stevemdr

I was faced with the same situation. I'm a travel agent specializing in small-ship cruises. In Israel, especially in tourist sites, there are many reasons not to carry a large, conspicuous camera. You also might want to avoid carrying a camera bag at sites all over the globe where tourists with expensive camera gear can be considered targets for petty thieves. Also, carrying much camera gear is often too hot (or cold).

On more than 50 overseas cruises, I usually carry a Sony RX100 that fits into a shirt pocket or any trousers or jacket. The latest model is the RX100-M7, that has a very sharp 24-200mm lens. I bought it used in "nearly new" condition from one of the major NYC stores for $900. The only wear I could see was the box with minor creases and cracks.

My house is decorated with 20x30" prints that I took with this and earlier cameras in the RX100 series going back for more than 10 years. The only fault is a tiny, popup EVF, that's difficult to see through, compared with the Fujifilm X-5 that is all-to-often back in my stateroom while I use the Sony.

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

I agree with you, It is bigger but no extra lenses to deal with. I would think that the Z7 with just two lenses (W/A & Med Tele) would be the ticket but since she said she wanted to go lighter, maybe one camera, the RX-10 is a great all-around camera and well, maybe drop down to the Sony RX100VII... ps, I recently took my OM-1 to the Scottish Isles and it worked like a champ in the driving rain, wind and cold (without a raincoat)...Cheers

nealbralley Loc: Kansas

I recommend you look into the Sony RX100VII camera, 24-200mm Zeiss lens, f/2.8-4.5. It is the size of a pack of cigarettes, light weight, high quality, shoots in RAW or JPEG. Sony RX100III is another good choice, but it is 24-70mm Zeiss lens, f/1.8-2.8. Sony RX100III is basically the same size, a few years older than the RX100VII. Shoots in both RAW and JPEG. Both are fine cameras.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Yes, while I said in her situation I would take my Z7 in my situation I wouldn’t because I also have an OM-1 and that’s what I took to Scotland last August/September when I went. I kept just the 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro lens on it almost the entire trip. When I go out west in August and Italy in September my OM-1 will make those trips and the Z7 & Z9 will be staying home. I also have a Sony RX10MIV and while it’s a great camera for the things I use it for it doesn’t have the same IQ as my Olympus.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

My M43 kit is my go-to for travel, adventure, hiking, and every day carry, since about 2008.

topcat Loc: Alameda, CA

I use a Sony RX100, But your Z7 would be the camera that I would use. The compact camera is great for when you want to travel light, but you want to get the best captures that you can. I vote for the Z7. Take the compact with you when you go for dinner or you don't need the good camera.

jeffhacker Loc: Dallas, Texas

I fully agree. If you have a wider angle lens (i.e., the 14-30 f/4 Z mount) that would be okay as well as spaces are tight in Jerusalem.

steinr98

I have Sony point &shoot - xx100(I’m not home can’t remember the model number) but it is a xx100. Shoots raw. Has a usable telephoto. Try - small. To tell U how good it is, the photos R super. The down side- it is about $1200.00. One super camera. Took it to Europe last fall. Normally shoot a Canon R 5. Again- shoots Raw!

Urnst Loc: Brownsville, Texas

Any holy camera will do

Gilkar

I was going to recommend the P1000. (I have a P900 but they're almost the same), The P900 is my goto travel camera. On vacations I am not trying to create priceless images, I am only trying to preserve memories of sights and am mostly snapshooting. I do use a monopod both as a camera support and a walking stick. I also have a P100 which is much smaller and lighter but the zoom range is not as large. I am guessing it's about 24mm to 600mm, (equivalent), or thereabout. I bought the P100 from Goodwill as a non functioning, as is, camera. When I got it home I attempted to recharge the battery while it was still in the camera and got a warning message saying that there was a fault in the battery. I ordered two new batteries with an external charger, (surprisingly cheap ), on Ebay. When I inserted the new battery, after charging, the camera worked perfectly. Did I mention I paid $13 for the camera and less than $10 for the two batteries and charger? I am going to the Holy Land in November and will be bringing my P900 and will be carrying it on a belt holster. I also plan to bring a lightweight collapsible tripod. When you get back I'm sure we'll all be interested in your experiences. Good Luck and safe travels.

rbmcdill Loc: St. Louis, MO

MissyG: Did you see the responses to the question about what camera and lenses to take to Ireland? I've been to Ireland but not the Holy Land, so I don't know the exact differences, but why wouldn't the same set of lenses for Ireland work for the Holy Land? Since you didn't say what lenses you own for you Z7, but guessing, you have at least something in the 24-70 range, maybe a wider lens and maybe a longer lens. I have a 28-300 that I use on my Sony DSLR that covers most of what I need, and would be all I'd take except a second body with some other lens.

Hope you have a great trip whatever you choose to take in gear.

ashriverguy Loc: Rural Minnesota

We did A LOT of walking and it will be HOT - travel light.

araia

Hello there, I was there before a month. My advice is the smallest the camera the better b/c there are too many people that you don't have space to maneuver things. For me the biggest challenge was the lighting. You will constantly change lights, you will be in darker place, at the same time in a brighter place and goes on and on. You have to be ready for the exposure, may be you can use Auto all the time or some thing else.
Have a nice trip and God Bless

Mike NC

I'm not on UH as much as some, but enough to know that you know your stuff, speak directly, are opinionated and I respect your opinions.

I have a 850 and love it. I don't see a "need" to go to Z, but if not for price and battery life, I probably would. I have a 24-70 (with 850 50 MP, I can crop and blow up pictures to look like a longer lens if light is good and low ISO, but 200 mm would be better) and 200-500 Nikon zooms and both are excellent though heavy which I don't mind. I also have a 28-300 and it is "good" but convenient. I want to take excellent pictures I use the 1st 2 zooms 98% of the time and it meets my needs. I started the 850 with the 28-300 and noticed it is not good enough for the 850 when comparing Africa pictures between the 200-500 and 28-300. Now I use it when I'm not concerned so much about quality.

I am not familiar with the 24-200 (Nikon?) lens that you mention. How does it compare in quality with the 24-70? If 24-70 is an A and 28-300 is a C, where does the 24-200 fit. If it is an A, I would get it, if it is a B, then probably not unless it was inexpensive and I could use it and forget about my 28-300. I would love for it to be an A. I can tell the difference between an A and a C. Not sure if I can tell the difference between an A and a B.

I consider myself a "good" photographer and I love good pictures on my 32" monitor and when I print them on metal at Bay Photos. I'm an engineer and semi-retired and thinking about selling pictures for the fun of it.

Sorry for the rambling - trying to give enough info for your lens opinion. Any thoughts you have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

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