is 7i rugged enough for backpacking in Tibet?

Hi! I was wondering if anyone has any experience backpacking with the 7i in remote areas? Is the construction rugged enough? I'm planning to travel to Tibet for about a month next year. It probably won't be too cold (sometime between late April and early June), but I'd imaging wind, dust, strong sunlight, shake and bump to be some fairly significant challanges to the 7i. High altitude might (or might not?) be a factor also.

Any tips for backpacking with a digital camera, especially to more remote areas, would be greatly appreciated as well!

Thanks a lot!

Andy

Personaly I wouldn't choose my expensive D7i for such a trip. The D7i is much more vonerable for humidity and dust than Minolta's 35 mm slr. Loading your batteries might also be a problem when you are on route like this.

Whatever you take, make sure you use an Ortlieb fully watertight camera back to protect your gear. The small version fitts tight round a D7.

See http://www.ortlieb.de/aquacam_e.htm#

Jurjen

--
http://www.pbase.com/jurjen

The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one
persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress
depends on the unreasonable man. -G.B. Shaw

Andy Chiu said:

Hi! I was wondering if anyone has any experience backpacking with
the 7i in remote areas? Is the construction rugged enough? I'm
planning to travel to Tibet for about a month next year. It
probably won't be too cold (sometime between late April and early
June), but I'd imaging wind, dust, strong sunlight, shake and bump
to be some fairly significant challanges to the 7i. High altitude
might (or might not?) be a factor also.

Any tips for backpacking with a digital camera, especially to more
remote areas, would be greatly appreciated as well!

Thanks a lot!

Andy

Click to expand...

Andy Chiu said:

Hi! I was wondering if anyone has any experience backpacking with
the 7i in remote areas? Is the construction rugged enough? I'm
planning to travel to Tibet for about a month next year. It
probably won't be too cold (sometime between late April and early
June), but I'd imaging wind, dust, strong sunlight, shake and bump
to be some fairly significant challanges to the 7i. High altitude
might (or might not?) be a factor also.

Any tips for backpacking with a digital camera, especially to more
remote areas, would be greatly appreciated as well!

Thanks a lot!

Andy

Click to expand...

My question is... will you be able to recharge your batteries?

Rgds
jcd
...
http://www.pbase.com/jcd/dimage_7i

Andy Chiu said:

Hi! I was wondering if anyone has any experience backpacking with
the 7i in remote areas? Is the construction rugged enough? I'm
planning to travel to Tibet for about a month next year. It
probably won't be too cold (sometime between late April and early
June), but I'd imaging wind, dust, strong sunlight, shake and bump
to be some fairly significant challanges to the 7i. High altitude
might (or might not?) be a factor also.

Any tips for backpacking with a digital camera, especially to more
remote areas, would be greatly appreciated as well!

Click to expand...

I have carried flimsier film cameras on 4-5 day backpacking trips in the Sierra Nevada mountains with no problem.

The construction is rugged enough for more than the usual backpacking shakes and bumps. Sunlight should not be a problem. Neither should wind or dust alone. High wind with dust could cause a problem for any camera or lens.

Tips:
Use a UV filter to protect the lens.
Use a camera bag to protect the camera when you are not taking pictures.
Turn the camera off while not taking pictures.

Take along enough batteries and media to last however long you will be without electrical power. Consider a solar charger for the batteries (slow, but doesn't need an electrical outlet). If you will have occasional access to electrical outlets or vehicles, take an appropriate charger.

If you will be going higher than 10,000 feet, avoid using a microdrive - use flash cards instead. (the atmosphere is thinner at high altitudes, and there is danger of a head crash destroying the entire microdrive, and all your images with it)

Take sunscreen - you will burn much faster at higher altitudes (less atmosphere above you filtering out UV. Note the solar charger will work better at higher altitudes)

Above all, enjoy yourself!

Ansell Adams managed to clamber all over the place with cameras the size of a microwave!! Personally, as long as its insured, the point of a camera is to use it. There are a couple of useful tips though.

Take a UV filter and a polariser - in snow the glare is appalling.

Find a really good, padded and waterproof bag with a front harness. With a backpack on already it would take way too long to get at your camera if it was on your back.

Take a supply of sealable, transparent plastic bags..they are very useful for...

1.Avoid condensation when the temperature changes. At altitutude the air is pretty dry anyway so should be OK
2-Second level rainproofing - even then best cam bags leak eventually.

3-Dust protection. In dusty/wet conditions you can use an elastic band around the lens barrel to keep the camera protected with just the lens end exposed. You can stil shoot remarkably well if the bag is flexible and clear enough. The main danger is dust in the lens barrel mechanism.
4-Sandwiches...

