Taking DSLRs into the Parks

[matt1902]

Dear All

Tried postinng this question on the general photographer's forum but didnt get much success, hopefully my fellow United Kingdomers can help .

On the photographers forum people are posting some fantastic photos that they have taken within the parks and they have clearly been taken with DSLR cameras.

However, if you take your DSLR into the parks where do you put it when you are on the rides? Not sure if things are different in the states by here in the UK I wouldnt even dream of leaving my pro camera at the side of teh ride while I am on it.

Anyone got any expereince (good or bad) of taking DSLRs into the parks?

Thanks

 

[dixonsontour]

DH has a camera bag that comes on rides with us.

We only do rides DD aged 4 can come on with us - camera was fine on big thunder and splash mountain.

 

[Neoshoegal]

We just put our DSLR in our bagpack. It's not a large backpack (only ever go to the parks with a maximum of 2 or 3 lenses), so easily goes on all the rides with us, even Rock 'n Rollercoaster. Just make sure the bag is closed and we always have the strap wrapped around one of our legs.

 

[brer_rabbit]

I keep my DSLR in an ordinary bag when I go to the parks and when I go on rides I just put in on the floor as usual but I put the bag strap around my leg to be extra safe (if that makes any sense!). Usually I got in winter so have a sweatshirt or jumper in the bag which helps protect it.

The only one I was a bit nervous about was Soarin as the basket under the seat seemed a bit shallow but it was fine.

It's definitely worth taking the DSLR if you can - I had a great time taking pictures in the Magic Kingdom

 

[wayneg]

In Disney you have no problem a bag can be taken on any ride. Others parks where bags are not allowed they have either free or low cost lockers near the entrance to each ride.

 

[Figaro's paws]

Ours has its own bag with a strap - DH carries it on the rides while I carry the other back pack with everything else in we had no problems taking it on all the rides.

 

[NicolaUK]

I have an aha 130 SLR bag, doesn't look like a 'steal me' camera bag, fits my camera, 2 lenses, camcorder, spare batteries nice + snugly so no chance of them crashing around in a bigger bag on faster rides (best to get a bag that's padded on the inside)

 

[2Tiggies]

I have an aha 130 SLR bag, doesn't look like a 'steal me' camera bag, fits my camera, 2 lenses, camcorder, spare batteries nice + snugly so no chance of them crashing around in a bigger bag on faster rides (best to get a bag that's padded on the inside)

If your backpack will take it, you can also squeeze your camera bag into it, assuming you don't lug too much stuff around the park in your regular park bag. It diminishes the Steal Me factor as well as meaning you only have one bag to carry.

 

[NicolaUK]

If your backpack will take it, you can also squeeze your camera bag into it, assuming you don't lug too much stuff around the park in your regular park bag. It diminishes the Steal Me factor as well as meaning you only have one bag to carry.

I carry it on the plane in a backpack to cut down on pieces of luggage but we don't really take much of anything else to the parks.

Our park bag is a Tink drawstring bag and it's the one thing my OH always checks is in the case when packing, we just carry a glasses case and bottle straps in it - he loves that Tink bag

 

[2Tiggies]

I carry it on the plane in a backpack to cut down on pieces of luggage but we don't really take much of anything else to the parks.

Our park bag is a Tink drawstring bag and it's the one thing my OH always checks is in the case when packing, we just carry a glasses case and bottle straps in it - he loves that Tink bag :lmao:

I'll bet that's because you carry it! I have no problems with my smallish backpack. It has sunglasses (if not being worn), autograph book and pen, cameras and disposable ponchos. The only other things that go into the side pouch are a small pack of travel wipes and a couple of ziploc bags. Plenty space for a camera .... or two.

 

[NicolaUK]

He carries it

 

[2Tiggies]

He carries it

What a guy you have. Perhaps you should tie yourself to that bag he carries so he doesn't get away!

 

[Disneymad]

I just put it in my park bag and the bag goes where I go LOL as I don't like having to lug too much extra stuff about with me in the parks unless I can help it. Aside from a little incident where I managed to somehow pull the lens cap off (thankfully it was just 'sitting' on it and no damage was done) it survived just fine the whole trip.

Not like I'm swinging the bag around my head or anything and gravity/gforces make sure it's pinned firmly to the ground on any ride I go on though like someone else mentioned, I do hook my foot through the handle just in case, even though my brain says it's not going anywhere my instinct refuses to believe it

 

[Twilight Terror]

Mine stays in its bag and goes on all the rides with me, including Rock n Rollercoaster. Like others have said, I normally just tie it around my ankle, (and hold onto the other strap for RnR). I've even been brave enough to take mine on Splash Mountain (although something I prefer not to do!) by sticking the actual DSLR into a ziploc (god bless ziploc!) bag and putting it back in my normal camera bag. Came out absolutely dry as a bone, which is more than can be said for me that time, even with a poncho on! haha

 

[2Tiggies]

Another option is a good DSLR packpack which will accommodate your basic items as well as your camera kit. I like backpacks because I want my hands free and I am also a great fan of sticking my legs through BOTH straps. Even on RnR it didn't move as I had my feet firmly planted on either side of it.

 

[matt1902]

Hi All

Thanks for all of your replies, I must admit I had pretty much written off the idea of taking my DSLR to Florida (which is a really unnatural feeling for a budding photographer) but I think you have turned that round for me. I have a good bag for my camera so the fact that you can take it on just about all of the rides has pretty much clinched it for me

It looks like I need to turn the question round totally and ask... are there any parks / rides where you recommend NOT taking your DSLR?

My DW (as she will be by then) and I are planning on going to all of the Disney Parks, plus both Universal Parks, Discovery Cove, Aquatica, Seaworld and Busch Gardens).

 

[NicolaUK]

We don't do water parks but I'd be tempted to leave the DSLR behind on those days if we did and just take my little P+S.

 

[wayneg]

Universal have lockers close to entrance to rides you can't take bags on, 1st 30 mins free but depending on time of year the lines to rent are silly.

Seaworld again lockers near rides, I believe they are all 50 cents.

Busch same, 50 cents.

Disney water parks I rent a locker for valubles, think they are $8 now for small one, which is crazy as we never stay in more than 2 hours.

 

[2Tiggies]

We don't do water parks but I'd be tempted to leave the DSLR behind on those days if we did and just take my little P+S.

I take my P&S to the waterparks and TBH I dont think I have ever even used it there. If you are getting photopass, there are photographers all around the water parks too. I am about to buy a waterproof case for my P&S for that purpose (a proper one that allows full functioning of the zoom, etc). You can pick them up on eBay for the same price as a disposable waterproof camera.

 

[2Tiggies]

Hi All

Thanks for all of your replies, I must admit I had pretty much written off the idea of taking my DSLR to Florida (which is a really unnatural feeling for a budding photographer) but I think you have turned that round for me. I have a good bag for my camera so the fact that you can take it on just about all of the rides has pretty much clinched it for me

Matt, just reading this I am so glad you are not discarding the idea of taking your good camera with you. This is your HONEYMOON!!! Trust me, you will be so sorry if you leave it behind. Take a P&S too if you like. I do have days where the little one comes in handy, but there will be times you don't plan on going on any rides that would cause you concern about your camera.

What kind of DSLR do you have? (Not that it makes a difference - just being nosy)