Video camera is a great fun actually. But be sure you’ll have some time after your trip to make some montage (and learn to do one if you don’t know how) – travel videos are of any interest to other people only after some montage and cutting.

Of course the risk/reward factoe almost always goes up with how expensive something is that you are bringing on your trip. If you flaunt it out and about alot, you are at more of a risk with thieves and the such. Butg having actual video footage of your trip can be priceless. I say go for it, but be careful and don’t look naive(at least to thieves) while using it. Have a great time!!!

Absolutely bring one! My wife and I have several videos of different trips we’ve taken to Europe over the past few years, and enjoy watching them every once in a while. For example, it’s one thing to try and describe the atmosphere in a German beer hall to family and friends, quite another to SHOW them.

I wouldn’t buy a video camera JUST for a backpack trip to Europe — particularly if I already owned a decent film or digital camera. Overall, I prefer a scrapbook to a video as a trip remembrance — but there are plenty who disagree. 15 years from now, when video technology has changed 10 time (remember beta?) the scrapbook will still be easy to look at.

quote: Overall, I prefer a scrapbook to a video as a trip remembrance

It’s easy enough to do both.