Camera Regret?

[Pea-n-Me]

One thing I think should be considered is what is going to be done with the pictures. I was reading somewhere that most people aren't actually printing up pictures anymore. They're putting them online and sharing them online, but not printing them as much as they used to, let alone blowing them up to extra large proportions. So for many of us, the quality of a good phone camera is perfectly adequate for sharing photos online. Now don't get me wrong, I almost feel nekkid without my dSLR or Mirrorless when I'm out and about somewhere special. But for everyday snapshots, or if I really was sick and tired of lugging a huge bag around with me at the World (which the OP seems to be), I might feel fairly comfortable using my iPhone5 as it is proving to me to be a slick little camera/video camera and I am having a lot of fun with it. (Prior to this I had a 3GS and admittedly it was horrible, so I will distinguish the 3's from the 4s and 5.) I will say, though, that I am pretty good at eeking out some decent shots even in low light but I would accept going into it that that aspect of my hobby is going to be pretty limited in using it. But I do think it's an ok trade off for someone who already has scores of ride pictures and just wants to kick back and enjoy the trip in a different way. YMMV

 

[mentul77]

Those are awesome images! I have a cannon T3i DSLR and an iphone 5 and I can't get inside images to come out that clear! I always have a problem with inside photos! I have a speedlite too but no flash photography so that doesn't help me!

Lens choice and aperture settings. If you are using the kit lens (18-55) you will NEVER get these shots. Get a nifty fifty (50mm prime f/1.8) and practice with it, it is the cheaper of the faster lenses. I have gotten some decent Pirates shots using it. If you have the money and can go with a faster lens than the nifty fifty, even better.

Here is one from my Rebel T4i using the 50mm:

 

[YankeePrincess]

I have a big Nikon DSLR that I love taking pics with. This trip I am going smaller and just using a Sony Cybershot. I wouldn't trust pictures with a phone.

 

[mentul77]

I'd also think a little about your bag/strap/number of lenses that you carry at one time situation. You might be able to make an adjustment there (for example, a 1-lens day and a bodybag for the camera and then just carry it on its strap) that will make carrying it less tedious.

I agree the the bag and strap can make a difference. I will be using a black rapid strap on my trip this February and think that will make a big difference in how much I carry. I also swear by my Lowepro Passport Sling - it made a huge difference when carrying the DSLR vs a "regular" camera bag or worrying about it getting damaged in a backpack.

 

[rsleleux]

You couldn't do it with film, but with digital, you get

a) wide aperture lens (f 1.2 or better)
b) image stabilization
c) noise reduction

That is why! I don't have a fast lens like that, I have a 18-135 and 55-250 and the only one that is 1.2 is a 50mm prime which i don't take w me to parks. I use 50mm for portraits, 55-250 to sporting events and 18-135 to the parks. It has range but not a super expensive lens that is probably why I don't get shots like that. It does have image stabilization but as someone said the more you know the better the pics, indeed to invest more time in learning more!

 

[mentul77]

That is why! I don't have a fast lens like that, I have a 18-135 and 55-250 and the only one that is 1.2 is a 50mm prime which i don't take w me to parks. I use 50mm for portraits, 55-250 to sporting events and 18-135 to the parks. It has range but not a super expensive lens that is probably why I don't get shots like that. It does have image stabilization but as someone said the more you know the better the pics, indeed to invest more time in learning more!

Take your 50 prime!!! It is such a lightweight lens that you shouldn't notice the extra weight but it is great on dark rides. Yes, the distance is a little awkward but you can still get good shots once you get used to it.

 

[DisMN]

Hey if Annie Leibovitz recommends the iPhone camera that's good enough for me. LOL
I'm utterly amazed by the shots I've taken with mine!

 

[blackacex2]

Your best bet for dark rides is a 35mm prime lens with image stabilization on full manual. An 8mm fisheye will get you fantastic shots at disney as well. Low light shots are the reason a dslr is the only way to go- even the Sony NEX and RX cameras don't cut the mustard.

Check our *****************.com it is an awesome site for disney photography!!

 

[blackacex2]

Disney Tourist Blog dot com that is =)

 

[fla4fun]

Okay thanks for everyones opinions, while I know that I will bring my camera some, I will not bring it every day.

We as a family are more interested in the photos that have us in them, rather than photos of the park itself. Although, those are certainly some gorgeous photos.

As for my phone, I know that it does not take photos as good as my camera, but I think that sometimes I get caught up in taking pictures of the moment and not enjoying the moment. That is what I am trying to prevent.

Thanks, Kelli

I can understand your sentiments, especially since you've been to the parks many times before.

Personally, I would get a decent point and shoot, and if there are certain shots you like to take every year just to have the tradition, take the P&S on just those days. The rest of the time, you've got the phone camera for snapshots. That's what I do and most days the P&S stays in the room safe and all I have on me is the ipod for snapshots.

I agree that there are just so many photos you can take of the same thing. You may be happy you have a camera of some sort though if you haven't seen the new Fantasyland section yet. There are some very photogenic spots there.

