Am I Wrong (Page 4): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-yIYzEySWU&list=PLeusu09QwV9DziGlaCxfmt7WNRs5QqGC9&index=9 On a vacation like you are describing I would be reluctant to go with...

epd1947

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-yIYzEySWU&list=PLeusu09QwV9DziGlaCxfmt7WNRs5QqGC9&index=9

On a vacation like you are describing I would be reluctant to go with just my iPhone - but is it possible to do so? - sure, all a matter of personal preference. You might consider purchasing a high end point and shoot like the SONY RX100 V if you want to combine much higher image quality than your phone camera can capture but retaining a small enough size to slip in a shirt pocket.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

epd1947 wrote:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-yIYzEySWU&list=PLeusu09QwV9DziGlaCxfmt7WNRs5QqGC9&index=9

On a vacation like you are describing I would be reluctant to go with just my iPhone - but is it possible to do so? - sure, all a matter of personal preference. You might consider purchasing a high end point and shoot like the SONY RX100 V if you want to combine much higher image quality than your phone camera can capture but retaining a small enough size to slip in a shirt pocket.

iPhones are incredible, for what they are. But they have one serious limitation. Lack of zoom and telephoto lenses. Even the "telephoto" lens on my 7 Plus is just a 55mm equivalent FOV. When it's not enough, it's not enough. Other limitations are related to the small sensor, short focal lengths of the lenses, weak flash, and no variable aperture.

When I want to be serious, I take my GH4 and two zooms. It's a very light kit, and gives me a good compromise between flexibility, portability, image quality, and several other measures of suitability. But I always have my iPhone, anyway. It does too many other things to leave it at home.

SteveLew Loc: Sugar Land, TX

I know what you mean about carrying a DSLR with you on your day to day travels. However, there are other alternatives rather than using your smart phone. For example, you would get better photos from a bridge camera or a light mirrorless camera and have more latitude and dynamic range than a smart phone camera. We will be traveling to Portugal and Spain in July and I plan on bringing the yet released Fuji X-t20 and the 18 to 55 mm lens which will give me ample opportunity to take some creative photos and 4K videos and still be small enough to fit into my smallest camera bag. This Fuji camera also has wifi so that I can send the photos captured by my Fuji and send them to my smart phone if I want to share my experience to my family or friends.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

Woodworm65 wrote:

Going to Italy, Switzerland, and France and will b... (show quote)

Carrying a DSLR with a few lenses became cumbersome for me as well, particularly with regard to travel well out of my locality. I decided to get something smaller that I would not mind carrying for days at a time. I chose the Olympus OM D E5 MkII that I purchased at substantial savings, refurbished, directly from Olympus. Great body and great lenses. Now it travels with me to every out of town destination. I could rely on my cell phone, but why miss the opportunity to go a little more for a trip of a lifetime. There are lots of great mirrorless cameras out there from Sony, Panasonic and Olympus.

drklrd Loc: Cincinnati Ohio

Woodworm65 wrote:

Going to Italy, Switzerland, and France and will b... (show quote)

I have not been to the site but there is a whole website devoted to people who use camera phones instead of real cameras. Last night while shooting the basketball game I was sent to cover the gentleman next to me was using his phone to photograph his daughter playing basketball. I was told about the site by another parent who was using his phone for the same thing.

RRS Loc: Not sure

Woodworm65 wrote:

Going to Italy, Switzerland, and France and will b... (show quote)

We travel to Europe frequently and would never go without my 7DMKII, I do leave the battery pack at home, and two lenses and yes I carry a tripod too. We do lots of night photography. We fly to England take the Ferry to Holland and then train to Germany. We walk a lot and over the years have only used a taxi once to get from our hotel in London to the docks because we were running late. We are both 72 and I'm always glad when we get back home and have the sights and memories recorded on a real camera that has the lens options that can make a big difference. I don't know how old or what shape your in so do what works for you. I hope you will be happy with your results when you get home. I be a liar if I said it's as easy as it was 20 years ago but we still get it done, don't know how much longer. Have a great trip!

