Advice on travel equipment - Vietnam

[PippaM]

Hey there everyone,
It's been ages since I've posted but I still enjoy looking at what everyone has been up to and the great pictures that come out of that. I'm not 100% certain this is the right spot to post this so please do let me know if I should put it up somewhere else.

I need some advice on travel equipment. Specifically, I am planning a trip to Vietnam later in the year and I am very aware that the humidity can cause havoc with photography equipment. I have a Panasonic TZ5 at the moment and I am looking into getting a hybrid or smallish DSLR for this trip and so I would be very sad if they got ruined by the humidity. I have read online in various places about using ziploc bags with silica gel packages to keep the moisture out of the cameras when they are being stored, at night etc but I plan to head into the jungle and at times I've heard that can be like standing under a waterfall so taking photos won't be easy. So, I was just wondering if anyone had any tips for how I can protect my stuff while actually taking pictures? Should I just get a waterproof type camera (canon do an 'indestructable - water and dust proof' point and shoot I believe) for days when it's actually raining, or would an underwater housing be a solution? Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!
Pippa

[navcom]

Hi! I'd send a message to Jim Bryant. He's been to Vietnam as a photographer. If anyone would know what you need to bring, it would be him.

[fletch]

I've been to Vietnam and had no problems with my normall photography equipment at all. I was in Hanoi and Halong Bay though so no rainforests, sure was hot though.

It is the most photogenic country I have ever been to, everything from motorbikes wizzing round the city carrying entire families to the most spectacular landscapes you will ever see. I definately recomend spending 3 days in Hanoi and at least 2 in Halong Bay. From talking to others there the north is better than the south and Ho Chi Min (Saigon) isn't that brilliant.

[PippaM]

That's great - Many thanks for the tips. I think I'm going to stick mainly in the North this time - I only have 2 weeks which is not long enough to try to get everything in! I wish i had longer, and time to head into Cambodia and Laos too - there is so much to see!!

[Jim Bryant]

You've have no problem with the weather in Vietnam. Make sure you carry a couple of zip lock bags or a camera bag to store your gear in. I carried around a chamios to whip the water off my cameras. Didn't have any problems at all. And have fun...it's the most photogenic country I've ever been in and would love to return some day soon.