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Travel Camera Dilemma
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Mar 4, 2019 00:12:20   #
Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak
 
I know I've posted before that we're going on a cruise in October, up the east coast from Boston, terminating at Montreal. I don't want to lug my A6300 and lenses, at the same time not wanting to mark myself as a potential victim of theft by the camera slung over my shoulder. So here's the dilemma: What do you veteran cruisers recommend for a compact travel camera? (yes I asked before). Is 200mm enough zoom or should I look at something longer. Something longer would have the 1/2.3" sensor in order to get the reach, but I could get 200--250mm zoom and a 1" sensor in a compact. This is driving me crazy. I've done enough researching online to know the strengths and weaknesses of both, but I'd love a good recommendation, as I have no idea of what is adequate for this, not having done a cruise before. Thanks for your indulgence and patience with me.

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Mar 4, 2019 00:41:09   #
RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia
 
From personal experience being lucky enough to do a fair amount of travel, including one cruise, I wouldn't be worried about taking an A6300 with a "standard zoom" (say a 16-70mm) as it should take care of 90% of travel photography (depending on your style of photography). As far as camera security goes just be carefull, alert, and never let the camera out of your sight.

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Mar 4, 2019 01:17:25   #
Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak
 
RichardTaylor wrote:
From personal experience being lucky enough to do a fair amount of travel, including one cruise, I wouldn't be worried about taking an A6300 with a "standard zoom" (say a 16-70mm) as it should take care of 90% of travel photography (depending on your style of photography). As far as camera security goes just be carefull, alert, and never let the camera out of your sight.


Thanks. If I decide to take that camera, maybe I'll get either the Sony 18-135 or 18-200, although I understand the Tamron 18-200 in Sony E mount may be a better lens than the Sony one.

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Mar 4, 2019 01:24:20   #
RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia
 
I havn't used Sony gear so I can't help you with that. However I have used aTamron 18-250 (Canon mount) and it is an ok (albiet a bit slow) lens if you want a bit of reach.

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Mar 4, 2019 02:07:33   #
Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak
 
RichardTaylor wrote:
I havn't used Sony gear so I can't help you with that. However I have used aTamron 18-250 (Canon mount) and it is an ok (albiet a bit slow) lens if you want a bit of reach.


Yeah, that probably wouldn't work for me without investing in a lens adapter.

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Mar 4, 2019 02:15:55   #
wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado
 
Wingpilot wrote:
I know I've posted before that we're going on a cruise in October, up the east coast from Boston, terminating at Montreal. I don't want to lug my A6300 and lenses, at the same time not wanting to mark myself as a potential victim of theft by the camera slung over my shoulder. So here's the dilemma: What do you veteran cruisers recommend for a compact travel camera? (yes I asked before). Is 200mm enough zoom or should I look at something longer. Something longer would have the 1/2.3" sensor in order to get the reach, but I could get 200--250mm zoom and a 1" sensor in a compact. This is driving me crazy. I've done enough researching online to know the strengths and weaknesses of both, but I'd love a good recommendation, as I have no idea of what is adequate for this, not having done a cruise before. Thanks for your indulgence and patience with me.
I know I've posted before that we're going on a cr... (show quote)


Rent an Olympus E-M5 mkII along with a 12-100 f4 Pro IS lens and spare battery and take out the insurance with it. Other than making sure your batteries are charged, you are ready come rain or come shine. If stolen, the insurance will cover it. The lense is sharp at all focal lengths and apertures and suffers from some diffraction after f11 (image gets a little soft by f22). Better than an all-in-one 1" sensor. And it shoots RAW.

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Mar 4, 2019 03:31:50   #
Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak
 
wdross wrote:
Rent an Olympus E-M5 mkII along with a 12-100 f4 Pro IS lens and spare battery and take out the insurance with it. Other than making sure your batteries are charged, you are ready come rain or come shine. If stolen, the insurance will cover it. The lense is sharp at all focal lengths and apertures and suffers from some diffraction after f11 (image gets a little soft by f22). Better than an all-in-one 1" sensor. And it shoots RAW.


That is a thought.

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Mar 4, 2019 07:13:09   #
Tomcat5133 Loc: Gladwyne PA
 
The Sony 6300 with 16 -70mm would be my first choice as a gentlemen said in this forum.
Maybe one longer zoom is you want to cover all. You get great imagery from this camera.
And the 16mm is a great wide.

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Mar 4, 2019 07:22:51   #
Photocraig
 
I think the shorter zoom will be less to carry and less noticeable. With the APS-C sensor size difference and the 24?MPIX res, you should be able to "crop in" to achieve an apparent field of view similar to the 200mm. For really wide shots stitch a few verticals while braced.

The kids are right. BIG cameras are so passe, but we love 'em and know how to use them. Keep your rig small and ditch the branded strap.

