cameras in museums
 

My husband is into photography and wants to take a rather large digital camera with him to Paris. Will we have problems getting the camera into museums, churches, etc? Could he be a victim of pick pocketers?
Should he use a back pack for his case or one that goes across his chest and hits his waist?

Hi m,

>Will we have problems getting the camera into museums, churches, etc?

Depends on how large it is. :) Most places permit photography without flash or tripods. If cameras are not permitted there will be signs saying so (a camera with an X across it).

>Could he be a victim of pick pocketers?

No one is totally safe. How will he fit the large camera into a pocket? :)

>Should he use a back pack for his case

NO. It will be stolen very easily.

Have fun. Don't worry.

((I))

mrk, I was in the Musée d'Orsay in May and many visitors were taking photographs of the paintings. It isn't a problem provided you don't use a flash.

Just as an aside, I paused for a couple of moments and watched a visitor moving around from painting to painting taking a photograph of each. As far as I could see, this man never actually looked at any of the paintings other than through his view-finder. To each his own ...

Anselm

Just curious..is it your husband that is concerned about the camera...or you.

I get the feeling that you would rather he take small camera.

Relax, he should be fine.

You won't have any trouble getting the camera into most public museums, as they do not restrict photography as a general rule. They often don't permit flash or tripods without a permit, however. Some museums, particularly a few private ones such as the Musée Marmottan (known for its Monet collection), don't allow any photography at all, mostly out of greed.

Some venues may wish to pass the camera through an x-ray machine. This is generally harmless to digital cameras, although it can fog the film in film cameras.

>Some museums, particularly a few private ones ... don't allow any photography at all, mostly out of greed.

May I suggest that they need the money?

((I))

How large is the camera and what he will be carrying it in? Some museums (esp those that have small objects - or fear damage) don;t allow backpacks or large bags - they have to be checked at the door.

Also the backpack for carrying camera - or any valuable - is a very bad idea - it's the easiest thing to steal from.

Suggest you check the web sites of those places you plan to visit.

I hated taking a "monster" camera bag with me when travelling. I've now downsized to something that reminds me of the shape of a bicycle seat. It can be worn over the shoulder, like a hip pouch or attached to a belt. I have the Tamrac Tele-Zoom pack and have additional (removable) lens holders that attach to the main body. I actually use one of them to carry incidentals such as tissues and hand sanitizer! I thought you might like to take a look at how things might be simplified.

http://www.tamrac.com
Go to holster style bags once you have reached the website.
Click on MAS to see the extra "goodies" like lens holders that can be attached to the bag.

You should only take a large camera on a trip if photography is the primary purpose of the trip. If photography is not the primary purpose of the trip, then a tiny pocket camera is the logical choice. People who come to Europe with massive pro cameras and tripods and what-not may rapidly come to hate their equipment unless they really and truly want to spend all day, every day taking pictures.

Even when I <i>do</i> go out with the specific intention of taking pictures, I just carry one camera and lens and a vest that contains things like film and other supplies. I never go to the extreme of carrying a tripod unless I absolutely need a tripod (usually for night shots).

Anthony,

I disagree with your statement..
&lt;You should only take a large camera on a trip if photography is the primary purpose of the trip. If photography is not the primary purpose of the trip, then a tiny pocket camera is the logical choice.&gt;

People should make their own decisions on which camera to take on their trip.

Although photography is &quot;not the primary purpose&quot; of my vacation, I want to get pics that I can frame and enjoy and I would not take a pocket camera.

A tiny pocket camera may be fine for you...but you shouldn't make others feel bad by taking a full size camera.