I have just the kit lens. I know an extra battery and large CF are a must...already covered. What about a different lense and a flash? Think they'll be needed? I'm taking my laptop to transfer the pics each night. What else do you think might be necessary for this trip to take some memorable pictures? Thanks.
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Disney World Trip....tips needed
- Thread starter joereich3
- Start date
icewing
Well-known member
Personally, if I only had one lens to take on something like this, I'd use my 28-135. This is the first lens I purchased after reading lots of recommendations for a "walkaround lens". Search for walkaround and you'll get lots of suggestions for this and other good lenses. I think that with the situations and scenes you'll probably get more use out of the 28-135, or something else with more reach than just the kit lens. Just my $.02. Good luck and have fun!
I went with just the kit lens and used the flash on the DReb as I just bought the camera and didn't have time to buy the flash...I now have the 420EX. This was in Oct 2003.
I carried 2 256MB CF cards and 1 128MB CF card. I also brought my laptop to dump the pictures.
As I was new with the camera, I mostly used the Basic modes and my pictures turned out well. Mostly daytime pics with some indoor pics with characters. I had some difficulties with shade shots so you need to make sure that the camera doesn't darken the shaded areas. Looking back, I wish I had the flash and a circular polarized filter.
I took about 250 pictures. Most came out great. Again, the places where I wish I had an external flash would be covered areas and indoors. I think you need to practise with whatever flash you get to understand how the exposuring works. I also added the FEC hack and has improved the exposure by setting it to +2/3.
Getting character shots with your children or whoever, you need to be quick as you don't have much time to compose, choose the settings, and then take the picture. So you need to be quite familiar with this camera.
I was also fumbling around with my video camera so carrying two bags will be a chore. Get a bag that can carry both if you are planning to do video as well. I had to go to the Walmart to buy a Targus bag that actually fit everything for about $20.
Lot's of great photo opportunities. Again, you need to be quick as events and opportunities seem to be spontaneous. Long line ups for character shots and character dining is difficult as reservations are required and go quickly.
Hope this helps.
I carried 2 256MB CF cards and 1 128MB CF card. I also brought my laptop to dump the pictures.
As I was new with the camera, I mostly used the Basic modes and my pictures turned out well. Mostly daytime pics with some indoor pics with characters. I had some difficulties with shade shots so you need to make sure that the camera doesn't darken the shaded areas. Looking back, I wish I had the flash and a circular polarized filter.
I took about 250 pictures. Most came out great. Again, the places where I wish I had an external flash would be covered areas and indoors. I think you need to practise with whatever flash you get to understand how the exposuring works. I also added the FEC hack and has improved the exposure by setting it to +2/3.
Getting character shots with your children or whoever, you need to be quick as you don't have much time to compose, choose the settings, and then take the picture. So you need to be quite familiar with this camera.
I was also fumbling around with my video camera so carrying two bags will be a chore. Get a bag that can carry both if you are planning to do video as well. I had to go to the Walmart to buy a Targus bag that actually fit everything for about $20.
Lot's of great photo opportunities. Again, you need to be quick as events and opportunities seem to be spontaneous. Long line ups for character shots and character dining is difficult as reservations are required and go quickly.
Hope this helps.
I would carry a portable hard disk dirve... Even with a couple of 512MB cards, it could run out if shooting in RAW, and you don't want to waste a trip back to the hotel to upload into the laptop..
Carry a flash if possible, otherwise avoid shaded areas and indoors, which will be plenty as well.. I would ditch the tripod though, cannot imagine taking a ride with these.. Get a wide angle lens with decent zoom if you can..
http://gallery29564.fotopic.net/
Carry a flash if possible, otherwise avoid shaded areas and indoors, which will be plenty as well.. I would ditch the tripod though, cannot imagine taking a ride with these.. Get a wide angle lens with decent zoom if you can..
--
http://gallery29564.fotopic.net/
50mm f1.8 would be great for teh light parade at night! Also, depending on what else you want to shoot, a good flash, preferably a Canon 550ex or something similar with E-ttl would be good to have.
