Brining a DSLR to Europe

Old Jan 13th, 2014, 08:03 PM
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Brining a DSLR to Europe

Let me preface this by saying I'm fairly well travelled, all over Mexico, Scandinavia, Russia, USA, and the UK but have yet to go to mainland Europe besides Estonia, all done with a pocket sized point and shoot

For me and my GF's trip to France, Italy, Switzerland, I plan on bringing my DSLR (T5i) is it a problem walking around with a DSLR around your neck at all?

Honestly besides the language barrier most places I go I try to feel at home and as safe as possible, rarely have I ever felt afraid or worried in my travels and the most worried I've probably felt are in areas of the states over being to more "foreign" countries

As well as being reasonably street smart I'm also 6'1 225 so typically I'm not one to by trifled with but if walking around with a DSLR is just trouble than I'm not sure I'll bring it along

Thoughts?
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Old Jan 13th, 2014, 08:13 PM
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I don't think it would be a problem at all. I always travel with mine but I don't sling it around my neck, I have a case that I cross over my shoulder chest. It doesn't look as geeky (family is grateful for that) and affords more protection with all the movement during the day between photo ops.
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Old Jan 13th, 2014, 08:15 PM
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No one can assure another's safety or possessions, but we have traveled numerous times to the countries mentioned and I have had various Nikon SLR's and DSLR's and never had a problem. I am short bald with glasses but with a scowl.

I also often position under my arm when not in use.
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Old Jan 13th, 2014, 08:17 PM
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No, but may I suggest you try this

Www.blackrapid.com.

I bought this strap for my trip last May and LOVED it. Made carrying that camera so much easier. No bulky thing bouncing around your neck, better weight distribution and easy access.
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Old Jan 13th, 2014, 08:41 PM
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Most Europeans view excessive size (6'1 225) as an invitation towards bullying. They are especially antagonistic towards bearers of the the Canon Rebel series, who are, frankly, viewed as wimps. Using a long (200mm) or greater may help ward off their attentions. I would suggest the Canon bayonet accessory as a minimum precaution.
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Old Jan 13th, 2014, 08:47 PM
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300mm with the bayonet attachment may be quite the deterrent

And yea those straps look like it would be great cause yea, hanging around the neck gets tiresome
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Old Jan 13th, 2014, 09:01 PM
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If you are considering brining your DSLR, try a dry brine. The result is more tender, more flavorful photos.
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Old Jan 13th, 2014, 09:03 PM
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But no, I bring Big Bertha and the Lenses all the time without problem, and I'm not intimidating (in appearance, anyway).

Have a wonderful trip!
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Old Jan 13th, 2014, 09:28 PM
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This question comes up often. I think framing the question from different angles might perhaps give you a peace of mind.

You will be just one of the many carrying DSLRs.

There are many other people carrying larger and more valuable things than yours. Purses by Longchamps, Prada, LV, Hermes, etc. with more goodies inside for the would be thieves.

Is DSLR more of an issue than a compact camera? Is Sony DSC-RX100M II less of an issue than a DSLR because it is a compact camera?

If you are not taking a DSLR to presumably capture interesting shots, why do you own a DSLR?

And finally, Art Wolfe takes his bulky camera equipments and travels to the edges of the world.
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Old Jan 13th, 2014, 09:50 PM
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Brining your phone is a sure way to destroy it.


Thoughts?

Millions of people walk around Europe each year with DSLRs, myself included, and have no issues. If they can do it, then so can you.

If you're as big and imposing as you say, then you have nothing to worry about. Use the same kind of diligence that you would use with your P&S (don't leave it out in the open when sitting at an outdoor cafe, for example).

My bits of advice:

1. Get a good camera bag (perhaps a messenger style bag might work better for you than a backpack or sling) that is comfortable for you to carry. If you get a backpack or sling, make sure that easily accessible pockets do not contain anything of value.

2. Start using your camera as soon as you get it. learn the settings and how to take pics in different situations. The more time you spend with the camera taking pics, the better your pics from your trip will be.

3. Get lens hoods for your lenses. Yes they add some bulk but they reduce glare and improve contrast. When you try out camera bags, bring your lens(es) with hood(s) on.

4. Get this book: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/081...llectionofcoll I cannot believe how much my photos improved after reading this book.

