What digital camera is light enough for backpacking?
Can you recommend a lightweight digital camera for backpacking? I was ready to purchase the Yashica T4 that you talk so highly of, but digital cameras are so compact and I don't need to carry all that film. Also do they make water-resistant digital cameras? Dan Hearty, Missouri
Anyway, for a long time the only vaguely weatherproof digital camera was the Kodak DC5000, which was a pretty good camera but was bulky and had a fairly low resolution. But things are looking up. Sony not long ago introduced a camera called the DSC-U60 ($250; www.sony.com). It's a two-megapixel camera that's waterproof to five feet, which is pretty good. Not a ton of featuresthe lens is non-zoom (although you can zoom digitally, which gives you a little flexibility)but it has an unusual vertical design that expedites one-handed use.
Also new is the Olympus Stylus 300 Digital, based on that company's long-popular series of film cameras. It's a nice little camera with 3.2-megapixels, 3:1 optical zoom, and more. Plus, it has a metal case and is designed to be "weatherproof," meaning it can take light rain but shouldn't be submerged (an optional underwater case can handle that). Price is not bad at $399 (www.olympusamerica.com).
Either of these cameras should work well, depending on your price and resolution requirements. Good luck!
Support Outside Online
Our mission to inspire readers to get outside has never been more critical. In recent years, Outside Online has reported on groundbreaking research linking time in nature to improved mental and physical health, and we’ve kept you informed about the unprecedented threats to America’s public lands. Our rigorous coverage helps spark important debates about wellness and travel and adventure, and it provides readers an accessible gateway to new outdoor passions. Time outside is essential—and we can help you make the most of it. Making a financial contribution to Outside Online only takes a few minutes and will ensure we can continue supplying the trailblazing, informative journalism that readers like you depend on. We hope you’ll support us. Thank you.