taking the new SLR to Disney - advice?

[jennykay]

I got a digital SLR a few months ago, and I'm a little nervous about taking it to Disney! I'd love to hear your tips on keeping it safe and dry, hear/see how you carry it around the parks, and anything else you want to tell me about it!

I think I am most worried about things like Kali where my whole family will be able to ride together, but what to do with the camera? Nobody to leave it with, don't want it to get wet, what to do?

Any tips you have about an SLR in Disney will be greatly appreciated!

 

[Master Mason]

My bag is water resistant, and they have the big container in the center of the raft. On most rides what I do is get a big bag from a store and wrap it around the camera on my wrist, I've never had a problem with that stratagy.

 

[thomas998]

done the wet rides even without the water proof bag, just having the camera in a non-water proof bag... the bag got wet, I pulled the camera from the bag, it was dry and I just let the bag dry out..... Bottom line I wouldn't worry that much.

Frankly I would suggest you start by going and getting yourself a very comfortable neoprene neck strap for the camera... then make sure you have plenty of memory cards... an extra battery...If you are limited on space and wont be able to carry extra lenses with you in the park then the only time you are likely to need/want a big zoom is MK, other parks rarely need it and do better with wider lenses.... if you want maximum fun with the camera, consider picking up a flash for the camera, being able to take rapid fire shots with a fast flash are much better than depending on good lighting or the little pop up flashes on some DSLRs....Maybe consider a polarizing filter... otherwise, just have fun and don't worry.

 

[WeLoveNemo]

You sound just like I did! I am so glad I had mine, though, once I saw the pictures. This was August and I had some self-limited "foggy camera" issues going from inside AC to outside heat and humidity. Perhaps someone here can advise before you get there.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I think I am most worried about things like Kali where my whole family will be able to ride together, but what to do with the camera? Nobody to leave it with, don't want it to get wet, what to do?

How about using it to take pictures?



In all seriousness, I'd recommend bringing a plastic grocery bag and just shoving it into that when there is a serious chance of wetness. If you want to be really cautious, use a 1 gallon ziplock bag.

 

[EeyoreFan5]

I have a Canon 400D and quite nervous with taking it as well. I usually use my Sony cybershot H-9 (smaller and can fit in a purse/bag etc.

Which lense would you recommend with the Canon?

 

[YesDear]

I agree with everything that has been posted here. First the center bag at Kali has kept my camera very dry numerous times. Secondly you really need a neoprene camera strap. Your shoulder will appreciate it.

Secondly the plastic bag is a good idea.

I also guess I have used cameras so long that they are tools to me and I take very good care of them, but I am not scared of them either. I have been caught in rain storm and just stuck it under my shirt.

One comment that I totally agree with is do not be surprised at Disney if you walk out of your room in the morning and the lens is toally fogged until it adjusts to the humiditly. You can wipe the lens but unitl the camera adjusts it will still fog. It will not happen too often in attractions, but I have had that happen too.

Take care of your camera but also enjoy it!

 

[Gdad]

I agree with Mark- Kali pictures are lots of fun.

But his photo does show the waterproof stow-away compartment. Just be sure to close it.

 

[ukcatfan]

I may go to the extreme, but I have one of those large ziplocks that the backpack will fit in. It folds up to almost nothing and I do not even notice it in my bag.

 

[boBQuincy]

As you can see, this is not a group that leaves the SLR at home!
I carry a lightweight dry bag, available at REI and other camping stores. Here are some that are very light and fold up small:
http://www.seatosummit.com/

A lens hood to protect the lens is a good idea at the parks too, it can prevent a lot of damage (my lens hoods have taken a lot of hits).

 

[Alztybrn]

I brought my Slingshot 200 AW pack with me... with the rainproof cover that pulls out, I had no problems with rain/Kali or weather.

As far as fog...I always took my camera out of the bag as soon as I left my room, by the time I got to the parks it was always adjusted and ready for shooting.

 

[ukcatfan]

I bought an Aquapac for our S210 and plan to try it out in two weeks from tonight!!! We are going for six days at POR. I am going to use it on the wet rides and try it out in the pool.

