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Should I take my DSLR?
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lylzezane01
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So Im heading back and planning to cover most of south Cambodia in December. I did a trip at the start of this year and went from KL to Hanoi, via Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. I had a compact camera with me and have had a lot of trips where this was just fine and I had no hassles. But my trip to Laos made me decide that this time I will take my DSLR next time.
What do you guys think? As far as I know Ill be doing Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, but I cant tell you any more than that. Should I take it? I am more worried about leaving it in a hotel room because I can guess that I will be roughing it. How do I disclose it properly when Im out and about so I dont catch attention? (Im already young, very pale and tall with dark hair and light features).
Also, I will more than likely be doing a whole lot of nothing on beaches, so I figure what better way to pass time and see my surrounds. Any opinions and tips will be great
#1 Posted: 3/9/2012 - 12:02
busylizzy
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I just keep my camera, etc locked in my backpack whenever I leave it behind in the room. I also hide any cables, etc. If in doubt, carry it with you.
It's always a difficult one about feeling conspicuous when using a DSLR in Asia. I generally feel OK in the more touristy areas where everyone is used to seeing them. But if I'm in remote -off-the-beaten-track areas, I will often prefer to use my smaller point-and-shoot (I carry both normally).
#2 Posted: 3/9/2012 - 14:51
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mikethediver
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Hi, Don't take it.
Life is living it. Enjoying being where you are. Life is being a part of it.
What advantage does it mean to have a DSLR? You were there. You saw it. You did it. Do you want to live your life through a camera lens just so you can show the people back home what you saw? I have thousands of photos sitting in boxes and later on hard drives that no one has seen.
Enjoy the moment, live the moment. Pictures come a very last place!! Don't take it. Take a cheapo and enjoy just being there!
Mike
#3 Posted: 3/9/2012 - 16:01
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busylizzy
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Good point Mike.
Not sure if I could bring myself to leave a camera behind, but I do sometimes make an effort to go out and about without my camera - for the reasons that you stated. To enjoy and live the moment, and also to eliminate the barrier that a camera can be to meeting locals, etc.
#4 Posted: 3/9/2012 - 19:00
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lylzezane01
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If only everyone had your attitude! Just last night I was at a large-ish gig and I couldn't see anything because I was stuck behind some overly high pitched girls who felt the need to record the whole show on their phones. But before you call me a hypocrite, my photos are often published in a magazine and it is more than just a tourist-thing to brag about your adventures with to friends when you get home.
On one hand, all of my serious photo-taking friends are adamant that I take it with me and even shun me for traveling before without it. On the other, majority of travellers are saying not too. Oh whatever shall I do?
#5 Posted: 3/9/2012 - 22:29
goonistik
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Naturally the dedicated photographers will tell you to take a dslr and the casual photographers will tell you to take a compact.
If photography is a serious pursuit than take the DSLR.
If you are backpacking and want to travel light, than take the a point and shoot.
It all depends on what is best for you.
#6 Posted: 3/9/2012 - 23:03
idreamofdur-
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Take the DSLR.
There's nothing worse than looking at point-and-shoot photos post-trip and wishing they were better.
#7 Posted: 4/9/2012 - 20:21
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lylzezane01
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Thanks. Ive decided that I will take my cheaper slr. It doesnt look as 'bling' and Im not as attached to it so I wont be so heartbroken if it goes hiatus. I plan to do a longer when I finish my degree from the NT to Sweden and I figure ill see a lot more and be more comfortable spending more money on good insurance (I have expensive lenses and I'm under 21 so its expensive). This is more of a chill out trip. Not to mention beach photography can get really generic after awhile.
#8 Posted: 4/9/2012 - 22:16