jwestman Loc: Grand Rapids, MI

Planning a trip to Italy in the fall that includes a cruise, several walking tours, Venice, Rome and the Vatican.

What would you folks recommend for packing light - one camera and one lens. This is one of those bucket list kind of things so cost is not a major consideration.

I've got a fuji xe1 and a canon 70d (too heavy). Would I be better off taking a small full frame like the new leica Q or stick to what I have?

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

All I took to Europe last year was my Fuji X-E1 & 18-55.
( I normally shoot with a Nikon D800)
The Fuji was a great fit! Never needed longer and only a few times did I want a bit wider, but I made stitched panoramas when I needed that.
(No, you don't need a tripod for most of those)

Have a 20 x 24 on the dining room wall from that trip.

JPL

Whatever you take, you need a wide lens, around 15 mm in full format terms.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

J, I think that depends entirely on what your photographic end-goals are for that trip.
If you plan on selling and making money with what you shoot, then you better take the best gear you can afford.
If your goal is just to record your vacation, you might be ok with a good cell-phone and one of those long poles for selfies!!
If it's in between, any well rated P&S with probably work admirably!! Good luck. ;-)
SS

MarkD Loc: NYC

If the 70D is too heavy, I'd take the Fuji xe1. What lenses do you have for it?

Trentc Loc: Denver, CO

If you are looking to buy a new camera, and you have a healthy budget, I would take a hard look at the Sony RX-1 for a fixed focal length lens, or the Leica X-Vario if you want a zoom. Otherwise, stick with the XE1. Can't go wrong there!

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

Was in Italy 4 weeks in 2013. Only took two camera's, both pocket cameras attached to packs on my belt. Usually only took one with me at a time. 90% of the time I had a Sony DSC-XH50V. This camera could do almost everything my Sony A99 could do and deliver very sharp photo's. The camera does not call attention to you so you do not stick out, I could hold it close to me and just shoot without having to look at the back of the camera, got great candid shots that way, I could crop later. No camera around your neck, just a little guy doing a big job. My other camera was a Sony RX100 II, this camera is outstanding, I use this model because this version has a hot shoe and I can attach my smaller flash and take balance fill flash outside or at sunset and get beautiful results. I will tell you that the Sony DSC-XH30V is also a great value and you can get in on Ebay.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

You say 70D is too heavy and no price option, I'd check Canon G series, in my case I'd take my G15, and if I felt the need a new higher up G series, G?X, Bob.

CatMarley Loc: North Carolina

With the Fuji line you have the advantage of a VERY good image quality - equal or better than a crop DSLR, with light weight and versatility.

HeyYou Loc: SE Michigan

I just returned from a long trip in Europe. I obsessed like crazy before the trip regarding what gear to pack - I have lots of expensive great prime lenses like many of us. I finally made a 'painful' decision -- but boy did it work out well !

I took a Pentax dSLR (in this case K5sii) which is WR (weather resistant) and a Pentax 18-135mm lens (also WR) - and made out like the proverbial bandit ! I was happily taking pictures in every condition including driving rain with no worries - when everyone else was essentially 'grounded' and missing picture opportunities of a lifetime.
Pentax has several WR camera bodies. No need to get their flagship K3ii - several of their cameras are WR and either have no AA (low pass) filter or an easy way of bypassing it.
Pentax cameras and lenses are 1/4 -1/3 smaller and lighter than comparable APS-C gear from Canon and Nikon. BTW - I do not work for Pentax ! I practice Medicine for a living and am an amateur photographer. I own a Canon dSLR too but primarily use my Pentax equipment for several reasons.

I also brought along my 15mm prime and used it very occasionally.
The 18-135mm WR lens essentially stayed on the camera 99.9% of the trip. With my Black Rapid sling across my body and a few SD cards in my pocket I was mobile and hardly felt I was carrying professional-level gear across Europe for three weeks.

jwestman Loc: Grand Rapids, MI

Mark - I've got the 14, 27, 35 & 18-55 for the fuji. I should have said the 70D takes up too much space.

jwestman Loc: Grand Rapids, MI

Thanks Doc for the Pentax suggestion! Yes, I am obsessing.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Regarding the Leica Q, I suggest waiting until the camera is actually released - it seems to have been delayed - AND until the usual sources such as DPReview, DXO, Snapsort, CNET and UHH members have a chance to review it. Don't buy it just on the - apparently well deserved - hype.

Mwestavr

I have the Pentax K-50 with the 18-135 and am delighted. The anti shake works very well; the new lens focus motors are fantastic, wr a bonus.

HeyYou Loc: SE Michigan

I see you are a neighbor ! You are in the craft beer capital of the world !
(I'm in Ann Arbor - so the AA filter I mentioned refers to the Anti-Aliasing filter - unless you're a State fan !)