Budget friendly road trip camera for Yellowstone?

[KFhunter]

I don't have anything other than a cellphone and a 20yr old point n shoot

[jrebel]

I run a high optical zoom point and shoot and love it.  Mine is better part of 10 years old and is still running strong. 

Here is a good example. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=high+optical+zoom+camera+for+sale&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS909US909&sxsrf=AJOqlzUdBFXb4BHi29c_DiLa8681fpTEUw:1675626028525&source=lnms&tbm=shop&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi6nNOxkf_8AhUUOkQIHXIlA9kQ_AUoAXoECAIQAw&biw=1536&bih=714&dpr=1.25#spd=2401996065937275045

[Twispriver]

We bought one of the Cannon Rebel DSLR packages from Amazon and it seems to be a great little camera. We've added a couple of lenses and filter package since we bought it so if I were going to do it again I'd just buy the camera without the accessory package and add what you want separately.

[pianoman9701]

I don't have anything other than a cellphone and a 20yr old point n shoot

Most of the cell phones that have come out in the last 5 years take very high quality pictures. Why would you need anything else for just one trip?

[KFhunter]

Honestly?

Boneaddict and Brute 

I won't be able to get close to a lot of stuff I want to shoot, like a wolf or grizz

[jrebel]

I’m no photographer but……the DSLR cameras I have owned end up sitting on a shelf as I’m to intimidated by them.   They are also large and bulky so they never left the truck.  When I did use them, I left it in auto mode….at that point a good point and shoot with 40x optical zoom was a better choice.   The 40x optical zoom gives way more reach than the standard lenses that come with DSLR camera packages.  I have used one like I posted a link to above, many times and often take it on scouting trips with me.   

Cell phones don’t have the zoom capability unless you buy a phone scope in conjunction with a spotter….at which time quality os sacrificed.     

[KFhunter]

 

You're probably describing me pretty well jrebel!

I think my old camera like that with a good zoom is like 4 mega pixel - it was a $600 camera, but 15-20 years ago

That Cannon PowerShot SX70 HS is 20.1 MP and still $600

[dreadi]

Based on what you’ve been using, get a new iPhone.


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[nwalpineguide]

I'm no expert photographer, and don't know cameras from man-hole-covers, oddly enough though my photos have been published a dozen times or so. And there is some very good advice in the above threads.

Here are some kindly suggestions: this for budget minded users.

1. Use a tripod and take still photos, landscape or portraits, on a timer.  A 10 second delay should suffice. Your images will be tack sharp!

2. Any modern Phd (Push here dummy), aka point and shoot consumer camera in the $150.00 - $200.00 range will give good service. Think high megapixel count but balance that with type of sensor; CMOS or CCD.  A DSLR will be more expensive (the good lenses very much so). Either way, use a tripod.

3. Frame your shots with a SUBJECT in mind. If subject is far away zoom in. If subject is close, zoom in enough to isolate subject and eliminate distracting elements. Use a tripod.

4. Attempt to shoot landscapes at dawn and dusk for phenom lighting conditions. Use a tripod.

5. At the risk of repeating myself, focus and expose for the bright light or shadows, and... here it comes, USE A TRIPOD!

Safe travels and enjoy Yellowstone.

[Pnwrider]

My dslr and telephoto lenses have been shelved for years. Planning a Yellowstone trip this summer as well and I’m gonna go with a phone scope or like adapter with the spotting scope.

[jackelope]

I’d look hard at tripod and spotting scope with some sort of phone mount. I’m liking the Magview for simplicity, but it seems to be getting mixed reviews.  That’s probably the only way you’re going to get half way decent pics of wolves and grizzlies. Your bigger challenge will likely be seeing them at all. Maybe they’re more prolific now than they were when I last went to Yellowstone.

I’d also personally cave to the iPhone if you haven’t already. The cameras on the newer iPhones are pretty frikkin amazing.

[pickardjw]

Have you looked at renting? A friend went to Yellowstone in December and rented a lens for his camera body. I imagine there are some shops in the Spokane area that offer a full rental package.

[Brute]

I don't know what your  budget  is. But a lot of people are selling off their old dslr and going  mirrorless.  You could look on  craigslist or other site's to check what's available to your  liking.

[Ricochet]

Be very careful. Brute showed up at our mule deer photography camp years ago packing a P&S, got bit by the wildlife photography bug, and now has more camera gear than God.  "Catch and release" hunting can become an expensive habit. 

[KFhunter]

Sounds like a successful camp 

I decided to just get a new phone and spotter 

[boneaddict]

    My Mrs. takes wonderful cell phone pics.   Sky is the,limit for what lens’ you could use on such a trip.