DSLR(camera) users

[vwlizard]

I'm not the kind to take my camera everywhere, but I can't imagine not taking it on our first WDW trip. If you own one, do you take it or use a smaller point and shoot while in the park?

Although I"m not too happy about lugging the weight around (Cannon T2), I can't imagine going back to a point and shoot (although how handy to just throw it in your pocket).

I only have the standard kit lense, and although I would love a bigger one, it's yet another thing I don't want to lug around.

Also, how do you protect it on water rides?

thanks for any input.

[humboldthny]

Having taken both types (I've got a Nikon D40 and a Canon PowerShot) I will say that on our next trip I'm going to be pretty much exclusively using my Nikon. I used the Canon more on the last trip and while the preview screen looked great they weren't near the same quality at full size.

In the past I've carried the SLR in a separate zipper case, but it was very time consuming to keep hauling it out of the backpack and the case. This time I'm going to carry a small messenger bag and put the camera in a neoprene cover. Reviews say it does a decent job protecting the camera, but I'll still probably take an extra plastic bag to slip it into the day we ride Kali River Rapids!

[pinkiesue]

I took my moms Nikon D40 with me last time
I have a camera bag like a fanny pack I put the camera in (just body and reg. lens) around my waist. it has a zippered pocket for my point & shoot I had with me also.
for quick pics I used p&s, easier to get
then when I wanted to take good pics I used the Nikon
I wear the bag on the rides, if a bar is in the way I loosin the strap to make it bigger so it fits under or over the bar.

For water rides- I'm the one wearing the poncho:laughing: with the backpack I put everything in, under the poncho on the front of me.

I hope this helps
I'm taking my own Nikon this time to Disneyland
also my p&s
:cutie:

[Swmhc]

I GOT my DSLR just for Disney. I got tired of missing the really great shots with a less than stellar camera. Yes, I lug it everywhere. I got a sling-pro cross body bag and there is plenty of room for my camera, an extra lense, and all the other crap I have to carry in the park for the whole family (I used to have to carry a backpack). It is pretty water resistant, though in a down pour I do make sure it is under my poncho to be safe. Haven't had a problem with it and would feel lost without it !

[kwitcherkicken99]

I took my D100 in April 2009, and my d300s in September 2010. We did borrow my mom's P&S, it sucked.

I use a 24-85mm lens. And it's the only one I take. I carry a hip pack camera bag and I ALWAYS have a gallon ziplock bag on hand for rain.

[klmall]

Your question is asked fairly frequently on the Photography Board so you might want to take a look over there (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2627531).

And to make a point, I have taken my DSLR hiking 6+ hours around Mt. Rainier, fallen and broken my ankle and my brand new Canon XSi fared far better than I did!

[fairestoneofall]

i have a Nikon D700. i didn't take it on our last trip and regretted not having it (although, my neck/back thanked me). normally, i take it along with a P&S and rotate which ones i carry.

after that June trip, i bought a much better P&S--the Canon G12. for a P&S, the picture quality is nice, the shutter is fast (no usual delay) and the videos are crisp.

[mikegood2]

I would suggest bringing both. That way you don't have to bring the dSLR to the park every day, but you still have it in case you want to take "better" photos or use specific events like fireworks or indoor shooting.

I'm going in June, my last visit was 21 years ago, and I plan on bringing both my dSLR and PnS and plan on doing what I wrote above. Also, I have an older dSLR that does not have video on it, so I plan on shooting a lot of video on the PnS.

If I remember correctly the T2 comes with a 18-55mm IS lens, so you may want to look into getting a different lens that will allow you to zoom in more. You could always get a 70-200 or 70-300, but that would mean you would have to carry 2 lenses. I would also look into an 18-200 lens. With the 1.6 crop sensor on that camera you should get a nice range with it, and it gives you the added benifit of not having to carry around multiple lenses. Also, I would suggest buying a 50mm 1.8 lens even if you don't use it on your trip. It is the best quality fast lens for the price, under $100.

As far as protecting it on a water ride goes you could try a few things. Get a waterproof bag, a poncho is a good idea, put in a large ziplock bag, or rent a locker and put you camera in it before any water ride.

