Trip to Mayan Riviera/Aventura Spa Palace- what camera to take?

[Spec A!]

So the wife and I are leaving in 9 days for a week down south for a much needed vacation (sans kids!). I of course want a camera, but don't know which one to take:

SLR- D70 with 10-20 and 18-70 plus polarizers
P&S- SD630

I'd love the ability for a few quick videos because you never know. That plus the size and weight and sacrificial aspect of the SD630 is extremely appealing right now. I don't want to take the SLR and a few lens because I don't want to worry about damage, theft, and bulk. But I know I'm going to be happier to have it for the quality of pictures/lens choices.

So given the above, what would you guys bring?

Here's a few links to give you an idea of where we will be and what picture taking opportunities we'll have:

http://palaceresorts.com/Resorts/Ave...lace/Index.asp
http://www.locogringo.com/past_spotlights/aug2002.html
http://www.isla-mujeres.net/

And if by chance anyone has actually been there and has tips, by all means share!

Thanks!

[allanc]

I haven't been to that specific place but I have traveled extensively all over Mexico and Central America. My suggestion is to take both cameras. When I travel, I take my Canon and several lenses and flashes as well as my point and shoot. (I have an Olympus p&s that is waterproof to 30 feet.) I always have my point and shoot with me. I leave my big camera in my room and pull it out when I go some place where I plan on shooting "quality" pictures. I've never had any problems with theft.

[Abel]

wow... looks like i just found out where im headed next!

nice place!

[toverman]

I'd vote just for taking your point-and-shoot for the reasons you mentioned. If you'll stress about your SLR gear at all, it's just not worth it. All of us here love photography, so a camera is a must ... but it's also about relaxing and having fun, right?

[Spec A!]

Yes, and that's what I'm struggling with. Will I really kick myself for not having the SLR with me? Or will the fact that this is the first real vacation my wife and I have had by ourselves since our honeymoon that it won't matter because we'll be too "busy" relaxing, drinking, eating, etc?

Abel- detailed review for ya when I get back!

[CaptainTom]

Take them both. I've never had theft issues in major resorts in Mexico. They wouldn't put up with it and have some stringent enforcement.

P&S for just lolling around and getting that video you want. DSLR for those times when you know you are going someplace special and want to get the best images.

p.s. Isla Mujeres is our favorite place. It is what Cancun used to be like.

[Redmouse]

Maybe a wide angle, which you have and a macro lens of some sort?

[toverman]

I use my Rebel XTi as a point and shoot, usually taking a wide angle or my 50 f/1.8. But this is because I don't own a point and shoot right now. If you know what you're doing (and I suspect that you do), you can take quality photos with a decent p&s.

[dsjsws]

Leslie gave me good advise before my trip to Mexico last year - "Keep it light !"

I cut down what I wanted to carry by more than half.

What I ended up using was the SLR with a 17-85 mm and prime 85mm 1.4 for low light.
If I go again, this is what I will take:
*light weight small backpack (make sure it has a side pocket for a water bottle)
*SLR
*17-85 mm lens
*50 mm macro (my 180mm was too big and heavy)
*85 mm 1.4
*waterproof rafting bag which I pulled out everyday as I was there during the rainy
season.
*small fold up zippered bag which converted to a huge shopping bag (bought at outdoor store) it's about the size of a coin purse and converts to a 2x3-foot bag
*back up SLR (you could take your video camera instead)
*water bottle

PS - I have learned to travel with a notarized list of all my electronics before I leave the country. That way on re-entry there is never any question in customs of what belongs to me and what should travel with me.

Enjoy,

Donna

[Jessica Merritt]

On a recent trip, I carried a Rebel XTi with a 50 f/1.8 (no external flash) and a p/s waterproof flip video camera that takes stills in my purse at all times. Pretty compact and versatile. I did wish I'd brought a longer lens a few times, but that would have been a pain.

[Spec A!]

So I took both. :) The 10-20mm Sigma stayed on most of the time on the D70, and the SD630 was the night out camera. Pics and a little synopsis at www.eatonlife.com

Thanks for all the suggestions again, and if anyone wants to know more about the resort or the area please let me know- we had an amazing time!