What do you use to video in the parks?

[disneyvoice]

My DH and I are wanting to better document our trips - typically we just do pictures, but we would like some video memories. Do most people just use the video on their phone or do you use something else. I should add that my 15 year old son is the tech guru in the family, not me, so hopefully there is something easy!

 

[Mickey's Best Girl]

I just use the video setting on my phone.

When we return home I make short 6ish minute videos using a combination of stills and video set to our favourite Disney tunes.

I'm sure others use much more advanced equipment but my phone works for what I need it to.

 

[Wish Upon A Starbucks]

I use my phone. So convenient.

 

[AliceAnn]

GoPro

 

[cobright]

Modern DSLRs will record video on par with some professional equipment. Canons in particular have a history of professional use (Nikons are coming up fast). I bought a compact mirrorless from Canon, the EOS M back in 2013 and it's got the brains of the DSLR T4i which is well regarded for video. With the compact lens, the camera will fit in a pocket, or I can slap a big lens on it and get close ups from the back of the crowd, and the video is excellent.

It's a nice compromise if you want something that's better at photos and video than a celly, that you don't need to lug around like a big heavy necklace all day. B&H Photo sells the one I have used, with a lens, for $250, so not going to break the bank.

 

[CAS239]

I use my iPhone 7 but GoPro is the way to go.

 

[rwdavis2]

phones do hi def video and easy to ncarry

 

[SpaceMtnGirl]

A lot of the Disney vloggers I watch use the Canon G7X mark ii. The quality looks great to me, especially in videos that compare it to the iPhone video camera. I have looked into getting one to film our trips. They are around $700.

 

[WeCampDisney]

My DH and I are wanting to better document our trips - typically we just do pictures, but we would like some video memories. Do most people just use the video on their phone or do you use something else. I should add that my 15 year old son is the tech guru in the family, not me, so hopefully there is something easy!

I use a Canon Vixia hf700. I paid $300 for it a year ago. It is one of the really small light weight camcorders with the screen that opens to the side. I love it. It is my second Canon of this type. The video quality is amazing. It has about a 36X optical zoom. Phones do not have an optical zoom lens, only digital which is not nearly as good. It records to SD cards so storage is unlimited and it's easy to copy to my PC. There is choice of 2 settings for format, AVCHD or MP4. I use the MP4 format because it is one of the best for Facebook or YouTube and I can burn raw, unedited HD video to DVD which plays well on any blu-ray player. I carry it hanging around my neck on Disney lanyard with my pin collection. That gives me an excuse to show off my pins at non Disney events, like my grandaughter's recent dance competitions. Finally, I would not use a phone for a lot of videos because 1 gigabit of storage is only about 30 minutes to 1 hour of high Def. So in summary, the big advantage over a phone is the optical zoom lens and separate storage SD cards. Other than that, modern phones obviously do make great videos.

 

[boBQuincy]

I use a Panasonic camera (G7), it does excellent 4K video as well as great still photography (and can also take stills while taking video). This post may get more information by posting to the photography forum.

 

[Tomh]

I have a Canon DSLR, and it shoots great video . . . . but I hardly ever use it lol. Most of the time I shoot video with my Galaxy Note 4, which does a fantastic job, and is always with me, so super convenient.

 

[Si C]

I'll be using a GoPro on my upcoming trip on a small handle.

I've got a small fabric strap across the right hand shoulder strap of my backpack that the handle slots into nicely so that the GoPro is kind of chest mounted for recording, really saves walking round holding a camera all day.

 

[Brians_myth]

The best camera to use is the one you have with you. I carry around a DSLR, but I also don't mind the bulk and the carry of it. Most of the time, I would suggest your phone's camera. If you have an updated model, your videography will turn out fine.

 

[Accident]

There is a couple questions you need to ask yourself first before deciding what direction to go...

1. what else are you using this camera for? Do you have a use or anyone in the family that wants to use it after your trip?
2. how much additional money are you willing to spend knowing the answer to number 1?
3. as @Brians_myth mention, what are you willing to carry with you in addition to everything else?
4. what do you plan to record? does it need to be waterproof?

Mobile phones are a good starting point, you'll see 90% of the people around WDW using the phone. It's in your pocket anyway and your teen will probably have their own. consider what storage ability it has and if you can add a memory card to it, it's a good spend to have more space. If you plan to record a ton, also be ready with how your going to recharge it during the day and how your going to have empty space to record the rest of the trip if you fill it up.

gopro I like as well, especially the new hero5 that is waterproof out of the box. you can use that camera when others are hiding from the rain, not worrying about protecting it on rides like kali, pirates or splash. no worries about footage pool side. I recommend getting the floating handle that gopro also sells as an accessory. it's not a selfie stick and doesn't extend so it's allowed in the parks, it makes it easier to hold on rides and has a wrist strap to ensure you hold onto it during the faster rides

and the best recommendation, start using your phone now.. learn if you liek it, how much video video fits on it before you fill it, get your arm strength up for holding it in the air for 15-20 minutes recording a disney show. try it at night to see if you can even get video of some things you want to record while there. then you can make an educated choice on if your phone is not going to work out but at the same time learn what you like and don't like about using the phone so you are comfortable using it when you get there instead of futzing with it..

 

[DisneynBison]

I use a phone and only take videos of things that the family reaction is in. Never video just a ride or show, for the ride or show as they are all over youtube. I am going to enjoy the shows and rides and not be trying to run something for video.

 

[BigredNole]

It really depends on how bulky you want to go and how safe you want it to be. A DSLR is bulky but takes some of the best videos out there. A phone is good too, but one bump from someone and that face is shattered. GoPro takes great video, but cost a fortune. But, there is a good news. GoPro is manufactured in a China factory. That same factory pumps out more cameras on the same line with a different name. You can get those for about $100. GoPro will say they are not the same, but there are enough videos taking them apart showing that all the internals are the same exact part numbers. The only difference is the removal of "GoPro" in the sw. In many case as well, they off brand names use better optics than the GoPro.

You just need to decide for yourself what you are comfortable with, what you want in video, and what you are willing to spend to get them.

 

[Jennasis]

We vlog our trips and just use our sony cyber shot. Fits in my pocket, battery last a long time, picture is good. Easy peasy and cheap!

 

[chad33el]

I have a little sony HD handycam (yes they still make them!) but it's a newer model and shoots all in HD. When I am done, pop out the SD card, pop it into my MAC and I have all of them. It's smaller than you think.

 

[starjazz]

We use a Sony Cyber-Shot for all photos and video. I like to have it all on SD cards so I can manipulate on my computer with ease, and swap out the storage on the fly, etc. Using the one camera for both photo and video eliminates the need for two more devices, and the quality is great imo. Plus, you can snap photos while videotaping, which is helpful, and again, good quality.

 

[LSUfan4444]

GoPro Herso Session 4