SLR in the Parks

[rotary2808]

I've just started using my husband's Olympus SLR. We've never taken it to WDW before and I'd like to but I'm wondering what do you do with it when you're on rides and you don't have someone outside the attraction to hang onto the camera for you? It's not like a point and shoot that I can just stick in my pocket. Any suggestions? Thanks!!!

 

[annnewjerz]

I think you will find the overwhelming majority of responses saying to take it on the rides with you to try to get some pics! Either wrap the neck strap around your wrist and hold onto it, carry it in a bag and stick the bag between your feet on the ride, or wear it around your neck and shoot away!

From what I understand, there are virtually no rides on WDW that will not be able to hold a camera bag, and no rides that prohibit all photography (mostly just flash, although it seems like on some rides such as Rock N' Rollercoaster there are some CMs that will make you put the camera away).

Good luck!

 

[rossb]

I've taken my SLR on just about every ride in the parks. I never had a problem, the ride with the most risk was the Kali Rapids ride.

 

[goin2disneyagain]

I put my SLR in the camera bag and put it between my feet. I don't normally take photos on the rides. I have yet to go on a ride where it was a problem to take my camera bag. It's the same as taking a small backpack along.

 

[Chikabowa]

I just hold it in my hands. On every ride. Never a problem.

 

[rotary2808]

Thanks!!!! I normally try to carry as little with me as possible in the parks, but I'd like to give it a shot just to see what a difference in pics an SLR makes. The only rides I'm really concerned about are roller coasters, we don't do too many water rides except for Splash and then we normally sit in the back.

 

[JR6ooo4]

It is easy for me. I don't like the fast rides... nothing with "mountain" in the name.

Mikeeee

 

[tnhillbilly]

If you are going to take it, without a bag, get a 2gallon zipploc bag and have with you, for the water rides.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Are you using an Olympus digital SLR or film SLR?

Do we know your husband here?

 

[ssanders79]

I take my dslr on the rides. Sometimes I am shooting, other times it is stored in my bag. I've even carried tripods onto the rides without an issue.

 

[rotary2808]

Are you using an Olympus digital SLR or film SLR?

Do we know your husband here?

Olympus Digital SLR. Not sure which model or anything like that though. The first time I used it was our ABD trip to Italy a few weeks ago. He told me I either had to take pictures with it or videotape with his new HD video camera since he couldn't do both at the same time. I had a blast using it and ended up taking over 600 pictures in our 7 days of touring.

He's not on the Dis, I'm the only Disser in the family.

 

[WillCAD]

I've taken my SLR cameras on every ride I've ever done at WDW.

Keep in mind that the vast majority of rides at WDW are not thril rides. Stuff like Pirates, Haunted Mansion, the Great Movie Ride, and Spaceship Earth are quite tame and perfectly safe for any kind of camera. Only a few rides require special attention to keep your camera safe and/or dry.

For coasters, like Rock and Roller Coaster or Big Thunder Mountain, I typically hang the camera by the strap between my feet.

Some thrill rides, like Star Tours, Dinosaur, and Mission: Space, have storage areas that will hold an SLR while you ride.

For water rides like Kali River Rapids (or periods of heavy rain), I use a home-made camera poncho. It works perfectly - I'd have to completely immerse the camera for several minutes to get any serious moisture in there. And I normally don't bother with the ponch on Splash Mountain, but I do shield the camera with my body on the last drop, just in case. For some reason, I just don't seem to get all that wet on Splash. Usually.

 

[luvthemansion]

Ive taken an SLR for many years

A ziplock bag is really useful, not just to avoid getting water in there but also when coming out of an air conditioned room into the florida heat. It can allow the camera time to acclimatise.

I know for some an SLR is too large but I just love looking back on the great photos we've taken

 

[11290]

It is easy for me. I don't like the fast rides... nothing with "mountain" in the name.

Expedition Everest?? Fantastic coaster and doesn't have mountain in it's name. LOL

 

[mabas9395]

For water rides like Kali River Rapids (or periods of heavy rain), I use a home-made camera poncho. It works perfectly

I followed these steps and got this:

 

[rotary2808]

That is absolutely amazing!!! You can't even tell it's in a plastic bag.

 

[lizet313]

WOW this is great info.

 

[oregondaddyof2]

I followed these steps and got this:

THAT IS AWESOME!!! I am going to try this next trip... Did you just shoot this on continuous as you were going down?

 

[mabas9395]

Yep, just keep the shutter down.

After I was so impressed with myself for my MacGyver-like photographic skills , I thought to myself, "why didn't I just put the video camera into the bag instead"?

 

[oregondaddyof2]

I kinda like the looks of the still shot movie... Puts a little creativity in it so it is not just the normal movie...