[2Tiggies]

Having taken both types (I've got a Nikon D40 and a Canon PowerShot) I will say that on our next trip I'm going to be pretty much exclusively using my Nikon. I used the Canon more on the last trip and while the preview screen looked great they weren't near the same quality at full size.



When I read this the first thing I thought was that I could have written it myself. :thumbsup2 I also have a D40 and took my bridge camera and Canon Powershot and like you say, it wasn't obvious on the LCD but on the prints or laptop screen the difference was phenomenal. As far as carrying things around, I honestly don't find carrying a large camera around a problem. I have it out and ready most of the time anyway.

If you think about it this way: While at WDW you are likely to take more pictures in the time you are there than almost anywhere else. You really want to be happy with your photos so the deciding factor for me if I could or would only take one camera would be the answer to the question "Which camera is going to yield the best results?"

[audraolson]

I've been trying to decide the same thing - whether to carry my Nikon D40 to the parks. We are leaving this morning for our trip!!! I finally decided last night that yes, I DO want fantastic pictures so I'm taking the big camera to the parks. I agree that the point and shoot doesn't take nearly the same quality and I don't want to be disappointed with these priceless photos!

[scarlet_ibis]

Yes, we take our Nikon D40 and, while you think it would be a burden/pain, it's really not. The difference in our pictures is amazing.

[NeedMoreMickey]

I also have the Canon T2i but I use a lense that is EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens. This worked great for close up shots and distance and I didn't have to carry another lens. My sister had ths slock lens 18-55 and she had to switch out with her 70-300 lens plus lug it around all day. Like on of the other posters I also carry my Power Shot just in case, works nice in restaurants.

[hkeller27]

I have had a DSLR exclusively for about 3.5 years, and it's made every trip with me to the parks (and my neck will attest to that!). This past Christmas, I bought my husband a little point and shoot, a Powershot. So January was our first trip with both. I like having both with me. I still took my DSLR with me - along with 3 lenses and an external flash. I kept the pieces that I wasn't using in a backpack, and I wore the camera around my neck. When I wasn't using it, it was in a neoprene cover (Zing, and it is wonderful).

Having the point and shoot was good for a few things. One night, I opted to leave my DLSR back at our room, just to give my neck and back a break! So for times like that, or when the weather is a little rainy, it was nice to have the point and shoot so we didn't miss any moments we might want on camera (my DSLR goes away at the first drop of rain). Also, my kids are now these little budding photographers, so it was nice to give them the PAS to play around with - and seeing the pictures they took when we got home was a lot of fun too!

[DisneyFirstTimer10]

we brought both- which worked nicely on the days it was raining. DH didnt want to bring out the d90 and mess it up in the rain, so we used the point and shoot during those times.

[buffettgirl]

I usually also bring both, and then on the first days through the park I take the smaller camera to get the happy smiles and then on the later days I take the bigger so that I can more leisurely get better pics. OR I do the reverse. Just depends on my mood. :)

however, this time - I think i'm just taking the smaller.

[BigDaddyWill]

I just bought my Nikon d300s and plan to use it extensively on our June trip. My wife will carry our P&S though so she can catch things I might miss.

I like some others, will be carrying a gallon bag in case of rain or when we ride water rides. I agree that it depends on what quality you want your photos to be. If you are mainly taking quick snaps, by all means use your P&S! You can get the Photopass photographers to grab your group shots. But if you intend to visually explore (like me) then the choice is made.

Have a great time and share your pics when you get back!

Will

[CathieArms]

I'm not the kind to take my camera everywhere, but I can't imagine not taking it on our first WDW trip. If you own one, do you take it or use a smaller point and shoot while in the park?

Although I"m not too happy about lugging the weight around (Cannon T2), I can't imagine going back to a point and shoot (although how handy to just throw it in your pocket).

I only have the standard kit lense, and although I would love a bigger one, it's yet another thing I don't want to lug around.

Also, how do you protect it on water rides?

thanks for any input.

I love my DSLR, but no - I don't carry it into the parks. It's just too big and bulky and too apt to get injured somewhere.

With that said, though, I will take it out on short treks. Like character meals if we're not going to a park. But, for long days in the park, I take a smaller camera.

I just bought a Canon SD1400. While it can't do everything my DSLR can do, it takes surprisingly good pictures for its size and is definitely going to be fun using in the parks.

