Bring a Camera?

[HLAuburn]

We are cruising on the Dream this week and I'm trying to decide if I should bring my "big" camera. I've gotten to the point where I only take pictures with my iPhone (which is with me at all times), but will there be times I want my camera? It's a Canon Rebel, so pretty big to carry around all the time, but the picture quality is obviously so much better than a phone.

So for you experienced cruisers: do you take your big camera? If yes, did you end up using it? If no, did you regret not bringing it?

Thanks!

 

[seaulater]

Yes, I have a Canon Digital Rebel too.

I didn't take it this summer when I was on the Magic for Europe because it is so big, and I regretted it. Next summer when I go back, I will take it.

There is just no comparison in the quality of the pics from the Canon, so if you can, take it.

 

[eblong]

I learned the hard way by missing some great photo opportunities. Now, I'm never without my camera (a Canon 70D, previously a T2i) when I'm on a Disney cruise. Use my phone? Sure, at times, but there are so many opportunities for great photos that take a better camera than a phone camera.

I did find the neck strap to be a real pain in the neck, so I went to a RapidStrap, which allows me to carry the camera over my shoulder and hanging at my side, ready to grab.

Enjoy your cruise. Can't wait to see some of your photos.

 

[JohnDS]

Lol, I'm bringing all my cameras. There is the rebel, the pocket canon, the digital waterproof one, a couple iPhones and possibly a few disposables. I expect none will be available at key photo moments but I'm bringing them anyway.

 

[JillShari]

Iphones are great in a pinch, but since we didn't use them for phone, internet or anything on board, we kept them in our luggage. So, I had my 7D with me all the time. I even went on a "photo walk" by myself too...that was fun.

I'd bring it....but I'm used to bringing it everywhere. For me it is no contest... to capture a quick moment at home, usually my phone is in my back pocket. But, anytime we go anywhere, even outside our house, I put my 7D on.

 

[MissDaisyofTexas]

Take it! I captured some gorgeous sunsets that wouldn't have looked the same on an iPhone.

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

I also love my Nikon DSLR however they do become a "nuisance" at times to keep up with. It's all in the trade off - the pictures will be far superior as you know, however the trade off is having to keep up with it. I found a great compromise by using a compact camera that takes amazing pictures and HD video. It's really small and fits in my Bagallini so it's always with me. I do feel so much more free having it however there are times I have regretted not having the SLR but I'm okay with the decision I made. The very first cruise I did take my SLR.

Go with what you are most comfortable with. If you feel you might regret it, I'd say bring it.

Heather

Ps. Forgot to add - I love my iPhone as well but rarely rely on it for pictures. It does take amazing pictures however I use my compact camera as I mentioned above. The iPhone is used really just for the quick FB pictures and fun pictures.

 

[rhinodadz]

Another vote for taking the DSLR. It allows much more creativity and flexibility in shooting. As another post mentioned, a BlackRapid strap will make it much easier to carry. We also take a waterproof point and shoot for wet excursions and beaches.

 

[Disney Dreams]

Absolutely, 100% yes. And our telephoto lens and our wide angle lens.

- Dreams

 

[Belle'sMommy]

I brought my bigger Canon. So glad I did, as the pictures taken from it were a hundred times better than our iPhone pics.
Also bought a cheap waterproof disposable for our snorkeling trip.

 

[lbgraves]

After 8 cruises, the last to Alaska, I broke down and got DH a Rebel for Christmas so we could get better pictures. He has brought it to WDW with us, two cruises, and just about everywhere else -- along with the tripod. The sunset shots & fireworks have been fantastic.

 

[Keggy]

Yes yes yes - not trying to stir up any issues. But in my opinion the ships photographers are hit or miss.

 

[ludari]

I have to say that bringing a camera (big or small) is essential. I prefer the higher end point and shoot cameras just because I prefer to travel light.

 

[Airien]

I also love my Nikon DSLR however they do become a "nuisance" at times to keep up with. It's all in the trade off - the pictures will be far superior as you know, however the trade off is having to keep up with it. I found a great compromise by using a compact camera that takes amazing pictures and HD video. It's really small and fits in my Bagallini so it's always with me. I do feel so much more free having it however there are times I have regretted not having the SLR but I'm okay with the decision I made. The very first cruise I did take my SLR.

Go with what you are most comfortable with. If you feel you might regret it, I'd say bring it.

Heather

Ps. Forgot to add - I love my iPhone as well but rarely rely on it for pictures. It does take amazing pictures however I use my compact camera as I mentioned above. The iPhone is used really just for the quick FB pictures and fun pictures.

Can I ask, which compact camera are you using??

 

[slzer0]

Can I ask, which compact camera are you using??

Question seconded

 

[JohnDS]

I'll be bringing a canon t4i, a canon sd950 compact camera and a Panasonic DMC-TS2 which is waterproof to around 30 feet.

 

[Debbie]

Question seconded

third! I love my Canon PowerShot, but I lost my battery (think I left it in the safe on the Fantasy!) and my no-name battery isn't holding a charge. Thinking of replacing with a new PowerShot.

 

[jjje]

I have never once regretted bringing my camera somewhere with me. I have only regretted the times I've left it at home.

 

[AndyR]

Always. 5Diii and a Sony TX-200.

 

[wdwwishes]

Take it, it's why you have it.