Newbie here! Any tips for keeping DSLR safe at WDW

[Nackerma]

I'm so excited to see such a wonderful board on photography! Can't wait to dive in

So, I'm planning my first trip to WDW in Sept and I'd like to know any thoughts or tips on keeping my Canon 40D safe during the trip. Since I really have no clue what to expect in the park, I'm not sure how to plan. For example, will it be safe on rides, or is it going to be a burden? I can't imagine not taking my camera in, but maybe I need to plan a day or half day of doing things where I leave my camera behind (and go with a p&s)? I'd love to hear your thoughts

 

[Code]

I use a Lowepro Slingshot 200 bag to carry my DSLR + 3 extra lenses and I was able to take it at my feet on every ride except Soarin which isn't a huge deal since you can just leave it sitting off to the side. Space Mountain was a struggle but I'm 6'8" and that ride barely fits me even without a bag, but I made it work.

 

[webshark3]

My DSLR never left my side for any ride, along with my video camera. I used a Domke F-5XB for both (enough room for the DSLR and kit lens, video, and batteries/tapes).

 

[Steve's Girl]

I would just add that if you don't already have a comfortable camera strap, you should look into getting one. I wear my camera around my neck most of the time and a good strap will help a lot!

 

[SonyaM]

I kept mine around my neck all day, and all week. I'd never leave it out of my sight for a minute. I second Steve's Girl's suggestion on getting a comfy camera strap.

 

[chirurgeon]

If my camera wasn't around my neck, it was in my camera bag. I use either a Tamrac Adventure 7 or a Tamrac Velocity 6x. I like both, but I think I will be taking the Adventure for my next trip. I do a little better with a backpack. I have never had a problem with either bag on rides.

Kim

 

[ukcatfan]

I keep one of those giant ziplocks in my pack so I can just place the entire backpack in it on wet rides.

Kevin

 

[Nackerma]

I knew you guys would have wonderful feedback. Thank you so much!

 

[Groucho]

Surprisingly enough, on my recent trip, I don't think I saw a single Op/Tech strap other than the ones my wife and I had on our DSLRs. They are great especially when you're keeping the camera around you all the time. The downside is that they can feel a little gross as your neck gets grubby and sweaty but you'll be a lot less sore!

My tip is to make sure you have lens hoods for all your lenses and leave the hoods on whenever the lens is attached. They generally do a good job of protecting your glass. Other than that, just keep it nearby, try not to bump it into things or people, and if you take pictures on a rollercoaster (especially Everest), keep a death grip on it!

 

[boBQuincy]

Just got back from three days at WDW, my 30D was out the whole time with the strap wrapped around my wrist. There's no room in the somewhat small camera bag anyway, that's for lenses and such.

I always use a lens hood and it does get bumped frequently but it's a lot less $$$ than even a mediocre filter and works much better for protection. I carry a lightweight (< 1 ounce) backpacking bag in case of rain.

 

[barrie]

I carry a Tamrac Adventure 6 backpack. It's a perfect size for everything I need. In it I carry a kitchen size garbage bag. In case of a downpour, I use it to cover the entire backpack.

Be aware when standing in lines with a backpack. I've never had any problems but it is possible for someone to get into your pack without you knowing it. It's not something I would fret about, just don't be a space cadet either. If you're in a situation that doesn't feel comfortable, take the pack off and carry it in front of you.

Keep in mind that when you're looking through a camera there is a lot happening around you that you can't see or might not notice. Be aware of your environment so that you don't trip over small children or get run down by an ECV.

On rides where it doesn't fit well into the holder they provide for personal items, I just put it on the floor with one of my feet through one of the straps.

If you're not carrying your camera on your neck, be sure to wrap the strap around your wrist for added protection.

When it is on your neck, remember to hold onto it when you bend over (like to tie your shoe or look at merchandise) or you may bang it into something.

Be careful when using the viewfinder if you are taking pictures on bumpy rides (like the safari). Getting bumped in the face with an 11 pound weight doesn't feel that good!

I also use the Op/Tech strap - wow, was that ever a good find. That combined with using a backpack instead of an over the shoulder bag made a huge difference in how my back feels after a couple of days in the parks. But I guess that's a little off topic.

