What video camera to bring?

[kaitala]

This is our first trip to disney, and I have a choice of 3 video cameras.

1. ANCIENT Sony handicam:

pros: really wouldn't care if it were lost/stolen
cons: not reliable (has a sticking issue, have to bang on it from time to time)
uses tape that are obsolete- would be nearly impossible to find

2. LARGE Cannon GL1-

pros: takes decent footage
reliable
have extra battery
cons: BIG. Not only is it obvious as heck you're recording, needs a backpack
in which to carry
Not HD. In fact, I think it only records 480
Uses tape. I have plenty, and DVC is available, but you have to have
them with you (and enough of them)

3. EXPENSIVE GoPro Hero3 black

pros: great footage
reliable
tiny and lightweight, easily stored in waist pack
several mounts, could do a bunch of handsfree recording
sound isn't bad, have a water proof case so pool pics are fun
takes stills, and could replace my still camera

cons: OMG I could never afford to replace it, it was a gift, and it would
practically ruin vacation if it were lost/stolen
can't see live recording- have to shoot and hope I'm getting the
action. And hope I don't miss my daughter's face as her b-day
cake arrives, meets a character, etc.



I can't decide. I see arguments for and against all of them. My Canon Powershot takes vid too, not too bad.


I'm leaning toward bringing the GoPro and the Canon PS (and some xanax for the panic attacks having it with me will induce!).

What do you advise?

 

[hakepb]

I've never hesitated taking my "best"
equipment into WDW (camcorder and/or point and shoot) ..but I generally won't take them to the pool or beach, unless an adult plans on holding them all the time...so I can appreciate your concern. Are you worried about the GoPro because it's too small?

 

[kaitala]

No, not worried about the size of the Go Pro.

I'm worried that

a) since you don't have a viewfinder/screen to see what you're shooting, I'll be just a little off and get a lovely vid of say just the top of the kid's head, or something. I know it's a very wide angle lens, so I really shouldn't miss anything, but still concerns me.

b) It's expensive. If lost or stolen, I don't have the cash to replace it. So not only would the pics be gone, I'd have to start saving for a new one, and it's basically a "toy", not used for serious shooting.


I'm Leaning toward the Power Shot (higher end point and shoot, takes a nice pic and also does vid) and the GoPro. I don't want to lug the GL around, and the sony is crappy (circa 1998? 2000?).

I think I can be responsible enough with the cams.

I have to look at disney's policy on video on rides and such. The go-pro would get some fun video on them, I'm sure.

 

[hakepb]

No, not worried about the size of the Go Pro.

I'm worried that

a) since you don't have a viewfinder/screen to see what you're shooting, I'll be just a little off and get a lovely vid of say just the top of the kid's head, or something. I know it's a very wide angle lens, so I really shouldn't miss anything, but still concerns me.

b) It's expensive. If lost or stolen, I don't have the cash to replace it. So not only would the pics be gone, I'd have to start saving for a new one, and it's basically a "toy", not used for serious shooting.


I'm Leaning toward the Power Shot (higher end point and shoot, takes a nice pic and also does vid) and the GoPro. I don't want to lug the GL around, and the sony is crappy (circa 1998? 2000?).

I think I can be responsible enough with the cams.

I have to look at disney's policy on video on rides and such. The go-pro would get some fun video on them, I'm sure.

A) that's reasonable, a GoPro seems to be more for experience recording than event recording.

B) There are a ton of ride videos out there (like my handheld BTMRR https://vimeo.com/69400562 ) so that's not a problem. But I'm not certain on attaching a camera to a ride. (And if you did any camera loss/damage would be your responsibility, not Disney's)
I'd definitely bring the GoPro if the experiences of rides are important enough for you to capture, but I might use the Power shot for a specific event.