going to see a Mouse...

[cryssi]

:wave:

just found out that we are doing the land/sea this summer! :yay: :banana: :yay:

we haven't been since '02...

we will probably take the D200 (!)...maybe??? I know there was a thread awhile back about the best backpack to get...anyone have any more advice? I really wanted to get the 18-200 vr, but I don't think that will work it's way into the budget before the trip... :( oh well. Do you think the D200 will be too cumbersome? Should we just take the little powershot? Should we get an inexpensive camcorder??

LOL I'm just too excited right now! I look at everyone's WDW pics and want to go SO BADLY! Once we pick a date, I'll be counting the days!

Thanks for any and all advice! If you could point me to the old threads, I'd appreciate that too! :)

c

[mabas9395]

Personally, I went out and got a dSLR so that I could get good photos of the special things, like any and all Disney trips. So my vote is to bring your d200 no mater what!

[Furgus]

Take the D200. I went in April before I had my D50, now alls I want to do is go back with it. What type of bag are you looking for? I just bought the Lowepro Slingshot 200, and it is great. I also have another Lowepro that will hold my laptop.

[cryssi]

we're probably looking for a walkaround backpack... we probably won't take any other lenses. Maybe the speedlight, I don't know? Also some room for light essentials (ponchos, sweatshirt maybe, water?). DH has previously taken his big Oakley backpack, so maybe something a little smaller than that? I'll check out that Lowepro...thanks!

LOL I should have known better than to ask if I should take the d200 on the photography board!

[MarkBarbieri]

Whether you should take the D200 depends on how you'll use it. I know lots of people that carry a camera that they use for two or three shots a day. I know others that take 200 to 300 shots per day. What will you do?

Carrying the D200 will be a lot more trouble than carrying a tiny P&S or a camera phone. If you don't put much value in the pictures you'll be taking at WDW, don't bother with the D200. Having just returned from WDW, I can tell you that lugging around a DSLR (especially if you add on a flash and an extra lens) can be a real pain. I didn't mind because I love taking pictures. On the other hand, if I just wanted a few snapshots, it wouldn't have been worth the effort.

Companies make and sell a lot of different cameras not because some people can afford more or some are smarter. They do it because people have very different needs and priorities. How important is picture quality to you? How important is traveling light? How stressed out will you be carrying more than $1,000 worth of gear on Splash Mountain?

[ukcatfan]

just found out that we are doing the land/sea this summer! :yay: :banana: :yay:

we haven't been since '02...



I just want to know how you have practiced such self control to not go to WDW when your name says that you are 30 mins away??? We are 2.5 hours away and we seem to head up there every chance we get.

Kevin

[cryssi]

I just want to know how you have practiced such self control to not go to WDW when your name says that you are 30 mins away??? We are 2.5 hours away and we seem to head up there every chance we get.

Kevin


ROFL...we are about 30 min from Disneyland...

we don't go as often anymore, but when DH and I first started hanging out, we were there every Friday...:thumbsup2

self control...I have none...lol

[cryssi]

Whether you should take the D200 depends on how you'll use it. I know lots of people that carry a camera that they use for two or three shots a day. I know others that take 200 to 300 shots per day. What will you do?

Carrying the D200 will be a lot more trouble than carrying a tiny P&S or a camera phone. If you don't put much value in the pictures you'll be taking at WDW, don't bother with the D200. Having just returned from WDW, I can tell you that lugging around a DSLR (especially if you add on a flash and an extra lens) can be a real pain. I didn't mind because I love taking pictures. On the other hand, if I just wanted a few snapshots, it wouldn't have been worth the effort.

Companies make and sell a lot of different cameras not because some people can afford more or some are smarter. They do it because people have very different needs and priorities. How important is picture quality to you? How important is traveling light? How stressed out will you be carrying more than $1,000 worth of gear on Splash Mountain?


ROFL!