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Mar 4, 2019 10:04:53   #
toxdoc42
 
Wingpilot wrote:
I know I've posted before that we're going on a cruise in October, up the east coast from Boston, terminating at Montreal. I don't want to lug my A6300 and lenses, at the same time not wanting to mark myself as a potential victim of theft by the camera slung over my shoulder. So here's the dilemma: What do you veteran cruisers recommend for a compact travel camera? (yes I asked before). Is 200mm enough zoom or should I look at something longer. Something longer would have the 1/2.3" sensor in order to get the reach, but I could get 200--250mm zoom and a 1" sensor in a compact. This is driving me crazy. I've done enough researching online to know the strengths and weaknesses of both, but I'd love a good recommendation, as I have no idea of what is adequate for this, not having done a cruise before. Thanks for your indulgence and patience with me.
I know I've posted before that we're going on a cr... (show quote)


I've been on several cruises and the camera you bring is really not of much consequence. I probably have thousands of photos that I rarely review. Enjoy the cruise with your natural senses. Take what you can carry comfortably, be sure your equipment is covered by a property insurance to cover loss, theft and damage. Be sure to back up all the photos you really want to keep on a medium that you don't carry with the equipment, best if you can use cloud storage, but most ships have scrappy wi-fi and uploading is slow at best.

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Mar 4, 2019 10:40:16   #
Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak
 
toxdoc42 wrote:
I've been on several cruises and the camera you bring is really not of much consequence. I probably have thousands of photos that I rarely review. Enjoy the cruise with your natural senses. Take what you can carry comfortably, be sure your equipment is covered by a property insurance to cover loss, theft and damage. Be sure to back up all the photos you really want to keep on a medium that you don't carry with the equipment, best if you can use cloud storage, but most ships have scrappy wi-fi and uploading is slow at best.
I've been on several cruises and the camera you br... (show quote)


I've even thought of that, too, and just using my iPhone to grab some snaps. It just doesn't have the reach for some of those longer shots from onboard the ship. I have lots of time.

Good heads up re: the insurance. I need to update my insurance policy, anyway.

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Mar 4, 2019 10:54:42   #
bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA
 
"What do you veteran cruisers recommend for a compact travel camera?"

I have experience with several that were purchased to use on cruise ship travel. I have a strong bias toward anything that will fit in a pocket or belt pouch. If you have to carry it on a strap it gets in the way of the travel experience and journey. Its also important that it fits in the cruise ship safe. Unless the primary purpose of the trip is to take photos intended to be 30x40 wall hangers, any thing small is better than anything large.

The first was the Sony RX100. I had version one. It fit in any pocket and takes images with great quality.

The second was a Panasonic LX100. It won't quite fit in a pocket but I found a belt pouch that works well. It was the first "travel sized" camera that could also shoot credible 4K video. The sensor is larger than the RX100, but the best part is the external controls make manual fun for a small camera. The LX100 continues to be a go to camera for a lot of what I do.

The third is really not mine. My wife has a Panasonic ZS100. It will fit larger pockets, a belt pouch or her purse. A key feature is the long (for compact) zoom lens. It takes fabulous pictures. She is an accomplish photographer and has determined this to be her one and only camera. She sees it as the perfect camera to expand the travel experience without getting in the way. If you have to have telephoto, this is the "travel camera" you should have. (There is a newer ZS200 version.)

The fourth was a gift. Someone (?) thought I needed a camera that I wouldn't fuss over and not worry about. It is an Olympus TG-5. It has more unique features than anything I've ever used. I can use it in any conditions. I have not been able to figure out why I like the image files so much when the sensor is so small.

The fifth is a Panasonic M4/3 mirrorless GX8 with a Panasonic 14-140 lens. (That's 28 to 280 for full framers). I don't own a DSLR. This is my "big camera". If the purpose of my cruise was photography and videography, this is what I would take. It is a compromise. Everywhere you go it bumps into things. It "sticks out". Where do you put it during lunch in a street cafe? Locals aren't thrilled if you point it at them. It takes too much room in the safe. When we come home, my wife's pictures of the travel experience are often better because her camera is less obtrusive and she can be quicker with it.

That's probably too many words, but you asked about cameras for cruises and, bless my wife, she has taken me on a lot of them!

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Mar 4, 2019 10:59:13   #
Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx
 
The camera to take with you is the one you best know how to use. If you are going to buy a new camera, do it now, then study every control and get out there and use it, use it, use it, long before your cruise so you are comfortable picking it up and taking good shots is 2nd nature to you.

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Mar 4, 2019 11:06:21   #
bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA
 
Wingpilot wrote:
I've even thought of that, too, and just using my iPhone to grab some snaps. It just doesn't have the reach for some of those longer shots from onboard the ship. I have lots of time.

Good heads up re: the insurance. I need to update my insurance policy, anyway.

"It just doesn't have the reach for some of those longer shots from onboard the ship."

Do look at the Panasonic ZS100 or ZS200. It has the zoom and sensor to go well beyond the phone. The Panasonic phone app is pretty good and adds to the experience.

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Mar 4, 2019 12:23:18   #
Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak
 
bsprague wrote:
"It just doesn't have the reach for some of those longer shots from onboard the ship."

Do look at the Panasonic ZS100 or ZS200. It has the zoom and sensor to go well beyond the phone. The Panasonic phone app is pretty good and adds to the experience.


I am looking pretty hard at both of those right now. I can't decide how much zoom I want/need. I just finished looking at some YouTube video reviews of the ZS200, and they were all pretty positive reviews. The one thing they all say is a negative is it's not a particularly good low light performer. I can live with that as 99% of what I do is daylight stuff anyway. Or--do I want even more reach and go with something like the Sony HX99 or Lumix ZS70/80 with the small sensor and 24-720 zoom? Hmmmm.

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