We took the plunge. The first real step toward the beginning of our round-the-world trip. We bought a digital camera and accessories.
But it isn’t just any digital camera. This Olympus PEN E-PL2 has built-in effects, takes HD video, has 12.3-megapixel resolution and is EVIL, but in a good way. EVIL stands for Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens, which means that it trumps DSLRs by being smaller, lighter and possessing the same features. This versatile camera has a hot shoe for attaching an external flash or microphone; allows the owner to swap out lenses (e.g.: wide angle to fisheye to telephoto); contains a large sensor—bigger than in a point-and-shoot camera but the same size as a DSLR—which delivers high-quality images even in low-light situations; and, back to the beauty of it being smaller, it’s less flashy and doesn’t necessarily scream, “Hey, look at this tourist taking pictures!” in the same way a DSLR does. The features that go beyond that of a point-and-shoot are important to us for a side project we’re working on, so they may not be useful to everyone. If you’re in the market for a new camera, first think about how you will use the device before making the final purchase.
Amazon was running the best discounts (as opposed to a couple local camera stores), and we bought all the necessary accoutrements through Amazon too: camera case, extra battery, flash memory card, additional lens cap and a lens adapter (to connect to the Nikon lenses I already own). Total spent: $709, which included two-day shipping so we could use the camera on a trip this weekend.
Thank you for keeping this blog. My fiancée and I are planning a RTW to launch in late April/early May. It will be abbreviated (3 mos), but reading your blog from the beginning has been very helpful. Will continue to use it as a resource. You’ve inspired us to launch a blog ourselves. Congrats on your return!!! Wish you could fill-in for our jobs during our RTW (I’m currently having the sabbatical discussion)
Thank you, David! We are so happy to hear that our blog has been helpful and inspirational. Hopefully our posts have made the preparation process a little easier for you too. I remember our to-do lists being so long and daunting (but all the prep is worth it because you won’t want to do any of it on the road!). Good luck with your planning. Feel free to email us with any questions. Safe travels!