RainbowHI

I was recently traveling in Japan with a group of people. I had my Samsung Galaxy 7 phone and my SLR camera. My question for this post is which devices do the photographers on UH use and what is percentage breakdown between the devices when trying to take pictures when traveling with a group of people not considerate/patient enough to allow you time to set up for the optimal shot.

On the occasions that I was by myself, I would use my SLR. However, when I was with my travel group, I found myself using my smartphone for taking pictures the majority of the time, due to the time pressure of keeping up with the group. Most of my photos are viewed on the computer, very few are printed, and thus, the photos from the phone provides reasonable images. Obviously, I can control the images better with the camera, but often, I felt I didn't have enough time. Do others on this forum have the same dilemma, or do I just have to learn to be quicker with my camera?

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

This is the exact reason I do not travel in a herd like this. It is crowded, limited time (Reminds me of National Lampoons movie Vacation) and you do not get a chance to really explore the true unique perspectives.
Try to avoid the cliche locations, most likely you can get a better shot on line to show where you went. No you did not take the photo but you were there kind of like borrowing a friend's or wife's photo who was there with you.
But as long as you are in a herd with seconds to look and run there is not time. Act like a photo journalist at a sports event after the game and put the camera over your head and fire off a few hundred shots and perhaps get one or two of something you never really saw anyway.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Good observation. When I travel, I bring a compact camera. I was on a trip with a group of people, and one woman had an SLR (It was a few years ago). When we saw a good picture opportunity, we took the picture. She, on the other hand, stood in the prime shooting spot taking a long time to set her camera just right and then taking multiple shots. If anyone in our group had a gun, I think she would have been shot.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

On vacation my DSLR's stay at home. I take two Sony point and shoots with belt loop pouches that clip to my belt. I travel lite and right. One is a very expensive 24-120 mm zoom lens with a built in tilt back flash and the other a 24-750 mm zoom. Between these two I can shoot anything and move and keep up with everyone. I can even take a large group picture at wide angle.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I went with a group of, supposed, hiker/photographers. I took my tripod and Hasselblad. I set up to take one photo where they had stopped. I looked up at the completion of taking my photo and was there by myself. That was the last time I went with a group.
--Bob

Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)

If you have enough time to use your smartphone then you have enough time to use your camera (on auto).

Gaddysmom

I have traveled as the lecturer on group tours for more than thirty years and more than thirty trips. I used to travel with a SLR, then a DSLR, and now I travel with a Sony A6000. I moved to mirrorless because of size and weight, not because of problems traveling with a group.

Yes, traveling with a group of people is not conducive to taking time to set up to get a great shot, but if you take the time to know your camera and learn how to think and act quickly, using a quality camera is no slower or more frustrating than using your phone as a camera. In fact, I often find I have to wait while someone using a point and shoot or a phone slowly composes their image while trying to see the LCD screen on the back of their device despite blinding sunlight.

You have to understand the limits of traveling with a group, how your camera works, what kind of shots you hope to take and then be as quick as you can wherever you are. Sometimes lightning strikes and sometimes it does not, but in my experience the challenges lie within the abilitiy of the photographer to respond to their circumstances and not with the equipment.

lbjed Loc: New York

I'll remember that when I go to Alaska with 2 other couples this spring

lbjed Loc: New York

I'll wear KEVLAR!!

lsimpkins Loc: SE Pennsylvania

I use my DSLR almost exclusively, but realize that I will not be able to set up for "the optimal shot" very often. Take what you can and learn to be fast with your camera. I agree with others that Auto can be helpful allowing you to concentrate on composition. I try to never take center stage or force others to work around me, but I do get very frustrated with those who have to have their selfie in front of every landmark. I reserve my cell phone for times when carrying my camera is just not polite (meals on board come to mind).

sarge69 Loc: Ft Myers, FL

Sorta like 'If it's Tuesday, it must be Belgium'

When I go out to shoot, I don't even look at my watch, never mind worry about those around me. The other day at the Edison Estate, I set up my tripod just off center of a shot. I had to wait for 4 couples that just walked past me to take selfies with phone cameras. I got the tourists though. One said 'Sorry' and I said "Don't worry I LIVE HERE - take your time"

Sarge69

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

That's why I love my zone focusing Oly Trip. It's much faster than even a DSLR...you just frame and shoot. Nothing to focus, nothing to adjust...that's it. If the people are in the frame...you are ready.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

I remember her. She was the one on Telegraph Hill in San Francisco who kept walking in front of everyone else, blocking pictures. She politely pointed out that she had a better camera and could take better pictures. I, on the other hand, courteously pointed out that, if she kept stopping in front of my tripod mount Hasselblad, I would not be responsible for, quickly and without notice, moving my rig and considerable bulk to the rather steep edge of the overlook. She left in a huff (a new brand of Golden Tours bus). The odd thing was that I was taking a three minute exposure and had no problem with the many people that walked past the camera.

RainbowHI

Thank you for all of your thoughtful responses.

par4fore Loc: Bay Shore N.Y.

I bring My DSLR and let the tour guide know that I will be sharing my shots with the group and to please request the e-mails of anyone interested. I usually get everyone's e-mail and this always buys me some extra time a patience from all. I also let them know I am interested in night photography and if they can let me have a room with the best view. Doing this has also gotten me a better seat on the bus. Here is my last trip that I shared with 42 others https://www.flickr.com/photos/143790623@N05/sets/72157674437738865 Yellowstone