david-m Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 <p>I am travelling to Colombia for a 2 month trip very soon and although I have never before worried about wandering through cities and places with my D700, I just wondered if anyone had personal experience of carrying a DSLR in Colombia, and the security/ease of photographing places/people.<br> I have travelled through Argentina, Bolivia before with big cameras (and BTW, Pakistan, Sudan and more) but just don't fancy the aggravation of being robbed in the street.<br> I was thinking about getting something like a Panasonic GH2 (lighter, less conspicuous, but still has a EVF) but know I will take a drop in image quality (I already use a GF1 sometimes).<br> (BTW, I always try to place some 'holiday' shots with stock agencies to pay for my trips, so that's another small consideration, but no deal breaker)<br> Any wise thoughts very welcome please.<br> David</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gungajim Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 <p>If you've made it through the aforementioned countries without being mugged, I think you should continue to go for it. I do carry a Lumix P&S with 24-400 zoom range which I use in highly urbanized poverty stricken areas where I want to remain unintrusive. However, I otherwise use a Sony A-350. In 30 years of travel to over 200 countries I have only been mugged once - on the main street of colonial Santiago with 50 people walking within 20 feet of me. The four guys got my cash but made no effort to strip me of my camera bag an its contents.<br> Their technique was interesting. 30 seconds before the mugging a guy walked up beside me and gave me a hard bump then looked me right in the eye. My hand instinctively reached to cover the pocket that contained my wallet. The guy disappeared into the crowd and while I was still trying to decide what to make of it, four guys jumped me from behind and rather gently laid me down on my back and went directly to the pocket I had protected moments before. Lost $150 but still had my camera!</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david-m Posted November 22, 2011 Author Share Posted November 22, 2011 <p>Thanks for the reply, and sound words. I have just picked up a GH2 which I may end up taking anyway as I kind of like the lighter weight!<br> Thanks for sharing your 'mugging' story!<br> David</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randleman Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 <p>David,</p> <p>I visited Bogota last year and had no troubles using my D300 everywhere. However, among the places I've visited I would rank Bogota and Caracas as the two where I felt least comfortable. be extra careful in the dark, and be aware that, no matter where you are in the city, it seems that you will inevitably travel through a rough neighborhood to get from point A to point B - at least that was my impression.</p> <p>If you do spend time around Bogota, I rented a car and felt that both Guatavita and the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá were worth the drive. They are difficult to reach without your own car though.</p> <p>Hope you have a great trip!<br> Brad</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArthurRichardson Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 <p>Get insurance and stop worrying</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lahuasteca Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 <p>Hi David,<br> I'm sort of in the same dilemma as you, planning a trip to Ecuador to do some serious natural history/ethnographic photography and trying to decide between lugging my D700 or taking a GF1/LX5 combo. I know the D700 will return much better images, but the smaller micro setup is going to be much lighter, less intrusive, and more mobile. I'll be giving up some IQ in return for "getting the shot." I'm leaning towards to GF1/LX5 setup which actually gets carried in a vest pockets, no back pack needed.</p> <p>Gene</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew_gardiner Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 <p>Ditto Arthur, get properly insured - take the D700 and keep your used cards in a separate place. The worst that can happen is that someone tries to rob you and you offer resistance. You need to be comfortable enough to be able to give it up without hesitation.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan_south Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 <p>How about picking up a D7000? Cheaper body, takes video, better IQ at base ISO.</p> <p>Your camera could be stolen from your house or your car. Take precautions, be aware of your surroundings, stay out of bad neighborhoods, and enjoy your travels.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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