Thoughts on taking a DSLR?

[Leesha]

Hi,

I notice more people look into the chat section so I put it here instead.

I'm volunteering at the festival for 2 weeks Friday 17th onwards.

I'm contemplating taking my Nikon D5300 DSLR camera. I really want to take it to get some amazing photos, alongside I also do A level photography so it would be great for my portfolio. However, I know I will have a lot of responsibility of keeping it safe so I was thinking of using a backpack but then this would become a hassle and may become too stressful and may ruin my experience. It's my first time at Glasto too, but if I don't take it I think I would regret it as there's so much variety.

What are your thoughts? I've heard property locks ups are good and I could selectively use it but they won't be available to me all the time as I'm there for 2 weeks.

Thanks Leesh

 

[phil the shrew]

I've taken my Canon to the last couple of festivals. Main camera in a standard case with spare batteries etc. At night leave it with other valuables in the lock ups

Only trouble I found was 2 years ago when it got very dusty and little bits got on the lense, but local photography shop got that sorted 

Is a bit of a faff carrying a larger camera around but can get some great shots at the festival. Got a few of mine as prints on the wall

Edited June 3, 2016 by phil the shrew

[Leesha]

Thanks - I'm edging to not taking it because I'll worry to much about getting images/losing it.. but then I will really regret not taking it as the images I could get would be amazing.

I could use the lock ups, but I'm up there Friday 17th - Sat 2nd. So only would be able to use them for a short time. 

[willsnewman]

I've considered it a few times, but each time have not taken it and have not really regretted it. I would not enjoy carting around an expensive bit of kit that I care about, I really enjoy not having anything of value on my person because you can just let loose and enjoy yourself without the concern of losing or damaging your valuables. If you're going to take anything I'd recommend just getting a cheap film camera and taking that along. If you lose it it won't be a big deal, and you will be limited in the number of photos you can take (depending on how many films you take I guess...) so won't be looking through a viewfinder at all times. I'm sure you could get some great shots with a DSLR, but in my mind its not worth it for the week.

[Leesha]

Thank you, that's my thoughts..

[clarkete]

Have you got an older or cheaper camera?

Clearly it would be a great shame if the first time you went you took something which was valuable to you, hard to replace and important for your studies, but if you had a second camera (even if less capable) that could be worth it.

[mr gumby]

18 minutes ago, Leesha said:

Thanks - I'm edging to not taking it because I'll worry to much about getting images/losing it.. but then I will really regret not taking it as the images I could get would be amazing.

I could use the lock ups, but I'm up there Friday 17th - Sat 2nd. So only would be able to use them for a short time. 

Maybe you should contact whoever you are volunteering with (festival office or charity organisers), and ask if there will be any provision for safekeeping of valuables outside the festival proper. Each crew field has a staffed office, they may have a secure cabinet or something similar, where it could be kept for you. Worth asking perhaps. 

[thewayiam]

30 minutes ago, Leesha said:

Thanks - I'm edging to not taking it because I'll worry to much about getting images/losing it.. but then I will really regret not taking it as the images I could get would be amazing.

I could use the lock ups, but I'm up there Friday 17th - Sat 2nd. So only would be able to use them for a short time. 

Don't take it dude, just use a standard compact that will get decent pics. Not worth lugging it around and paying for a locker just to put it in. Take smaller....less baggage and enjoy the experience man.

[Leesha]

23 minutes ago, clarkete said:

Have you got an older or cheaper camera?

Clearly it would be a great shame if the first time you went you took something which was valuable to you, hard to replace and important for your studies, but if you had a second camera (even if less capable) that could be worth it.

My only other camera is a Nikon coolpix bridge camera.. can't remember what exact but was about 100 pound 4 years ago? I don't really want to take that though, image quality isn't that great and is still a little bulky. I as thinking of investing in a compact.. even if it was 100 or so, but then again, I know image quality wouldn't match my dslr and I'd feel like it was a waste of money. I have such a dilemma! Haha. Thanks for the advice

[Leesha]

18 minutes ago, mr gumby said:

Maybe you should contact whoever you are volunteering with (festival office or charity organisers), and ask if there will be any provision for safekeeping of valuables outside the festival proper. Each crew field has a staffed office, they may have a secure cabinet or something similar, where it could be kept for you. Worth asking perhaps. 

Thanks for mentioning, will bring up to the woman I'm going with.. she'd know more about this.

[Leesha]

11 minutes ago, thewayiam said:

Don't take it dude, just use a standard compact that will get decent pics. Not worth lugging it around and paying for a locker just to put it in. Take smaller....less baggage and enjoy the experience man.

I am edging one min between taking it, the next not. I know a compact camera could fit in my pocket/side bag which would save me carrying a backpack with my dslr around the place but I know my compact camera won't match my dslr so would it be a waste of money in investing 100/200 pound in one. Hmmm.. I do want to go and enjoy the experience that's why I'm debating on using another smaller device to take photos instead! Thanks

[clarkete]

I think you can take worthwhile photos even on a mobey, anything that is more capable and includes an optical zoom will take very worthwhile photos, but as you say not as good as your posh one  

[Leesha]

1 minute ago, clarkete said:

I think you can take worthwhile photos even on a mobey, anything that is more capable and includes an optical zoom will take very worthwhile photos, but as you say not as good as your posh one  

True, I suppose some photos are better than none. Going to talk to the person I'm going with, she's been volunteering for over 10 years, can advise me more then. The main thing is regardless that I get a few snaps, even if the quality does lack it's always about the story behind it the image I guess!

