Traveling with Your Camera

If you're traveling this summer, you'll want to bring your camera along to capture special memories. If you have a point-and-shoot, it is probably no big deal, but if you have a larger camera case or extra gear, it can be a bit of a hassle. I've got some tips for traveling with your camera, from what to bring to ensuring your equipment doesn't get stolen.

What to Bring With You

Portable battery powered hard drive. A minimum of 80G storage is recommended. While traveling you tend to take many more photos than you normally would at home. You can transfer your images to the hard drive directly from the memory card. The advantage is that you don't have to be connected to a computer. One of the top rated models is Epson P-6000 80GB Multimedia Storage Drive

It has an 80GB+ capacity, large, 4-inch LCD, Adobe RGB color space for superior color reproduction, fast download speed, RAW and JPEG file support, built-in Compact Flash© and Secure Digital memory card slots, compatible with high-speed UDMA CompactFlash cards, rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery that lasts up to three hours, and USB 2.0 interface.

TIP: If you can't afford a portable hard drive, at least carry an extra high-capacity memory card or two to be sure you don't run out of storage space.

Extra Pocket-Sized Camera

If you have an SLR or a fairly large camera, consider bringing a compact camera long too. Or forgo the big camera completely and bring only a pocket-size camera. I remember dragging along my big camera case on a motor scooter ride in Greece, wishing I had a smaller camera to tuck in my pocket.

Canon's Powershot line seems to be by far the favorite for vacationers. There are several excellent, inexpensive options. One of my favorites is the Canon PowerShot SD1100IS 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom. It also happens to be the #1 point-and-shoot digital camera on Amazon. At $179 it's a great deal!

One of Canon's newest and most versatile is the Canon PowerShot SD780IS12.1 MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and HD Movie Capability - Approx $233
The 12MP SD 780IS PowerShot features 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and bright 2.5-inch PureColor LCD II screen, HD movie shooting capability and HDMI output. Ultra slim and sleek, it offers 20 different shooting modes and face detection and very good pictures and video for such a small size. Easy to use, simple menu.

Canon is offering instant savings on the full Canon Powershot line thru July 11. Go to Amazon.com to learn more.

Extra batteries and memory card

Trust me, it's cheaper and easier to buy batteries and memory cards at home than overseas. If you are bringing a portable hard drive, don't forget a spare battery for it as well. Bring at least one extra camera battery, so one can be charging while you are using the other one. If you are traveling overseas, try to get a dual voltage charger to avoid needing a separate voltage transformer.

Getting Your Camera and Equipment to Your Destination

Keep your camera equipment organized. Band the charger cords and cables with Velcro or elastic bands so they are not a jumbled mess and put them in a plastic bag with your charger and other important accessories.

Never, ever pack your camera in your checked luggage. It stands a greater risk of getting stolen or your digital media could get damaged by the stronger X-ray machine used for screening checked bags. The x-ray used for screening carry-on is ok. If possible, store your camera equipment in a generic padded bag that doesn't broadcast "expensive camera equipment inside."

Bring your camera with you wherever you go. You never know when a great photo op may arise!

Return to top

KODAK EASYSHARE GALLERY
15 cent 4 x 6 prints every day. New customers get 20 free prints. NEW: Pick up your prints at local partner stores for a $1.49 convenience fee (but you'll not pay a shipping fee). Get FREE SHIPPING for all Print orders with a subtotal of $4.99 or more. For Print orders with a subtotal under $4.99, pay just $1.50 for shipping and handling.

• Get Free Shipping all summer on orders of $4.99 and above at KODAK Gallery! including Prints, Cards, Photo Books and Photo Gifts. No coupon code necessary. Expires 8/31
• Get Free Shipping on Prints at Kodak Gallery! in orders $4.99 or more. Ongoing, no coupon required

Go to Kodak Easy Share Gallery

SNAPFISH: 9 cent prints all the time.

• Get 50 Free Digital Camera Prints and only 9 cents per print at Snapfish by HP!
• Summer Free Days from HP Snapfish! Get your FREE product of the day! New Customers Only thru 7/17
• 7/5 - 7/11 Penny Prints Use coupon code PENNY
• July Promo: Free Collage Mug for new customers only Exp 7/31
• Get a Free dog leash plus 20 free prints (new customers)
• Save up to 63% on pre-paid photo prints

Go to Snapfish.com by HP

SHUTTERFLY: prints are 15 cents

NEW: You can now upload your digital images to Shutterfly and pick up your 4x6 prints at your local Target store.

• New Member's Offer - Get 25 FREE 4x6 Prints when you join Shutterfly! Limited Time Offer.
• Get a free poster ($10 value) or $5 off your order when spend $30 at Shutterfly.com. Use Promo Code: AF86-SAVE. thru Sep 9, 2009
  
• 20% off Photo Books. See site for details. Offer valid from 07.02.09 to 07.13.09.
• 30% off 18 month calendars. See site for details. Offer valid from 07.02.09 to 07.22.09.
• Save 20% on Stationery notepads. See site for details. Offer valid from 07.02.09 to 07.22.09.
• 4th of July Print Sale: Save up to 30% on prints: Save 10% when you buy 50 prints, 20% when you buy 75, and 30% when you buy 100 prints. Friendly Code: SAVEPRINTS. Offer valid from 07.01.09 to 09.01.09.
• 20% off Travel Gifts: Luggage Tags, Key Chain, Magnets. See site for details. Offer valid from 07.02.09 to 07.22.09.
  
• Save 30% on your Photo books with a prepaid photo book plan.ongoing, thru 12/31/09