Best PnS for an Alaska trip...???

[klynam]

I'm going on an Alaskan cruise with my family and reluctant to take my dSLR setup

Unfortunately, I'm not really familiar with what's currently available in the PnS world.

What would be my best bet for a $200-$400 PnS with good res, long zoom, and reasonably low shutter lag?

Thank you!

[JCheungPhoto]

The best point 'n shoot camera I know of is the G9, you can even bring along a speedlite for it in low light situations and it can shoot in RAW

[Aweitzel]

I own the g9, its a Great camera, and i would recomend it aswell. however the canon s5 IS, beats it as far as Zoom, which is one thing you are looking for. And it has as hotshoe as well, so a speedlight works with it aswell. But you cant shoot with RAW if thats your thing.
It also takes better Vids (i hear, i havent seen( which a good Feature atleast for me.
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=144&modelid=15207

[JCheungPhoto]

true, the S5 IS is a great idea

[Kevan_G9]

I dunno...if I were going to America's largest outdoor zoo...I'd be inclined to bring the dslr along too. The G9 is terrific, but if you need a more powerful lens or speedier response, the dslr would come in handy. Especially those eagles hanging out in those tall branches; you don't wanna miss them!

Bring both.

[cricketboy75]

when are you heading there? how about the just announced Panasonic DM LX-3? Fast f/2 Leica lens and wide angle too. Also, the lens is wider than the G9.
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0807/08072102panasoniclx3.asp

[klynam]

Leaving in two weeks.

I'm really struggling about taking the DSLR. But the longest lens I have is a 70-200/f4. Not really enough for whales and eagles. I'm thinking if I focus more of panoramics and family photos, I wont be as frustrated when I can't reach the awesome wildlife.

Of course if I had enough money to buy a 100-400 IS lens...well...:-)

[stathunter]

Leaving in two weeks.

I'm really struggling about taking the DSLR. But the longest lens I have is a 70-200/f4. Not really enough for whales and eagles. I'm thinking if I focus more of panoramics and family photos, I wont be as frustrated when I can't reach the awesome wildlife.

Of course if I had enough money to buy a 100-400 IS lens...well...:-)

Rent the lens for the trip. You will find a ton of things in AK to photograph.

[sickboy11]

Rent the lens for the trip. You will find a ton of things in AK to photograph.

I agree with that response. If you want a P&S I'd go with the S5 IS. The G9 is incredible, but with twice the zoom, I think the S5 IS is the winner.

[denncald]

The S5 IS can be made to shoot RAW if you use the CHDK hack.

http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page

Dennis

[stathunter]

By the way on my first trip to Alaska in 96 I took 40 rolls of film. It cost me more to develop the film than I paid for round trip air.

[jgrussell]

I'm really struggling about taking the DSLR. But the longest lens I have is a 70-200/f4. Not really enough for whales and eagles. I'm thinking if I focus more of panoramics and family photos, I wont be as frustrated when I can't reach the awesome wildlife. Of course if I had enough money to buy a 100-400 IS lens...well...:-)Take the dSLR; rent the 100-400. I took that combi (XSi w/100-400) and my S5 to Africa and used them both for very different things. I'd have regretted it enormously if I hadn't had both.

[maxwolfie]

Leaving in two weeks.

I'm really struggling about taking the DSLR. But the longest lens I have is a 70-200/f4. Not really enough for whales and eagles. I'm thinking if I focus more of panoramics and family photos, I wont be as frustrated when I can't reach the awesome wildlife.

Of course if I had enough money to buy a 100-400 IS lens...well...:-)


Get the S5 IS.. long zoom, and you can shoot in RAW with CHDK

[Wildewinds]

I'm imagining my cruise to the Caribbean...

A compact camera would have been more useful than a dslr setup as most of the photo opportunities occurred during the excursions. The boat did all the travelling at night and we were at a new port every morning. The excursions we took were relatively fast paced and didn't lend themselves to carrying a big camera bag or doing a lot of lens changes.

An Alaskan cruise may be totally different. More scenic opportunities while still on the boat, I'm sure. Not sure how the excursions would compare to the ones I took.

If I were you, I would think about where you think you'll do most of your shots. If you have a lot of fast paced activities, definitely take a compact camera. Probably the S5. If it's going to be more a slow paced trip, rent the 100-400 and go the dslr route.

[Vascilli]

Bring your SLR.

An Alaskan cruise is how I started using them.

[klynam]

Fast trip - 8 days - 1 day in each location plus a couple on ship cruising. Struggling now with what camera to take...lol

[Kevan_G9]

Okay...so my first suggestion was that you bring the dslr. But now that I've read something of your itinerary and the fact that you will have the family at large in tow...maybe the G9 will be more than enough. Reason being...whenever I'm with several people the effort to put in the time and patience in setting up the camera for a shot is nearly impossible and inevitably I'm trailing behind as others grow impatient waiting.

Does that help even though I still think.. when in Alaska you bring a big gun?