What's the photography setup you bring to WDW?

mikegood2

DIS Veteran
Joined
Jan 5, 2011
Last night I sat down tonight and started to finalize my list of camera equipment to bring and looking for any advise on any items I might be missing. Wow, I can't believe that our vacation is less than three weeks away.

Are their any photography items that you like to bring that most people don't think about?
I do have UV filters for all my lenses, but would you suggest a polarizer or circular polarizer, ND or some other type of filter?
Anything to help deal/protect from the heat and humidity or afternoon thunderstorms?
Are their any items that you bring that you find that you never use?

I'm also not very happy with my LowePro transport camera strap, because the straps tend to get in the way of my viewfinder. Any recommendation for a comfortable strap for under $20?

I am bringing a netbook and a portable hard drive so I will be able to back up my photos/videos during the trip.


Here is my camera list so far:

DSLR Setup: Canon XTi, 18 - 200mm Lens (3.5-6.3) - w/ lens hood, 50mm 1.8 - with lens hood, External Flash, LowePro Transport strap, 3 CF Cards (4GB, 2GB, 2GB), Battery Grip, 4 Batteries, Charger, Flash Diffuser - for built in flash, wireless remote (for night photography), USB cable for transferring photos to an iPad, Lowpro Rezo 140 AW case (a little smaller than I would prefer but it fits the camera with and extra lens and has the rain cover built in)

Point and shoot camera: Nikon P300 (just got it yesterday) :thumbsup2, Extra Battery, Case, Charger, 2 - 8GB Transend Class 10 SD cards. Will probably get an extra card or two.

GoPro: GoPro HD Hero 960 (hoping it comes in today) :woohoo:, Head Strap, Tripod Adaptor, Handlebar Clamp (planning on attaching to the stroller to record us walking around the parks), a 12GB - Class 4 Card and a 8GB - Class 6 Card.

Others: Tripod (Dolica AX620B100), Monopod, Gorillapod SLR tripod, blower


Sorry about the length of this post, I'm just looking for some helpful advice that I hope that others will find useful also.
 
Do you shoot in RAW or jpeg??? If you shoot in RAW, maybe consider getting memory. You should be alright for just jpeg photos though; especially if you're backing them up every night.

But for the most part, it look like you're good. You don't necessarily need filters, but if you like using them, then take them. It's also good that you have an all-weather bag. You never know when rain will hit in the summer.

As far as neck straps, the Crumpler Industry Disgrace is a great one. It's about $30, but well worth it.
 
As for filters, I didn't use my polarizer much at WDW because you are constantly going inside and outside so I didn't want to fiddle much. Instead, to deal with harsh midday sun I bracketed for HDR with great results. That does use up memory quick though, so downloading everyday is essential (don't forget to backup too!).

I did use an ND filter for fireworks, and if you are using a tripod I would highly recommend it. Shoot stopped down with ND filter and you can get some nice color in the fireworks.

As for a bag, I used the Lowepro sling. Since it only goes over one shoulder you would think it would be uncomfortable, but I use a Black Rapid R-Strap over the other shoulder so the weight is actually balanced well. The sling bag makes it easy to get to the camera/lenses while walking and you can slide it around to sit on some rides without taking it off if you'd like. It also has a built in rain cover which came in handy...
 
Do you shoot in RAW or jpeg??? If you shoot in RAW, maybe consider getting memory. You should be alright for just jpeg photos though; especially if you're backing them up every night.

As far as neck straps, the Crumpler Industry Disgrace is a great one. It's about $30, but well worth it.

I always shoot RAW, so I will probably pick up another 4 or 8GB card. Was trying to hold off buying any more CF cards because we are probably upgrading our camera for work later this year. I have access to that camera most of the time, so that is a big reason why I can't justify upgrading my camera before the trip. I will look into the Crumpler strap.


