Travel Photos and Travel

For the photography loving traveler choosing what time of camera equipment to bring on the trip and what to leave at home can be a heart wrenching decision. The digital camera is small and light while the SLR is accurate- how to choose one over the other? While there are clearly pros and cons to each- it is this writers argument that for the average traveler an appropriately chosen digital camera is more than likely the most sensible decision for the following reasons:

1. Design & Spontaneity: They are slim and light. You can easily stow one in a pocket and pull it out at a moments notice to capture that beautiful church you happen upon on a meandering walk or the bird that alights on the trail just ahead of you on a nature hike.
2. The inconspicuous factor: The most common identifying factor of a tourist is that big clunky camera (don’t you remember the Griswolds?). Regretfully in many lovely parts of the world it can identify you as a target. Better to keep your camera well out sight when you’re not using it and to not single yourself out as a potential robbery target when you do.
3. Price: Stuff happens on trips. We forget things in hotels; we break thinks, drop things in water or occasionally get robbed. Cameras often fall casualty to all kids of accidents. It is better to have to replace a $300.00 digital camera than a $1,500.00 SLR.
4. Movies: Video comes standard on most digital models. If you decide one day spontaneously to zip line across a canyon- you can take a video to prove it to your friends back home.
5. The LCD display: It makes for easier framing of shots and makes it possible to preview and enjoy your pictures. If you take a picture with team of eight year old soccer players that you’ve befriended you need to be able to show them instantly.
6. Durability: The closed design protects the sensor from the dust and dirt of traveling. Again see reason 3.
7. Zoom: Digital cameras come with built in longer-range zoom capability than is cost practical for SLRs. You can also change the zoom from wide angle to telephoto quickly and with little hassle.
8. Blogs and Facebook: The digital cameras allow you to quickly download your pictures from any Internet café so that you can regularly update your blog or facebook page while still on the trip. It makes printing more convenient as well in case you want to leave printed copies of photos with some of your traveling companions.
9. No need to sweat over a fancy camera bag: A good SLR camera bag is essential but digital cameras only require an inexpensive, pocket able sleeve.
10. Versatility: The other plus to the LCD is the capability to take shots from many different angles including above crowds and around corners. No SLR on the market today can compare.

A good camera like a good traveler should be flexible, durable and versatile and in these categories the digital cameras are the clear winners.