markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

My wife & I have scheduled a cruise (Prague to Budapest) in August 2018. This has been a dream for over 10 years. Obviously, we have ample time to plan for the trip. My mind immediately concentrates on photography. I have Canon: 5D MIII, 7D MII, 24 - 70 f/2.8 II, 70 200 f/2.8 II 50mm f/1.4 and Tamron 17 - 35mm f/2.8. I usually take it all and other necessary gear in a backpack. However, it's a lot of equipment to lug around. It is all insured, so other than the immediate loss of being able to photograph the trip, stolen or lost gear is not an issue. So far, there does not seem to be restrictions for flights - but that might very well change in the near future.

While I would appreciate suggestions about safety, protection, ... that is not the intent of my post. I'm considering renting and/or buying a smaller/compact, high quality camera alternative. I'm also considering renting lenses to accommodate my 5D MIII. My wife has an iPhone 7 plus, and by next August, I may have a 7 or 6 too. Right now I have an antiquated 4S. The imperative is: my desire to capture high quality images. I have storage of images covered.

I've looked at Sony RX10 III at DPReview. Mirror less suggestions are welcomed- if one may be rented. Sony Alpha a9 seems incredible and can be rented. If I go the rent route, I'll provide extra lead time to become familiar with the equipment. Renting is expensive, but does not even approach the cost of purchase. I'm not really looking for financial suggestions. I'll work out the finances.

So, if you feel inclined, please feel free to offer suggestions and if you have taken similar river cruise(s), please let me know the equipment you dragged. Were you happy with the images?

Thanks for your time & feedback.
Appreciatively,
Mark

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

A friend took a Danube cruise and loved it. She didn't take a single camera or a single photograph!

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

And she is still your friend?
Mark

The Rev

I have taken a half dozen Viking and other cruises, including your upcoming trip. I shoot a Nikon 5100 with a .35 or 50mm. prime lens and a Tamron 18-270.My compact camera bag fits in my carry-on bag. You don't need anything else.

MT native Loc: Big Sky Country — Montana

I have been on three Viking river cruises in Europe but not on your trip. I have been to Prague however. For me, I have a 18-300mm on my Nikon and I've found it to be a good "all around" lens. A smaller, lighter camera may be the trick for you. Enjoy your trip. I love the river cruise concept.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Yes, and she has no interest in getting a camera. If it's really necessary, she'll use her iPhone.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Just like 98% of the population.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Thanks
Mark

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Thanks.
Mark

rmm0605 Loc: Atlanta GA

Why not take a Lumix Z1000 and leave the rest at home? It has a fantastic zoom range and a 1" sensor, produces great images.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Keep your gear at home, go the high quality compact route and enjoy the trip with your wife.

DStone Loc: Outside Winston-Salem, NC

To my mind, the question is how much time will you spend in Prague and Budapest. For the "tour" part (hopping on and off the boat), you will probably be happy with a good pocket camera, something wide to normal range. But the cities are fantastic and you'll want to roam after the other tourists are in bed with the best equipment you have. Also remember many indoor locations don't allow photography (Melk Abbey is a good example). So, for me, the big camera stays home unless there are free days scheduled in the cities. Then it's worth toting along the wheelbarrow.

SonyBug

I am taking the Viking Budapest to Amsterdam this November. I bought and am studying the a6500 w/ 18-105 OSS lens. The operative word is "studying". If you rent a camera, you may not be able to learn how to properly use it for the best photos. What sense is there to just go on auto? Get a P/S for that! I would get one zoom, 20 to 200 mm and that will do for 85% of your shots. If you get good quality lens and camera, you can crop for the closeups.
Just my opinion.

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

This is a problem which is difficult to advise on, there is a similar post about which camera equipment to on a trip to Italy.
At least you have plenty of time to decide, on your trip however I would take just one camera and, like you have said you could consider buying a good quality compact model. There is ample choice around at all sorts of prices, so get one asap so you can get used to it and... do not take a tripod!

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

I'm researching that. Thanks for the suggestion.
Mark