Heading to Italy G9 or 5D or Both?

[ModernPics]

I will be heading to Italy in 2 weeks.

I will be for sure taking my G9 , but should I also take my 5d ?

My idea is YES for sure... but wondering about others opinions.

I want to travel lite but I also want to make sure I have the gear to get those out of this world shots too.

I have a Sling Shoulder Pack for my 5d , my thoughts are to use that.

Thanks all ! :)

Dave

[Kevan_G9]

If I had one I would.

[Depth]

I'd take both. Have the G9 at hand when there are situations where you can't bring the 5D with you.

[poppie guy]

I don't have a G9, but I sure wouldn't want to go to Italy without my 5D/85L combination.

[djharmonix]

I just spent 2 months in Asia with the 5d and lenses.

Italy is a walk in the park compared to the jungle so yeah take it with you for sure or you will regret it.

[Michael Wells]

I'm reading this with interest, because I'm planning a trip to Switzerland next year, and have basically been planning to take only the G9, as I want to travel light, but I also know full well that if I don't take the 5D, I'm going to regret it as soon as I get off the plane. Still haven't decided, but have lots of time yet!

Mike

[deletedpenguin]

I bought a P&S for those times I don't want to, or can't bring a DSLR with me. That said, I would try and take my DSLR with me anywhere I can, especially when travelling places you're not likely to return to on a regular basis. The one thing I HAVE decided is to not take my larger 70-200f/2.8L lens. The 5% of shots I may take during the trip don't make up for the size and weight of the lens.

[andrewaaa5]

Why hasn't this been asked already?
What lens (or lenses) will you take with the 5D? And what kind of photos do you normally take (landcapes, portraits, night time shots, general snap shots?) It makes a big difference in deciding. You got to think what you will want to do over there, and let that influence you. I have spent 1 month in Italy, and I tell you, with the architecture and lively bustling streets, and narrow lanes (in the cities), a nice wide angle is definitely worth taking. It would also be useful outside the cities for rural landscapes.

If you shoot portraits, then you decide :)

Looking at your kit, you may even get away with the 20D + Tokina 12-24 and the G9, and leave the 5D at home. Should cover most things :)

[ModernPics]

Good points everyone...

And a few good questions andrewaaa5!

My style when we travel perhaps may be some what photo journalistic. Try to tell the story of my travels as best I can. Which means a lot of architecture mixed with a shots of doorways, stairs, abstract and such. Also I like Life Style shots, people in there day to day lives.... As well as a bit of landscape if we come across it.

Based on the comments, I think I would for sure regret not bringing my 5d, as I love my G9 for "what it is" but for the passion of photography I love my 5d.

So then comes the lens - YES , I was thinking about that as well....

It's great that you had already been to Italy, and with all the research I have done on Rome and the fact we are staying about 2 blocks from The Spanish Steps so we will be in the hussle and bussle of narrow streets in the heart of Roma.

I pondered and still are thinking about which lens... ( oh by the way - I love the night time shots too... but not sure if I want to carry my Uni Pod )

I was thinking of my 28 to 135 IS (3.5 to 5.6) , I know it is a bit slow but since the 5d will give a "true" 28 mm VS the 1.6 crop , I thought that would be almost wide enough. And the IS including the full frame as well as how great the 5d handles at High ISO with very low noise may be a good all around solution...

I sometimes like to get in some of those tight architecture type shots of parts of buildings so the 135 would be handy for that ... as well as life style shots for a bit further aways...

With my 20d , I have my Tokina 12 mm but with the 1.6 crop may it be a bit wider than the full frame 28mm , but I will miss the longer lens , but gaining the faster lens - But also missing the 5d sweet ability to work 800 ISO low noise for those night time shots, ummmmm but very good points ( I agree the 20d / Tokina is a nice combo ) and I do not really want to rent anything or buy anything , I am already tapped out on this vaca ;) ... So I will have to work with my kit as it is , I am still toying with the ideas above... :confused:


***




Why hasn't this been asked already?
What lens (or lenses) will you take with the 5D? And what kind of photos do you normally take (landcapes, portraits, night time shots, general snap shots?) It makes a big difference in deciding. You got to think what you will want to do over there, and let that influence you. I have spent 1 month in Italy, and I tell you, with the architecture and lively bustling streets, and narrow lanes (in the cities), a nice wide angle is definitely worth taking. It would also be useful outside the cities for rural landscapes.

