The Camera

For a very long time I have been contemplating the camera I should use for my treks. I do not like middle ground so its a decision between a great DSLR or an ultralight point and shoot; the question is which one?

On most of my trek's there is someone taking pictures but I think there will be value in taking pictures yourself for a collection and for preparing better logs.

After quite a bit of study I think I found two really great camera's, I have used both of them and found them to be great. The idea behind these camera's is to obtain light weight high performing systems.

• Cannon Power Shot A2500 
• GE Power Pro X500-BK

The Cannon Power Shot A2500 was the lightest camera I could find weighing at 125 grams and very small in size. However it's ability is rather primitive, but it is a sure shot winner when it comes to low weight.

The GE Power Pro X500-BK is almost 3 times the weight of Cannon but boasts superior features specifically its 15X optical zoom.

Both camera's can be fitted with standard memory cards and cell's.

I have field tried both the systems and found them to do what they say best. The question I want to answer is should I go ultra light or should I take something with a little more punch.

Communications

Today I want to talk about my communications mechanism.
In my first trek I took with me an iPhone 5, There were a number of issues such as battery life and the fact it got wet and it was super expensive to get it repaired.

An ideal choice would be to have a communication matrix using radios or satellite phones, each beyond my financial means if I have to support an entire expedition.

I have hence reverted back to a cell phone. I went for a cheep Nokia cellphone whose battery lasts weeks. I also obtained a sim card adapter, further instead of using a solar charger I bought spare batteries.

As it stands my communication system consists of -

1. Nokia 105 cellphone - This is a super light super cheep model with a great battery life of almost a week. http://www.flipkart.com/nokia-105/p/itmduzgqekwxmthn?pid=MOBDKYZKQPYFNCZ7&
2. Nokia BL-5C spare batteries - Spare charged barriers for the phone. For short treks I do not carry a charger. http://www.flipkart.com/nokia-battery-bl-5c/p/itmczczaxy8yxhpy?pid=ACCCRHTQWCNZFRCT&
3. Sim card adapter - Adapts my nano sim to a regular sim for this phone. http://www.amazon.com/Micro-Normal-Adapter-Apple-iPhone/dp/B009B9YWB4
4. Solar mobile charger - Used on longer trips. In theory I would take an iPad on one of such trips. I use a FactoryDirectPro Solar charger 5000mAH http://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B00H3ZW85A/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1