What's Your Go to Camera for Disney?

[gabriellewatson]

So I have a DSLR at home, but honestly, I don't want to lug the thing plus my lenses around WDW on our first trip as a family. I would prefer a P&S camera, but one that has good images and modes (much like a simpler version of DSLR) without the egregarious price tag like some mirror-less cameras (too spensive for me )

On our last two trips (2006 & 2007), one trip we brought a film camera and the second trip we brought a P&S 2MP! LOL, that was a lot of film and those turned out to be grainy pictures in general! We still admire them often though! Such happy trips!!

I am looking at some P&S cameras that are larger than pocket size, but smaller than my DSLR camera, maybe a Fujifilm Finepix S4200, perhaps. It seems like a reasonable cost with several shooting modes and optional zoom. Although, I have an old Nikon Coolpix (from 2011), it doesn't have as many MP, and I've never been a fan of the photos, they always look grainy even with flash and no zoom... just unhappy with its pictures every time I use it.

Just not sure what I should be looking at. What kind of camera do you bring to WDW? I want to keep it at $149 or less, preferrably. Give me some ideas!

 

[pepe of ohio]

You know, I bought a camera to use and take pictures... Not leave at home or in a case..

I use a Nikon DSLR , medium range zoom and leave all that camera extra crap at home...

Good small case for camera only and comfortable neck strap for camera...

It's why I bought a good camera, non grainy pics, speed, medium zoom extra modes...!

 

[luv2sleep]

So I have a DSLR at home, but honestly, I don't want to lug the thing plus my lenses around WDW on our first trip as a family. I would prefer a P&S camera, but one that has good images and modes (much like a simpler version of DSLR) without the egregarious price tag like some mirror-less cameras (too spensive for me )

On our last two trips (2006 & 2007), one trip we brought a film camera and the second trip we brought a P&S 2MP! LOL, that was a lot of film and those turned out to be grainy pictures in general! We still admire them often though! Such happy trips!!

I am looking at some P&S cameras that are larger than pocket size, but smaller than my DSLR camera, maybe a Fujifilm Finepix S4200, perhaps. It seems like a reasonable cost with several shooting modes and optional zoom. Although, I have an old Nikon Coolpix (from 2011), it doesn't have as many MP, and I've never been a fan of the photos, they always look grainy even with flash and no zoom... just unhappy with its pictures every time I use it.

Just not sure what I should be looking at. What kind of camera do you bring to WDW? I want to keep it at $149 or less, preferrably. Give me some ideas!

I leave my DSLR at home and take my P&S (a Canon) to the parks. I don't want my more expensive camera jostled around on rides or my lenses damaged. If I had a family member who didn't ride anything and could sit and hold my camera I'd take my DSLR.

 

[Pooh2]

I bring my Nikon slr with a mid range zoom most days, I have a Panasonic lx5 for back-up, if it's too hot, or we'll be getting soaked. I bring a Ziploc bag to put the lx5 in for water rides.

 

[jameyh]

You know, I bought a camera to use and take pictures... Not leave at home or in a case..

I use a Nikon DSLR , medium range zoom and leave all that camera extra crap at home...

Good small case for camera only and comfortable neck strap for camera...

It's why I bought a good camera, non grainy pics, speed, medium zoom extra modes...!

I agree! I had gotten a new Nikon cool pic before our last dw trip in 2010, once we got to dw we realized that the flash was broken! Ended up with mostly blurry grainy shots. Now I have a DSLR and plan on bringing it for the exact reasons you mentioned!

Bring the body and your favorite lens and just enjoy!!

 

[aimeeinohio]

I have an Olympus e-pm1. I've had various point and shoots over the years. I only have the kit lens right now but I'm looking at a 17mm to get before we take the trip

 

[SDTeaGirl]

You know, I bought a camera to use and take pictures... Not leave at home or in a case..

I use a Nikon DSLR , medium range zoom and leave all that camera extra crap at home...

Good small case for camera only and comfortable neck strap for camera...

It's why I bought a good camera, non grainy pics, speed, medium zoom extra modes...!

Last yr we went for the first time. That was my feeling exactly. I didn't want to bother lugging my dslr Canon along so I bought a high 15mp p & s and I am so unhappy with the pictures it took. This yr I know better. I am bringing my dslr and lugging it around. To me I want nice quality pics. I am only bringing one lens also.

