Debating whether to bring a DSLR to WDW

[DISoriented]

I have a digital SLR that takes amazing pics but I don't know how I'll manage with a stroller, diaper bag and a 10 month old. My husband will be with our 5 year-old for the most part, so I can't count on him to be the family photog.

We also have a tiny Canon digital that would be so convenient but it doesn't take pictures that are as nice. I'm not even sure why I'm obsessing. We leave tomorrow morning and I have yet to make a decision.

Which camera did you bring to WDW?

 

[alloyd1170]

Im looking into buying a new digital point and shoot (but also has manual controls). Its the Sony DSC-H1 and looks like a DSLR. I have the DSC-T1 which is about the size of a deck of cards. Great to carry everywhere, but quality isnt too good, especially in low light or fast moving situations. I plan to continue to use the T1 (carry it around in a diaper bag) but will use the SLR type for special occasions (like Disney, trips, etc) where I know I will need better controls. So in my opinion, I would make a way to lug around a bigger camera for the special events. You can use the stroller basket to hold the diaper bag (or hang it on the back) and just grab it when you go on rides. What I have done is just take a plastic grocery bag and fill it withe wipes and diapers and just leave it in the stroller. Never had a problem. Snacks and drinks too. The valuable stuff gets worn in my hip pack. It was big enough to hold some purchases, autograph book, pen my small camera and a small video camera some snacks for in line, bubbles, credit card, some cash, room key, passes, and cell phone. If you dont have a lot to lug, maybe you could find a waist pack or backpack to carry your camera. Theres always a neck strap, but that can hurt after awhile. Id say check out ebags, but youre leaving tomorrow. Several months ago I saw a decent camera bag at Walmart. The other option would be to take the SLR one or two days, shooting pics like crazy, then leave it behind taking the smaller one. Course I know with little ones anything can happen at any time so you want to be prepared! Have a geat time!

alison

 

[tlbwriter]

Personally, I would not want to drag an SLR around the parks. My digital point n shoot fits very nicely in my fanny pack and isn't an inconvenience at all.

 

[JeanJoe]

DW and I were long-time Canon digital point and shoot users. Last trip, we had a new Canon digital SLR.

On the days when we had me, DW, DGM, and DGF to help with DD10mo and DD2.5yo, using the digital SLR was GREAT, and we took more than 800 pictures with it during the trip. Much better picture quality than with the P+S.

On the day when it was just DGF, DD2.5yo, and me, the digital SLR got put in its case and stayed there. It was just too hard to keep track of the little one, and I was worried with each bump and smack into the lens of the digital SLR. (And of course it was that day that the lens cap got lost, somewhere between the Country Bear Jamboree, Aladdin's magic carpets, and the Tiki Room.)

 

[NJDisneymom]

When I was camera shopping a few months ago I didn't get a SLR for 2 reasons... one was I have no clue how to really use it, LOL!! and the other was because I knew I'd be less likely to take it places with me because of its size. I opted for the Canon G6 because it does have some decent manual features (that I'm still trying to figure out) yet its small enough to throw in the diaper bag and go. I will admit I am not thrilled with its AUTO setting, (indoor shots mostly, the flash is too bright and the red eye is horrible) but on the manual settings I can see why people think its a great camera. I just need to get better aquainted with those options. And at 7 megapixels I know I'm going to get good prints.

 

[disneysteve]

My husband will be with our 5 year-old for the most part, so I can't count on him to be the family photog.

Not exactly sure why having a kid with you would prevent you from taking pictures. Isn't that kind of the point - to take pictures of the kids?

I'd go with the better quality camera. The kids are only this age once and you want to have nice pictures to remember your trip.

 

[DISoriented]

Not exactly sure why having a kid with you would prevent you from taking pictures. Isn't that kind of the point - to take pictures of the kids?

DD is only 10 months old. She will be in a stroller, but there are places where I will need to carry her. It would be difficult to maneuver both the heavy DSLR and a 20 lb infant.

But I've decided to bring both. If it turns out to be too much of a hardship, I'll just leave the DSLR in the safe back at the resort.

Thanks to all who responded.

 

[disneysteve]

It would be difficult to maneuver both the heavy DSLR and a 20 lb infant.

Sorry - I got that part. What I didn't get was why your husband having the 5 yo with him would prevent him from taking pictures. I'm guessing he won't need to carry the older kid around most of the time, though it may happen occasionally especially at the end of the day.

I think taking both and deciding once you are there is a good choice as long as you have somewhere safe to leave whichever camera you aren't carrying with you.