Digital Camera Experts - Need some Info

[Wendybird55]

Hi Everyone,

I was hoping I might get some insight / answers on the following.

I'm going to WDW in Sept. - It's DS first trip. I have a Kodak 6mp EasyShare point & shoot and Cannon 12Xzoom 6mp digital cameras as well as a Sony DVD camcorder.

I got the camcorder thinking I'd be taking videos of my son when he was born and such, but let's face it - I'm not a video person - even though I work in professional vidoe production for 15+ years, I prefer still photos for trips and most everything else.

I'm taking my Canon to WDW and thought instead of dragging the camcoder I will take some video clips on my camera of DS in WDW - so I can show grandparents and such when we get back. I don't plan on taking ALOT - just a few clips here and there probably about a minute or less each. Like when DS meets a character. No video clips of Disney attractions - only DS.

I have a 4GB and a 1GB memory card. I'm not planning on downloading pics. while on the trip - keeping them all on memory cards.

How many minutes of video do you think a 4GB card will hold? How many pics at 6mp.
I know I will be taking alot of pictures so I want to make sure I have enough memory...any advice will be appreciated...Thanks

 

[thomas998]

There is no hard and fast rule... you need to put the chip in the camera when it is empty and then set the camera for whatever level of picture quality you intend to use. Then let the camera tell you how many pictures you will be able to hold. For the Video question, it works the same way... at least it used to our old canon camera.. you put the chip in and turn the camera to video camera mode... You might have to actually start recording but the LCD should show how many minutes of video you can shoot. Also make sure your shooting in the quality you intend to use.

Sorry I can't give you a specific number but all camera are a little different... Expect to shoot 20-30 seconds for each character encounter... you might shoot more you might shoot less depends on how much lead time you get and then how well DS intereacts... you might only use 10 seconds for the whole trip if he turns in horror and runs (seen it happen... and I thought everyone loved pooh).

 

[Wendybird55]

Thanks Thomas998 - I didn't even know the camera told me how many pictures I can hold...see what happens when you only read the quick set up part of the manual??

I took the manual out because I want to read thru it more carefully so I can take better night shots of the fireworks and such as well as use the right setting for motion shots like when he's on Dumbo with daddy...

I'm hoping he will be OK with the characters...recently we went to Amish Country and there was this big guy dressed as a Gingerbread Man and my son went right up to him. Plus he also enjoyed seeing a pretty pitiful looking Easter Bunny at a local restaurant...So if these guys didn't scare him I'm thinking he'll be fine with all his Disney friends - if not, there's quite a few character meals I'll have to cancel!

Thanks for the input...

 

[Frantasmic]

My Canon S5 has a 4gb card. It's time for video on the best format shows about 30 minutes available on the 4gb card.

For pictures, that same 4gb card shows about 1400 pictures available at the highest resolution/capability.

30 minutes of video at Disney isn't very much if you plan to do a fireworks display or two. If it's just 1 minute here or there with character meets, you'd be okay. However, since you also say you are an avid picture shooter, I'd plan on at least taking along another 2gb card just for safe measure.