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dslr or medium format

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First traveling trip alone, canon 5d or medium format??????
15 years ago, March 25th 2009 No: 1 Msg: #66980  
I realize there are pros and cons for both dslr and medium format, im worried that if i take my canon 5d it will cause me loads of stress and i will not be able to leave it anywhere, will i have problems storing the large res images and will i be targeted by theifs??? i love this camera and would be great to take along, however i would also like to work on film for exhibitions and publications. not sure if i could take both along tho!!

can anyone give me any advice? anyone been in a similar situation or recommendations on what is the better option?

Thanks Reply to this

15 years ago, March 25th 2009 No: 2 Msg: #67014  
Moses,

I traveled the world with a Nikon d80 and had no problem with either storage or theft. For storage I carried a laptop and external hard drive (I ended up with 20,000 files). I carried my Nikon d80, the 18-200mmVR, the 14-24mm, and 80-400mm with me in a pack that also carried my laptop. I took it as a carry-on on all planes, buses and trains and made sure to carry it whenever I went anywhere. I figure, if you're serious about photography you'll probably want your camera with you wherever you go anyway. You never know when a picture opportunity will present itself.

As far as medium Format v digital DSLR, that's a subject that's up for a ton of debate. I am a professional photographer and sell my pictures (you can check me out at: Team Turner Photography) and have used only digital pics. I have three book covers and multiple published pictures to my name but don't use Medium Format. I will say that Medium Format is what most VERY serious landscape photographers still use. Most magazine covers fro nature and wildlife are still shot in film because of its clarity. The problem with traveling with Medium Format is what to do with all the film you shoot. If you're traveling as long as I did (a year) that's more film than it was computer equipment.

Oh, and people may still want to steal your medium format camera anyway. they sell for big money on eBay... Reply to this

15 years ago, March 31st 2009 No: 3 Msg: #67655  
B Posts: 5,200
I've never used a medium format camera - but my understanding is that they're bulky - and the cost per shot is very high.

Those two reasons would be enough for me to take a DSLR instead.

Most thefts are from opportunists - if it looks expensive and they can take it - is much more important than which model or actual cost - and lets face it - any camera equipment is considered expensive. Reply to this

15 years ago, March 31st 2009 No: 4 Msg: #67727  
hey thanks for all your advice, have decided to bring the dslr and just bout to insure it now!!

i do understand that il have to have my camera on me at all times but if im alone - which i guess i will be for alot of the time, is it ever safe to leave my camera in beach huts if i wanted to go for a swim ect...

is it fairly easy to gage whether its safe to leave equipment or not?

anyone else been in similar situations?

sorry my first traveling trip!!! so many questions!

thanks again for all your advice

mo Reply to this

15 years ago, March 31st 2009 No: 5 Msg: #67743  
B Posts: 5,200
Before I went travelling - I was a lot more paranoid about my kit than I am now.

> is it fairly easy to gage whether its safe to leave equipment or not?

Yes - I have a packsafe (wire mesh bag around my backpack) - and I leave that locked up in hostel rooms and hotels and beach huts - locked to a bed or something - and I've never lost anything from within - stops the opportunists. It might just be down to good luck though 😉

In many situations the hostel or hotel room - is a lot safer than taking it with you - and being distracted or tempted to take a dip - and losing the bag... so I either go out with the intention of taking shots - or having fun (and take a small point and shoot).

More than likely you'll be fine - and I'm sure once you get the hang of it - you'll be heading out without the camera in the evenings and on beaches. Reply to this

15 years ago, March 31st 2009 No: 6 Msg: #67747  
I agree with what Ali has written above. If you have the camera on you, then you should be ina situation where you're going to use it. Don't just carry it "to be safe." Just remember to take the time to lock it up if you aren't going to be around. People get stuff stolen by hiding it and thinking its safe. Its never safe unless its locked or in your hands. Reply to this

14 years ago, April 11th 2009 No: 7 Msg: #69200  
Thanks so much for all your advice, got my insurance and a pac safe off ebay so my mind now is alot more at rest, ready for my travels - thanks for sharing your experience with me - its help loads. Reply to this

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