As for filters, I didn't use my polarizer much at WDW because you are constantly going inside and outside so I didn't want to fiddle much. Instead, to deal with harsh midday sun I bracketed for HDR with great results. That does use up memory quick though, so downloading everyday is essential (don't forget to backup too!).

Thanks, thats the same reason I wasn't sure about the polarizer filters. Have not shot any HDR yet, but think I will definitely try this trip. and yes I do plan on backing up. :thumbsup2

I'm actually thinking about shooting in RAW/jpeg so I can back up in three places. I would copy the RAW files on to the netbooks drive and also back them up onto my external. I would then delete the RAW files off the card, leaving the jpegs to import onto my iPad. The jpegs files would probably take up 1/3 to 1/4 of the space that the RAW do. Then I would make some quick edits to very select photos (on iPad) and send them to family.

I did use an ND filter for fireworks, and if you are using a tripod I would highly recommend it. Shoot stopped down with ND filter and you can get some nice color in the fireworks.

Haven't shot fireworks much so thanks for the tip. What setting do you shoot at? Do you let the camera do it, or do you shoot at a higher f-stop and set an x second exposure.

As for a bag, I used the Lowepro sling. Since it only goes over one shoulder you would think it would be uncomfortable, but I use a Black Rapid R-Strap over the other shoulder so the weight is actually balanced well. The sling bag makes it easy to get to the camera/lenses while walking and you can slide it around to sit on some rides without taking it off if you'd like. It also has a built in rain cover which came in handy...

Almost bought one (wish I did) last week on Amazon, under $40 dollars, but I had just bought the GoPro and a few other things so I couldn't justify the purchase at the time. Have thought about straps like the Black Rapid (wish it was a little cheaper), and thought they would be more comfortable, but have always been a little concerned about the camera falling.
 


Have thought about straps like the Black Rapid (wish it was a little cheaper), and thought they would be more comfortable, but have always been a little concerned about the camera falling.

I have been using the BR for a year and have never had an issue of the camera falling. Once you get used to the idea of the camera hanging upside down, it becomes natural. It is a lot more comfortable than hanging around the neck. I carry a dslr w/vertical battery grip and external flash. Hanging as a sling, its not an issue. I tried that last year with another brand regular(name brand) around-the-neck strap and it about killed me. I had real sore neck and bad headaches. When I slapped on the 70-200 it was even worse.
 
RAW and jpeg sounds like a good idea if you have the space and need to have some images quick.

As for fireworks, if you are up close you can shoot at F22 at ISO 100 in bulb mode with a cable release. If you are further away like around Crystal Palace or when shooting Illuminations you can go to F16 or F11. Your exposure times can be pretty long and you will have some nice sequences of bursts. I can't post pictures quite yet, but I'll post one from Wishes of the finale when I can.

Gianna'sPapa is right about the Black Rapid straps, they are awkward at first but after time they seem natural and are way more comfortable than a neck strap. I've never had a problem with mine and wouldn't use any other type of strap.
 


I try to go minimal. I usually go in June and get Hot. Last year i took my canon 500d. 18-55 mm lens (the only one I have), my uv filter, spare batteries and memory. I had two 4th and one 8th card. Bought two more 8th cards. I like having more smaller cards than one big one, in case it fails. It all packed into my lower adventura 140 bag. I'm getting a compuday photo 250 backpack this time, which will hold my camera and stuff, plus ponchos and autograph book. I hope to move up to a 28-135mm lens this time, but only plan on taking the one lens. I bought a circular polarizer last fall. Big difference! Definitely plan to use it. Last year I dragged the laptop with me and cleaned off the memory cards each night. Since Disney rapes you for Internet, I'm just taking the iPad this year, so I have to have enough memory for a one-shot deal, no cleaning off the cards at night.
 

GET A DISNEY VACATION QUOTE

Dreams Unlimited Travel is committed to providing you with the very best vacation planning experience possible. Our Vacation Planners are experts and will share their honest advice to help you have a magical vacation.

Let us help you with your next Disney Vacation!





Top