 

[dexydexy]

Hmm, tricky one. I think it depends on what you plan on doing. Will you be calmly wondering around or will you be partying? If you're planning on having a chilled out festival then you could take it, with the precautions that you've already mentioned. If you plan on being down at the front for the bands, then it might not be such a great idea.

[Leesha]

Just now, dexydexy said:

Hmm, tricky one. I think it depends on what you plan on doing. Will you be calmly wondering around or will you be partying? If you're planning on having a chilled out festival then you could take it, with the precautions that you've already mentioned. If you plan on being down at the front for the bands, then it might not be such a great idea.

Thanks, yeah I know. Well, i won't be getting drunk or anything. I would like to go see a couple of bands etc.. but I was going to store the camera somewhere safe/in lock ups for that time! It's just going to be difficult when the lock ups have gone for the duration of my stay.  

Edited June 3, 2016 by Leesha

[thewayiam]

48 minutes ago, Leesha said:

I am edging one min between taking it, the next not. I know a compact camera could fit in my pocket/side bag which would save me carrying a backpack with my dslr around the place but I know my compact camera won't match my dslr so would it be a waste of money in investing 100/200 pound in one. Hmmm.. I do want to go and enjoy the experience that's why I'm debating on using another smaller device to take photos instead! Thanks

Have you thought about looking on ebay for an option in really good condition then insuring seperate? I just did this and got a camera as good as new, extra battery and a leather case to go on the belt for it in a decent deal with fresh unopened memory card too.

Forget the backpack, you have 5 days of getting sweaty enough without carry extra. Small compact with a case and spare battery.....lob it in your sleeping bag at the bottom at night and all is good.

Edited June 3, 2016 by thewayiam

[dexydexy]

21 minutes ago, Leesha said:

Thanks, yeah I know. Well, i won't be getting drunk or anything. I would like to go see a couple of bands etc.. but I was going to store the camera somewhere safe/in lock ups for that time! It's just going to be difficult when the lock ups have gone for the duration of my stay.  

I think if there is something available before the lock ups open then why not?! 

[CHRLY]

I'm probably going to take my 5D mk II with me this year, but that's more to get some nice film footage. 

The lock ups are good. Why not decide when you want to take it out and keep it around your neck at all times?

[Amii]

I always take my SLR and I've never regretted it. Just insure it with the best policy you can get, keep it in the lock ups overnight and keep it well protected (padded bag, lens protectors, waterproof case). Mines been to seven festivals now, and no disasters yet.

[Sawdusty surfer]

If you are a keen photographer and don't take it you'll spend the whole two weeks there wishing that you had it with you. There are few places with so many opportunities to take amazing photos. 

[Junglist1981]

Definitely take it, but pick one or two days to use it and then leave it in a lockup for the rest of the weekend. 

That's what I did a few years ago. Having it on you at all times is a pain in the arse in big crowds, plus you can get over involved in your photography and forget that you're there to enjoy the music! Pick a couple of days depending on the weather/what you wanna capture, then enjoy the other days maybe with your cheap camera to hand. 

I'd probably pick Wednesday and either Friday or Saturday.

Since I last took mine I've invested in a really good compact that shoots raw and gets decent enough images and video for me not to bother with the slr. I love my slr, but i hate carrying it about!

 

[faymondo]

As above.

I take mine and put it in the lockup. I do however limit the amount of time I use it as all of a sudden it becomes about getting a great picture rather than enjoying the set as mentioned above. I also have a smaller camera for the more drunken times. Take it out thursday (Hangover from Weds night) and at occasional times over the next three days.

Its always a should I or shouldn't I but in the end I do get some great photo's from it.

[StormCrow]

I'd take it if I were you you will just regret it if you dont. I've taken my D800 for a few years now and it will be going again this year. I also take a little Olympus  camera with a f/1.4 20mm lens for general walk around stuff and for when I don't want to take my considerably heavier camera and lenses. I always use the lock ups to store my gear we usually camp about 50 yrs away from one so its no hassle at all. I mainly use the Wed and Thursdays as my walking around taking photos days then the heavy stuff s put in lockups the rest of my time I mainly use the Olympus, its a system that works for me. Don't go with too big a bag and don't take lots of different lenses I've learned from experience less is considerably easier in the long run.

[phil the shrew]

Have a look at the Flickr Glastonbury group page and you will see you can get some really good shots with a compact camera, or even a camera phone.

If you do like photography having a camera with the option to play with exposures and light settings is really good. Can get some lovely shots of crowd and light movement. Most £100 compacts do that now so might be worth investigating. 

Do like looking back through my Glastonbury photography archives in mid winter to remind me of the summer

[sabre-toothed tart]

Last year I left mine at home and took my Nikon Coolpix AW110.  It's waterproof and shockproof so fairly indestructible - it's survived many boat trips, all the rides at Blizzard Beach waterpark, and a particularly gruelling caving day in Snowdonia a few weeks ago.  The picture quality is fine.  However if you do decide to take your dslr then I'd recommend the Joby Ultrafit Sling camera strap as it goes cross body and is extremely comfortable.  It's got a clever gizmo so that when the camera is not in use it fits snug to your body, but magically extends when you bring it round and up to use it.  I use one for my 5300 and have done many long walks with it.  Obviously not suitable for bad weather and in thick crowds it may get bumped but if you pick your days it makes the whole experience a bit easier.