10-day trip to India, gear advice

Hamlap

Hamlap

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Peter
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Hi all.

I'm fairly new here, so be nice ;)

This Fall I am going on a little 10 (to 14)-day trip to India. The purposes of this trip are of the educational kind. My mother has some projects there and invited me to come to document and analyze.

I own a D700 with different lenzes, which I use for weddings etc, and a GH2 only for video. While I really love this camera, I am not sure if I want to take all this big stuff on this trip. I am currently debating a second camera. I am thinking of a X100(s) or anything like that.

That's where you guys come in. I need advice on this second camera. Can any of you help?
 
I'm planning on taking my Canon 40D with 3 lenses (17-50, 70-200 and 10-22mm), filters and tripod when I go to Thailand/Singapore and onwards. Weight isn't really an issue, but security in 3rd world countries is. Kit not needed for that time will be left in the safest place known.

Am thinking of taking an RX100 with as well (or a cheapish compact) for areas that aren't safe or for difficult hikes
 
Just make sure you can carry it on as hand-luggage (weight/size restrictions)

BIG tip- if you're gonna travel on public transport, trains especially, don't put any bags on the seat next to you if they have open windows, even the ones with bars across.

A few years ago when we were boarding a train, a couple in front of us (luckily for us) put a bag on the seat as they were sitting down & as quick as a flash, a hand reached in & swiped it! It was from the trackside too, not the platform!
 
I can recommend the x100s! Its all the camera you will need if you can live with the 35mm focal length.
IMO its worth the compromise when you consider how much easier it is to travel with. Plus you can get away with light tripods that fit in your hand luggage as your supporting less weight.
 
Well I was debating the X100(s) as a serious option.

D700 with all my gear just isn't an option for me. I don't want to be walking around with such heavy pro equipment.
 
I spent a week in Bangalore last year for work and just took a GF1, 20mm, 14-45mm and a Fujinan 25mm 1.4 CCTV lens and they covered all the bases for me. Light is generally not a problem so I never went above 800iso although newer sensors wouldn't have any issues with this.

If I owned your kit I'd be considering the GH2 and a couple of manual lenses (OM Zuiko or CCTV) which will cover everything you'd need and still fit in hand luggage. The Fuji X100/s are excellent cameras but you need to decide if you're happy with a constant prime with no flexibility. On the whole this probably isn't an issue but I know I like to mix and match lenses to get a variety of shots.

This is my full set;

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevelloyd/sets/72157629518897646/

A couple of examples


Standard street scene by Steve Lloyd, on Flickr


Bangalore - GF1 / 14-45 by Steve Lloyd, on Flickr

Cheers
Steve
 
Hi Steve,

thanks for you photos! They look nice!

I only own a GH2 for video, so I only have (old) manual lenses. For video, I don't mind using manual focus. But for photography... Not so much I guess. Well, I'd like the option, but I mostly use AF when making photos.
 
No problem. I tend to use a mix of AF and manual lenses on my NEX. The GF1 kit 14-45 always impressed me in good light as a walkabout but OM primes are great for their small size/weight.

Good luck with whatever kit you choose. India's a great place for photography.

Cheers
Steve
 
Thanks!

And I really appreciate your advice, at first I was considering some lenses for my GH2 aswell. But since I'm only using that for video, I don't need newer AF lenses for that. I also don't really like the GH2's handling for photo. It's good for video, with hack and all though!
 
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