Buy a G12 versus Bringing my DSLR for Mt. Fuji

I recently moved to Japan for a new job position and have been trying to visit as many places as I can.

I have a one week vacation in August which includes hiking up Mt. Fuji (the tallest mountain in Japan).

I'm can't decide between buying a G12 for the hike, or bringing my existing gear (40D with a 17-50 plus my 10-20mm).

I don't hike too often, so I want to ask any experienced POTNers if lugging your DSLR up a 6 hour hike is worth it or not.

Pros of buying a G12:
* Lighter, smaller kit to carry around (better for hikes?); I will also be visiting other cities so the weight off my back will be helpful
* I need a "P&S" anyways since my old SD850 broke. Better for casual events in the future
* It has video capabilities and I can use my 430EX with it (?)
* It only costs around $500

Pros of bringing my kit:
* More control over FL; use of filters
* I don't have to spend any extra money and can use the $500 towards glass (I would love to put it towards a Sigma 85mm).
* Can create longer exposures (assuming its useful for the cloudy top view on Mt. Fuji)

I have no issues taking long hikes with my dSLR. I have a Lowepro Versapack 200AW that holds everything comfortably along with all of the personal gear I need, and if I'm doing a hike where I know I only need 1 or 2 lenses and the weather is going to be dry, I just stuff it in my Camelbak.

You own a 40D with a 10-20mm....it's a no brainer. Use what you got.

For short day hikes like you are describing the DSLR is the ticket. ((Offset the extra weight by getting in better shape))

get a cotton carrier or chest bag and take the DSLR. If you must take something smaller, get an EVIL body of some sort so you'll have DSLR quality in the smaller size.

I would never bring a P&S on a hike like this. Bring your kit!

By the way, congratulations on getting a job in Japan. It is one of my biggest dreams.

Are you kidding? I take my SLR with me out on 8-hour snowboard trips.

If anything, my recommendation would be to choose one lens to bring and leave the other one at home. When I snowboard, I usually bring the 85mm f/1.8 since it can get pretty dark and cloudy on the slopes and most of what I am interested in are action shots.

I'd bring the SLR and get an S95 Powershot. The sensor is identical to the G12 and the weight and size are a third of the G12. The S95 will fit in your shirt pocket, and is a perfect quick shot camera with incredible speed and resolution.

tvphotog wrote in post #12751444
I'd bring the SLR and get an S95 Powershot. ...

My thinking exactly.

Thanks for the advice! I guess I gotta man up and not complain about a little weight since this IS a hobby of mine; I should enjoy it.

I'll entertain the idea of the S95! I didn't know the G12 and the S95 shared the same sensor.

Ricku wrote in post #12751107
I would never bring a P&S on a hike like this. Bring your kit!

By the way, congratulations on getting a job in Japan. It is one of my biggest dreams.

Thanks! Working in Japan has been a pretty big dream of mine for a few years now! If you ever get an opportunity to work here (for a decent job/pay), you should definitely jump on it. I left everything behind to experience something different in my life for once.

cacawcacaw wrote in post #12751578
My thinking exactly.

Beat me to it as well

I have a G11 and it takes pretty good shots if you're not looking for DSLR quality.. I carry it if the intent of the trek is not specifically for photography. It's also the one I use when diving as it has a pretty good waterproof housing and doesn't take up too much room..

If weight is a concern, and it may be on a week long mountain climb, you do need to give thought to what you pack and carry..

Now, if photography is one of the major goals of this hike........ lighten up the pack somewhere else and take your DSLR..

Presumably you'll be doing some training hikes before August. You'll know by then if you want to carry the SLR and lenses. The only thing worse than leaving the 40D behind and wishing you had it would be to lug it all that way and not have the energy to do anything but take snapshots with the point and shoot.