Just always be aware of your camera - it's easy to get distracted. Think of it as you would a newborn and you'll be fine.

 

[orchjoe]

Lowepro - SlingShot 200 AW user here. This bag was very confortable with a 70-300, 10-22 and the kit lens walking around Disney World.

 

[handicap18]

Last trip I kept my camera either in my hands or around my neck. I also had 2 lens pouches that attach to my belt. When I needed the flash (for the character meals) I would put it in the backback that DW and I shared along with some of the kids stuff.

I did the backpack thing on the 2 trips prior to this last one and for me found that it was just easier to keep the camera out all the time and just use the lens pouches.

On fast rides I would wrap the strap around my wrist and hold onto the camera. This was it was safe and I could also take pictures.

I too use the Op/Tek strap and it is wonderful. The straps that come with the camera's are crap. Big time! I bought a Mickey Mouse strap 2 trips ago and that was better, but the Op/Tek is the best. I didn't have any issues this last trip with having the camera around my neck most of the time.

For a bag I use the Tamrac Adventure 9. This keeps all my stuff together and is great for traveling. You can also fit a laptop in it. It does get very heavy when its full, but its just for keeping everything in one central place when I'm not taking pic's. I also keep a trash bag and a 1 gallon storage bag. The trash bag as a cheep quick rain coat and the 1 gal bag to put the camera in when on the wet rides. You can make a hole in the bottom, stick your lens out and attach the lens hood. This will keep the bag on and you can stick your hand in the regular open end. A cheep water protector for the camera in lens if neither are weather proof. (the 40D with some lenses are weather proof).

 

[scottie]

I havent used it yet for a disney trip- but on a suggestion of a fellow DISer I recently purchased the Adorama Slinger bag. It isnt too big and fits my Nikon D40 w/18-135mm lens along with our digtial camcorder and PS Casio camera. The front pockets hold three chargers and other goodies.

 

[Nackerma]

You know you guys are giving me so much great feedback....I'm going to want to research all these products you are talking about...especially that STRAP!
I have a tamarac backpack, but it's definitely not something I want to haul around.
Keep the great tips coming!

 

[MassJester]

Love the Tamrac Velocity 7X

http://www.tamrac.com/frame_velocity.htm

I just got back from WDW and it served very well. The camera compartment opens toward you, so it is difficult to access by folks with nefarious intent. Not nearly as big as a backpack, but plenty big for a DSLR, 3-4 lenses, a flash, extra memory and a P&S.

I will definitely take it next time.

 

[AlphaMale]

I just got back from WDW and used the Lowepro Rezo 170 AW. I has room for a D-SLR and two lenses. I used mine to carry my Sony Alpha 100 and my small P&S Sony along with a digital video camera since I only have one lens for my D-SLR.

It comes with an All Weather cover. I carried the bag with me on splash mountain and just put the rain cover on. It worked great.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

When walking around the parks I keep my camera on always. When on rides that are bumpy, I simly hold onto the camera in addition to wearing the strap around my neck. This keeps it from getting banged up. I use the OpTech strap and I have an OpTech pouch for DSLRs. It helps to keep the camera from getting bumped and scratched when not in use, and is simple to put on and take off for pictures. I put my 50mm1.4 lens in a ziplock bag and keep that in my fanny pack. I also have my poncho handy to cover the camera if needed due to rain. It's so much lighter to do the above than to carry around a camera bag all day long. I have back problems so I try to go as light and as practical as possible. With that said, I am not hauling around $2000 lenses either. If I were, then I could see the advantage of hauling everything around (or at least the lens itself) in a protected, padded bag of some sort. Other than the above, I carry everything in a huge Lowepo camera bag that I use just for air travel. I take it out once I am at my destination. (I throw all this in a huge rolling back pack that I carry on the plane.)

 

[Nackerma]

Thanks you guys. Really appreciate your input and advice!!

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I usually have my camera strapped to my hand. When riding rides, I usually take it with me. Sometimes I leave it in the stroller when I don't want to be bothered with it.