What camera should I bring on vacation???

[LordoftheRingsEE]

Originally Posted by trek737

It looks like we are going to Italy for my first trip to Europe. We will be flying into Rome and spend several days there. Then take the train to Venice for a couple days and then off on a 12 day cruise on Crystal Cruise lines with stops in Croatia, Athens, and Istanbul.

Where I go on vacation and what I shot determines what I bring. I usually walk around in the day with my wife's Nikon Coolpix S51 or an Iphone. Use my Nikons for more serious shooting before the crowds get out.

So is it worth carrying around a D3 or D300? The lens that I would consider bringing from my camera bags are the 14-24mm, 24-70mm, 70-200mm or 17-55mm DX lens, (all f2.8). I do not own a one-lens does it all with the full zoom range and that has a variable aperture, but I could rent one.

I also have a Gitzo GT3530LSV tripod but it is big and I am considering buying something smaller and lighter...

Lets face it I really need two vacations... one to spend time with my wife and friends and one to go take photos.

So do I dare lung one of these beast around through airports and immigration and get up at the crack of dawn to get some unobstructed great shots of Roman history or just play tourist and use my Iphone and shoot away? If I bring one of the Nikon's which one and what lens would you bring?

Cheers,

Jim

[trek737]

Originally Posted by LordoftheRingsEE

My back hurts just thinking about carrying that all around Italy!

[LordoftheRingsEE]

--- You don't have to; just hire the crew to do it for you.
...That's what 'grand style' is all 'bout.