TMC

You say you’re a novice and want a camera with a good zoom, capable of dealing with different lighting condition, don’t want to spend a lot of money, and you don’t think you would use it very much. I think dileep gave you the best answer, a Panasonic Lumix FZ300 or FZ200. No other camera in that category can boast a fast f2.8 across the entire zoom range. If you look around you can find the Lumin FZ200 for just under $250. The 24x zoom is the equivalent of a 600mm lens. That camera is a great choice for not a lot of money that can produce quality photos when you’re shooting in Alaska.

 

 

Also as mskaufman said, regardless of the camera you buy take it out and practice with it.

 

 

If you think you’re going to become a serious amateur photographer in the future then you might consider a DSLR camera.

I really do not see myself becoming a serious amateur photographer and just don't think I would use the camera enough to make it worth spending a lot.

The high zoom bridge cameras sound like a good compromise. I have been looking at the Panasonic 200 and 300. I notice the 300 is weather sealed and that may be good for Alaska. Also weather sealed and more zoom is the Fuji Finepix s1. Just not sure if I would be happy with the 24x zoom or want the 50x of the Fuji. Or maybe the weather seal isn't such a big deal? If not, there are also some Canon, Nikon and Sony options.

Thoughts on these?

Thanks,

TMC

What do you consider low-light?

That is a good question that got me thinking. I often read in reviews about low light performance and figure that I need it but maybe not. I can think of times that I have taken photos in low light conditions that did not turn out well. I would say things like a dimly lit room indoors or possibly in a museum, etc.

I really do appreciate all the advice I have gotten here.

TMC

I have been doing some research and have used CNET for reviews in the past for electronic purchases and been happy with their information. Any thoughts from the photo experts here on their reviews?

Being a novice I like the idea of not having to change the lens to get a great zoom. I was also hoping to improve quality in low light situations but these two features don't seem to come together. I am guessing that when zoomed not much light will be "getting in" but can I expect decent low light performance when not using the zoom?

It looks like there are some trade offs between the mirrorless and DSLR. I notice more frames per second on mirrorless, which may help me get a great whale pic.

Thanks,

TMC

Thanks so much for these great suggestions. I will research them further.

TMC

Thanks for all the info so far. I was thinking of $500-$600.

TMC

Cruising to Alaska this summer and would love to get some great photos. I do not know anything about how to use a DSLR type camera. I have an older Canon point and shoot but my iphone probably takes better photos.

I think I need better zoom and a way to deal with different light conditions. Really don't want to spend a lot as I do not believe I would use it too much. Any thoughts for me? Thanks.

TMC

I believe it was also $75 in July when we booked. Did they send you an amenities invoice with your original confirmation?

T

The worse thing about SeaTac is the TSA. It has to be the worst in the US. Always long lines.

We are grabbing a red eye flight home so we can take our time disembarking and see some sights. Anyone know if TSA lines are better then?

T

Pretty sure that Jenseib had this room. Her great (and very long) photo review is here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2247368&highlight=gold+skip

Found the Jewel dailies - thought I had seen them in the review by Jenseib. For 2015 on Jewel captain photos were at 5:45 on Day 2 (Sunday).

T

Just saw your post again and noticed you want Jewel to Alaska and I had Pearl to Alaska info. Maybe a search for Jewel dailies will help you. Sorry :(

Here is a daily with Captain Photos listed at 6:30 on day 2....

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=353196&d=1434995467

T

Thanks for starting this thread and for all those who replied. I have been wondering the same thing.

Had a similar question in a different thread, so apologies in advance. But this thread seems more directly related. ;)

 

I have 2 interior cabins next to each other (Me, wife, 3 kids -- family of 5 -- couldn't afford the family suite when I booked) for a sailing.

 

When NCL does an upsell, they get $ for the upgrade, and they get to resell the original cabin that was now vacated. I assume they do this because perhaps as they get closer to sailing, the odds of selling a suite to the public might get risky, whereas there might be more general demand for a regular cabin. Therefore, they reduce the risk of potentially sailing with the suite unsold.

