Have you been to Italy before? I'm currently living about a hour north of Venice (for the last 1.5 years). Just wondering if you had any questions that I could answer for you, although I've only been to Venice itself once so far.

Petty theft is certainly an issue here, but the thieves are very non-confrontational. I highly doubt that you'd get it stolen from your hands, but shooting in a crowd could still be factor for your camera choice. Obviously, I wouldn't leave any valuable item unattended, nor would I keep a wallet anywhere unsecure in a crowd, especially while your hands/attention are focused on your camera. Pickpockets are pretty big (and skilled) anywhere that's a big tourist attraction (Rome, Venice). I don't think winter is a big season for them, but a major event like Carnival might bring them out.

Knowing very little about the quality difference or what you intend to use the video for, I'd vote for the HC3. Much smaller footprint to bring/store/carry/use, and I think you'd enjoy the trip more by worrying less about your camera and being a little more discrete while filming (the FX1 will certainly catch folks attention more).

You may want to bring a tripod, too. Although I'd agree it won't be useful in a crowd (and other than a few piazzas (open squares), there isn't a whole lot of room in Venice!) during Carnival, you will likely want to use the opportunity to get some non-Carnival, non-crowded shots of Venice overall.

Oh, and for the love of God, sample as much red wine as you can while here! The average house wine here is generally pretty darn tasty! No need to pay a high price for some sweet nectar.

Brian

Tattoo,
It's a hike for you, but are you coming to the Broadcasting Conference in Bergamo/Milan next month? We'll be there, it would be fun to meet you in person.

HC3 is the best choice, Spot summed it very well. You'll enjoy carnival of Venice a lot more not carrying the extra weight, plus sometimes the small size permits capturing some footage that you could not do easily with the FX1 in the crowds or restaurants or etc...

I think I've just turned a Greener Shade of Kermit . . . .

Tattoo: I had even been to Venice before (long time ago, was the time of the VX1000). Actually I don't have any question, but should some question arise, it is good to know whom to ask.

All: Many thanks for replying. I think you have convinced me to take the HC3 with me.

Spot,

The conference looks promising and not too far away, but there's no way I can get those days off work, unfortunately. I'd love to meet you and the guys from VASST (I assume that's what you meant by "we"), but it'll have to wait for another time. Maybe I'll be back in the States the *next* time you do a shoot in Flagstaff, as Phoenix is my hometown and likely where we'll end up again. Thanks for the point-out on the conference.

Brian

We are now back from Venice. I finally decided to take the HC3 with me. Will put some HC3 demo footage online during the next days. We really enjoyed the trip. The only thing (although normal for carnival time) is that there were definitely to many people. We decided to go back for a week in June with the FX1 as in June there should be lot less people than during carnival time. Also if anyone should wish to go once there, I can only recommend Hotel Titziano. Very nice little hotel situated in a region of Venice not being visited by so many tourists and about 30 walking minutes away from St Mark's Square.

Tattoo: If you have never been there and you live that near, I can only recommend you to go once there, you really won't regret it.