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Anybody backpack with a DSLR before?

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JohnnyQuid
Posts: 354 - Karma: 19
This coming fall/winter/spring I'm going to be backpacking for around 8-9 months. Checking out a lot of really cool places I've always wanted to see since I was just a kid. Since I'm going to be gone so long I'm going to try to pack as light as possible.

When I'm gone I'm going to be building a newer, better portfolio than what I've got right now, and also I'm going to start up a travel/photo blog for my down time on the trip. Hoping all that will help me into the school I want.

Wondering if anyone has experience traveling with a DSLR? I've got a D7000 and as much as I know it would be worth it to bring, I'm wondering if it would also be a hassle. I was thinking if I brought it, I'd bring just one lens, like my 18-105mm, so it would take up as little room as possible. But I've never brought the camera into another country.

I've been thinking a lot about this, and I'm hoping some one has had experience with it. I was even thinking of buying a compact digi camera to use on the trip instead. A smaller camera that I wouldn't be as sketched out bringing around with me everywhere I go. Something like the NEX-3. On top of this ill probably have my macbook in the pack too, to work on the blog/editing.

Anyone have any suggestions?
May 1 2011 12:53PM
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Blurst
Posts: 13577 - Karma: 10,169
If you are only bringing one lens then it will not take up much space. I was on a trip for 10 days with mine and it was fine. Obviously 8-9 months is completely different.

Are you concerned about theft?
May 1 2011 12:56PM
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JohnnyQuid
Posts: 354 - Karma: 19
That's part of it. My Nikon would probably be the only thing I'm bringing with me that isn't in my pack at all times during the day. I really just don't have enough experience traveling with it. But for my portfolio's sake, it'd be the way to go, I'm sure
May 1 2011 1:09PM
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S.C
Posts: 3068 - Karma: 2,285
I'd say an nex 3 would do the trick if you'd be willing to buy one
May 1 2011 1:25PM
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123+ski
Posts: 2832 - Karma: 581
it may be hard though, because he would prbly want a lens somewhat similar in versatility to his nikon (pretty sure he said 18-105). Just a thing to keep in mind. Also, I'm not sure that I completely understand what the issue is, but anything much bigger than a deck of cards won't fit in your pocket, so even though the body of the nex 3 is small, you will still need to keep it in the pack. Just something that popped into my head.
May 1 2011 9:25PM
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JohnnyQuid
Posts: 354 - Karma: 19
Yeah, I see what you're saying. I guess I just tend to baby the thing. I was mainly seeing if anyone had tips for carrying a bigger, more expensive camera across continents, apposed to a smaller digi camera that you wouldn't care so much if it got broken/worn/exposed to the elements. I'll probably end up going with my Nikon. I really want my photos to stand out. Especially if its going into a portfolio, and probably blown-up over time.
May 1 2011 10:48PM
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blatt
Posts: 5584 - Karma: 3,097
Words can't describe how many batteries and sd cards would be required...
May 1 2011 11:06PM
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TijmenDal
Posts: 4849 - Karma: 1,295
Canon G11/12?

Sick little camera if you ask me...
May 2 2011 4:42AM
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
Canon S95. Good for skiing too. Seriously, I haven't touched my D700 since I got my S95 6 months ago, it's changed how I do things.
May 2 2011 5:21AM
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chipkalback
Posts: 2255 - Karma: 30
So jealous, I've been wanting one for a while now!

To the OP, here's some helpful info about flying with camera gear outside of the U.S. from Erik Seo's blog: http://erikseo.com/blog/2009/everything-else/us-customs-proof-of-ownership-form-for-travelling-internationally-with-your-camera-gear/

Also, I've heard of guys taping up their cameras/lenses to block the bright white Canon logo, or other markings making it look super nice and expensive. I was in China for 2 weeks (Shanghai region and Hong Kong) this past fall and never went anywhere without my 5D mkII + 24-70 and I never got the sense that I should be worried in regards to my gear getting stolen.
May 2 2011 11:11AM
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TWoods
Posts: 10014 - Karma: 8,386
I brought a D300 and the 28-80 f3.5-5.6 with me on a backpacking trip. I figured that if I fucked it it was essentially a 60 dollar lens cap.

here's a picture:

Click for larger image

it's fully plastic, so it weighs nothing at all. It's really really sharp, really contrasty, very little distortion, almost no aberration. I would try and grab one and use it if you're thinking of bringing your 7000.

Other idea - get a MF pancake 50. It'll be super sharp, fast and won't stick out off your camera. Having to shoot with a single focal length will force you to be creative within limitation, which is always kinda fun.
May 2 2011 12:33PM
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michelle
Posts: 6290 - Karma: 428
Yup. I'd say this is your best bet if you don't want to bring a full DSLR set up with you
May 2 2011 1:00PM
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JoshH
Posts: 365 - Karma: 151
If you have insurance, you can add your DSLR to it like a month or so before you go, then cancel the coverage when you return home. It is pretty inexpensive, like 8-10 dollars a month or some. Just an idea. Have fun on your trip.
May 2 2011 3:13PM
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JohnnyQuid
Posts: 354 - Karma: 19
Thanks for the good responses everyone! Looks like I got some research ahead of me, thank you all for putting me in the right direction. +K
May 2 2011 4:22PM
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HeadyTopper
Posts: 1170 - Karma: 97
this
May 2 2011 6:53PM
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