Decisions, Decisions.

[ToTJunkie1103]

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!

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

It really depends upon your photographic goals for the trip. For myself, its an integral part of the trip and I bring a ton of gear (which I have posted before). As far as rides, I always have my camera out and ready to go. On the thrill rides I will put my leg through the backpack strap and pin it to the floor. I have never had an issue. Of course, this is from a person that normally carries two dslr's (w/ battery grips) thirty weekends each year (I work at a major motorsports facility). Because I shoot alot, I'm not attached to my equipment like many, but think of them as tools from my toolbox. If something gets damaged or broke, I get it fixed. I have backups for backups. I'm probably not the normal person to ask or answer this question!

 

[2Tiggies]

Honestly,you are probably going to take more photos per day at WDW than you would at almost any other time of the year! I would never leave without my Big Camera. I don't even take a point and shoot with me anymore although that is a popular option. Some people dedicate some days as photo days and others to just go light so whatever works for you. As for rides, I don't put my camera in my bag except on Kali River Rapids and Rock n Rollercoaster (they will probably tell you not to have anything in your hands for risk of dropping it and causing injury to other guests and there is really no photo op there). As for the rest, I ride like this:


Everest by 2Tiggies, on Flickr


Space Mountain by 2Tiggies, on Flickr


Spaceranger Spin by 2Tiggies, on Flickr


Tower of Terror by 2Tiggies, on Flickr

Forget the Photopass photos - you want to take your own photos on the rides too

 

[ToTJunkie1103]

It really depends upon your photographic goals for the trip. For myself, its an integral part of the trip and I bring a ton of gear (which I have posted before). As far as rides, I always have my camera out and ready to go. On the thrill rides I will put my leg through the backpack strap and pin it to the floor. I have never had an issue. Of course, this is from a person that normally carries two dslr's (w/ battery grips) thirty weekends each year (I work at a major motorsports facility). Because I shoot alot, I'm not attached to my equipment like many, but think of them as tools from my toolbox. If something gets damaged or broke, I get it fixed. I have backups for backups. I'm probably not the normal person to ask or answer this question!

Thanks. I was thinking just sticking a leg through would be fine, as I know I did that quite a few times with the bag I was carrying the other times. I just guess I'm paranoid. I will probably take a million photos and I'd really like the opportunity to use my good camera. It's my first nice camera and my only camera I have other than the one on my phone so I'm definitely attached. I think I really just needed reassurance that it can be done! I mean I know it can, I just get a little nutty sometimes. Definitely a helpful response. I have a while before I really have to decide so we will see...I just don't know when I will be going back so I really want to get those awesome shots NOW. =)

 

[Daisy14'sDH]

Lol, Space Mountain, and ToT are the toughest! Bring it, or regret it.... up to you! lol

 

[2Tiggies]

Lol, Space Mountain, and ToT are the toughest! Bring it, or regret it.... up to you! lol

Space Mtn more so than ToT. There's not really much to the ToT ride as it's not jerky. I must admit, Space Mountain has seen me knock a lens against a wrist bone. I've also hit my DD on the head with a lens as we veered around a corner on BTMR but she forgave me The camera is probably less at risk of being damaged in any way than you are of bumping yourself or your Mom with it, but I think you will live to regret not at least taking it with you and deciding there if it comes to that.

 

[ToTJunkie1103]

Honestly,you are probably going to take more photos per day at WDW than you would at almost any other time of the year! I would never leave without my Big Camera. I don't even take a point and shoot with me anymore although that is a popular option. Some people dedicate some days as photo days and others to just go light so whatever works for you. As for rides, I don't put my camera in my bag except on Kali River Rapids and Rock n Rollercoaster (they will probably tell you not to have anything in your hands for risk of dropping it and causing injury to other guests and there is really no photo op there).
Forget the Photopass photos - you want to take your own photos on the rides too

Does it do fine in just a backpack on Kali? Or will I need to wrap it as well? I can't remember how good the center thing to hold everything is at keeping water out-- it really has been way too long. I never really thought about keeping it in my hand for the other rides, I really figured I'd be forced to just keep it in the backpack. Thanks for those photos!

Lol, Space Mountain, and ToT are the toughest! Bring it, or regret it.... up to you! lol

Good Point. If I don't bring it I'll probably spend half my time there saying to myself "oh I wish I had my camera for this..."

 

[2Tiggies]

Does it do fine in just a backpack on Kali? Or will I need to wrap it as well? I can't remember how good the center thing to hold everything is at keeping water out-- it really has been way too long. I never really thought about keeping it in my hand for the other rides, I really figured I'd be forced to just keep it in the backpack. Thanks for those photos!
"

If you're not going to take photos ON the ride then there is little point holding it. It does fine in the backpack on Kali in the center well but you want to get yours in there first before it fills up. I usually take a spare plastic bag to AK with me for that purpose and wrap the bag well in that and it's never got wet.

