Film - Bring or Buy? Many guides recommend taking film to Europe from the US because it costs more there. I don't find the price significantly different to risk the chance of fogging the film with all the security checks now in place. You're going to spend lots of money on your vacation, and I figure whatever increased film prices you incur will be a tiny fraction of that cost.
Film - Speedy or Not? I use slower films in my cameras that have faster lenses. That's because I usually want to limit the depth of field by using a larger aperature (smaller number f-stop), so ASA 64 and 100 is about right for me. In pocket cameras with slower lenses, I'd take ASA 200 film. There are many places in Europe to process 35mm and APS film, and I find I get better results with most European processing than American--but it can be more than twice as expensive. Make sure you ask the price before dumping your film off!
Digital Memory and Images. There are an increasing number of one-hour photo shops making the transition to digital by offering to make cd-rom images from your memory card. But I still take enough memory to get me through a trip.
Digital Battery chargers. Most battery chargers will work with the 220V/50Hz current found in Europe. Check the back of your charger to be sure. You'll still need a conversion plug to mate with the plugs used in the European country you're visiting. See our electrical links for more information on electricity in Europe.
Digital Battery Chargers II. MAHA batteries and battery chargers are recognized by most professionals as being the best for getting the most out of a set of batteries. I use the MH-C401FS charger, which comes in a travel version with a lightweight power unit and car 12 volt power adapter. It'll do AA and AAA batteries. It's not the smallest, but it's not a burden to carry around either. And I can charge up my batteries in the car.
Digital Camera Repair. On last year's trip to Europe, I was surprised at the number of camera shops that just didn't want to deal at all with digital cameras. So, don't expect every camera store you come across to have what you need. I couldn't find a lens cap anywhere for my Olympus 2000z after I lost it in Lake Zurich (if you find one, it's probably mine.)
What do I use? My current camera is a Minolta 7i. I chose it for its 28mm lens, which few cameras offer. It makes darn fine 16x20 prints and, more importantly for travel photography, uses AA batteries rather than proprietary types, which I can easily replace anywhere.
Digital Dilemma? Don't know what camera to choose? There are some hints in my article, Before you Buy a Digital Camera for Travel.
Tripod Tips from a Pro. Steve Outram, a professional photographer who offers Crete Photo Workshops in the spring and fall, recommends using a tripod to take advantage of those after-sunset color shifts, "You will be amazed with the results after using the bulb setting. A fast ASA film is not required either." Get more hints from Steve by scrolling right on his gallery page.
