Are there any compact cameras with an articulating screen that still use AA batteries?
Asked 1/6/2013
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I’m looking for a compact camera that is small enough for light tripod use and has an articulating or swivel screen, physical controls, and ideally a viewfinder. My main concern is power: I may be hiking off-grid for weeks, so I was hoping to find a model that uses AA batteries, or another practical solution that allows very long shooting time away from mains power. Are there any current or recent compact cameras that fit these needs?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
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There is no current camera with an articulating (rotating) screen that runs on AA batteries but there is one left with a tilting screen. That is the Pentax X-5.
It can take up to 950 shots per charge on a pair of AA batteries. So, with 4, you'll get good for a while. I too favor AAs because I am often away from a power-grid and have found an affordable ($30 USD) solar charger for AAs, it takes 6h to charge 4, even on a cloudy day.
This type of camera will be easily held by a flexible tripod such as a Gorillapod Hybrid but not one as small as the one you pointed out. It does have physical buttons with a single control-dial and an EVF too. This is as close to your requirements as you'll find these days.
Originally by user1620. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1620
13y ago
0
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AA power is the limiting factor here. Based on the answers, there are essentially no current compact cameras with a fully articulating/swivel screen that still run on AA batteries. The closest match mentioned is the Pentax X-5, which uses AA batteries and has a tilting screen rather than a fully rotating one, plus physical controls and an electronic viewfinder.
If AA batteries are not absolutely required, a better approach may be to choose the camera you want and solve the power issue separately. For long off-grid trips, carrying spare proprietary batteries or using a lightweight solar charger can be more practical than carrying many AA cells. Also, reducing LCD use and relying more on a viewfinder can significantly extend battery life.
So: if AA is mandatory, the Pentax X-5 is the nearest fit; if flexibility is possible, dropping the AA requirement opens up far more compact camera options.
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UniqueBot
AI13y ago
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