 

[Myxer]

If your just looking at P&S I take my fuji Finepix xp51. Of course it doesn't take pics as good as an DSLR, but its like it says, this camera takes a beating and just keeps taking pics with it. Take it underwater in the pool, on the beach, banging around on the rides, its waterproof, shockproof and grit proof. Just last week, I was crawling through a mud pit at the Warrior Dash, snapping pics and it just kept working (and it was fully in the mud). I can let my kids take control of the camera and get their view on things which is great cause then I get to be in the pictures too and I don't care that it may get dropped. Plus, there are a fair number of options for shooting on it. Nothing will be as good as your DSLR that's why you pay all that money for it, but this fits easily into a small space and does the job and then some.

 

[EKKloppers]

So I have a DSLR at home, but honestly, I don't want to lug the thing plus my lenses around WDW on our first trip as a family. I would prefer a P&S camera, but one that has good images and modes (much like a simpler version of DSLR) without the egregarious price tag like some mirror-less cameras (too spensive for me )

On our last two trips (2006 & 2007), one trip we brought a film camera and the second trip we brought a P&S 2MP! LOL, that was a lot of film and those turned out to be grainy pictures in general! We still admire them often though! Such happy trips!!

I am looking at some P&S cameras that are larger than pocket size, but smaller than my DSLR camera, maybe a Fujifilm Finepix S4200, perhaps. It seems like a reasonable cost with several shooting modes and optional zoom. Although, I have an old Nikon Coolpix (from 2011), it doesn't have as many MP, and I've never been a fan of the photos, they always look grainy even with flash and no zoom... just unhappy with its pictures every time I use it.

Just not sure what I should be looking at. What kind of camera do you bring to WDW? I want to keep it at $149 or less, preferrably. Give me some ideas!

I'm on my second Panasonic Lumix model [LUMIX® DMC-ZS19 14.1 Megapixel Digital Camera] after about 6 years with my first, "old one" which my niece dropped and "hosed" in the queue for Philharmagic [OUCH! But just the excuse I was looking for to upgrade! I love my niece!]...

Both Lumix models were enthusiastically recommended by a close acquaintance who designs/engineers digital imaging components for a competitor; tests multiple makes/models in "research" environments; and owns two go-to Lumix models for his own use when he's traveling light.

Per his recommendations, Panasonic has a great line of versatile Lumix options which - for my purposes and budget - didn't break the bank. I bought my latest Lumix at BJ's a few months ago for $199.00. As it is considered an "out-dated" model by now, you could probably find one on Amazon for less.

The thing I love about it is that it is light; fairly compact (although not tiny); easy to carry and use; has multiple pre-sets beyond point-and-shoot auto; has 20x digital zoom (I'm Big on zoom!); and can also be manually programmed if you have more-advanced knowledge of all things technically photographic. Just using the pre-sets, alone, Ive gotten some awesome fireworks, portrait, and fast-action photos without having to have a clue about aperture settings, and the like. I LOVE it! [The only thing I regret was not waiting/saving to get a Lumix Model with wi-fi photo transfer!]

One additional thing to consider: My techno-digital camera engineering acquaintance recommended a whole different make/model when I asked about purchasing my [clumsy, loveable] niece her OWN camera for Christmas last year. He recommended a Nikon Cool-Pix model (whose model number I don't currently recall) which operates simply; takes very good pictures/video; can withstand a range of temps; being submerged in water to a certain depth for short periods; and being dropped from a few feet...not just in the queue for Philharmagic, but ANYWHERE...

Best of luck with your - apparently - myriad options!

 

[cobright]

I started taking a DSLR last year and will never go back. Put a decent zoom on it and leave everything else in the hotel. Stuff a big ziplock in your pocket for wet rides and don't worry about it.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

I leave my DSLR at home, or most days i don't take it to the parks.
My go to is my Panasonic Lumix. I have a great zoom, it's great in low light, except like haunted house. If I knew the manual settings I am sure it old be great. It takes great video too.

 

[gabriellewatson]

Thanks for the responses. I have been looking at the fujifilm finepix s6800, a canon power shot elph 300hs and 110hs, a canon power shot sx500is, and now I'll check out the Panasonic lumix. I'd love a bridge camera but for under $200 or I want a simple p&s like the ELPH that is good in day or low light conditions. Some of the bridge cameras I've been looking at are not that great in low light or indoor conditions which is a no go for me

 

[poohfriend77]

I have lugged my DSLR around for the last couple trips. It takes great pics, but it is heavy (hurts my neck after a while, even with a padded strap). I'm nervous about it getting damaged, I don't like handing it over to CMs or the kids, and I was trying to travel lighter this year (I used a big, padded backpack case and want to get down to a smaller cross-body bag this time).

I had talked myself into getting a decent P&S for our next trip, but now you all are talking me out of it! I think I had deluded myself that the pics would be almost as good, but I would be soooo disappointed if I came home with grainy/blurry pics.

