Photography in Europe: 2010
Which cameras and gadgets work best for your travel photography? Any tips on getting the best shots? Do you carry a big DSLR camera or a point 'n shoot? What about your preferred storage devices, batteries and lenses? Do you still travel with a 35mm camera?
- Please don't post questions here. Use our Travelers Helpline.
Beyond the Visual
Many of today's cameras have the ability to record sound. With my Canon G10 I can record 1 minute of audio on top of an existing image. Where this came in handy was in Sacré-Cœur. This basilica holds a perpetual service so photography is not allowed. However, I was able to record sounds including the singing and come away with something to remember.
Robert Alescio
Bainbridge Island, WA USA Tue 11/09/2010
Great small digital SLR
If you don't want to take a full size digital SLR I would recommend the Pansonic Lumix DMC-LX3. I took it to Italy and it takes great pictures, is small, easy to use and has a fast lense so you can take photos without flash almost anywhere. It definitely beats a cheap point and shoot camera anyday.
Terry
Portland, or USA Tue 09/21/2010
Digital Photography
Amen to the people who have written about raising the effective film speed in order to take indoor pictures without a flash. I spent 2 1/2 weeks in Rome, Florence and Assisi earlier this year. I set my camera to ASA600 and got great pictures in all but the dimmest churches. And, the quality was great. I did resort to using a pew or two at times, but generally, my exposure times were at least 1/30 sec. But, remember to turn off the flash. The docents in a lot of the museums can get rather blunt about people using flashes. I can't really blame them given the potential damage to paintings, fabrics, etc. that thousands of flashes per month can inflict. And, if you keep the flash off, your batteries will last for a looooong time.
Bill
Dayton, OH USA Mon 09/20/2010
Use modern DSLR High ISO
Most new DSLR's take great photos using higher ISO's! My Pentax K10D works great to ISO 800 and negates the need for tripod etc. inside of cathedrals...etc. My new K-x goes to ISO 12800 but produces great inside shots with little noise up to 3200!
Wendell Hoover
Carmel,, IN USA Mon 07/05/2010
Beanbag photography
Or you could open your wallet and spend $20 and get a Gorilla Pod that works everywhere. You can elevate your camera, twist the legs onto a fence/railing to get a shot and the Gorilla Pod doesn't weigh you down, it fits easily into a shoulder bag/backpack.
USA Sat 06/26/2010
One word: beanbags!
Mini-beanbags are great camera supports. I sew a long tube of swimsuit material, then cut lengths as wide as my point-and-shoot. Sew the ends, leaving one gap to fill through. Turn the bag inside-out through the hole, then fill it and sew the hole closed. I use cracked corncobs (sold as pet bedding material) but you can use anything granular. Nestle your camera into the bag and it will stay in place. For long exposures (church interiors!) put the camera in place, then use the self-timer. In pickpocket-prone areas, I put my wallet in my trouser pocket and the beanbag on top. A pickpocket will have to remove the beanbag to get at the wallet!
Tom Nelson
Minneapolis, MN USA Wed 06/23/2010
Scrapbooking
I have seen many scrapbooks on this site. Can anymore tell me how they are done? Software?
Claire D.
Gatineau, Qc CANADA Thu 06/10/2010
Paris Photo Tour
Randy Harris gives a very good 3 hour photo tour, even for those with point and shoot cameras. He is also a fun guy to talk to.
Charles Faulkner
Arrington, TN USA Mon 05/31/2010