Type of Camera for your WDW vacation

disneycouple07

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
We are in the process of looking for another point and shoot camera to take on our WDW vacation. Does anyone have suggestions or what brand of camera do you take on your WDW vacation?
 

mike10

New Member
I know when we went to Disney my wife who shoots professionally (Canon 7D with some "L" series lens) didn't want to lug that camera around not knowing what to expect needless to say her 7D is coming this time.

But we used a Sony Cybershot T90 and it was fantastic. The shots were crisp and clear. It wasn't too bad of a price at around 300. Not sure if that is within your budget but that is what we used and we HIGHLY recommend it for anyone else.
 

tink282010

New Member
I went out and bought the Sony Cybershot T90 right before we went on our trip to WDW and was very pleased with it. I shoot professionally, so I was looking for a point and shoot that could at least semi-match up to what I was wanting quality-wise. It proved to be an excellent choice and the quality was excellent. It was a bit pricey, but worth it. One of the best things I liked about it was how small (thin and compact) it was.

I had tried out multiple point and shoots including Nikon coolpix and canon point and shoots and was not nearly as impressed as I was with the Sony, for what it's worth.
 

HouCuseChickie

Well-Known Member
I know when we went to Disney my wife who shoots professionally (Canon 7D with some "L" series lens) didn't want to lug that camera around not knowing what to expect needless to say her 7D is coming this time.
I'm curious about this. Mind you, I'm only going to be lugging around an entry level Rebel XS with a 55-250 IS lens, but I'm wondering about the advantages to lugging around the bigger camera. I've already justifed the purchase b/c it's much better at capturing my kids in action (vs traditional point and shoot) at the exact moment, but I'm curious from a pro perspective the advantages. I anticipate needed defenses for the lugging when DH starts complaining come trip time. :lol:
 

tink282010

New Member
It is kind of mixed for lugging around a big camera. If you plan on going on a bunch of the rides, just want shots that are mostly scrapbooking and small print (no bigger than 8x10 usually) images, a point and shoot is probably more beneficial. However, if you are interested in photographing the fireworks shows or anything else that you may want printed larger than 8x10 and framed, the DSLR definitely is the better choice.

I brought my Cybershot this first trip and was happy with what I got, but then I thought about it and wished so much that I had brought my DSLR. As long as you pack light, with not bringing too much equipment, it shouldn't be too bad. Also, you will most definitely NOT be the only one with a DSLR, lol. My dh thought not many people brought the bigger cameras and everywhere we looked, there was someone with one!

Again, it all depends on what you want to get out of the images. Are they mostly going to be for scrapbooking, printing and framing, sharing online? Do you want the added quality that you will get out of the DSLR compared to a point and shoot (even though some of the point and shoots do pretty close, lol)? Those are some of the things to consider. Hope that gives you a little bit of my perspective:)
 

tink282010

New Member
We've been debating on the Sony Cyber-shot H55. 14.1 Megapixels with 10x optical zoom, but it's had mixed reviews.

IMO, I would go to the store, try out the different cameras before making a choice, try them out multiple times if you must (I know I did, lol). I read some of the specs on this camera and it seems similar to the T90, just a less expensive model. The best thing to do would be go to the store, try each camera out, take some time adjusting the settings and seeing what you can and can't do with each one. You have to pick something that not only appeals to you, but something that is comfortable for you as well. From what I have read for reviews, the camera seems relatively decent. Most say that it is easy to use, quality is good, etc... One thing to remember, the quality will not be as good when zooming out, no matter the camera. But go with what you are most comfortable with and if you like what you see from it when testing it out, that is what matters most:)
 

HouCuseChickie

Well-Known Member
It is kind of mixed for lugging around a big camera. If you plan on going on a bunch of the rides, just want shots that are mostly scrapbooking and small print (no bigger than 8x10 usually) images, a point and shoot is probably more beneficial. However, if you are interested in photographing the fireworks shows or anything else that you may want printed larger than 8x10 and framed, the DSLR definitely is the better choice.