 

[jillgunter]

If you use a dslr, you won't be happy with a point and shoot. When I get tired, I make my dh lug it around I use a zoom lenses so I don't have to pack others. Only bring a big zoom for animal kingdom.

 

[gabriellewatson]

Now I have it down to a canon sx500is and a Panasonic lumix ZS-19. I like the HDR program on the lumix but I like the small siZe of the canon and well it's a canon and I love my rebel. Just want something that I don't mind keeping in my purse for everyday stuff and travel. Of course it won't replace my dslr but it will be nice to have for those moments in everyday when I don't want to use my camera phone and I don't have my dslr with me.

 

[SDTeaGirl]

I have lugged my DSLR around for the last couple trips. It takes great pics, but it is heavy (hurts my neck after a while, even with a padded strap). I'm nervous about it getting damaged, I don't like handing it over to CMs or the kids, and I was trying to travel lighter this year (I used a big, padded backpack case and want to get down to a smaller cross-body bag this time).

I had talked myself into getting a decent P&S for our next trip, but now you all are talking me out of it! I think I had deluded myself that the pics would be almost as good, but I would be soooo disappointed if I came home with grainy/blurry pics.

I know you will be disappointed with the pics if you are use to a DSLR camera- I left mine home because I was worried of getting it wet or lugging it around! I found a nice crossbody bag that is big enough to put my DSLR camera in this time and plan on taking it- I don't even show the pics from last yrs trip because I am so disappointed in them! I will never use a P & S camera ever again!

 

[EKKloppers]

So I have a DSLR at home, but honestly, I don't want to lug the thing plus my lenses around WDW on our first trip as a family. I would prefer a P&S camera, but one that has good images and modes (much like a simpler version of DSLR) without the egregarious price tag like some mirror-less cameras (too spensive for me )

On our last two trips (2006 & 2007), one trip we brought a film camera and the second trip we brought a P&S 2MP! LOL, that was a lot of film and those turned out to be grainy pictures in general! We still admire them often though! Such happy trips!!

I am looking at some P&S cameras that are larger than pocket size, but smaller than my DSLR camera, maybe a Fujifilm Finepix S4200, perhaps. It seems like a reasonable cost with several shooting modes and optional zoom. Although, I have an old Nikon Coolpix (from 2011), it doesn't have as many MP, and I've never been a fan of the photos, they always look grainy even with flash and no zoom... just unhappy with its pictures every time I use it.

Just not sure what I should be looking at. What kind of camera do you bring to WDW? I want to keep it at $149 or less, preferrably. Give me some ideas!

GabrielleWatson,

I received your PM but don't yet have the required 10 posts to be able to send/respond to a PM, myself.

Rather than rush headlong into 3 more frivolous posts just to "qualify", I hope it's alright to respond here:

As I've only owned my present model for a few months; have had limited time to fully explore the "new" enhancements over those available on my prior Lumix; and have simply been using the auto and preset modes on recent occasions, I can't speak much to the HDR function as yet. I can say, however, that the few test shots I took in that mode while running through a quick self-orientation after purchase, came out well.

The learning curve for this (and my previous) Lumix really comes down to learning what other, enhanced capabilities the camera has, and familiarizing oneself with where to find what in the range of mode settings and menus. Overall, however, it's fairly simple and intuitive to navigate...AND I've found the auto and "scenario" presets to be exceptional so it's good-to-go once it comes out of the box in auto mode and/or one turns the dial to either of the two editable SCN modes from which you can choose your pre-programmed specs (like portrait, fireworks, etc.)...

Probably the best thing about this camera is it's versatility - from novice operation, to the ability to set custom modes for those with more technical requirements and know-how.

If you haven't already, I'd recommend downloading the owners' manual for this model and taking a look to to see what options are available, with your specific needs and requirements in mind. [I'd offer up a web link here, but I'm not yet post-qualified to do that yet, either

 

[gabriellewatson]

Thanks for the response I found one refurbished that was very reasonable

 

[traylorc]

I bring my both my nikon slrs with me to Disney. I have a great bag that allows me to carry both cameras and variety lenses. I'm a big fan of dark ride shots...so I need my cameras for their high ISO capabilities and the ability to use fast lenses.

Also while Disney is one of the most photogenic spots on the planet, there are numerous instances when the lighting is less than ideal. Bringing my Nikon cameras ensure that I can handle almost any lighting situation with minimal inconvenience.

 

[FargoBear]

A big part of the reason I go to the parks is to take photos, so I bring my Canon 1D3 and some lenses as well.

On my second-to-last trip, I had a shoulder bag that carried everything, but by midafternoon my shoulders were tired sore from the weight and switching back and forth.

On my last trip, I bought a camera backpack and went down to only one lens, the 24-70, and I didn't have any issues whatsoever.