Should I take my camera on holiday or leave it at home...

Marcel

Marcel

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Marcel
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I'm off on my jollies soon. To Turkey.
I was originally planning on taking my camera, but only my 7D (gripless), and 24-70 and 10-20. Nothing else.

I've been thinking though, do I really need to take it at all? I'll be going with my family, and taking my Canon Ixus 100 anyway.
I was speaking to a friend the other day (non-tog), and he recommended not to. There'll probably be no room in the safe for the times I'm not using it, and to take it with me it might end up being a burden. I'll be with the family, so can't really disappear taking photos.
I can't leave it unattended on a beach while I go swimming, and to take it with me on days out, it'll be hanging off my neck, pulling at my sunburn, suncream etc like a dangling cumbersome thing.

I know there are going to be plenty of photo opportunities, but it *is* a family holiday and while I'd like to do some photography while I'm out there, I'm torn. I suppose I could grab some snaps with the Ixus.

What does everyone think?

(PS. No, I haven't even got it insured yet)
 
I sometimes find when i take my DSLR with me when i go out with the family that it actually ends up being a pain in arse. When i use it i take much more time taking pictures than actually concentrating on having fun with my family.

Depends on wether you're allowed some "you" time to go off and take some pics. It is a stunning country but if you'll be with your family all the time i'd probably consider leaving it behind.

Just my thoughts.
 
I have 350d if you want to borrow that instead of taking the larger 7D.

Whats wrong with a family 'snaps' trip anyway, is it worth the 'Awwwww Dad, not again, why are we stopping here, hurry up dad.' Not to mention any grief off the one who needs to be obeyed.
 
It seems you have already made your mind up Marcel regarding the Ixus 100! I bet if you leave the 7D you will kick yourself if opportunities arise and you could have got better shots with it. Can't you phone the hotel re the safe provision/space?
 
Yup, P&S time, have a holiday away from photography.

Its exactly my plan for later in the year!
 
I reckon that if you take it you'll find it a PITA to look after and if you don't take it you'll wish you had ;) ... Sorry can't be more helpful :)
 
You could always view it as a challenge to see how good a picture you can get with the Ixus.
 
Another recommendation for the Ixus Marcel. I had a camera impounded in Turkey for being "professional" They had no intention of returning it. Was eventually resolved but not without a few problems.

Not the kind of place I'd really want to take a decent camera unless it was going to be with me 24/7 and you can't really do that on a family holiday.
 
hmm not been to turkey so cannot comment on the threads above........

Bit of a toss up really... whats more important... family or THAT killer shot the P&S can't cope with.... lol........

In all seriousness, if its going to be a pain in the arse wiith regards to (room in) safe etc...... then may not be worth the hassle,... though personally speaking for us its potentially :thumbs: though not definately :thumbsdown: South Africa III......

and if so , there is no way on this earth the 120-400 and (borrowed) 1.7 TC are not going on holiday as well.:
 
AliB said:
Another recommendation for the Ixus Marcel. I had a camera impounded in Turkey for being "professional" They had no intention of returning it. Was eventually resolved but not without a few problems.

Not the kind of place I'd really want to take a decent camera unless it was going to be with me 24/7 and you can't really do that on a family holiday.
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really - I've never had an issue with cameras there - I got arrested a couple of years ago at Istanbul airport but thats a whole other story

I'm gonna be different here - you should take it, you'll regret it if you don't. It'll be a sunset or something, but something will make you regret not taking it and in resort towns and major tourist areas you're so safe anyway
 
Nope. I say take it.

I have take a DSLR on my last three family holidays with 2 young kids and I've gotten shots of both them, and the location, that I'd have otherwise missed.

IMO, the key is to keep it simple and get a good bag that can accommodate both the camera bits and the other crap you want to lug around.

I'm off to Crete in a couple of weeks and the 5Dmk2, 24-105, 70-200 F/4 IS and 580EXII will be going in a Domke F2 bag. The 17-40 and the battery grip are staying at home though, just to keep things simple.
 
I was in your position a few weeks ago mate.

I really wanted to take all my gear, but I too haven't got insurance yet.

If I'd have taken a P&S camera, I know I wouldn't have been happy with the results, so I bought a second hand 350D (which actually takes just as good a shot as my 1D MKII :D )
And I took the 17-40mm F4 L for every day stuff, and the 50mm F1.8 for low light stuff. (My girl in the club in the evening!!!)

I'm happy. I feel I made the right choice.
 
tiler65 said:
I have 350d if you want to borrow that instead of taking the larger 7D.

