DSLR owners

[mhaddon]

I have a Nikon DSLR was wondering if it is worth taking. I was thinking of getting a P&S Nikon for our WDW vacation b/c it will be smaller and easier to carry around. We will have a 3 yr old, 2 yr old, and 7 month old so we will be busy and have to pack diapers and stuff. I am going to try to travel as light as possible and was wondering if any other DSLR parents found it worth it to take along or if it was a pain when everyone wanted to ride a ride together. I also figure it wouldn't fit in the safe at the all star movie resort...
If it is worth it what lenses did you take and did you take your speedlight.

 

[mouselovenfamily]

We just got home and I took my new D90 with 18-105 lense. I have teens so not in your situation. How many photos do you plan on taking? If not a ton go with what is easier for you and your family.

 

[jcb]

I took my DLSR Nikon for my first WDW trip (with it) but before my second trip I went out and bought a pocket (Kodak) camera primarily to take on the next WDW trip.

The first day with the DSLR it was a pain to get it in and out of the camera bag. The next day I took only the DLSR and one lens (35-70mm) and, while i used it much more, it felt like I was continually banging it around on attractions no matter how much I tried to protect it.

I was also worried about losing the expensive DLSR (absent minded I am), it walking off, or falling in water.

The second trip I was so glad I had the pocket camera. It took very good images, panoramas and was much more convenient. It even took HD movies. The Kodak also worked much better with my pocket tripod while the DLSR and lens was too heavy for the tripod to do much good. So far, I haven't lost the Kodak or the DLSR.

 

[YesDear]

Each have advantages and negatives for the pictures you get and the lugging factor. My son is an adult today so I am not taking the arsenal of stuff younger families are taking today. I cannot imagine not taking my DSLR. You have to figure out how many, and what type pictures you want. If you want the picture of Jack in Pirates, take your DSLR and a fast lens. If you only want family pictures at normal places consider the P&S.

 

[handicap18]

This questions come up a lot. Personally I wouldn't want to go to WDW without my SLR. I've been 4 times. Twice with a film SLR and Twice with a dSLR.

The last time we went with the family that consisted of 3 kids 5 and under. I got some great shots of the kids.

 

[disneydreamin247]

I decided to leave the DSLR home and regret every second of it. I will never leave home without my baby again.

 

[H.E. Pennypacker]

I always take both to WDW. I'll take my DSLR some days for the "serious" photos, and on other days when I want to travel light, I'll just slip the P&S in my pocket. I will tell you, the right bag can make all the difference on how big or little of a hassle it is to take your DSLR. I prefer the across-the-shoulder type bags, like the Lowepro Slingshot series. It carries like a small backpack, and then you just rotate it around to in front of you for easy top-loading access to your camera. I routinely take a fairly large DSLR body and 3-4 lenses to WDW and don't find it to be cumbersome or a hassle with this type of bag. But then again, I don't have any little ones I need to try and keep track of, either.

 

[jcb]

OK - while we are on the subject, what are you thoughts about DLSR v pocket camera (I refuse to refer to them as "point and shoot") if doing WDW and DCL the same trip. Take both or just one? If one, which one?

(Assume kids/lenses/filters are not an issue.)

 

[wenrob]

Having my little ones and therefore a stroller made carrying a DSLR easier for me (at the SD ZOO and Sea World) as I just draped the bag over the stroller handles and left the top open for easy access. Even still, I wore my camera a good part of the time and didn't find it too bad even with all the steep hills etc. However I think San Diego is probably much cooler and less humid then Florida. I'm from Vegas so anything under 100 degrees is "nice and cool" though.

 

[YesDear]

I just did a cruise in September and you could not have gotten me not to take my D300. Actually I am glad my backpack was not weighed because it probably weighed more than my suitecase with laptop in it!

Also actually DW lost her P&S on the cruise. Left it on a breakfast table and it was never turned in. I had no trouble at CC with my cameras, but I am very careful with them. Even took the 70-200 to CC.

 

[annnewjerz]

After purchasing my DSLR and seeing how much more I like the results I am getting, I would probably want to bring it with me everywhere. I bring it with me to work every day on the off chance I see something on lunch I want to snap a shot of.

That being said, I would also bring a small point and shoot...what's the harm? I have an Olympus Stylus 1030 SW that is waterproof that I would love for the cruise portion. Whether pulling into port and snorkeling, or taking pictures of your family in/around the pool, it is something that will go on all of our trips now as well, just for the versatility of the camera.

 

[Chikabowa]

I just got back from 12 days in WDW. I took my DSLR with me every day and everywhere. I have a 2 year old DD. I my my Nikon D3 with a 17-55mm f2.8 lens on it. In my messenger camera bag (Tracy Joy) I carried my 50mm f1.4, 85mm f.14, my Flip video camera, wallet, cell phone, 3 diapers and a package of travel wipes. At night, I also carried an SB-800 speedlight, 2 pocket wizards and then put a small tripod in the stroller. And yes, I carried this EVERYWHERE for 12 days.

