Best Camera to Purchase for Disney World?

[AngelaVa]

Hi Everyone! We are going to Disney World with our grandson who will be 9 yrs old. I'm looking to purchase a good quality camera to bring around the parks that will capture all of our fun! I like for it to be easy to carry around, use during the day, night time views , fireworks and to take great inside dark rides....Oh and maybe get wet too!
Price under $250.00 if possible. Thank you for your time and advice.
Have A Magical Day!

 

[_19disnA]

There are many types of cameras available but what matter more is your experience using them and what type of pictures you want to take. If you only plan to end up with postage stamp size pictures you post online somewhere then even a camera phone will work fine. If you want pro quality images for enlargement, then it matters more how experienced a photographer you are. No matter what you see on those TV ads about Apple products, the quality of the images are still no better then any other camera phone. I am sure those ads are done by pros while it makes it seem like even an amateur will suddenly get great images using their product.

DSLR cameras will tend to get better quality pictures (higher resolution, optional lens, etc.), but it is also an issue of if you really want to lug around a camera for your entire time at the park.

 

[AngelaVa]

There are many types of cameras available but what matter more is your experience using them and what type of pictures you want to take. If you only plan to end up with postage stamp size pictures you post online somewhere then even a camera phone will work fine. If you want pro quality images for enlargement, then it matters more how experienced a photographer you are. No matter what you see on those TV ads about Apple products, the quality of the images are still no better then any other camera phone. I am sure those ads are done by pros while it makes it seem like even an amateur will suddenly get great images using their product.

DSLR cameras will tend to get better quality pictures (higher resolution, optional lens, etc.), but it is also an issue of if you really want to lug around a camera for your entire time at the park.

I know a little bit about using a cameras but I like a point and shoot style. I do want to print some of the pictures and to do a YouTube video. I hope this helps.

 

[Karin1984]

There is a board on the DIS dedicated to photography, I would browse some threads to see which equipment is used.

https://www.disboards.com/forums/photography-board.97/
And I agree with above, the camera is basically as good as the photographer. Whatever camera you go for, start practising before you go.

 

[LYSE]

While I generally avoid blanket statements I'm going to go out and say that for that price point, any of the current flag ship smart phone cameras will probably serve you the best.(I know that isn't enough to pay for one of these phones but if you already have one it's something to think about)

While you may be able to find some deals (especially used) the AI in most phones make getting a good shot easier, there are times where for example my phone can take an acceptable picture on the very first attempt but my $4,000 camera requires me to go in and manually adjust settings to get what the phone got on its automatic mode.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Do you have an iPhone or expensive phone? In that case, the camera in it is probably better than most mid-low end point and shoots.

That said, Sony RX100 line is a really nice size and quality point and shoot. Not as good as a DSLR, but much more park friendly. A little soft case with a carabiner will let you hook it to a belt loop, making it very portable & protected. If you have decent size pockets, you can even pop it in there if needed. You can get used on e-bay well within your budget.

But again, if you have a modern iPhone you probably don't need to bother with any but a really high end point and shoot - at which point, you're well above $250.

 

[Robbydj13]

I also think that your phone is often as good if not better than most better point and shoots. You could get a volgging package for your smartphone that comes with a external mic, handheld tripod, and external light for around $150 that would help with the quality for the youtube video you want to make. I use that setup for constant video in the park as its much easier to use, but I also carry a gopro for water rides, as well as my Canon EOS R and a couple lenses for more photographic shots. But I use my phone way more than anything else.