Going on holiday - big camera vs small camara

So In a little over two months the family and I hop on a plane and head off to a nice tropical pacific island (Rarotonga).

So this is a family holiday not a photographic expedition, now our last trip into the pacific (Norfolk) we took the 20D and all the gear (black, white and red) plus the old G3. Often the 20D was left behind and we just went out with the G3. However it is no replacement of substitute for a good SLR.

Now we are about to retire the G3 and replace it with the all singing all dancing Powershot TX1.

Given this is a holiday I am strongly tempted for the sake of my back, carry on limit and travel insurance to not take the 20D.

I know I will miss my 20D but how much and will the gain of the bulk out weigh the loss of functionality?

What are other peoples experiences?

I'm having a similar dilemma. At this stage I think I'll take the P&S as I feel it isn't worth bringing an extra bag when the P&S can do a good enough job. I guess it depends what you plan on doing, I'm going snowboarding so won't really want to use up too much of that time taking photos.

Can only give you my opinion but I'd never head to the South Pacific with only a p&s...I used to travel with a Mamiay RZ 67 and four lenses tripod, all the xtra crap. Now it's a dream a Canon 5D with a 17-40L and 70-200L F4is and a little CF pod. You can't imagine how happy my wife is.

I would not go on a vacation without my SLR. Last time I took just the P&S I was wishing I had my SLR on many occasions.

Shaun

HighPlainsPhotographer wrote in post #3236372
I would not go on a vacation without my SLR. Last time I took just the P&S I was wishing I had my SLR on many occasions.

Shaun

That is what I am worried about!

This time at least we have a car so no more hopping on and off buses with half a ton of SLR and two kids

There's no free lunch,
i mean how much trouble is it to carry a 20D and a small zoom??

thedruid wrote in post #3237397
There's no free lunch,
i mean how much trouble is it to carry a 20D and a small zoom??

Not too much hassel carrying it and one lens (28-105 f/3.5), moving that up to a wide and my big white f/2.8 thing changes things a little. I might be able to get away with just the two 28-105 and 70-200, don't think I need a flash). Last time I was there I only had my G3 and felt short a couple of times (this is in the days before my 20D where I only had a film SLR).

Funny one of the big deciders is I don't think I can put a CPL on a TX1! I love the look of a CPL up there in the tropics, then there is the whole RAW thing, I always shoot RAW on the 20D...

FlyingPete wrote in post #3234013
So In a little over two months the family and I hop on a plane and head off to a nice tropical pacific island (Rarotonga).

So this is a family holiday not a photographic expedition, now our last trip into the pacific (Norfolk) we took the 20D and all the gear (black, white and red) plus the old G3. Often the 20D was left behind and we just went out with the G3. However it is no replacement of substitute for a good SLR.

Now we are about to retire the G3 and replace it with the all singing all dancing Powershot TX1.

Given this is a holiday I am strongly tempted for the sake of my back, carry on limit and travel insurance to not take the 20D.

I know I will miss my 20D but how much and will the gain of the bulk out weigh the loss of functionality?

What are other peoples experiences?

Before you conclude that you need all your gear. Go to PEKKA's gallery. Much of it was taken with a G1 ! !.. Then make your decision,

Peter, I took the whole gear bag (actually 2 of them plus the tripod and monopod) on my recent 2 week trip to NZ and I was glad I did. Yeah, it was a hassle keeping an eye on the stuff and making sure it wasn't lifted or lost (or left behind) but it all got a workout and we still managed to enjoy ourselves.

FlyingPete wrote in post #3234013
I know I will miss my 20D...

Yes you will.

I am almost 50 and have never had a year without at least one major holiday and many minor ones. I have always had an SLR with me for all those occasions (although I think when I was very young my Dad carried it). Not a real inconvenience if you are well prepared to carry it.

I went for 3 years without an SLR of any kind after having 3 for nearly 20 years. it took some adjustment, but I believe it actually helped my photographic skills once I returned to a SLR type camera. I made do with a small digital compact for that 3 years and got some great results, but If I was traveling, I'd take my entire kit no matter what.

Might I suggest an XTi, 17-85 IS and 70-300 IS? That's fairly lightweight and portable.

Bugs the hell out of me that the TX1's lens doesn't go back in. I can't stand it. It's the entire reason that I don't want one.

Just fyi.

Ronald S. Jr. wrote in post #3309818
Bugs the hell out of me that the TX1's lens doesn't go back in. I can't stand it. It's the entire reason that I don't want one.

Just fyi.

Let me change your mind
BTW As a long time SLR user and user of several compacts, this is currently my wee favourite, no regrets with my purchase

Probably still going to take the 20D kit away though

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