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I'm wondering what are everyone's thoughts about using budget gear like $100 cameras and other gear around that price versus expensive or higher end gear such as go pro, DSLR cameras and other high end gear. Me personally would love to have higher end gear but, at the same time I love my budget gear such as a low budget Canon Elph camera and a basic north face backpack, a cheap pair of binocs, etc. What are your guys and gals thoughts?
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If you spend out hundreds into thousands on a camera and all the gear but you don't know how to use it, you've wasted your money. The best thing to do is start with budget gear and then move up the ladder when money and skill allows, I went through the full chain of point 'n' shoot, then bridge camera, then DSLR as I got more confident and skilled at shooting and wanted more options when shooting.
People who go straight for a high end DSLR without bothering to learn anything about photography so keep it stuck forever on full auto should just use their phones, nowadays phones are so good anyone can become a semi-competent photographer using one.
There is nothing wrong with budget tripods, for ages I used a dirt cheap budget one but needed a new one when I got my DSLR as the weight was too much, and now I only use Manfrotto tripods - they cost a bit but are very high quality. My backpack I take with me on explores was free, as it was a slightly damaged return from my old work, but it fits all my gear in it very nicely.
It's very worth investing in a decent quality light though, or two. I own maybe five now!
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I agree with above, even outside of exploring a flashlight is useful and you don't want one crapping out on you when you're in a basement somewhere. Like, 70$ max unless you're getting one of those huge ones. No need to spend tons on personal gear, just wear whatever's comfortable and protective. First aid kit if you're clumsy and paranoid like me. On that note, none of y'all should be walking around without a tourniquet on account of the broken glass and metal.
As far as cameras there are plenty of real experts out here so listen to what they say, from the perspective of a photography noob who uses point and shoots and film you can still capture beautiful images without spending thousands. Working up to the pro level and having the knowledge to use them is part of the fun.
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Start with a cheaper DSLR as it holds the most amount of features for practicing photography.
From there move up as you learn.
Or, if you want to move down point and shoot film cameras are a fun alternative to a traditional digital point and shoot or phone camera.
“In my restless dreams, I see that town…” | |
Agree with everyone here... expensive gear is no use at all if you don't know how to use it, or if its cost makes you hesitant to take it out in the field.
I'd go with a used, entry-level DSLR (a few hundred bucks, maybe) and a couple lenses. It'll have all the functions you need and then some, though some very important ones will likely be secreted away in annoying menus instead of buttons on the camera body itself. You'll know when it's time to upgrade ;)
I wouldn't take an expensive backpack or really technical clothing like fancy Gore-tex : they'll get dirty, torn and/or contaminated. I might get a courier bag, however, so you have your gear handy without taking off your backpack.
If you're exploring dangerous areas with a lot of debris (underfoot nails, sharp metal), wear work boots with steel-lined soles and toe-caps. This will come at the expense of some stealth, though. In most places you might be fine with normal shoes, if you watch every step (sometimes easier said than done).
You don't need just one good light... you need at least:
- ONE really good light, and;
- at least one other reliable light source, and;
- spare batteries for both (even better if both lights use the same battery type)
Sturks:
First aid kit if you're clumsy and paranoid like me. On that note, none of y'all should be walking around without a tourniquet on account of the broken glass and metal. |
If you're planning on using a tourniquet (not that you would), make sure you know how to use one: they cause an insane amount of pain and might lead to the loss of a limb if you're not careful. Still better than bleeding out...
edit: 1) I had left out two verbs, which made sentences unclear. 2) added the work boot info
[last edit 3/14/2021 11:23 PM by roue_libre - edited 2 times]
The best time to explore was [however long] ago; the second best time is now.
– Chinese proverb | |
People say expensive gear is better because it lasts longer and thus saves you money in the long run. But I don't think those people put their equipment through quite the rigours that we do.
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Posted by Steed
People say expensive gear is better because it lasts longer and thus saves you money in the long run. But I don't think those people put their equipment through quite the rigours that we do.