RRS Loc: Not sure

photoman022 wrote:

I drove to and from California this past year and ... (show quote)

Stationed in Germany in the early "1070s" I'll bet you were a lot younger then! LOL

Pc45

I have traveled those areas extensively and hiked and photographed the French, Swiss and Italian Alps from Chamonix to the Dolomites, all with a Nikon D80 with 2 lenses and all on trains, all 3-4 week trips. But never again. I switched to a Sony A6000 with a Sony E PZ 18-105mm f/4 G lense. A couple of suggestions. One carry on luggage bag per person (yes my wife and 10-18 year old son did it easily) and one small pack for camera and a few extras. It will open up a whole new world of travel not having to schlep things you really don't need. No waiting for luggage at the terminals, easy on trains, taxis and buses. Best of luck and have fun!

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

Woodworm65 wrote:

Going to Italy, Switzerland, and France and will b... (show quote)

You might want to consider the Olympus A01 plus the small 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 (28-84mm FF angle of view). This will be a ~3" X 2.2" package using your cellphone as the viewfinder/controls. Shoots 16mp and can shoot RAW. Total package cost I believe is under $500 and allows you to shoot with any 4/3rds lense in the future (90+ lenses).

JimRPhoto Loc: Raleigh NC

For things like this, I carry the small Panasonic Lumix. I have bought two over time at Costco, under $300. My current one is literally a pocket size, no interchangable lens, but good zoom. ZS-40. It has a dial where you can select aperture, shutter priority in addition to programmed. I also like that it has not only LED display, but also a view finder in case there is glare. It gives me control of ISO, I always shoot aperture priority so I can control both that and monitor shutter speed in case I need to adjust ISO (indoors for example). It seems the best "user controlled" pocket size I can find, and it takes great photos-mine is 18 mega pixels, but there are newer models.

Ralloh Loc: Ohio

Woodworm65 wrote:

Going to Italy, Switzerland, and France and will b... (show quote)

This would be my criteria. Are the photos you plan to take going to be for commercial purposes? Will you try to sell them? Or, are they just for your enjoyment, memories, and sharing with friends and family? If the latter, use your phone and enjoy your travels without all the hassle.

Mike1017

Take your camera you will be sorry if you don't My opinion when you get back from your trip you're going to say to yourself woulda -couda- shouda. I travel a lot I carry Nikon D3X a D5 and a 24-70 and a 70-200 lens and when I am out and about I usually take 1 camera with me and leave the other stuff in my cabin or hotel just make sure you have full coverage insurance for all items. Mike

Shootist Loc: Wyoming

Wonderful that you are going overseas. Having traveled extensively on public transport in Europe, the less you carry the better. I second the option to take a compact pocketable camera. I remember an older couple that decided to take public transportation from the Vienna airport to a Suburb of that city. By the time they arrived pickpockets had stripped them of just about anything of value. They were unaware it happened until they started unpacking. Distraction is the friend of pickpockets and they are unbelievably good at it. The less you have to protect the more you can focus on your trip.

A pocket camera that can be secured in a fannypack that is in front of you might be something to consider.

oregonfrank Loc: Astoria, Oregon

When I do non-driving travel, I carry a 30L backpack. Then I use Kenesis Photo padded bags to pack 1 dx camera and 2 lenses (17-35 & 24-70; effective focal length of 25-105). This leaves plenty of room for accessories, windbreaker, water, snacks, etc. A tripod or monopod can be strapped onto the backpack.

Paul J. Svetlik Loc: Colorado

Without going through the encyclopedia of suggestions here, try to figure out what kind of photography you are interested to do while you travel?
Then ask yourself what specs will deliver that goal?
Here are some specs I would start with:

A zoom from 20 mm (or 24 mm) to about 700 mm, electronic viewfinder, tilting screen, RAW filing and a hot shoe for flash. This camera should fit into your shirt pocket.
Any camera from 12 megapixels and up will do.

A very light tripod (your camera is light) and a flash gun are optional.
You will need a battery charger and a plug converter for 220V.

With the interchangeable lens camera you will likely be missing a number of shots, but if you can live with just one lens, DSLR is okay.