On Tue, 22 Feb 2005 06:24:51 GMT, junktin wrote:

Does anyone have practical experience using a consumer grade digital
camera with high zoom and Image Stabilization on a sailboat (taking
shots of distant scenery or other boats)?

I am considering purchase of a newer camera with 10x or 12x zoom to
replace my 3x capable camera. It occurred to me that Image Stabilization
might be a good thing at these high zooms.

I am considering cameras like the Canon S1 IS, Konica-Minolta Z3/Z5 or
Panasonic Lumix series.

While I read reviews that I.S. really helps remove a bit of "shakey
hand", I am now wondering if the movement on a boat would be way too
much for it and it might over-react giving a worse picture than without
it. (Of course I could turn the I.S. off in this case but if I can't use
it I wouldn't want to pay for it and add that complexity to the
camera, as it is one more point of failure.)

If anyone has used such a camera on a boat, I would love to hear your
comments.

We have used SLR cameras on sailboats for 20 years now. Until a couple
of years ago we limited our focal length to 200 mm and used ISO 400
film (Provia 400F usually).

For the last two seasons we have used a Nikkor 80-400 VR lens. VR is
Nikon's name for image stabilization. It does allow 400 mm on a boat,
and ISO 100 film.

Last year we got a D70 digital SLR and use that along with the F5 film
camera. We have gotten some spectacular bird pix, as well as shots of
a float plane taking off and landing near our stern.

Also, my wife got a Canon IS binocular 8X. It works splendidly on the
boat. Indeed, I am sorely tempted by the 15X model, although retired I
can't afford it.

I haven't tried a P&S camera with built-in stabilization, but the
technology appears to be pretty well established.



Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC

Let's Put the XXX back in Xmas