Decisions, Decisions.

[mom2rtk]

I think the OP said she didn't just want to take photos with her phone.

Sometimes people really ARE just looking for advice about whether their DSLR will be safe. Maybe they've been to Universal and seen people have trouble having their DSLR along. Maybe they just want to be reassured their investment can be safe along for the day at Disney. For some people a $500 investment in a DSLR is a pretty big thing and they want to hear about other people's experiences before jumping in and bringing it along.

William, your photos are amazing. And I'm quite sure you're one of a handful of true artists who post here. But your approach to other people is very offputting sometimes and did come across as rude in your original post. If that had been my first post in this forum, as it was for the OP, and you answered like that, I would have never come back.

This used to be a place that welcomed (even encouraged) new and aspiring photographers (you know, the sort who aren't quite sure if they should bring their DSLR along to the parks). It sure has a very different feel these days. I used to refer people over here all the time. I sort of shy away from that since the time I suggested to a friend that they ask their tripod questions over here and the thread turned into a big fight.

I'm sure there are argumentative photography forums all over the net. I've heard about them and to be honest have shied away from seeking them out because of what I've heard. I'm really sad that this place seems to be moving in that direction.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I just re-read the OP's questions and I think the OP wants to bring the camera, but is just nervous that something could happen to it. To alleviate that concern, I would recommend that the OP insure the equipment. I can understand the concerns. Because of what I shoot, I sometimes have to take a step back and put myself in the place of the requestors. As I stated in my first response, my equipment are my tools. I buy photography equipment to help me do my job better and I don't really have an attachment to it. IMHO, I believe the OP will be better served by bringing the DSLR, but it comes down to the OP's decision what role photography will be on the vacation. I must say that when I hear folks refer to their DSLR as their "big" camera, I chuckle. My going light is carrying one DSLR, removing the battery grip and external flash and mounting a kit lens! Everyone has a different perspective of photography and what it means to them.

 

[eddy-4]

Okay, my mom and I are going to Disney for twelve days in October. Beyond excited as it's been eight years of agony for me, and she JUST took a trip.

Anyways, I am absolutely torn on whether or not I should take my NikonD3000. In the last several years I got quite into photography and finally got a decent camera and I would love to be able to use it while at Disney. I just don't know if it's really worth lugging around or not. Also my mom and I are big thrill riders and will ride anything and everything. Even though she will most likely have a back pack, I was wondering how well the camera would do on those rides and such just being in there. I've been trying to decide if I want to bring my camera for a few months now or if I should just borrow my boyfriends digital camera (or get myself a nice new present) or my mom suggested just use my phone which I absolutely don't want to do.

So essentially either I'm bringing my big expensive camera or I'm just going to bring a small camera like a coolpix. I was just wondering if anyone had any opinions on which I should do? I know that no matter what I'll get awesome photos I just don't know if it's worth the extra work, and what precautions I'll need to take while in the parks.

Thanks!

It sounds to me like you really enjoy using your Nikon so I would suggest you take it. I went to Disney for the first time in 2010--I know, why did I wait so long--and I took my Sony A700, 70-300mm, 18-250mm, and 50mm. I'm going back this June and plan to take my A77 and assorted lenses. I came back with some great pix and even better memories. I can't imagine going without it! I'm also taking my Nikon Coolpix so my girls or DH can use it to get pix of me getting pix of them!

But whatever camera you take or do not take--HAVE FUN!!!!

 

[mikegood2]

WOW a good portion of the sub-discussion/disagreement/argument portion of this thread has just disappeared. I think this is the first time I have ever had anything I have ever written removed. To bad, I wanted to reread something and see if I misread or misinterpreted it. Does this happen often?

Back to the OP, if you are concerned about the safety of your equipment, I think Gianna'sPapa made a great point about insuring it. If you are conserned about the safety of your camera on the "big thrill rides" I would suggest taking some shots on some more mild rides and see how comfortable you feel doing it. If everything feels fine give it a try on the trill rides.

 

[photo_chick]

+1 for insurance. Insurance on your gear is always a good idea. The policy I have with my homeowners costs for the year about the same as my family of 4 having a steak dinner. A small price to pay to know that I'm covered not just for theft but drops, spills, and whatever other harm I might unintentionally inflict on my gear.

 

[jimim]

+1 for insurance. Insurance on your gear is always a good idea. The policy I have with my homeowners costs for the year about the same as my family of 4 having a steak dinner. A small price to pay to know that I'm covered not just for theft but drops, spills, and whatever other harm I might unintentionally inflict on my gear.

May e u guys can help but I. Asked my Allstate dealer and they said I couldn't put a rider in my home owners to cover my lens. I needed to have a commercial account like a business would have.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[photo_chick]

May e u guys can help but I. Asked my Allstate dealer and they said I couldn't put a rider in my home owners to cover my lens. I needed to have a commercial account like a business would have.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

Mine is a separate policy that's with my homeowners. It is on the same bill and from the same company (USAA), but not included in the same policy. It's a personal property policy specifically for certain cameras (and other photo gear) that I have. I had to list out exactly what was to be included when I set it up. None of the cameras I use for "professional purposes" can be included in that policy though. Those do have to have different coverage.