5. Buy lots of memory cards. Lots. Memory is cheap.

6. Have an extra battery or two. You don't want to run out of juice halfway through the day.
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Old Jan 14th, 2014, 12:44 AM
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I walk around with my DSLR most days. I have a Luma Labs Cinch strap on mine. If you are worried about security consider a Sunsniper, with metal through it.

I usually have a courier type bag too with a spare lens in it.
I don't use a camera bag as such when out and about in cities, too much hassle, and it advertises the presence of a camera to my mind.

Bring spare batteries. They must be carried in your hand luggage if they are Lithium batteries, each one separately wrapped so they cannot short. Your camera of course will be hand luggage too, so don't think you can pack only hand luggage with a DSLR and spare lenses. You almost certainly can't.

Bring memory cards, though you can always buy more here quite cheaply. Bring a memory card wallet too, and lock each card after use so you don't accidentally delete images. Store them so you know which are full and which are empty.

Consider a monopod.

Know how to use your camera before leaving home. Know how to change the ISO, the aperture, the exposure speed. Be able to it automatically.
Try shooting RAW rather than jpeg. Learn how to "develop" RAW photos.

Check your insurance to see if your camera is covered whilst travelling.

Don't be afraid to use your camera, it is a tool, meant to be used.

Have fun, take some great pics and maybe come back with a link to them when you get home. We all love looking at photos.
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Old Jan 14th, 2014, 12:57 AM
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I usually have a courier type bag too with a spare lens in it.
I don't use a camera bag as such when out and about in cities, too much hassle, and it advertises the presence of a camera to my mind.


That's a good point. A lot of camera bags scream LOOK AT ME! I AM A CAMERA BAG WITH LOTS OF EXPENSIVE GOODIES INSIDE ME! so I tend to look for bags that don't look like normal bags. Think Tank makes a series of nondescript camera bags.

I also bought one of these inserts for use with my non-camera messenger bags. Works great: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...llectionofcoll
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Old Jan 14th, 2014, 06:46 AM
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Interesting thread! I am a small female (5 feet in shoes with a thick sole) and have never felt threatened in Europe. Only time I was uneasy was on a visit to NYC in daylight--but that is another story.

On my last trip to Europe this past fall I seriously considered leaving the DSLR behind, but in the end took it. If you don't have it, you'll be wishing you had that T5i so many times.

Someone above mentioned that you won't be able to pack carry on only with the big camera. I did carry on only with T3i and one lens (Tamron 18-270), small point and shoot and a few clothes. However, I am no fashionista (understatement of the century my sister would say) so I don't need big wardrobe.

So take that T5i and ENJOY!
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Old Jan 14th, 2014, 06:47 AM
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One trip to Europe I left all the cameras home, quite liberating. Instead of framing everything you see, you actually see beyond the picture.
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Old Jan 14th, 2014, 07:45 AM
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'Someone above mentioned that you won't be able to pack carry on only with the big camera'

If you take flights in Europe, some airlines only allow one carry-on, and that includes your handbag. So check that, if that's what you want to do.
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Old Jan 14th, 2014, 08:49 AM
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Hey SS,

If you brine your camera it will stop working.

Trust me.

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Old Jan 14th, 2014, 10:58 AM
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One trip to Europe I left all the cameras home, quite liberating. Instead of framing everything you see, you actually see beyond the picture.

I did that on my last few excursions and while "liberating", it was also really frustrating as I saw some things that I wish took a photo of.

Err on the side of caution and bring the camera.

And before anyone mentions it, while it is true that the best camera is the one you have with you, I will take my DSLR (or P&S) over a cell phone any day. Because adjustable aperture and dat optical zoom.
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Old Jan 14th, 2014, 11:26 AM
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My camera is the first thing I pack! Photography is one of our major hobbies and we love capturing things in photos. I would never leave my DSLR at home!
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Old Jan 14th, 2014, 11:56 AM
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I recently purchased by first DSLR and can't wait to take it to France. I've been playing with it a bit but it's a lot more complicated than my little digital camera I've had for years. I've got a few more months to figure the thing out though.
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Old Jan 14th, 2014, 12:00 PM
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I highly recommend taking a 1 day course to learn how to use your camera...best money I have ever spent! Otherwise you may as well just stick with a point and shoot because if you keep it in auto mode it basically is just a big point and shoot...
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