Vacation Camera questions

I don't have a dSLR, but the similar logic applies no matter what kind of camera you're talking about if it becomes a nuisance. I had an old Canon that used CF cards (so it was bigger and bulkier than the newer point and shoot cameras these days) and I found myself leaving it home more and more because it was just one more thing weighing down my purse, etc.

As much as I tried to like and get decent photos with my iPhone (4s), it ended up driving me nuts. I missed so many shots because any phone camera has so many limitations that I went and bought a decent SMALL point and shoot that I could take with me when I knew I would want some better photos. Of course it's no guarantee, but it does so much better in low light, with faster action, etc. I still use my phone camera for lots of little everyday things, but when it's important to me to get at least a few scrap worthy photos, I bring a real camera. Especially for anything that may be a once in a lifetime experience.

So I guess for you it really depends on whether you can get the kind of shots you're looking for with your smaller camera that will satisfy you. If not, you know your answer!

I didn't do it for a vacation but I tried using a smaller camera for my day to day photos rather than use my big camera. What I found is that I chose not to use the smaller camera at all and ended up with far fewer photos.

I've taken my big camera on vacation then only taken one smaller lens with me for the day's activities rather than lug everything around.

I take my SLR camera with me everywhere. I also take a smaller camera and waterproof camera. I keep all three in a backpack and take the camera I need for the activity. I leave my SLR in the room safe and have never had a problem. I love to take pictures of the scenery and close up pictures of the architecture. My iPhone6 takes nice pictures, but nothing replaces the SLR for me. Yes, sometimes it is a hassle, but my SLR had been dune buggy riding, horseback riding (4 different types of monkeys to shoot), roller coaster riding, and just about anywhere that I go. If I know that water is going to be involved, I take the waterproof camera. I haven't ever been to Puerto Rico, but we have vacationed in the Dominican Republic and Jamaica numerous times. The only city I ever felt nervous about my camera being on me was NYC in the Christopher Street subway. There was some scary stuff going down.

I take tons of photos on my IPhone but for a big trip I would take along my DSLR. I would take it along and then leave it locked in the room safe on days or for outings where you don't need it.

I took my DSLR to Maui. I hated lugging it around and we (and it) got drenched in the rainforest. I have a P&S that takes pretty good photos and so does my phone. The big camera stays home now and only get used for wildlife photos around the house.

Sounds like you will be in a lot of low light situations which phone cameras usualy don't do well with. I guess it depends on how important good photos are to you. I also have a pns that I use on vacation. It clips to my belt hooks so it is easy to have on me.

I can't even imagine NOT taking my DSLR on vacation with me. I want the best quality photos I can get, and that means taking the DSLR. Good enough just doesn't cut it for me. It is worth the added weight and inconvenience in my opinion.

Besides, what does it hurt to take it and have it with you, just in case? You'll feel a lot better doing that, than leaving it at home and then kicking yourself if a situation comes up and you find you really should have brought it, right? Pack a backpack or a comfortable bag and it won't be such a hassle.

Debbie in MD.

I just got the G16 today.  I needed a new small camera to fit in my purse.  I have had a Canon for 30 years and have tried other brands, but I like Canon the best.  It is the perfect size to go zip lining with, for sure.

     Thanks for the suggestion Patter. DH bought a Canon point and shoot last Christmas but I just don't care for it. I'm a die hard Nikon SLR girl. I've been shooting SLR's since 1979 back in the film days. I like the feel of them in my hands. Travel photography is my favourite kind of photography so I always pack my DSLR. I couldn't imagine travelling without it-it'd be like travelling without my right hand.

Debbie in MD.

     Yeah, you get it   How wonderful for your uncle. DH is back to shooting with film! He does fine art photography-says film still beats digital when it comes to that. He's having a blast going back "to the old ways". I do miss when cameras were cameras instead of "computers disguised as cameras". When I could control the aperture by turning the dial on the lens instead of having to scroll through a darn menu on the back-I hate that!!!   But I must admit I do love the fact that I can shoot as much as I want and not have to hear the "Cha ching" in my head of each shot costing money, sending the film off and waiting days for the results.

Debbie in MD.

Yes, the newer ones work the same!! You would LOVE it!

birukitty, I definitely love not having to wait for prints too, and I love being able to discard the photos that didn't turn out before printing them!

I don't ever use the menu on my DSLR, I can change the aperture, shutter speed, focal points, iso with dials on the back of the camera- the only time I ever use the menu is if I am changing the white balance to flourescent or some other indoor odd lighting and I am in a hurry. Which camera do you have that you have to use the menu to do that? I agree that would be hideously annoying!!!

We just had that same debate before a trip to Europe. I opted not to take my DSLR (Canon Mark 5-D), it's just very heavy. We took our iPhones and my Canon G16. There were definitely times when I wished I had my DSLR. But, the safes in our hotel rooms were too small for something as big as my DSLR and I didn't regret not dealing with the weight of the camera (it was in the 90's the whole time on our trip).

I think about it like this...I take pictures to include in my scrapbooks. I like them to include a lot of people pictures. My iPhone and G16 manage those very well.