If you shoot portraits, then you decide :)

Looking at your kit, you may even get away with the 20D + Tokina 12-24 and the G9, and leave the 5D at home. Should cover most things :)

andrewaaa5 , when you went to Italy , what equip for the most part in most of your time did you carry and did you carry a photo bag / backpack / Sling Pack or?

I am still working that idea too...

I do have a backpack (national Geo) one where my camera fits in the bottom of the pack, but I am using that to get over to italy - bit bulky for me to carry around all day.

I have a sling pack that I may use - but is it true about being concerned about getting mugged taking caution with looking like you may have photo equip. worth a good amount of money?

We are only going to be visiting Rome , and on sunday heading to Appian Way for some bike rentals and photo op's...

Thanks andrewaaa5...

Thanks everyone for your input !

Cheers,

Dave

[andrewaaa5]

I had a 350D at the time with two zooms (12-24 & 17-70). I used both, but I like wide shots so used the 12-24 a lot (everyone's different though)

I did not have a camera bag. I just had a shoulder bag and my gear in 'wooly hats' to protect it a bit (don't ask). I am not a fan of dedicated camera bags. There was room to fit a mini tripod in my bag without looking like a photographer, and I found the tripod VERY useful for night photography, and inside some of the large dimly lit churches/cathedrals etc..

Alitalia lost on my tripod on my way back home (if you are flying with Alitalia, be prepared for lousy service, and delays, and they gave me hassle about having the tripod as hand luggage, hence I checked it in and they lost it...)

I do have a 5D now, and if I were to go back, I would take my 17-40 zoom, and maybe a 120/medium format film 'toy camera' such as a Holga. But, everyone's different as we all know :)

Have a great trip. You'll love the food there and ice-cream, and since you are in Rome, check out a small area called 'Travestere'. It contains nice restaurants that are not obvious 'tourist traps', and many calm plazas.

[CJinAustin]

It depends on your priorities, If I were by myself I'd probably take the DSLR... If I were with my family I'd take the lighter and more casual G9 and "focus" more on creating perfect memories and less on trying to get perfect pictures.

[andrewaaa5]

It depends on your priorities, If I were by myself I'd probably take the DSLR... If I were with my family I'd take the lighter and more casual G9 and "focus" more on creating perfect memories and less on trying to get perfect pictures.

'here here' to that suggestion also :)

If I were by myself, I'd be taking a stack of ND filters, cables releases and other smaller items. But that is a good suggestion from CJ.

[d100763]

I did two weeks in Italy (Rome, Florence and Venice) during my honeymoon armed with a G6. I was very happy with the shots but there were times when I needed a little wider angle (i.e. St. Peter's interiro in the Vatican) or telezoom (artworks, sculptures which are not approachable or heavily crowded (i.e. Trevi Fountain). Unless you have wife and family in tow which would make carrying all the DSLR gear questionable, or you're there to just enjoy the atmosphere I would take the 5D.

If you have an opportunity to see the Four Rivers Fountain in Rome do so - it has been recently renovated.

[jhcanon]

Great thread and as I'm of to Venice, Rome and Sorrento in four weeks I plan to take my 5D, 24-70 2.8 Sigma and 12-24 Sigma. any comments positive or negative on my choice?
Thanks
Jim

[J-B]

I would definitely take the 5D with me!

[DavidM]

I agree with CJinAustin.
The family can only take so much of "Hang around a bit while i set up this shot, again" Keep the G9 in your pocket then sneak out on your own with the 5D

jhcanon : The problem with Venice is there is just so much to photograph, take all of your gear with you and leave the family somewhere else, in Sorrento ?

[jgogums]

Great thread and as I'm of to Venice, Rome and Sorrento in four weeks I plan to take my 5D, 24-70 2.8 Sigma and 12-24 Sigma. any comments positive or negative on my choice?
Thanks
Jim

These will be excellent choices on a FF camera! I went berserk with my kit when I visit Italy a year ago. Had 5D, 15 fish, 16-35, 24-70, 70-300 DO, 85L a flash and a monopod. Might of even taken my 100 macro...

