Beginner camera for climbing photography

Halide does raw as well.

Newest update to the pixel phones (or maybe just google camera?) allows for a ton more settings and the ability to shoot in jpeg and raw. I have the pixel 2 and it takes some pretty damn good pictures. Combine that with the night sight that is coming soon to the camera and it could likely replace a dslr or mirrorless in most cases as long as you aren't printing larger pictures out. I shoot with a KS-2 (love it minus the Aperture control block failure issue...) and my pixel 2, the pixel 2 does a really good job...

I'll echo all the guys saying mirror-less.  I carry a Nikon V1, with two lenses in a bag that fits inside my helmet in my pack.  I've thought about switching to something better, but it's light, it takes great images still, has fantastic battery life, and can be packed small enough, to not be cumbersome on a long trek, or clipped to a haul loop on my harness.

Tim Stich wrote: Canon SL1? Sheesh, that thing is huge. You climb long routes with that?

If you want to go from phone to something better but retain the convenience and small size, I would suggest a good quality point-and-shoot camera and a soft case with a shoulder strap. That way, you can climb with it on you at all times. This system has worked well for me over the years and if you are religious about using the wrist strap when you remove the camera from the bag, you won't drop it mid pitch. Also, a cheaper point-and-shoot will leave you less worried about destroying it. The shoulder strap allows you to rotate the case in chimneys to keep from crushing it. Keep a ziplock bag in the side compartment to waterproof the camera in case of rain.

Oh, and I had destroyed at least three cameras before figured this system out.

Actually, I only bring the SL1 on single pitch, but the only reason is I don't currently have a decent system for climbing with the camera.  For multipitch, I bring my Olympus TG-4, which I clip to my harness with no case.

And the SL1 is huge?  You've got to be kidding me - that's one of the smallest DSLR's on the market.

I'd bring the SL1 on a big routes only if I was not leading, and I wouldn't even waste time free climbing with it.  I'd be jumaring most, if not all the pitches.  At that point, the reason for that is the focus for me isn't the climbing, it's taking pictures.  Otherwise, I'm just bringing the point and shoot and taking pictures for the hell of it.

Nathan Hui wrote:

Actually, I only bring the SL1 on single pitch, but the only reason is I don't currently have a decent system for climbing with the camera.  For multipitch, I bring my Olympus TG-4, which I clip to my harness with no case.

And the SL1 is huge?  You've got to be kidding me - that's one of the smallest DSLR's on the market.

I'd bring the SL1 on a big routes only if I was not leading, and I wouldn't even waste time free climbing with it.  I'd be jumaring most, if not all the pitches.  At that point, the reason for that is the focus for me isn't the climbing, it's taking pictures.  Otherwise, I'm just bringing the point and shoot and taking pictures for the hell of it.

I used to lead multipitch ice (to WI5+) with either a Canon 20D/10-22 or a 5D/17-40.  And I've done a lot of rappeling/jumaring with a SLR and motordrive in the film era.  What is critical is an effective waist pack--I used a Photoflex Galen Rowell waist pack which is no longer made.  What most people don't realize is that SLRs are much easier to handle than phones or P&Ss, especially while using gloves.  They're immediately responsive, quicker to get in and out of cases (if you have the right case--the Photoflex used velcro to close the top when you're in a hurry (e.g. ice coming down), and zippers for more security), and the controls are easier to manage.  They are very easy to use one-handed.  I dislike using my P&S on climbs, and abhor trying to handle my phone one handed.  There are a lot of phones that get dropped--they're small, but they have hideous ergonomics for taking photos.  P&Ss are a little better.  If I want photos, I take my DSLR.  If I might take a snap, then my P&S.  My phone goes for safety communication, and can be used for snaps if needed.

Sony RX100 is the move

so much love for the rx100...why no love for the canon equivalent g7x with the larger focal range?

Stever wrote: so much love for the rx100...why no love for the canon equivalent g7x with the larger focal range?

Both are great options.  The RX100 is lighter, less expensive, more compact, and has better battery life, but the two are still very comparable.

Nathan Hui wrote: And the SL1 is huge?  You've got to be kidding me - that's one of the smallest DSLR's on the market.

Huge for personal carry on a long route. You can bring a view camera to the single pitch crags if you want. I have a Samsung NX2000 for crag usage but it's the lens of course that makes it too bulky to do more with, unless it's a dedicated photo thing. You bring your best camera for that, whatever it may be.

Skibo wrote:

I used to lead multipitch ice (to WI5+) with either a Canon 20D/10-22 or a 5D/17-40.  And I've done a lot of rappeling/jumaring with a SLR and motordrive in the film era.  What is critical is an effective waist pack--I used a Photoflex Galen Rowell waist pack which is no longer made.  What most people don't realize is that SLRs are much easier to handle than phones or P&Ss, especially while using gloves.  They're immediately responsive, quicker to get in and out of cases (if you have the right case--the Photoflex used velcro to close the top when you're in a hurry (e.g. ice coming down), and zippers for more security), and the controls are easier to manage.  They are very easy to use one-handed.  I dislike using my P&S on climbs, and abhor trying to handle my phone one handed.  There are a lot of phones that get dropped--they're small, but they have hideous ergonomics for taking photos.  P&Ss are a little better.  If I want photos, I take my DSLR.  If I might take a snap, then my P&S.  My phone goes for safety communication, and can be used for snaps if needed.

