Photographer: Mike Yoder

Camera: Pentax Optio S (Set on program mode)

Doug Hitt, Lecompton, center, shows a security guard a photo ID to gain entrance to Fort Riley. Cyclists with Bike Across Kansas were allowed access through the historic section on their route from Chapman to St. Marys.

Lens: approximately 35mm

ISO: 100

Aperture: f3.9

Shutter: 1/100

The proverb “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” is a good way to describe the satisfaction I had with my small, nonprofessional, digital camera that I carried with me for my recent Biking Across Kansas trek.

The professional gear I use for the newspaper would have weighed me down considerably, and it would have been unwieldy to have with me at all times.

But my pocket-sized, point-n-shoot proved invaluable. It was always within reach in a pocket of my cycling shirt, enabling me to grab shots with one hand in less time than it took me to get off my bicycle. In fact, I took several photographs from my seat as I coasted along.

The photo above I took quickly, still on my bike, after passing through the Fort Riley security gate.

My suggestion, when considering cameras for vacations, camps or just a walk around the block is to take the camera that is easiest to carry and access.

You’ll use it more often. Plus, if a bird lands in your hand, the other hand is still free to take the photograph.