Are we all mad?

[Raskill]

I was just reading an older thread about travel kits, and what gear we all choose to carry while on the road.

Having just travelled across the US, the biggest hassle I found to taking photos was carrying a DSLR with suitable lens.

So, I bought a Nikon P7000 for my travel camera from now on. Rather than lugging a DSLR about.

My theory is if I am able to more easily carry a small unobtrusive camera, I am likely to get more shots.

Curious to hear others opinions; a DSLR or good quality P&S....?

[gstark]

Alan,

Great question.

The issue I see is one of compromises: My phones all have cameras built in, plus I took a PHD and a Cisco Mino HD camcorder, in addition to the D300 plus glass.

For images, I mostly used the D300, because it's the only solution that lets me take control and pull in an image of technologically superior quality. Subject matter and quality of the images is a different question altogether.

Seriously, the problem I have is that the quality that we get from PHDs is not yet where I'm comfortable having a one to use for my primary imaging source. I do accept that at some point in the future technology will overcome my objections in that realm, but for the moment, and with my (lack of) skills, SLR is the way to go.

And that means I have to pay the penalty of carrying around all manner of stuff.

C'est la vie.

[Raskill]

I agree, the lack of quality is an issue from P&S's, plus, a big trip over seas isnt a common occurrence, so you might only get one chance to get the right image. I worry so much about missing the image, or it not having the clarity I want due to a crap camera.

I think the reason I went for the P7000 is it's creativity, allowing you to easily under expose, while shooting using the flash, letting you correctly illuminate your subject, while underexposing sky or background. Awesome. You can easily mount a small sb400 for fill light also. Both fit nicely in the pocket I really think I have found my happy medium for the time being, and I was getting really annoyed changing lenses etc while on the road before.

So, for me, I have found the answer (for this week at least).

( Mr Rockwells comments on the P7000 )

[ATJ]

I'm with Gary on this. I hate not having a DSLR with me when I spot a photo opportunity. I have even taken to carrying my D7000 with 60mm lens and monopod on most dog walks just in case. I could easily fit a small zoom in the carry case and for me it is not much more to carry than a P&S.

[PiroStitch]

I'm still trying to find the perfect travel combo for myself. Yes lugging the gear around for quality pics is a hassle, but well worth it IMHO. The weight of the gear is indeed an issue, which is why I've gone down the rangefinder path (well that's one of the reasons).

[chrisk]

i have gone down the road of smaller more compact cameras to take with me when travelling and have been terribly disappointed with the results. so i now have my d5100 and 35DX and its as small as it comes for dslr, have awesome video and the IQ as superb so i have no regrets. i have my lx3 if i really wanna go light but if its anything more than going to the local park then forget it, d5100 it is.

[aim54x]

I vote that we are all mad!!

On my last trip I took....
-D60 + 16-85VR - and complained silently about not bringing something brighter
-Samsung EX1 - which met all my expectations and some
-Fuji F100fd + underwater casing

and my girlfriend brought
-D40 + 18-55 + Tamron 90mm

Between the two of us, even though I had opted to leave the D300/S5 Pro at home we still had a bit of gear and a startling 4 cameras between 2 people.

As for the P7000, it takes a great image, but with the original firmware I found that it could be a bit sluggish (I think they fixed it though). Enjoy it!

[Raskill]

Just a thought.....

Are we also living in the past? My P7000 takes an image as good as my D2h bodies, that were professional bodies just 2 generations old.

Do we suppose that a good quality P&S isnt capable of quality shots?

[gstark]

That's just how technology evolves.

And if you reread my earlier post, You'll see where I said that the technology is bound to get better in the future. You're confirming that this has occurred, with a 6 years old pro camera now being largely matched by the newest PHD.

[Raskill]

For sure....

I'm as guilty as anyone, assuming that the DSLR will take the better image. Their will be people in this forum still using the venerable D70, who utterly love their images, same as I really like the contrasty images that come out of my old D2 bodies.

I guess I have now come to the conclusion that that the P&S is a better option that it used to be!

[gstark]

I guess I have now come to the conclusion that that the P&S is a better option that it used to be!

But will it be a better option than a current DSLR? You've compared a 6yo DSLR with a current PHD. That sounds about right to me.

[NeoTiger]

My preference, and indeed what I've bought, is a mirrorless interchangeable. In particular I'm using the NEX-5, and it compares very favourably to my main DSLR which is a Nikon D90.

In terms of sensor quality, it's definitely no worse than the D90. It does lack some features, but takes good photos. Main difference is just the availability of lenses.

[gstark]

The NEX-5 is a very nice camera.

On Wednesday we were at a Sony Dog and Pony, where they had the newest toys, and ... way cool ... a third party lens adapter with a lens from an old school camera. And by old school, I mean old school.

So, get the Nikon adapter and use your Nikon glass.

[glamy]

I must be mad . On my last trip to France I took the D3S, 17-35, 28-70, 70-200, 24pc, 85, sb800, plus accessories. I mostly used the 28-70 and the 70-200. Really was not too bad but I am considering getting something like the D7000 with maybe the 20-120 (new one). I had no need for external storage with 100GB in cards.
I forgot to mention the Sigma 180 macro with focussing rails that travelled in my wife's carry on bag.

[Murray Foote]

I don't understand this word compromise. On my reent trip to Patagonia, Antarctica, Falklands, Iguazu Falls & Easter Island I took D3s, D3, 14-24, 50mm f1.4G, 85mm f1.4G, 105mm f2 DC, 180mm f2.8 AF-D, 300mm f2.8, TC20 III, tripod, monopod plus accessories. Also 17" laptop and 3 750GB ESata drives. Lens I used least was the 50mm 1.4G. Most used was 300mm f2.8 but used all the rest when available.

[NeoTiger]

The NEX-5 is a very nice camera.

On Wednesday we were at a Sony Dog and Pony, where they had the newest toys, and ... way cool ... a third party lens adapter with a lens from an old school camera. And by old school, I mean old school.

So, get the Nikon adapter and use your Nikon glass.

Yeah definitely, I do have some adapters to use with various lenses. Just usually prefer to have autofocus, but the NEX does do a pretty great job at manual focus (especially with the latest firmware upgrade).

[gstark]

I don't understand this word compromise.

com·pro·mise/ˈkämprəˌmīz/
Noun: An agreement or a settlement of a dispute that is reached by having your arse kicked in by the other party.

Just trying to help, Murray.

[Murray Foote]

Ah, now I understand....