I brought my Cybershot this first trip and was happy with what I got, but then I thought about it and wished so much that I had brought my DSLR. As long as you pack light, with not bringing too much equipment, it shouldn't be too bad. Also, you will most definitely NOT be the only one with a DSLR, lol. My dh thought not many people brought the bigger cameras and everywhere we looked, there was someone with one!

Again, it all depends on what you want to get out of the images. Are they mostly going to be for scrapbooking, printing and framing, sharing online? Do you want the added quality that you will get out of the DSLR compared to a point and shoot (even though some of the point and shoots do pretty close, lol)? Those are some of the things to consider. Hope that gives you a little bit of my perspective:)


That makes me feel better. We're traveling with 2 young kids, so we're already going to have a lot to lug around (but backpacks and strollers help)...but, fireworks shots were definitely a priority. I also am hoping to come home with some decent images worthy of going into a large frame...probably more in the 20x24 ballpark...for our girls' rooms. I guess at least the camera is large enough that I'll never be struggling to find it in the depths of my backpack. Thank you!!!:wave:
 

tink282010

New Member
That makes me feel better. We're traveling with 2 young kids, so we're already going to have a lot to lug around (but backpacks and strollers help)...but, fireworks shots were definitely a priority. I also am hoping to come home with some decent images worthy of going into a large frame...probably more in the 20x24 ballpark...for our girls' rooms. I guess at least the camera is large enough that I'll never be struggling to find it in the depths of my backpack. Thank you!!!:wave:

You're welcome. Yeah, for a 20x24 print, you definitely want the DSLR, lol. You may be better off setting up specific days that you want to bring out the SLR for those types of shots and have certain days where you bring a compact instead. That way, you aren't constantly lugging around the SLR, especially with two little ones. I know for myself, my SLR always has to be with me, lol.
 

CP_alum08

Well-Known Member
It TOTALLY depends on what you are trying to capture with the camera. There are several regulars on this forum who take thousands of dollars worth of gear with them and shoot for artistic shots. The shots they post on here (and Flickr) are heads above most point and shoot camera shots, but keep in mind they are going to WDW with the intent to take pictures. If you are going on a family vacation and just want pictures to remember your trip by, that is completely different than wanting gallery quality photos.

Keep in mind that if you do end up taking a DSLR they make backpacks that organize everything and relieve alot of the stress of carrying around tons of gear.
 

harveyt0206

Well-Known Member
I just bought a Nikon Coolpix S8000 last night. I'm pretty excited about using it. I wanted a decent camera, but honestly I don't know enough about photography to make a bigger purchase for one of the more professional level cameras. So, I thought I would try this one. Let us know what you decide on and how you like it.
 

WDWFigment

Well-Known Member
That makes me feel better. We're traveling with 2 young kids, so we're already going to have a lot to lug around (but backpacks and strollers help)...but, fireworks shots were definitely a priority. I also am hoping to come home with some decent images worthy of going into a large frame...probably more in the 20x24 ballpark...for our girls' rooms. I guess at least the camera is large enough that I'll never be struggling to find it in the depths of my backpack. Thank you!!!:wave:

Not to contradict the other advice you've received thus far, but decent shots of fireworks have very little to do with the camera (I've had fireworks shots published taken with both a P&S and DSLR alike) and more about your technique (tripod, remote, etc.). Moreover, you can certainly print 20x24 shots with point and shoot cameras; that's where megapixels will matter. Sure, image quality will be better with the DSLR, but that's true across the spectrum of sizes (although it might be more noticeable blown up).

Those things said, I know I would never travel to WDW without my DSLR. The biggest advantage you have with a DSLR (outside of lens changeability, but that doesn't seem to apply) is the ability to control depth of field. For family portraiture, this can be great. I'd highly recommend taking the DSLR. You can always try it for one day, and if you don't like carrying it around, leave it in the room the rest of the trip (assuming, of course, you also bring a P&S).
 

disneycouple07

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Not to contradict the other advice you've received thus far, but decent shots of fireworks have very little to do with the camera (I've had fireworks shots published taken with both a P&S and DSLR alike) and more about your technique (tripod, remote, etc.). Moreover, you can certainly print 20x24 shots with point and shoot cameras; that's where megapixels will matter. Sure, image quality will be better with the DSLR, but that's true across the spectrum of sizes (although it might be more noticeable blown up).

