Thoughts about taking a DSLR on a cruise (Page 6): To my way of thinking it would probably depend on whether photography is a passion for him or if he just wants holiday snapshots. For...

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Flash_Your_It wrote:

is this a vacation or a photographic excursion? Will you be using the images for a portfolio or commercial use? What is your normal subject matter that you could expect to find there that you'd like to capture with your good glass vs. a nice quality point and shoot? Those are some questions you need to consider. Is taking a good camera work possibly getting it stolen or damaged? or being constantly on the lookout for something to shoot and not enjoy the simple pleasures of the island.

To my way of thinking it would probably depend on whether photography is a passion for him or if he just wants holiday snapshots. For me, it a passion which I share with my wife. Further if I constantly worried about my camera being damaged or stolen, which can happen anywhere, I would never take it out of the house. I bought my camera and lenses to use them whenever I wanted great shots of beautiful and interesting places. Seems to me its a waste to have a good camera and not take it on a cruise. If not then, when? Why own a DSLR in the first place?

In unplanned situations when I don't have my camera, I use the 16mp camera in my new Samsung Galaxy s5 phone. It gives me extremely usable snapshots even in relatively low light, has an f/2.2 lens according to EXIF data, and is always with me. But as good as it is, it does not replace my dslr.

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

Silver0514 wrote:

My wife and I will be going on a Caribbean cruise in November, and I was hoping to get feedback about taking my Nikon D5200 on the cruise. I have an 18-200, 70-300, 11-16, and 35mm lenses. Should I be concerned about the size of the DSLR or take a cannon D9 instead? Which lenses would you recommend?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

I usually use my D7000 for dedicated photo shoots. Just got back from Monterey, CA and realize that for sightseeing a much lighter camera would be better. I will be taking a Mediterranean cruise next year. I am going to buy a Fuji Xt-1 (Or the next version) to have the same facility in a smaller, lighter camera. I still love my Nikon, but it sure is heavy. The D5200 is lighter though.

birdm92

I have a D3s and several lens, only trouble is the weight, heavy to carry., just back from our trip on the Oasis.

Alashisan Loc: Arizona

I agree. These sorts of things are the reasons for having these glorious machines! Use it. I did.

DavidPine wrote:

That's why you bought it. Use it and have fun.

gypsy02 Loc: Indiana

If you don't mind carrying it around, take your favorite camera and enjoy your opportunity to get some memorable shots! We've enjoyed Caribbean cruises a few time and I always take my DSLR. I didn't take my 70-300, just my wide angle lens. You'll have a lot of photo opportunities in the ports as well as on the ship. Again, if you don't mind carrying the larger camera. If you're worried about theft, there is a safe in the room to lock it up when you don't want to carry it. You'll have a great time!

elliott937 Loc: St. Louis

I have been on more than a dozen cruises, and will always take my camera system with me. Remember, every cabin will have a safe in it. Just follow your instincts, and have fun with it.

Photocraig

Since engines are running 24x7--hopefully--on a cruise ship, remember that significant vibrations will transmit to the camera. The only way I know to mitigate this "camera shake"
Is shutter speed in the 1/1000 or faster.

This is the same for all motorized transport. Shhe fast and frame well.

And take everything, and insure the heck out if everything, including the Tuxedo.

Bear2 Loc: Southeast,, MI

Switch on the Active switch on the bottom of your lens for extra vibration reduction. Try some with and some without to see if it helps.

Photocraig wrote:

Since engines are running 24x7--hopefully--on a cruise ship, remember that significant vibrations will transmit to the camera. The only way I know to mitigate this "camera shake"
Is shutter speed in the 1/1000 or faster.

This is the same for all motorized transport. Shhe fast and frame well.

And take everything, and insure the heck out if everything, including the Tuxedo.

alfaman

Hi, silver 0514,
Spent 26 days in Italy May, June 2013, seven days of which were on a five masted sailing ship on the Amalfi Coast. Took my Canon 50D and G11. Took 3 lenses, one of which was an 18-200mm EF-is lense and never took it off the camera. Brought a longer telephoto (90-300mm) and rarely used it.
Took over 1k pictures with the 50D, 350 with the g11.
Have a great trip.
Alfaman

fred konta

We recently took a 10 day cruise in the eastern Caribbean and I had a Canon 7D with an 18 to 135 mm lens and a 70 to 200 mm lens. I was able to take excellent pictures using both lenses for different scenes and recommend you take the Nikon with both lenses. Enjoy your cruise.

Fred

architect Loc: Chattanooga

Photocraig wrote:

Since engines are running 24x7--hopefully--on a cruise ship, remember that significant vibrations will transmit to the camera. The only way I know to mitigate this "camera shake"
Is shutter speed in the 1/1000 or faster.

I have never felt any vibrations on the 10 or so large cruiseships I have been on. I have used a tripod with slow shutter speeds and never had any noticeable degradation of my images due to vibration. In rough seas, there will be some roll you will feel, but your subject is rolling at the same rate as your camera.

architect Loc: Chattanooga

I suspect some smaller cruiseships or boats will be using diesel engines for primary power, instead of merely recharging the electric motors. They might have some noticeable vibration.

DalerDad73

BTW, not sure if other people have had this problem on cruise ships, but if it's really hot and humid outside and the inside of the cabin is air conditioned, the lens can fog up a bit on the inside. If youre planning on taking pics right away allow some extra time so your camera can can get to the right temp, it took mine about a half hour.

walterh Loc: Seaford LI, NY

The other night I said I am going to put my Nikon J1 in the car. You never know when a good photo op will come up. I forgot to do it, the next morning a female malard along with 10 little ducks were walking in Pathmarks park lot, no camera, great photo missed

architect Loc: Chattanooga

DalerDad73 wrote:

BTW, not sure if other people have had this problem on cruise ships, but if it's really hot and humid outside and the inside of the cabin is air conditioned, the lens can fog up a bit on the inside. If youre planning on taking pics right away allow some extra time so your camera can can get to the right temp, it took mine about a half hour.

Definitely had this problem. Not only the lens fogs up but the viewfinder and internal lens surfaces too. I missed one of the most spectacular sunrises I have seen because it took about 25 minutes to clear. Solution is to keep your camera in a waterproof bag, or, as I did, put it out on the balcony at night.

Shot with fogged lens after waiting 20 minutes and missing the best part