Questions on travel

[pgbphotographytas]

Hi all,
It looks like we will be going away to Sydney on holidays in September for a few days, now I have some questions:

1) What will be the best way to carry the D40 + lens on the plane? just in my camera bag as carry on or look at getting a hard case and putting it in my checked baggage?

2) What are some places around Sydney to take photos and what areas should I avoid?

3) Is there an easy way to "backup" my memory cards without having to carry my laptop with me?

Paul

[MarkW]

Never ever put camera gear in checked luggage unless you dont want it anymore or are heavily insured. Havent you seen the way that baggage handlers throw bags around and I dont believe that every single one of them is as honest as the day is long.

Buy a camera bag and carry it on the plane - camera bags are considered the same as laptops and are generally an addition to carry on luggage. You'd be amazed what you can get away with for carry on when its photographic gear. Note tripods and monopods do have to fly as checked luggage - just buy a small compact model if you really need one of these.

[I @ M]

In point form Paul ----

#1 Carry it with you in the bag as check in luggage at all times, no exceptions.

#2 Haven't got a clue, sorry.

#3 Take the card to any photo store and get them to burn it to cd for you, shouldn't be hard to find stores in Syd.

[MarkW]

Sorry missed Q2 and 3

Where to avoid in Sydney - Basically anywhere after dark unless there are plenty of people around and even then I can get a bit nervous - carry your gear in a normal looking backpack, dont make it obviously noticable that you have expensive gear with you. Stay out of Surrey Hills, Redfern after dark and stay off the trains after 10pm. The Central CBD is OK but not the back alleys and side streets. Parramatta and Penrith are OK too but same rules apply

Sydney can be quite safe if your sensible and deliberately try to avoid trouble. If you go out with the expectation of finding trouble you get it in spades.

Storing images - Andrew reply is best or if you credit card can take it look at a downloader from about $200 to $1000 depending on quality. Just search the threads for image storage.

[MarkW]

The best place to see Sydney is from the top of the harbour bridge but you cant take a camera

The next best place is from the top of the south eastern pylon of the bridge. Costs about $10 and you can stay up there all day snapping images of the harbour and the Opera house.

Taronga Park Zoo is also good - ferry from Circular Quay. You get pics of the animals and pics of the harbour all from the one location

[pgbphotographytas]

Thanks everybody for the answers, I will keep them in mind.

Paul

[njg02]

1. carry on luggage. I took a back pack plus my lowepro sling as carry on to NZ recently.

2. There are lots of places on the south eastern side of the harbour that you can get good harbour shots day and night. Not too many people but populated if you know what I mean. Darling Harbour is also good day and night. Architecture in the city, old and new, the zoo, the royal national park, beaches.
Better yet, come to Wollongong!

3. Camera shops to burn to disc is probably your best bet or purches huge memory cards or shoot in jpegs.

4. Have a great time.

Neil

[BigEyedBeans]

1) What will be the best way to carry the D40 + lens on the plane? just in my camera bag as carry on or look at getting a hard case and putting it in my checked baggage?
I never put my camera gear in checked baggage. I'd rather have it on me, and know it's safe. Depending on your airline, check out your allowed cabin baggage - but I'm sure this will be no problem, by taking your camera bag.

2) What are some places around Sydney to take photos and what areas should I avoid?
I have been to Sydney in the last month, and I'd suggest that going anywhere at night by yourself with your gear is probably not the wisest ideas (this is applicable in lots of places - so don't take offence Sydney people!). My recommendation for a must-see in Sydney (apart from the regulars) is this.. We did this recently and it was absolutely awesome. Good views of iconic spots that you don't normally get the chance to without being on the Harbour.

3) Is there an easy way to "backup" my memory cards without having to carry my laptop with me?
Without buying a portable device, you can always take advantage of image developing places/print shops that will let you back up to disc. Obviously there are risks involved with this (ie, disc not working, losing the disc).

Hope this helps - it's pretty brief..

Enjoy Sydney - it's truly a stunning place..

Cheers
Kel