Traveling with a nice camera

[FrozenSunshine]

I've taken my DSLR to S. Africa and Eastern Europe and haven't had a problem. As long as you have it in a case of some sort, you'll be fine through security.

I have a purse that is designed to hold my camera and two lenses. I like it because most people have no idea I'm carrying a camera.

For S. Africa I took this bag and used it as my day pack as well while we were out on excursions and safaris.

www.ebags.com/product/lowepro/versapack-200-aw-camera-backpack/151405?sourceid=adwids&couponid=79248966&gclid=clvv1u3xjbacfqf_hwod-xi2qa

No recs on cameras I'm a Nikon gal

[dutchgirl678]

I always take my dslr. I have a Lowepro backpack that I take as hand luggage as I often take a laptop as well. There are also really nice camera bags out there that look like oversized purses such as the Epiphanie bags and the Kelly Mooire bags or the JoTotes which are a bit cheaper.

Besides getting a nice camera, think about getting a nice walk-around lens. A large zoom factor is nice but usually at the zoom end the aperture is really high which means it's hard to get a fast shutter speed in low light and leads to blurry pictures. I have the 28-75mm Tamron f/2.8 which means that it can go down to f/2.8 at either end of the zoom range. Love that lens! It's available both for Nikon and Canon and costs about $400.

[ILikeSloths]

I recently bought a DSLR and took it on a 4 week backpacking trip to Central and Eastern Europe last month. I was worried about lugging it around at first too because I didn't want it to be heavy or misplace it on such an active trip but it was so worth the extra effort. And honestly, even though it was slightly heavier than usual it wasn't that much trouble because I usually carry a purse when I travel anyway and didn't have any issues keeping up with it.

Getting a nicely padded camera bag that's comfortable to carry is very helpful. Like the PP, I have a bag that looks like a purse. It's the Kelly Moore B-Hobo, can be worn 2 ways (over the shoulder or cross-body), and I love it: kellymoorebag.com/womens/bhobo.html. I carried it on the plane and put it under the seat in front of me. While sightseeing I wore it whichever way I preferred that day and didn't really even have to worry about pickpockets because it has a zipper and a flap that folds down.

I'm a DSLR beginner and love my new Canon Rebel T2i. I find it to be very user friendly (moreso than the Nikons I played around with, but that's just personal preference) and easy to learn. I would highly recommend it for another beginner like myself.

I think it's worth it and you should take the plunge!

[dutchgirl678]

You're welcome! Another tip, I also bought a cheap handbag at Kohl's for $15 and some foam at Joann's and made my own. It wasn't as nice as my Epiphanie, but the Belle is kind of big. The JoTotes look perfect in size and price.

[sunshinedaydreams]

I actually worry more about where to store it when I'm at dinner or times I don't want to carry it with me more than I worry about damaging it carrying it around. The biggest thing I look for is to make sure there is a digital safe in the room where we're staying.

In terms of carrying it around, I have a bag similar to this one that I really like. www.amazon.com/Case-Logic-SLRC-205-Camera-Sling/dp/B002ISXBFI/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1337492354&sr=8-8 You can also get a cheap UV filter and put it on the lens when you're not using it. That way if it gets scratched, it's cheaper and easier to replace.

In terms of a camera, I'm a beginner and I love my T2i. I would probably stick with that one and not pay more for the T3i since there isn't a lot of difference. I'd put the money saved toward a nice bag and/or lenses.

[travelingturtle]

I've travelled with my dSLR a ton. I don't have any other lenses than the one it came with, but I just wanted to share my agreement that they are more resilient than they seem. I brought it with me on a 3 week trip to China and the Philippines. I only packed a small carryon and a tote bag and I kept my camera in the tote bag most of the trip and nothing happened to it. I brought it to the beach, used public transport, went to super-crowded areas. I don't think anyone thought anything of value was in that cheap tote! I do have a camera bag, but didn't really have the space to bring it. I have travelled with the camera bag and I usually end up taking the camera out and just putting it in my purse or backpack anyway during the day.

[hz80408]

I took the plunge and got a Canon T3 in January and I'm in love with it. From my research for the type of stuff I wanted to shoot, it wasn't worth the extra money for the T2i. justcallmehaha.blogspot.com/2012/01/it-pays-to-wait.html

I took it with to Western Europe in March/April and had no issues. I considered buying a nice/new camera purse, but in the end I ended up just opted for a neoprene fitted case and I really love it. Now I'll put my camera in any purse when I need it.
www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/830450-REG/LensCoat_LCBBBPU_BodyBag_Bridge_Purple.html

[Brit]

I agree with the others, it isn't a big deal to carry around a DSLR and, in my opinion, the better pictures are totally worth it. I have taken mine many places, even up Mt. Kilimanjaro. Although we have several camera bags, my favorite camera carrying method is similar to Publius', I like to wrap mine in a sarong or camping towel and put it in a ziploc freezer bag in my purse or backpack. I do the same thing with the lenses that I am not using.