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Well, there's quality gear and there's expensive gear. There's usually correlation, but only to a point. Don't think you're getting "better" gear - much less gear that's well-adapted to UE - just because it breaks the bank.
"All gear, no idear."
That flashy-ass down jacket might look good for an after-ski beer: not so much in the bottom of a coal mine or leaking feathers all over a bando.
The best time to explore was [however long] ago; the second best time is now.
– Chinese proverb | |
Posted by roue_libre
Well, there's quality gear and there's expensive gear. There's usually correlation, but only to a point. Don't think you're getting "better" gear - much less gear that's well-adapted to UE - just because it breaks the bank.
"All gear, no idear."
That flashy-ass down jacket might look good for an after-ski beer: not so much in the bottom of a coal mine or leaking feathers all over a bando.
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True, there is an elusive sweet spot, for virtually all products, between disposable Chinese crap and high-end luxury brand.
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I primarily explore abandoned mines. The environment is hostile to any kind of electronic gear, especially cameras. Through the years I have purchased used cameras that were slightly outdated at a much lower price than new ones. I realize that they have a limited lifespan in that environment, just like the rest of my exploring gear. I regularly wear out boots, ropes, backpacks, gloves, ect. A camera is no different, just more expensive.
I have to agree with roue_libre if you are planning on nighttime explorations. Too many times I've bumped into people underground who were using their phone or a horribly cheap light. Often multiple people "sharing" the same light. That is very poor judgement on many levels. They don't have to be expensive, but they do need to be quality.
Abby
"Government is not a solution to our problem, government is the problem." Ronald Reagan | |
1. what can you afford?
2. you're gonna loose things, break things, and wear em out so consider that
Young Moolah Baby | |
Posted by Steed
People say expensive gear is better because it lasts longer and thus saves you money in the long run. But I don't think those people put their equipment through quite the rigours that we do.
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I put professional level photo gear though some of the harshest conditions on the planet. Would I recommend it to a beginner? Absolutely not, unless they specifically needed gear for a specific circumstance.
Now if they are an advanced beginner, I’d lean toward ‘prosumer’ grade gear as they’re usually notably better built than your beginner/consumer gear. Usually partially or full magnesium alloy bodies, weather sealing, etc.
Budget camera gear is way more capable than people think. At least so long as they understand how to use it properly.
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As for other gear, it really boils down to cost vs performance. Sometimes (rarely) you can find cheap products that outperform high dollar gear. But you should also weigh it against if it might need to get left behind on an explore for some reason (contamination, security/police, etc)
Other stuff like life saving gear/essentials you shouldn’t cheap out on. First aid (if you know more than how to use a bandaid) climbing gear, etc. Anything that your ass might be depending on to keep you above room temp shouldn’t be cheaped on.
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Modern cell phone cameras shoot better than the camera I started out on and decent flashlights are cheap, so honestly you don't need high end gear. That being said, there might come a time when you want to upgrade your setup, but like others have said I'd recommend waiting until you know how to shoot before buying a pricy camera.
Plus there's the issue of financial risk. Anyone who's seen the face of an explorer who just slipped on some mud and dropped their $5000 camera on a rock knows exactly what I mean.
"Sorry, I didn't know I'm not supposed to be here," he said, knowing full well he wasn't supposed to be there.
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best gear is no gear ;)
If there is something I want to do then Ill do it and if there is something I don't want to do than I wont do it. That's the Dandy way baby. | |
Posted by Juxobe
best gear is no gear ;)
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IndoAnomaly has entered the chat.
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Posted by Juxobe
best gear is no gear ;)
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True, ain't nothing quite like exploring in the nude! 
...as this guy and *ahem* others have already figured out:
Bare America - 2020 in Hindsight (NSFW)
https://www.uer.ca...=1&threadid=132677
The best time to explore was [however long] ago; the second best time is now.
– Chinese proverb |
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