Having film developed in Rome before flight back

Yes, what is this "film" of which you speak?

Seriously, it will cost WAAY more to have it developed in Italy. If you're wedded to using film, consider mailing it home.

How about a digital camera?

Definitely digital. Aside from ease (no film or developing worries, less weight, less bulk) you see the results immediately. If it's not right, you do it again. When you get home, you can edit photos so easily, and view them on that BIG computer or TV screen - everyone looking at the same photo at the same time, rather than passing around an album of 3x4's. Or upload them to a website and let everyone view them whenever they want. I only print the ones I want to enlarge and frame, and the savings in film and developing paid for the digital a long time ago. I often open some pix to look at when I'm on the computer, while the albums are gathering dust.

Hi Julie ~ This is too late for you this time, but I purchased a "flim guard" case. My travel agent told me she bought one at our local camera store:$25.99, but then I found one a little less expensive @ a travel store (sells Rick Steve's stuff)for $22.00. They are lead-lined, not very heavy and protect both new and used film cartidges. I love my 35 mm Cannon. It takes much clearer shots than my digital, so it's very much worth it. So sorry about your ruined film. Good luck next time.

very funny...but the reason I have not bought a digital camera is that I got a very nice "regular" camera for Christmas just before digital cameras came in. I guess I will have to bite the bullet and get one though! Thanks to all!

Susie, Julie,

I had a Canon Rebel for years and loved it, complete with extra lenses. When it finally died, I too resisted the digitals and went with the Canon Elan 7, which also gave me great photos. About a year later I got tired of lugging all the weight & bulk (lenses, filters plus the clunky camcorder) and often not having the best speed film at the right moment. So I bought a Sony CyberShot 3 years ago. It's about 75% the size of the 35 mm. Canon had a very similar model at the same price. These cameras feel like the SLRs, have good viewfinders and are easy to switch between auto and manual. They have all the features I loved on my SLR and more. The macro is amazing, as is the enlargement capability. The newer cameras are even better, I'm told.

My first trip after that, I took both the digital and the 35 mm. For 2 days I shot with both, then I started looking at my digital photos on my laptop. I never even developed the 35 mm film! I get better pictures, can take more shots of the same thing if I'm not sure how best to frame the subject or which angle I like best, or with or w/o the flash, etc.

I'm sure that in 2 years the money I saved on film and developing (and batteries - my digital uses std rechargeable AA's) more than paid for the camera.

Julie,, I get it,, I too have an old fashioned point and shoot camera... it is rather pathetic that I had to borrow my 12 yr olds digital camera for a trip I took,, LOL , how sad is that, but, digital is the way to go.
I just can't see getting rid of my old camera though, I mean it works,, but I suppose people felt like that about 8 track players once also...LOL

This is 2008, please invest in a digital camera and you won't have any problems!!!!!! You can get one for under $100.00. Have fun

Julie, I would also strongly suggest a Digital Camera. However, it would be a good idea to visit several Camera stores and speak with different sales people so that you get the best model for your needs. You could also check dpreview.com for lots of information, reviews and user comments on various models. Some of the points to consider are zoom range, wide angle capability and ISO range (some important sites in Europe don't allow flash).

In addition to the Camera purchase, you'll also have to budget for memory cards (be sure to get adequate capacity!), at least one spare battery and a robust case to protect the Camera. I'd suggest taking the owner's manual with you on the trip.

Using digital creates additional issues though. If you have lots of memory cards, you can probably get throught the trip without the need to transfer photos to a DVD. DON'T reformat the card until you've verified that photos are properly backed up!!! When you get home you'll have to develop a method to archive these (hard drives DO fail so be sure to burn at least one DVD copy).

However, if you decide to travel with your film Camera a few imortant points:

You MUST take Film in carry-on lugggage. DON'T put it in checked luggage, as the X-Ray Scanners are more powerful and will probably ruin it. If possible have the Screener "hand inspect" it (it's advisable to remove the film from the individual boxes and just place the small plastic containers into a zip-lok bag).

Try to use ASA 400 Film or slower. The higher speed films (ASA 800+) will be more easily damaged.

There are photo shops in Rome that can develop film ( I saw several when I was there in May). I can't comment on the level of service as I've never used them (I made the switch to digital several years ago). I'm sure your Hotel would be able to recommend local shops.

Good luck and happy travels!

If you still want to take your regular camera get something called Film Safe.It's a secial bag that can hol up to 21 films. I got mine from Ritz years ago for about $15.
I would say film developing would cost you much more in Italy.
As others said, go digital. But I would not buy a camera that cost only $100. Invest another $50 or $70 and get something better, speaking of quality and features. You don't necessary need a camera with high resolution unless you are going to use it professionally. Features are more important than resolution.
Stay away from HP cameras. Their quality is really bad. Go for Canon. I got a Canon A530 about 3 years and it's been good. Never failed.

In general slower speed films do better traveling. Developing there will cost a lot more than doing it at home.

Digital really is a better way to go. You will probably spend as much on film and developing as a new digital camera will cost. Plus you save the bulk, weight and worry of carrying all your film around with you.

The first digital cameras didn't have great quality, they used way too many batteries and were expensive. Now the cameras and memory are cheap, the quality is really good and the price for a good camera with a lot of features is affordable.

Why doesn't somebody answer the ladies question, namely where to get film developed in Rome and an idea of the cost?
Some people may prefer film and don't need a tirade about why you think digital is better.
(I am not biased against digital. I own four digital cameras, 3 pocket size and a DSLR with 4 lenses, all of which travelled with me to Europe.)

William is correct...we're not helping Julie with her question. Isn't there somebody that knows the name and location of a film developing store in Rome?

On a related note, I would like to listen to music on the airplane on an upcoming trip to Italy, and I listen to this music on headphones attached to a large Dejur Grundig reel-to-reel tape player I carry with me. The tape player is about the size of a carry-on and weighs approximately 21 pounds. Will it be a problem getting this onto the airplane?

William et al, I tried to answer Julie's question by providing information on both options - digital and film. I felt that providing relevant facts on both would allow her to make an informed decision on which option she wanted to use for this particular trip.

Julie, good luck and happy travels!

William,

Maybe nobody here knows where in Rome and how much developing film costs.Don't you think about that?
We all tried at least to give Julie some ideas, in my opinion better because of the cost involved and other things.

Thanks to everyone who gave me info and suggestions. I have plenty of time to make a decision. I'll definitely be using a lead lined bag if I decide not to go digital. Again, thank you to all.