However 2 issues with digital cameras...

I would strongly recommend an external belt powerpack as well as a few backup sets of AAs. If you have 2 or 3 days between charges this will keep you going and you can charge both at once. However you can't realistically go more than a few days without access to electricity (either a car socket or mains). Make sure you have the right adapters (12V included). Also keep the camera in auto-EVF mode without the LCD.

Microdrives and other hard drives (laptops, image tanks etc.) have altitude limitations (usually around 10,000 - 14,000 ft). However so do humans. Check your planned route carefully. If you cant take an image tank take several large CF cards and shoot in standard quality. Reckon on about 50- 100 shots a day (you have walking to do) and edit out what you dont need. On a 2 week trip round sicily (very photogenic) I only took about 700 shots so 2 500Mb cards is enough probably.

Aaron Bredon said:

Andy Chiu said:

Hi! I was wondering if anyone has any experience backpacking with
the 7i in remote areas? Is the construction rugged enough? I'm
planning to travel to Tibet for about a month next year. It
probably won't be too cold (sometime between late April and early
June), but I'd imaging wind, dust, strong sunlight, shake and bump
to be some fairly significant challanges to the 7i. High altitude
might (or might not?) be a factor also.

Any tips for backpacking with a digital camera, especially to more
remote areas, would be greatly appreciated as well!

Click to expand...

I have carried flimsier film cameras on 4-5 day backpacking trips
in the Sierra Nevada mountains with no problem.

The construction is rugged enough for more than the usual
backpacking shakes and bumps. Sunlight should not be a problem.
Neither should wind or dust alone. High wind with dust could cause
a problem for any camera or lens.

Tips:
Use a UV filter to protect the lens.
Use a camera bag to protect the camera when you are not taking
pictures.
Turn the camera off while not taking pictures.
Take along enough batteries and media to last however long you will
be without electrical power. Consider a solar charger for the
batteries (slow, but doesn't need an electrical outlet). If you
will have occasional access to electrical outlets or vehicles, take
an appropriate charger.
If you will be going higher than 10,000 feet, avoid using a
microdrive - use flash cards instead. (the atmosphere is thinner at
high altitudes, and there is danger of a head crash destroying the
entire microdrive, and all your images with it)
Take sunscreen - you will burn much faster at higher altitudes
(less atmosphere above you filtering out UV. Note the solar charger
will work better at higher altitudes)

Above all, enjoy yourself!

Click to expand...

--
Steve

http://www.arnason.no/modules.php?set_albumName=album17&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

I've hiked through the rainforests of Costa Rica a couple times and in Panama with my D7 and had no issues at all (as long as you can recharge batteries). I've carried it all day four-wheeling in a backpack and in some small boats getting pounded around on the Pacific. I've used it while doing zip line canopy tours and sometimes the stops on that can be a bit rough (especially if you've only got the 1 free hand that isn't holding the camera). I've never had any issues with the operation. If it was more efficient with batteries, I'd be 100% happy with hauling it around.

As far as sand, I've taken it all day on beaches and out in rainstorms(with a rain cape).

I wouldn't worry at all about the D7 operation. As I saw mentioned, a microdrive may be an issue due to altitude. I either keep it in my backpack or in a fanny pack if I'm planning on needing quick access to it, like when there are many animals around.

You should get some great shots. I'm jealous..

Andy Chiu said:

Hi! I was wondering if anyone has any experience backpacking with
the 7i in remote areas? Is the construction rugged enough? I'm
planning to travel to Tibet for about a month next year. It
probably won't be too cold (sometime between late April and early
June), but I'd imaging wind, dust, strong sunlight, shake and bump
to be some fairly significant challanges to the 7i. High altitude
might (or might not?) be a factor also.

Any tips for backpacking with a digital camera, especially to more
remote areas, would be greatly appreciated as well!

Thanks a lot!

Andy

Click to expand...

As others have said, batteries are going to be the main problem. When I am away from power for long periods, I carry some of the Energizer Lithium AA's as my backup. They are expensive, but they wil work for quite a while, whereas an alkaline is about worthless in my 7hi.

In addition to the filter for your camera, remember a filter for your eyes: at altitude, a GOOD pair of sunglasses [with backup!] is a must!

Have fun

Gary

Andy Chiu said:

Hi! I was wondering if anyone has any experience backpacking with
the 7i in remote areas? Is the construction rugged enough? I'm
planning to travel to Tibet for about a month next year. It
probably won't be too cold (sometime between late April and early
June), but I'd imaging wind, dust, strong sunlight, shake and bump
to be some fairly significant challanges to the 7i. High altitude
might (or might not?) be a factor also.

