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jeff001 said:Another argument for not taking the DSLR is the security issue. The more expensive the "stuff" you have with you the more concerned you have to be with someone taking it.
renegadepilgrim said:..... I find that money would be better spent on the actual trip.
Lemonkid said:I'm having the same internal debate. So far I've brought it hiking in the mountaintops of Huangshan, I have a feeling I'll probably bring it.
As Margaret says charging a camera could be a problem, it isn't like a phone that can be kept switched off to conserve power. We too use cameras (Fuji Finepix) that take AA batteries (2) and always carry a spare set. Nothing so frustrating as having a good shot lined up and the battery failing.KiwiNomad06 said:....................
For me, I know that when I am traveling and staying in places like hostels and albergues where power points are limited, I want to take a camera that can just take AA batteries. This rules out quite a few models of camera, but it is a compromise I would rather make to avoid hassle trying to recharge batteries.
Margaret
Really enjoyed seeing your photo's on Flicr - very goodI walked Pamplona to Logroño in September last year and brought a DSLR with me. A Nikon D90 with the 18-105mm kit lens, to be exact. And I was very glad I took it with me as I got some great shots with it. But, I also didn't carry all my gear on my back, I sent some ahead. Otherwise I'm not sure I could have justified the weight. The camera and lens weigh nearly 1,3kg, which is a lot if you try to go by the 10% of your body weight rule.
Personally though, I'd bring a DSLR again.
Here's a link to some of my images, for those who are interested; my Camino Set on Flickr.
Hilda
While many folks have, I decided against carrying a dSLR and I am glad that I did. I carried a Panasonic ZS8 P&S which was ideal because it was always ready on my pack belt and small enough to stow in my small bag when off trail and in the shower, etc. The image quality was certainly good enough. A dSLR would have added too much weight, would have been too difficult to conceal, and too easy to steal, in my opinion.I want to take my DSLR camera with me when I leave for the camino next year. But I'm still not sure where to leave it during the walk. In my backpack is not really an option, because then I have to take the backpack of every time I want to shoot a picture. I do have a LowePro Toploader bag, which I think I can expand with a belt, but I don't think it's comfortable to wear with my backpack, because of all the straps coming together on my waist. I don't feel a lot for taking my compact camera. Does anyone have tips on this, or has anyone here took their SLR with them on the Camino. How did you transport your camera? Thanks!
It's like anything else you need to decide what you want. What you're willing to compromise on.
There are small DSLRs. You can stick a small prime on them and the total weight might be less then a water bottle. Will that not be enough for you? Are you going birding?
I totally agree. I left my DSLR+lenses at home and was more than happy with my Canon G11 and even happier the following year with my G12, which fit nicely close at hand in my jacket pocket when I walked in the fall, and in a fanny pack when I walked in warm weather. I agree that a DSLR will be a big hindrance to the whole experience. Some inexpensive compact cameras these days can perform quite impressively and allow you to stay 'in' the Camino instead of spending time juggling a camera and equipment. You will have fun, no matter what!So I haven't read this whole thread, so I am sorry if I repeat that which has already been said. My advice is simply that using a DLSR on the camino will be more of a hinderance. I am a photographer, qualified in Multimedia. I love my camera, and I would never usually use a compact camera. I am not boasting my skill, I am merely letting you know that Photography is very important to me, so my advice does not come lightly. However you really need to consider the size and weight of the camera, and the lens that you are bringing. Are you bringing a low weight 1100d, or a professional body? Are you bringing one lens, with a long zoom range? This will surely not provide you with the quality of various smaller lens, but of course then you have more bulk and weight. If you are going to compromise quality then bringing a compact should be more than enough, especially since most compacts come with a lot more control over settings than they use too.
As you said, how would your carry your gear? In your ruck, would mean you need to take the ruck off every time you want to shoot, and it also means that leaving your ruck sitting down outside a bar or café is risky business. Carrying an extra case for your gear can get in your way?
Bringing an DSLR doesn't just mean the camera; it means bringing lens, extra batteries, a battery charger, extra cards, Lens/sensor cleaning cloths/sprays/kits. Maybe even a tripod?
Of course it completely depends on your reason for the camino, but for me, as a photographer, I think a DSLR would have hampered my enjoyment. I walked the camino, and then returned to various locations a year later for photographic purposes. I know this sounds very negative, and in the end you must decide for yourself, it is merely my two cents worth. I hope whatever you do, that you have a fantastic journey.
EDIT: If you do bring it, check out https://www.lenstag.com I am not affiliated to this website in anyway, but I think it is brilliant.
Chris
Kanga:Professional photographers front balance pockets from Aarn packs. There are also camera pockets for those who don't need long lens
Carp:I left the DSLR at home and took a Canon SX150is. It has a 14.1 mp sensor, 12x zoom, has PASM controls, takes HD video, and uses AA batteries so I never worried about finding an outlet for charging (Tip: take AA lithium batteries -- they last many times longer than alkalines, but are hard to find along the Camino, so take spares from home). I carried it in a small pouch attached to the waist belt of my fanny pack rather than to my backpack -- that way it was always with me if I left my backpack in the albergue while sightseeing. Yes, I gave up the ability to acquire RAW captures and the small sensor meant sacrificing depth of field flexibility and dynamic range, but I seldom took the time to walk around looking for just the right angle or wait for the perfect light -- I just composed the best I could, tried to be mindful of the light, and shot away. Perhaps the results were not worthy of display in a gallery, but they told the story of our Camino. After all, it wasn't a photo expedition, it was a pilgrimage.
But I can relate to photo enthusiasts who feel like they'd like something more elaborate or "better" than a compact camera. Perhaps a good compromise would be a mirrorless micro 4/3 camera with interchangeable lenses. Since returning from our Camino last fall, I picked up a basic Olympus E-PM2 with two lenses (12-42mm and 40-150mm) for less than $400. It's tiny -- the body is actually smaller and lighter than a Canon G-series compact or the SX150 that I took on the Camino, although the lenses do add to the overall bulk. While the jury is still out on a final recommendation, so far I have been generally pleased with it. This camera and lens format might be an ideal solution for at least semi-serious photography when carrying a big DSLR kit with multiple lenses is not practical.
Hi Rambler,Carp:
I am planning to take the Canon also. If it had a viewfinder, I think it would be perfect. Any secrets to maximizing the life on the batteries? I also just looked at the Olympus 4/3 with a pancake lens, but was not ready to spend that much money. I will be interested in hearing your opinion on the camera. Pleas give a review.
Rambler
Get a PEAK DESIGNS Capture Camera Clip.Everyone thanks again for your tips about the DSLR. My final conclusion is I'm gonna take it with me. I'm taking at least my 50mm lens with me, and maybe maybe my 55-200mm for some detailed pics (but maybe I'll just leave it at home, because the pics I'll be making on the way will be mainly landscapes. I don't worry that much about the weight, the body is 700 gr and the 50mm weighs about 115 gr. So less than a kilo. I think I can live with that.
I use a Mirrorless Panasonic Lumix GX-1 with interchangeable lenses.With the advent of mirrorless cameras, you can get DSLR quality in a lighter package. I have a full frame Nikon d800 with a 24-70 lense. Great setup if I am willing to carry 4.2 lbs. The mirrorless cropped sensor Sony a6300 with 16-50 lens (24-75 when converted) weighs less than 13 oz. with great picture quality (although not leader of the pack quality of the d800). But to save 3lbs of weight, I am willing to make the sacrifice. The Sony actually has much better video quality though, a real selling point for me.
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