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RTW Trip - Buying a DSLR Camera - Worth it?

  • 03-08-2007 10:35am
    #1
    Gings
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 38 ✭


    Hi Folks,
    Planning a RTW trip in October, and want to buy a digital SLR to capture as much of it on camera as I can. My question really is, Is it worth the hassle, carrying it around, possibility of theft, always having to mind it.

    Has anyone travelled with one, and how did they find it?

    No sure if I should have posted this in the photography section, but I'd like to have the opinions of people who have done this, both beginners(like me) and real camera junkies!

    Many thanks
    Gings


Comments

  • #2
    bugler
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,446 ✭✭✭bugler


    I'm sure plenty of the photography crew will have travelled about, so I suspect this thread will end up there. For what it's worth, I'd say maybe shelling out on a decent Point and Shoot digital that fits in your pocket might be a better option. But only you know really if you need a DSLR...I suspect if you're not that serious about photography to date or don't yet own a SLR/DSLR than there may be no need to buy one just for travel.

    That said I'm loathe to tell anyone not to buy a DSLR, I've never regretted buying mine. I just think that shelling out in excess of €600 on something relatively bulky for the RTW might not be the best course of action. If you do get one look at getting it insured.
    Has anyone travelled with one, and how did they find it?

    I've brought mine to many places, but only on relatively short trips. It never really hindered me, but they were generally relaxed, stress free hotel-holidays. And even then there were times where I'd have liked to just stick my camera in my shorts pocket, but couldn't.


  • #3
    Benedict XVI
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,377 ✭✭✭Benedict XVI


    bugler wrote:
    I'm sure plenty of the photography crew will have travelled about, so I suspect this thread will end up there. For what it's worth, I'd say maybe shelling out on a decent Point and Shoot digital that fits in your pocket might be a better option. But only you know really if you need a DSLR...I suspect if you're not that serious about photography to date or don't yet own a SLR/DSLR than there may be no need to buy one just for travel.

    That said I'm loathe to tell anyone not to buy a DSLR, I've never regretted buying mine. I just think that shelling out in excess of €600 on something relatively bulky for the RTW might not be the best course of action. If you do get one look at getting it insured.



    I've brought mine to many places, but only on relatively short trips. It never really hindered me, but they were generally relaxed, stress free hotel-holidays. And even then there were times where I'd have liked to just stick my camera in my shorts pocket, but couldn't.

    It's really up to yourself.

    Don't buy a DSLR and only use the automatic option. A good point and shoot will do that for you.

    If you are really interested in taking good photos take a photography course (night course or something) after you buy the DSLR

    It will show you how to get the most out of any SLR (shutter speed, apature, dof etc)


  • #4
    Glowing
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,851 ✭✭✭Glowing


    Hi Gings,

    We bought a Canon 350D over in HK, about halfway through our RTW trip. We then took it to Oz/NZ/Borneo/Malaysia/Singapore and Fiji .... yes it was a bit bulky and since the camera was worth both our packs put together, we had to take it everywhere with us! It was like a child!!! That was maneagable however since most of those places had decent secure accommodation, unlike beach huts etc in Thailand/Vietnam. Not sure if I would have been as confident bringing it through those countries. Where do you put it when you're going for a swim?

    However it was well worth the effort, and a great choice if you're interested in developing your photography skills - we got some great shots. Not saying we wouldn't have with a point and shoot, but for us it was great having the decent optical zoom etc.

    From a theft point of view, its only a bit of metal. The valuable part is the memory stick. Keep that seperate from the camera when possible, and back the pictures up regularly (easy when there are so many internet cafe's with DVD burners around). Put it on your travel insurance as a named item also ..... and you should be able to claim back the full value should it get nicked (god forbid!)


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