 

[SeilerBird]

I am an ex-pro photographer heading to WDW for the first time three days from now. I own two very good DSLR and a good selection of lenses. I bought a P&S specifically for this trip. It is a waterproof, shockproof camera (Pentax WG-2) that is nice and small. I am going to start out using that camera and see how it goes. I don't really want to drag around a DSLR due to the fact it could get wet or damaged.

Of course the photos won't be as good as what I would get with my DSLR, but the whole point of the trip is to experience WDW, not to photograph it. If I want to see great high quality images of WDW I can find a zillion of them online. I plan on being at WDW for two weeks so I will have plenty of time to rethink my strategy.

 

[vcgirl925]

I've decided I am NOT bringing the DSLR this trip. It's such a pain to carry. Having to constantly take it in and out of the case. Lug it around....done with it. We have three kids, one being a baby that needs someone holding her hand or carrying her through lines and when she's not in a stroller. I need my body free from the dslr. Her stroller basket doesn't have much room either. I bought one of those purses that sling over your body and hang in the front. This way I have my hands free at all times. It has a front pouch that i'll keep my phone and a point and shoot for easy access.

 

[Hulles]

I use a Sony NEX-5N. I have a small Crumpler 4-million dollar home camera bag I carry it in. The camera with 3 lenses and bag are very light and dont look like the traditional camera bag so its not obvious you are carrying around a camera. The NEX cameras will take photos as good as any DSLR out there. Really fantastic shots right out of the camera. I recommend the Sony 50mm f1.8 prime lens, and the Sigma 30mm f2.8.

Its a perfect travel camera. I dont think I would ever carry a full DSLR on vacation again. I use a Canon 5D Mark II for work, and I couldnt imagine lugging that thing on my vacation

 

[mom2rtk]

There really is no "right" answer to this question.

One person will bring their DSLR and regret it.

Another person will leave their DSLR home and regret that.

Only you can weigh which you will regret less.

I vote for taking it, then deciding day by day whether to bring it into the parks with you.

Disney is one of the most visually appealing places on the planet. It would drive me nuts to be there without my DLSR. Heck, it's a recurring nightmare of mine!

 

[pigletto]

There really is no "right" answer to this question.

One person will bring their DSLR and regret it.

Another person will leave their DSLR home and regret that.

Only you can weigh which you will regret less.

I vote for taking it, then deciding day by day whether to bring it into the parks with you.

Disney is one of the most visually appealing places on the planet. It would drive me nuts to be there without my DLSR. Heck, it's a recurring nightmare of mine!

This is so absolutely true. Every one places a different value on pictures and even more difference into the quality. The last few trips I have been happy to let dd get the pictures we wanted with her Iphone. I wouldn't say they are perfect, but they are decent shots and that's all we wanted.
This Christmas I got a Canon SX260 HS and I LOVE it. It takes a very nice picture and is small and easy to use. That's all I need.
I would definitely be in the camp of people who couldn't be bothered to lug a large camera around. Mostly because I hate being responsible for all the "Stuff" and the camera I got can slip into my pocket or a small bag. Easy Peasy.

 

[Lizziejane]

pack it, take it to the parks only some of the time. Pick up a Canon G1x or G15 - awesome little cameras that still allow you to shoot raw.

 

[DisneyDreamingInMI]

This Christmas I got a Canon SX260 HS and I LOVE it. It takes a very nice picture and is small and easy to use. That's all I need.

I am thinking of getting the Canon SX260 HS for our next trip, in place of taking my Canon G12 or T3i! How does it do indoors or in low light situations? What about moving objects like kids?? Good to know that you love it! Most of the reviews I have come across have been very good!

 

[DisneyFive]

I am an ex-pro photographer heading to WDW for the first time three days from now. I own two very good DSLR and a good selection of lenses. I bought a P&S specifically for this trip. It is a waterproof, shockproof camera (Pentax WG-2) that is nice and small. I am going to start out using that camera and see how it goes. I don't really want to drag around a DSLR due to the fact it could get wet or damaged.

Of course the photos won't be as good as what I would get with my DSLR, but the whole point of the trip is to experience WDW, not to photograph it. If I want to see great high quality images of WDW I can find a zillion of them online. I plan on being at WDW for two weeks so I will have plenty of time to rethink my strategy.

Sounds perfect.

Dan

 

[blackacex2]

The no compromise option is to get the Sony RX-100. Yeah, it's a $650 point and shoot but with a 1.8 lens with 28-100mm range.

The issue with Disney photography is almost always low light (parades, fireworks, dark rides, indoor restaurants etc.). This is a truly pocket-able camera that has an aperture or 1.8 when wide open with built in stabilization. With some know how you can get great low light shots. You can get some nice bokeh (blurred background, sharp-focused subject) from the lens as well. Also- 100mm is a pretty fantastic amount of zoom in a point and shoot.

It's a game-changing, blow everything else out of the water camera. It's the perfect disney world camera.

Yeah, you can get better shots with a 35mm prime lens on a Nikon 3100 DSLR and it will cost you less money- but you'll always be lugging the monster around everywhere.

 

[thptrek]

I switched to a CoolPix S8200 and my DSLR is not gathering dust with my investment in lenses. The S8200 has many different modes and I have used it during bright sun on a beach to shooting fireworks and it amazes me. Plus I can put it into my pocket. The technology is amazing.