Point and Shoot Camera vs. DSLR

[IndyPirate]

I wouldn't bother spending $300 on a P&S. How about using that money toward upgrading your cell phone instead? I recently got a Samsung S7, and it takes great point-and-shoot photos. The iPhones are really good, too.

Now whether to bring the SLR or not is another thing...they are heavy! I have a wrap for mine also and have taken to challenging myself to bring only one or two prime lenses (usually a 28mm and a 50mm) on vacation instead of bulky zooms and flashes. If you're carrying a backpack anyway, a Rebel with one lens in a wrap won't take up much space (bring a plastic bag to put it inside of for water rides). At least my issue with bringing an SLR was all the other gear I wanted to bring, too, and I have a bad back now so that's why I had to make myself keep to fewer items. The good thing about just carrying the camera and a prime lens is it makes you work harder and think more to get good photos which makes you a better photographer.

As others have mentioned, taking the big camera for half a day (if you can swing a midday break) is a good option.

 

[Anal Annie]

I'm embarrassed to say that I don't even know where my "good" point & shoot camera IS anymore!! I also generally just use my Samsung Galaxy phone as my camera now as it's just so convenient. My DSLR is a pretty big boy (a Nikon D610 with a 28-300 lens so it's quite bulky and a lot heavier than a Canon Rebel with a kit lens). I don't generally bring it anymore on trips where we fly as I try to pack in carry-ons only on most trips and it takes up a good chunk of space and I know that I rarely bring it to the parks so it's not worth losing the valuable packing space in my carry-on. If we DRIVE to FL tho I will bring it but I usually only carry it to the parks for a few hours (usually for the safari or something). As another poster mentioned I only shoot in RAW so I can have maximum editing abillity. I do have a "holster" type bag that is less bulky than my regular camera bag and I put it in that to bring to the parks. I also find on our summer trips my lens would fog up a lot going from the AC to the outside. I found these Nikon anti-fog wipes that work very well for that. But it's just another hassle I'd rather not deal with. I would always put it in a locker for Kali River. For Splash I put the camera bag inside our backpack and I put the bag on top of my feet in front of my legs to protect it. For evenings if I bring it I would also bring a monopod for stability. I generally don't feel like messing with all that tho.

 

[fla4fun]

My sister keeps telling me I should buy a DSLR because of all the pictures I take. But I really believe I would end up hating having to carry a DSLR around so I've never bought it.

I am happy with my Canon Powershot - it's one of the 299.00 point and shoot cameras and I can do basic adjustments if I don't like any of the cameras auto settings (which there are alot of) so I'm happy with that. It fits in my cargo shorts pocket or small purse which is a bonus for me.

I bought the Canon SL1, because I wanted the smallest and lightest DSLR I could get. With the kit lens, or either of my pancake primes, it's lighter than my Power Shot super zoom that I was using prior (and still use occasionally). There weren't as many mirrorless options at the time I bought the DSLR - if I were buying an interchangeable lens camera today, I would probably go mirrorless so it would be even lighter. You aren't going to fit a DSLR or mirrorless in a pocket easily, but I am happy to trade the low light capabilities for having the larger camera.

For example, I used to really struggle to get great shots of the Osborne lights (may they rest in peace ). The first time I took the DSLR, I took a ton of extra shots, because I was so used to having to discard about 50% of them. Every shot came out just as I wanted it to. I've been working on getting photos inside attractions, which my Power Shot cameras weren't fast enough to do in the low light, and getting good results there as well. I don't carry the DSLR to the parks every day - but out of a ten day trip I'd say it goes with me 2-3 days for specific reasons.

If you are happy with your Power Shot, that's great. But if you find yourself struggling to get the shots you want because you need a camera that is faster or has better low light capabilities, then an upgrade might be just the thing.

 

[katt789]

Previous years I always had the same struggle, I wanted a nicer camera for nicer shots, but didn't want to lug it around. I used a combination of my phone & point & shoot. Last year I made the switch to a T5 and haven't gone back or ever wanted to. I barely notice it in my bag anymore (and I usually carry multiple lenses) and the pictures come out super well, especially if you're going to put some effort in to use different settings and play around with things aside from auto.
I'd say at least take it down to WDW with you, and try it out for at least a day, if it's too heavy/irksome, just leave it in the hotel for the rest of the trip

 

[mshanson3121]

Do you have a recommendation of a good mid-priced DSLR? I've been looking forever but I have no idea where to even start.

Just for pleasure? I'm a Nikon fan myself. I know Canon puts out a good product, but I still like Nikon. Now if you want an older used model, can't go wrong with a D90. Takes video (though not HD IIRC), but has an internal focus motor which means you can buy older lenses (saves money) and they will still auto focus on your camera. Many of the newer DSLRs don't have that option, thereby forcing you to buy newer, more expensive lenses. You can pick up a D90 on eBay, B&H Photo, Adorama Camera, and KEH (the last 3 all offer good used departments).

 

[North of Mouse]

Okay, I feel a bit ridiculous asking but I got a good internal struggle with this!

I have a nice Rebel T3i DSLR camera that takes great pictures. However, i'm not sure if I want to lug it around the parks for 4 days in May. With that being said, i'm considering buying a point and shoot camera that will cost around $299.

Are the rides, in general, large camera friendly? Or do my DISers think its best to travel light?

I have a Canon PowerShot SX40HS that isn't too large and bulky, but takes great still closeups as well as videos. I have some great photos from the Flower & Garden Festival as well as rides. I can't resort to just using my phone even though it takes great impromptu photos.

On the other hand, Dh has a Canon DSLR with two large interchangeable lens that he sometimes packs around, and admit that he has some terrific photos that he has enlarged and framed.

It's what you are willing to pack around!!

 

[nyjets53]

Point and shoot with the date function, love to know when the picture was taken, especial a few years down the road.

 

[mshanson3121]

Point and shoot with the date function, love to know when the picture was taken, especial a few years down the road.

Just an FYI, all digital prints (whether from DSLR or P&S) are encrypted with the date shot, just right click on the file and go into properties. If you get hard copies printed out, print date is stamped on the back.