This is the advice I give EVERYONE who asks me... What are your intentions with your camera while in the park? Is it to get cool artistic shots? Is it to just snap away at moments with the family? Is it to improve your skill as a photographer while in a different locale?

For me, I carried all this stuff because I wanted to. I don't take snapshots, I use my time in the parks to shoot stuff for me. Since I'm a pro, often I'm shooting for client work, and this was an opportunity for me to stretch my wings and play around with concepts I might not necessarily have time/energy to do at home. But part of my fun is lugging all my equipment and doing these types of shots. For me it's not about going on the rides, or making sure that I have a light pack.

That is why I say that you should sit down and ask yourself what you are trying to accomplish. Having 3 little ones is tough enough... and honestly, the one morning I had DD all by myself while DH went and ran some errands, I left the camera back in the hotel because I couldn't handle her and the equipment/stroller all at the same time at DTD.

If you are too scared that you'll ruin the camera, or you don't want to have to lug everything around, just leave it behind. For scrapbooking memories, a P&S will give you some great shots and give you the freedom to enjoy the moments with a little less baggage. But if you are trying to improve skills, or want super cool/artistic shots, and you aren't worried about the extra equipment and weight, by all means, take your DSLR!

Hope that helps!

 

[dburg30]

Well, I wasnt going to take my bigma, BUT, alas, the shuttle is scheduled to fly the day after we arrive, soooo, we're heading out to titusville, so now I'll be taking my tripod, 50-500 bigma etc etc.. I was going to take my 28-135 and my 20mm wide angle, and my new canon sd990 compact elph. I was going to travel light.. well, so much for that.

To answer your question more about WDW, I dont think it could go without my DSLR..

 

[H.E. Pennypacker]

Well, I wasnt going to take my bigma, BUT, alas, the shuttle is scheduled to fly the day after we arrive, soooo, we're heading out to titusville, so now I'll be taking my tripod, 50-500 bigma etc etc.. I was going to take my 28-135 and my 20mm wide angle, and my new canon sd990 compact elph. I was going to travel light.. well, so much for that.

To answer your question more about WDW, I dont think it could go without my DSLR..

Would you mind sharing your shuttle pics with us when you get back? We're unfortunately flying home on the scheduled launch day, so I'll miss my chance to see it and photograph it once again. (Although back in October of '07 I was able to see it go up from the roof of a parking garage in Kissimmee.)

 

[dburg30]

I'll sure try. I'm hoping to get some good shots while it's on the pad, from watching I already know that once it fires, all you are going to have is pretty much a big bright blob

 

[TinkerKell-ey]

Bring it! In 2006 to WDW and 2007 to DL, mine remained around my neck almost permanently (approx. week long trips). I slipped it into my messenger type bag before some rides (roller coasters/water type) and during meals. On rides, the bag tucked nicely under my arm, and survived just fine. The bag had lots of pockets for maps, snacks, kids stuff, etc. The bag was made of lined fabric, by Tracy Joy. I did add some craft foam layers wrapped with fabric to the bottom for extra protection. I have two kids now 5 and 7. I did not carry extra lenses (tried it, found it not worth the trouble) and would recommend a good camera strap for comfort. We leave next week for WDW and I am trying out a new bag - it is (kindof) a tearshape, smallish backpack made of waterproof very lightweight nylon. You can twist it around yourself so you can get into it without taking it off. I could do this with the messanger bag too, but I'm trying for smaller this time around. My speedlight stays home. Tripod is a tough one, that has stayed home too, but I would love to have it for the fireworks.

The biggest issue with a P&S is that annoying delay - and things happen fast with kids. I've missed way too much in the past. I'll never go without my DSLR!

 

[rossb]

I always take an SLR but I try to travel as light as possible. That means I only walk around with the body and one lens and I keep them in a Tamrac holster on my belt. The last time I went I carried a Nikon D50 and a Nikkor 18-200 and the combo worked great.

 

[MM_Bound]

I plan on bringing my DSLR with me to the parks. I will most likely only take one lens, on it a 28-105 for general shooting. I love the creativity I get from it, having said that I will most likely also bring a compact and Video Camera. I have a two year old that keeps me running and we carry a bunch of stuff but the stroller helps. I also think you should look at a camera bag that will suit your needs during the time, some people really like a sling, or a back pack, but having one you find comfortable will make it easier to handle after carrying it all day

 

[drcandon]

Here are a couple of threads on DLSR's and lugging them around the park..

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1994728

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1991369

The one that compares the $499 p&S to the $15,000 HB raised the most eyebrows and got some of the pros on this board upset - but remember the poster was just comparing a relative size in an average print not absolutes on a huge monitor at max res..

That being said I always lug along my DSLR and my P&S as well add to that a HD HDD camcorder and you have one weighted down person..However the camcorder is for the parades and DW operates that thing..I usually use the DSLR..

But getting on and off rides - keeping it dry on Splash mountain or the kali rapids is a royal pain...The little p&S - a ziplock bag and your done...in an absolute pinch you can even shoot through it..notice I said in worse case scenario...

We are going this December and for the photos I want to take a P&S would never be able to cut it..