 

[ToTJunkie1103]

First off I want to say thanks to everyone for the awesome advice and opinions. Lots to catch up on apparently since I missed a couple days which was in part due to the fact that I think I was a little more offended than I'd like to admit by one of the posts. I don't know that it was intended to come off that way, but oh well that's life and you move on. I would have loved to respond to everyone individually but unfortunately I don't really have the time at the moment so just a big general thanks to all that have posted!

(be warned I think my thoughts are slightly scattered this morning)
Someone mentioned the quality time vs camera. That is definitely one thing that has been in the back of my head as well. I haven't been to Disney in eight years, and even though we will be there for 12 days, it just never seems like enough time and I don't want the camera to interfere or especially with my moms plans. I have never really traveled with my camera. Certainly not on a plane or to anywhere that could even compare to Disney. That makes me nervous, I don't like now knowing exactly what to expect. I guess I'm a little bit of a control freak sometimes hehe.

As quite of a few people seem to have understood my main concern has been the safety of my camera. Yeah i know I said "lugging it around" and whatnot but that really goes more with the previous bit I just wrote. It's not that I'm so lazy that I can't carry my own things, it's that when we go to Disney we go non stop. We're up at the crack of dawn and sometimes practically sprinting places, I just didn't want my camera to slow that down as time is of the essence for us. Really though, that isn't on the very top of my lists of concerns. Safety is the biggest thing for me. Some people said it's their tool, well as I think I mentioned before this is my only camera. Literally. I don't own a point and shoot anymore as mine died years ago. All I have is my Nikon and my phone. I'm not afraid to admit I'm probably the worlds biggest klutz.

I still haven't made an official decision, but the posts have been really helpful. Clearly the consensus is to bring the camera, but I still get nervous. It's mostly that I've never done Disney with a camera really and I don't know what to fully expect. So it's just a little fear about safety and time.

Well stated.

The camera you choose take doesn't make you any more or less of a photographer. People should choose whichever tool fits into their vacation plans the best.

I want to think everyone again for their thoughts on my dilemma, as well as those to kind of stood up for me I suppose? I was thinking about why I was offended and it was that I was basically told if I even question bringing my camera somewhere I'm not a real photographer? I never said I do this professionally, it's just something I enjoy. Maybe I'll eventually do it professionally but for right now it's just a hobby for me. Something I can do to get out of my own head. I'm over it now and like I've said a million times I appreciate everyone. Everywhere you go someone is going to be there to make those comments. I am still on the fence on bringing my camera but I am beginning to feel more comfortable with the idea of bringing it! Thanks again!

 

[havoc315]

As quite of a few people seem to have understood my main concern has been the safety of my camera. Yeah i know I said "lugging it around" and whatnot but that really goes more with the previous bit I just wrote. It's not that I'm so lazy that I can't carry my own things, it's that when we go to Disney we go non stop. We're up at the crack of dawn and sometimes practically sprinting places, I just didn't want my camera to slow that down as time is of the essence for us. Really though, that isn't on the very top of my lists of concerns. Safety is the biggest thing for me. Some people said it's their tool, well as I think I mentioned before this is my only camera. Literally. I don't own a point and shoot anymore as mine died years ago. All I have is my Nikon and my phone. I'm not afraid to admit I'm probably the worlds biggest klutz.

I understand the camera was a big investment for you, so you don't want to risk damaging it. But that's like never wearing your nice clothes for fear of getting them dirty. Or buying a nice car, but keeping it in the garage and riding the bus instead, because you don't want to put miles on the car.

Clothes are meant to be worn. A car is meant to be driven.
A camera is meant to help you preserve your memories, capture moments, create art. It can't do those things if it isn't with you.

You invested in the camera not so it could sit in a closet.

It's like Toy Story -- the toys want to be played with.

Yes, you need to be protective and careful with the camera to protect your investment. But a trip to Disney World-- that's exactly the reason many people even bother owning good cameras. Sure, you can use a camera to take shots around the house. But Photographing Castles, and Mickey, and fireworks, and Princesses, and coasters, capturing the smiles and memories of a major vacation--- can't do that with the camera never leaving the house.

 

[mom2rtk]

OP, so glad you made it back to your thread!

Disney is one of the most visually appealing places you can vacation. I just can't imagine being there without a nice camera to bring home the best images possible.

If not now, then when?

As others have said, take it along and just see how it goes. Better to have it along then decide to leave it in the room if it turns out to be too much bother than to get down there and regret not having brought it along.

One thing you might want to consider is the strap you are using. You want something as comfortable as possible so you can wear the camera instead of fiddling with getting it in and out of a bag constantly.