[DAZY3BYZ]

The last couple of trips, I've brought my Nikon D40. I would never consider NOT bringing it!! Of all the places you want to be able to take beautiful pictures to capture the memories and moments, Disney is it! I've never found it a problem to carry the DSLR. I have a Baggalini bag that I carry in the parks and store my DSLR and my extra lens in when I need too. Most of the time, I'm carrying it so I can take pics in the moment. For Kali, I bring a zip-lock gallon bag and put the DSLR in that and then in the Baggalini. I've never had a problem. Your pictures are your memories. Bring your best camera to be able to capture those. You won't regret it!

[Iwant2BAprincess]

I always take ours (t1i). I usually have it and a couple of lenses along with some snacks for the troups in my back pack and think nothing of it-about like a purse. As far as keeping it dry...I have used the large heavy duty ziplock storage bags and put my entire bag inside it for things like kali-just keep it folded in the bag until you need it. Did have 1 close call last year on splash-we were in the front row and couldn't have gotten more soaked if I would have just jumped in. Luckily, I wasn't shooting that time (some inner voice said just have fun riding with the kiddos this time) so it was in the back pack and I had that held under the ledge of the front of the boat so I acutally stayed nice and dry.

[Minniemom97]

I don't know how to phrase my question, but here goes. Can you buy a bag that covers the camera while around your neck, but that you can remove the "lens cover" on it so you can take pictures without removing the entire cover? Basically so the camera is still 'protected' without taking the cover off to take a picture. Does that make any kind of sense whatsoever?

[bearlyanne]

My xsi is around my neck all week. I keep a small holster bag in the stroller and a giant ziploc to use for rain and water rides. I only carry a second lens once during the trip, on the day that we do the safari.

On my last trip, I tried doing a day with just a 5,0 since I thought that I would mostly be taking portraits. The pics looked great but I did regret the lens choice. Due to the crowds and lines I was limited in being able to move around enough to take the shot I wanted. A basic lens was much better.

Oh, and I always bring in the gorillapod with remote , on the night night that we see wishes.

[kmk1180]

I'm not the kind to take my camera everywhere, but I can't imagine not taking it on our first WDW trip. If you own one, d

A. o you take it or use a smaller point and shoot while in the park?

B. Although I"m not too happy about lugging the weight around (Cannon T2), I can't imagine going back to a point and shoot (although how handy to just throw it in your pocket).

C. I only have the standard kit lense, and although I would love a bigger one, it's yet another thing I don't want to lug around.

D. Also, how do you protect it on water rides?

thanks for any input.

A. nope. I like my camera. the point and shoot just don't nearly as good as photo or as quickly. Love the instant repeat photos feature to take 4-5 in row quickly.

B. I just use the shoulder strap, that way i'm not carrying it by hand and I have it quickly ready when needed.

C. That's all I have too never had a problem. But i tent to take more photos of our kids than the scenery.

D. Like on Splash I just tuck under a shirt or under the foot area.
On Kali, you have a pouch to put it in to keep dry. Just don't forget on the way our to pick it back up.

have a great trip

[AlexandAndysMom]

Do all of you just carry it around your neck all day? I saw something like a sling strap somewhere and was thinking about getting one of those becuase I plan on carrying it out all day. (Got a T2i for my ChristmaBirthaAnni :rotfl2:)

I'm debating on taking both lenses. I have the kit lense and I have a 70/300 (i think...know it's 300...) lense. Will I be OK with just the bigger one? I know it's a bigger pain to carry all day, but I'm really looking to get some great pictures this time...

[LilMommyBug]

I'm taking mine w/my Nifty Fifty.

[Iwant2BAprincess]

Do all of you just carry it around your neck all day? I saw something like a sling strap somewhere and was thinking about getting one of those becuase I plan on carrying it out all day. (Got a T2i for my ChristmaBirthaAnni :rotfl2:)

I'm debating on taking both lenses. I have the kit lense and I have a 70/300 (i think...know it's 300...) lense. Will I be OK with just the bigger one? I know it's a bigger pain to carry all day, but I'm really looking to get some great pictures this time...

You may want to check the photography board on here for some more insight on the strap-I just use a basic kit strap.

