To take the DSLR Camera to Italy or Leave it Home?!

I pack (fairly) light and still bring my compact camera for pictures. I want the better quality of my camera and the ease of taking quick photos. I don't want to take my phone out all the time (or keep it out all the time) to take pictures. I'd much rather risk dropping/losing my (inexpensive) camera than my phone, which has all my documents and itineraries and maps and trip plans. I upload my photos each night, so at most I would lose that day's worth of photos.

To answer the question in your shoes, I'd ask myself questions like how expensive the camera is relative to the phone? Which takes better pictures? Do I need the better quality for whatever I will do with my pictures once home? etc.

For years I took my non-digital SLR in a special SunDog case, plus a bunch of rolls of film, plus a point-and-shoot camera for quickie shots. I later got a compact, waterproof/shockproof Olympus digital camera, and took just it, until it started malfunctioning, then got lost before I could repair or replace it with another actual camera. All this before getting a smartphone, which is still not the center of my universe. You may be very different, but my old photos and negatives are sitting in a box on a closet shelf, and the iPhone photos from the past 3 years worth of trips are either still on my phone or were downloaded onto disks- sitting on a shelf. If you value taking high-quality photos with customized settings, then your fancy camera may be indespensible. And it’s not like you’d be bringing a crate of photo gear with you. But I understand my iPhone 6 (and newer versions) have all kinds of supposed adaptable creative settings that I haven’t even tried to learn how to use. I haven’t been a “selfie” person, 40 years ago or now, but I’ve still just stuck with the iPhone lately. Too bad... I have a bunch of what were really nice lenses in their day, tripods, flashes, etc., just collecting dust.

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texan,

I also face the same question when travelling, and so far the decision has always been to haul the large DSLR on trips. I've found over many years that it's almost essential for travel as it has the flexibility, lens choices and settings to get the photos I want. I also pack along a compact P&S camera for "backup" and for use when I go out in the evenings. I've found that iPhone cameras leave a lot be be desired, and have significant limitations in low light conditions or with moving subjects.

I accommodate my DSLR in my carry-on, along with other essentials. I've packed along a compact Manfrotto travel tripod on some trips, and that goes in my checked luggage.

I have always taken mine. I find photography enhances my trip - some people tell you that taking too many photos takes you out of the moment. Possible, but for me I use the camera to find interesting angles and to really LOOK at where I am. Composing a shot makes me pay more attention. Plus I don't buy souveneirs very much, and I don't really like to journal. My photos are my main trip memory. I print some, others I have as a TV or computer screen saver, or just in albums on the computer. I find I do look at them frequently. For me, I can't get the photos I want on a iphone camera. Some people can, phone cameras are pretty good nowadays, but somehow I can't. If you feel the same way, the camera is worth it.

I would suggest limiting your lenses - a lot of the weight and hassle is in the lenses. If you can make do with just one lens and leave it attached, that's the easiest. I have an 18-140 3.5-5.6 that does most of what I want. I do have a 35mm 1.6 that is better for darker locations, I sometimes bring it out at night but otherwise leave it in the room. There are occasions in dark churches where I wish I had it, but not enough to justify carrying it all day.

I carry the camera in a regular cross-body purse. Thicker strap, otherwise it gets heavy. If you don't take a lot of other stuff you don't need a huge bag.

My husband is an avid photographer. He has ditched his heavy Canon and gone for a “lightweight” DSLR camera that, with lenses and filters weighs a mere 11 kilos with his laptop, which is his piece of hand luggage. No would he go anywhere with just his iPhone as a camera. I have ditched my Canon compact and just use my phone. We always check a bag between us and have a piece of hand luggage each. It’s your call, really. What would you be happy with?

If you are more concerned about packing than the photography (as your question seems to intimate), then I guess you are not into the photography enough to miss the DSLR if at home. But if you photography as a hobby and really enjoy it, then take it. You don't have to carry it every day.

If you are really into photography and would like to take high-quality photos you wouldn't even be considering leaving your DSLR Camera at home. I think photos shot with an iPhone look great but they don't do enough justice to the beauty of Italy. I say bring it with you and just pack light with your clothes.

I am a dedicated light packer - have not checked a bag in decades and I often fly budget airlines with strict weight limits. However, I would never even consider leaving my camera at home. But I don't bring the heavy DSLR. For years I've used a bridge camera (Panasonic FZ line) which I loved, but the most recent versions are almost as big/heavy as a DSLR. So now I', using a micro 4/3 mirrorless (Panasonic G7). Lighter than a DSLR, still has interchangeable lenses. But for travel I only carry one, a 28-300 equivalent. Besides not liking the weight to carry around (and for airline purposes) I don't like to stop and change lenses. If something like that is still too big/heavy for you maybe look at some of the smaller bridge cameras. There is a lot out there between a big DSLR and a phone camera.

