Do you bring a camcorder / videocamera to the park?

[Hope73]

We bring ours but don't take it to the parks every day. I am breakign down and buying a smaller one for this trip. Hubby doesn't know it yet but it is happening today while he is engrossed in the Iowa/Iowa State game.

 

[Cellthing]

We have taken ours on every trip. We have carried everything from a VHS-C, to two Mini-DV camcorders, the latest being a 3CCD Panasonic, which takes awesome video during the day, and better than single CCD at night, and in low light. We carry both our digital camera, and camcorder in our trusty backpack that I think has made the past six trips.
A suggestion for those who like to film at night, put your camcorder into manual focus, especially for fireworks. The camera will have less of a hard time focusing, and the video will turn out better. For Spectromagic, I tend to do the same thing, only find a focus point that will allow me to get the best quality video.
We tend to come back with at least 1-2 90 minute tapes, and at least a 1000 pictures, so making a movie of them isn't too hard, just time consuming.

 

[ntsammy5]

Any MiniDV for just video is good. Just make sure the viewfinder works well in Bright sun light. That's usually a problem. I have a JVC that works very well and is small. Also have a Sony 7.2 MP digital that takes passable videos. I finally realized that I was taking so much video though, that I never really noticed the parks. My BIL calls it "seeing Disney through a 1" B&W square." There is some merit to this point of view. I will be taking video this trip though because we'll be at a wedding. good luck

 

[Dis-Wiz]

I brought our video camera the last two times we have gone to WDW, and we REALLY enjoy watching them. We have a Sony handicam digital video camera, and it is somewhat small; the picture is great, and the sound is also very good. I was able to fit into my fanny pack, but I did get tired of carrying it all day. We stayed in WDW for a week, so we went to each park twice (Magic Kingdom MANY times). One day in the park I would tape, and the other day I would leave the camera at the resort. It worked well this way. We have footage of each park, but I wasn't always carrying it around.

Also, since it could fit into my fanny pack, I could bring it on rides and not have to leave it in a locker.

Piece of advice. If you do not like the sound of your voice, then do not narrate the trip. We made that mistake the first time bringing the camera. I was so embarressed of how I talked, and what I was saying! It seemed like I was rambling. (my sister felt the same way, since she was the one talking most of the trip). This year, I taped without saying much more than a few words, and I like the tape much better.

 

[martyshoney]

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..

I am soooooooooo glad that you posted this b/c my DH was buying me this for my big 3-0 birthday on Thursday! Now I will look into something else, any suggestions?

 

[blondeheroine]

Mine is small. It doesn't bother me at all. I have this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-DCRHC40-Digital-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B0001BVHL4

That's an older model, but the newer models are pretty much the same (if not smaller). It takes great video. The only thing is you need to be careful about your battery because mine popped off last week without my knowledge and went missing.

But honestly - it's a great camera. I've had it for over a year and have used it like crazy.

 

[DestinationDisney]

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.

Thanks for the info...I'm going to look your camera up to see what its going for nowadays. We aren't looking to spend a lot, so I don't really mind buying a video camera that is an older model.

I'm right there with you on the Sony's. I just recently purchased a Sony H5 digital camera and I LOVE it!! It can take videos but not very long ones and the videos take up a lot of memory so I'd rather just buy a video camera...

 

[DestinationDisney]

We bring ours but don't take it to the parks every day. I am breakign down and buying a smaller one for this trip. Hubby doesn't know it yet but it is happening today while he is engrossed in the Iowa/Iowa State game.

Oh I know how that is! I find myself buying things mostly when my BF is busy watching football games That way, he's so engrossed in things, he doesn't even notice. Either that, or I'll hide it in the trunk and bring it in when he's not home!!

 

[DestinationDisney]

Piece of advice. If you do not like the sound of your voice, then do not narrate the trip. We made that mistake the first time bringing the camera. I was so embarressed of how I talked, and what I was saying! It seemed like I was rambling. (my sister felt the same way, since she was the one talking most of the trip). This year, I taped without saying much more than a few words, and I like the tape much better.

Hahaha!! This had me cracking up when I read it!!

I remember when I was younger, my dad had one of those big, clunky video cameras. When he would video family trips, he'd narrate and it was always so awful to listen to! My mom would video my swim meets and she'd cheer while she taped....that was even worse!! Plus she'd be shaking the camera up and down and sometimes she'd get lost and wind up taping the wrong kid! We'd get home and watch it and I'd say "mom that wasn't me!!"




Thank you all so much for your replies and suggestions!! I made this post on the photography board but I've seemed to get more replies from all of you! So thanks for the help...I'll let you know what I decide on!

 

[vandort]

I did find the same camera as my model, DCR-HC20, on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7596985991&category=20333

It's refurbished, and the "buy it now" price is $199.95. The seller has 99.8% positive feedback (out of 433 responses).

I found other websites with much higher prices, which I don't really understand?? I know that I bought a display model, but I know that the price (before the display model discount) was not that high. Maybe people are taking advantage of the fact that Sony doesn't make this camera anymore?? I'm puzzled.

