Canon/Nikon and rough travel conditions

Dear all,

I am currently using Nikon gear (D70, planning to upgrade) with some pretty good lenses. At work, we are using Canon gear – 5D, 1Ds and 1Ds Mk II, all equipped with L type lenses.

Sometimes I contemplate about changing system – other days I'm pretty happy with the Nikon system. I do not want to start a discussion about full-frame/cropped, noise levels and all the rest.

(I do about 100 high-end raw conversions every day – with source material ranging from digital MF cameras, to Canon 1Ds MkII to Nikon D2x, so I've got a pretty good idea about each camera's capabilities and limitations).

The one thing that keeps me from switiching to Canon is that Nikon still has the best downward-compatibility. A while ago, when I was motorbiking in Cambodia, my F90x's autofocus packed in due to the heavy vibrations from offroading (could have happened anyway, maybe it was just knackered after all those years). Anyway: I changed the lens over to my trusted FM2 backup-body. Great. Apart from that, Nikon also does the unique FM3n with its hybrid shutter.

Now... I'm not keen to shoot on film again – but it's good to know to have a fully manual backup body. On the other hand, of course, I could travel with a DIGITAL backup-body...

Anyway... long introduction to a simple question:

What has been the toughest conditions you took your camera gear through, and how reliable was it? (Autofocus, battery charge,...)

I don't mean knocks on the lens or body – I mean: extreme heat, extreme cold, vibrations (off-road, esp. motorbiking), rain,... in short: unpredictable or unavoidable conditions if you need to get to a place and get the shot, no matter how bad the circumstances.

I will post the same in the Canon forum – it'd be nice to hear some stories(!), and please let's not start another "system-war". Life's too short for that

Thank you
Bob Howland

All I know is the whole Reason why NASA uses Nikon is Because of the Glass, Most all L Lenses From Canon have Fluorite in them which Cracks easy due to shuttle Vibrations.

Other then that I dont see why one would be better then the other.
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Mike L.

Thanks Mike,

This is reassuring for my current gear – though I don't think a motorbike would produce the same amount of vibrations as a space shuttle... but who knows

The question was more like: is it a good idea to stick with a system that allows a MF body to take the same set of lense "just in case". Or is MF film equipment really dead/unnecessary, even in extreme conditions?

Anyone out there who's still carrying fully manual bodies around as a backup for digital?

Cheers
Bob Howland

Well I can awnser the part about the manual Body, Yes I have a Nikon FE in my camera bag along with the D70.

but is it really needed.... I think you may get a lot of mixed feelings on this I say No.

BobHowland75 said:

Thanks Mike,

This is reassuring for my current gear – though I don't think a
motorbike would produce the same amount of vibrations as a space
shuttle... but who knows

The question was more like: is it a good idea to stick with a
system that allows a MF body to take the same set of lense "just in
case". Or is MF film equipment really dead/unnecessary, even in
extreme conditions?

Anyone out there who's still carrying fully manual bodies around as
a backup for digital?

Cheers
Bob Howland

Click to expand...

--
Mike L.

My experience is this:

Used Canon FD cameras while travelling on motorcycles for many thousands of miles ... no problems.

Have frequently used a Nikon D70 down to -20degC for long periods (5-6 hours at a time) ... no problems. I carry a Nikon FG (135) film camera as a back-up with me when I travel.

Have used used 4 different Minolta AF (135) film cameras lightly ... no vibration and no extreme cold and 2 have failed !. .... Recently bought a Minolta 5D ... what was I thinking (;-)

Chas.
--
Canada.
==============
Do Not Listen to What I Say ... Listen to What I Mean !.

Bob,

Here are my thoughts based upon 40 years at this profession.

I have been a Nikon and Leica user for decades. I now use Nikon only because I am 100% digital, and Leica has priced itself out of the market for me. I tried Canon twenty years ago and stuck with Nikon. I tied Canon digital five years ago (60D and 1D) with four L leneses, but I stuck with Nikon and sold the Canon gear.

Canon Problems: Malfunctions with the 60D left me nothing but corrupted files from a day of shooting. The 1D was just too much in size and weight. I like a low profile. The L lenses were good but not good enough to warrant the extra weight. Also I joined Nikon Professional Services in 1978. I had to fight my way into Canon Professional Services, and once in I could get little service. With NPS I get superb service.

My current choice is 2 Nikon D200 bodies. I sold my D100, D70, and D1x. Never got a D2x because of the size/weight thing. Again, I like a low profile when shooting and the D200 provides it with great image quality to boot. I have the following lenses (all Nikkors): 12-24/4.0, 17-55/2.8, 18-70/3.5-4.5, 70-200.2.8, 70-210.4.0, 20mm/2.8, and 50mm/1.8. When I travel light I carry the 18-70 and 70-210 along with the 20mm and 50mm for indoor and low light situations.

I have had the D200 out in chilling cold, horrid heat, and severe humidity. I have never had a problem with either. It is weather sealed and that seems to make a difference over the D70 that I once had. I use to take a Nikon FM with me with film just in case, but I no longer do after not ever using it in four years.

I recently worked in countryside of Scotland for a week. It rained three days out of seven. I use the D200 with 18-70 (it has a water seal at the mount), and I had not a single problem about which I had worried since electronics and water are not not to be mixed.

So, based upon my own experience, I'd say stick with Nikon, and use a D200.

Richard (www.rwpwc.com)

Pros and advanced amateurs use both systems and I'm sure both have proponents who can brag about their toughness. FWIW, Graham Watson, who is known for his photos of professional bicycling events such as the Tour de France, many shot from the back of a motorcycle, and who must operate under all weather conditions from extreme heat to rain to snow, uses Nikon SLRs. But I'm sure a Canon user could counter with other pros who use Canon in tough conditions.

