I agree.  My little Kodak CX7530 fits in my shirt or jacket pocket.  I have taken my not-quite-SLR Canon Powershot G6 along in the tank bag a few times, but:

A) It's a

hassle to unpack it and pack it away again every time I stop for a quick photo.  If it ain't convenient, you ain't gonna USE it as much as you could / "should".

B) For the most part, I share my photos online - at 640x480 or maybe 800x600.  I don't need 7 megapixels for that.  (I guess I don't really need 5 either, for that matter!   )[/list:u]  I'll probably bring the G6 and its extra lenses, etc. when I make special trips to places that I haven't been before, but for every day ... 5 megapixels in a small $169 package is great.

Most guys don't brag about their small package...

I had an Olympus 3.0 that I was going to use for my knock-about camera, but I eventually gave it to a friend - I would just take the Kodak everywhere.  I didn't want to find a really good photo op and not have the best camera I could afford on hand.  When I eventually have the money for an SLR, I'm going to insure it and get a honking big tank bag that can carry the thing everywhere I go.  But photography is a big hobby of mine.

I kind of made a mistake buying a Maxxum 800si with an average size lens (28-105). It is an excellent camera but too big for my normal activities. But I know of riders that carry a camera of this size.

I carry a Kodak EasyShare CX7430.  It's 4.0 megapixels.

I've started tuckng it into the side pocket of my tankbag.  Now I can pulll over and snap a shot without even turning off the engine or taking off my gloves or helmet.   :mrgreen:

I like the Kodak EasyShares because they take AA batteries.  I got some NiiMH rechargeables and get 200-400 shots on one charge.  It's wickedly easy to use too.

Quote from: daneilahI like the Kodak EasyShares because they take AA batteries.

Only some of them...

IMO, this is The Camera Review place; side-by-side and in-depth comparisons:
http://www.dpreview.net/

my vid cam setup with suction cup mounts

I just bought a Fuji F10.  So far it has been a good camera.  Small, battery last for a long time and it takes good pictures.   Any time other then commuting, I take the camera.


Example of pics here:
http://kokomosam.smugmug.com/gallery/631830

Small trip from Chicago up into Wisconsin and back.  ~250 miles


Sam

I have a sony that is a water proof cam they dont make it anymore. But always have one

Joe

Always carry my ultra compact Minolta Dimage X - definitely small enough to not be a hassle at all.

In addition, when I will be leaving on Thu Jul 7 for my vacation tour to Dubrovnik, Croatia, I will mount my DV camcorder on the DIY tripod, strapped to the GS by a ratchet tie-down:



more pics, some test movies & comments can be found at this link

Quote from: ginoemy vid cam setup with suction cup mounts

I have that same camera!      

Damn, now I gotta figure a way to mount it to the GS.....   ......

your solution is just above your question

low cost dept store DIY tripod

not only do i take it when i ride, i usually have it anywhere i go, just ask my friends i can't live without my digi cam.

I was actually thinking something a little more forward...

Then I can still lay down.   :lol:

A more expensive option is also the camera mounts that are on eBay. I don't know the seller off hand, but he sells lots of them, and has the proper size for the GS500 as well. Mounts to the bolts on the gas cap.

I've got 2 video cameras 1 JVC for the tank mount system and a Sony for my soon to be purchased helmet cam plus a casio digi still camera the jvc also has external power cord to plug into a cigerette lighter which i have mounted under the seat (Thanks for the idea Kerry).
But I dont carry them all the time as its quite a lot of camera and mounting gear to carry so only use them for big trips.  

Quote from: girlracernot only do i take it when i ride, i usually have it anywhere i go

Good going!  If you don't have your camera with you when you go to ... oh, the pet store, for example ... how will you ever get a picture like this?  :lol: