Backpacking camera with good zoom?

[Ucsdryder]

Looking for a camera with a quality optical zoom to take hunting. Looking for something as small and light as possible but a strong zoom. Anybody have a recommendation?

Does anybody carry a bigger dslr camera? My wife has some high end cameras (she\'s a photographer) and there have been a few times I wished I had them, but the extra weight makes me leave it home every time.

 

[iccyman001]

Great thread topic and question.


I carry a Canon rebel 2Ti and it is a little bigger than I\'d like.
I put up with it, but if I ever actually cared about weight, it would be a bad move.



I\'ve been looking at these:

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decent price, good reviews, good pictures.

 

[N&amp;N Waterfowl]

I carry my canon rebel digital camera hunting. It is heavier than a compact, but the picture quality is worth the weight for me. I think it\'s a personal choice. I prefer pic quality over weight, but the next guy may be different.

 

[Ucsdryder]

Maybe I will have to rethink taking a dslr. Just seems like a lot of extra weight and I\'d have to pack it so it wouldn\'t be easily accessible. I was thinking a small camera could fit in a pocket and be ready quickly.

 

[Don K]

If your backpacking in with one make sure it has good battery life or have a way to charge it up. I know guys that take the batteries out of their electronics when it gets real cold and toss them in a zip-lock bag and put them in their sleeping bag with them. If your hunting from your truck it isn\'t a big deal as you can charge them up their or toss new ones in. Worst think would be backpacking way in with a nice camera and having no power to use it.

I try to get electronics that can be recharged by the same item. My last backpacking trip I borrowed my wives little Kodak that worked great. Its 4 years old so I\'m sure it isn\'t being made anymore.

 

[Deertick]

Anyone use a mirrorless? DSLR quality, but slimmer, and lighter. I\'d like to think about one this year.

Interchangeable lenses, too.