Any tips for backpacking with a digital camera, especially to more
remote areas, would be greatly appreciated as well!

Thanks a lot!

Andy

Click to expand...

Here in the US backpacking usually refers to carrying all one's needs deep into the wilderness for a few (or many) days. If you're doing that batteries will be more of an issue. Disposable lithiums are one way to go, a solar charger is another.

Among travelers backpacking has come to mean moving from guest house to guest house via public transport while carrying your clothes and toiletries on your back. Most guest houses these days have power, maybe only a few hours a day, but most have power.

If you're traveling in the latter sense of "backpacking" check on http://www.lonelyplanet.com (the appropriate forum of the Thorn Tree) for how often you should expect to encounter power in the areas you're heading. Carrying at least one set of disposable lithiums is an excellent idea. Then you're never stuck.

The rest of the info you have already received is great. Take a polarizer lens for mid-day shooting in bright sun at altitude. It will do a great job of keeping the blue in the sky.

Take a PHD so that you can shoot to your heart's content. Inform yourself on hard drive altitude limits and how to work around them.

If you're really going to be banging around big time devise a good protective system for your camera. Bubble wrap, one of the inflatable river bags (big air bag), something along that line while you're hanging on to the top of the bus for dear life.

Enjoy...
--
bob
http://www.pbase.com/bobtrips
New Gallery - Bangkok Turtle Temple
pictures from Thailand, Myanmar(Burma), and Nepal

What a great forum.. in less than a few hours I got more tips than I can count! Thanks very much to all who responded!

Jurjen:

I feel a little uneasy with bringing such an expensive equipment, too. However like someone else mentioned, the point of a camera is to use it, and ultimately a camera is only as valuable as the pictures it takes. So I think I'm going to go with it. I'll make sure I insure it and protect it well, though! And that Ortlieb bag looks very good! I'll look more into it. Thanks!

jcd:

Power is actually a lot more accessible in Tibet than what many people think. I will be staying mostly on the popular tourist routes, and apparantly the guest houses on these routes are generally very well supplied with power. Even in more remote areas, power is often supplied at least a couple hours a day. I will however bring a lot of spare batteries and some lithium AAs just in case. Thanks!

Aaron:

Thanks for sharing your backpacking experience! Great tips and especially the one on microdrive. I wasn't planning on using them in the first place, but this further convinces me that CF cards are the way to go. Thanks!

Steve:

GREAT tips, thanks so much! I have never thought about using plastic bags for dust protection, but that does sound like a terrific idea. I guess I'll have to do some practice shooting through a bag at home first. I don't think I'll have much trouble with power (see above, reply to jcd), but I'll make sure I bring an lithium-ion pack and plenty of lithium AAs just in case. The highest point I'll get to is about 5000 m ( 16000 ft); however for the majority of my trip I'll be staying in the 3500-4500 m range. I was planning to bring a portable HD for storage, however if altitude may be a problem I will probably just bring a few 512 mb CF cards, like you mentioned. Thanks a lot!

Ken:

Thanks for the reassurance, that is exactly what I was looking for! I don't think there is any major difference in built quality between the D7 and the D7i, so your experience should apply to my trip equally well. Yeah, I'm sure I'll get some great photo opportunities.. I just hope I can get some great photos out of those! And, com'on man, you've traversed through Costa Rica, Panama and the Pacifics and you're jealous of my little Tibet adventure?! =)

Gary:

See my reply to jcd above for power. I have a fairly nice pair of sunglasses, but you're right, I should probably bring a spare pair just in case. Wouldn't want to trust buying a pair there. Thanks for the tip!

bob:

I'm referring more to the traveler's backpacking. Power should not be too big of a problem for me (see my reply above to jcd). Yeah, I have visited lonelyplent.com quite often and have also bought their book on Tibet (which is where I got most of my information, in fact). I was planning to get a PHD, but now I'm not so sure. I need to look more into how HDs in general can handle high altitude. I hope I won't have to be banging around big time, but then I suppose extra protection never hurts. Thanks a lot for your tips!

Thanks again to everyone!

Andy

Andy Chiu said:

I was planning to get a PHD, but now I'm not so sure. I
need to look more into how HDs in general can handle high altitude.

Click to expand...

With a 2 meg camera shooting jpegs I fill about two gigs a month while traveling. If you shoot anything like I do you're going to need five gigs with a D7xx.

20 gig Image Bank or X-Drive is less than $200US.