We fancy ourselves amateurs, and I'd like to get some good, interesting pics this go around. We are going with DH's extended family and they are all shutterbugs. We all gave his uncle an S3 for Christmas, so he will definitely be using that. Everyone else has P&S. DH usually lugs around a giant backpack, so it wouldn't be any trouble to lug around the gear (and we could leave it with someone while we go on splash! :thumbsup2 )

Thanks for the insights, these are definitely important considerations! :)

[Furgus]

BTW here is a link for the Lowepro (http://lowepro.com/Products/Sling_Bags/All_Weather_Cover/SlingShot_200_AW.aspx). I got mine at a camera store, but if you check Amazon, sometimes it goes for a great price.

[cryssi]

thanks! hmm, might be a little big considering we won't be taking all that gear...

I looked at some of the other lowepro ones, but I don't see any that would hold just the camera and lens, a few other related things, and space for other essentials...hmm. I think we're just going to have to check them out at a camera store...

thanks again! :)

c

p.s. should we get an extra battery?? um, never mind, that's a dumb question! lol

[handicap18]

If your just taking the camera with 1 lens and possibly a speedlight, maybe a hip pack might work. They have some specifically for slr type camera's. I found that 80-90% of the time I had the camera around my neck so keep that in mind as well. I also took 330 or so pictures per day.

We've had other threads about taking the "good" camera vs taking the small tiny PnS camera's. In the end its your choice. Think about why you bought the camera and the kind of pictures you plan on taking. If you bought it to take a lot of good pictures in various situations and enjoy using it, then take the D200. Its a great camera.

[cryssi]

thanks, I'll look into those too.

anyone have the Tamrac Adventure 6?

http://www.tamrac.com/5546_open.jpg

or Express Pack 8?

http://www.tamrac.com/3548-open-black-r.jpg

[DueyDooDah]

DH usually lugs around a giant backpack, so it wouldn't be any trouble to lug around the gear (and we could leave it with someone while we go on splash! :thumbsup2 )

Well if DH is doing the lugging, then take a couple of cameras, extra lenses and batteries, selected light sources, a tripod, cleaning gear, and candy (DH can eat the candy to keep his energy level up).

[cryssi]

Well if DH is doing the lugging, then take a couple of cameras, extra lenses and batteries, selected light sources, a tripod, cleaning gear, and candy (DH can eat the candy to keep his energy level up).


:rotfl2: :rotfl: :rotfl2:

OMG, I nearly fell out of my chair...:rotfl2:

[cryssi]

well, guess I'm WAY off base here, b/c this is what DH is planning on getting:

Lowepro Stealth Reporter D200

http://www.lowepro.com/images/products/ReporterD200_left_equip_N.jpg

Not a backpack, but he likes the setup.

btw, I saw that express pack last night and whew is it TINY!

anyway, thanks again, everyone! :goodvibes

[cryssi]

DH just called to tell me that his bag has been delivered...will let you all know how it is...

[DizneyNutz]

When I get a new camera, DW kinda rolls her eyes because she knows what it means. I will be trying to capture EVERYTHING again. I try to be as accomodating as possible and not stall our trips to the parks with a lot of stopping for photo sessions, but rather an occasional stop and click. But what will it hurt at the parades and fireworks when you will be stationary anyhow. Don't get me wrong, DW loves having the photos to look back upon, as long as it is not a stop and go trip trying to recapture everything just because I have a new instrument. I can tell by your comment that you want to take it, so just don't make it THE priority of the trip is how I balance it out. I fully understand that she wants the trip to flow, not seem like a photo assignment, so I try to look at it from that vantage point. As far as carrying it, I figure that I wanted it, now it is my responsibility to tote it all. Have a GREAT trip:thumbsup2

[cryssi]

Ok, so the stealth reporter is a VERY tight fit! We'll be looking for something else for florida.

