I've never flown having had a real camera before and I'm taking a trip next month. I'm not sure what to do. How to pack it. Obviously, I'll be carryin it on... Do you have any suggestions on how it should be packed? What to 'look out' for?? Anything will help!
I have an Eagle Creek shoulder bag that I carry my camera stuff in. Usually for every day and I've used it when flying too. It's not a photography specific bag and I like that because it doesn't say "here is a bunch of camera stuff".
Also, I have a ClikElite backpack. Now, it is a photography backpack, but it doesn't look like one. Looks like any other backpack.
Anyway, as far as packing goes. Since you are carrying it on, you don't have to be super careful. The x-ray machine won't hurt it. Be prepared to take it out of the bag if the agent decides that you need to show it. I've only had that happen once, and that was in Germany.
I've stowed my bag in the overhead and also under the seat in front of me, and never had any issues in either location. I like to keep it under the seat as it gives me a chance to take it out and get pics from the plane's window. I prefer a window seat, so that works out for me.
HTH.
Having just spent 2 weeks in India - Delhi, driving down to Agra then onto Rajeasthan and finally Calcutta - with various modes of transport including camel, tuk-tuk, taxi, horse, car and plane - I just carried my DSLR and 2 additional lenses (plus iphone) in a bog standard run-of-the-mill rucksack..
@mikehamm@andycoleborn Hey you guys, THANK YOU!! I like the idea of not having a big, fat advertisement of a bag. That's good info! Back in the day, the worry would be the x-ray machines messing up the film (heck, it still may be a problem). I just don't want anything to happen to my little treasure. Also... If I were on a camel (as a mode of transportation)... It would be an indicator that I wasn't anywhere close to where I need to be. I hear they're kinda' nasty, spitty creatures. Working animals... Bless their hard workin' hearts. Yours too, for helping me out! Thanks.
I only had a point and shoot when I traveled internationally. Domestically, I've taken the Rebel and had no issues. I even had the thing out taking pictures out the plane window.
@msk1p2 I don't have a point and shoot as I went from my phone to a Nikon... Not much of a transitional camera to be had. (ironically, I've been thinking of getting one to keep in my purse... I've been bitten, you know?! This being, when it can be afforded.). Thanks for the posting my birdie friend!
I have travelled with a bridge camera and a film SLR and carried them in a normal shoulder bag. I do take them out and put them in the tray with my phone as any time I don't they empty the bag so it is easier to take them out beforehand. If you are taking anything to back up images then put it in your main luggage as years ago I had a portable back up drive which was confiscated - haven't got another one since as I tend to use CD Roms.
I have a Samsonite camera bag, Cross Body Messenger camera bag. its great and has movable sections inside that I can change with the ever growing selection of crap I buy.. lol have taken it overseas, domestic flights without any trouble and of course everyday use .
@nikkers I LOVE the idea of a messenger bag... Accessible and hands-free. I will check out the samsonite. I'd do a backpack but my neck got messed up from having been t-boned in an collision. I'm a messenger bag kinda' gal. MUCHO GRACIAS CHICKA!
I just got back from Mexico and for the first time, took my good DSLR and lenses with me. Glad I did! Get yourself a sturdy camera bag and carry it on the plane. Never check it!
@soboy5@simon0128@pschtyckque@mikehamm Thank you all for commenting. I was thinking about the tri-pod too... but wasn't sure if I should bring it. You're all lovely for takin' the time to help out a fellow enthusiast. It's appreciated!!!
@eyesofbetsie I take my camera everywhere with me, including my quarterly trips to Jacksonville, FL. For this reason I purchased a backpack with a heavily padded camera compartment in it to carry all my stuff including my laptop and iPad. When I have reached my destination and met up with friends, they had no idea that it was a camera bag.
Also note that you are not required to remove your camera from its bag when going through security.
