Anyone (military) bring a X0D sized camera on deployment??

These questions are primarily for any soldier, or photographer who has been to Iraq/Afghanistan as a combat photographer.

I am an officer in the Army, but also a pretty serious hobby-photographer. I'm leaving for Afghanistan in March, and am trying to figure out if:

A) Should I bring my 50D w/24-105L or should I buy a small point and shoot camera?

and if so

How should I get it there, I know I need a Hard Case to keep it in during travel so it has a decent chance of surviving an IED blast, but a big blastproof case can't be brought on the plane over. Is it worth the risk of losing it to have my parents ship it over in the case?

How many memory cards should I bring? Should I just take pics until the card is full, then send the card home and wait to process them, pop in a new card; or should I try to use one card, and process the pictures on my laptop and make final decisions on processing and just email home JPEGS or burn them on CDs?

If my camera was destroyed in combat, what kind of insurance/warranty covers that and how do I get my camera insured/covered, would it be reasonable to assume I can get a replacement quickly?

What other issues that I might not even know of have you encountered in regards to photography in a combat environment?

And for this particular forum - What equipment do I need. Right now I just have the 50D and the 24-105 L lens, plus a circular polarizer and a UV filter/protector.


Some clear advantages I see in bringing my camera are:

-It would be infinitely better for intelligence collection than the army-issued point and shoot camera
-Incorporating a personal hobby into the deployment reduces stress and helps keep things in perspective
-I could potentially end up with a marketable product at the end. Many soldiers have written books about the war from a soldiers perspective, but few have made photo-journals or similar products.
-It would allow me to continue to develop unique skills and experiences that could lead into a post-military career.

Any thoughts on the matter?

If I were you, I would definitely take the 50D w/24-105L, and I would not worry about damage. Just make sure no damage comes to YOU!

I also would bring a laptop and process the images during "downtime".

I'm considering the same thing, although admittedly not with my 5D2, but with 400, and Camera Armor.

A friend of mine took a Noink to Afghan, so I figure I should be okay, and if it breaks then at least I have the 5D still.

The main problem I can envisage however is if you're going out on the ground a lot, where and how are you going to pack your camera, considering a XXD isn't exactly small when it comes to patrolling with only belt kit and a daysack.

Sounds like a good setup with the 24-105L. In terms of insurance try checking with the AAFES.com. They always have good deals but really ask them how do they insure stuff they sell. This can give you an idea of where to go with things. Hope that helps!

I've never been in a combat zone, but I've done my share of running through the woods as a ground pounder & taken shots for the PIO, so...

What's your job? Given that "occifers" are fairly useless appendages when things get hot, will you really have the time to take shots?
I'd take it, but when you're in full "battle rattle", you're going to have to hump it with everything else. Your choice.

IMO, they haven't changed the "Acts of War" provisions & nothing will be covered. Check with your insurance agent.

I suggest 2 2GB cards as opposed to 1 4GB card. Even cards can fail, & if you get dust in those tiny little holes...
1. Since you'll have a laptop, learn to shoot RAW. You probably won't have time to nail the exposures, & RAW gives you flexibility when you process the images in the future.
2. I'd put the files on a CD/DVD & mail them home. If you have access to the inet, I'd also upload them where someone could download them & burn a duplicate copy.
You can upload a big file here: RapidShare FOR FREE!
http://www.rapidshare.​com/

Here's another, but I haven't used them: sharefile.com - free for 30 days.
http://www.sharefile.c​om …spx?src=google&​v=t1&cat=4

Our innovative service enables users to send, receive and track 2GB files, on-demand.
Download BIG files

Help sending large amount of photos
Dropbox - free 2GB - Secure backup, sync and sharing made easy.
https://www.dropbox.co​m/

Megaupload.com It's free, can send up to 1gb at a time (I believe) and you don't have to register or anything!

Best of luck to you, & be sure to post some images here for us!

24-105 seems pretty good for the purpose. And I do agree that downloading to your laptop will probably be better than shipping so many cards around.

For transport I would suggest a pelican case, no need to get a large one, just get one that fits your camera. Get the pick and pluk foam ones. that should cushion your camera well. It will be relatively dropproof, waterproof, etc. Probably not very IED proof though.

50D and 24-105 would be a great setup. Also be sure to clean your sensor frequently over there. Good luck!

The 50D w/ 24-105 would be a good combination. I would definitely pick up a Pelican case for toting it around and Think Tank gear for while you're actively shooting. The camera, not the other weapons. Well, the other weapons, too, I guess. Camera Armor is a good idea. That will help w/ normal banging around. I don't see the 50D listed on their site. You might want to contact them. Something else you might consider is getting some neoprene and make a DIY lens coat. It might help w/ flying debris.

