skybones Loc: Texas

I like the Canon SX50. It's small, lightweight, 50X zoom, viewfinder, tilt screen, shoots raw...I put it, batteries in a small bag and carry it everywhere. great little camera.

cthahn

K.I.S.S.

DavidJon Loc: Ada, Oklahoma

Ditto on the SX50. Great little camera with one heck of a focal range, 24 - 1,200mm with image stabilizer. Extra memory cards and batteries are all the extras you need. Light enough and small enough to carry around all day with no neck or shoulder strain.

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

My personal solution is very simple: I take my D7100 DSLR with the 18-200mm VR2 zoom mounted and several extra SD chips, an extra battery, and the battery charger. I wear the camera through airport security and carry the extra battery (with terminal protector cap) in my Wranglers® watch pocket (taken out for scan, of course). I somehow manage to use that equipment to handle every photographic task on the trip, with some success. (As backup, I take my old D50 DSLR and an older 18-200mm VR lens packed in my carryon--usually separately stuffed in a pair of shoes--but so far have not had to fall back on those. I would not want to go on an expensive tour and by an accident be left without a camera.) So far this practice has served me well. My photographic efforts range from outdoor landscapes through closeups of flowers and interiors of cathedrals--the 18-200 lens enables me to do that fairly competently. (And yes, that camera-lens combination is a little heavy and inconvenient, but I manage. In fact, I have twice tripped and fallen onto my cameras--each of them--and they survived; Nikon apparently builds robust equipment.)

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

My wife and I fly often, two bodies, several lens, chargers ect, placed in a pelican case with wheels. We've never had a problem yet. We also carry two SX50's in small bags.
Flying is as hard as you make it.

cdayton

I bought a Nikon P900 (used) last year for travel. I know the limitations - small sensor, no Raw, hard to stabilize at longer reaches, not compact - but it is incredibly versatile. You won't wish you had brought a different camera (in my case, D300 or wife's D5200). And, excellent 8x10 prints.

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

Thanks to everyone for the input... Lots to think about, including taking some of our normal camera gear. Might not be as bad as I have imagined. I even have the form ready for customs to inspect and certify that the equipment is, indeed, ours so as to not have re-entry problems.

My concern, though, is that while doing all the touristy things, lugging DSLRs can become burdensome. And, I would feel like I was missing something if I didn't have a camera at the ready. But, I also know that having a DSLR with you puts pressure on to always carry it with you and not leave it in the hotel. It all reminds me of the old saying... "The best camera is the one you have with you."

Well, I've got a couple of weeks to decide... 2 DSLRs, lenses and gear plus 2 iPhones, or, a single compact camera and the phones. At this point, I'm leaning toward the DSLRs, as we already have them and are very comfortable using them.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

I read this article yesterday and concur. The ZS100 isn't cheap, but it is a very good camera, and worth considering.
For a bit less, like almost half the price, if you don't mind a camera with a 1/2.3" sensor, the ZS60 is essentially the same camera, but with a 24-720mm zoom Leica lens.

nhastings Loc: Telluride, CO

I just purchased the Fuji X-T2 for exactly the same reason. I take 2 lenses with me, the 18-55 and 35mm 2.0 prime. Fits in a very small Think Tank case which I can easily fit into a carry-on case. Images on this camera are phenomenal. I am a life-long Canon user with a few DSLR bodies and lenses. Cumbersome for travel unless you are driving. I am a Fuji convert. A little on the expensive side but if you are serious about the quality of your images along with small and convenient equipment, I highly suggest this camera.

texaseve Loc: TX, NC and NH

I'd love to know what you decide. I am having the same dilemma. Do not want to carry DSLRs, however, do want sharpest shots possible at all focal ranges and raw capability.

canon Lee

canon Lee

It would be a nightmare if you are flying, with all of the new restrictions the airlines have. Keep it simple. Iphones would do just fine, if you are just going to keep them as memories and not need fine prints. Im just saying.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Agreed; I often carry a ZS60.

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

When I flew to California two years ago I took one camera and two lenses; lots of memory cards; enough batteries; a travel tripod (checked luggage); my lap top; one flash; battery charger (in checked luggage).

bee7474 Loc: Selah, Wa

Canon's SX50 or SX60 are great cameras and much cheaper. You only have the camera no telephoto lens to pack. The telephoto on both cameras are top quality. The first picture was taken without telephoto and the second one of the same eagle with telephoto. I am 85 so a little shaky, sure you can do better.

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