Yea, I'm just missing the waist pack...  Oh well, guess I just need to spend more money.

Serious alpinists discussing mobile-phone photography: https://www.facebook.com/alpinistcolinhaley/photos/a.112526542288546/956898451184680/?type=3&theater

I carry a Canon G9X and a DJI Spark that I use for my climbibg vlog (check the quality at https://youtu.be/IjoeN_cOMZE - interview sections with Canon 70D though, and a few GoPro shots too).

It is light weight and easy to use, so I can actually bring it on longer climbs.

DSLR is simply too bulky and heavy.

For size and portability, depending on the type of shots you want, a GoPro can be pretty good. Some of my favorite shots are from my sons hero 4. Not awesome but with some tweaking afterwards they can be pretty good.

Huge fan of my Sony RX100 V... until I lost it off a cliff. The new VI has a huge zoom to 200m... Really impressive cameras (though I havent used the VI) and the menus take a bit to learn with Sony. Really impressive specs in a pocket size form. Also saw a Alpha recently with compact lens (no zoom). Impressive but I think I'd stick with the RX line for action and landscape. The RAW files are great to work with...

Stever wrote: so much love for the rx100...why no love for the canon equivalent g7x with the larger focal range?

The focus system on sony is top notch, the video specs are far beyond canon's dreams atm...

Chris treggE wrote: For size and portability, depending on the type of shots you want, a GoPro can be pretty good. Some of my favorite shots are from my sons hero 4. Not awesome but with some tweaking afterwards they can be pretty good.

That's a great shot from the Needle!

Roy Suggett wrote: Depending on where and what you climb, and how in to photography you are, here is an option.  I climb more than take pictures.  Where I often climb is icy, wet, sandy, and rough in a chimney.  So...after loosing a few good cameras all mentioned above, I went small, tough, sealed, and cheep.  Look at an Olympus Tough (water and shock proof).  Not the quality of most of what is mentioned above, but not horrible, AND it is still working many Hlater.

Had one of those it was awesome.  Unfortunately not as waterproof as they advertise.  Make sure you seal it correctly and there is no dirt in the seals.

Mikey Schaefer wrote: I’ve owned many different cameras in a lot of different form factors.  If I had to choose one that I had to use the rest of my life it would be the Sony A6500 with the 16-70 f/4.  It looks good enough for most of the professional work I do and is still small enough that I don’t hesitate to throw it in my pack.  With the right case it is very easy to climb with and doesn’t get in the way even on harder bigger climbs.

It is a good starting point if you decide you really do like taking pics.  There are a lot of good lens options for the Sony now and with a lens adapter the options are amazing.

Oh, and Keh.com that was recommend up thread is a great option.  I actually try to buy all of my stuff used and from them.  Another good option is FredMiranda.com. Probably the largest market for used photo equipment.

What would you consider to be the "right case" for some of those harder/bigger climbs that keeps weight down but is still fairly durable? 

Most camera cases are way over built for climbing.  And in all reality I just don't think cameras need to be as padded as most people think.  I've tried almost every system under the sun and have found a couple options that work for me.

For a A6000 series with a pancake lens or the 16-50 kit lens I use a neoprene case from Optech.  

For my slightly larger A6500 with the 16-70f/4 I use a waist belt pack from Eagle Creek. (that isn't the exact model..)

And then for my fullsize A7 with a 2.8 lens I use Patagonia fly fishing hip/chest pack which I don't think they make anymore.  But here is a pic of it.

EDIT:

And I should mention that I've customized all of these options to some extent.  I added an over the shoulder strap to the two smaller ones.  4mm cord on the smallest and 3/4" flat webbing on the medium size.  I just cut some stuff off the patagonia one.  None of these bags are what most people would consider padded.  But I've been shooting professionally for 13 years and I yet to damage anything while using these cases. 

Mikey Schaefer wrote: For a A6000 series with a pancake lens or the 16-50 kit lens I use a neoprene case from Optech.  

For my slightly larger A6500 with the 16-70f/4 I use a waist belt pack from Eagle Creek. (that isn't the exact model..)

And then for my fullsize A7 with a 2.8 lens I use Patagonia fly fishing hip/chest pack which I don't think they make anymore.  But here is a pic of it.

Mikey, is your A6000 + pancake your go-to for the alpine? Have been considering basically that setup (with either 16 or 35 pancake) as an alternative to hauling the full frame SLR. Seems like you could stow it away really well.