Everything, except for the mono, fit in a Lowepro backpack. Didn't use the pod much. Brought it out mostly as a deterrent and had it at my side on the rare occasion I felt we were in a risky area.

All good suggestions in this thread. The only wrong choice you can make is not going to these amazing places...camera or not.

[chisel]

I'll be the dissenter, but I'm fanatic about travelling light- I look for every ounce I can strip from my pack, and regularly travel to Europe with just a small carryon bag. So, I use the G9 and the Raynor 1.54 tele... I leave the ring off the G9 so that it's really fast to pop the Raynor on and off. It also has the advantage of being more discreet than a DSLR, so I can catch candid shots without calling attention to the fact that I'm taking pix.

Whatever you carry, take extra batteries and memory cards! You can pick up an adapter plug for your charger at the airport (just an adapter, not a converter); travel stores, radio shack and walmart in the states overcharge for those.

[Jannie]

In addition to the G9, I would definitely take the 5D and either a 24 1.4, 35 1.4 or the 16-35 2.8, these are all light and not so clumsy yet can also get those incredible interior shots and architecture. I'd also want something in the 85-135 range but to keep it light, possibly the 100 f2 or the 100 2.8 macro. Remember you'll probably have this around your neck all day, every day. The other option might be to just take a 24-70 but it's sure heavy. If I absolutely had to take a telephoto, I'd go for the 70-200 f4 IS, light, quick and very good image quality. Traveling with family makes it sometimes frustrating every time you want to stop, open your bag, change a lens, close up the bag and then shoot the picture. High speed lenses give me more options than more focal lengths. But if I was to travel right now with what I have, I'd leave my zooms at home and get something like one of the Think Tank waist bags to carry everything and keep it simple.

[chisel]

yet can also get those incredible interior shots and architecture. Good point. I find the G9 weak for interiors and low light situations.

[zeker]

Take the 5D for sure, but make sure all your equipment is insured! I would also keep it in bag that is not a dedicated camera bag.

[CandidG9]

If you can 'do' the baggage allowance take both.

[Cali Agent]

I say bring both!!! The last time I went overseas with my G9. And really regreted not bringing along my SLR.

[deletedpenguin]

As mentioned, both will give you the flexibility of a DSLR, but the convenience of a more compact camera.

[Luvntravln]

Hi, I am not really sure why you are even asking the question!

How are you going to feel if you only bring one and it packs up?

IMHO

[CandidG9]

Be happy - you've got two good snapping machines
and you're off to the most wonderful place on earth
wanna swap?

[hingy]

The last time we went to Italy, we went to Florence, Siena and Pisa. I took the G9 and got some fantastic shots, but I would have loved to have had a DSLR with a fast lens. We spent a lot of time in beautiful cathedrals and in most of these you cannot use a flash or a tripod, so I resorted to resting the camera on things or upping the ISO.

A couple of pics

[CandidG9]

The pulpit inside the duomo in Pisa is something else

[hingy]

I could only get the pulpit once I had upped the ISO to 800. Lucky that the G9 has a relatively large maximum aperture.

[antricacy]

A good rule to go by is always have a backup camera, especially a P&S! So my answer is yes, take both!

[CandidG9]

Ah yes hingy that's the one - a masterpiece - good pic but no pic can do it justice. Like the Gate of Heaven (I think it's called) and Giotto's tower etc etc etc in Florence. I'm jealous of this trip :)

[hingy]

I completely agree. :) We were completely awestruck by Tuscany. And that is even before we started on the food and wine!!

[CandidG9]

Just watched the end of the latest stage in the Giro d'italia cycle classic - ended in Firenze and the TV helicopter flew around for ages... oooh I'd love to go back. I didn't know that you can get right to the top of Giotto's tower and right to the top of the main duomo. Views must be stunning.

And don't get me started on the chianti and the frito misto di mare [swoons]
When are you going?

[deletedpenguin]

You guys are making me excited about MY upcoming trip as well. Later this year I'm headed to Florence, Venice, Lake Como then on to Switzerland, France and Spain. :)

[CandidG9]

you lucky penguin :)

[Yapo]

Great pics Hingy! just wondering wat was the shutter speed for ur 1st n 3rd pic?