 

So..... my question is... let's say they they are willing to offer someone with an interior cabin $1000 (total) to upgrade to a family suite (sounds like this happens occasionally). Since I have 2 interior cabins, wouldn't this be to NCL's advantage to offer that deal to me, for less? In other words, if they charged me $500 instead of $1000, now they have 2 interior rooms available to resell, instead of just 1. And they'll make more in the long run.

 

Seems like it's worth me pitching this to the upsell representative. :) But I'm new to this, so please correct me if I'm missing something in my logic here.

 

Thanks!

Don't really know how they think. Maybe they figure they will not sell any more cabins at all at that point, so why not try to get more money out of existing passengers? And get them hooked on nicer rooms (balconies, suites, etc) fir the future....

On the website for passport info, it states that if you do not have a primary photo ID such as drivers license or expired passport that you can use a combination of secondary documents including expired license, school ID, etc.

Not sure if it would help, but do you have or know if his DL was ever photocopied? Sometimes that is done for work, medical files, etc. It may not help, but couldn't hurt to have.

T

I have 2 inside rooms, as I have a family of 5.

 

I wonder if an upsell into a family suite would be in NCL's interest and might make me a nice offer, given that instead of freeing up one room, this would actually free up 2 rooms for them to re-sell.

 

Has anyone been through the same scenario or heard of that happening before?

 

I'm guessing this is just wishful thinking. :) :)

I think I read another post a while back on this forum that you would need to "cancel" the second room and lose what you had paid (or just keep it and upgrade the other one).

T

I have read in some other posts here that the railroad has high capacity and they can add cars if needed. Just saw the other day where someone had to book the Deadlisest Catch tour through the cruise line as booking direct was sold out. FYI on NCL I think it was about $50 or $60 more to book through them :(

T

If you booked through an NCL PCC, can you or should you check with them or just call the number mentioned above?

Thanks,

T

There is one in Skagway called Sled Dogs, Gold Panning and 40 Below where they give a demo/show equipment and you can hold the puppies. See around pages 36-38 of the review below for more details and photos.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2247368

Has anyone done a Gray Whale watching tour? (Offered through Major Marine in Anchorage)

 

This falls under the "now that is different" category for me. (Which apparently makes me stop & think about it...):roll eyes:

 

(I've done a whale watch tour in New England, so the humpback tours don't excite me...)

Unless you are a "student" of whales, you may find watching grays and humpbacks similar. They are close in size and you will notice the same blows, view of back and tail fluke when diving. For something different you could try an Orca watch out of Victoria. Do note that the odds of seeing Orcas on these trips is much less than the guaranteed sightings of humpbacks in Juneau.

T

If 2017 pricing pattern is like Alaska 2016 was, you may see lower prices around March, April or May of this year.

T

Thanks for all the replies. Not exactly a consensus on this, but thinking that unless we plan a hiking or all day excursion, we may skip the rain pants.

T

NCL fare may go down, I watched the Pearl fares for June 2016 for a while. When first published in Dec 2014 balcony was $2639pp then was down to $1699 by the end of March. Started going up in May and has continued upwards and many categories already sold out.

I really like to be prepared but don't want to spend a lot on things we would not likely get much use out of. DH, DS (14) and I will be on the Pearl in June. Plans include whale watching in Juneau, helicopter glacier trip in Skagway, walking around Ketchikan and finding a beaver tail pastry in Victoria.

We each have a three in one type jacket for rain and cold and will pack some warm things (gloves, hats, etc). DH has golf rain pants that go over clothes - DS and I have nothing even close, not even quick dry pants. Should I start shopping?

Thanks,

TMC

Marlind brings up a VERY good point.

 

Since the airline changed your Flights to an Earlier time...

 

You should call them and ASK for a Later Flight.

 

Airline should do this Without an increase in Fare.

(At least thats how it Should work.)

 

I would Call the airling asap, and inquire about changing to Later, versus taking their earlier flight time they moved you to.

 

THEY made the change, Not You. Not your fault.

 

I agree with those above, who say, Don't risk a 10:30 Flight time.

 

CALL & get the airline to Give you Later Flights.

The airline is not obligated to change you to a different flight, especially since the time change is only one hour (not a lot to them). Hopefully if you explain the situation and very politely request a change they will honor it. If not, thank them and call back later - yes this has actually worked for me with Delta in a similar situation. The sooner the better as flights may be filling up. Good luck!

T