Thanks to our camera finally starting to crap out, we'll be shopping for a new camera this week so that we can take advantage of Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales. I'm not exactly sure what is out there right now, and I'd like some advice from those of you that travel frequently.
We are planning to take a Mediterranean cruise in 2015 but in the nearer future we are going on a cruise in March and taking another trip with friends to Napa. I also have an Etsy shop so I need a camera that would be good for product listing photos. DH wants to buy a DSLR, but i feel like that would be too bulky to carry around during trips and excursions. He said we should buy both a point and shoot and also a DSLR. Overkill, right?
We never use our p+s anymore! between the DSLR and our phones. I have a Nikon D3100 and I love it! It doesn't feel so big and bulky now that I've had it for a while - definitely not an issue.
I can't be bothered to carry a DSLR, so I have a Canon Powershot with a decent optical zoom and low-light shooting. It's basically an older version of this model. I never really plan to blow up any of my photos to wall-size, so I've been more than happy with it on all of my travels.
Post by msgeeksout on Nov 25, 2013 15:14:17 GMT -5
I can't do the DSLR thing when traveling - too bulky. I have a Nikon Coolpix p510 (newer model is the p520) that I use. It's a bridge so I can get away with all the p&s shots if needed or I can go in for manual if that's what I want. Not too bulky either. That and my iPhone get me by exceedingly well.
Regardless of camera I backed a Kickstarter last year at this time for the Leash & Cuff (https://peakdesignltd.com/leash-cuff/). These straps are AMAZING. I adore owning them. Especially with the Leash which converts easily to a crossbody making the camera easy to haul around. I definitely recommend them!
Post by pinkplasticdoll on Nov 25, 2013 19:45:40 GMT -5
I have a Nikon D60 that I love and carry around with me on vacation without issues but I can see how people would think they are too bulky. Honestly I would head to Best Buy or whatever big name electronics store and check out what they have in the camera aisles, there are some great cameras from Nikon,Sony and Canon that are a bit bigger then a P&S but not as big as a dslr and take great pictures. The nikon 1 i think would fit your needs so I would check it out.
PS - One tip from when I was shopping for my current camera: Bring your own SD card with you. For the brands that use SD cards (and this was a consideration when I was shopping; I'm not a fan of proprietary memory cards), ask the staff if they'll let you put your own card in the floor model (this sometimes requires detaching the security cable, because it can block the entry point). Then after you take some test shots in the store, you can take the card home with you and evaluate the quality on a proper screen. Otherwise, you're stuck comparing image quality on a tiny screen, and you might accidentally be swayed by a model that happens to have a better display rather than a better image overall.
I have a Cannon G10 and a Panasonic Lumix. We used to travel with a big Nikon SLR and it just got to be to much of a hassle. It became more about taking a picture, which to use, and less about enjoying the moment of being there.
Post by mrsericnorthman on Nov 26, 2013 17:00:48 GMT -5
I travel with my DSLR (Canon T2i) and Canon G10 all the time. The DSLR seems bulky (I don't have a kit lens on mine. The lens I have is longer and heavier) and annoying at first but I got used to it. Buy a special cushy neck strap because the stock one will hurt your neck.
If the excursion involves physical activities (like, rock climbing, four-wheeling as example)or when it's REALLY pouring out, I'll bring the Canon G10. Having a pricey camera around your neck can be limiting.
Post by alleinesein on Nov 26, 2013 19:12:14 GMT -5
I have the Sony DSC-HX9V. Its a few years old but it does its job and I love it. There are more current models that have the same features. One thing that I love is that it uses both the Sony Memory Stick Duo PRO and a standard SD memory card. I use mine mainly for concert photos and I love how it photographs in low light.
I got a compact digital system for my birthday this year. It has the same sensor size as a DSLR, but is about the size of a point and shoot. I love it and it traveled really well.
Post by sunshinedaydreams on Nov 27, 2013 18:58:41 GMT -5
I have both. I use my Canon T2i for trips like Safari, Inca Trail, etc. where I really want the increased zoom, focus, clarity. I agree it can be bulky sometimes, but the quality of the images I get with it are worth it to me. I use my Canon point-and-shoot for video, when it's raining, when we're doing active things (rock climbing, snowboarding, etc.) and when I just want quick snapshots of something close up. Really, I like the diversity of having both and the option of which to use based on where we are and what I'm taking a shot of.
Our last big trip was to Japan for 3 weeks in May 2011. We carried a Canon P&S (older model, just crapped out this year) and a Nikon dSLR. I was pleasantly surprised how nice the Canon P&S pics came out.
Thanks for all the replies, ladies! After reading through your comments, Etsy comments, and a crapton of Amazon reviews, I bought a Canon SX260. Seems good so far - used it last night for a holiday party at our house.