Big trip.... little bag.

Hey everyone,


It has come to my attention that there is a big possibility of me leaving the country this fall to head to Peru for a primary care acting internship(around 4 weeks). Most of my days during the week will be spent from sun up to sun down in the local clinic. Weekends, however, might find me hiking in the Peruvian jungles to various waterfalls, hidden orchid groves.... what have you. (probably no Machu Pichu though)


Therein lies the problem. It is likely that if I am able to make this trip, there will be very little room for camera equipment, plus the area I will be going to is VERY poor(I would have to have my equipment tattooed to me). My questions are as follows.


This is not going to be a sight seeing trip, but I hate to think I wont have my camera. What would you all think about getting say a Canon G11 or the like so that I can catch some quality images with a bit more "undercoverness" than my 50D plus Lens? Do you think I will regret not bringing my gear? Will I regret BRINGING IT? What do you all think about G11? Is there something better that I am not considering?


Input? Bueller?


Cheers,


Dave.

Johnston, hi!





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As far as a the photo gear concerned... If you are going to shoot just to have "signs" looking at which you are going to refresh your reminiscences, then G11 should be fine. G11 may fit into the pocket of your cargo pants, while Canon 50D+lens won't.





Alex.

That's a really, really tough decision, IMO.


If you decide on taking a P&S, the G11 or S90 would be good choices, IMO. Same sensor and both shoot RAW. So, it's similar to a dSLR lens choice, with the G11 getting you 35mm longer on the telephoto end (28-140 FFeq vs. 28-105mm FFeq for the S90), and the S90 having a wider aperture (f/2 vs. f/2.8 for the G11 - but, these are both variable zooms, and the G11 will have a slight aperture advantage at the longer end of the zoom ranges). If you're seeking portability, the S90 is hard to beat, but you'd give up the hotshoe and (non-TTL) viewfinder. The S90 could probably stay comfortably in your pocket all day, the G11 not so much. The 'control ring' on S90 seems like a really nice feature for someone used to manually setting aperture or shutter speed, or you can use it as a zoom ring. Between the two, I'd probably choose the S90 for optimal portability.


Of course, the 50D vs. P&S might be a harder choice than which P&S. Coming from a 50D, the slow AF and long shutter lag are going to be a challenge (as will theburst of only ~1 fps, if you shoot things that move quickly). ISO noise with a 4.6x crop sensor is going to be an issue compared to what you're used to. But the size/weight of the gear is a big trade off - would it really be50D plus lens, or would it be 50D plus lenses? My 'minimum' kit would be body (leave the grip home but take the extra battery), 17-55mm, 70-200mm, and an external flash.


One question (to which you may not know the answer) is, will there be a relatively secure location in the clinic where you can stow a camera bag while you're working? If so, and it were me, I'd be inclined to take the dSLR and two lenses (general purpose zoom and telephoto zoom), and bring them in the smallest backpack-style bag they'd fit into (something like a Lowepro Flipside 200 in red or blue). Take out a travel insurance policy with theft coverage for the trip.


Either way, have a great trip!


--John

First off...Congrats on your internship! That's awesome. About your camera choice, I don't know that I'd take a new $500 P&S. You might opt for an older model instead. No worries at all then about storing gear during working hours, and if it ends up missing , so be it. Once someone sees you shooting with a P&S, they'll know you have it and just wait until the right time. Those big SLRs might look more intimidating to someone on that side of the world and would stay away from it... or they'll steal it too and use it for a door prop. Point is, I'd hate to waste big money on something I settled for. I'd bring your good stuff and put the moneyon a new lens, or when you come home, use it to replace the camera someone stole. Canon 1D markII for $560 was at KEH for awhile. A Canon refurbA1100 for $96 might be a decent thought too and you could buy a couple just in case.


Hope this helps,


Greg

If it was me, I would take my S90 and a light weight rangefinder with a 50mm and 90mm lens (but I am a bit antiquarian in that I still like to carry a film camera- cheap and durable). I can fit it all in a very small shoulder bag along with a few cans of film, notebook, pens, map, and battery charger/spare.

You would totally regret it if there's gonna be a great scene and the only thing you have is an over-expensive P&S which images are never close to what you're used to.


Seriously, if people are poor, it doesn't mean they steal your stuff...and if so, they will probably also steal a big P&S.


Personally I would bring my DSLR and make sure it's ensured, travel-insurance or whatever. Doesn't cost too much and you probably need one anyway. And perhaps there's a place you can store it during the days. Close to you or something, for just that little extra safety.


The only other thing I was thinking about and includes a P&S [:P] The only reason I wouldn't take a non-weather-sealed camera is perhaps the harsh conditions? Fog, condensation etc. If I would believe that if I would encounter harsh condition I'd buy a waterproof/crashproof P&S.


Jan

I'm with Jan, no point having a great camera if you won't take it on a trip like that. Insure it against theft/damage before you go and use it for what it's meant for. Imagine if you missed the shot of a lifetime because you didn't have your SLR with you!


Congrats on the job, sounds like an experience of a lifetime.


Cheers, Ben.

I forgot about the insurance thing! I'd get that reguardless. Wouldn't that be something if you went over there with just a P&S, miss awesome shot after awesome shot, only to comeback and find your camera gear stolen from home! Didn't think about that angle until just now. Take your big guy and two lenses for the photos and a small P&S for the memories.

Totally forgot 1 thing:


Congratulations man! Sounds like an awesome opportunity! Hope you'll enjoy yourself there [H]

Thanks all. You've convinced me that I should lug the big guy. I have to take chances if I am gonna get good shots and would most likely hate myself for missing out on chances of a lifetime. Insurance and light gear load. Case closed.


Here's to hoping it all works out. [ip]


Dave.