A zoom lens (maybe 75-300 or 70-200) is also something to thing about, but a wide angle (the low end of the kit lens) comes in handy for landscpae shots.
A zoom lens (maybe 75-300 or 70-200) is also something to thing about, but a wide angle (the low end of the kit lens) comes in handy for landscpae shots.
jgarza
Well-known member
Don't be a target...travel light...Locked suitcases are a good idea when you leave your room.
While photgraphing take time to enjoy the event..Capturing is great, but don't let it be a distraction...
If you have a room with a view = Tripod or if you wake up early and get to a place that has a great view of the sunrise/sunset too.
Good pair of shoes...Sunglasses...Sunblock...Compact First Aid Kit (for the kids that get minor scrapes...Formost Limit CASH, some but keep moderate...Always an ATM is near.
Probably not all useful, but a little here and a little there can help.
Look forward to seeing your photos..
While photgraphing take time to enjoy the event..Capturing is great, but don't let it be a distraction...
If you have a room with a view = Tripod or if you wake up early and get to a place that has a great view of the sunrise/sunset too.
Good pair of shoes...Sunglasses...Sunblock...Compact First Aid Kit (for the kids that get minor scrapes...Formost Limit CASH, some but keep moderate...Always an ATM is near.
Probably not all useful, but a little here and a little there can help.
Look forward to seeing your photos..
pisco
Active member
I would say you will definitely want a longer lens (at least 200mm). Mostly for Animal Kingdom and for getting closer to the action with shows and parades. I would also highly recommend and Ultrapod ( http://www.pedcopods.com/products.htm ). It is a tabletop style tripod that weighs 4 oz. and is only 7 in. long when folded up. It also has the ability to velcro to anything solid like a fence or lightpost. I took mine on my last trip and it was a real help. It gives you all the benefits of having a tripod without having to actually carry one.
Lastly, the 50 1.8 is also a good idea if you want to shoot the parades at night or on some of the brighter "dark" rides. I have seen examples of people shooting at 1.8 or 2.0 and 800 to 1600 ISO that have come out quite well.
Have a great trip. Can't wait to see the pics.
Derald
Lastly, the 50 1.8 is also a good idea if you want to shoot the parades at night or on some of the brighter "dark" rides. I have seen examples of people shooting at 1.8 or 2.0 and 800 to 1600 ISO that have come out quite well.
Have a great trip. Can't wait to see the pics.
Derald
Sandman
Forum Pro
joereich3,
These are not my shots, but they can be a source of inspiration for you. This is one of the finest Rebel galleries i have seen, most shot at Disney:
http://www.pbase.com/carpe_diem/12242003
For travel pics, some of these border on fine art!
Cheers and enjoy your trip.
jim
--
Shoot more, ***** less!
galleries at: http://www.pbase.com/sandman3
These are not my shots, but they can be a source of inspiration for you. This is one of the finest Rebel galleries i have seen, most shot at Disney:
http://www.pbase.com/carpe_diem/12242003
For travel pics, some of these border on fine art!
Cheers and enjoy your trip.
jim
--
Shoot more, ***** less!
galleries at: http://www.pbase.com/sandman3
MarcosV
Veteran Member
I didn't use the Ultra Pod as much as I thought I would on my trip to Disney World, but, where it came in handy was taking pictures of the fireworks show at Epcot. I sat at the Mexican restaurant and strapped the camera to the railing using the velcro. Worked great.
Ideally you want your camera to be in its lightest configuration when using the ultra pod. Makes adjustments a whole lot easier.
N
Negative287
Guest
If you want to go fairly inexpensive, then get the 75 - 300 IS USM, 28 - 135 IS USM and the 50mm f/1.8... I did this trip last February with the equivalent Nikon lenses (well, there was no IS on those lenses) and I felt everything went pretty well!
You shouldn't need the 75 - 300 unless you go to Animal Kingdom and you shouldn't need the 50 f/1.8 unless you go to Sea World (inside the shark exhibit is pretty dark and you'll need all the light you can muster.
I'd say preset the white balance but if that feature is as bad on the 300D as it is on the 10D then forget about that option.
