Absolutic
Veteran Member
But then the question becomes, what point and shoot are we talking about?
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Current gear: Nikon D700, Nikon D40, Panasonic ZS3, Olympus SW1030, Fuji F30
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Paris - lens choice, safety issues
- Thread starter Hafcc
- Start date
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Current gear: Nikon D700, Nikon D40, Panasonic ZS3, Olympus SW1030, Fuji F30
Because some of us are not used to making too much compromises when it comes to image quality and having the right tool for the job. I'm an amateur and the only time when I get to use my gear is in well... my spare time, so naturally a holiday is the perfect setting for me to enjoy my gear.
One does not have to wear a camera or a large backpack to be easily qualified as a tourist by the locals, I am sure you all know what I mean and I won't go into any more details.
I don't know what's the deal with people advising me not to go in August to Paris, thinking that heat might be a problem. I'm from Bucharest, Romania and over here in the summer days the temperature is always above 25 degrees and it frequently reaches 30-35 degrees Celsius with ease, from what I can tell from the weather forecast Paris is nowhere near these high values. Last year I spent a week in Portugal (Lisbon) that has similar weather to what I'm used to and I had no problems carrying a heavy backpack.
Others might have problems with such temperatures and carrying such weight but I'm speaking only for myself obviously.
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http://haf.cc
Alex Booton
Leading Member
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Good point hafcc, but unless you actually intend to print your work out, and print it BIG, the image quality will be fine. Whatever you decide to do I hope you have a good trip.
Paris is no worse than any other city and better than some. Take whatever you feel comfortable with and enjoy your holiday.
You will need a wide angle for architectural shots and you'll also need your 85mm or 80-200 for close ups.
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Bluenose
You will need a wide angle for architectural shots and you'll also need your 85mm or 80-200 for close ups.
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Bluenose
Can't really comment on the photographic issues - it's just like any other city, so it's a matter of personal preference as to whether you want to take a (fairly small) risk and lug around loads of kit, or travel light.
Paris is a city that rewards getting up early in the morning - especially for places like the Sacre Coeur - avoid the unpleasant elements there (and the crowds) by not clashing with them - bag your pictures early and then spend a few hours over a leisurely breakfast to regroup for the next bit of your day. And you catch the best light, obviously.
Go to the top of the Sacre Coeur for some wonderful views.
Don't bother with the Eiffel tower - go up the Tour Montparnasse instead - you actually get a view of the Eiffel from there.
Biggest tip - learn to speak a little French - yes, even in a week - it's possible. It'll cut you quite a bit of slack with the Parisians.
Paris is a city that rewards getting up early in the morning - especially for places like the Sacre Coeur - avoid the unpleasant elements there (and the crowds) by not clashing with them - bag your pictures early and then spend a few hours over a leisurely breakfast to regroup for the next bit of your day. And you catch the best light, obviously.
Go to the top of the Sacre Coeur for some wonderful views.
Don't bother with the Eiffel tower - go up the Tour Montparnasse instead - you actually get a view of the Eiffel from there.
Biggest tip - learn to speak a little French - yes, even in a week - it's possible. It'll cut you quite a bit of slack with the Parisians.
Jerry R
Forum Pro
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Canon A2E, Sony R1, Panny TZ5, & Nikon D5000.
Canon A2E, Sony R1, Panny TZ5, & Nikon D5000.
bikinchris
Forum Pro
You will se lots of tourists with large cameras around Paris. But it's your wallet you need to worry more about. The kinds of crime where people take a camera and run are actually less common in Europe. Less violent crime is more likely.
Take everything out of your wallet you don't want to lose and put it in a money pouch like you see sold in travel stores. It goes inside your pants and is not likely to get taken. if you have a belly like mine, no one can see it. I guess that's a good reason to grow a belly, huh.
Never put your camera down or your bag holding it. EVER. When going onto a Metro, get on the car last. Insist in this. Don't get sandwiched in between people. Either on the side of you or the front and back.
