Studying abroad in Morocco next year ... first of many questions.

<p>So as the subject line stated, I am studying abroad and my biggest question is wether to upgrade more dslr equipment by adding on to my collection or jumping into the mirrorless game. I have a 70-200 f4, 28 1.8, and 50 1.4 on a 5d classic. I'm a photojournalism major at SIUC and basically have maxed out on my shooting classes.. that may be moot information. However, I was wondering if I would instead go out and buy a 5d2 or 5d3 should I spend that money on like a Fuji X series, Nikon 1 series, ect.. I think Leicas may be out of the picture sadly. <br>

With that said, I know that I will be in a different county for the school year and I think having a big dslr might just put me in the light of having some money invested in this stuff.. steal me... That is why I am drawn to the smaller mirrorless cameras that are becoming a piece of equipment that should be owned for those days you want to be a fly on the wall. Or am I just over thinking all of this way too much?<br>

Any input would be great, steering me in any direction whatsoever. I greatly appreciate questions, comments or concerns.</p>

<p>Thanks,<br>

Nathan</p>

 

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<p> I know that I will be in a different county for the school year and I think having a big dslr might just put me in the light of having some money invested in this stuff.. steal me..</p>

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Morocco is one of the most honest countries I have visited. People will definitely take your money for a ride, but it's all legal, they do it in the way they sell things. It is highly unlikely that your equipment will get stolen, and if it does, there are probably people who will find it and bring it back.</p>

<p>I apologize, I did come across that I was going into some back alley sketchy country. I have friends that have visited and I am aware that it is an honest country. Didn't intend on insulting with what I said but that is possibly how some may assume. </p>

<p>I personally doubt whether a mirrorless camera makes it all that much easier to photograph surreptitiously than a dslr. The static pose of someone taking a picture is far more obvious to me than the camera a person uses. I think its much more important to use a camera that you can set up, compose and take your picture fast and without getting flummoxed by the need to alter settings, lenses etc. In other words a camera that you're really familiar with. <br>

A mirrorless camera will clearly be easier to carry, and may well be less obvious whilst you're carrying it around (rather than in the act of photography). Whether that makes you more or less of a target for thieves, and whether any thieves wouldn't prefer to lift your wallet anyway, are difficult to generalise on IMO. </p>

<p>An old urban PJ trick: Wind some (glueless) plumbers thread seal tape around any camera in various places. This can be taped in place with regular tape. Instantly a $3K DSLR looks like a trashy POS. </p>

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<p>Instantly a $3K DSLR looks like a trashy POS.</p>

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Totally unnecessary in Morocco. And probably insulting, too.</p>

<p><strong>""Totally unnecessary in Morocco. And probably insulting, too.""</strong><br>

<strong> <br /></strong>It works wonders in The Bronx.</p>

<p>I am still confused Steve. You just put tape around the camera to make it look like a POS? </p>

<p>I haven't been to Morocco in over 20 years - it is a great place with some great sights to photograph - especially the Souks. Just be aware that some people may not want their photos taken (especially some women). Also the poor/unemployed will sometimes ask for money in return for having their photo taken - If you want to pay then be prepared with small amounts of money, don't pull out a huge wad of bills.<br>

Smiling helps, as does asking (or gesturing with the camera if not close enough to ask). Show people the photo you took - especially if they seem unhappy. Engaging in a friendly way helps to diffuse and if they are still unhappy then delete in front of them.<br>

While you're there remember to haggle when buying stuff and if a stall holder asks you to have (sweet mint) tea then say yes. It is part of the haggling process and it is also nice to sit and have tea with the market going on around you.</p>

<p>Reading your question my first thought was of the Magnum photographer who went to Iraq with three Olympus P&Ss. Perhaps that is just a story? :-) Not been there, not done it, don't know.</p>

<p>Morocco has some extremely beautiful girls, but you might be better off shooting them at a distance. I would brinrg my DSLR with long lens but that's just me...</p>