Travel Camera Help: We are travelling this summer for vacation. And, we would normally take 2 ea. DSLRs, numerous lenses, monopods, tripods, flash units, etc. while on vacation. But...

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

We are travelling this summer for vacation. And, we would normally take 2 ea. DSLRs, numerous lenses, monopods, tripods, flash units, etc. while on vacation. But, we are usually driving and have plenty of room for all that stuff in the car. For this trip, however, we are flying. And, I am beginning to think that all that photo gear will become a burden, rather than a pleasure. Perhaps all that stuff isn't really necessary on this trip.

So, I am starting to consider smaller, compact cameras, such as the Nikon Coolpix A900 instead. And, I know there are many excellent compact cameras on the market. I am looking for suggestions... I'd like the camera to be compact, have good zoom, good resolution, good IQ, tilt screen, etc.. I am used to RAW images, but could handle JPGs. Trying to keep the cost reasonable, too.

If you have a recommendation, please let me know... I'm not partial to any particular brand, BTW. Thanks!

elliott937 Loc: St. Louis

I'd like to make a suggestion that would cost you nothing. Why not take one DSLR, with one lens, plenty of memory cards, and that's it?

Like you, I've taken several DSLR bodies, three lenses, flash, and accessories, and I've taken these into the cabin of the plane for safety. Then the last two times, I've taken one DSLR, with lens attached, fitting into one camera bag. And it worked perfectly.

Toment Loc: FL, IL

Sony RX100iii is the one I use. Good pix, small, easy to use. Not much reach, though, so slightly bigger 900 might work. Sony has the RX10iii now, which is highly regarded but pricier. Good luck and have fun

SS319

If you each take one body and one lens - one a short zoom and the other a long zoom, and maybe a monopod and one flash, you should have it covered.

Cameras are personal - you need one YOU are comfortable with - doesn't matter what I shoot. Lens selection should be based on what and where you are going to photograph - is this a museum trip or a wide open sky vacation? Maybe a non-slr camera will fit your needs....

sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land

OM-D E-M5 Mark II with M.Zuiko ED 12-100mm f4.0 IS

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

elliott937 wrote:

I'd like to make a suggestion that would cost you nothing. Why not take one DSLR, with one lens, plenty of memory cards, and that's it?

Like you, I've taken several DSLR bodies, three lenses, flash, and accessories, and I've taken these into the cabin of the plane for safety. Then the last two times, I've taken one DSLR, with lens attached, fitting into one camera bag. And it worked perfectly.

That is certainly an option. And, we will seriously consider that. Both my wife and I take photos. So, it usually turns out to be a DSLR for each of us!

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

Toment wrote:

Sony RX100iii is the one I use. Good pix, small, easy to use. Not much reach, though, so slightly bigger 900 might work. Sony has the RX10iii now, which is highly regarded but pricier. Good luck and have fun

Thanks, I'll have a look at that one.

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

SS319 wrote:

If you each take one body and one lens - one a short zoom and the other a long zoom, and maybe a monopod and one flash, you should have it covered.

Cameras are personal - you need one YOU are comfortable with - doesn't matter what I shoot. Lens selection should be based on what and where you are going to photograph - is this a museum trip or a wide open sky vacation? Maybe a non-slr camera will fit your needs....

Camera, lenses, monopod, etc... I've got all that. I am just thinking of leaving all that at home and having a small, compact, easy-to-carry camera for the trip. Something better than my iPhone.

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

sr71 wrote:

OM-D E-M5 Mark II with M.Zuiko ED 12-100mm f4.0 IS

Thanks, but that is way-more camera, and cost, than I was considering. I am thinking of a compact, all-in-one, notable wide-zoom range, etc.. Plus, keep the cost down. sounds like a lot of ask for, but I just know there is something suitable out there.

lmTrying Loc: WV Northern Panhandle

Two years ago I bought a Canon PowerShot SX710HS. Does not shoot RAW. Is 20.2MP and has 30x zoom plus 10x digital. The new SX730HS has 40x zoom. Carried it all around Harry Potter and Disney World, left my dslr and lenses in the room safe most of the trip. With the 710HS zoom, I could read the price tags on the other side of the store, and it will focus within less than two inches of the lens. There is no viewfinder but it will shoot in program, shutter, aperture, manual, sports, scn, and movie modes.

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

lmTrying wrote:

Two years ago I bought a Canon PowerShot SX710HS. ... (show quote)

Thanks! That looks like a contender (either the 710 or the 730).

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Gitchigumi wrote:

We are travelling this summer for vacation. And, w... (show quote)

My recommendation? If you have to fly, stay home; it's not worth the hassle!

le boecere

Gitchigumi wrote:

We are travelling this summer for vacation. And, w... (show quote)

Here's one professional's recommendation:

http://photoseek.com/2016/panasonic-zs100-10x-zoom-bests-sony-rx100-for-travel-flexibility/

wylieone

I'm travelling in Spain and Portugal right now (from Australia)... agonised like you and decided on Canon 5 mk 3 w 24-105 and 50mm lens plus Lumix TZ 40...also have smart phone option... for me, 90% of the time it's the 5d and 24-105 lens... others handy for specific sitns ie dinners... bit of a burden etc but the pain is soon forgotten and I'll be enjoying the photos for years to come

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

Gitchigumi wrote:

We are travelling this summer for vacation. And, w... (show quote)

I take two compact point and shoot Sony camera's on vacation and trips. I have a belt pouch for both and wear them both at all times. I am hands free, have a great time, never missed a shot and can go to a 20X30 print with no problem. Sony RX100M2 and a Sony HX50V. Travel lite, travel right.