Camera or not?

[hookedonears]

Every trip I feel like I'm seeing my vacation through a viewfinder on a camera. I usually take 500+ pictures during the course of the trip. Last time, I downloaded them to the computer but never had them developed. We may look at the pictures once a year or so (usually right before a trip). I'm trying to convince myself to go cameraless this year. I would have my phone if there were a few I "had to have". Has anyone else ever gone without a camera?

We always just buy a pic. taken in front of the castle by a cast member, and if possible, a good ride pic's like from Splash Mt., Rock'n Roller Coaster, etc., and that's about it.

 

[patzor]

I get if you go to Disney a lot, not bringing a camera is ok. This will be my 3rd trip in 5 years, and I don't think I'd be able to leave my camera behind. While the cameras on phones have improved (I picked my last phone based on the camera alone) I couldn't leave my slr behind. I'm always watching the skies for the perfect sunset, or the perfect angle on a tree or castle. There are just some things a phone or p&s can't do.


I took this for my niece in 2010 for her 3rd birthday. It was the year she went for her first time. She is the only one that will ever have a copy of this.

 

[DisneyFive]

I get if you go to Disney a lot, not bringing a camera is ok. This will be my 3rd trip in 5 years, and I don't think I'd be able to leave my camera behind. While the cameras on phones have improved (I picked my last phone based on the camera alone) I couldn't leave my slr behind. I'm always watching the skies for the perfect sunset, or the perfect angle on a tree or castle. There are just some things a phone or p&s can't do.


I took this for my niece in 2010 for her 3rd birthday. It was the year she went for her first time. She is the only one that will ever have a copy of this.

Truly incredible photo. Really, Wow. Thank you for sharing! She's a lucky girl.

Dan

 

[mom2rtk]

This is a very individual question, rather like asking a stranger whether you prefer chocolate or vanilla.

Some people will cart along a camera and regret having to mess with it and be responsible for it all day.

Some will leave a camera behind and see amazing sights all day they regret not being able to photograph *well*.

Only you know which you would regret less.

I'm probably not the best one to ask though. My most common recurring Disney nightmare is being in the parks and fighting all forces to try and get back to my room to get the camera I left behind.

 

[rangerxenos]

I take 200-500 pictures a day at WDW, so I could never do without my camera!

Same here, photography is a major hobby, I could not NOT have my camera with me!

 

[flywithhope]

I get if you go to Disney a lot, not bringing a camera is ok. This will be my 3rd trip in 5 years, and I don't think I'd be able to leave my camera behind. While the cameras on phones have improved (I picked my last phone based on the camera alone) I couldn't leave my slr behind. I'm always watching the skies for the perfect sunset, or the perfect angle on a tree or castle. There are just some things a phone or p&s can't do.


I took this for my niece in 2010 for her 3rd birthday. It was the year she went for her first time. She is the only one that will ever have a copy of this.

Wow! Gorgeous! Do you mind sharing where you were standing to get this angle on the castle?

 

[patzor]

Wow! Gorgeous! Do you mind sharing where you were standing to get this angle on the castle?

Such a fun shot. I was in the middle of the bridge (last spoke headed to Frontier land from Main St) Was propped up against the light post, since I didn't have my tripod with me. Let me tell you, hold completely still for 2 seconds is a lifetime when holding a dSLR.

Glad you guys like it.

 

[superdisneydork]

Another vote for the RapidStrap here, I love mine, it makes the camera completely weightless, or at least it feels that way, I carry the camera all the time with it. I actually bought it for WDW last year, but it's been indispensable.

I personally couldn't imagine doing WDW without the camera, but I love my SLR, and I love taking photos, so taking photos in one of my favorite places to visit is an easy thing. With a single lens (the 24-105mm is amazing for general purpose use) and the strap, I don't need anything else, I keep a spare battery and memory cards in my backpack along with my usual parkfaring stuff. The camera on the strap was safe on every ride, and it was great to have around. If you don't love taking, sorting and looking at photos later, then don't take it, if you want the photos but don't enjoy taking them, use photopass. Good compromise, bring a decent pocket camera and let the PP guys take your photos, this way you have them, it's not a hassle, and if you end up wanting to take your own photos, you're all set.

Matt

 

[flywithhope]

Such a fun shot. I was in the middle of the bridge (last spoke headed to Frontier land from Main St) Was propped up against the light post, since I didn't have my tripod with me. Let me tell you, hold completely still for 2 seconds is a lifetime when holding a dSLR.

Glad you guys like it.

Thank you SO much for sharing! I genuinely appreciate how hard holding still for 2 seconds must have been!

 

[pinoke]

I've used a small pocket Nikon, a tiny Flip Video camera, and then bought an Olympus Tough because I wanted a waterproof camera that took great everyday shots as well. It was PRICELESS at DC and pools. I have fantastic shots from all three of our trips in the past 5 years- and after this years will be making a video of all of the trips together.
I still need to spend time looking through the tons of photos I already have. But I know I'll want more from this trip, too. Not as many, but still. A ten year old going down a waterslide is very different than a 5 year old, or 8 year old- growing up so fast!
I definitely don't take it everyday though!