Where to put my camera during activities

[caroeurope]

Hi!

I have a Nikon D50 (with 2 lens and a flash) and I am currently debating whether I should bring it to Europe (my first backpack trip) or get another smaller digital camera... I really want to bring it along with me (especially since I love photography and take so many pictues) but I am afraid that it will be unpractical (especially since I will be travelling alone)...

I am planning to go swing dancing and maybe paragliding and skiing while in Europe and I was wondering what I could do with my camera during that time... Do hostels allow you store your camera at the reception desk? Is it safe to keep it in the lockers for a long time? Do all hostels have lockers?

I was also wondering what to do with my camera when I sleep...

I read the comments about the backpacks that are made with cameras in mind, but I was wondering if there was a practical way to keep the camera close for quick reach (so not keeping it in the big backpack) without having another backpack ou big pouch (which I currently use) on me... I also find the vest a little bulky... It seems like the day-pack of the big backpacks would be the best idea from what I read... any suggestions?

Did anybody regret bringing their slr along?

Thanks!

[Eagle]

caroeurope, Welcome to the Boards! I also travel with a dSLR, so can provide some comments based on my experiences.

Travelling with a dSLR is definitely more effort than just taking a small P&S. However, the reason I decided to travel with a dSLR is specifically due to the limitations of most P&S Cameras - limited zoom range and limited wide angle capability. I found on several occasions that I was able to get photos that wouldn't have been possible with a P&S (for a variety of reasons).

On my trip last Fall, I took a Canon 350/XT, 3 Lenses (one on the Camera), an external Flash, a few Filters and some cleaning gear. During flights the Camera stays with me in my carry-on Backpack (locked of course), inside a small LowePro bag.

Most of the time I used the dSLR during the daytime, and took a small P&S out at night, as it's both easier to carry and less conspicuous. However I did take the dSLR out a few times at night in order to get specific pictures (the better ISO range is a big advantage).

I don't know about swing dancing or skiing, but I did go paragliding in Switzerland and took my dSLR along for the ride. I got some great shots!

Most Hostels have Lockers, but keep in mind you have to provide your own Padlock. Make sure the Lock you use isn't too large, as it might not fit the small Hasp on the Lockers. Also, this is not a situation where you want to use a cheap Lock! Make sure you use a good quality (preferably high security) but compact Padlock.

If the Hostel doesn't have Lockers, most of the time you can leave it at the Front Desk. Of course, you need to have confidence that the people working there are reliable (some Hostels are a bit dodgy). I used that method several times in Rome, and never had a problem. The Staff were always very careful with the Camera.

I don't recall what I did with the Camera when sleeping? I think I locked it up in my Daypack? Of course I tend to "mix" my lodgings to some extent, so some nights I was staying in budget Hotels, and had my own room.

Regarding Camera Backpacks, I don't have much information on those as I don't use one. I use a Vest (not specifically a Photo Vest, but it works fine). Most of the time I just carried the Camera in the open (I like to have it quickly available) but I made sure I kept the Camera close to my side and had a frim grip on both the body and the strap. In dodgy or suspect areas I sometimes tucked it inside the Vest so it was a bit less visible.

To answer your question, I certainly didn't regret bringing my Camera gear along, and will do so again.

Good luck with your decision!

[caroeurope]

Hi Eagle!

Thanks for the great information! ; )

How did you lock up your camera in your daypack while you slept? Did you just put a lock on the zipper?

Thanks again!

[Eagle]

caroeurope, Yes, I use a "panel loading" style of Backpack so I just locked the zippers (from what I recall?). I always travel with a small Cable lock, so I could also lock the Daypack to the bed, if necessary.

I've also kept it on the inside of my bed while I was sleeping (if the bed is up against a wall), with the strap secured to something solid. It makes it a bit more difficult for someone to reach across me to snag the Camera bag (always the chance I could wake up!). One sometimes has to adapt the methods to the situation! I also tried to be somewhat discreet with the Camera, and didn't flash it about (although I had it with me most of the time).

I only stayed in Hostels twice during my two month trip, so most of the time in budget Hotels, I didn't have to worry about it.

Happy travels!

[patrickt]

I've never worked with one of the fancy newfangled cameras with the lenses and such... I bought a small camera (about the size of a pack of cigarettes).. 7.1 megapix... and I got some amazing shots.

I'm not a photographer, so my main interest in my camera was to document my trip... If I wanted to snap a quick picture of some birds in a park, I did. If I had to unpack my lenses and such, they'd have flown away by the time I was done.

So I guess you should ask yourself why you want the pictures...

As far as locking it up?? It was always in my pocket.... and in my pillowcase under my head at night.