I was in Walmart this weekend (getting last minute supplies for my Disney trip this week), and they had a variety of new small Sony digital camcorders. Here is an example that was listed online:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4725823

This camera is probably most similar to mine (e.g. mini DV tapes, touch screen). It's brand new (and I'm sure improved) and $332.

I hope that this is helpful.

 

[Ride Junkie]

I bring mine just about every trip. It's a Sony Handicam I bought in 2000, the 1st time I took my nieces to Disneyland. The videos I've taken at Disney are my absolute favorite home videos to watch. Especially the videos on the rides! I love to tape the rides while I'm on them & watch them over & over. We also got some really cute character interaction with the girls (they were so little then...sniff...).

You will be so happy you bought one, because you will LOVE watching your videos again! I've gotten a lot of enjoyment out of mine, and priceless memories. I will probably upgrade to a smaller model soon, the Handicam is getting a little heavy!

 

[DestinationDisney]

I'm definitely going to look into one...I'll have to go to the stores this week and look around and do some researching.

I completely agree that being able to look back on vacation memories is so exciting! I'd really love to have the fireworks shows, parades, and all the shows on video so thats another reason to get the video camera! And I figure, as most of you have said, if it gets too heavy then we'll just get a locker and put it in there for the meantime.

I can't wait!!

 

[Quinn222]

I've never carried one in the past but we have a little Sony Handycam and I'm bringing it the next time we go.

 

[DisFam95]

I've been researching a new camcorder myself and this is what I've found.

The ones that record to a cassette/mini cassette give much better quality than those that record directly to DVD.

I know I want one w 3CCD. They record better in low light situations. They have 3 color filters instead of 1 like most cameras. Much better quality pic.

When I went to Best Buy to just look (never buy from them ..you'l pay $100 more than you should) they were ALL small and compact.

After all my research I'm going w/ the Panasonic PV GS 300. There is a 500 version but a bit more pricey than we need to spend right now.

Also I suggest going to cnet.com. The camcorder I'm looking at would be about $600 at Best Buy but I'm getting it for $480.

places like ibuydigital.com
butterfly photo
beach camera
buydig.com
are all reputable stores and that's where I and all my other friends buy from. Like I said, Wolf, Best Buy, Circuit City etc..you'll pay way more than you have too.

I 2nd the comment of not narrating too much! You get tired of hearing your silly chattering over and over . Watch what you say standing next to the person w/ the camera too!

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

yes we do. i love to tape the shows and parades and fireworks then make DVD's out of them to watch later. (i wish i could live at MK) but videos work just fine. i have ob video both DD's on tape for there first rollercoaster rides (yes they loved it) these are memories that will last forever.

 

[DestinationDisney]

I've been researching a new camcorder myself and this is what I've found.

The ones that record to a cassette/mini cassette give much better quality than those that record directly to DVD.

I know I want one w 3CCD. They record better in low light situations. They have 3 color filters instead of 1 like most cameras. Much better quality pic.

When I went to Best Buy to just look (never buy from them ..you'l pay $100 more than you should) they were ALL small and compact.

After all my research I'm going w/ the Panasonic PV GS 300. There is a 500 version but a bit more pricey than we need to spend right now.

Also I suggest going to cnet.com. The camcorder I'm looking at would be about $600 at Best Buy but I'm getting it for $480.

places like ibuydigital.com
butterfly photo
beach camera
buydig.com
are all reputable stores and that's where I and all my other friends buy from. Like I said, Wolf, Best Buy, Circuit City etc..you'll pay way more than you have too.

I 2nd the comment of not narrating too much! You get tired of hearing your silly chattering over and over . Watch what you say standing next to the person w/ the camera too!

You have NO idea how much I appreciate this information!! Thank you for the heads up!! I think $500 is a bit on the high side for us, but I'm going to look for something that will be decent for us in a lower price range.

 

[Conan the Librarian]

You have NO idea how much I appreciate this information!! Thank you for the heads up!! I think $500 is a bit on the high side for us, but I'm going to look for something that will be decent for us in a lower price range.

Going by this, my suggestion is probably out of your price range too. We bought a Sony DVR 403 DVD recorder last year on amazon.com for $700+ and have been VERY satisfied with it. It runs DVD-R and DVD-+RW.

We have hauled it around WDW, taken it boating, camping and hiking and it has met the challenge. It has great low light features (just right for POTC or the HM) and a 120x zoom. It fits in my pocket, or, our backpack, and has a great bag that will hold quite alot by itself. We recently bought a small tripod for it that also fits in my pocket, but, folds out to a nice sturdy platform. The battery is a two hour battery and we bought a spare 1 hour that pretty much gets us through the day at any park. It also comes with a remote.

A good website for looking at these kind of things is

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/


Give it a look.

We also have a Minolta x-700 SLR (yes a FILM camera) that we take with us for the KSafari. It has been a workhorse for us for many years now.