Lots of valid points give so far here. I was there a year ago, about this time of year. Contrast is one of the main problems, particularly in Jerusalem itself. Deep shadows and bright highlights. There is a lot to see, so take your time and enjoy doing it. I found no problrms with street scenes, people photos etc. However do be aware of any military about. Look out for grafitti, particularly in Bethlehem, even if you do not agree with the sentiment, it can be very photogenic. Typical M.E. weather, sunny, but not hot during the day, but can be quite cool at night. A good compact (I took a Canon G12) is useful in the crowded souks in Jerusalem, but the trouble is, that is the way to some of the religious sites you would wish to visit, where you would want more comprehensive gear. What was nice is that there was very little of the "Pushy touts" that you tend to get in the rest of the M.E.
Do as I do and go twice. First time to get a feel for a place, and second time to correct the photographs that I screwed up the first time. Above all, enjoy.
As has been said there are a lot of tourists in Venice. Anything on the square is over-priced. That's the nature of tourism. It can smell at times, particularly in the summer, but that has improved as time moves on. Rome has several walkways of cobblestones, so wear solid footware. Florence is my choice, but it would be a shame to come so far and miss any of it. (I'll be in Rome myself next week).
Nice work wonkytripod, from both yourself and Mr Smith.
Welcome Vicki. Some very nice photos. What better reason can there be for having a camera than the grandchildren. I think most issues with respect to your camera choice have been commented on. The advantage of being able to perhaps borrow lenses etc is a major one when you consider the cost of kit. However what is far more important is to get one that you are comfortable with. Go to a store and get your hands on cameras, try them out, and don't rush. Do you have friends with different makes/models of camera that you can borrow ? Don't disregard other makes in favour of the big two, out of hand. There are a lot of good cameras out there, so take your time and make sure that you are comfortable with a camera, and that it will do what you want, and what you hope to do. When you have done all of that - enjoy, both the photography and the grand kids.
Unfortunately an accurate assessment of the current political situation in UK. The last honest man in British politics was Guy Fawkes.
I have a Canon G12 as a 3rd camera, and would have thought that this type would be ideal. Small enough to fit in one hand, has an articulated screen, and glory be, a proper viewfinder for those who prefer to use it as a camera. Getting on now, but a solid well made camera, and should be available second hand at a reasonable price.
I must admit I also felt that Nikon had missed a trick by not putting an articulated screen on the D800. Particularly as I sometimes use a Canon G12 and find the screen so useful. (Getting used to paralax error again, with the viewfinder is a whole new game) On thinking about it though, most of the situations where it would be useful are more than covered by using a tethered set-up. So why add something more to go wrong ?
I recently changed from Canon 9000 to an Epson R3000. Very pleased with it. I'm using it with a CIS and all is working well so far.
As DEC says, yes you can do "normal" printing, but try to group your printing types together to save on ink loss due to changes. I have an A4 printer to cover most of my text printing. Just a cheep Canon Pixma, but it does the job.
Nice set Alaskan. Just proves that there is always something worth photographing.
I went from D300s to D800, and feel that the move was worthwhile. I think the most sensible advice I have seen on this thread was to get your hands on the cameras and see what you feel comfortable with. At this level of camera, they are all good.
I wouldn't take too much notice of the likes of JR1 as he appears to be making the mistake that "professional" is in some way related to knowledgable or even good. All that professional means is that you get paid for it, not that you are any good at it, or know what you are talking about.
Nice shots Graham. Keep posting. As I said before, it's one I look out for each day.
Great pics Graham. Who would have thought a couple of year ago that you could get this quality with a phone. (I'm afraid I'm of the generation that thinks phones are for making phone calls. Shows what I know. Just remember that it is Luci that takes the picture, not the phone.) Keep posting, I look forward to it each day.