waterproof and both the best and cheapest available at the time.  We wrote our Pentax Optio W60 Review ages ago and it looks like most of the criticisms we had then have been addressed in the newer models.  There is no doubt that if we replace this camera, we’ll still be with Pentax.

DSLR: Pentax K200D – This was the big boy camera, chosen because it comes with in-body (cheaper lenses this way) shake reduction, a ‘rugged’ and water-resistent body, uses easy-to-find AA Batteries, represents the best value in its class and – in our opinion – has the most supurb color saturation of any entry level DSLR we’ve come across.  We keep it in a Zing camera case and wrote a Pentax K200D Review to help you see why its so great.  We still use it and although it is no longer produced the new models are tempting me…

LENS: Pentax DA 18-250mm – This lens is for that beautiful Pentax K200D. We chose this lens because of the huge zoom rage.  Many photographers will tell you a lens like this is slow and heavy, and although they are right, it sure beats having to carry multiple lenses and constantly having to switch.Having this lens gives us the zoom of a wide-angle lens with some serious telephoto as well…this way we only have one lens to carry.  We also have a small UV Protection Filter to further protect it. review

Video Camera: Flip Ultra – The biggest problem we’ve had with this little device is remembering to bring it along.  The newer models for our other cameras all now have improved video recording capabilities and I’m not so sure we would purchase this again.  That being said, it is cheap and a fantastic video camera and has only gotten better and better in quality.  If you are only going to take occasional video, I recommend making sure your regular camera is good enough for you…otherwise the new Flip models are the best bang for your buck. review

A Really Nice Camera Strap:  I did not have one of these on the trip and although the price tag for these things generally seems to me to be too steep for what it is; I still think it would have been worth every penny.  I may try to make my own using a belt strap and a hardware screw to save a few bucks.  Basically this strap has a screw that screws into your camera’s tripod socket.  This is a plus because A) this strap is far longer and more versatile than the straps that come with big heavy cameras and B) by being able to position the camera at your side it is more protected and more natural feeling.

Tripod:  Davis & Sanford Ranger Tripod – I just purchased this tripod for use while not traveling.  I chose it because it is lightweight yet still rated to support more than enough weight for my camera and lens.  It was this combination, plus its less than $30 price tag, that led me to choose it.  I don’t really recommend traveling with a tripodunless you’re specifically taking a trip to take photos, but I’m not traveling as much anymore and want to work more on portrait and landscape shots.   Whatever you do, don’t waste your money on the little itty-bitty tripod with flexible spider legs.  On our honeymoon we saw a guy with one of those and it was painful watching him work…I on the other hand just used rocks.