I recently returned from a safari trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana. With so many fantastic photo opportunities I was clicking away constantly. However on my return home I was slightly disappointed with the quality of the pictures.
Back in the days of film cameras (remember those!) I used to take a bulky SLR camera with me. (a Canon EOS 500) It was a great camera and I took loads of fantastic photos with it. However what let it down was its sheer size and weight. When I got my first compact digital camera I never looked back and my SLR has been languishing in a draw collecting dust ever since.
At the moment I am weighing up the pros and cons of splashing out on a new digital SLR. These are my thoughts on the merits or otherwise of travelling with a SLR:
Pros
1. The ability to manipulate your pictures is far greater plus they cope better with different light conditions and depth of field. Those shots of beautiful sunsets are so much more vibrant.
2. Zoom - Particuarly with animal shots compacts often loose the definition on high zoom.
3. Kudos - You look more professional!
Cons
1. Size and weight - Even high end SLR's are pretty bulky. They certainly don't fit in your pocket!
2. Sign of visible wealth - Particularly when travelling in poorer countries it is an obvious sign you are carrying something expensive and worth stealing.
3. You may find yourself having nerdy conversations about lenses and filters with other SLR owners. Not a good way to attract the ladies!
4. The photos can take longer to set up and because it is a more intense process you find yourself looking through the view finder as opposed to enjoying the moment.
I've been wrestling with indecision for several years since SLR's fell into my price bracket back in 2006. I am still not convinced that I won't travel with my compact as well but I think for my next trip I will be accompanied with a new shiny SLR!! Let's hope it doesn't get stolen...
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