As for that 70-300-I use mine for the safari and some of the stage shows-but you will definately need another lens for your general walkaround shots. That 70 just isn't going to work in close quarters. I usually carry both my kit and my 300 at all times along with a little nifty fifty for the dark rides

[AlexandAndysMom]

You may want to check the photography board on here for some more insight on the strap-I just use a basic kit strap.

As for that 70-300-I use mine for the safari and some of the stage shows-but you will definately need another lens for your general walkaround shots. That 70 just isn't going to work in close quarters. I usually carry both my kit and my 300 at all times along with a little nifty fifty for the dark rides

Thanks for the help! Trying to decide is hard!! :rotfl2:

[MayzDisney4]

I plan to bring both the DSLR and my Nikon point and shoot... (oh and my waterproof camera)

I will most likely use the DSLR for everything, but I want to have both.

[rock_doctor]

I don't know how to phrase my question, but here goes. Can you buy a bag that covers the camera while around your neck, but that you can remove the "lens cover" on it so you can take pictures without removing the entire cover? Basically so the camera is still 'protected' without taking the cover off to take a picture. Does that make any kind of sense whatsoever?

Yes but they are expensive. http://gadgetsin.com/transparent-waterproof-digital-slr-camera-case.htm This is just a bag but there are ones out there that actually attach to the lens (screw on to the lens) and you put the lens cap on the outside. Check ebay, search "water proof case" and you camera model number.

[TandLMommy28]

I brought my Canon XSi with me. I also only brought the kit lens (which is less than ideal for WDW but it was better than P&S). But we had a stroller and 4 adults so there was always someone who wasn't going on a ride. We kept it in the stroller with whoever wasn't going on a ride. So I didn't have to worry about water and stuff. I've heard a good gallon sized ziploc bag can work.

[DSLRuser]

Have taken an SLR/DSLR every time since about 1996. I would be nakid without it. I have a small back pack that holds the body, 2 lenses, spare battery, and memory cards.

My daughter (9) has her own point and shoot, and my wife mans the dig video cam. Between the 3 of us, we caoture it all.

When we dont want the cams out, they all stow inside a larger back pack we bring for snacks and stuff.

[ZephyrHawk]

I take both my DSLR and my husband's point and shoot. Each are carried in separate cases (his on his hip, mine like a purse). They are just large enough for the cameras, spare batteries, and a few filters. We also carry another bag with us that, depending on what I'm planning on shooting that day, will have extra lenses, tripod stuff, etc. The DSLR is for beauty shots, the point and shoot is for "Oh look, hurry, it's PUSH!!" and more importantly "Hello people I don't know and who are probably not camera experts, will you please take a photo of my husband and me in front of the castle?"

I carry a couple ziplocs in the main bag and, if I'm concerned, will cover the cameras in them and place them in the bag for water rides.

I also use my 70-300 primarily for the safari ride and other animal related shots at Animal Kingdom (how else are you going to get close ups of the gibbons?). I would use the kit lens for pretty much anything else. I don't use a tripod for too much, except fireworks, and I've got a special "gorrilapod" that works for DSLRs and fits easily in a bag.

[mchhp]

I think its just what is best for you.

I would pack both and in case you decide after day one that its just too much you still have camera to fall back on.

I have a Canon 50D and Tamron 28-74 (?) f 2.8 and 50mm 1.8 lens. I have thought about this a lot lately.

The problem I have is when I have my DSLR on, I don't want to just throw it it AUTO. To me, its not worth the weight and worry of something happening to it just to shoot in auto. So, then I find myself going to places and spending all my time and focus on getting the "best" capture. The most exposed correctly and creatively. I miss out on the actual event, because I am not a professional but more of a hobbyist. So, it takes me a considerable about of time to find the right settings for each lighting situation.

So, recently my p/s died. it wasn't a great p/s. I have taken it to disney before, it was great but not terrible either. So, I bought a Canon G12. I am so excited to be able to take a good p/s and not worry with the weight and extra lens, etc.

plus, this is our first time going with both kids (walking) on is turning two during the trip and the other is 4. So, I know I am going to need both my hands, my husbands hands, and anyone else wanting to share their hands to keep them from running off or just wandering off.