I know of what I speak. I was pick pocketed in Brussels. I figured it out about two seconds too late, as the tram doors were closing. By that time, my wallet had been passed to two different people.
BTW, you will get accosted by people the locals call gypsies. They will ask you if you speak english. Act like you can't even hear them and they will leave you alone. Otherwise they will beg for money and their team will try to pickpocket you. Another common trick is to act like they have "found" something at your feet and ask if you dropped it. They hope you are greedy enough to want the shiny little thing and ask for a "finders fee". Fall for that if you want.
“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.”
“Showing off is the fool’s idea of glory.”
Chris, Broussard, LA
Take everything out of your wallet you don't want to lose and put it in a money pouch like you see sold in travel stores. It goes inside your pants and is not likely to get taken. if you have a belly like mine, no one can see it. I guess that's a good reason to grow a belly, huh.
Never put your camera down or your bag holding it. EVER. When going onto a Metro, get on the car last. Insist in this. Don't get sandwiched in between people. Either on the side of you or the front and back.
I know of what I speak. I was pick pocketed in Brussels. I figured it out about two seconds too late, as the tram doors were closing. By that time, my wallet had been passed to two different people.
BTW, you will get accosted by people the locals call gypsies. They will ask you if you speak english. Act like you can't even hear them and they will leave you alone. Otherwise they will beg for money and their team will try to pickpocket you. Another common trick is to act like they have "found" something at your feet and ask if you dropped it. They hope you are greedy enough to want the shiny little thing and ask for a "finders fee". Fall for that if you want.
I would have been happy to, but I left last Sunday for home.
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“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.”
“Showing off is the fool’s idea of glory.”
Chris, Broussard, LA
bikinchris
Forum Pro
I guess the definition of boat anchor depends on many variables. My boat anchor for 4 weeks in Europe included a D3, D2H, 17-35, 28-70, 80-200 and a 28-200 for the days when we were cycle touring.
“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.”
“Showing off is the fool’s idea of glory.”
Chris, Broussard, LA
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“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.”
“Showing off is the fool’s idea of glory.”
Chris, Broussard, LA
bikinchris
Forum Pro
Good notes on your page there. BTW, in the evening, it's "bonsoir". I also never met a rude parisian, probably because I have always tried to speak french to them.
I have met rude people all over the US and I speak their language well.
“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.”
“Showing off is the fool’s idea of glory.”
Chris, Broussard, LA
I have met rude people all over the US and I speak their language well.
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“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.”
“Showing off is the fool’s idea of glory.”
Chris, Broussard, LA
bikinchris
Forum Pro
I agree. I love to make good images. I am big and strong enough to take what I want with me. So I do it.
I also agree. I will look like a tourist no matter what I carry.
I think what these people think is hot is funny. Tomorrow, It will be 40c outside here in Louisiana and a heat index of 43.
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“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.”
“Showing off is the fool’s idea of glory.”
Chris, Broussard, LA
bikinchris
Forum Pro
First result from Paris. Used a monopod propped against a pole. I need to come back when the sun goes down earlier.
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“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.”
“Showing off is the fool’s idea of glory.”
Chris, Broussard, LA
Luckily for me I know French, I am not fluent the same way I am with English only because I don't speak French too often. I don't think I will have any issues with it.
Looks like a solid result for a 5s exposure with a monopod, I hope you had a great time.
First result from Paris. Used a monopod propped against a pole. I need to come back when the sun goes down earlier.
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http://haf.cc
Jonathan Siegel
Leading Member
Sage advice there. As long as your on your game, you'll have no problem anywhere you travel. It's all about being aware of your surroundings at all time and having a sense for when the situation isn't right. It's true, your wallet will probably be the only thing people target while you're in Europe. That, and if you put your camera down on top of your table or on the floor, then turn away and have a long conversation with someone. If I had to put anything on the ground, I would wrap the bag strap around my leg and keep my senses tuned for any change in weight or movement. Of course though, nothing has ever happened to me and I travel a lot.