Those things said, I know I would never travel to WDW without my DSLR. The biggest advantage you have with a DSLR (outside of lens changeability, but that doesn't seem to apply) is the ability to control depth of field. For family portraiture, this can be great. I'd highly recommend taking the DSLR. You can always try it for one day, and if you don't like carrying it around, leave it in the room the rest of the trip (assuming, of course, you also bring a P&S).

Can you recommend a decent Point & Shoot?
 

WDWFigment

Well-Known Member
The only P&S experience I have (of relevance) is with the Canon G series. I would highly recommend the G10 or G11. Other mid-level Canon P&S models supposedly perform really well, as well. Although I am a Nikon DSLR user, I would not recommend any Nikon P&S. Other than that, I have no clue. Check out reviews on dpreview.com.
 

nolatron

Well-Known Member
I have a Canon P&S, the Powershot SD790 and have been happy with it.

I also have DSLR (Canon Rebel XT bough in '04), but I'm by no means a professional photographer. I still barely know how to use it.

Anyway.... last year we went to WDW for the first time with our daughter and I left the DSLR at home and took the P&S. I got some pretty good photos out of it, and liked the fact I could simply shove it in my pocket when I wasn't using it.

Though for this upcoming trip I'm debating on upgrading the DSLR to something current (while learning how to use it) and taking it with me.
 

disneycouple07

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
What is the difference between optical and digital zoom? I've looked at a few point and shoots that have 10x, 7x, or 4x optical zoom. Also, some of the Sony point and shoots have where you can take 10 photos in one second at full resolution. I've decided that we're going to wait on the SLR. Just looking a nice, good point and shoot.
 

JROK

Member
What is the difference between optical and digital zoom? I've looked at a few point and shoots that have 10x, 7x, or 4x optical zoom. Also, some of the Sony point and shoots have where you can take 10 photos in one second at full resolution. I've decided that we're going to wait on the SLR. Just looking a nice, good point and shoot.

Optical zoom means the lens is physically moving and zooming in. Digital zoom is where the camera digitally zooms into the image (blows it up) internally causing artifacts, and poor quality.

Personally I'd never use digital zoom as it degrades the photos too much.
 

disneycouple07

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Optical zoom means the lens is physically moving and zooming in. Digital zoom is where the camera digitally zooms into the image (blows it up) internally causing artifacts, and poor quality.

Personally I'd never use digital zoom as it degrades the photos too much.

So, the 10x optical zoom is pretty good for a point & shoot?
 

mike10

New Member
Moreover, you can certainly print 20x24 shots with point and shoot cameras; that's where megapixels will matter.


I work in IT and there is more to a size of a picture than just judging on the mega-pixels. For one the sensor of the camera plays a part in the photo quality of a image.

So a p and s sensor that is smaller than a DSLR will not have the same quality as a DSLR. So sensor plays a part in how big you make an image. Next the PPI (Pixels per inch) factors in for example at 150 PPI an image will have the pixels VERY visible and the detail will be fuzzy. Now most cameras do run at 200 ppi minimum however, at that ppi you would need over 16 mega-pixel in order to print a 20 by 24.

Now moving past mega-pixels there is noise since the person asked about fireworks noise plays a BIG part in this since you need slow shutter speeds to get these shots if not at a bulb setting.

I've only heard of a "few" p and s having a "limited" bulb setting since I've been dealing with cameras. As for the firework setting I'm sure you would agree judging by your amazing firework shots that the firework settings is not what you want to be shooting in.

That is just a small part of what goes into a shot but it's not just the mega-pixels that make it to where you can blow up a shot to 20 by 24. Here are some links to show a bit more detail:


http://www.design215.com/toolbox/megapixels.php

http://www.pcworld.com/article/128982/determining_your_cameras_largest_print_size.html
 

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