Type of Camera for your WDW vacation

[WDWFigment]

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

I think it's important to know your audience when providing information. This information certainly makes sense to you and I, but I question how helpful it is to the original poster?

I understand the distinctions between an APS-C sensor, full frame sensor, etc., and how each affect an image, but to part-and-parcel indicate you'll want a DSLR for 20x24 or larger images (as was done prior to my post) is wholly incorrect. I merely said, with regard to printing larger sizes, that's where MP will matter (I didn't say that they're solely what matters).

There is absolutely nothing wrong with using the "fireworks mode" on the camera. Sure, it's better to have some sort of a manual mode, but you have to start somewhere. My bet is that if someone is coming to a Disney board asking "what camera" questions (absolutely no offense to the OP), they're just looking to get their foot in the door to get a decent camera that will help enable them to take vacation pictures. They're likely not "at the point" where bulb mode and other more advanced features are all that relevant, so why even go there?

 

[mike10]

I think it's important to know your audience when providing information. This information certainly makes sense to you and I, but I question how helpful it is to the original poster?

I understand the distinctions between an APS-C sensor, full frame sensor, etc., and how each affect an image, but to part-and-parcel indicate you'll want a DSLR for 20x24 or larger images (as was done prior to my post) is wholly incorrect. I merely said, with regard to printing larger sizes, that's where MP will matter (I didn't say that they're solely what matters).

There is absolutely nothing wrong with using the "fireworks mode" on the camera. Sure, it's better to have some sort of a manual mode, but you have to start somewhere. My bet is that if someone is coming to a Disney board asking "what camera" questions (absolutely no offense to the OP), they're just looking to get their foot in the door to get a decent camera that will help enable them to take vacation pictures. They're likely not "at the point" where bulb mode and other more advanced features are all that relevant, so why even go there?

I was responding to your comment directed towards HousCuseChickie when you stated that a p and s camera can print 20 by 24 just by going on mega-pixels. This information was inaccurate since they stated they wanted fireworks shots to show in 20 by 24 and you said it can be done and printed.

It "can" be done if you want to look at the image from about 5 or so feet away if not farther. Otherwise the closer you get the more the pixels are visible and the photo quality deteriorates. That was all I was getting at so for that I would recommend a DSLR but for the OP you are correct in your bit of information. They are not going to be concerned as much about it so that'll be fine. However, not many people who are going just for vacation pictures are going to try to print out a 20 by 24. At most they will probably do a 11 by 14 so at that point a p and s would be sufficient enough.

 

[popsicletrees]

My husband and I bought a Canon Powershot SX 200 IS before our last trip and we were very impressed with it. By all means we are amateurs at photography, but out pictures turned out so clear. The camera also has many different settings that are easy to find and use, but the automatic setting was what we used the most.

 

[tink282010]

I understand the distinctions between an APS-C sensor, full frame sensor, etc., and how each affect an image, but to part-and-parcel indicate you'll want a DSLR for 20x24 or larger images (as was done prior to my post) is wholly incorrect. I merely said, with regard to printing larger sizes, that's where MP will matter (I didn't say that they're solely what matters).

I had actually only indicated to that particular poster (not the OP) that a DSLR was the *Better* choice for a 20x24 print as it appears from what she had stated that she was wanting the better quality. I never said that a point and shoot cannot provide excellent images, as I actually stated that some are pretty close to the DSLRs today. However, it appeared from that poster's statements that what she was looking for would have been more geared towards bringing her DSLR compared to a point and shoot for what she was wanting out of it. So, in fact, the information I provided was not incorrect. I was providing my opinion on what I think the "better choice" would be, nothing more.

 

[harveyt0206]

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.

Because I have a lot of respect for your opinion on this topic (you take amazing photos!!), the above statement really bums me out.... As I stated in a previous post, I just dropped a good bit of money on a Nikon S8000. Bummer..... Oh well.

 

[WDWFigment]

Because I have a lot of respect for your opinion on this topic (you take amazing photos!!), the above statement really bums me out.... As I stated in a previous post, I just dropped a good bit of money on a Nikon S8000. Bummer..... Oh well.

My opinions are hardly the gospel (as evidence by my strong belief that good fireworks images can be taken with a P&S and blown up to 20x24 with acceptable degradation). With regard to P&S cameras, my opinions also are probably dated by 1-2 years, which is quite a while in camera tech. Perhaps Nikon has righted the "P&S Ship" by now. In any case, most forms of photography are 90% or more about the person holding the camera and not about the tech itself. Teach yourself as much as you can about photography and you'll be absolutely fine.

 

[harveyt0206]

My opinions are hardly the gospel (as evidence by my strong belief that good fireworks images can be taken with a P&S and blown up to 20x24 with acceptable degradation). With regard to P&S cameras, my opinions also are probably dated by 1-2 years, which is quite a while in camera tech. Perhaps Nikon has righted the "P&S Ship" by now. In any case, most forms of photography are 90% or more about the person holding the camera and not about the tech itself. Teach yourself as much as you can about photography and you'll be absolutely fine.

Thanks. :wave: I am looking forward to using it and if I really think about it, it probably doesn't matter one way or the other for me. I love taking pictures, but I'm not that great at it. Baby steps......

 

[kaos]

On our last trip, I brought my cheap $70 Kodak PoS, I mean P&S, and it was fine. Of course I wasn't planning on the photos being used for other applications once we got home. Next thing you know, my wife and brother and sister-in-law are doing more with these photos than just putting them on Facebook... so sufficed to say, the Canon 30D is coming on the next trip...

 

[ADevereaux]

Jmho

I cannot recommend my Canon Powershot A3100 highly enough.

It is an excellent all around camera for stills, moving or video. I love it.

 

[Epcotian]

In any case, most forms of photography are 90% or more about the person holding the camera and not about the tech itself.

Completely agree. I don't think this can ever be emphasized enough!

 

[WDW2010]

I am also looking for a good P&S to take to WDW, so far the Canon SD4000IS, and SX120IS has caught my eye. The Canon G12 has great reviews but is also high up there in price.

 

[Phonedave]

I am also looking for a good P&S to take to WDW, so far the Canon SD4000IS, and SX120IS has caught my eye. The Canon G12 has great reviews but is also high up there in price.

While it seems cameras are no longer my thing (I have 2 film SLR bodies and a bunch of lenses - some not even AF *gasp* - sitting in the closet and just a 'old' P&S I use) I cannot say enough about Sony P&S

Well not so much about the camera itself, but the Sony Marine Packs.

I have never had anything leak with these cases, and they are not on the uber-expensive side ($150 or so, last I checked). Unless I am somewhere like the parks, I pretty much keep my P&S inside the case. Water, rain, sand, dirt, spray, - no problem.

It lets me take pictures like these, by allowing me to get into places where otherwise I would be leery of the camera being damaged.

-dave