Has anyone heard of the Kata backpacks? I just found them on BH...

http://www.kata-bags.com/Item.asp?pid=329&cid=28&perentId=4&ProdLine=4
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/items/446476.jpg

http://www.kata-bags.com/Item.asp?pid=330&cid=28&perentId=4&ProdLine=4
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/items/446474.jpg

sorry to be such a spaz! lol

we might just get one of the lowepro backpacks that you can put a tripod on...(this is definitely going to be a photo trip...) :thumbsup2

thanks all for bearing with me!

[DebºoºS]

Finding the right bag is almost as difficult as finding the right camera and lens. I have an old LLBean bag. It'll hold my D200 & 18-200vr without taking the lens off but that's it. No room for anything else. Does the Stealth hold a bit more?

[senecabeach]

Finding the right bag is almost as difficult as finding the right camera and lens.

Isn't that the truth !!:eek:

It was certainly easier to decide what camera...:lmao:
I've been absolutely crazed (and still am) with deciding what kind of bag to get for my d 80 w/135 zoom attached, room for a + 70-300 vr and stuff..

Guess I'm down to multiple needs:
Know I need 1 bag for all my stuff when traveling (retired/do a lot) ...remember guys, I'm a woman so not looking for a "monster", but, certainly decent room.

Been trying to visit stores...I want to try them out before I buy.. but, the ones I might think I like aren't available..i.e. Lowepro's sling 200, orion aw backpack (neat convertible..but will the bottom be too heavy??), Tamrac velocity sling, 7, 8??

GEEEEZZEEE...Im almost at the point..just to buy one (?) on line and if it doesn't meet expectations..send it back.:confused3

I also "hate" to be burdened down @ Disney ..I'll learn;)
Love to take tons of pics + Spectro/Wishes (working hard on this new camera..big learning curve for me.:scared: )
So...... thinking about maybe a "toploader" (aw) for..daytime??

Thanks for the great info here from you vets!!:goodvibes
Please keep sharing your thoughts..:scratchin

[cryssi]

Well, the stealth reporter was a bust...lol, too bulky and awkward...and we were just in vegas! DH said that this definitely wouldn't work for florida...

back to the drawing board!

oh, and BTW, I e-mailed the Kata bag people, and the 2 bags I were looking at they don't recommend for holding a lot of gear. The lady said that they were just for holding your camera and other personal stuff...oh well.

[Steve's Girl]

Have you looked at Crumpler? I, too, have been on the quest for the perfect bag. (come to the conclusion it doesn't exist, by the way) But I want something that will hold my stuff, be easy to access and not be too big. I personally don't like backpacks because you have to take them off to access your gear. I am returning the 2nd bag I have tried - Tamrac Adventure Messenger 4. Bag was OK, but felt like I was carrying around a shoebox. I also have a KATA shoulder bag that I am trying out. (focus Q, I think). Very comfortable to carry, but not sure I like the inside configuration. I have been wanting to try Crumpler, but no one locally carries them. So, I am going to break down and order one and see how I like it. From the pictures, it has the inside configuration I am looking for. Now, will it be the right size and easy to carry? The hunt goes on!

[Steve's Girl]

Oh, one other thing, go to cambags.com. They have lots of reviews of bags with pictures of what each bag will hold, etc. Some even have pictures of people carrying the bag so you can see how big they actually are.

[cryssi]

lol, thanks I did go to cambags.com...it was very helpful!

I mentioned crumpler to DH and he decided that he didn't like the website so I don't know if he would even consider it...maybe if we could find it locally, but it sounds like that might be difficult. I imagine that the camera will spend most of the time out of the bag anyway, so maybe I should look at different types of bags?? :confused3

[DueyDooDah]

My DW made me a Velcro vest made from the loop material. I applied the hook material to each of my camera components. I just slap the camera and its components to the vest and, tahdah, insta-store. Now I can just rip off the item I need for fast access. Never miss a shot.