Also, all the memory you can get is ideal... I was averaging about 160 Pictures a day shooting RAW so my 1 Gig card wasn't enough alone.
--
'The only real currency in this bankrupt world is what we share with each other when we're being uncool.' -- Cameron Crowe
You shouldn't need the 75 - 300 unless you go to Animal Kingdom and you shouldn't need the 50 f/1.8 unless you go to Sea World (inside the shark exhibit is pretty dark and you'll need all the light you can muster.
I'd say preset the white balance but if that feature is as bad on the 300D as it is on the 10D then forget about that option.
Also, all the memory you can get is ideal... I was averaging about 160 Pictures a day shooting RAW so my 1 Gig card wasn't enough alone.
--
'The only real currency in this bankrupt world is what we share with each other when we're being uncool.' -- Cameron Crowe
N
Negative287
Guest
Forget the locked suitcase just get the key to the safe in the closet.
As for the cash, bring travelers checks as some of those ATM's will charge you like $6 and only allow you to take out like $100 at a time!
'The only real currency in this bankrupt world is what we share with each other when we're being uncool.' -- Cameron Crowe
As for the cash, bring travelers checks as some of those ATM's will charge you like $6 and only allow you to take out like $100 at a time!
--
'The only real currency in this bankrupt world is what we share with each other when we're being uncool.' -- Cameron Crowe
MarcosV
Veteran Member
I visited Disney World two years ago, bringing my old Elan IIe. I visited Disneyland over the Xmas break using my Digital Rebel.
Here's my tips:
1. Determine if the kit lens is good enough for you. If it isn't consider a $200 Canon 28-105 or a $400 28-135. For wide angle shots, the kit lens is your cheapest solution. It's light enough, so I would also carry it with you.
2. 50 f/1.8 is a great lens to buy because it's so inexpensive for something that small and fast.
3. If you feel you really need the reach of a zoom, consider the Sigma APO 70-300. People in this forum just love it (little over $200). If you feel that you need some anti shake help at 300mm and got the bucks, consider the 75-300 IS at nearly twice the price.
4. For external flash, get either the Sigma 500 DG Super for $180 or the Canon 550EX if you can afford it. The built-in flash is only good for in your face direct lighting at 7 feet or less. The reach of the external flash is awesome.
5. If you havne't done so already, buy lens hoods and UV filters for your lens.
Here's my tips:
- You'll probably end up using one lens most of the time. You just won't have enough time to constantly switch lens.
- I used my 28-105 lens a lot at Disney World. Today, I'd use my recently purchased 28-135 IS for the same purpose.
- I used my 50 f/1.8 for available light shots on rides and at night.
- I rarely used my 75-300 USM II at Disney World. In part because it was difficult for me to reduce camera shake. Also in part, because it's a long, heavy lens that can get uncomfortable carrying around your neck. Times such a lens were useful was taking pictures of singers at some of the stage shows (when I was seated). Another time was at the animal kingdom. Animals were usually too far away for anything shorter.
- External flash comes in handy, but, due to weight issues, it would be the second thing I left at the hotel (the first thing was the 75-300 zoom).
- Everything you carry maybe inspected everytime you enter the park. Do bring a camera bag that's easy to get things in/out of while on the go.
- Be prepared for rain. When it rains in that part of Floriday it can come down fairly hard. Carry a small umbrella with you and have a lot of towels or clothes to wipe your equipment down. I brought everything from large micro fiber clothes, to tissues, and lens paper. Obviously make sure your stuff can stay dry in your bag.
- I brought a tripod with me, but, had no opportunity to use it. Too big. A table top tripod came in handy a few times.
- Learn how to take panaramic shots hand held. Plenty of things to take panaramics of. With lots of storage space, you can afford to have lots of overlap between shots. The trick is to hold the camera level as you pan around. I ended up with a lot of short and long panaramic shots due to the camera not being level.
- Buy two extra batteries (go with a recommended third party if you want to save lots of money). That way you always carry an extra with you while the third one is back at the hotel charging. The charger can only charge one battery at a time and there maybe times when you don't have to charge more than one battery over night.
