Hey all,
I'm planning to visit Thailand this summer and wander around there for a month. The thing is I only possess a DSLR camera, and because of the quality and possibilities I would like to take this one with me.
Now I don't actually want to be an obvious tourist, though I probably won't be able to avoid that.
- But is it a bad idea to take the DSLR with me?
- Do you make yourself a target for thieves, walking around with it?
- Any other advice considering taking a DSLR on a trip? (advice on gear, must-haves etc.)
Thanks in advance,
Daniel Martens
Reply to this Daniel, why would you
not take a camera with you on your big trip to Thailand? A photo opportunity awaits you on every corner. If you merely committed everything to memory rather than to memory card, you might regret it for the rest of your life!
Of course, you need to take care of your kit. As a visitor to a foreign land, you'll always be a target, particularly in tourist hotspots. Be particularly cautious in crowded areas and when distracted by someone or something. I use an inexpensive brown canvas shoulder bag to hold my valuable still and video cameras, spare batteries and memory cards, and a mini-tripod. The bag fits neatly under one arm and it has noisy metal zips outside and inside, so no-one can open it without me knowing. It's simple and it's not obvious like a proper camera gadget bag would be. When in use, the camera or camcorder is always on a strap around my neck or my wrist, and the bag is fully zipped up. Oh, and everything is fully insured, just in case, of course!
I would recommend taking high capacity memory cards. You'll shoot more than you think you will. Review the pictures frequently and keep only the best ones. Then back-up your shots to disc, memory stick or online storage. I take my laptop with me, which makes this an easy daily task, but you can do the same at any good internet cafe. The important thing is to backup
frequently and keep any physical backups separate from your other kit so, even if you lose the camera, you'll still have the pictures.
Other gear? Think about a couple of filters - a circular polarising one (which helps with reflections and darkens pale blue skies) and, maybe, a UV filter (which reduces the blue cast you can get in pictures taken at altitude or by the sea - and which, if you keep it on all the time, helps to protect the lens if it's knocked). Buy the best quality you can afford. I've already mentioned a mini-tripod - useful for taking pictures of yourself and for night scenes. And a spare battery for the camera - they always run out when you're about to take the picture of a lifetime!
Enjoy Thailand. I look forward to reading your blogs this summer.
Keep smiling! 😊
Reply to this Hello Daniel 😊
Muggings are rare in Thailand, so I think it would be safe enough to walk around with your camera. I would however keep it in a bag that is firmly strapped around your body, because snatch theives who ride by on motor cycles and grab peoples bags are not rare.
Also, I would never leave your camera or anything valuable unattended in your hotel or guesthouse room. These rooms are easily broken into and robberies are frequent.
Looking like a tourist in Thailand is hard to avoid. If you want, you could try the expat look. ie Dont carry obvious tourist gear such as daypacks, and camera swinging around your neck. And try to wear the types of clothes you would wear if you were living in Thailand. And try to be aware of and follow customs that all people who live in Thailand and visit often are aware of. eg If you want to point, then do it with all 4 fingers rather than one.
Mel
Reply to this Hey Daniel, I agree with Mel. I guess it wouldn't be a problem if you bring your dslr with you. I've been there last April 2009 and there are quite a lot of travelers who bring their dslr's with them. Perhaps it's better if you just put it in a sling bag, instead of hanging it around your neck like what others do. In that way, it wouldn't be that obvious, or if you're really having second thoughts on bringing it then just bring a small digital cam. with you.
Reply to this Thank you all for the advice, I appreciate it.
I see there are enough things I didn't think of, so I will definitely take the time to prepare myself... but other than that I know it will be a great trip
Daniel
Reply to this Native Thai (American) here - you should have no problem bringing your DLSR to Thailand. Just be vigilant and take the precautions suggested by the pps (especially regarding hotel security) and you'll be fine.
FWIW, my elderly father-in-law spent 4.5 months in Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam with his DLSR with absolutely no problems.
Hope this helps!
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