20 gigs of CF cards are about $8,000US.

--
bob
http://www.pbase.com/bobtrips
New Gallery - Bangkok Turtle Temple
pictures from Thailand, Myanmar(Burma), and Nepal

Hi Bob,

Member said:

With a 2 meg camera shooting jpegs I fill about two gigs a month
while traveling. If you shoot anything like I do you're going to
need five gigs with a D7xx.

Click to expand...

I'm estimating about 70-100 pictures a day, which for my 25 day trip will give me 1750 - 2500 pictures, which in turn requires about 3.5 - 5 gigs of storage for high quality JPEG.

Member said:

20 gig Image Bank or X-Drive is less than $200US.

20 gigs of CF cards are about $8,000US.

Click to expand...

Yeah, that is exactly why I am planning to bring a PHD in the first place. But like you and someone else mentioned, altitude might be a factor for any HD (including microdrives); there's no point to bring a PHD if it is likely to fail, right? In any case, though, there is no way I can afford 20 gigs worth of CF cards. In fact, there's no way I can afford even 5 gigs. So If I end up without a PHD, my only choice will be to cut down on the number of pictures I take.. =(

Actually, looking at your picture gallery, you seem to have traversed some fairly high altitudes in Napel and south-east Asia as well. Has your PHD (I'm assuming you were bringing one?) ever failed you?

Thanks a lot for your help!

Andy

Andy Chiu said:

Yeah, that is exactly why I am planning to bring a PHD in the first
place. But like you and someone else mentioned, altitude might be
a factor for any HD (including microdrives); there's no point to
bring a PHD if it is likely to fail, right? In any case, though,
there is no way I can afford 20 gigs worth of CF cards. In fact,
there's no way I can afford even 5 gigs. So If I end up without a
PHD, my only choice will be to cut down on the number of pictures I
take.. =(

Click to expand...

You can take a Portable Hard Drive. Just don't use it at the higher altitudes.
It should be fine at 3500m, possibly 4000m or higher.

Hard drives are only rated for 3000m, so you might lose warranty protection if you mention that you used it at that altitude.

I would also NOT subject it to any shocks at altitude - make sure it is on a solid surface.

Some mountain climbers have used laptops with hard drives above 5000m, but say it is like driving a car low on oil.

Take enough CF cards to last during your high altitude trips, then transfer to the PHD when back at a safer altitude.

Andy Chiu said:

Andy Chiu said:

With a 2 meg camera shooting jpegs I fill about two gigs a month
while traveling. If you shoot anything like I do you're going to
need five gigs with a D7xx.

Click to expand...

I'm estimating about 70-100 pictures a day, which for my 25 day
trip will give me 1750 - 2500 pictures, which in turn requires
about 3.5 - 5 gigs of storage for high quality JPEG.

Andy Chiu said:

20 gig Image Bank or X-Drive is less than $200US.

20 gigs of CF cards are about $8,000US.

Click to expand...

Yeah, that is exactly why I am planning to bring a PHD in the first
place. But like you and someone else mentioned, altitude might be
a factor for any HD (including microdrives); there's no point to
bring a PHD if it is likely to fail, right? In any case, though,
there is no way I can afford 20 gigs worth of CF cards. In fact,
there's no way I can afford even 5 gigs. So If I end up without a
PHD, my only choice will be to cut down on the number of pictures I
take.. =(

Actually, looking at your picture gallery, you seem to have
traversed some fairly high altitudes in Napel and south-east Asia
as well. Has your PHD (I'm assuming you were bringing one?) ever
failed you?

Thanks a lot for your help!

Andy

Click to expand...

Hard drive heads 'fly' on a cushion of air. If there is no air (or not enough air) they crash into the disk and, well, disaster....

The higher one gets, the thinner the air, fewer molecules per area. That means that the drive has less of a cushion to help it maintain the proper distance from the disk. (Hard drives may or may not be sealed.)

I've used my PHD at around 3,000 meters with no problem. Others have gone higher.

I'd advise to use one carefully. Put it on a nice, stable surface (table top) and don't jar it while it is writing.

If you're really exceeding the limits of the drive, stick it in a sturdy plastic bag (river bag for example), close the bag and apply pressure while writing to drive. I gave this a little try, stuck my altimeter in a cheap, thin produce bag and pushed down with my hand. I was able to 'descend' 1,000 feet before the bag popped. A good bag should let you descend several hundred meters without leaving the room.

--
bob
http://www.pbase.com/bobtrips
New Gallery - Bangkok Turtle Temple
pictures from Thailand, Myanmar(Burma), and Nepal