Slightly OT...Camera for bike rides

[choke]

I currently use a Lumix ZS100. I like to have some zoom.

In the past I've used an older Lumix (ZS40 perhaps) and a Canon SX700HS. I prefer the operation of the Lumix over the Canon.

[montag]

Originally Posted by robin3mj

Ricoh GR
Ricoh GR
Ricoh GR

Once you get the hang of snap focus, you’ll be ruined for anything else.

Been shooting with a GR II for the last 8 months. Love the usability one-handed and of course the snap focus.

[mass_biker]

Terrific suggestions all - thank you - going to track some of these down...

[BumbleBeeDave]

Originally Posted by choke

I currently use a Lumix ZS100. I like to have some zoom.

In the past I've used an older Lumix (ZS40 perhaps) and a Canon SX700HS. I prefer the operation of the Lumix over the Canon.

I have a ZS50 I have used for several years now. Lots of flexibility and a truly long optical zoom when you need it. I want to get the newer ZS because it is now 20MP. My older one is only 12MP. That can be a problem shooting on the move because I'm often shooting over my shoulder more or less blind and need the resolution to be able to crop to best pic and still have decent file size.

The only drawback I've seen is limited tonal range between highlights and shadows. I end up having to work with the final shots to bring up the shadows and tone downs the highlights. It does shoot HDR, but not good for on the move. I put it on sports mode to bias toward faster shutter speed.

Here's some recent rides all shot with the ZS50 Lumix:

Poultney, VT, gravel: https://photos.app.goo.gl/aXgGSNRnWDGfT6Tf9

Adirondacks Ididaride event gravel: https://photos.app.goo.gl/K4fvXgeHTR5aUKz48

Solo Catskills: https://photos.app.goo.gl/EDk1kfeLdmTvkxqF6

BBD

[joosttx]

Found a picture of my Sony RX100 when I retired it. Durable for sure.

[Marc40a]

I use a Fuji xt3, my iPhone XR, and a GoPro Hero 7.

It depends what you’re looking for.

I-phone is the most flexible in a compact package.

GoPro has a lot going for it. It’s the most portable, and as previously mentioned, takes photos in RAW format which is a step above the iphone. The main limitation is that you have to be comfortable with the super wide angle perspective and the compositional challenges that go along with that.

Fuji: pro quality, and probably overkill for anything that you’re not printing.

[MikeD]

Originally Posted by dbnm

My iPhone Xs Max makes some seriously good photos

Agreed. I have a iPhone X and I almost never take a bad photo. Photos automatically upload to icloud so they are available on my high resolution ipad. No heavy bulky camera in my pocket either. The only thing I miss from having a dedicated camera is the zoom lens.

[tctyres]

For you guys that carry the small cameras, how do you deal with sweat + camera? Do you have any problems?

[mktng]

Originally Posted by robin3mj

Ricoh GR
Ricoh GR
Ricoh GR

Once you get the hang of snap focus, you’ll be ruined for anything else.

i'll second the Ricoh GR.

[p nut]

I was thinking about getting a camera for rides as well but for a slightly different purpose. I always see something interesting on most rides and I’m either too slow to get it out or too tired/lazy.

So I was thinking of a bar mount camera. Something like an old GoPro Sessions. I think I can rig a QR mount. Quick access and decent photos or videos. Then my phone for things worthy of better picture quality.

[jfranci3]

A camera good enough to beat your phone? You'll need a Sony RX100 or RX1. If you want higher quality, the Panasonic lx100 or Sony Nex series. I wouldn't go sub RX100.

[mhespenheide]

Originally Posted by jfranci3

A camera good enough to beat your phone? You'll need a Sony RX100 or RX1. If you want higher quality, the Panasonic lx100 or Sony Nex series. I wouldn't go sub RX100.

In terms of sensor quality, maybe, but the optics of a dedicated camera -- particularly the zoom lens -- can well beat out a phone if you're not shooting at the focal length of the phone (and therefore using the "digital zoom"; i.e., crop).

[joosttx]

Originally Posted by jfranci3

A camera good enough to beat your phone? You'll need a Sony RX100 or RX1. If you want higher quality, the Panasonic lx100 or Sony Nex series. I wouldn't go sub RX100.

Rx100 and the RX1 are worlds apart. I wouldn’t recommend a RX1 to too many people. It is also too big to fit in a jersey pocket and is too big for most folks wallet (+$3000)

Regarding camera v iPhone: I have found a camera (at least the RX100) is easier to operate with one hand on a bike. That’s something to consider when thinking about buying a camera.