The Paddling Photographer

October-November 2001

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD

by D.L. Anderson

There have been many recent advancements in the world of photography, many aimed at individuals with active lifestyles. This directly benefits the paddling photographer. There are new compact digital cameras with an output closing in on that of film. High quality, compact, super-zooms eliminate the need to carry a bag full of lenses and image-stabilized lenses allow you to leave the tripod at home.

DIGITAL CAMERAS

Digital imaging technology has been by far the greatest change to photography since the introduction of the 35mm SLR. Digital cameras free the photographer from film, are typically smaller, and give immediate feedback. If you don't like the composition or if the exposure is wrong, just erase the image and try again. For the paddler, this translates to extra space in the boat. A memory card used in many of the new digitals will most likely survive a quick dip in the drink-film most certainly will not.

Canon offers one of the most portable digital cameras available with the PowerShot S300 ELPH. It's the smallest camera in its class, at 8.5 ounces, and about the same size as a deck of cards. Although small, the S300 offers a 3X optical zoom, 2.1 mega-pixel resolution, and stores images on an 8MG compact flash memory card. Once downloaded the images can be enlarged 8 x 10 in. with qualities rivaling film. In addition, Canon offers the optional WP-DC100 waterproof housing which allows the S300 to operate to a depth of 100 feet. www.usa.canon.com (S300 list $699, WP-DC100 list $240-all prices US$).

The Canon CP-10 Printer is a nice accessory to have after the trip. Fully compatible with the S300 the CP-10 connects directly to it. All print modes are controlled through the LCD screen on the S300 camera. Just connect the camera to the printer with a dedicated cable and in less than 60 seconds you have a sharp clear credit card size photo. The CP-10 is a dye sublimation printer so the images are sharper and the tones smoother than the typical ink jet (CP-10 list $399).

FILM CAMARAS

Pentax water-resistant IQZoom series Pentax 95WR	Pentax water-resistant IQZoom series Pentax 105WR

While digital technology is making tremendous strides, film still has the edge on image quality. Film is capable of recording more information than the chips currently used in today's digitals. This is particularly noticeable if you are shooting in harsh, high contrast light or if you intend to have your images enlarged. So, for those of us still using film, Pentax has introduced two new cameras to their water-resistant IQZoom series, :the 95WR and 105WR. These cameras build on the 90WR platform that was one of Pentax's best selling cameras. These cameras have the highest weatherproof rating available. The 95WR is equipped with a 38-95mm, f4.5-10.5 zoomand built-in flash. The 105WR has a 38-105mm, f5.6-12.8 zoom, built-in flash with red-eye reduction, and a switchable panorama mode. While they won't take pictures underwater, they can take rain, mud, sand, and the inevitable dunk. Go to www.pentax.com (95WR list $292, 120SW list $367).

PROTECTION

Since we're back to carrying film, we need to protect it. One of the more innovative new products is the Sima Sports Pouch. This bright yellow, inflatable, waterproof pouch will float if it goes overboard. In addition to keeping the pouch afloat, the internal air chambers protect film and sensitive gear from small drops and bumps. The Sima Sports Pouch is available in a photo kit and a digital kit. The photo pouch contains a 6-pack of Fuji Film and a cleaning kit while the digital pouch contains a set of 4 rechargeable NiMH AA batteries and a cleaning kit (photo pouch list $50, digital pouch list $60).

LENSES

Pigeon Guillemont, Newport Oregon. Fuji Provia 100, Sigma 50 - 500mm Ex, F6@1/125.

For the space-conscious kayaker carrying an SLR, the newly introduced super-zooms can reduce the need for carrying three or four lenses down to two or even just one. Sigma's 17-35mm F2.8-4 EX is one of my favorite lenses and one of three new EX Series lenses introduced last year. It combines a fast F2.8-4.0 aperture with an ultra wide-angle zoom range of 17-35mm. The front and rear lens groups incorporate spherical elements to correct spherical aberration. The lens also utilizes an internal focusing mechanism to maintain optical quality and eliminate rotation of the front barrel, a very useful feature when using a polarizing filter. The materials used in this new lens are also lead and arsenic-free. www.sigmaphoto.com (list $843).

In the all-in-one category is the new Tamron AF28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 Aspherical XR (IF) This macro zoom is billed as the world's most compact, lightweight lens in its class. With an overall length of 3.0", a maximum diameter of 2.8", and a weight of 12.5 oz. it's difficult to make an argument against it. With a new optical configuration and the use of the extra refractive index glass (XR), image quality is maintained throughout the entire zoom range: www.tamron.com (list $544).



The Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 I.S. USM is one of the newest lenses in the IS line-up. Canon first pioneered the use of image stabilization for use in their camcorders. That same technology has been transferred to still photography in their IS lenses. While the new Image Stabilized lenses will not totally eliminate the need for a tripod, it does make shooting from an unstable platform, such as a kayak, much more achievable. With image stabilization, auto focus, auto aperture, full aperture metering, and Canon's unparalleled optical quality, the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 I.S. USM is on the leading edge of 35mm lens design (list $1200).

TRIPODS

Serious photographers use tripods. Fast film and image-stabilized lenses can help compensate for camera motion but there still is no substitute for a good sturdy tripod. One of the best compact models, Bogen/Manfrotto 3001, has recently been reengineered. The Bogen/Manfrotto 3001PRO is lightweight, compact, and sturdy. It weighs 3.8lbs, has a closed length of just 21" and is capable of holding 11lbs. The new three-faced center column and built in low angle adapter makes this a very versatile tripod, one that can be used for the boat, as well as your primary tripod, www.bogenphoto.com (list $183).

© David L. Anderson is a freelance photographer living in Scappoose, Oregon, who says he's learned by trial and error what works and what doesn't in taking pictutes from a kayak. Email: dlaphotography.cs.com.