camera

[bruney4]

Ok, well i am going to be staying in a lot of hostels for about 40 days in 15 different places through out Europe. Should I bring a digital camera or film camera? My thoughts were that I would have no where to charge the camera because I would be out all day, and night, making the only possible time to charge in during my sleep, when it could be easily stolen.

Is this a fair assumption or do most hostels have some place where the concierge will look after your camera while it is charging.


thanks for all your help, looking forward to your comments.

[Eagle]

bruney4, first of all, welcome to the Board. You might want to send a PM to Kim to have this post moved to the "Cameras" section, as you'll probably get more replies.

It's difficult to answer your questions without having some further information on your circumstances. Which type of Camera you bring will be somewhat determined by what you're presently using, and what type of budget you have for Camera equipment? If you presently have a large investment in film gear and a limited travel budget, you might be better to stay with that format. If you also have a digital Camera (with all the accessories needed to travel with these, such as spare batteries, lots of memory cards, etc.), this would probably be your best option.

Of course, it's important to consider the capabilties and features of the Cameras, in terms of which type will be most flexible and provide the best record of your travels. Some of our members here really prefer travelling with film and don't foresee ever changing, while others have firmly made the switch to digital with no intention of ever returning to film (that's probably a good description my situation).

As far as the charging issue, this is not an insurmountable problem. Many of the newer rechargeable Batteries are equipped with "rapid chargers" which will fully charge the batteries in about three hours (or less!). I would also be uncomfortable with leaving the charger connected while sleeping, as theft could occur. However, I've found that even with a very busy travel schedule I'm usually in the Hostel for at least three hours so charging is not a problem. I've never botthered asking the front desk staff to charge batteries, although from my experience I don't think this would be a problem.

Still on the subject of charging, make sure you read some of the other Posts in the "Cameras" section with regards to the types of batteries to use and the voltage requirements of the Chargers (if your Camera doesn't have a "world charger", you'll need a Voltage Converter). You will undoubtedly need Plug Adapters as well, if you're travelling with a North American charger (I'm assuming you're from N.A., I couldn't tell from your Profile?). I usually travel with at least three batteries for each Camera, so always have lots of capacity for day touring. Also, have you considered how you will transfer photos once your memory cards are full? There are a range of options to consider for this as well.

If you could provide some further information on what you're using now, it would be a big help. Happy travels!!!

[bruney4]

yes I am from canada and I have both a digital and film camera. no need to help me anymore I believe i got the just of it from what you told me. Thanks for all your help

[commie]

hm i have seen people charging cellphones an ipods in the floor because they had no sockets lefts in rooms, and they where still at this place when i came back from work after 10 hours or so.
otherwise take a bed near a socket and hide your devices under the matress or pillow.

[rchua]

i'm sure it is pretty safe in hotels/hostels but i don't think i would leave my belongings that easily.