Send a PM to our old friend Lord Malone--an expert in which you speak:

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/member.p​hp?u=40032

Well, being that most insurance will not cover YOU in a war zone leads me to believe that they will not cover a camera. I like your idea of documenting your experience, but I would make sure to clear your images with your commanding officer. Finally, I would be more worried about an IED damaging my body vs. the camera body. Stay safe, and hope you get some great images!

Curious about this as well. I was worried about the fine dust getting inside the camera. I guess a pelican case would be best but what about taking it in your backpack? I found this a while back but the price tag is a bit much for me.
http://www.diamondback​tactical.com …ssault-Pack-P1529C27.aspx

You may want to consider the m4/3 cameras such as the Panasonic GF1. They have better IQ than P&S cameras, but not quite as high as APS-C DSLRs, but are pretty small; especially if used with a pancake prime.

I just processed into the army yesterday; friendly bump and subscribing.

*EDIT: I'm seriously considering just buying a 1V film cameral and a 50/1.4 and calling it good for the first year, but I'm enlisted airborne combat engineer, so I think I'll have more chances to put my camera through a grievous accident.

Nat:

I just recently retired from the Marine Corps after 29 years (roughly half-and-half regular and reserve time). If it were me headed overseas (again...), I would not take the battleship DSLR with you. I would instead take something like a G-9/10/11. You will have a job to do over there (not sure what your MOS is -- may have missed it). It being a combat zone, R&R, as it was known in Europe at the height of the "cold war" is non-existent. Unless your job requires the taking of photos (in which case, you'd better be ISSUED the camera you're expected to use), you NEED a camera that is discrete, can can reside easily in a pocket, and will NEVER interfere with you accomplishing your mission. Nothing, trust me NOTHING, will erode the confidence of your troops more than seeing their leader messing with taking pictures when they're looking to you for some leadership and guidance in a tight situation.

Get yourself a G-series. It comes with some compromises, but it fits in a cargo pocket. So will an extra battery or two. If your camera gets crunched or blown up in combat (and you're lucky enough to survive, despite the presumably close proximity to your camera), count on your insurance company telling you to get lost (unless you have a very special, expensive rider/policy). That goes for USAA too. I lost a very nice F-1 under quasi-operational circumstances (won't discuss here...) back in the 80s, so trust me, you're on your own.

Get a very big memory card. Or two. Or three.

I didn't make it all the way to being a Colonel in the Marines for no reason. Trust me, leave the nice, big DSLR at home. You're an officer, if you really want pics from over there, spend the cash to get the proper gear to do so.

Have a SAFE and Happy New Year.

Semper Fi.

OP, I take it this is your first deployment.

First question is, what is your job? What is your mission? And where are you headed? That will change the answer drastically.
I just got back from Afghanistan 2 months ago. I was running convoys and Logistic Patrols. There is no way in the world I could have carried a DSLR with me. The gear worn outside the wire is enough, but to add on a camera bag is ridiculous to even consider. (I am Air Force, but we wear the same gear) We had combat camera roll with us on occasion. They carried 5Ds. But that was there only job, so they could focus on their camera gear and not the extra gear a normal person would be carrying. I got talking to the one girl and she said the camera rarely made it 1 month on the road without needing fixed or replaced. The fine sand and dust is incredible.

Now my experience with cameras. I have done 5 deployments in the last 10 years. My first deployment I took an SLR with me Original EOS 35MM. I used it while around base. It lasted but I needed a new lens when I returned. My next two deployments I bought Casio Exilms for. Each deployment I went through 2 of them. But to me Wasting two $200 cameras in each deployment was worth it.

Now here is my suggestion.

OLYMPUS STYLUS!! I took the 1030SW with me on this last deployment. It made it 7 months. I had it in my pocket EVERYDAY with no protection for it. No screen protector, no bag or anything. In 7 months I took 60GIGS of video and pictures. It was ran over by a 56,000lb MRAP. It has a dent in the front of it. All I did was washed it in the sink every few days. The charger is small with no cord. And to top it off, I went snorkeling with it today, got it down to about 15ft and it still holds against water perfect.

If I could be a spokesperson for something it would be that camera.
They have the Stylus Tough 6000 now. And before I deploy this year, I am getting one. Even tho the one I have still works, why not upgrade?

Pretty much, unless your job is Combat Photography or your mission is collecting intel for route clearance, where pictures are needed, YOUR LAST THOUGHT ON YOUR MIND SHOULD BE CARRYING A 50D!! It should be your safety and those around you!