:rolleyes1

[DueyDooDah]

When I get a new camera, DW kinda rolls her eyes because she knows what it means. I will be trying to capture EVERYTHING again. I try to be as accomodating as possible and not stall our trips to the parks with a lot of stopping for photo sessions, but rather an occasional stop and click.

Solution: Send wife home then stay one extra week for photos. :rotfl2:

[cryssi]

My DW made me a Velcro vest made from the loop material. I applied the hook material to each of my camera components. I just slap the camera and its components to the vest and, tahdah, insta-store. Now I can just rip off the item I need for fast access. Never miss a shot.

:rolleyes1

:lmao:

[senecabeach]

ALL... (especially Steve's Girl..since we've been pm-ing about bags since before X-mas)

For kicks I went back to my local camera store today. Well ... they got tons of bags in...and more importantly I HAD my camera & 70-300 lens.!! :goodvibes

OK, now I'm excited!!:woohoo:

Grabbed the sling 100, 200, tamrac velocity 7 and a few backpacks ( I wasn't crazy about one either, Steve's Girl.)

Put my gear in each, adjusted straps, put them on and walked around..swung the slings around..etc.:rolleyes1
Hummmm certainly wasn't what I expected.:eek:

The overall winner for me, light, fits, bottom of bag hits the small of my back (not down to my seat) + room for growth + fits my monocular/binocs + carries a tripod was the Lowepro micro trekker 200.

Also... days @ Disney I like maybe a top loader (yes, I do hate carrying stuff).. figure my 18-135 is my all around lens..so.. fits the Lowepro Topload Zoom 1...extra cards/batt & stuff.

Think I'm set with my main bag + day bag:woohoo:

This was certainly a very hard decision to make.
Going to look on line now to check prices and order them.:surfweb:

Good Luck cryssi !!! :cheer2: :cheer2:

[cryssi]

Ok, so I went back and read through this thread, and I was all over the place!

DH and I went to Fry's yesterday, and discovered that they carry Lowepro. I showed him the slingshot and he said "ew no" like he had been saying before. I saw the micro trekker and really liked it, but it's a little small. So I walk over to the next aisle (we were still by the camera bags) and DH says, "you know, I kind of like this." I look over and lo and behold, there he is with the SLINGSHOT on! I couldn't believe it. He likes the easy access from the side, and it's pretty comfortable on (even for me!). Needless to say, we bought it, and loaded it up last night. It's incredibly roomy (not like the stealth reporter where we had to SQUEEZE the D200 in), and I love the extra area on top. We'll definitely be able to take a couple of lenses if we want. I can carry it easily loaded up, and it looks pretty good too. The only thing is no tripod, but guess we don't really need that? Is there something small that we can stuff in the bag?

I did want to ask what was the biggest lens you can have on the body for that bag? If I get the 70-300 will it still fit?

Thanks again everyone, for all the advice! :thumbsup2

[boBQuincy]

Crumpler's website may be weird but their bags are very good. I usually carry their $4M or $5M homes with a 70-200 and 10-22 inside. The loops on the sides are good for attaching mini-packs, lens pouches, water bottles, etc.

So where is the camera? My camera is always out, with the strap wrapped around my wrist. By the time I got it out of a bag the photo opportunity may be gone.
I only carry the camera in the bag for traveling, when the lenses are in my carry-on.

[cryssi]

you have a very good point, and the camera will probably always be around my neck! LOL Except on rides and stuff...

[Steve's Girl]

Crumpler's website may be weird but their bags are very good. I usually carry their $4M or $5M homes with a 70-200 and 10-22 inside. The loops on the sides are good for attaching mini-packs, lens pouches, water bottles, etc.

So where is the camera? My camera is always out, with the strap wrapped around my wrist. By the time I got it out of a bag the photo opportunity may be gone.
I only carry the camera in the bag for traveling, when the lenses are in my carry-on.

I just got the $5mil last week - love it! It is just what I wanted. Not too big, comfortable to carry, my camera fits perfectly, etc.