Point and Shoot Camera vs. DSLR

[Sevey13]

Whatever you decide, just remember to take time and stay 'in the moment.' I'm sure you already know this But just like so many people watch wishes 'through the lense' of a crappy iPad camera, people can get sucked in to taking too many photos, and really too much video, rather than pausing and making memories with their families. And remember that the PP photographers will take a photo with your camera (if you trust them with your DSLR) so you can be in picture, too!

 

[jimim]

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 carry my markIII with various canon lens around with my all the time in a saddle style bag. I only carry my doog walk around and a prime for dark rides. it's a pain I feel when its real hot out but still carry it cause it's my hobby. if I don't take it on a last day or something I use my iphone cause at this point you can photoshop pics from phones to be as good as possible that are pretty close to a 300 dollar point and shoot at this point in my opinion.

it's all based on the person.

 

[mshanson3121]

Depends. If the OP really means a "point and shoot" - a type of camera that really barely exists any more (having been replaced by phone cameras) - I agree. But the OP mentions spending $299, which probably actually means a quality compact camera. Some of the good compact cameras have better specs and bigger sensors than the Rebel.

OP - if you want atmospheric type photos - walking around photos - a new, good quality compact is most likely plenty of camera. If you want tricky shots, like flash-free work on rides, or a lot of indoor character shots, or effects shots, you need the Rebel. Personally, I bring a compact. I get 90% of what I would want with it, and I am willing to sacrifice the other 10% to be able to slip the camera in my pocket.

Oh I know the type they mean. I still wouldn't But that's just me. But I'm also a photographer, so I want high quality photos, I want RAW, I want the options to shoot everything I want and I have 0 patience for dealing with the shutter issues that non-DSLR cameras (even the "good" ones) have. Someone else would be perfectly content with snaps. But since OP has the option of taking a DSLR, I definitely would.

 

[Skywise]

Pthppht - my point and shoot has been collecting dust for years. I take the DSLR with me to WDW for a combination of scenery/family photos, show videos and such. But that's only WDW. Universal I just use the smartphone (too many hectic rides not quite enough decent scenery shots), local theme park just smartphone.

I'm big into night/low-light photography and the smartphone just cannot deal with it.

Now ask me about taking photos with an iPad... just do. not. get it.

 

[Love Tink]

Oh I know the type they mean. I still wouldn't But that's just me. But I'm also a photographer, so I want high quality photos, I want RAW, I want the options to shoot everything I want and I have 0 patience for dealing with the shutter issues that non-DSLR cameras (even the "good" ones) have. Someone else would be perfectly content with snaps. But since OP has the option of taking a DSLR, I definitely would.

I am a photographer too. As a photographer, you should know that the camera one uses counts for about 10% of the difference between photographs and "snaps." I also wonder what kind of shutter issues you run into in the Florida sun.

 

[Memaw2Wm]

Last trip I brought my DSLR with me, but only took it to the park (MK) the day my granddaughter was planning on meeting Peter Pan. Otherwise we just used the camera on our smartphone. One of my fav photos is a selfies she took with her phone of her and Peter.

Now if I ever get my grandson to WDW I'll be dragging the DSLR along ... he is the most wigglyest, uncooperative kid when it comes to photos. I need a camera that I can focus quickly and a super-fast shutter ... even then I'm likely to end up with a blurred photo. Darn kid.

 

[RustManFan]

I would NEVER go without a camera. Last WDW trip I took my DSLR to the 1st day visiting each park and my point and shoot (or bridge camera) on subsequent days....except for AK. I always take a DSLR there!

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

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.

 

[mshanson3121]

I am a photographer too. As a photographer, you should know that the camera one uses counts for about 10% of the difference between photographs and "snaps." I also wonder what kind of shutter issues you run into in the Florida sun.

Not the sun. Inside the rides, action shots, nighttime etc... And sure, I can take a great shot with a point and shoot. But DSLRs still produce better quality results hands down, and give you a flexibility that the others don't. But as a fellow photographer, you should know all this anyways

 

[xipotec]

I disagree with some previous posters.

My opinion is that a phone, no matter how good, cannot match a stand alone camera. You have like 6 options to adjust on a phone, if your used to a DSLR you will be unhappy. Thats being said I ditched my DSLR last 2 trips and brought this little guy...