Now, later on when the kids are older and I will probably take the opportunity to capture more artistic pictures of disney while the kids ride a ride or something. But for now, the DSLR stays home and I enjoy the moment at disney and not get caught up in what settings i have it on (much less making sure the settings are right when i pass it to a family member much less a CM). I will have good pictures, snap shots, to remember the occasion. I am happy with that.

ok, that was a long explaination, just to say.... it really just depends on what you are going for and what your situation is.

hope this helps.

[Winue]

just get a camera bag that has a rain cover built in. such as:

http://www.lowepro.com/slingshot

[Love Tink]

I take a lot of photos, but I have never taken an SLR to Disney. Just couldn't imagine dealing with it.

But after seeing a couple of threads like this, I tried an experiment. A couple of weeks ago, our family went into Washington, DC, for some museums and sightseeing. I brought my Canon E50 (I usually would have just brought a point and shoot).

I liked having the better camera, and I got much better shots (particularly inside, of course) than I would have. But, my gosh, after just four or five hours my neck was so sore! I was miserable from having to cart that thing around. I couldn't wait to put it down - but I never put it in the stroller because I was worried I'd turn my back for 30 seconds and it would disappear.

I just can't imagine dealing with that at Disney. I want to relax and be "in the moment." But I salute all you who manage it seemingly so matter-of-factly.

[Diane♥Disney]

I wouldn't go anywhere without my DSLR. I have a carrying case for it and I will use that to carry everything else I need for the day money, park ticks etc. I use a wrist/hand strap instead of the neck strap, much easier to carry around.

[gtpooh]

I have a Cannon T2i Rebel. I usually bring a big plastic bag and keep it that way in my bag. So happy I take it!

[lindsroc]

I take both. I usually designate 2 days for my Nikon D80...it gets heavy and without a stroller now..theres no way I want to lug it around for 8+ hours. I will take it on a day I know we're going to see fireworks or something. I will probably take it one day at MK this time and 1 day at Epcot.
I happen to love my P&S camera...its a sony cybershot and it takes great pics. So i will take that whenever i dont have the big one with me.

[Wadecool]

just get a camera bag that has a rain cover built in. such as:

http://www.lowepro.com/slingshot

Love that bag, It is extremely convenient to use.

[khgreen]

I brought my DSLR on our last Disney trip and I did get some awesome photos...let's just say mine were usually better than the photo pass photos. However it was a pain to lug that camera around. It was on my neck 80% of the time. This trip I'm leaving it at home. My kids are outgrowing the characters. I really want to have fun this trip. Last time I was always in photographer mode. I would certainly bring it if this is a once in a lifetime trip. And if you camera is new WDW is a great place to try it out-but I may be in the minority but a few weeks after our trips the photos I took just aren't that important to me-a few yes....but all 300 - not so much.

I use double freezer ziplock style bags for our electronics-but I usually don't ride the water rides anyway so I can hold the bags.

[wdvak]

I have been carrying an SLR/DSLR to Disney since 1989. Every time I decide to use the girls P&S I'm unhappy with the quality. I have tried many bags (and will try more :)), but am happiest at the parks with my small Sherpani backpack. It is around my neck most of the time, but I am used to it.

[tjlemkuil]

I would not go without my DSLR. The only thing I'm changing on my next trip is I'm getting a Tamron 18-200 zoom so I only have to take the 1 lense. When I'm not shooting, I carry it in an older version of the Lowepro Inverse 100. It takes the strain off the neck.

[KigerKat]

just get a camera bag that has a rain cover built in. such as:

http://www.lowepro.com/slingshot

DH is the camera nut in our family, and he really likes this bag. He also has a sling strap that he uses more often. He's planning on bringing both is T1i and his 7D, and we will probably get a locker for the lenses. He really wants to do a park hopping day of nothing but photowalks through the parks. I'll probably spend my time seeing all the girly shows he doesn't care about. :thumbsup2

[vital]

I've taken both, but now I let my DS11 use the point and shoot. We are going in May and I plan on doing "camera days" and non-camera days. We are staying on-site for 8 days and have park hoppers so we'll be doing the parks more than once. I've learned that no matter how nice the pictures are they can't compare to living in the moment and not worrying about missing a shot. In order to do that I have to go completely camera free or I'll cheat:lmao: and start digging for the camera.

