My smartphone is a Galaxy S3. Under the right conditions it can take a very nice picture, but as soon as the conditions get a little more challenging(lower light, any kind of contrast)..it fades to mediocre really fast. And the zoom is minimal.

I know DSLR's have been around for many years now..though I have to say..the last 'real' camera I bought(beyond simple point and shoots) was a Nikon F2AS..still have it (as well as a 4x5). The one I have now(FZ200) I picked up in a good package deal for $200 after discounts.

I went to school for photography in the '70's and nearly made it my career..though life happened..and now it's now. It's rather stunning how easy it is to do things with the FZ200 that took a fair amount of skill & lots of time to master 40 years back. Fun camera.

The Ortleib bags sound like the way to go. With some extra padding and care..it sounds like the FZ200 is going touring..very cool.

Thanks again to everyone..this is exactly the info I was looking for..