Want great Universal/Harry Potter photos! Need camera recommendations

[sandam1]

After spending most of this afternoon playing with Photoshop, trying to adjust/lighten etc. photos from my last two Universal trips, I've come to the conclusion that I need a camera upgrade before my next trip this spring. I'm currently using a point and shoot that just doesn't take good photos indoors (like in the ride queues - particularly the HP rides) and my cell phone is also lacking in this area.

I'm looking for a fairly small camera (able to fit in a mid-size cross body bag when not in use) that isn't too complicated to use. Must take good low light photos and must rock at fireworks shots (my current camera is fabulous at this). Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[wagman67]

Not knowing how familiar you are with cameras and taking differently lit pics, or how much money you have in mind to spend, it will be hard to give you a spot on recommendation. Many modern phone cameras take great shots, even in low light. My 2 year old LG G4 still takes pictures that are good enough for me. It has a number of manual settings that allow adjustments for different light and focus, but also does a pretty descent job at point and shoot. It is by far not the best camera (either phone or compact), but it works great for me, which I say to point out that your preference will be different than mine...I would just rather have one convenient device, in the park, and not have to keep up with and protect multiple ones. This is also why I am considering a one day photo package from Universal, this year.

 

[tony67]

I'd check out https://www.dpreview.com/ if you really want to dig into the options.

As the PP stated it does come down to convenience vs quality. I've never been happy with photos from a phone, but many are and "The best Camera is the one you have with you" - and many time that is the phone - so it is a great tool and very convenient.

You probably want to look into a large sensor point & shoot - something like the Panasonic dmc-lx10 or the Sony RX100 - most of the compact cameras and phones have a sensor about half that size. The key is the larger the sensor the more light it can pick up - so look for something with a 1" sensor.

I'd recommend reading though the reviews and buying guides on that site - once you have decided on one or two then start to look at the forums - people tend to be zealots for their brand and you are better off making a choice and then looking into the feedback from others.

Nikon, Canon and Sony seem to have a very dedicated fan base - similar to the Disney vs Universal you see some places so keep that in mind as they will try to push you towards their brand....

 

[havoc315]

After spending most of this afternoon playing with Photoshop, trying to adjust/lighten etc. photos from my last two Universal trips, I've come to the conclusion that I need a camera upgrade before my next trip this spring. I'm currently using a point and shoot that just doesn't take good photos indoors (like in the ride queues - particularly the HP rides) and my cell phone is also lacking in this area.

I'm looking for a fairly small camera (able to fit in a mid-size cross body bag when not in use) that isn't too complicated to use. Must take good low light photos and must rock at fireworks shots (my current camera is fabulous at this). Does anyone have any suggestions?

For fireworks shots, you need ANY camera that has manual controls AND a tripod. So the most basic P&S won't work, but more advanced P&S, and all interchangeable lens cameras will be fine. For a tripod, a gorillapod is great, can fit in a small bag.

Examples of fireworks with a small camera and a gorillapod:

Illuminations Fireworks from behind the shrubs by Adam Brown, on Flickr

DSC05431.jpg by Adam Brown, on Flickr

Fireworks seen from Disney Boardwalk Area by Adam Brown, on Flickr


Fireworks off the Disney Fantasy by Adam Brown, on Flickr

On my last trip to Universal, I used a Sony A6300 with just a couple of lenses and a gorillapod. I believe I brought the Sony 10-18/4 for fireworks and landscapes, and I brought the 24/1.8 for low light shots. As well as the kit lens when I wanted to go really portable (and basically pocket the camera instead of putting it in a locker)

Despicable Me, Minion Mayhem by Adam Brown, on Flickr

DSC04014.jpg by Adam Brown, on Flickr

Here is a sense of what you can get in a queue with even the kit lens:

DSC03910_DxO.jpg by Adam Brown, on Flickr

If you actually use a low light lens:

DSC04155.jpg by Adam Brown, on Flickr

Wide angle lens with the gorilla pod:

Gringotts Banks by Adam Brown, on Flickr

 

[schumigirl]

There is a really good Photography board on here.

Kathy (klmall) on the Dis takes the best pictures I have seen on here.........I'm sure folks there could give you good advice.

 

[schumigirl]

Amazing pictures havoc315..........wow!