Carrying a large camera around

[Clare Voince]

Let me preface this by saying that I like to have my camera out as much as possible, because I take tons of pictures. Up until now, I only took a small point and shoot to Disney, so carrying it around was no problem. Now, however, I have a Canon S5 IS, which weighs about 3 times as much as my old camera. I have no problem with it on normal vacations, but I'm concerned about carrying it at Disney when I'll pretty much never put it down.

Do you have any advice on straps, or what you do when it starts to bother you? I have to admit, I hate the strap that came with it. It feels too short and too thick on the back of my neck.

I'm thinking about buying a newer powershot to carry around on a lanyard like I did on my last trip, and leaving the larger camera in a bag to only take out in lower light situations.

I'd appreciate any advice or experiences you can share.

 

[Clare Voince]

I guess I posted too soon. I found this strap online, and it looks great, except for the price! Does anyone know of a sling style strap at a more reasonable price?

 

[photo_chick]

I use a Crumpler Industry Disgrace. It can be worn across like that. It runs about $30.

 

[ukcatfan]

I am very happy with my OP/Tech strap. If you go with a new camera, I suggest just leaving the S5 at home if you only want it for low light. It is not known for being very good in low light to begin with and the new camera is going to be a newer generation model which will probably do better anyway.

 

[Clare Voince]

I'm not looking for professional grade photos, I'd just like to be able to take photographs indoors without a flash, something I can't do with the tiny lens on regular point & shoot cameras. Unless you know of a small P&S that can do that.. :>

 

[ukcatfan]

I'm not looking for professional grade photos, I'd just like to be able to take photographs indoors without a flash, something I can't do with the tiny lens on regular point & shoot cameras. Unless you know of a small P&S that can do that.. :>

Don't let the size of the lens on the S5 confuse you. It is larger to be able to cover such a large focal length range, not to do better at low light. The aperture is what controls how much light gets in and it is no different on the S5 as it is on a smaller p&s. Now if you get down to a pocket size p&s, then the quality of the lens might suffer from being so small. You should not see hardly any difference in a lens like the S5 or a medium size p&s for low light performance.

 

[boBQuincy]

I'm not looking for professional grade photos, I'd just like to be able to take photographs indoors without a flash, something I can't do with the tiny lens on regular point & shoot cameras. Unless you know of a small P&S that can do that.. :>

Canon's S90 (and newer S95) can do that, as can their G11 (and now G12). As long as you are not planning to enlarge the images greatly the noise and blur is not likely to be a problem. Moving subjects can still be a problem as the shutter speeds will be slow.

Here is one of a dimly lit interior from a G11 (1/20s, f/2.8, ISO 1250)

 

[Clare Voince]

My question was rhetorical, I'm sorry if that wasn't clear. I'm very happy with my S5. Those other cameras don't have the 12x zoom my S5 has. I know most people on this board take photography very seriously. I don't. I just wanted advice on a way to manage the larger camera when I want to carry it all day, not to be criticized for my choice of camera. I found a cheaper strap that I think will work. Thanks.

 

[ukcatfan]

My question was rhetorical, I'm sorry if that wasn't clear. I'm very happy with my S5. Those other cameras don't have the 12x zoom my S5 has. I know most people on this board take photography very seriously. I don't. I just wanted advice on a way to manage the larger camera when I want to carry it all day, not to be criticized for my choice of camera. I found a cheaper strap that I think will work. Thanks.

Sorry if you were offended, but I was trying to give you honest advice based on your questions and comments. None of it seemed like a rhetorical question at all. I am also not criticizing your selection of camera. I still have a S2 IS that often travels around in my bag. I do not use it often, but it has its uses. Low light is just not one of them. Again sorry if you did not like the responses, but you were given accurate information in response to the questions you asked and comments you made.