ygelman Loc: new -- North of Poughkeepsie!

My wife and I will travel to China in May. I'd be pleased to get tips on taking photographs there. . .many locations are unique to the country.

Info could include choice of camera, types of lenses, filters, recharging batteries, customs regarding people's photos, politics, etc, etc.

With thanks in advance. . .

mantamoon Loc: Houston

I have been to China twice. It's like many exotic places, it is a photographers paradise...there are a million things to shoot. Other than military installations, you can take a photograph anywhere. The people are, for the most part, willing subjects. Since you are asking what type of camera you should take with you, I would suggest the easiest to manage. Unless you are really familiar with a DSLR with interchangeable lenses, filters etc, don't bother. High-end point and shoot cameras will suffice. Aside from that you really do not want to lug around a heavy camera case. All new camera batteries take 110 and 210. the only thing you will have to be concerned with is the electric plug type. Go on line to check out what you need. If you are on a tour you will, most likely, be staying in hotels with adapters or plugs that will accommodate your needs. Enjoy!!

ygelman Loc: new -- North of Poughkeepsie!

Thanks for the encouragement. I have 5D MII so am fairly familiar with some aspects (but not filters - can you recommend specifics?). Am thinking of taking it (?!!?) along with a good point/shoot because I'm afraid of missing a hi-res image of a great shot. Am I being too cautious?

Emelen Loc: Westchester, NY

Have been to China and you will love it. People love Americans, are friendly and great photo subjects.
I brought my DSLR and a Lumix P&S. During the day I used the DSLR. At night took the P&S. I didn't want to be burdened with a big camera in the evenings when going out for dinner and to shows.
Bring both !!!

lhdiver Loc: Midwest

I have been to China several times & used an SLR with zoom lens as there are so many subjects both near & far that you will want to get. Changing lenses & carrying extra gear is just not worth it. If you are in an politically sensitive area your guide will let you know, he/she doesn't want trouble either. Most places are photo friendly but be ready to give a few coins to subjects posing in tourist areas. Normal street shots are no problem. It is a fascinating place & culture, enjoy!

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

I also have been to China twice. Don't drink the water! But then I'm thinking you knew that. Best of luck and have a blast!

aammatj Loc: Zebulon, NC / Roscoe, Ill

I spent 2 weeks a month in China for the past 18 months and got hundreds of great photos with a Nikon D700 and a 28-300mm lens. Once in a while I wished I'd had a 18mm lens with, but I was able to make do. Lots of great night time photo ops in the big cities. Be sure you have a way to backup all photos right away. Electrical adapters are easy to get in the big cities, but tough out in the countryside. Also bring at least one (if not 2) spare batteries for the camera and for the flash also. I used a SB-600 flash and it worked very well. Be ready to say and hear "she shay" (thank-you) a lot.

les_stockton Loc: Eastern Oklahoma

Since I'm not familiar with China, the first thing I would do is to check to see if AAA has any information. If not, I'd check with a travel agency. Not for travel information, but for the kinds of information that is going to be helpful for you; specifically, you're going to want to recharge batteries. Chances are, the Chinese electrical grid is on a different frequency than what we have in the US. So you're charger is not going to work without some sort of converter. Not to mention that the plugs probably are not even compatible.
So my first thing I'd want information on, is how to get my electronics to work on the Chinese electrical grid.

http://askville.amazon.com/kind-electrical-adapter-travelling-China/AnswerViewer.do?requestId=2281529 scroll down to read the answer.