 

[Gdad]

As far as fog...I always took my camera out of the bag as soon as I left my room, by the time I got to the parks it was always adjusted and ready for shooting.

Hey- don't knock fogged up lenses- one of my favorite pictures was taken with the lens all fogged up. I almost deleted it but was glad I kept it- I think it kind of works.

 

[fhirleighinn]

If you leave your ac'd room in the morning and do not want the camera to fog up, place it in a plastic bag before you leave the room, and once the temperatures are equal, take it out, and it will not be a problem.

 

[pointandshoot]

I agree with the suggestion of taking a dry bag from REI. You can clip those around the camera strap and have it handy not only for Kali or Splash, but also when you get caught in a sudden storm.

I also travel with a Pacsafe bag. It is a wire bag with a lock. Hotel safes are not very large. I wrap my camera bag, as well as other valuables,fit in a Pacsafe and lock it to plumping, table, etc. I have also used it in my car when I must leave my gear behind. Well worth the money.

Chuck

http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=11

 

[Groucho]

I'm with Bob - lens hood whenever possible! This may not be possible with some kit lenses but it's about the best protection you'll get.

Really, though, SLRs are all over the place at Disney parks (and were before digital came along!), Disney usually takes care of you. On Kali, as long as you have some half-way decent bag to put the camera in before throwing it in the center cubby, you'll probably be fine.

Or if you're really worried, just skip Kali entirely - it's not that great of a ride. Disneyland's Grizzly Run has got it beat pretty easily.

 

[jennykay]

How about using it to take pictures?

I agree with Mark- Kali pictures are lots of fun.

Ok, these pics are so much fun but I am having a panic attack just looking at them! Did you just whip the camera out when you were sure you weren't going to be the one under the giant crashing wave? My tennis shoes were wet for 3 days after this ride!

Hey- don't knock fogged up lenses- one of my favorite pictures was taken with the lens all fogged up. I almost deleted it but was glad I kept it- I think it kind of works.

ITA - the fog gives it a creepy, Bates motel feel. which is perfect!

Or if you're really worried, just skip Kali entirely - it's not that great of a ride. Disneyland's Grizzly Run has got it beat pretty easily.

haha! no choice in this matter. it's the only ride dd5 is willing to ride. and ride. and ride.

thanks so much for all the good advice. I guess I just wanted to know that people are taking the slrs and not spending the whole vacation worrying about the camera. So, now to go shopping! I need some more memory cards, a dry bag or ziplock, a comfy neckstrap, a lens hood, and while I'm there, I might as well get a new lens, and ooo! I'll definitely want a new tripod...

 

[DebºoºS]

]So, now to go shopping! I need some more memory cards, a dry bag or ziplock, a comfy neckstrap, a lens hood, and while I'm there, I might as well get a new lens, and ooo! I'll definitely want a new tripod...

another ziplock bag user In WDW two weeks ago it rained on and off every day for the week. Bring extras. Stuck in the park without an extra bag for DS backpack I grubbed one from a CM. It was large enough to make a cape that covered DS's backpack camera bag. After day one I started using hotel waste basket (garbage) bags. They're just the right size for my Domke shoulder bag. I kept it tied around my camera bag strap. Just before heading out into the rain I'd drop my camera bag in and tie. It stayed dry all week.
A lady came running over to me and asked where I bought it pointing to my garbage bag. She just had to buy one for her camera bag. At first I didn't understand what she was asking then her friend joined her and said the same thing pointing to my garbage bag. Blushing, I told her that I was desperate this morning and that it was from the hotel. She didn't get it so I had to explain in fact it was a garbage bag from the hotel! She looked disapointed.

 

[jennykay]

so funny!

 

[MarkBarbieri]

Ok, these pics are so much fun but I am having a panic attack just looking at them! Did you just whip the camera out when you were sure you weren't going to be the one under the giant crashing wave? My tennis shoes were wet for 3 days after this ride!

The camera and lens that I used are weather sealed, so they can get splashed and sprayed. When I've used non-weather sealed cameras, I've just carried a plastic grocery bag and shoved it in there when I get worried.