I've been reading all the comments on this BB, but I haven't seen much about video cameras. After sorting out all the information everyone has given regarding cameras in general, we decided to take 8 one-time-use cameras, and 8 films for the 35mm. We plan to take the video camera as well, but thought I'd check with some of the experienced travelers for your thoughts on that. We leave for the Bellissimo Italy tour on Monday, Oct. 1st. With the helpful hints I've gotten from the BB, I feel like I'm so much better prepared. Thanks!!

I took 15 rolls of film and 2 2hour cam corder tapes for my Best of Italy trip. I will be posting a picture album with my best pictures in a few weeks.

We did a 24 day tour of Europe then a 12 day tour of Britain & Ireland. We used 26 roles of film and about 4 hours of video. Even though the photos turned out pretty good, I was able to get some good shots at night which the ordinary camera did not. My daughter was using 400 film but the photos of the Trevi Fountain at night were pretty dismal, video camera excellent.

We were on the Best of Europe for 16 days in July/August and took our video camera that also took digi(my husband went a bit crazy) and took about 300 pictures (about 100 were of "cool European cars" my husband took). We also took a regular camera but only used about 3 rolls. We took a panoramic disposable camera (actually an Advantix disposable that took 3 sizes, one of which was panoramic). It was convenient using our video camera because with a flip of a switch it took pictures too. I went through some of the tapes just last weekend and it was so nice to be able to relive not only the sights but the sounds of Europe too. Enjoy your trip!

I just got back last night..so I dont know how my video films will be yet. My friend and I bought tons of those disposable cameras..but they sure take up more space in your suitcase than rolls of film would!! I would recommend a regular camera as well as your video camera. I can't wait to look at my film. I used one tape and started on another one before our 26 day tour was up. You will need an adaptor to recharge the batteries. I would advise taking two adaptors. We left ours in one of our rooms and never did find another that would fit American appliances.

infotrack sounds like us. My boyfriend takes the video and I take the stills. That way, while he wanders around filming, I listen to the guide. I tell him what they said, and he puts the commentary on the video. That might seem strange, but it works for us. I can never decide which camera to leave at home so we take them all. The last trip saw us with the 35mm, the digital and the camcorder! We used everyone and now have many ways to view our trip.

No matter what pictures you take, it's worth it to have the video camera just for the audio portion! The best memories are of our tour director (Romano) telling us stories on the bus rides. Just hearing that voice and accent again make the trip seem like yesterday! All his expressions and the way he worded everything, we just can't forget it now!

I took my little digital Canon Sureshot that took stills and could take little 3 minute videos. I had to take extra cards since the mini videos take up a lot of space on the SD cards. Now I have a few moving visuals of Irish stepdancers and Irish singers from our cultural diner shows. I hope to use the video mode to take panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and countryside. Unfortunately my hubby hates videocams because the photographers can get push and in the way of other people viewing enjoyment. It doesn't help that he is techno phobic as well.

Mary Ellen
Best of Ireland 2006
Best of Switerland Sept 5 2008

I saw this a new post and I started reading down from the top. I couldn't believe people were taking film camera's until I looked at the heading and saw 2001.

How things have changed.

I must commend M Ryan for going to the trouble to use the search features as to find this thread without searching would have been impossible.