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Camera equipment

I am an artist and will do sketches with my watercolors, however, i like to photograph also to paint when i go home. I can't carry too much equipment. I hesitate bringing the heavy camera with lenses. I like the cell phone camera. Rick Steves always emphasizes travel light. What do you well travel people think? I could go out and buy a new lightweight Sony camera its expensive? Thank you all for your input. Very helpful.

Posted by
4856 posts

If you like the photo quality of your cell phone, then just use it. I prefer a small point and shoot camera. The newer ones have great photo quality and I can shoot away to my hearts content - each memory card can hold thousands of photos ( I took well over 5000 photos on our 5 week trip this winter.) I don't love lugging around a heavy DSLR + lenses when I'm on a trip that involves a lot of moving around. Why would you want a car camera? Is this mainly a driving trip?

Posted by
4573 posts

I've never heard of a car camera and not sure why to buy one. The ones I saw were not expensive.
I had an older phone and don't like the camera, but I understand some new iphones have better photos than a lot of point and shoots. I do like fine details, so I reduced my bridge camera to a much lighter 30X zoom point and shoot.
One big challenge for any camera is low lighting situations (i.e. intricate ceiling details in churches or mosques). But if that is not your interest, then keep with the phone camera for your landscapes or outside shots.

Posted by
6113 posts

My husband is an avid photographer, which is one reason why we wouldn’t travel thousands of miles comprising on the luggage we take, so we always check a bag. Just using his iPhone wouldn’t be an option. Only you will know what compromises you are prepared to accept.

Posted by
3207 posts

If you only use your photographs for recreations in your studio, I would think you phone camera would be fine. However, why do you have your DSLR? The reason you have it is the key as to whether you should bring it. I take my DSLR, but will usually restrict myself to one lens...depending on the trip, as photography is partially the reason I travel so it defeats the purpose if I leave it at home. I also will use my iPod when not interested in carrying my heavy camera...usually only for hikes up hill, unless the purpose is the sunrise or sunset.

Posted by
69 posts

I like the DSL camera for night photography, and flying birds, but i have other point and shoot fixed lenses where i payed about $200 and $300. I could bring one if those. But recently i took a workshop and people suggested the sony mirror less a6500. Do i need it thats the ?

Posted by
3207 posts

With that information, I'd take one of your point and shoots rather than buying another camera. We have one of those bridge cameras and never use it.