Cuba: What equipment to bring?
Aug 13, 2018 17:03:05 #
LXK0930
Loc: Souh Jersey
I will be touring Cuba in January 2019. I am a senior (very) amateur photographer who just wants to record nice memories of my trip. I have a Canon T2i with 18-55 , 18-250, and a 50mm. I also have two really nice pocket cameras: a Fuji F70 EXR--(small with 10x zoom), and a Canon S95 (small with an f2.0 lens).
Although I know that the dslr will give best results, I have concerns about weight (both equipment and me), theft, and big-brother. I think that the two smaller cameras may do the job.
Any recommendations from someone who has been there?
Although I know that the dslr will give best results, I have concerns about weight (both equipment and me), theft, and big-brother. I think that the two smaller cameras may do the job.
Any recommendations from someone who has been there?
Aug 13, 2018 17:10:57 #
Aug 13, 2018 17:25:52 #
Until it has been deemed safe in Cuba, which may never happen, I would take a very cheap pocket camera that I would not miss when it was stolen or confiscated. I obviously am not secure about going into a communist country.
Aug 13, 2018 17:54:20 #
donrent
Loc: Punta Gorda , Fl
orrie smith wrote:
Until it has been deemed safe in Cuba, which may never happen, I would take a very cheap pocket camera that I would not miss when it was stolen or confiscated. I obviously am not secure about going into a communist country.
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Now THAT is the most ridiculous thing I'ever heard !
Aug 13, 2018 18:24:29 #
How about taking some relief for the prisoners that Cuba still holds without trial?
I'm sorry, I've had several opportunities to go photograph Cuba. I won't support that regime until they start changing their ways.
I'm sorry, I've had several opportunities to go photograph Cuba. I won't support that regime until they start changing their ways.
Aug 13, 2018 18:34:56 #
donrent wrote:
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Now THAT is the most ridiculous thing I'ever heard !
Now THAT is the most ridiculous thing I'ever heard !
We all have a right to our opinion. I have nothing against the people of Cuba, it is the Government, or so called Government, I object to. They can and do put you in prison for no reason.
Aug 13, 2018 19:52:10 #
LXK0930 wrote:
I will be touring Cuba in January 2019. I am a sen... (show quote)
Take whatever you would take to Philadelphia.
Aug 13, 2018 19:53:53 #
donrent wrote:
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Now THAT is the most ridiculous thing I'ever heard !
Now THAT is the most ridiculous thing I'ever heard !
Inasmuch as any member of the police/military may confiscate your photo equipment at any time, I would not only take inexpensive cameras; I would use numerous low capacity (8-16) cards, swap them often and hide them effectively. I have a method of concealment that has proven quite effective.
Aug 13, 2018 20:02:06 #
Why don't we focus on the OP's question and take the political jibber jabber to the attic or PM.
Aug 13, 2018 21:12:36 #
LXK0930
Loc: Souh Jersey
Re: My trip to Cuba:
I really did not mean to ignite a political bruha here.
My concern was based on a trip to Kenya/Tanzania about 25 years ago. At the border crossing I took an interesting shot of the two flags. I was quickly pounced upon by a petty official who accused me of espionage and wanted to confiscate my equipment and throw me into the stockade. The tour guide managed to negotiate a small fine and confiscation of that roll of film. (Note that the guy pulled the entire roll out of the cassette to check if there were any incriminating pictures on it. I guess that he never heard of the need for developing).
Anyway, I was wondering FROM SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN THERE if there is anything of that ilk that I should watch out for in Cuba, and if my smaller cameras will be sufficient.
Thanks.
I really did not mean to ignite a political bruha here.
My concern was based on a trip to Kenya/Tanzania about 25 years ago. At the border crossing I took an interesting shot of the two flags. I was quickly pounced upon by a petty official who accused me of espionage and wanted to confiscate my equipment and throw me into the stockade. The tour guide managed to negotiate a small fine and confiscation of that roll of film. (Note that the guy pulled the entire roll out of the cassette to check if there were any incriminating pictures on it. I guess that he never heard of the need for developing).
Anyway, I was wondering FROM SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN THERE if there is anything of that ilk that I should watch out for in Cuba, and if my smaller cameras will be sufficient.
Thanks.
Aug 14, 2018 01:28:08 #
Mac wrote:
Why don't we focus on the OP's question and take the political jibber jabber to the attic or PM.
We are addressing the OP's question! When we have a new or tenuous relationship with a government, the rules are made up as time passes. While the Cubans are a delightfully friendly people, it is possible to run into a member of the police or military who hasn't gotten the message that we are no longer the dreaded enemy, but an accepted visitor with whom our governments are in a state of detente. Having been through a similar, if less friendly, experience many years ago, I can assure you - and the OP - that it is much wiser to take expendable equipment and take precautions to protect images. Of course, if the OP wishes to take a DSLR and bag full of lenses and openly (or surreptitiously) take pictures of military vehiclecles, military personnel, police, military buildings or installations or anything near a sign like this one, all bets are off!
Aug 14, 2018 05:57:05 #
Aug 14, 2018 05:57:06 #
I would take the Canon with the 18-55 and your favourite pocket camera, leave the rest at home
Aug 14, 2018 06:16:40 #
Aug 14, 2018 06:26:05 #
Actually, Cuba is probably one of the safest Third-world countries you could visit. I have spent two ten-day periods there and never felt concern. No one is going to steal your gear - there is no market for it there.
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