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Whether you're hitting the slopes in Colorado or crossing the Atlantic for a European family getaway, chances are your camera will be making the trip as well. But why stop there? We recently spent a couple weeks traveling throughout Italy and France, making sure to pack the latest gear designed to optimize photography on the go.
From a laptop with integrated wireless broadband to a mini tripod to keep those HD movies steady, we'll show you what to bring while still managing to travel (relatively) light.
Digital Camera (duh)
Though your existing digicam will probably do the trick, we selected two compact still cameras and one pocket-sized high-definition video camera to bring along on our two-week adventure.
While not small enough to fit in your pocket, the Canon A650 IS offers full manual controls and great performance in a compact package. The 12.1-megapixel camera features a 2.7-inch swivel display and 6x optically stabilized zoom lens. Best of all, a set of four Energizer AA lithium batteries kept our camera shooting after nearly 1700 frames and two-weeks of use. Look for an in-depth review of the Canon A650 IS in the coming days.
In the market for a more pocketable snapper? The 8-megapixel Pentax Optio Z10 weighs just over 5 oz. with the battery and SD card and features a 7x optical zoom lens and 2.5-inch display. The camera's lithium ion rechargeable battery can capture approx. 180 frames, making the Optio Z10 a good choice for casual shooters. Look for in-depth review of the Pentax Optio Z10 in the coming days.
The Sanyo Xacti HD700, advertised as both a 720p HD camcorder and 7.1-megapixel digital still camera, leaves much to be desired in the stills department, but it totally rocks as a high-definition digital video camera. While the camcorder's small size and light weight is an advantage to some, you'll need to find a flat surface to keep the camera steady. A pocket-sized tripod is a very good idea. While you'll probably want to pick one up before your trip, tripods seem to be a hit among European street vendors. We found several for sale in front of the Coliseum in Rome. Look for an in-depth review of the Sanyo Xacti HD700 in the coming days.
If you're planning on bringing along your existing digicam, consider the following to make sure yours is up to the task:
- Batteries: Love them or hate them, your camera becomes an overpriced doorstop without some juice. We'll talk about power a little later, but be sure your camera's battery charger is compatible with the voltage and plug type available at your destination. If your digicam runs on AA batteries, stock up before your flight to avoid dropping extra cash on highly inflated price tags. Because they're lighter than alkaline and last much longer, Energizer AA lithium batteries work best. Purchase a few four-packs before you leave home for about 10 bucks each.
- Lens: While you may be impressed by your camera's 10x super duper zoom lens, be sure to check its wide-angle focal length as well. To get the most out of your camera, look for a lens with a 35mm equivalency beginning at 28mm or below. A wider lens allows you to fit more into a single frame, and could mean the difference of backing up hundreds more feet to fit the Eiffel Tower into a single frame.
- Video mode: Unless you're bringing along a camcorder, be sure your camera can record video with a minimum resolution of 640x480 (VGA) at 30 frames per second. You should also be able to record audio with your video. Optical zoom while recording is also a nice touch. Even if you have no intention of distributing family footage once you return, it doesn't hurt to bring back some memories for yourself.
- Storage: Most new cameras can store images on SD or SDHC (high capacity) cards. Whatever your recording medium, be sure to bring enough cards for your trip. Like batteries, you'll likely be able to find these on the road, but you might have to skip a few meals to afford them. Sandisk's Ultra II Plus USB SD cards are a great choice, with a USB port built right into the card. Sony users -- stock up on memory sticks before you go! Fujifilm and Olympus shooters should also get more than enough xD cards before traveling, as these are more difficult to find.
[Editor's note: Most of the recently introduced Fujifilm cameras now accept both xD and SD/SDHC media, although this is a recent feature addition. Check your user's manual to confirm if your FujiFilm camera accepts both formats if it is more than a few months old.]
Secure Backpack
Unless you plan on keeping an eye on your valuables 24/7, chances are you'll want to keep them locked up while out seeing the sights. Many hotels offer in-room safes, but they're normally too small to fit much more than your passports and some extra cash.
PacSafe's DaySafe 200 offers a "safe" compartment secured by lock and key and thick wire mesh. A cable attached to the center secure compartment allows you to lock the bag and its contents to a fixed object in your hotel room, such as a radiator or bed. I felt peace of mind after locking down my bag of gadgets, and always kept a close eye on my DaySafe while traveling.
While the backpack won't keep determined thieves from snatching your possessions, it still provides an effective deterrent. The bag's use isn't limited to travel. The secure compartment can also be locked outside of the backpack, so you can keep electronics and sensitive documents under lock and key whenever you're away from the bag. The DaySafe 200 offers additional security features as well, including reinforced shoulder straps and tamperproof zippers.
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