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-ELPH-300-HS/dp/B004J41T7Q

It takes great shots, low light also, takes great HD video (mostly what I do now), and is super compact. It fits in your pocket. Plenty of options to change, shutter speed and apature, although they do not call it that. The only draw back is the battery is proprietary so you have to buy a few . I take 3 with me to the parks. But again they are so small. I keep a plastic baggie in my pocket for water rides.

These days I goto the parks with my Magic Band, and the camera in the bag....thats it......Glad the days I felt I needed a backpack are gone....

 

[The_Banking_Scot]

I took my DSLR with me all the time in WDW and in DL and DCA. when on rides, i put it in my back pack ( which also has some water and soda in it). and it has not bothered me. I just use the standard 18-105 lens with no other lenses.

 

[TroyH]

Depends. If the OP really means a "point and shoot" - a type of camera that really barely exists any more (having been replaced by phone cameras) - I agree. But the OP mentions spending $299, which probably actually means a quality compact camera. Some of the good compact cameras have better specs and bigger sensors than the Rebel.

OP - if you want atmospheric type photos - walking around photos - a new, good quality compact is most likely plenty of camera. If you want tricky shots, like flash-free work on rides, or a lot of indoor character shots, or effects shots, you need the Rebel. Personally, I bring a compact. I get 90% of what I would want with it, and I am willing to sacrifice the other 10% to be able to slip the camera in my pocket.

Great post and great point

 

[UncleMike101]

I'm taking my Nikon and carrying it in a messenger bag with a waterproof compartment.
I just can't be happy with cellphone pics.
They don't have the depth of field, or contrast I can get with a good camera.

 

[Love Tink]

Not the sun. Inside the rides, action shots, nighttime etc... And sure, I can take a great shot with a point and shoot. But DSLRs still produce better quality results hands down, and give you a flexibility that the others don't. But as a fellow photographer, you should know all this anyways

Yes. Which is why I said that if the OP wanted any of those types of shots, the OP needed the Rebel.

And we'll have to agree to disagree about whether the pricier, bigger camera always produces the best results.

Edited to add: I take youth sports photos, so I am always working with a long, heavy lens. I want a vacation from my DSLR when I am on vacation (not just at Disney), so I have a very nice compact. I can get much nicer photos with it than my husband could get with my 70D.

 

[TexasKiwiPrincess]

I always take my Nikon and shoot what I want to shoot. My husband uses his iPhone. My friends use their iPhones. We always travel with friends and family, and consistently the pictures taken with my Nikon get favorited and pronounced as "the best" of the vacation. I'd like to think that is due to all my skillz (Ha!) however, I really think it makes a difference to have a tool dedicated to capturing quality photos.

 

[SplashMo]

I would go with a point and shoot. Sometimes you can get the SONY RX100 for $299.00 which is an amazing deal...

 

[Dbktmc]

Not the sun. Inside the rides, action shots, nighttime etc... And sure, I can take a great shot with a point and shoot. But DSLRs still produce better quality results hands down, and give you a flexibility that the others don't. But as a fellow photographer, you should know all this anyways

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.

 

[mom2rtk]

Whatever you decide, just remember to take time and stay 'in the moment.' I'm sure you already know this But just like so many people watch wishes 'through the lense' of a crappy iPad camera, people can get sucked in to taking too many photos, and really too much video, rather than pausing and making memories with their families. And remember that the PP photographers will take a photo with your camera (if you trust them with your DSLR) so you can be in picture, too!

Eh. Some people take great pleasure in pursuing their photography hobby in the parks. There's nothing intrinsically wrong with that as long as they keep their ipad out of my line of sight.

 

[cavepig]

I just bring a point & shoot, I don't want to lug my big camera, flash and lenses around, that weight adds up. It would be fine on rides if you have a good backpack/case for it. I just want comfort, so point & shoot is fine.

 

[busymommy2pink]

I have a soft wrap that I put my dslr in. It's much less bulky than carrying around the bag. That being said, I don't use it every day, but do love some really great shots at the parks (especially night time) and resorts. My iPhone also takes decent pics now so I don't carry the camera as much.