Do you bring a camcorder / videocamera to the park?

[DestinationDisney]

How many of you bring your videocameras to the parks? Are they a major pain to carry around? We don't have any kids, but are considering buying a video camera to take some video while we are in WDW this coming December. I just love the idea of taping our experience and watching it when we get home.

My boyfriend is looking for a new video camera / camcorder for around $250 (do they even sell them that cheap?) I know at this price range, he isn't going to get anything that has all kinds of bells and whistles attached, however he'd like something somewhat decent. He would prefer to have something that is small and compact.

I'm pretty sure there are different types of video cameras (digital, DVD, etc) so if someone could provide a brief explanation and a suggestion for one to buy that would be really great!

Please let me know what you think!!

 

[mandy200587]

I have my digital and I think I can take a max up to 25 minutes per video but it eats up space. It's also got action and so on the camera also.

 

[Mimi Q]

Yes, I do take my videocamera to the park some days. I rent a locker and store it when I get tired of carrying it around the park. Sorry, no suggestions on what kind to buy.

 

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

I have one of those 'old' Hi8 ones, which I've never really used - I know I'll only regret it if I don't take it, so I guess I will have to lug it around with me!! I only hope I can take it with me on most rides!!

 

[vandort]

We definitely take our video camera. It's not very big (just a little bigger than the palm of my hand); so it's easy to carry. Today, there are many small video cameras on the market.

 

[mandy200587]

To be honest the best advice I can give you too is to go check out cnet.com, it gives reviews but I also recommend Kodak for cameras.

 

[despina]

for example, I was just a Circuit City, they have the camcorders with tape for around 299....may a little less or more. I also notice they had an opened box section of camcorders you can buy at really, really great prices. the boxes had instructions and all parts when I question the person there....good luck..

 

[WAHMto5]

We always do. It is actually a pretty small digital one so it isn't a pain at all to just throw in our bag. You can even wear it as a fanny pack if you like, it came with it!

 

[DestinationDisney]

We definitely take our video camera. It's not very big (just a little bigger than the palm of my hand); so it's easy to carry. Today, there are many small video cameras on the market.

can you tell me what kind yours is? (if you don't mind)

 

[despina]

I know you didnt ask me what kind, but can I tell you dont get mine, I have a JVC hard drive, great day shot, night time is horrible. theres also a shopzilla, which compares prices and products...that might help.. The sony handcam is great value and does great night shots for like the parades etc..

 

[DestinationDisney]

I know you didnt ask me what kind, but can I tell you dont get mine, I have a JVC hard drive, great day shot, night time is horrible. theres also a shopzilla, which compares prices and products...that might help.. The sony handcam is great value and does great night shots for like the parades etc..

Actually...I was going to ask you what kind...but I guess now I'll remember yours so I DON'T get it. Thanks for being honest and letting me know. I'll have to look at shopzilla and compare cameras, like you mentioned.

Thanks for the help!!




For anyone who DOES own a camera....which do you have and do you like it? If not, why not? Thanks!!

 

[HappyCamperToo]

We have a VHS-c, smaller than our old VHS, but huge by today's sizes. I'm waiting for the day after Thanksgiving sales to get a digital video camera, to make it easier to make DVD's of our home movies. Check out this site http://www.gottadeal.com/bfindex.php for deal info.

 

[DestinationDisney]

HappyCamp...

Oh wow! Thanks for the idea...we'll be going in December (arring on Christmas) so I'll be sure to hit the after Thanksgiving sales for the video camera. Why didn't I ever think of that?!

Thanks for the link too!

 

[keishashadow]

might want to check out the photography thread on CB

Warning:

we brought a newer JVC digital model/combo still camera last Xmas...the sensors blew out while I taped Fantasmic in June . Now we've got a camcorder that shoots in a perpetual white filtered mode...grrr.

JVC refused to replace camera, says it was a humidity issue since we were in FL & (here's the icing on the cake) we should have known better! Best Buy said even if we had bought the extended warranty we'd be out of luck on this one.

Ritz camera wants $150 to just look @ it. No, thank you very much; hopefully I'll be able to snag a good deal on black friday (non-jvc).

 

[vandort]

Here a little of my perspective. I have 2 Sony digital video cameras. I don't remember the models right now (I can check on that), but I am been very impressed with the quality of the pictures and the sound with my camera. I also have two Sony digital photo cameras.

My first experience with Sony was with one of the photo cameras that I bought 4 1/2 years ago. I believe that camera is a DSC V-1. I was so pleased with the photo quality and performance of the camera that I bought the Sony camcorder (previously I had owned a Panasonic). I don't think that I'll buy another brand name of camera based on my experiences.

I am excited that Sony bought Minolta and has now made their first SLR digital camera. Sony has tried to take the best technical camera benefits from both companies. The reviews for this camera have been very good and the price is excellent (even brand new in the market) for the quality of the camera.

 

[Tikitoi]

We have the type of Camcorder that can take still pics as well. Although, we found out they dont come out too good, unless you really zoom in. So I may still end up bringing a digital camera on top of that. Just use the camcorder for parades, certain rides, etc. Made by Panasonic.

 

[vandort]

I found my smallest digital camcorder and it is a DCR HC20. I don't think that this model is probably still available, but I'm sure that Sony sells a newer model that is probably better and cheaper. We bought the display model at Best buy about a year-a-half ago because it was the only one available. I know that we paid less than $300 and camcorder prices have continued to go down. For me, it's the perfect little camera.

Our other camera is bigger and has more functions (it also behaves as a regular digital camera). I found that I didn't use the other functions, and I preferred the smaller camera.

 

[BeckWhy]

When we went in 2004 I brought my video camera and barely used it. Though this trip I didn't bring it and sort of wish I had. The problem with a video camera is you have to have a larger camera bag to carry it, it's batteries, and tapes. And it gets heavy after carrying it.

I wish I would have had it to video some of the shows we saw like Lights, Motors, Action which was absolutely amazing.

Another good alternative is to buy larger memory cards for your digital camera (assuming you have one). For my camera, 1 Gig mem card could record up to 45 - 60 min. You can generally find them on sale or with rebate at Officemax or Circuit City.

 

[Skroops]

We don't bring ours every day, but at least once per park. I love that the price has dropped significantly since we purchased our first one years ago (over $800!). We bought one on sale, its' a mini tape type, and we love it. I put a large clip on it, and the DH puts it on his belt loop.
We love love love watching our visit later!

Our small digital camera takes rather good video as well, but it eats up the memory too fast. We usually use the video function towards the end of the day and then head back to the resort with our full camera & memory card to upload to the pc. Works great!

Do it!!

 

[daannzzz]

I have brought my camcorder on all 8 of my WDW trips. I love taking video and then the project of editing it when I return home. My camcorder is a average size one. It is not small but not huge. I carry it in a camera bag that has lots of room for other things. I have gootten use to having the storage space. I carry ibuprofen, pen and paper, lens cloth and extra tapes, as well as things that I have purchased such as pins and mugs and gummy Mickey Heads to snack on. Sometimes I get too much in there and the camera no longer fits but...oh well. I even had a wind breaker rolled up in it a couple times. Yes it can be bothersome at times but after the video is done and I look at it years later I am glad I had it.