Trip to Europe---Bring the SLR or PnS?

[kim]

We're planning on going to London and Paris next March on a school trip. What would you do?? I'm afraid I'll regret not taking the SLR, but I want to travel light and not change out lenses.

As far as a point and shoot, if I go this route, I'm looking to upgrade my pns with the Canon SX210 is.

What would you do??
Thanks a bunch!!
kim :wizard:

[mom2rtk]

It would drive me nuts to be in such a visual place and NOT have my DSLR!

If not now..... when????

[KAT4DISNEY]

I toured several European countries after college with my SLR, a couple of lenses and only had a backpack for everything - including clothes. I've done two trips back with P&S's and am thrilled that the next time I'll have a DSLR! The DSLR would go with me. :thumbsup2

[MinnieForMe]

Now that I own a DSLR, I couldn't go back! I think you'll regret not having it!

[Snappy in OK]

I have to agree with the PPs - I would regret not taking my dslr. The only times I really use my pns is when we are in/near the water - and it's a waterproof pns. If the dslr were waterproof, I would be using in around the water!!

[CaptainNemo]

I went in July and it was not a problem to take my DSLR Nikon D70 around my neck and a backpack with an extra lens or two. You'll be able to have more versatility than with a point and shoot.

[SrisonS]

No offense.... but that's one of the craziest questions I've ever heard. ;)

Always travel light in Europe; so take the p&s.

..... Just kidding, of course.

If anything, how about just taking one versatile lens. Or take 2, and leave one in the room as a backup.

[JarrothsMom]

:eek: A PnS in England...Oh but no!
I went years ago...and now I wish I could go back with my DSLR
Esp. in Ireland...no joke...it is a whole different green there...WOW...dont make a huge mistake. You will be doing mainly scenic pics. SO I would just take a couple of you best lens..something not too big.

[Bstanley]

I would take both cameras - in fact that is exactly what I did in June! :-) A Rebel XS with 3 lenses/etc and a Canon A570 IS. I purchased a Lowepro Fastpack 250 for use as a carry-on/camera toter and it worked very nicely. I carried it all over Paris and Normandy, on trains, subways and in taxis, etc. I guess I looked like a tourist, but it was very convenient to carry not only the camera gear but other junk as well.

http://rebelxs.smugmug.com/France-Vacation/Paris/IMG3025/900782072_KzZs5-L.jpg

http://rebelxs.smugmug.com/France-Vacation/Tour-Eiffel/IMG3462/912920169_FMSSB-L.jpg

[PrincessInOz]

You'll go nuts in Europe with a dSLR. And tear your hair out if you don't take it!
Quite a few years ago (more than I care to admit), we backpacked through Europe for 7 months. This was in the days of SLRs and before anyone even knew about digital. We came back with over 50 rolls of film. And after processing, we only ditched about 10 photos in the bunch because the scenery was just perfectly gorgeous.

My only recommendation is that in places such as Rome, Madrid, Lisbon...where the touristy buses or public transport are really packed and the pickpockets live off tourists with bulky backpacks or daypacks, drop most of your gear off at the hotel and go as light as possible out in the streets.
We walked about with our SLR strategically carried in one hand like a weapon and did not have any other handbags, wallets etc showing.
We did see and stop at least 3 groups of 5 - 15 kids/teens from stealing off other backpackers that had more bulk than us.

[disneyboy2003]

I don't know about you, but I used to use a point-and-shoot camera and liked how convenient it was. But once I got a dSLR, I immediately saw how much better-looking (and higher quality-looking) my photos were.

From there, I vowed to re-do all my previous vacations so that I could take photos of those places with a dSLR.

I bought a dSLR so that I could try to get the best photos I could, especially of very special events. A trip to Europe sounds like a very special, once-in-a-lifetime thing (at least, for most people).

For me, it would seem backwards to use a dSLR only for everyday photography, and then turn to a point-and-shoot camera for my special, once-in-a-lifetime trip. If anything, it should be the other way around.

Or, the other thing you could do is take the point-and-shoot for this upcoming trip, just for convenience. And then plan for another European vacation shortly thereafter so that you can use your dSLR. :)

Ultimately, you'll have to weigh the different factors that are most important to you. Convenience and weight are certainly HUGE factors to consider, in favor of a point-and-shoot camera. What are your current shooting styles? Do you tend to bring out your point-and-shoot camera or your dSLR if you're going out to take photos around town or on a nearby vacation?

Hope that helps confuse things some more.

[TmlndSpdwy03]

I agree to take both. I have a DSLR and waterproof P&S - both came in handy. Just get a comfy back to carry all the equiptment in and have fun!

[kim]

Disneyboy2003---You pretty much summed it up perfectly, it will be a once in a lifetime trip. I'm thinking I'll take the DSLR, and get my 17 year old dd a new, improved PnS with video to use. This way we'll have both.

Thanks for all the advise. It's good to get opinions from people who have been there and done that. :goodvibes

kim :wizard:

[Pugrpooh]

I don't know about you, but I used to use a point-and-shoot camera and liked how convenient it was. But once I got a dSLR, I immediately saw how much better-looking (and higher quality-looking) my photos were.

From there, I vowed to re-do all my previous vacations so that I could take photos of those places with a dSLR.

Disneyboy this is exactly what I've decided too! And we're starting in October with a visit to Niagara Falls, which we visited in 1985. I guess I'll have to buy a rain sleeve or something to keep it dry because it will be constantly with me! I'm also trying to get back to London for spring break next year since my brother and his wife will be there for 3 months then. And we'll be in San Diego and Disneyland again in June next year.

Kim, I bought my DSLR shortly after I booked an Alaska trip. I got some great pictures and never regretted taking it with me.

On the other hand, when we were in Williamsburg over spring break this year, temps were in the 90's. After a couple of days with my DSLR and heavier lenses, I put my pancake lens on, left the flash and bag in the hotel room, and put the camera in my purse if I needed to.

So if you have a smaller prime lens, that could be an option if you want to go lighter.

Have a great time!