Category: Electronic Gadgets

  • Review of the Leica Geovid 10 x 42 HD-B EDITION 2200 Binoculars

    These binoculars are marketed as the Leica Geovid 10 x 42 HD-B EDITION 2200 model.   Leica’s “Geovid” range of binoculars all feature integrated laser rangefinding.  The “10×42” indicates that they are 10 power magnification, with a 42mm objective lens.  The “B” in “HD-B” means that they have on board ballistics software.  (I assume that the HD […]

  • Micro 4/3 Update: Olympus OM-D E-M1 ; Olympus 12mm-40mm f/2.8 Zoom Lens ; Olympus 75mm f/1.8 Prime Lens

    Review of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Camera;  Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Zoom Lens; and the Olympus 75mm f/1.8 Prime Lens I have been a proponent of Olympus Micro 4/3 camera systems for a long time.  The flexibility of having an interchangeable lens camera that is a fraction of the size of a traditional DSLR is great […]

  • Suunto Ambit 2 Saphire (HR)

    For over a decade, I’ve used a Suunto Vector watch with built in compass and barometer/altimeter.  I’ve been pretty happy with the Vector, but have always thought that having a wrist-top GPS would be useful.  About 6 or 7 years ago, I bought a wrist-top GPS, but ended up getting rid of it because it […]

  • Ricoh GR Pocket Camera

    I am a big proponent of using small, compact cameras when climbing.  Although I sometimes take larger, interchangeable lens cameras with me on climbs, there are many circumstances where the bulk and weight of a big camera doesn’t make sense.  If I’m climbing something difficult, I will often opt for a pocket camera.  Even if […]

  • Olympus OMD EM-5 Camera System

    The Olympus OMD EM-5 Camera   (15.3 ounces) I’ve been using an Olympus PEN E-P2 camera for several years now.  It’s a micro 4/3 system camera that accepts interchangeable lenses.  The sensor is half the size of a full frame sensor, so the “crop factor” provides the field of view equivalent to that of a […]

  • Outdoor photography gear update Part 1: Pocket Cameras

    Outdoor photography gear update Part 1:  Pocket Cameras  This update addresses Pocket Cameras.  A follow on update will address Micro 4/3 system cameras and lenses, including the new Olympus OMD E-M5 I almost never go into the outdoors without a camera.  I love taking pictures of the places I visit and the things I do.  […]

  • Phone, GPS, and Emergency Beacon

    Casio Commando Android Phone with Backcountry Navigator Software (5.4 ounces)   Delorme inReach Satellite Communicator  (8.6 ounces) For many years, I didn’t even own a cell phone or a GPS.  I didn’t take a cell phone to work, much less into the backcountry.  Given the uncertainty over cell coverage, it didn’t seem worth the extra weight.  These […]