It's also nice to see the pictures from your child's prospective. He takes pictures of the little things (and people:rolleyes1).

I hope you have a wonderful time!

[vwlizard]

Thinks for all the opinions. Looks like I will take it (my husband would probably kill me if I told him I wasn't, after I convinced him we NEEDED it because the P&S was inadequate)

I just recieved this in the mail from Amazon, and it looks like it will be great for carrying my camera + all the family "extras".
http://www.amazon.com/Lowepro-Passport-Sling-Camera-Black/dp/B0039NLS4C/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1299349806&sr=1-4

I'm going to ziplock the camera and cell phones inside of it "just in case" when we do anything involving water.

Next step is buying a filter and looking into a better lense.

[anthony2k7]

Also, I would suggest buying a 50mm 1.8 lens even if you don't use it on your trip. It is the best quality fast lens for the price, under $100.

+1!

I think this is an essential lens to have at disney above all others.

Its the only way you're going to get any flash-less shots on dark rides/shows or half decent fireworks shots without a tripod on a budget.

[KigerKat]

For those that are talking about sling straps, this is the one DH has that he really likes:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0029LDIS4

[tndisneyfan]

We always take our DSLR. We have a smaller Kodak but I think it's more of a bridge camera so it's not much smaller than our DSLR. It's not small enough to just stick it in our pocket.

We take gallon size ziplock baggies for our camera and another one for accessories in case of rain or wet rides. We keep a couple of extras just in case too. It works great for us.

[Mercenary]

DLSR all the way, but I do take both... I love being able to capture pics seconds apart...

I use this bag and love it... it can be a backpack or a sling... I take 2-3 lenses with me on the trip and leave 1 or 2 in the room.

http://www.kata-bags.com/productFRM2HS.asp?p_Id=431&Version=Photo

This bag has tons of room can hold snacks and a vid cam as well. It does come with the raincover so that is a plus...

DW security loves it because the inside is bright yellow so they can see everything with a quick look, but also makes it good for you to find things.

[David9]

You might want to consider using an Eye-Fi card in your camera?

Eye-Fi cards have a built-in wireless transmitter which makes it easy to connect to the card. An Eye-Fi card will add wireless capability to your digital camera. These cards make it very simple to transfer the photos from your camera to your computer. It's possible to download the photos from your camera even if you don't have the USB cable.

When you add an EyeFi card into your digital camera - and it comes in contact with a wifi network, all of your photos on that card are sent to a online sharing site or directly back to your home machine. This is a great idea to get your photos to your friends fast. It also is a great solution if your camera goes missing on your trip - at least your photos taken prior to it being lost will be waiting for you at home.

Has anyone use a Eye-Fi card at Disney?

[dzorn]

You might want to consider using an Eye-Fi card in your camera?

Eye-Fi cards have a built-in wireless transmitter which makes it easy to connect to the card. An Eye-Fi card will add wireless capability to your digital camera. These cards make it very simple to transfer the photos from your camera to your computer. It's possible to download the photos from your camera even if you don't have the USB cable.

When you add an EyeFi card into your digital camera - and it comes in contact with a wifi network, all of your photos on that card are sent to a online sharing site or directly back to your home machine. This is a great idea to get your photos to your friends fast. It also is a great solution if your camera goes missing on your trip - at least your photos taken prior to it being lost will be waiting for you at home.

Has anyone use a Eye-Fi card at Disney?

Considering Wifi is not readily available at Disney not sure how much help that would be.

Denise in MI

[David9]

I forgot - I was thinking about Disney Cruise lines. Never thought about that much - So none of the parks have WiFi areas? You would think in this day and age, they would have some store, restaurant, or area in the park that would have it. Anyone know of a park that does?

[Brian_WDW74]

I've moved this thread to the Photography Board. :)

[kellzkidz]

Hi! This will be my first Disney trip with my new camera (same as op's) and I was hesitant too. I did take mine on our trip to the Cape last year and I am sooo glad I did. I would not have gotten the amazing shots with a point and shoot.

After some thought I am going to bring mine to the parks in my backpack. I have a big guns- style camera bag, but I do not want to be weighed down; instead I will store it in the bag but use a neoprene case (nice and glove-like fit) and keep it in my backpack when on rides.