Oh ya, not that I have any issue with keeping your camera safe, but if you do have something like a D700, what's the point of getting a camera like that if you're not going to use it for times like this? If I had enough cash for a D3 I would take it everywhere with me, you might shoot a photo that could win you an award or get placed in a gallery, you never know!
Oh ya, not that I have any issue with keeping your camera safe, but if you do have something like a D700, what's the point of getting a camera like that if you're not going to use it for times like this? If I had enough cash for a D3 I would take it everywhere with me, you might shoot a photo that could win you an award or get placed in a gallery, you never know!
wasserball
Senior Member
I've travel through Europe many times. I find it safer in their big cities than any cities in the USA. Most Americans won't admit that because they have never travel outside their own little "safe" environment but yet feel educated enough to know everything.
bikinchris
Forum Pro
We enjoyed Paris a whole lot more than Brussels.Luckily for me I know French, I am not fluent the same way I am with English only because I don't speak French too often. I don't think I will have any issues with it.
Looks like a solid result for a 5s exposure with a monopod, I hope you had a great time.
First result from Paris. Used a monopod propped against a pole. I need to come back when the sun goes down earlier.
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“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.”
“Showing off is the fool’s idea of glory.”
Chris, Broussard, LA
Amazing place Paris. Great photo opps. I cycled all over the city on their free bikes called Velibs.
There is a big problem with Gypsys in Paris. They are by all the main tourists sites trying to con people out of their money. The scam involves finding a worthless gold wedding ring and giving it to you. Then requesting money for food. Just ignore them. If they give you the ring put it on the floor. These people are very dangerous so be careful.
There is a big problem with Gypsys in Paris. They are by all the main tourists sites trying to con people out of their money. The scam involves finding a worthless gold wedding ring and giving it to you. Then requesting money for food. Just ignore them. If they give you the ring put it on the floor. These people are very dangerous so be careful.
bikinchris
Forum Pro
You are better off completely ignoring them like they don't exist.
“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.”
“Showing off is the fool’s idea of glory.”
Chris, Broussard, LA
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“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.”
“Showing off is the fool’s idea of glory.”
Chris, Broussard, LA
jerrycambuk
Forum Enthusiast
As promised in an earlier post on this subject, here is a very basic snapshot taken in the Opera Garnier in November 2007, with a Canon Powershot G7. No flash, handheld at 1/10th second.
It has been cropped heavily, and enhanced in iPhoto, but other than that, it is as it came out as a jpg. I only post it to show an Opera Garnier gallery scene and to prove the point that you don't always need a camera and bag full of lenses to capture the moment. My then D200 was at home at the time.
RoryW
Member
"what's the deal with people advising me not to go in August to Paris"
Lots of Parisians head out of the city for August and away from the tourist areas shops and restaurants will close for much of August
Enjoy
ps Tour Montparnasse has great views
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rorywilliams/3166486045/in/set-72157602300988092/
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/rorywilliams
Lots of Parisians head out of the city for August and away from the tourist areas shops and restaurants will close for much of August
Enjoy
ps Tour Montparnasse has great views
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rorywilliams/3166486045/in/set-72157602300988092/
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/rorywilliams
bikinchris
Forum Pro
I don't understand what your post has to do with the original thread. The OP is from Romania.
BTW, I disagree with you. I have never been pickpocketed in the US in any of the cities I have traveled to. That doesn't mean they are safer, just that I disagree with your perception.
“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.”
“Showing off is the fool’s idea of glory.”
Chris, Broussard, LA
BTW, I disagree with you. I have never been pickpocketed in the US in any of the cities I have traveled to. That doesn't mean they are safer, just that I disagree with your perception.
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“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.”
“Showing off is the fool’s idea of glory.”
Chris, Broussard, LA
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