I'm going on the trip of a lifetime next summer, hitting famous cities and national parks for four months. I'm going to spend the time between now and then assembling the perfect camera set up. I'd like your input. Here is what I can tell you:
1) I want to upload frequently to the cloud.
I don't do that but I would suggest, and this forms some of the thoughts I have, that you consider that there may be places where perhaps for several days, that's not necessarily an option or easy. Thinking about western areas, national parks, etc., but that may depend on your itinerary and where you might be staying. If always in established lodges, motels, etc., and/or with access to phone/cell service, I'd guess it's not an issue.
2) I've got a total budget of $10,000 for the gear, but don't feel compelled to spend it all.
3) I envision the primary end product being a printed photo book. I DO NOT prioritize being able to blow up an image to the size of a bus.
4) My thought is to use the HoldFast Moneymaker strap with two bodies. But which bodies and which lenses?
I like the idea of two bodies/lenses more or less available as there may be times or places where lens swaps aren't possible. I like the idea of not just using neck straps and distributing weight in more comfortable, effective ways. I wouldn't forget that there is always a possibility of bad weather or the need to secure or pack away gear and there may be some places where you don't want to be ""That "guy."" that just doesn't fit in because they have two cameras dangling out there on a harness of some sort and you become part of the show for other tourists entertainment.
I don't think you need to duplicate systems although it's handier if there is some redundancy. Not every place has easy or at least fast access to replacement gear. If traveling by vehicle where you aren't too constrained by available space or weight concerns, I kind of think I'd consider one body aimed at dynamic subject matter like moving animals, birds, longer range/longer focal lengths on a dslr, the other body could be a mirrorless or smaller dslr aimed around urban, ease of carry, lighter, long walks with less gear scenarios. Places like Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons with vehicles relatively nearby to support long lenses and decent tripods, even for landscapes, not just longish nature shots call for somewhat different gear than an all day walk around Washington, DC, in the summer heat and humidity.
5) I like the option of manual controls.
That should be possible with most gear out there. I don't think we'd have any trouble spending all of your money. I'm thinking the most flexibility but perhaps somewhat less lens availability is found in the Sony systems, you can go mirror less in the E mounts and transition to the A mount cameras to cover some of the longer range or more dynamic subject matter. It's also possible to adapt Canon lenses and that might give the option of the Sony at the smaller. lighter end and the Canon dslr family for the "big guns."
Nothing specific but just some thinking points.
