I'm trying to decide if it's worth it to bring my DSLR on a four day cruise. I can bring my Sony A700 (w/18-50 f2.8 and maybe my 70-210 f4 lenses) or bring my Canon SD1200. The cabin won't have a safe, so I'd probably be forced to lug my gear around everywhere. The ship will be stopping at Cococay (RCI private island) and Nassau, Bahamas. Any thoughts?

 

I would stick with whatever's more convenient for you.

I always found that when taking my camera on vacations, I spent more time thinking about the safety of my camera than enjoying myself. But then again, I learned to carry my camera with me everywhere too.

 

If it were me and I had some time dedicated to shooting I'd go for the DSLR. If you are going to be rushing around doing other things, the P&S.

I guess I'm a little more trusting because I wouldn't be overly concerned about leaving the camera in the room for dinner and things.

 

I always take my DSLR on cruises. Just be smart about it and take some awesome photos.

70-210 works great out on the pool deck!

 

I would bring the a similar setup as you would (A330 in my case) but with an additional 50mm 1.7 for some pretty portraits at night.

 

I also got this when I first bought my DSLR. Best purchase ever. You can fit either your beercan or the sigma in there, along with a couple of prime lenses comfortably.


http://www.caselogic.com/slr_sling/p...modelid=138051

 

I took both on my last cruise.
I generally always have my SLR with me, but I did leave it (and the laptop) in the room sometimes.

As a general travel rule, it's also good to have a camera bag that doesn't scream CAMERA BAG, and put your gear away long before you start heading back to your room.
Unless someone goes out of their way to follow you back to your room then, you should be fine.

- Frank

 

I'm leaning towards taking it. I have created a camera case using a manhattan shoulder bag (girlfriend went to FIT for fashion design: score!), so that should be pretty inconspicuous. The manhattan bag will also fit inside my EMS hiking backpack.

 

Dslr

 

are you going to take photographs or just snap shots? if snapshots, just i vote P+S

 

As someone who just got off a cruise a week and a half ago, personally I probably won't ever take my DSLR back on a cruise, unless it is an extended cruise (2 weeks or more) where the ship stay in port from more than a day.


I seriously did not take one single picture while I was on the boat. Granted, 2 out of the 3 ports we stopped in, we SCUBA'd which took up the majority of our port time, but bringing it was in the end nothing more than a hassle and something else to carry. Next time I'm no doubt just bringing my P&S for those "just in case" moments.

 

i was glad i had my rebel XTi when i went on a cruise of the hawaiian islands.

the only thing i really wanted was a longer lens.

so i say if you go, keep it simple.

if i go again id just take my 40D w/o the grip and a 18-200mm lens and thats it.

 

F'ckin