Whats wrong with a family 'snaps' trip anyway, is it worth the 'Awwwww Dad, not again, why are we stopping here, hurry up dad.' Not to mention any grief off the one who needs to be obeyed.
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:clap:

Bloody nice offer
 
Take it...you'll regret it otherwise....Turkey is a beautiful place with loads of great photo opportunities....I was there a year or so ago near Bodrum. Ephesus......Pammukale.......Heirapolis........Dalyan.....all very different but all absolutely stunning! And had no problems with the camera either.

Neil
 
I meant to add, my P&S is a G11... so not slumming it completely :D
 
Hi Marcel

To be honest I'd take it, most hotels have a safe if not they will have safes at reception check out your hotel it should say, which, where abouts you going theres loads of place that both you and your family would like to do (Historical Educational) and if your down Marmaris, theres the Survivor jeep tour, with Water pistols, well supersoakers, (dont know how old your kids are)Water mmmm 7D :thinking: I kept mine in a plastic bag,

Forgot to say its each jeep and anything else that moves gets it lol
 
Splog said:
I reckon that if you take it you'll find it a PITA to look after and if you don't take it you'll wish you had ;) ... Sorry can't be more helpful :)
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I think this is spot on unfortunately. If you take it though I think you would have to end up leaving it in the hotel somewhere - so I think the question is are you comfortable doing that. If you are comfortable leaving it in the hotel take it (you can always get up early whilst the family are sleeping for some sunrise shots), if you are not comfortable leaving it in the room leave it back in the UK.

Good luck deciding!

Al
 
i took mine there twice last year and had no problems and will be taking it again in 7 weeks
take the lens off and it fits in the safe nicely
what part of turkey you going to
 
It's easier for me as the girls have all left home.
Although we went away over the new year with the eldest and her hubby and when they and the mrs wanted pool / beach time and as this doesn't appeal to me, I wandered off with the camera.
There was also a day trip they didn't want to take so I took it alone and had a few hours photography.
I couldn't go on holiday without my kit, we mostly do cruises and as each port of call is different, there are so many photographic opportunities.
Even if we still took regular holidays with the girls, Linda would be very understanding and let me have some time for photography and I just couldn't do it with a p&s.
 
Perhaps, it's a good time to consider a Panasonic G1 or GF-1 with 14-45mm kit lens and/or 20mm pancake? ;)

If I were in a position where I was undecided on taking a DSLR or not then I'd probably go with a micro Four Thirds camera as a very capable compromise which isn't a burden to carry and should fit in most hotel safes.
 
Forget it and have a holiday. It's not a holiday if you are doing the same there as you are doing at home. You will never capture everything you ever want to, just take a break and enjoy life, there are other things than photography to enjoy. I actually tried talking to my my wife once and didn't realise she was so nice. Must try it again sometime!
 
I personally would take it. I am off to Fort Lauderdale, Miami and an eastern caribbean cruise in 9 weeks for my honeymoon.

No way am i leaving my SLR at home the other half actually wants me to take it as we will never be able to afford to do any of that again. I wont use it all the time, the IXUS120 will be with us at all time thou. As mentioned above, if you do take it make sure you have a bag to hold your other crap, i have a flipside 300 so will have loads of room for other things.
 
Ooooh lots of replies!
Thanks for the advice everyone. Seems opinion is fairly split down the middle.

I think I would be comfortable leaving it in the room. Maybe shove the body in the safe and a lens in a knicker drawer :p

It's more when Im out and about tbh, and it being a burden. Heavily dangling around my neck and not being able to put it down.

I think I will take it, and just leave it behind when not in use. I'll be leaving a laptop in the room when Im not using it anyway.

tiler, thanks for your very kind offer mate :thumbs: I think the problem isn't the size, just the 'cumbersomeness' of it, and the 'unpocketability' of an SLR.

We're going to just north of Bodrum in Altinkum.
I have a laptop bag, but might try and find a smallish camera bag that I can take too. (Was tempted to try and shove it all in my MiniTrekker, but I now realise that bag is overkill and too big for the trip).
 
I would never dream of going without - but then I'm not really a holiday person. Last year in France I had two bodies and five lenses - and came back with family snaps - and 350 pictures now on Alamy and other libraries.
 
I'm in two minds on your dilemma. A difficult decision.

One thought though I hope you won't do without your regular dose of TP!!! Sure Mrs Marcel will be understanding!
 
