Which camera to advise for a novice

I was out at a local club this evening, and was asked for some advice about which camera somebody should buy.

The person in question is a novice, and has never used anything other than a point and shoot.

Early next year he is planning a trip to Everest - obviously a once in a lifetime experience - and he wants a decent camera to be able to take some decent quality pictures - not just for the Everest trip but a camera that can be used when he is out walking generally.

My first thought was a K-30 combined with an 18-135 WR lens. But then I started thinking about it a bit more, and am undecided. Obviously a rugged camera with weather protection - they will be in extreme and cold conditions, so there are many things to consider, such as image quality, camera size and weight, cold (and the effect of that on battery life), probably not a good environment to swap lenses - well, I'm sure you can imagine all the potential problems.

What would you advise. Maybe 2 cameras - a small, light waterproof 'compact' camera for the Everest trip (where you wouldn't lose too much sleep if it got damaged or lost), and then a K-30 or K-5 for general outdoor use.

But whatever I may suggest to him, I'll be telling him to get advise for as many experienced photographers as possible.

I'd be grateful for your thoughts.

I'm no expert on this but at present Asda (at least in Wrexham) have a decent sale on point and shoots - I picked up an Optio LS465 for £40.00 my better half and son to share.

It is not the greatest camera available but it is tiny and seems to perform well enough, something of this type (there were plenty of options for around this price from other brands as well) could be kept in a plastic bag until needed on the Everest trip - perhaps an K5/K30 plus a cheapie compact such as the above as a back up

Lets face it a half decent tough compact will cost a lot more - not saying it's perfect but it is an option

If price is not a problem how about a 'Q'

Cheers


Stu

Everest is fine for photography, but batteries need to be kept warm. Personally I would take a WG-3 as things stand at the moment and if I was buying new.

As for lower down and the rest of the holiday, a weatherproof compact plus the K-5 and its usual lenses.

If you can't recharge batteries!!!! The best option is anything that can use lithium AAs.

You can probably buy professional prints of everest for far less than carting a semi-pro camera and having a go yourself so the kind of shots best taken will be those of you and your co-climbers ( or the sherpas chucking rocks at you). A compact camera will be fine.

Also video might be an idea to record your last words ....

I have never climbed over 3000ft but my Yashica T4 was fantastic

Actually a friend who climbed Everest told me that recharging batteries wasn't a problem, which seems like an odd contradiction Doug.

So he did recharge batteries? Borrowed a solar panel and universal li-ion 12v charger?

It's a long way to go to find out otherwise.

It's overrated Everest http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/nepal/10027596/Sherpas-who-attack...

No idea Doug, I think he said that power was available lower down the mountain, but it was a long time ago.

Wind up charger should do it!

I suppose 2 batteries = 1400 pics, just how many snow peak images do you need?

Agreed, it could get very samey....

I agree about the 'samey' pictures, and the fact that you could buy a professional print somewhere, but it's obviously more about capturing your own unique time/views/memories while you are there rather than anything else.

I think your suggestion, John, about the WG-3 while you are up there with a K-5 for lower down seems perfectly sensible. Knowing that power is likely to be available for charging batteries is good as well.

Do you have any thoughts about lens(es) for a trip like this? I imagine they will not want to go loaded down with too much surplus gear. (Also, keep in mind that at present he is a complete camera novice).

I would start discussing it on a suitable forum to see how people get on first-hand. I'm no expert, but I'd have a backup in case AF motors became slow, for example.

The K-5 (whichever version) and WR 18-135mm would be my choice, with a fast prime for backup that can be used MF if needed. That's the bare minimum and I'd take more backups than that, but a more casual photographer won't want to probably. That set would be good to -10C for certain, lower than that some care may be needed. There's a video around that shows a Pentax camera happily continuing to fire at -30C, so there's hope.

Don't press a camera that cold against the face! It will stick....

I had also thought the 18-135 plus one or two primes for better quality, but having a 'backup' lens is an obvious thought that hadn't occurred to me!

Thanks for all the helpful comments and advice.

Given the environment and the potential for a camera to get damaged in a variety of ways, is a new body the right decision?

I would suggest getting a used K20D with a suitable pair of (used) lenses and possibly having it serviced before departure. If the camera is damaged the loss is low, if it survives it can then be sold on at a similar price and the money invested in a new (then current) body.

Also useful would be an IR remote control. Three spare batteries for the ascent whilst leaving the charger at the base.

Add to that one of the new waterproof cameras - they have a good low temp rating.

Plenty of cheap k-7 around at the moment around £250 with warranty from srs.

I agree - I was going to suggest looking for a second hand camera/lens(es), and as you say, plenty of spare batteries.
As they are not going until early next year, it would be good for him to get one now so that he has plenty of time to get thoroughly familiar with it.