Denny

We are planning a trip to Costa Rica in the summer/fall, and would appreciate any thoughts you photographers have on what best to use. I am a long time film amateur, but changing to digital so am particularly interested in your feedback on digital, both P and S and DSLR's. A friend who just returned, commented that we need to plan on low light!

By the way, this forum has been of tremendous help in thinking about what to cover--or how we must limit our trip. Thanks to all of you who contribute, both generalities and details.

RufusTFirefly

We purchased a Canon A-80 for our trip to Costa Rica in January. It took great photos in all light conditions. A bonus: If you hire a guide and he has a spotting scope, you can take digital photos through the spotting scope.

CarolM

When I was in CR last, I didn't yet have my digital camera... however I did somewhat well with 400 film in the rainforest (but not always). I had great success with my camcorder, however.

Now I've got a Canon S50 digital, and though you can increase ISO with the digital camera, you increase noise, as you probably know. However, the tradeoff is that I have a wider aperture on my digital cam than on my conventional SLR. I think you'll enjoy the added flexibility of shooting digital in CR. I would encourage you to check out a great digital photography forum (if you haven't already): www.dpreview.com, and go to forums.

I think that in addition to planning on low light, you should consider protection from the humidity and/or rainy conditions (depending on when and where you go). I was thankful that I packed a couple of ziploc bags with me, for shoving my equipment in while it was drizzling and misty in the rainforest.

crazyb1

We had a friend that had problems with her digital camera last time...we think the humidity and moisture had something to do with it...another friend suggests taking silica pouches and storing with your digital camera when not in use..I found some really cool ones on ebay that you can put in the oven and dry out and reuse....

Denny

Thanks Guys, The silica bag idea along with other protection from the elements is not something I had thought about. With all we read about rain, this could be a real problem for digital, and other cameras that rely so much on electronic.

I think dpreview is a great site, and spend some time on it to reveiw cameras and equipment, but it did not occur to me to check this issue. And using a spotting scope. will definitely ask.

thanks much