Marcel said:
We're going to just north of Bodrum in Altinkum.
I have a laptop bag, but might try and find a smallish camera bag that I can take too. (Was tempted to try and shove it all in my MiniTrekker, but I now realise that bag is overkill and too big for the trip).
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lol that's where I went too :D

I'd happily lend you my Leica (DLux4) compact and has all the shooting modes and will happily shoot at f2.8 but the zoom is not up to much on it. Still, welcome to try it if you like :)
 
Ooooh where did you stay Ali? (Feel free to MSN / PM me if you prefer :))

KoG, I'll still be popping onto TP occasionally ;) There is an internet cafe there, and they have free wifi (Ill have my laptop). Obviously will be rare and fleeting visits...But I'll still be popping on, and still contactable by the admins should TP need me :)
 
Oooh just re-read your post Ali, thanks for the very kind offer there!
I'd be scared of dropping it though, or getting it dirty.
Infact I'd probably just put it on the sun lounger next to me and look at it lovingly instead of taking pictures lol
 
lol It lives in the rarified atmosphere that is my handbag! Life does not come much tougher! ;)

I can't remember the name of the hotel now, was a while ago. Was deffo Bodrum, thinking something like Emperor or something equally daft. :)
 
If its insured, take it.
You'll only sit there wishing you had.

Especially when the kids are having an afternoon nap, after spending all day poolside & you're looking out at a stunning sunset.
(I'm pretty sure the sun sets quite early in Turkey )

Spence
 
It seems that you have asked on here & a friend...

Why dont you ask your OH & get her honest opinion? As you mentioned - its a "family" holiday... Dont get a "its up to you" answer from her - get her to be honest and say what she really feels.... "Yes or No"

Whats the laptop for anyway? Just curious :bonk:
 
Oh my wife thinks I'm taking it and she really doesn't honestly mind. She knows I love taking photos so would never stop me :)

The laptop's for a little bit of me-time :p My daughter has this bee in her bonnet about updating her facebook from Turkey......and it's to backup all the family shots and video I take while Im out there :)
 
Mmmmmm that answered that then... If she really really really doesn't mind then that no-doubt means she does (deep down) :naughty:...

I would personally take the smallest camera possible...

Surely a man with your experience & know how in photography can get dslr looking shots from a P&S cant you :shrug:

You've mentioned about leaving the camera in the safe etc... What happens when your out & about & missed that shot because it was in the safe locked away - then doesn't that just answer/prove that you dont really need it as you have the smaller IXUS? :shrug:
 
Marcel said:
Ooooh where did you stay Ali? (Feel free to MSN / PM me if you prefer :))

KoG, I'll still be popping onto TP occasionally ;) There is an internet cafe there, and they have free wifi (Ill have my laptop). Obviously will be rare and fleeting visits...But I'll still be popping on, and still contactable by the admins should TP need me :)
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Does that mean a coalition will be looking after things then when you're on hols?!! Coalition is all the rage these days!!
 
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I have been going to Altinkum since 1988 and have only missed visiting about four years in all that time.For most of my visits I stayed at the Triton hotel.That is not possible now for two years ago it was converted into appartments and shops.See photo.
I am going to Cyprus in a couple of weeks and and like you I don,t know what to take with me.The plan at the moment is to take my P.A.S.Pentax which can fit in my shirt pocket and leave my D300 at home and take the smaller and lighter D50 with a 18-200vr for general walk around lens and a 50mm 1.8 for indoor shots.Hopefully that should satisfy my needs.
You don,t say if you have been to Altinkum before.It has changed a lot since my first visit and not always for the better.The main beach is very nice but there are a couple of smaller beaches you can visit.The third beach is one of the favourites and that is where the new marina has been built.Hope you enjoy it.
 
LOL The coalition will indeed be looking after things :D I'm sure they'll be fine though.
Mind you, I'm the nice beardy one. The other two are capitalist pigs.

Ali, it's not actually Bodrum we're staying in, it's Altinkum, just north of Bodrum. We'll be just off the main bit, with a private beach too.
Jack, by all accounts I think it's about 5 minutes walk (to the east) from where the Triton hotel is/was.

TBH I'm pretty much decided. I'm taking it. 7d gripless with 24-70. *maybe* 10-20 too, but that's it. I need to find a suitable day bag for carrying it now. I'm thinking something like a Crumpler like Mr Lemon's. Just enough to carry the camera and lens, and maybe a couple of other things.
I know if I didn't take it, I think I would just regret it, and see photos and wish I had taken it.
 
Turkey. I have just one thing to say about it. Midnight Express.
 
why did you buy it...to take uk pictures only

just take as much care of it as you would here...and make sure its insured on your worldwide out of the house home policy
 
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