chris

How is this for an honest answer. I simply do not know what to recommend. <BR> <BR>I have shot so much vacation video over the years, and have never gone back to watch it. I plan on leaving the video behind during my August trip to Germany, since I purchased a new SLR camera that I want to be artistic with. <BR> <BR>However, in the back of my mind, a am again beginning to think about taking the video to show the Rhine cruise and other moments of my 15th anniversary. Plus, I am a bit concerned that I have not had enough time to master my new camera (although it does have idiot proof modes). <BR> <BR>So I guess I am back to the same issue you have.

Izzy

I take a video every year on our group ski trip and LOVE it. I constantly watch old videos but, IMHO, the video quality is more dependent on the film maker rather than the camera. Some keys to an exciting vacation video -- don't use the zoom too much; don't shoot one scene ad nauseaum, rather short pans; be interactive with your travel partner, locals, etc. My wife is a great narrator and I have a good eye for the shots so it works well. She typically gives the skinny on where we are, where we've been, opinions, etc. I also like talking to locals and asking their permission to film while we ask questions about the town, building, museum, etc. Since we're with a group of friends, it's a little bit more special but, overall, I wouldn't travel without it.

Sandi

Sondra, <BR> <BR>I have a video camera (Sharp Viewcam) that I have taken on lots of trips. It is not much of a hassle to me. I enjoy looking back at my tapes when I get a little down or just when I think back on what a good time I had. The sound is a very positive thing. You can hear your friends/family/yourself exclaim outloud "That's incredible" or "I can't believe I'm here" as you experience a beautiful sight on your trip, and re-live the emotion of it. I like to record all the tour guides as they tell the history because they have such knowledge to share, and you can't begin to remember everything they tell you. To hear them speak in foreign accents/language is another highlight. I would not enjoy using the video camera with the small eye pieces, but I love my Viewcam. You don't have to look at the camera at all, just hang it around your neck, point the lense and hold it steady against your chest. <BR> <BR>If you have a video camera, why not put it to good use? <BR> <BR>Sandi <BR>

Charlie

Another vote for using both.I use a Sony Digital 8 and have captured things such as London's Tower Bridge all aglow with the sound of Big Ben announcing midnight in the background,zooming in on hilltop castles along the Rhine during a cruise and sea turtles,whales sounding off Maui.These actions cannot be captured on an SLR and the the best part is that I can view all this on my PC and stop the frame wherever I choose and print a still picture on the printer.Whatever is comfortable for you is the only way to travel,bottom line!!

Art

Another point. I ran out of film in my SLR just before I visited the old Jewish Cematary in Prague (Stupid I know) so I filmed it with my Video and was able to capture a print of it after I got home. Also for those that see people filming EVERYTHING those videos can be edited to only keep what you want. To view it, you can use your PC or plug it in to the TV or VCR. Most TV's and VCR's have front connections now so it is extremly easy. I recently had to purchase a new TV as my old one ran out of gas after 15 years, so I splurged and got a 60" flat screen digital ready and looking at my videos on that screen is like being there. Its fantistic. <BR>Art <BR>

Bob

I used to use a video camera but finally got tired of being a camera man instead of enjoying the area. With a video I felt like I always had to be looking for something to shoot. We were just at Versailles and laughed at a girl that walked the entire Hall of Mirrors videoing the entire time. She never took her eyes out of the camera and never saw the real thing. It was sad to see. She was more intent on making a movie than enjoying the moment. My recommendation is to leave it at home and enjoy the trip. Each year in Europe you are seeing less and less videos as people all come to the same conclusion.