Keep in mind the Dash-8 weight limits for carry-on - 4kg IIRC. They're really tough with carry-on. That being said, you usually take your larger carry-on to the plane, and they'll put them in the cargo hold there and then, so you can at least control part of the process of your baggage being handled.
The Dash-8s are great fun TSV-CNS - I experienced one of the oldest flight attendants I've ever seen, but one of the most competent and personable.
And the beer was free.