I like the zip-lock ideas for water rides too:thumbsup2

Happy snapping!

[WilsonFlyer]

We probably take from 5-10 cameras each trip, all depending on what we pick up when we leave home (Yes, we drive now.). Everything from a MinoHD to a Canon HR S20 to a T2i and everything in-between.

Cameras with us tend to be camera relative to mood of the day. I'm really hoping a new lens and a new strap will encourage me to take my T2i to the resorts and parks more. I've always dreaded draggin it around feeling like I had to worry about it constantly and allowing it to limit what I/we did. Primarily for that reason, we always took mostly nice PnS's, especially to the parks. My wife always takes something and usually have a mini-camcorder of some type in my fanny pack (Yes. Because it's convenient and I don't care what people think, but thanks for asking. LOL) and some still camera pretty close by.

I kept thinking when our DD5 got older, we'd have to carry less stuff for her and that would afford me a better opportunity to take my DSLR bag of goodies. I can already see that theory has gone completely to hell. I think my wife carries more stuff in the backpack for her now than when she was a baby and frankly, I just ain't seein' it gettin' no better! :rotfl2:

We'll see what April brings. EVERY trip I promise myself, "I'm going to take the T2i every day.", and it just never seems convenient; at least not for me.

I'm hoping the new equipment that would be wasting away in the room will motivate me. I'm going to try hard this trip. I really am. :laughing:

[SrisonS]

I also have the Canon T2i but I use a lense that is EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens. This worked great for close up shots and distance and I didn't have to carry another lens. My sister had ths slock lens 18-55 and she had to switch out with her 70-300 lens plus lug it around all day. Like on of the other posters I also carry my Power Shot just in case, works nice in restaurants.

I totally agree here. I have the T1i with that 18-135mm, and it's just great. But a p&s might be better if you want to take pictures of food at restaurants. That's what I experienced on the Disney cruise anyway. Mainly because I was too close for the DSLR to grab focus.

[Josh125]

As other mentioned, a proper bag that meets your needs is critical to having an enjoyable trip with your dSLR. The pack needs to be easy to access while providing protection on rides. I used a standard backpack for a few trips with a towel on the bottom, what a pain. I switched to a sling pack that still allowed us to tote around some park "stuff" in the top and has a water bottle pocket.

If you are worried about damaging the camera or is not easy to access when you need it, it's better left in the room IMO.

[Lyric]

I take both a small point-and-shoot and my Canon EOS 30D dSLR, along with 3 - 4 choice lenses and filters. The lenses are divided between my mom and I (the two disney park-goers of the family) to lessen the weight. Often, I'll have the 50mm lens on my camera and it'll just be slung on my shoulder. On water rides, the camera goes into one of our bags. While vacationing, I try to take a break from the SLR at least once and take a trip into the park with minimal baggage and my point-and-shoot.

Looking at the photos taken with my SLR and comparing them with photos taken on point-and-shoots during previous trips, I consider it 110% worth it.

[handicap18]

Over the years I've taken my slr's (film {Nikon N6006 and N70} or digital {Nikon D50 and D300}) to Aruba (5 times), St Maarten (twice), Cancun (twice), Bermuda (5 times), London, Hong Kong, Bangkok, 4 cruises, 3 or 4 trips to Canada, Las Vegas (twice) and MANY many other places, including Disney 5 times.

I wouldn't think of going anywhere without my dSLR.

[WilsonFlyer]

Got my RS-7 today. It's obvious, and it was from the video when I purchased it, that it's going to take some getting use to but I think I'm going to like it. I don't think I'm going to wait until my trip in April to get use to it though. ;)

[homedad]

I take the DSLR, point and shoot and a HD camcorder....not always all three at once at every park though

[perdidochas]

I totally agree here. I have the T1i with that 18-135mm, and it's just great. But a p&s might be better if you want to take pictures of food at restaurants. That's what I experienced on the Disney cruise anyway. Mainly because I was too close for the DSLR to grab focus.


Can't you just turn off the AF, and manually focus?

[mom2rtk]

Can't you just turn off the AF, and manually focus?

If you're closer than the minimum focusing distance, even manual won't help.