[hingy]

Thanks Yapo. The first pic was f/4.8 1/125 and ISO 80. The third was f/2.8 1/15 and ISO 800.

[Rare1]

I brought a G7 to Spain an it worked great (and was MUCH easier to carry around)

Please take a look at some of the images:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rare1/sets/72157603118465748/

[sandro9mm]

don't forget to bring UWA, u will be shooting allot of architecture and nature.... also where exactly are u going? italy is very diverse :D

[Padrino]

I'm heading to Italy (and Paris and London) this september. This thread is making me even more anxious about the trip. Florence, Venice and Rome in this travel.
From my last worthy trip (Argentinian Patagonia), I learned that a Full size DSLR is not what I want to carry around, so this time I'm travelling lite only with my LX3. Anyway, I don't have a 5D and its magnificent full frame sensor, having that maybe I would change my mind... again. Congrats for the trip!!!

[azpix]

i say get a kickass bag and take both.

[CandidG9]

Use your G9 in London. Using anything bigger in mass surveillance Britain can get you a load of hassle from ill-trained Deltas. Even sightseeing shooting in London - like we all used to do freely once - is not guaranteed immune from this 'attention'. But a G9 will be seen as a non- pro camera so they'll let you use that without trouble I think.

[ModernPics]

Thanks very much for the feed back - I thought about a mono pod and I can see it would help a bunch but not sure... I hope that I can work with my IS ability and the 5d with higher ISO ;)

Thanks for the tip on the location as well - we have been planning this for a year now so I LIVED in google maps for months - hahahahaha

What technology brings us is amazing - Google Street View is a God Send .

I will keep all updated ...

Take care!

Dave

I had a 350D at the time with two zooms (12-24 & 17-70). I used both, but I like wide shots so used the 12-24 a lot (everyone's different though)

I did not have a camera bag. I just had a shoulder bag and my gear in 'wooly hats' to protect it a bit (don't ask). I am not a fan of dedicated camera bags. There was room to fit a mini tripod in my bag without looking like a photographer, and I found the tripod VERY useful for night photography, and inside some of the large dimly lit churches/cathedrals etc..

Alitalia lost on my tripod on my way back home (if you are flying with Alitalia, be prepared for lousy service, and delays, and they gave me hassle about having the tripod as hand luggage, hence I checked it in and they lost it...)

I do have a 5D now, and if I were to go back, I would take my 17-40 zoom, and maybe a 120/medium format film 'toy camera' such as a Holga. But, everyone's different as we all know :)

Have a great trip. You'll love the food there and ice-cream, and since you are in Rome, check out a small area called 'Travestere'. It contains nice restaurants that are not obvious 'tourist traps', and many calm plazas.

[ModernPics]

Good points - I love my G9 as I never thought I would use Auto mode again but for a PS type camera it is fantastic. For the most part this is my case G9 out and ready and my 5d packed in my backpack for those those shots that I just cant pass up...

Take care!

Dave

It depends on your priorities, If I were by myself I'd probably take the DSLR... If I were with my family I'd take the lighter and more casual G9 and "focus" more on creating perfect memories and less on trying to get perfect pictures.

[Roy Mathers]

I wouldn't go anywhere abroad with my DSLR!

[ModernPics]

Very cool - I am 14 min away walking distance from the Four Rivers Fountain , I am staying at the Homs Hotel in the heart of Rome -

Thanks for the TIP and I will let all know how the hotel is and the link to the pics I take along the way...

I agree with the wider lens for sure.

Cheers!

Dave

I did two weeks in Italy (Rome, Florence and Venice) during my honeymoon armed with a G6. I was very happy with the shots but there were times when I needed a little wider angle (i.e. St. Peter's interiro in the Vatican) or telezoom (artworks, sculptures which are not approachable or heavily crowded (i.e. Trevi Fountain). Unless you have wife and family in tow which would make carrying all the DSLR gear questionable, or you're there to just enjoy the atmosphere I would take the 5D.

If you have an opportunity to see the Four Rivers Fountain in Rome do so - it has been recently renovated.

[ModernPics]

If I had those lens I would take them for sure , as with the full frame ability of the 5d , you can get some nice wides as well as the 70mm would be perfect to zoom in in life style shots and or parts of buildings , door ways etc...