For many trips I will bring my travel superzoom - love my Panasonic ZS50. But I just knew that 1/2.3" sensor would severely limit me, especially in the evenings so I brought my lightweight Canon SL2. Even with the kit lens, it will take infinitely better pictures. I also brought a 24mm pancake and a 10-18mm UWA and glad I did

While you could do OK with your iPhone, you might regret not bringing a "real" camera

Thanks. Yes, I like many others who used to take lots of great photos with a real camera, have succomed to the ease of an iPhone. But I think I've been convinced this is a good time to get back into using a real camera and lens for this trip. It is sort of a trip of a lifetime for our family, so I do think it will be worth the hassle of toting it around.

Mira and Ken pretty much summarize my position. Photography is a large part of my trip and, as Mira says, I feel it helps me really look at an area as I decide on composition, etc. If the landscape is dramatic; ie, Greece, I'll take my 15 to 85 lens, which is a heavier lens but well worth it for amazing landscapes. If I'm basically in the city, I'll take two lenses, my 50mm and my 10mm. I carry it in a regular travelog purse with whichever lens I decide on that day...if I've brought the two lenses.

Exactly what Isabel said, above. I am a light packing enthusiast (yes, that's a thing. I just made it up!) In fact I just created a video post about how to travel personal item only (not carry on item only, PERSONAL item only).

That being said, I will bring my camera 100% of the time. Photography is part of every travel experience for me.

Thankfully I have switched to a small mirrorless, but even when I only had my big Nikon DSLR I took it with me everywhere.

So yes to the camera.

texan,

A bit of further information to add.....

My usual travel camera kit consists of only two lenses, a 24-105 medium range zoom and a 10-22 wide angle, and of course a spare battery and memory cards. I've added a 70-300 zoom on a few trips but find that I hardly ever use it (although it has been really useful on a couple of occasions).

While it would be nice to replace the larger DSLR with a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, I'm on a pension now so finances are certainly an issue. I've got a considerable investment in my present system, and can't really justify spending a small fortune on a new camera system just to save a few pounds. The investment would have to include all the lens, batteries and other accessories, and from a cost-benefit perspective that just isn't going to work for me.

Unless you are really a semi-professional photographer whose happiness is taking photos, leave it home. The phone will give you very nice memories. Besides, you should be LOOKING and SEEING rather than photographing, right?

RS' advice is right: pack light!!!!!

I have not taken my dSLR on a trip in years. In fact, every time I see someone struggling with their bulky photo gear, I affirm I could never go back to lugging my gear around.

I used to travel with a full-size camera body, a good 16-85 and 10-20, and flash. Total weight was about 7 pounds with dedicated Lowe camera backpack. In reality, I found that this made it MORE difficult to get good shots and negatively impacted the experience for myself and traveling companions. For instance, if I saw a good potential shot, I often stopped, got the camera out, possibly changed lenses, waited for the right moment to shoot and then run to catch up with my companions whom were into the experience rather than catching the perfect shot. Consequently, The only time when I really was able to do a photo focused outing was when I was alone.

Four years ago I bought a high quality compact point and shoot with an excellent, fast lens. I use the Sony RX100. The small size lets me quickly get a great shot without being intrusive to those around me, The pocketability meant I was able to quickly get shots I would have missed otherwise. I can shoot in RAW when I want maximum editing potential.

In short, even though dSLR photography has always been a hobby, when traveling i found it to limit my enjoyment of the experience. Go light and go fast for one trip and see how you like your photos afterwards. You might find, like me, that they actually improve as you downsize your gear.

The funny thing is that, after our most recent trip to Paris, I noticed that most of my favorite photos were actually taken with the iphone. So I am now wondering if I go with this alone next time.

My photos are an important part of my trip so I take my DSLR when I can. I only travel with carryon and my camera is packed in a large purse as my personal item. NEVER put it in your luggage as carryon can often get gate checked. I only pack one walk around lens and no flash. When out and about it is around my neck, not packed in a bag so not a hassle to get to. Be sure to get a comfortable neck strap.

Hi! I took mine for my two weeks vacation last month and I didn't regrate it for a minute.
I love the pictures I took . They are my most treasured souvenir!

I get that a DSLR can be heavy and that seems to be the hesitation you have. But Italy is a rare type of trip filled with photographic possibilities. If ever you will want your DSLR, this is it. Have a comfy strap and limit your lenses. I carry one lens with a nice wide to zoom range. And while I agree that iPhones take very nice photos, they don't even come close to the quality and range that a DSLR provides. Especially conditions like low light (inside churches) and zoom (architectural details).