What would I take on a European vacation if I wanted folks to say of the prints, "Wow, that musta been some trip! You shootin' for National Geographic now or what?" Well, here's a list, gear I've used and recommend.
1. Canon EOS 7D Black SLR Digital Camera - Body Only
Here's the camera I'm currently using for travel photography. It's great in low light for those food pictures in dimly lit romantic restaurants. 18 megapixels is enough for just about anyone.
2. Canon Wide Angle EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Autofocus Lens
A 28mm wide angle is one of the most used focal lengths for travel photography and landscape photography. Although called a "Super Wide Angle" lens, it's not really that wide angle on a 20D with its 1.6 crop factor, where it functions as a 27-64mm zoom. Legendary Canon L glass, ring-type USM for fast and silent AF. One of the highest rated wide zooms by photo pros. If you've got the bucks, get this one instead of the far cheaper kit lens.3. Canon PowerShot S80 8MP 3.6X Zoom Wide Angle Digital Camera
Here's one for your pocket when you don't want to lug a big camera around. It still has the wide angle 28mm equivalent lens, which is reasonably fast on the wide end--I often use it to photograph food in restaurants without using flash. The S80 has another interesting option--good quality movie modes for a still camera: Four Movie modes with sound (up to 1024x768 pixels at 15 frames per second or 640x480 at 30 fps).4. SanDisk 1GB Ultra II CompactFlash
You're going to need a lot of memory to use movie mode on the S80 or store RAW images on the EOS-20D. I've had flawless performance from the SanDisk Ultra II line, and 1GB is where to start.5. Domke F-3X Super Compact Shoulder Bag
You'll need a bag. This is the current top rated shoulder bag on Fred Miranda's web site, a place I always go to for buying advice. Gripper strap so it doesn't slide off your shoulder.6. Lowepro CompuTrekker Plus AW Camera + Laptop Backpack
Need camera and laptop transportation? Here's a top rated bag to consider that'll store all that stuff in a backpack. All weather cover and a place for your tripod. Carry-on legal.