One last thing, since I just read the part about your neck and backpacks, is that you can get an insert for any bag such as ( http://bbpbags.com/camerapaddy.html). BBP Bags also makes awesome stuff and they have a camera bag too. I have one of their messenger bags and love it.
I hope you have an awesome trip and I am looking forward to your pictures.
@eyesofbetsie LOL! That would be a sight! The shots I posted are Newport Beach, thunderhead over St. Louis, Big Bear Lake, Pisgah Volcano (Mojave Desert) and the Rockies.
I'd love to catch the Grand Canyon one of these days.
I have taken cameras on many flights no problem - just treated as carry on bag. Have now got a LowePro passport camera bag which doesn't look like a camera bag and has expandable section at one end to carry stuff you buy - I have has 3 bottles of wine plus my SLR and extra lens in it. Has removable padded camera section so you can use it as a normal bag if you like. Use it like a courier bag. Doesn't scream "Expensive camera gear"
@brumbe , Hey Paula, tried to find the same bag at Samsonite website, but as this bag is a few years old, its not on the current site.. but they do do camera bags sorry couldnt help..
@eyesofbetsie - When I lived in PNG for 3 years, I carried my camera everywhere, and I took over 230 flights and many canoe trips. I use a Lowepro Slingshot 200 which is great for carry on. But I even used my Lowepro Dryzone as Cargo once. Cameras were fine. My camera wasn't meant to go Cargo, but it was a light aircraft and low pressure. The Dryzone I use for canoe trips because the entire bag is submersible and will float. Totally waterproof, but too large for carry on.
@jwlynn64 Hey, taking pictures gives me something to think about other than my fear of flying! ;-)
@simon0128 If your tripod is small enough, go ahead and bring it on with you. I recently flew to DC, was majorly delayed because of the Dallas tornadoes, and was stuck in our Nation's capitol at night with my tripod still in my luggage in Texas. I'm not letting it out of my sight again!
@pschtyckque Thanks Chris, i think it will fit in my luggage but i will have to take the head off my tripod. If i didnt take my tripod i know i would regret it. : )
My tripod goes in checked luggage and I use my serious camera backpack as a carryon. I've been everywhere and never had a problem. I keep my passport and other docos in the backpack so I've still only got one piece of carryon luggage. (my toothbrush fits too for long flights)
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Also, I have a ClikElite backpack. Now, it is a photography backpack, but it doesn't look like one. Looks like any other backpack.
Anyway, as far as packing goes. Since you are carrying it on, you don't have to be super careful. The x-ray machine won't hurt it. Be prepared to take it out of the bag if the agent decides that you need to show it. I've only had that happen once, and that was in Germany.
I've stowed my bag in the overhead and also under the seat in front of me, and never had any issues in either location. I like to keep it under the seat as it gives me a chance to take it out and get pics from the plane's window. I prefer a window seat, so that works out for me.
HTH.
I love this bag ( http://www.amazon.com/Mountainsmith-Spectrum-Recycled-Camera-Black/dp/B0038WJBZW/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1340317556&sr=8-12&keywords=mountainsmith)
The Gorilla Pod is also a great option if you need a tripod for a trip. ( http://www.amazon.com/Joby-GorillaPod-Original-Red/dp/B0064OZGLO/ref=sr_1_2?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1340317725&sr=1-2&keywords=gorilla+pod)
Also note that you are not required to remove your camera from its bag when going through security.
One last thing, since I just read the part about your neck and backpacks, is that you can get an insert for any bag such as ( http://bbpbags.com/camerapaddy.html). BBP Bags also makes awesome stuff and they have a camera bag too. I have one of their messenger bags and love it.
I hope you have an awesome trip and I am looking forward to your pictures.
I'd love to catch the Grand Canyon one of these days.
@simon0128 If your tripod is small enough, go ahead and bring it on with you. I recently flew to DC, was majorly delayed because of the Dallas tornadoes, and was stuck in our Nation's capitol at night with my tripod still in my luggage in Texas. I'm not letting it out of my sight again!