Leaving the dslr at home

<p>@ Steve: Staying in New Zealand whilst she heads off overseas has crossed my mind many times. It would be no hardship staying home, I can tell you.<br>

@ Arthur: I had a mild stroke 2 years ago at 50 years old, so my brain is fried some what. Mmmmmm...... I've forgotten what I was going to say :)<br>

oh, yes......<br>

And the Canon a495 takes video as well as great pictures. A nice simple p&s for fried brains like mine !!!!</p>

<p>If I wasn't going to take my DSLR cameras (yes, I shoot with two) on a trip to Europe I would not go on the trip... PERIOD, END OF STATEMENT.<br>

<br /> BTW: Fortunately, MY WIFE doesn't control what, when and where<strong> I</strong> shoot!<br>

And, BTW... My wife and I have a very happy twenty-year marriage...<br>

However, on another trip, to Branson, Missouri, I only brought one camera and a 17-55mm f/2.8 IS lens and flash. I really didn't miss anything there...</p>

<p> </p>

<p>A few years back, I went on a months' long sojourn throughout the Mediterranean and then part of the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Oceania. I took only a Leica M6 and three primes, 28/2.8, 50/2 and 135/4, plus a huge amount of film that I periodically overnighted back to the States for processing. (I had two back-up cameras ready, packed for shipping, and able to be FedEx'd at a moment's notice, if I gave the word.)</p>

<p>Dealing with the film was a hassle. I liked the end product, but if I were to do it again, I'd stick with an advanced digital P&S, plus a back up. I believe in double and triple redundancy, so I always travel with two or three back ups--or have them ready for 24-hour shipment to me on location--because "you just never know."</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

<p>Photographers dilemma - full kit vs paired down. If I take only one pair of underwear can I take an extra lens?<br>

I am in a similar situation, 2.5 weeks in Turkey coming up mid May. Photographers dream but ...<br>

We will be on the move with two kids 11 and 9, carry-on only.<br>

For this trip, I chose the "better point and shoot" option. Bought a Panny GF2 with a 14mm prime (28mm equiv.) and a 14 - 45 zoom (28mm to 90mm). Camera is tiny, lenses are tiny. Fits in a very small camera bag / pouch. It has a built in flash for those point and shoot moments. It has a decent m4/3 sensor and raw for when I'm feeling like something better.<br>

Compromise? Yes. Will I be happy? For sure. Great travel camera.<br>

To each his own ;)<br>

Mostly, have a great trip<br>

Charles</p>