Would you take your DSLR on DCL?

[LucyM123]

My family and I are going on our first cruise next month and I am trying to decide whether or not to carry my DSLR and glass or if I should just get a little waterproof P&S. What would you do and why? I am definitely torn.

 

[havoc315]

My family and I are going on our first cruise next month and I am trying to decide whether or not to carry my DSLR and glass or if I should just get a little waterproof P&S. What would you do and why? I am definitely torn.

You're asking that question to a bunch of photo enthusiasts...

For example, on my next vacation which includes DCL and WDW, I'll likely bring a dslr, mirrorless, and 5-6 lenses. I may also supplement with a waterproof p&s to actually use in the water.

The reason is simple--- capturing great photos is a big part of the vacation experience to me, and therefore I want very capable gear.

That said, for many people (including myself at times), there is value to lightening your load... Enjoy being in the moment of the vacation more while carrying less gear.
I've done a vacation with just the Sony rx100-- high end p&s. Not as capable as my dslr, but pretty capable. So I could still get some great vacation photos but without lugging around my 10-15 pound camera bag. That's as much as I'm ever willing to compromise -- the waterproof models IMO are only good for actually taking into the water. Their image quality and features aren't worthwhile otherwise.

 

[mom2rtk]

I would bring the gear. Nobody says you have to carry it around with you every day. Use what you want when you want.

 

[xlxo]

Another vote to bring it... especially if it's a Nikon.

 

[LucyM123]

You're asking that question to a bunch of photo enthusiasts...

For example, on my next vacation which includes DCL and WDW, I'll likely bring a dslr, mirrorless, and 5-6 lenses. I may also supplement with a waterproof p&s to actually use in the water.

The reason is simple--- capturing great photos is a big part of the vacation experience to me, and therefore I want very capable gear.

That said, for many people (including myself at times), there is value to lightening your load... Enjoy being in the moment of the vacation more while carrying less gear.
I've done a vacation with just the Sony rx100-- high end p&s. Not as capable as my dslr, but pretty capable. So I could still get some great vacation photos but without lugging around my 10-15 pound camera bag. That's as much as I'm ever willing to compromise -- the waterproof models IMO are only good for actually taking into the water. Their image quality and features aren't worthwhile otherwise.

See, that's kind of my thinking, this is our very first cruise and I am not sure when we'll be able to do it again. I was just a little worried about hauling the gigantic backpack around. Then there's the part where I have a tendency to drive my family insane with the camera, they obviously don't understand. UGH, photographer problems.

 

[mom2rtk]

See, that's kind of my thinking, this is our very first cruise and I am not sure when we'll be able to do it again. I was just a little worried about hauling the gigantic backpack around. Then there's the part where I have a tendency to drive my family insane with the camera, they obviously don't understand. UGH, photographer problems.

If that's who you are, then wouldn't it drive you nuts to know you had great gear and were in a beautiful place without it?

 

[LucyM123]

If that's who you are, then wouldn't it drive you nuts to know you had great gear and were in a beautiful place without your best gear?

Yes, that's a really good point.

 

[LucyM123]

Another vote to bring it... especially if it's a Nikon.

YES, I only shoot Nikon!

 

[DizBee Brian]

IMO, you can have the best of both worlds. On my last cruise, i brought both my DSLR kit [A7] and a P&S sized camera [RX100 m iii]. I used my A7 mostly on the ship for 'planned' oppertunities, for example in a low lit bar or at night on deck, etc. [so abt 10% of the cruise]. I used the RX100 the remaining 90% of the time. It is lightweight and fit in my pocket, has a larger sensor [larger than most other P&S cameras] and did almost everything my DSLR could...well everything i could want on vacation! I also brought a waterproof camera for the beaches and pools [inexpensive and i dont mind swimming with the fam and taking pics, which i wouldn't do with the A7 or RX100]. In summary, all i needed was the 2 light weight P&S cameras for a cruise, leaving the DSLR at home. I was still able to get my photography fix [and some awesome shots] and I wasnt a 'spectator' on my own vacation.

I hope this helps!

Enjoy and Kungaloosh!!

Brian

 

[bob100]

My family and I are going on our first cruise next month and I am trying to decide whether or not to carry my DSLR and glass or if I should just get a little waterproof P&S. What would you do and why? I am definitely torn.

I've been on a number of cruises (not Disney) and if I do it again I will just bring my cheap mirrorless and a couple of lens like the 22/2 pancake, 50mm 1.8 and 55-250 IS. No point in hauling in that heavy equipment around (again) !
www.flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless

 

[OKW Lover]

My family and I are going on our first cruise next month and I am trying to decide whether or not to carry my DSLR and glass or if I should just get a little waterproof P&S. What would you do and why? I am definitely torn.

No question, take the DSLR. You bought the good camera because you wanted to take spectacular pictures. The cruise offers so many opportunities both on board and in the ports.

 

[MrRay]

One of the best parts of DCL is you can get back to your stateroom from anywhere on the ship in 5 minutes so you really don't have to haul all your gear around unless you specifically want to.

 

[rhinodadz]

I always take both the DSLR and a waterproof P&S on DCL (and other cruises). There is no shortage of opportunities to capture great images with the DSLR while onboard and in the various ports, while the P&S is good for beach/snorkeling/etc.

 

[klmall]

The few times I have not brought my DSLR and two or more lens on vacations I have so regretted it! Even whitewater rafting I took my older DSLR with me. Pictures are such an integral part of the vacation itself as well as creating memories to savor for years after.