I am quite a keen photographer - having completed my photograph a-levels, i've got both a big DSLR a Nikon D5000 and a film camera, a minolta 7000 and i enjoy using them both although i do tend to prefer the film effect from my MInolta. I'm going travelling in March with my best friend for 3 months and am contemplating what technology to bring. My friend will be bringing a small compact digital camera, so my first thoughts that i would buy a 'toy' camera, like a disposable camera except one thats re-usable and just buy roles of film as i go along as i don't mind carrying the extra weight. But my friend pointed out that if her camera broke/got stolen/lost/ran out of space/ we'd kind of be stuffed. Would you recommend me buying another digital camera so that we've got 2, or do you think it would work using film. I guess i could do both, but i'd prefer not to.
Thanks for your help!
I wish digital was more widely available when I went rtw. As long as you have a way of recharging the batteries and downloading pics when the memory gets too full, it can't be beat. You don't have to worry about running out of film or finding good film on the road. Or carrying countless rolls of exposed/unexposed film, or worrying about x-ray at the airports. Shoot as many pics as you like, and whatever you don't like, delete. I wouldn't take the Nikon, though. Get a good point and shoot, Like a Panasonic Lumix for example, so it won't break your heart or your bank if something happens to it.
I'd disagree with #1 and take your dSLR. As a keen photographer, surely you want the best quality images possible? What's the point of having the equipment if you're not going to use it?
Ive travelled with my dSLR now on several overseas trips and can't understand why you'd own a dSLR and not take it on a trip. People seem to come up with all kinds of reasons not to take a camera.,...
I'm not planning on taking my Nikon - its incredibly bulky and having lugged my film and digital camera around morocco for 2 weeks with only a small rucksack to carry (compared to the massive one i intend to take travelling) and that was hard enough. As you said i dont want to risk it getting damaged and i'm not going travelling to take pictures necessarily i just enjoy it and definitely want to document what i see and do. I hadn't thought about the x-ray machines either, and it would definitely be more of a risk taking film to see whether the photographs had actually worked once they'd been developed. I'm thinking maybe take 2 disposable cameras and then buy a small portable digital camera so i've got the best of both?
I think digital cameras would suffice. And just get extra memory cards and perhaps batteries (if your using the AA digital cameras). 2 digital cameras sound like a good idea.
Just take the D5000 and if you are worried about bulk, get a single zoom lens for it to suit your needs. Carrying film cameras will film IMO is a bigger hassle than carrying a dSLR. I have both a 35mm and a MF film camera but I never travel with them. Way too much hassle.
I've traveled with my Nikon D80 + 2 lenses and it's been great to me. The pictures are worth the extra weight, and as long as you have common sense and don't flash it around all the time you should be fine.
2 disposable cameras? For a 3 month trip? Please don't do that to yourself. Get a good Point & Shoot digital camera like a Canon Powershot S100 or Fujifilm X10, and if you want to shoot film as well, then there are a plethora of good options that aren't disposable and are now very cheap compared to digital.
Maybe something like a Fuji Natura Classica if you want to get a really premium (and small) film camera.
There are some P&S absolute beauties out there - that just fit in your top pocket, for a bit of petty cash.
Film cameras really are becoming so obsolete now - and even more so, the roll film that's needed for them.
Sure if it's a "Throw away" you're looking for, then it'll already have the film in it. However a trip for three months with a throw away sounds like no fun at all - to me.
Get a small P&S with (say) at least 7 or 8 mpix and perhaps 8x zoom - along with a decent memory card or two. That way, you've got everything you need to take a good shot - and you won't be cluttered up with a bucket load of disposable cameras, when you can't find anywhere to get them developed. Plus, of course, what are you going to with all the negs?
A small P&S will surely work out cheaper in the long run - too, as well as taking better pics.
Incidentally, airport x-ray machines are generally "Film-safe" nowadays - and anyway, if the film/camera is wrapped in a bit of tin foil, that'll make doubly sure it won't get damaged.
trusted partner