Looks like we are "almost" going at the same time - I will be in Rome from the 31st to June 11th

Have a GREAT time and keep us posted with a link to your shots of rome as well !

Take care,

Dave

Great thread and as I'm of to Venice, Rome and Sorrento in four weeks I plan to take my 5D, 24-70 2.8 Sigma and 12-24 Sigma. any comments positive or negative on my choice?
Thanks
Jim

[ModernPics]

I hear ya , our families have to tolerant of us photogs! hahahahaha

I LOVE getting into a shot , I mean I can spend boats loads of time setting one up and to me, time flys to the family it's like watching the clock.

But my wife is into photography too but not quite as much as I am - but it helps ;)

Dave

I agree with CJinAustin.
The family can only take so much of "Hang around a bit while i set up this shot, again" Keep the G9 in your pocket then sneak out on your own with the 5D

jhcanon : The problem with Venice is there is just so much to photograph, take all of your gear with you and leave the family somewhere else, in Sorrento ?

[ModernPics]

Nice use for that Mono Pod in those shady areas hahahaha...

Interesting you did not use it much , good point - I think I will leave it at home.

The kit choice is for sure sweet but I have to combine my family (just my wife) in there so I have to think about quick and dirty setups , so it is for sure the G9 and my 5d with possibly my slower 28 to 135 IS f/4 , I know slow as beans but in hopes of my 5d sweet ability to manage low noise with high ISO , I think it may be a nice combo, full frame with 28 mm gives me true 28 mm so I hope that is wide enough , I have a 12 mm tokina I may think of taking that too but trying to limit weight.

Cheers all ..

Dave

These will be excellent choices on a FF camera! I went berserk with my kit when I visit Italy a year ago. Had 5D, 15 fish, 16-35, 24-70, 70-300 DO, 85L a flash and a monopod. Might of even taken my 100 macro...

Everything, except for the mono, fit in a Lowepro backpack. Didn't use the pod much. Brought it out mostly as a deterrent and had it at my side on the rare occasion I felt we were in a risky area.

All good suggestions in this thread. The only wrong choice you can make is not going to these amazing places...camera or not.

[ModernPics]

I agree , G9 is sweet for outdoors , but low light / flash or indoors - not so hot , there comes the 5d for sure.

Good point. I find the G9 weak for interiors and low light situations.

[ModernPics]

Very cool !

Tanks for sharing ....

Dave


The last time we went to Italy, we went to Florence, Siena and Pisa. I took the G9 and got some fantastic shots, but I would have loved to have had a DSLR with a fast lens. We spent a lot of time in beautiful cathedrals and in most of these you cannot use a flash or a tripod, so I resorted to resting the camera on things or upping the ISO.

A couple of pics

[ModernPics]

We are spending 10 days in Rome pretty much - honestly we are busy everyday it's crazy.

Sunday we do a bike ride via Appian Way , as you may know they close that to bikes and people , no cars on Sunday.

We are staying in the heart of Rome , block from the Spanish Steps...

Matter of fact, I am rushing right now to pack !

Thanks all for the FANTASTIC comments , I am taking my G9 and 5d , I only wish I had some better faster lens but it will do ... I figured my 28 to 135 IS / f4 will have to try to make due ... so far thats it unless I change my mind .

By all and contgrats to a couple of photogs going as well and I will post back my trip details with some links to the shots.

Take care!

Dave



don't forget to bring UWA, u will be shooting allot of architecture and nature.... also where exactly are u going? italy is very diverse :D

[ModernPics]

Thanks and have fun on your trip !

I also have a 10d , GREAT camera work horse for sure....

Keep us posted on your travels and pics.

Cheers from the USA

Dave

I'm heading to Italy (and Paris and London) this september. This thread is making me even more anxious about the trip. Florence, Venice and Rome in this travel.
From my last worthy trip (Argentinian Patagonia), I learned that a Full size DSLR is not what I want to carry around, so this time I'm travelling lite only with my LX3. Anyway, I don't have a 5D and its magnificent full frame sensor, having that maybe I would change my mind... again. Congrats for the trip!!!

[hingy]

Oh, I forgot to say, in Rome you need to check out the church with a crypt containing the remains of the Capuchin monks. It is called Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini and it at the bottom of Via Veneto. It is really cool (unless you don't like bones!!) :)