I primarily mountain bike and carry with me an Olympus Stylus Tough 6000. It's a decent little camera that serves me well while kayaking and sailing, too. I have carried my Nikon D70 w/ an 18-200 lens in my pack. It was heavy, and I felt it was a bit vulnerable, and I rode much more carefully than I would otherwise. Years ago (pre digital
) I had a case that was form fitting to my Nikkormat SLR and a strap that was sort of like suspenders with a belt. I would "wear" my camera under my coat while downhill skiing & snowmobiling. Never damaged the camera although I took a couple falls that felt like a punch to the gut. I haven't seen anything like that in long time, but, then again, I haven't looked for it either!
I would love to see/hear about what you come up with. I ride in some beautiful places and always wish I had my dslr w/ me.
Interesting story and thanks for sharing. I will not take a DSLR kayaking, as my camera is not waterproof.
As far as mountain biking, lugging around a DSLR would be a bit much, but as you stated: just ride low key and one will survive. A backpack sounds like a good choice and that is what I will do. I am not hardcore though, as riding styles are an important aspect of the decision process. Carrying a camera and lens 'Rambo" style may not be optimal, but who am I to judge?
The plan is to maintain my normal riding style, while hopping off the bike for an occasional photo or so.
Anyone that carries their iphone with them
What is an iPhone? I need one of those handy devices.
I carry a small Canon S90 in a belt case pretty much everywhere I go. I hated lugging around a DSLR so I sold it.
I hear ya, but I just bought a DSLR. LOL However, I plan to carry a 60d with me everywhere I go, but it has not worked out like that. I will keep people posted about this one. Carrying a P&S seems to be the logical choice and if the target is directly in front of you, then the P&S will shine.
I like to capture animals and being that they are fast movers, the trusty P&S would be ruled out due to the lack of frames per second. I will experiment with a P&S, but I intend to avoid the trusty P&S even though it is the logical choice.
Skiing and snowboarding should provide excellent photos, as location usually rules, but that may be a tricky environment to capture "on film." I neither snowboard nor ski, as my voice is simply an opinion and not an experience of the actual event itself.
Here is what we know thus far:
1. A P&S is the popular choice due to size and weight. The convenience factor if you will. The happy medium and the logical choice.
2. A backpack is a solution when contemplating the use of a SLR, but it may cram one's style, hence creating negative psychological affects that are not mentally healthy. Also, safety is paramount and this cannot be understated. Who wants to visit a doc only to be treated with multiple surgeries?
3. The cost of the camera and lenses are legitimate concerns, as most folks do not possess 'war buck disposable incomes.' Is this the number one consideration? It probably is, but we are not as willing to point this out. Or we do so sub-consciencely.
4. The priority of the "ride" over the photo shoot. Is this the purpose we ride a bicycle to begin with? I digress by stating, "we want more."
5. An extension of number 4, but utilizing new technology such as charging an iPhone with the energy created from the spokes of the spinning wheel(s.) The helmet cam and associated devices and gadgets. Technology is a bicyclists friend. Not only where it is applicable, but where it is desired too!
I am sure I left something out and there are more stories and ideas out there.
