Which camera should I take?

[hulseyfam]

In about a month dh and I are going to the Bimini Islands with my SIL and her dh. We'll be celebrating our 10yr anniversary. Crazy that I'm that old! The islands are about 50 miles off the coast of Florida-we take a charter plane to get to it. Anyhow, I've never been on a big vacation since I've had my dslr. Do you guys usually take your dslr's on vacation with you? I have the choice of my Canon 50D and then I have a Canon Powershot that's like a mid sized camera and then I have a Canon that's a good pocket/purse camera. We'll be spending a lot of time on the ocean and in a boat fishing which would make for some awesome pics, but which camera would you bring? There are just a lot of things to take into consideration, lugging a dslr and lenses around, two airplane rides, etc. I know there are a lot of dslr travelers on this site, so I thought I'd get your recommendations!

[anxela]

Bring the big one. Size matters! No, I'm kidding, but there are shots you can't get with those small cameras. But I'd bring one of the small ones too. Just in case you don't want to bring the DSLR with you all the time. I haven't used the small cameras you're talking about, so I have no idea which you should bring.

I'd check out the Epiphanie camera bags if I were you. You have an excuse for buying it if you decide to bring the DSLR - can't carry around an ugly camera bag on your anniversary trip, can you?

I just saw which lenses you have. I don't think I'd bother bringing the 70-200 unless you're planning on doing portrait shots while you're there. If you want to cut weight, leave that one at home.

[beehive50]

Jaime... I had the same dilemma last month when I visited Europe for the first time. I bought a mid-sized Canon Powershot (that's probably the same as yours!) especially for the trip. But, then I asked this same question and everyone told me to take the "big camera"... that I wouldn't regret it... so I did! And, I'm SO happy I did!

Now, to be fair, I wasn't going to spend lots of time around water and sand, so maybe that's a very real consideration for leaving the "big camera" home and just taking the two smaller ones. Less risk of an accident, right?

Since I did decide take the "big camera", I only took two lens... my 50mm for inside the cathedrals only and I rented the Canon 18-200mm zoom for all the other shots. Not too heavy and/or bulky. This set up worked for me! Oh, and yeah... I bought a beautiful red "Lola" Epiphanie bag to house my "purse" and makeup and camera gear. It worked perfectly and looked good, too! (Anxela's right! LOL)

Whatever you chose, bring tons of memory cards and shot away! And have a wonderful vacation!

[Joey_M]

Be SUPER careful with your camera(s) around the sand and the ocean spray. Sand can kill your camera quickly! I took my dSLR to the beach and pulled it out for a few choice shots and then quickly put it in a sealed plastic bag. Sand has a way of sneaking into all sorts of places!

[anxela]

So glad you jumped in here, Debi! I was wondering how the Lola worked for you on your trip. So, gorgeous and functional... It's a must have!

[katrinak]

I knew my answer just at your subject line

Yes.

Get it insured if that will give you some piece of mind You will regret not having your camera with the first beautiful photo opportunity you see. In my experience, I always see more photo opps without my camera!

[iUma]

Take the 28-75 2.8 lens. And the smallest point and shoot. If it is a charter fishing boat you will have inside space most likely. Keep the camera with you and in a bag to protect it. Sand is BAD. my grandboy loves to tell how much I love him because I was about to drop my camera in the sand to save him in the surf. Thankfully, my daughter got there first!! Just be smart about it and make it part of your arm. Consider safety from theft also. Hotels, tourists, never see any of these people again....hold it close.

That all said.....definitely take the 50D and definitely POST your pages when you get back!!

[donitab]

Another thing I do is always take my camera to the camera store for a good cleansing after a beach trip - so far, they have told me my camera looks nice and clean when I bring it in but, I just feel I can't be too careful - it is a very small charge unless they have to use a swab to clean more deeply. Like they all say, keep it in a plastic bag when you are not using it - I keep mine in a bag, in my small camera bag, in my beach bag - it is triple protected unless I am using it & DON'T change your lens out on the beach. Otherwise - have fun & snap away - trust me - you would miss the big camera if you didn't take it - I've only made that mistake once!

[hulseyfam]

So the consensus is to take my big camera. One mentioned to only take the 28-75 lens. Is that what everyone else would do too??

And I've heard a few great reviews on the Lola bag. I currently have a backpack. Any other bags you would recommend? I like the Lola, just not sure how dh will feel about the price. lol

[nativescrapper]

Sounds like they got you covered on which camera to take
You have lots of fun

[KerryMac]

I agree about taking the big guy on your trip!
Just wanted to add that I've dragged my cameras all over the place; sand, water, heat, cold, humidity, snow and so far I've not damaged even one of them. (and don't tell anyone, but I also have never had one cleaned...)
I dropped a lens once, but that was right at my own studio

Have a great trip and bring back some pics to show us!

[anxela]

I think you'll be ok with only the 28-75 as well.