What a disaster!!

[maroo]

wow!

Awesome pics! I can't wait to see pics that you are happy with!

My camera died...(it had nothing to do with me dropping it on the concrete )...but...if you had about $300 to buy just a decent point and shoot camera...what would you buy? I had a Canon Powershot and I liked it...so I am not used to anything too fancy...I was just curious what you thought. I need to get a new camera and practice before I get back to Disney!

 

[Mrsdisneyb2b]

I know it is crazy to ask but...I just got a NIKON... what setting do you shoot the fireworks/night pictures on? Your's are so fabulous

 

[Misslandsquirrel]

Love the latest pics! I always have a hard time with fireworks shots too. Can't wait to see the rest.

 

[desparatelydisney]

OK, TopDog...sorry, to hijack the awesome TR but I need your "professional opinion"...

We are headed down in May, and it will be my first trip with my new Sony alpha (just used point & shoots the last 10 years or so). I am using my '90s era Minolta AF lenses on the Sony.

I have a nice compact 35-80 Minolta lens and then I have the 18-70 Sony lens that came on the camera. The camera is much more compact with the 35-80, and I have 3 kids and their stuff to lug so I don't want to carry an extra lens while in the parks. Do you think I would be OK to carry the 35-80 lens in the parks (with the exception of AK where I will bring the 70-210) or do you think I will regret not having the wider angle of the 18-70 to work with?

TIA!
MMM

 

[joleen76]

You have to watch out for that Donald....he can be pretty mischievous.

I am really enjoying your TR. Can't wait to hear about AP and see the pictures!

 

[WillowBelle]

Yeah! Another posting. Looks like you had a fantastic day!!!! The photos were great.

I learned how to photograph fireworks last year. Use the lowest ISO you have, f8-f16, bulb setting - exposure time, as long as you want. I'm looking forward to going back this year and getting different angels. I would like to try further back on Main St. like yours were - would be nice to have the shops in the photo also.

Which Crumpler bag is that? I'm looking to get a new bag for my trip. I have a Tamrac backpack right now. Not crazy about having everything on my back, especially since DH isn't going on this trip to help dig stuff out for me Also, why do you wear the fisheye on your hip? Is that for ease of access?

 

[freesone]

TOPDOG

Those are some of the best pictures I have ever seen on any trip report, or website for that matter

Thanks and keep up the great work on your TR!!!

 

[bouldertcr]

Hey Top Dog,

Really enjoying the report and of course the fab pictures. My DS10 and I will be staying at WL for the first time in June and your pictures and report reassure me that I made the right decision in choosing WL.

Looking forward to reading the rest of the report.

 

[GoofyFairie]

Topdog, with the natural darkness and lack of naturally occuring light since it is night, I'd say that your pics of the lodge were awesome! Wishes were pretty too. I must say your food pics make me want to live on dessert and drink smoothies for the whole trip!

Now the 18 hours of Power Disney I could probably manage if I didn't have 2 kids! I hope you get rested up and have an exciting day tomorrow, I can't wait to find out what comes next!

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

Awesome update.

I am determined to see MK at night. Yes, I know!
Why haven't I yet? Long story and this is your TR.

Can't wait for more.

 

[GeminiAngel]

I really need to just learn how to use my lousy P&S! I take awful pictures.
I never know what settings to use. I used the fireworks setting for Wishes, and they came out so blurry!

I'm just loving your report! The Wave looks really good!

 

[tiggrbaby]

Wonderful firework pics from both cameras!

 

[topdog]

wow!

Awesome pics! I can't wait to see pics that you are happy with!

My camera died...(it had nothing to do with me dropping it on the concrete )...but...if you had about $300 to buy just a decent point and shoot camera...what would you buy? I had a Canon Powershot and I liked it...so I am not used to anything too fancy...I was just curious what you thought. I need to get a new camera and practice before I get back to Disney!

Thank you. For $300, you have a lot of choices. Canon Powershot certainly is a top contender, I heard my good thing about it. Even the Nikon P80 is selling for around $260 now. You can shoot it in full auto mode or manual mode. The most important part is how the camera feel in your hand. Go to Best Buy and try it out to see which camera feels better. The other important part is you must able to hold it steady.

I know it is crazy to ask but...I just got a NIKON... what setting do you shoot the fireworks/night pictures on? Your's are so fabulous

Which NIKON model do you have? Can it shoot in manual mode? That's what I did. Set the camera on a tripod. Open the aperture some where between f/5 to f11. Set the shutter in "Bulb" mode. It would help if you have a remote shutter release. Open the shutter for about 1 second to 2 a the most and hope for the best. I found some time if the shutter is at 1/10 to 1/15 second works pretty good too.

Love the latest pics! I always have a hard time with fireworks shots too. Can't wait to see the rest.

Glad you like the fireworks pictures. There are still a couple more that makes the cut which I will add them in my site when it's ready.

 

[topdog]

OK, TopDog...sorry, to hijack the awesome TR but I need your "professional opinion"...

We are headed down in May, and it will be my first trip with my new Sony alpha (just used point & shoots the last 10 years or so). I am using my '90s era Minolta AF lenses on the Sony.

I have a nice compact 35-80 Minolta lens and then I have the 18-70 Sony lens that came on the camera. The camera is much more compact with the 35-80, and I have 3 kids and their stuff to lug so I don't want to carry an extra lens while in the parks. Do you think I would be OK to carry the 35-80 lens in the parks (with the exception of AK where I will bring the 70-210) or do you think I will regret not having the wider angle of the 18-70 to work with?

