Disposable Cameras
Description: Disposable cameras, or single-use cameras, are readily available. They are sold in most grocery stores, convenience stores and gift shops and can generally be found near the film or other photo supplies. Their light, chunky bodies are most often made of heavy-duty cardboard and plastics that can be easily disposed of or recycled. Most disposable cameras have a simple design, with a small flash but no zoom lens.
Price: You can find basic disposable cameras for about $7; fancy digital disposables can cost up to $100. A higher-quality disposable, for about $25, will give you extra features such as shock absorbers and weather proofing.
Pros: Buying a single-use camera is appealing to many travelers who want a quick and cheap way to capture their adventures. Disposable cameras are lightweight and often durable enough to withstand the bumps and bruises of rough terrain, and they do not require the monetary investment of a regular camera. This may give the hiker peace of mind to know that he will not run the risk of ruining his good camera. Disposables are also great for young kids who want to learn how to frame a photo and have their own pictures from the journey.
Cons: Image quality is perhaps the biggest downside when working with a disposable camera. Their simple design does not allow the user to zoom into a shot, and the flash is not powerful enough for many darker spots and times. As a result, you often get pictures with grainy images and poor color.
Point-and-Shoot Cameras
Description: Point-and-shoots, often referred to as compact cameras, are characterized by their sleek and slim rectangular design, with bodies made of quality molded plastics and metals. They can be purchased at most large chain stores and are usually found in the photography or electronics department.
Price: Some compact cameras cost as little as $30, but you should reasonably expect to pay $150 to $300 for a camera with all the features you will need and want.
Pros: For the avid hiker and casual photographer, the compact point-and-shoot offers the best in photo quality and portability. Because they are so small, point-and-shoot cameras are easy to pack into a backpack or fanny pack or just carry in your hand. Compacts are easy to use, with most offering decent zoom lenses, high pixel quality, auto-focus and relatively quick shutter speeds.
Cons: Point-and-shoot cameras represent a monetary investment, so you might be hesitant to carry it with you on the trails, especially when traveling in the backcountry or near water. There are, howeve,r a few compacts on the market that are shockproof and waterproof up to 10 feet. If your interest and skills are greater than the average photographer's, you might not be satisfied with a compact's limited capability.
SLR
Description: SLR cameras, or single-lens reflex cameras, are the top of the line in photography. Recognizable by their larger, chunkier body style and their detachable lenses, SLRs are more specialized and are most often purchased at a photography store but can also be found in higher-end electronics departments.
Price: SLR cameras start at about $500 and can go as high as $5,000 for a professional camera. When looking at the purchase price, be sure to notice whether any lenses are included, as they are often an additional purchase. If you are passionate and skilled in photography, you should plan on spending about $1,000 for the camera and an additional lens.
Pros: The most obvious pro is the capability of an SLR camera. With virtually no shutter delay, you can capture your buddies leaping between boulders or catching some "sweet" air on a mountain bike, and with as many lenses available to you as you can afford, you can zoom in or out to encompass almost anything you want in your photos. High-quality lenses also offer the very best in clarity and color saturation.
Cons: Aside from the significant cost, SLR cameras are large and often difficult to carry on the trail. Bringing along your SLR camera requires extra patience, care, gear and time, not only to prevent damage to the camera but to set up and take the photos as well.