- If you want to be less conspicuous with your camera, try wrapping the neckstrap around your right hand a few times. This allows you to hold the camera firmly with one hand. You could then hold the camera at your side or behind your back until right before you're ready to snap that picture.
- You'll want to hand carry your camera equipment and laptop. You might want to consider two bags: A large one that holds everything, including your laptop; a smaller one that holds what you plan to take around with you.
1. Determine if the kit lens is good enough for you. If it isn't consider a $200 Canon 28-105 or a $400 28-135. For wide angle shots, the kit lens is your cheapest solution. It's light enough, so I would also carry it with you.
2. 50 f/1.8 is a great lens to buy because it's so inexpensive for something that small and fast.
3. If you feel you really need the reach of a zoom, consider the Sigma APO 70-300. People in this forum just love it (little over $200). If you feel that you need some anti shake help at 300mm and got the bucks, consider the 75-300 IS at nearly twice the price.
4. For external flash, get either the Sigma 500 DG Super for $180 or the Canon 550EX if you can afford it. The built-in flash is only good for in your face direct lighting at 7 feet or less. The reach of the external flash is awesome.
5. If you havne't done so already, buy lens hoods and UV filters for your lens.
- Marcos
I think I might go with the 50mm lens as I can use it for indoor basketball shots (on the court) too. I was ready to buy the 500 DG Super but wasn't sure i'd need it tight away....sounds like I do. I'll skip the zoom for now. I'll check into the ultrapod...cheap enough.
ChrisS
Active member
Hi, I recently did this in October last year. Bought a Rebel (300D in US) while in Orlando, bought a 256M CF card while there (expensive) and downloaded each night to my laptop.
The kit lens is good for what it is, however, there are situations where you will definitely want a bit more zooming power or a faster F stop. Upon my return I bought a 28-105 2.8 Sigma lens. Magnification factor of 1.6 does make this a very useful lens. I did sometimes wish for a good 28-200 which would have been a single, "leave on camera for all situations" lens but a fast 28-200 would be very expensive. If you can get one over here at a reasonable price then you are certain to avoid being in the situation of missing out on shots when you are changing lenes. You rarely get a second chance.
One thing I would recommend though, is to get either a large ziplock waterproof bag or something similar, that you can seal your camera in, inside another (camera) bag, to make sure your kit is really protected from the elements. Flash rainstorms are intense and fast there, and really do penetrate even the best bags.
Have a good trip!
ChrisS
The kit lens is good for what it is, however, there are situations where you will definitely want a bit more zooming power or a faster F stop. Upon my return I bought a 28-105 2.8 Sigma lens. Magnification factor of 1.6 does make this a very useful lens. I did sometimes wish for a good 28-200 which would have been a single, "leave on camera for all situations" lens but a fast 28-200 would be very expensive. If you can get one over here at a reasonable price then you are certain to avoid being in the situation of missing out on shots when you are changing lenes. You rarely get a second chance.
One thing I would recommend though, is to get either a large ziplock waterproof bag or something similar, that you can seal your camera in, inside another (camera) bag, to make sure your kit is really protected from the elements. Flash rainstorms are intense and fast there, and really do penetrate even the best bags.
Have a good trip!
--
ChrisS
Jim Coffey
Leading Member
If you booked through a travel agent, check on the options avaiable at the park - popular ones include character breakfasts (they should be able to book one in advance for you, and early admsision to the park). Early admission is great - far fewer lines - use it to do the rides you really want to enjoy, as well as character shots.
As for a camera, someone already suggested zip lock bags - they're great for that unexpected downpour. Most of the posts covered equipment well - I would suggest doing a bunch of tests shots if you buy a flash so you're used to its performance before it counts.
My suggestion is to look for unusual photo opportunities - they're are guide books that show where to find hidden Mickey's (Disney "hide" the MM outline in numerous locations, such as rides) m another is the behind the, scenes tour where you might catch a character grabbing a smoke, etc.
Finally, use burst mode so you don't wish you'd taken the shot a second earlier or later.
Enjoy,
Jim
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