TIA!
MMM

Thank you. I will do my best to give you my suggestion. Sony Alpha actually is a very good camera. Even my NIKON sensor were made by Sony also. I am not familiar with compact lens but here is the thing. Personally, I think 35-80mm is plenty good enough to cover everything. I used 35mm prime for most of my pictures at Disney. Anything wider than 35mm I thought is too much. Keep in mind, while you are inside the park, you will be surround by a lot of buildings and structures. 18-70mm, IMO, is only good for scenery picture. 70-210mm for AK is a must but it's just too heavy. Carrying my "BEAST" for one day was a lot of work but necessary in AK.

You have to watch out for that Donald....he can be pretty mischievous.

I am really enjoying your TR. Can't wait to hear about AP and see the pictures!

Thank you. That Donald...he such a crazy duck.

Yeah! Another posting. Looks like you had a fantastic day!!!! The photos were great.

I learned how to photograph fireworks last year. Use the lowest ISO you have, f8-f16, bulb setting - exposure time, as long as you want. I'm looking forward to going back this year and getting different angels. I would like to try further back on Main St. like yours were - would be nice to have the shops in the photo also.

Which Crumpler bag is that? I'm looking to get a new bag for my trip. I have a Tamrac backpack right now. Not crazy about having everything on my back, especially since DH isn't going on this trip to help dig stuff out for me Also, why do you wear the fisheye on your hip? Is that for ease of access?

Thank you. Very good advise on the setup for shooting fireworks. I like to set my aperture no higher than f/11 because that's the sweet spot for my 35mm lens. However, it would be interesting to try my fisheye lens and set it in front of the castle. That would be fun to see how it work out. With that crowd, I will have to camp out there from noon. LOL...
My Crumpler bag is the 6 Million Dollar bag. Bought it from Amazon for only $70. That's a great bag. Looks small but it fit every thing.
Yes, I like having the fisheye on my hip for quick and easy access. Not to mention, that's a very hard lens to get. I waited over a month for mine. I like to keep it close to me.

 

[topdog]

TOPDOG

Those are some of the best pictures I have ever seen on any trip report, or website for that matter

Thanks and keep up the great work on your TR!!!

Thank you. Glad you like the TR and pictures. I still have a lot to share.

Hey Top Dog,

Really enjoying the report and of course the fab pictures. My DS10 and I will be staying at WL for the first time in June and your pictures and report reassure me that I made the right decision in choosing WL.

Looking forward to reading the rest of the report.

Thank you from reading my TR and glad you like the pictures. You DS will love WL. I know a lot of people complaint the WL room are smaller than other deluxe resort. But DW and I just love it. Size of the room doesn't bother us at all. DW already make a point. If we go back again, WL is the only place we will stay. I can't disagree with her.
Don't forget to take a tour at WL. I think it begins at 9am every morning for people whole stay at WL. You will learn at lot about the resort. Very educational.

Topdog, with the natural darkness and lack of naturally occuring light since it is night, I'd say that your pics of the lodge were awesome! Wishes were pretty too. I must say your food pics make me want to live on dessert and drink smoothies for the whole trip!

Now the 18 hours of Power Disney I could probably manage if I didn't have 2 kids! I hope you get rested up and have an exciting day tomorrow, I can't wait to find out what comes next!

Thank you. It wasn't easy to shoot those indoor WL pictures. I still have to make a lot of adjustment on those picture in order to make it acceptable. Wishes were okay but I think it can be better. I guess I just have to go back and shoot it again.
You are right about the desert and smoothies. That's my 4 basic food group there.
18 hours was a very long day. If I go any longer, I might end up sleeping in the elevator. At one point, I thought about sleeping at the WL lobby.

 

[topdog]

Awesome update.

I am determined to see MK at night. Yes, I know!
Why haven't I yet? Long story and this is your TR.

Can't wait for more.

Thanks. Now I want to know the story.

I really need to just learn how to use my lousy P&S! I take awful pictures.
I never know what settings to use. I used the fireworks setting for Wishes, and they came out so blurry!

I'm just loving your report! The Wave looks really good!

The Wave is a very good restaurant. You should try it if you get a chance.

It does take a little creative thinking to shoot fireworks with a P&S. The most important part manual doesn't tells you is you need a tripod. I don't care how steady is your hand. Your pictures will come out blurry some how. I bought mine from a Wally World special at $19.99. Not the best but it work. Trust me on that one.

Wonderful firework pics from both cameras!

Thank you. My DW would be proud.

 

[GeminiAngel]

Thank you so much for telling me about a tri-pod. I'm going to look for a cheap one and practice a bit.

 

[MadiMouse]

 

[GeminiAngel]

I know. We can't get enough of his report

 

[desparatelydisney]

Sony Alpha actually is a very good camera. Even my NIKON sensor were made by Sony also.

So far I LOVE it...I've only had it about 2 weeks, but I am about 1,000 pictures into it. We almost got a Nikon, but we went with the Sony so I could still use my Minolta lenses from my Maxxum and I have not been disappointed in the least!!

Personally, I think 35-80mm is plenty good enough to cover everything.

Thanks!

Now lets see more of your great photos!!