If you're now using Nikon, and are happy with it, I see no reason to change for rough travel dependability.
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--Bob

"I have had the D200 out in chilling cold, horrid heat, and severe humidity. I have never had a problem with either."

Hi Richard.. I just recently purchased a D200, and I have to say that I am loving it! But when I read your post, the quote posted above caught my attention. I use the lithium batteries that are made for use with the D200 (along with others such as D50, D70, etc..) If you read the small manual paper sheet that comes with those batteries, the instructions do not recommend shooting in temperatures below 0 degrees... I am assuming this is farenheit? Because if this is celcius, this doesn't leave much room for winter shooting (especially canadian winter shooting).

It's good to know that people like you have put the D200 through its paces (as I have yet to try this). From your experience, does the cold take a negative toll on the Lithium's current charge, as well as on the overall life cycle? I keep reading about temperatures effecting batteries one way or another.

Cheers,

NRG
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F/8 and be there.

Lots of excellent information and analysis based on experience. I have the D2X and the D200. One real advantage of the D200 for me, is the fact that you can use AA batteries with the D200. My photography takes me to very remote areas of the world where there may be little or no power sources for recharging the D2X. The AA battery capability of the D200 enables me to keep shooting digital rather than switching to film with my F5.
--
William Cooper

Thanks for all your responses so far!

The D200 "battery advantage" (AA batteries), of course sounds fantastic. I propapbly will end up in some pretty remote areas at times, planning some time in the Karakorum range in Pakistan, and in Ladakh.

From what I hear, Nikon seem to have the edge in build quality. PDN had an article about a guy who specializes in photographing storms and hurricanes – he uses Nikon gear.

Interestingly, no-one in the Canon forum seems to have experience in using gear in extreme conditions: my initial posting in the Canon forum didn't get a single reply.

Thank you all,

Bob

Mr. Howland,

I was wondering if you ever have use for a point and shoot camera? Do you own one at all, or just the SLRs?

--

Ssince you've brought up motorcycle vibration when riding off road, I was wondering how you pack and carry your camera when riding?
RLD

Hmmm.....Using a Nikon N80 while climbing Mt Rainier in Washington........it locked up after about 10000 ft. in about 40 degree weather after bumping around a little. Ended using a backup Canon G2 which worked perfectly. Marrakech and Fez in Morocco, tried using a Canon 350d until I almost got killed by guys in Djemaa el-Fna trying to get money for pictures. Again, used a backup Canon G6 due to its "hidability". Early 2006 again using a Rebel 350d in about 125 degrees in the Rub al-Khali in western Oman it just stopped shooting. I think it was a combination of the heat and sand. Again Canon G6 came through with flying colors. Didn't even take an SLR out in Sana'a, Yemen. I guess the moral of this story is that both Nikon and Canon will break under extreme conditions but it seems like a high end P&S can take a much bigger lickin and keep on tickin. Probably doesn't help you but I figured I would post anyway.

Yes, I have a point and shoot camera – Fuji FinePix E900. Nice camera. Shoots RAW and is 9 megapixels. But the lens is quite bad for pincushion and barrell distortion.

From what I hear on offroad motorcycling forums, the best way to pack the camera is in memory foam. (The same sort of thing that comes with peli-cases and the like). SLRs I like to have ready to shoot in the tank-bag. Additional lenses go into aluminium-panniers with foam wrapped around each lens. I also thought about a little peli-case with custom memory-foam inserts, put on the back of the bike (where the top-box usually goes).

i don't have the same level of trust in my canon gear as i do in nikon. i have never had any problems with any of my nikon gear.

my 1st 5d was faulty out of the box so i returned it, my 2nd one was fine. i took it with me on travel to latin america only to have the shutter get stuck, not much fun. then again, pretty much every pro shooter i know use canons by now, i'd say if you plan on travelling with your gear a) have back-up and b) stick to the pro-level gear.

p.

Thanks very much. I am looking to purchase a new camera and haven't looked a the specs on that one. Glad to have something else to consider.

BobHowland75 said:

From what I hear on offroad motorcycling forums, the best way to
pack the camera is in memory foam. (The same sort of thing that
comes with peli-cases and the like). SLRs I like to have ready to
shoot in the tank-bag. Additional lenses go into aluminium-panniers
with foam wrapped around each lens. I also thought about a little
peli-case with custom memory-foam inserts, put on the back of the
bike (where the top-box usually goes).

Click to expand...

I'm an LD biker (not off road), on a recent trip I just put my cam (D 70s) gear in its bag (w lenses etc) outside my bungied tent bag behind the seat

Now I'm going to try wearing a cam backpack on my chest for easier access to equipment. My next trip is from SF-Mex to shot the Baja 1000 in Nov 06.

Yu all might find interesting what Graham Watson himself has to say about Nikon vs Canon. He has used them both and now stays with Nikon.

http://www.grahamwatson.com/gw/askgraham.nsf/AskGraham?OpenForm&Start=13&Seq=3

There are multiple entries on the forum page of his question and answer session. It is one of the 8/10/06 entries, and is from Jez asking about the two brands.

--
Darlene
Dee Seventy, Dee Fifty, Coolpixes, One Panny
http://www.pbase.com/imacatmom

I almost always take my d70/f100 both snow skiing and 4-wheeling (on the oregon coast sand dunes).

I've never had issues with either camera. Though I would have to say that besides the ocassional tumble on the slopes the cameras really aren't subject to much torture because they are in my lowpro backpack.

I also traveled most of asia extensively with high heat and humidity with no problems.

I know there are a lot of photographers out there that do subject their cameras to more rugged abuse than my cameras ever see.
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http://www.ianz28.smugmug.com