which camera would you choose?

[CrystalS]

I have a dilemma...

We have two cameras. One is a point and shoot (9mp kodak easyshare) and they other is a Canon XTI dslr.

The point and shoot will do video, is light and compact, easy to carry around. But it also can have trouble getting proper lighting (flash) and can result in blurred photos sometimes...

The dslr is my baby, lol. I have a few lenses for it, and it takes nice photos. I can shoot in manual and control my settings and usually get a good shot the first time. But it is bigger, heavier and more cumbersome to carry around as it will need a carry case.

I'm not sure which to bring. I want good photos, but I also would like video.
I'm not sure if I want to bring the dslr with the chance of something happening to it, or getting stolen, etc, plus who wants to lug around a large camera/lenses when your trying to relax and enjoy a vacation with your family?
But if the point and shoot acts up and half my shots are crappola, then what?

What would YOU take? I'm leaning slightly towards the P&S, but am still not 100% sure....

 

[jilljill]

Why not take both? Many people on our AK cruise the other week were toting both types of cameras.
I've even seen people set up tripods and monopods in the ocean at CC to take pics of their kids in the water with their dslr cameras with the larger lenses.

 

[breced]

Agree! Take Both!

Just give up the Lens for your DLSR. Bring one only!

 

[mello]

I have the same situation, and I'm planning to take both. That way I'll have the same flexibility as at home - take the little one with me in a pocket, purse or shoulder bag if I want to go light, or bring the big one out for special photos - parties & characters around the ship, scenery, etc. Heavily debating whether to take the dslr onto CC though Don't want it to get water & sand in it. I'm actually contemplating getting a waterproof camera for this cruise lol!

We always have so many cameras - the video, the p&s, the dslr, all the kids' p&s's... it's nuts. So I got a big camera backpack that we travel with - all the cameras and gear fit in it to carry on the plane, so we don't have to take multiple camera bags, then we just put whatever camera we're taking with us into whatever it fits in - purse, pocket, ziplock bag, whatever, or around my neck lol.

 

[Renysmom]

I always take both.. I have never worried about it being stolen while on the ship. If you are worried either lock it in the safe if it fits or hide it in a suite case under your bed.

I have taken my dSLR onto Castaway several times with no issues. We carry the P/S on most excursions.

 

[Troop o' Goofs]

I have the same situation, and I'm planning to take both. That way I'll have the same flexibility as at home - take the little one with me in a pocket, purse or shoulder bag if I want to go light, or bring the big one out for special photos - parties & characters around the ship, scenery, etc. Heavily debating whether to take the dslr onto CC though Don't want it to get water & sand in it. I'm actually contemplating getting a waterproof camera for this cruise lol!

We always have so many cameras - the video, the p&s, the dslr, all the kids' p&s's... it's nuts. So I got a big camera backpack that we travel with - all the cameras and gear fit in it to carry on the plane, so we don't have to take multiple camera bags, then we just put whatever camera we're taking with us into whatever it fits in - purse, pocket, ziplock bag, whatever, or around my neck lol.

You can find waterproof camera cases for most DSLR's these days. You can try adorama.com. I'm bringing both a point & shoot and my DSLR, it's water resistant already (for rain anyways) so I will probably bring it on CC and will avoid changing lenses if it is windy.

 

[BigRed1]

Take both. I use the P&S for stuff we have seen or done before (CC) and the dslr for new things. This trip, I'm using the dslr for pictures of the new ship. I like to walk around the ship overnight when everyone else is sleeping to get interior shots.

 

[jjgarv]

Take both. I know it's a pain, but...

I take both my DSLR as well as my point-and-shoot (which can also be used underwater). I carry the DSLR around the ship, but take the point-and-shoot around the pool and off the ship for excursions.

 

[wdwwishes]

You may want to post on the photography board as well but I think you'll get the same responses there as well, take both. I have both and that's what I do. If you're worried about theft, loss etc. make sure you have a couple of memory cards and switch them out that way in the event something does go wrong, you'll have your memories and never let anyone take a photo on your camera for you.

 

[Troop o' Goofs]

You may want to post on the photography board as well but I think you'll get the same responses there as well, take both. I have both and that's what I do. If you're worried about theft, loss etc. make sure you have a couple of memory cards and switch them out that way in the event something does go wrong, you'll have your memories and never let anyone take a photo on your camera for you.

Something I learned on the photo-boards. Take a picture on each memory card with your name and contact information, just in case you loose it, someone knows how to contact you if they found it.

 

[joyride27]

when i went on my alaska cruise i had both we with and it worked out great.

 

[BelleBway]

Like others said, I'd take both... the point and shoot won't really add much space so you might as well take it along for situations when you won't want to carry the dslr.

On my most recent trip, I mostly used my point and shoot (which allows for manual settings and for which I have an underwater casing), but I liked having my dslr around, too.

 

[papa]

Why not get a superzoom, maybe one that has been discontinued. Long lens in a compact form. I have had digital dslr's, 4/3rds cameras and currently use a panasonic fz35. Takes great pictures and video's.

 

[HowdyHeidi]

I would like to take both too. I have a very nice DSLR, but I would like to get a new very small P&S since our old one has been dropped a few times and is unreliable. Does anyone know of a very small P&S that takes pretty good photos for less than $200 (or less than $150 if possible?)

TIA

 

[Troop o' Goofs]

I would like to take both too. I have a very nice DSLR, but I would like to get a new very small P&S since our old one has been dropped a few times and is unreliable. Does anyone know of a very small P&S that takes pretty good photos for less than $200 (or less than $150 if possible?)

TIA

I'm not sure of the price and it's a few years old but I like the HP Photosmart R827. I got some good pictures with it despite moving on the Safari at Animal Kingdom. Pics below:

 

[HowdyHeidi]

Thanks Troop o Goofs! That might be a good option.

Plus, those pigtails are the CUTEST ever!

 

[CrystalS]

Thank you everyone! Seems the consensus is to bring both

 

[Troop o' Goofs]

Thanks Troop o Goofs! That might be a good option.

Plus, those pigtails are the CUTEST ever!

Thanks! She's 5 now, turned 3 at WDW.

 

[cyclenut]

Thank you everyone! Seems the consensus is to bring both

Yes ... that seems to be it. I did the same on our recent Alaska cruise. I gave the P&S to one of my kids when I wasn't using it and when I didn't feel comfortable taking my DSLR (shore excursions) then I took it. I like the P&S cameras that have at least a 10x optical zoom with image stabilization. They actually do pretty well with good lighting. Most do. The longer lens makes that camera pretty flexible and yet still portable.

I even took my monopod, although thinking back on it, I really didn't need it. I don't have any of the heavy lenses ... yet.

 

[templed]

Take both...

Or... get a Flip... and bring that for Video. A basic Flip is 100 bucks... and get yourself the $30 water case for it...

I'd like to have a newer Canon body by next cruise (maybe the t3i)... but I currently have the xti as well... I take it everywhere...