And just so you know...... it's a lot of fun to play with your settings and get creative with photography at Disney. But if you find yourself wanting to focus less on the camera, it's not a crime to put it on auto for a while. I do lots of branching out creatively at Disney. But when we're in a fast moving character meet, I sometimes put it in Program mode (just like auto, but with the ability to set ISO and flash manually) and just stay in the moment.

Best of luck with your decision!

 

[mom2rtk]

It's like Toy Story -- the toys want to be played with.

LOL! I like that!

 

[photo_chick]

I want to think everyone again for their thoughts on my dilemma, as well as those to kind of stood up for me I suppose? I was thinking about why I was offended and it was that I was basically told if I even question bringing my camera somewhere I'm not a real photographer? I never said I do this professionally, it's just something I enjoy. Maybe I'll eventually do it professionally but for right now it's just a hobby for me. Something I can do to get out of my own head. I'm over it now and like I've said a million times I appreciate everyone. Everywhere you go someone is going to be there to make those comments. I am still on the fence on bringing my camera but I am beginning to feel more comfortable with the idea of bringing it! Thanks again!

The camera is a tool in the sense that it's what we use to record images. And any camera, from a DSLR to cheap point and shoot or even a cell phone camera, can record images. It's about what fits into your trip and what your expectations as far as the images you want to capture. Do what works for you and don't let anyone else make you feel bad for it. Even if what is right for you is taking no camera and just using Photopass. You have to do what works for you and not anybody else.

I used to worry about slowing my family down every time I took my camera out of the bag. I solved that problem (for me) by keeping it out of the bag. I put a Lenscoat body bag on it to protect it from bumps and got a comfy strap to wear. My current DSLR has been to WDW twice and on every ride I've been on.

 

[jimim]

Mine is a separate policy that's with my homeowners. It is on the same bill and from the same company (USAA), but not included in the same policy. It's a personal property policy specifically for certain cameras (and other photo gear) that I have. I had to list out exactly what was to be included when I set it up. None of the cameras I use for "professional purposes" can be included in that policy though. Those do have to have different coverage.

Ya now Allstate won't let me according to my uncle. I have a separate policy on my homeowners for my wdcc collection for breakage and other but I can't do a separate for my camera gear he said.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[mikegood2]

First off I want to say thanks to everyone for the awesome advice and opinions. Lots to catch up on apparently since I missed a couple days which was in part due to the fact that I think I was a little more offended than I'd like to admit by one of the posts. I don't know that it was intended to come off that way, but oh well that's life and you move on. I would have loved to respond to everyone individually but unfortunately I don't really have the time at the moment so just a big general thanks to all that have posted!

I want to think everyone again for their thoughts on my dilemma, as well as those to kind of stood up for me I suppose? I was thinking about why I was offended and it was that I was basically told if I even question bringing my camera somewhere I'm not a real photographer?

Glad you came back and posted and don't worry about the fact that you were offended, you were not the only one who was. I think I read it the same way you did, but after that individuals last post it may not have been as bad. Yesterday I was actually trying to re-read the posts, but they were being pulled at the same time, but like you said life goes on.

I haven't been to Disney in eight years, and even though we will be there for 12 days, it just never seems like enough time and I don't want the camera to interfere or especially with my moms plans. I have never really traveled with my camera. Certainly not on a plane or to anywhere that could even compare to Disney. That makes me nervous, I don't like now knowing exactly what to expect. I guess I'm a little bit of a control freak sometimes hehe.

As far as the plane is concerned, each traveler is allowed a carry-on and personal bag. I would suggest using you camera bag as your personal bag or, if that bag is small enough, place it within a larger bag to use as a personal bag. My personal bag (electronics bag) had my dSLR (smaller camera bag for my dSLR and lenses), flash, point and shoot camera, GoPro, iPad, netbook and all other electronics and cords. I would then store that bag under my seat so it was always in my site. If you want to bring a larger camera bag, but not use it as your personal bag, you could always pack it empty in a check-in bag, if you are checking a bag.

Based on your OP, I would definitely bring a point and shoot no matter what. If I remember correctly, you didn't want rely on your cell phone. Borrow you boyfriends camera or better yet get yourself a new present You can find some very nice pns cameras under $200. I would suggest going thru past threads on the photography board. There are more than a few helpful ones. If you have any questions or need head narrowing it down feel free to ask!

 

[photo_chick]

Ya now Allstate won't let me according to my uncle. I have a separate policy on my homeowners for my wdcc collection for breakage and other but I can't do a separate for my camera gear he said.

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I've never used Allstate. I've heard that State Farm also offers policies for specific items (like cameras, laptops, jewelry) that go beyond what homeowners insurance covers. And there are several other places you can get a stand alone policy for your camera gear. You might check Travelers. I know they offer professional coverage (for liability and gear), they may offer a stand alone for personal property like that.