waynemac3

I was there in November of 2018, no problems with using my Canon 80D. I did not have a tripod. November was a great time to visit, no crowds and the weather was great. A good zoom lens is a must if you don’t want to be swapping out lenses a lot.

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

A neck strap holding a camera, sunglasses, hat, etc. is the essences of a traditional tourist. LoL

BrHawkeye

If you have just one day, I too would recommend Herculaneum. If you have two, add Pompeii. If you have three, ascend Mount Vesuvius. As Mark Twain wrote, (as best as I recall) the climb takes awhile but the descent can be done in four minutes.

Bubbee Loc: Aventura, Florida

I had no problem with my D80 and 18-135 zoom.
My boy-friend was concerned because I couldn't keep up with the group...
Too busy taking terrific pictures!!!

dukepresley

We have been there twice times -- both times with a Nikon D90 and a crop lens; I was neither noticed nor questioned. I did not take a tripod, so that (along with previously mentioned reflectors and lamps) should protect you.

It has some interesting things to shoot.

Latsok Loc: Recently moved to Washington State.

We visited Pompeii on a stopover during our last November cruise and I came back with wonderful pictures. I used my Nikon D7100 camera with a Tamron 18-400 mm lens, and no tripod. It was a beautiful, mostly sunny day, and even in the insides of some of the ruins, I did not need a tripod. No one questioned me or any of the other dozens of photographers crawling around with various camera setups. We were on a guided tour of the place (which I recommend if you haven't been there before), but we had ample time to wander around or briefly break off from the group to compose pictures. I think that if you visit the place and take regular photos instead of making it a big production and interfere with others who want to enjoy the experience, no one cares. Good luck, with your cruise, shore excursions, and photography. We REALLY enjoyed Pompeii and all other stops.

(Download)

azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.

I was there and had a private guide. That way you avoid the crowds and get some special treatment. There was not a problem with whatever camera I brought with me then. Be prepared to do a lot of walking, and being amazed as to what the Romans were capable of.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Around here a "professional" camera is deemed so if it has interchangeable lenses. I refer to concerts, theater, sporting events.
Mr. Google provided this as part of their policy for the Pompeii site:

"An ordinary camera, a smartphone or a tablet does not involve any problem, unless there is a ban on using the flash. If you are equipped with professional equipment it can cause problems, because it is not always possible to rest the stand on the ground. You can get around this by using a certain model of stand which can be placed directly on the feet, avoiding use of the soil where it is forbidden.

The problems start if you are caught red-handed instead to take a photo with the tripod and assuming that it can be used for the sale or publication, you can incur a hefty fine."

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Google has the site with all of the rules for taking photos. Suggest looking it up. It looks pretty mild except for the use of tripods, which can result in a fine if caught. My interpretation is to avoid any hint that you are taking shots for professional use unless you get a permit.

Ansel.Iwish Loc: Wales, UK

As many people have said, there's no problem in using an SLR but remember Pompeii is very big and there is so much to see there. Therefore it's better to travel with the minimum gear necessary. With IS you won't need a tripod. A monopod could be a nuisance unless you need it for personal support.

I've now moved to mirrorless which means a smaller bag and less weight, ideal for a long day in the sun. One carefully chosen zoom should cover all the bases. Wear the most comfortable shoes you have and carry a snack and water.

Note, if you want to take something home, the souvenir shop closes earlier than the site.

Herculaneum is a little gem and will take you a shorter time to get around (although we spent nearly as much time there as in Pompeii.) Well worth a visit.

Naples is a great place to visit and again, there's so much to see and photograph. And try and get to di Matteo's, allegedly the birthplace of the modern pizza - the pizzeria and the surrounding area is very good for street photography.

The museum has some marvellous exhibits although the labelling is not brilliant.

If time allows, spend another day on trips along the coast, the small towns are really photogenic.
As are the islands in the bay of Naples. Each one is lovely: we particularly liked Procida, it's less touristed and it's good to have a day there to relax.

Whatever you do, have fun!

mniblick

I was just there a couple of months ago. You won't be questioned unless you are trying to set up a professional photo shoot. You don't need a tripod. Even the interior shots are well lit. Your biggest restriction will be getting access to a good vantage that is not fully blocked by a horde of selfie-taking, smart phone wielding tourists.

Ed Commons

It's been a while, but they didn't question my full format Nikon. For some reason Tripods denote professionalism. But hauling a tripod through Pompei and other ancient sites also cause problems. Slows down tourists wandering through..... who have been known to bump into tripods while looking a places other than where they were going.

mffox Loc: Avon, CT

I saw only handheld when I was there. Tripods, monopods are no-no's.

morgancbjr

I was there in 2015 using a Nikon 5300 with a 16-85mm lens hand held and did not experience any problem. Enjoy your visit...its a great spot.

nukauboi

I had my M8 Leica and it was fantastic on that shoot. Not sure if anyone has mentioned it yet, but one of the coolest places is the brothel and sauna. It is made very clear with signs that no flashes are allowed. The X rated paintings on the wall may not be for everyone, but if you want to get good pics use a super fast lens opened up and they will turn out well without having to jump up the ISO too high.