digital vs. traditiona

[Rude Ry]

instead of backpacking this winter, I'm looking to leave during the summer...anyways, I don't have a digital camera, but I'm thinking about taking one instead of a traditional camera to Europe. Does anyone suggest I take both? Or one over the other?

[Nicstar]

depends on your preference I guess. I am taking both, purely because I'll probably never get around to getting proper photos done off my digital. I like to have the proper photo of sceneries and what not, but for photos of friends and people and things like that I prefer my digital - I eventually end up deleting most of those ones, and only keeping a few. Ends up being a waste of money if I'd used all film (when it comes to people, I am a snapaholic, so the $500 Aus I spent on the camera 6 months ago has already paid for itself, and I don't have a bunch of silly photos lying around the place).

Just my preference. My traditional camera is also more expensive then my digital, and takes better photos, so I'd rather have the digital in places when I may risk losing it (ie, when we hit the pub in the evening etc). Also I'd prefer better quality pics of scenery and sights.

I can tell you now others will disagree with me and say I am overpacking, but thats just my preference- I don't even do a weekend in Sydney without both cameras. (and the camera on my phone...) Now to find the lead for my camera to actually start getting the pics off the camera and on to my conputer.


The beauty of not taking your traditional camera is that you dont have to lug all the film around, and remember to record which is used which isn't etc etc. And with a digital you can take repeated shots of something and delete the ones that haven't worked out.

No definitive answer on this one- I know people who don't take a camera at all since photos mean nothing to them. Photos mean the world to me- I would fill 4 photo albums (128 pics each album) a year without travelling.....

[LHR02]

goodness me....we have discussed this so many times. Did you read through the topics in this camera forum? You'll find several discussions about this already posted. If you still have questions or comments, post away.

[Eagle]

I suppose it depends on how many photos you want to take, and your preferences? I usually travel with both a compact Digital Camera and compact Film Camera. That way if one develops a problem, I've got the other in reserve. They are both small and light, so are not a problem to pack or carry.

Keep in mind that travelling with a Digital Camera presents certain unique challenges -- how many Memory Cards to use, what type of Memory Card to use (CF is the most cost effective, Memory Sticks are generally the MOST expensive), what to do with the cards when they're full, what type of batteries are used in the Camera & how you're going to charge these while travelling (multi-voltage Charger & Plug Adapters needed?). As Dustoffmom said, there is LOTS of information on the Board on this topic -- look through some of the previous posts.

If you haven't already bought a Digital Camera, some research into the different models is probably a good idea. You could check the Reviews & Forums at www.dpreview.com or www.steves-digicams.com as they have a lot of good information there! I'm partial to Canon Cameras, but that's just my personal preference.

It's good that you're thinking about this now, well in advance of your trip. That way you can buy the items you need gradually, so you don't get hit by a big bill all at once.

Good luck with this! Cheers!!!

[snorkelman]

I have both. i will always bring only my digital. When you get back home you can edit all the pictures and make sure they are perfect. Also you can make sure the image is good the second you take the picture.

Don't bring two cameras.

[Rude Ry]

Thanks everyone...I plan on travelling with both...I don't have a digital yet though...any suggestions? Something "economical", I'm a recent college graduate, so I'm still on the budget!

[Eagle]

RudeRy, a few suggestions if you're looking for a Digital Camera. As you're on a "budget" you would likely be looking for a small "Point & Shoot" style Camera, rather than a "prosumer" model or digital SLR. Have a look at www.dpreview.com or www.steves-digicams.com as they both have review sections and forums (I got a LOT of good tips from the forums prior to buying my Camera).

A few things to look for:

> Brand name -- I'm partial to Canon or Nikon, but best you decide this based on your needs.

> Memory Card format -- Compact Flash is the least expensive in most cases, and offers the largest capacities. If the Camera is capable of using both Type I and Type II CF cards, then Microdrives can be used for storage also (4GB capacity). I'm not a big fan of those "goofy" overpriced Memory Sticks (Sony -- you'd think they would have learned about using odd formats after their Beta experience!). You WILL need to buy additional memory cards, as the manufacturers don't include much capacity as "standard equipment".

> Battery format -- some people strongy prefer AA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries, as this offers the benefit of using alkaline batteries in an emergency. This is only of marginal benefit IMHO, as alkalines have very poor life in digital camera use. I use rechargeable Li-Ion battery packs (sometimes called "proprietary batteries"), and haven't had any problems with these at all. Find the best Camera for your needs, regardless of what type of batteries it uses.

> Zoom capability -- most of the small P&S Cameras have 3X optical zoom, and usually some digital zoom. A few have 4X optical zoom. Digital zoom is a bit of a "gimmick" and degrades picture quality to some extent, so I don't use it except in rare cases. Some of the higher-end Cameras have 10X optical zoom, but one has to be careful with this, as at maximum zoom "camera shake" can be a problem unless some kind of image stabilization is used. Not likely you'd be looking at something in this price range, but thought I'd mention it anyway.

Of course you will have to budget for a few accessories such as a quality Case, etc. but these can be bought over time making the purchases a bit easier to take. Rather than repeat a lot of information, have a look at some of the other Posts in this section, as there's lots of useful information.

Hope this has helped. Cheers!!!

[Marie]

I just got on the digital train! I got a Canon SD300 for Christmas!! WITH a 512 mg memory card!! Now I'm all set anywhere, anytime! Just have to fiond a trip to bring it on!

[Eagle]

MARIE, fantastic! There's a bit of a learning curve with Digital Cameras, but I think you'll enjoy it. Have fun!!!

[RudeRy]

wow, camera overload!