Best solution for travelling round S.America?

[dao]

I am trying to decide what is the best photographic solution for 8 weeks of travelling around S.America.

I currently have a Canon 5Dc. My first idea was to get the 40mm STM pancake to make my 5D as minimally bulky as possible, but it will still not be that inconspicuous. However I thought I might do something like this; http://www.kirstinprisk.co.uk/blog/canon-ef-40mm-f2-8-stm-review/

My other plan was to get a Sony RX100 which is pocketable but has acceptable image quality and is quite discreet.

Also thinking about the Fuji x100, but I am not sure if this will offer much over my 5d in terms of portability.

At the back of my mind I am worried about being mugged/robbed, so I figured the Sony will be a better option as it is smaller and I can keep it on my person easily.

Anyway I would be interested what other people decided to use when travelling, especially in S.America.

 

[Amp34]

Unless you are spending a lot of time shooting in the Favelas then you'll almost certainly be fine. It's a big camera but you'll want it almost certainly to get some good pictures. On the other hand if you are thinking of taking just one lens then maybe it isn't worth it. An RX100 or a micro 4/3 camera with a small pancake lens may be a better bet.

If it were me I would be taking (and have taken) a DSLR, a wide lens, a nice quick prime (35 f/2 or 50 f/1.8 or 1/4) and something like a 70-200 or 70-300 IS for the wildlife. I'd be thinking more about weight than theft. The 5D isn't the most expensive camera in the world any more and with a couple of reasonable but cheap lenses (see above) theft shouldn't be a factor in most situations (see Favalas comment).

As an example I'm going away for a few weeks soon (to southern Africa) and am taking a 11-16, the 17-55 and probably a 120-300 f/2.8 (overlanding and camping), although when I need to be more agile and light I generally go for what I mentioned above, that time it was the 12-24, 35 f/2, 70-200 and a 400D.

 

[dao]

I have travelled around with my 5D and a range of lenses and found it too much of a hassel to lug it around. So lighter the better.

It's not the cost of the equipment that's an issue, it's just making myself a target with a big Dslr (i'm not sure how discerning your opportunistic thief tends to be) compared to a compact and wanting to avoid that kind of situation as much possible. I am not actually going to Brazil, so hopefully won't encounter any favellas.

 

[Amp34]

The point I was trying to make is you can worry about theft all you like but most places you really needent worry about it. If you want lighter then you have solved your problem.

 

[ecniv]

Get travel insurance or specifically camera insurance.
Take those lenses you need. Wide is good for cities, and a portrait lens for low light people shots.
Portable HD either in your back or locked up in your suitcase. Off load as soon as you can from the camera.

Don't dangle it around your neck, as it advertises you have it and you are a tourist (ie target). Be aware of your surroundings and if possible go in a group of four or five. (human shields for setting up and taking a shot, blocking the view of what you are doing - also being in a group may dissuade the potential thieves).


I took a compact tz3 to Rio. My only mistake was taking it to the beach (Copacobana) at 6am on the last day. Got robbed. If they start yelling at you for your camera, best to give it them. For the beach, take a disposable or a cheap pocket camera.



Admittedly this means I am unwilling to heft my d300 out in public, and I haven't taken it and lenses around Sao Paulo, although there are many sights there. Last I took it to a Car Show in Sao Paulo as there is bound to be a bit of security there And lots of other people with bigger cameras too.


Overall, don't miss the locations, there are some lovely views. Insurance covers the main bit so even if you do get robbed, you should be able to get something back later. Possibly get a few pocketable cameras cheapish yet good quality.

Hope you enjoy your trip and its safe!

 

[JonathanRyan]

Don't know where you are going, but Peru only allow you to bring one camera in with you.

I guess they don't check everybody which is why it was just me and a bloke smuggling helicopter parts sitting in the customs office for a few hours round midnight.....

 

[dao]

Don't know where you are going, but Peru only allow you to bring one camera in with you.

I guess they don't check everybody which is why it was just me and a bloke smuggling helicopter parts sitting in the customs office for a few hours round midnight.....

Sounds like an interesting story, thanks for the heads up.