 

[ToTJunkie1103]

If you're not going to take photos ON the ride then there is little point holding it. It does fine in the backpack on Kali in the center well but you want to get yours in there first before it fills up. I usually take a spare plastic bag to AK with me for that purpose and wrap the bag well in that and it's never got wet.

Well certain rides I am going to try to get photos on. But yeah, for the major rides like ToT or Rockin' Roller Coaster I will most likely have it in my bag. Kali was really the one I had the most concerned about. I'll bring an extra bag or just wrap it in a poncho or something. I'll get crafty. We'll be there for Halloween and MNSSHP so I definitely want to get some shots of the decorations.

The only thing keeping me from definitely taking my camera is I feel a little lazy and just don't want to carry it everywhere. But I could always leave it at the hotel for a day if we've already hit that park. I guess it's just simply better to bring it and not use it as much as I would have thought than to not bring it and kick myself for it. Still a debate in my head.

 

[mom2rtk]

Love the ride photos 2Tiggies!

My camera only goes in the bag on RnR (but we travel in December and don't do Kali).

I enjoy on-ride photography a lot. It's fun to try and conquer the various challenges each one presents. It can be an awful lot of fun to play with your shutter speed on a fast moving ride:


IMG_8400 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

 

[bob100]

Love the ride photos 2Tiggies!

My camera only goes in the bag on RnR (but we travel in December and don't do Kali).

I enjoy on-ride photography a lot. It's fun to try and conquer the various challenges each one presents. It can be an awful lot of fun to play with your shutter speed on a fast moving ride:


IMG_8400 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

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wide angle + long shutter = cool shot!



.

 

[mom2rtk]

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wide angle + long shutter = cool shot!



.

Thanks!

 

[mikegood2]

If you have the room, I would definitely bring the dSLR and the point and shoot! That way you can decide if you want to bring the dslr into the park on a day by day basis, and if you leave it behind lock it in your room safe. Maybe you use it every day, only some or not at all, but by bringing both the choice is up to you!

 

[nvtsallo]

I have a family who is less than thrilled with my dslr and gear but when we get home they love the pics. Its up to you if you want to carry the gear like others said. You could take it day by day. You can rent something like the sony rx100 which will fit in your pocket and bring decent iq.

 

[mom2rtk]

You know, some people really do start these threads just looking for input. They are looking for input from others about how they balance their personal desire for creative photography time with quality family time. But with perhaps a one week trip per year, they have decisions to make about how to prioritize their time. Not everyone is in the parks weekly with time to set up their tripod and focus exclusively on photography. They're also schlepping around diaper bags and trying to make memories with their kids.

That doesn't mean bringing a DSLR is the wrong choice. Just because someone doesn't have time to bond with the security guards at Downtown Disney doesn't mean they should just leave the DSLR at home.

 

[ukstitch]

First the short answer - yes I'd take it.

Now the longer answer:

I tend to take two cameras away on holiday with me - my main DSLR and a much smaller point and shoot (Canon S90) that still provides me with a good level of control such as the usual PASM modes, RAW shooting etc...

I will then usually pocket the S90 every day and leave the DSLR in the room. Other days I'll specifically take the camera with me and have a day more devoted to photography.

This seems to work pretty well for a compromise with both me and the others I go on holiday with - it allows me to devote more time on some days to the family / holiday side of the holiday, while on other days allowing me more time devoted to a hobby that can be quite draining at times for people with you due.

 

[cjstarr]

I think you're over simplifying it a bit into just 2 classes of people.
Reality is, a person may have varying "passions" to varying degrees, that need to be balanced at Disney World.

I have a passion for photography, but elected to take the RX100 on my last Disney vacation instead of a full dSLR set-up... because I wanted to balance my passion for photography without being weighted down by the camera.

Someone with a passion for photography, may also have passion for quality time with their family, a passion for fully appreciating the rides, etc, etc.
I went on Tower of Terror with camera in hand, trying my best to snap pictures whenever the elevator reached the top. Someone else, despite their love for photography, may have wanted to just sit back and enjoy the exhilaration of the ride.

There are people without experience bringing "big" cameras on vacation about the pragmatics -- People who wonder whether it's possible to bring cameras on rides, fear of storing the cameras, etc. People who may be unfamiliar with Disney's camera policies.

So there are lots of different reasons that a person would ask whether they should bring their camera or not.

 

[photo_chick]

You know, some people really do start these threads just looking for input. They are looking for input from others about how they balance their personal desire for creative photography time with quality family time. But with perhaps a one week trip per year, they have decisions to make about how to prioritize their time. Not everyone is in the parks weekly with time to set up their tripod and focus exclusively on photography. They're also schlepping around diaper bags and trying to make memories with their kids.

That doesn't mean bringing a DSLR is the wrong choice. Just because someone doesn't have time to bond with the security guards at Downtown Disney doesn't mean they should just leave the DSLR at home.

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.

 

[wiigirl]

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.

...and comfortable with.

 

[Zooshoveller]

Take both and alternate which camera goes to the park for the day. Best of both worlds!