Video Cameras- How many tapes? WDW Theme Parks Discuss Video Cameras- How many tapes? in the Vacation Planning forums; I'm curious as to how many tapes or dvd's everybody brings with the to The World? When my mother, sister and I took our trip last year we brought about ...

[04CP_ Nolan]

I'm curious as to how many tapes or dvd's everybody brings with the to The World? When my mother, sister and I took our trip last year we brought about six mini-DV tapes. My sister and I are going in Feb. and I'm definitely going to bring more tapes, though I'll probably need another battery. So how long can you remember the magic? Also, what recommendations do you have to others on cameras whether they are tape, dvd or memory sticks?
Part of me wishes I could bring a small steady-cam rig with me when I go... I'm in videography, but I'm unfortunately shaky when I'm going handheld.

[NC_WDW_Daddy]

I plan on one mini-dv tape for every two days. Sometimes I will use a little more, sometimes less. I have recorded attractions and family's reactions while on the attraction. I have also recorded Illuminations, Wishes, SpectroMagic and Fantasmic. As I look back over the years, it seems like we do average 30 minutes per day. On the digital camera, I'll average about 50 to 70 shots per day.

[DisneyHomeVideo]

I like to take video, I take 3 batteries - at any given time I have one for the camera, an extra for my camera bag, and one in the charger.

I take 6-8 tapes. During my last week-long vacation I took around 3 hours of video, which I will edit down to something around 1/3 of the length. But, I missed a lot. I prefer to get more than I think I'll need. I've never regretted filming something, I've often regretted NOT filming something.

I've done several articles on videotaping Disney that are in the archive of WDW radio, I encourage you to check them out. Below is a link to some of my videos and tutorials.

Dan

Disneyhomevideo

[04CP_ Nolan]

awesome, thanks for the link Dan.

[mercurywaxing]

Here are two thing to think about:

1. Don't worry as much about tapes as about an extra battery or two. The tapes will be no good if the camera won't turn on, and batteries will often run out of juice before you run out of tape. If the battery charges in the camera you can find some outlets hidden around. I've seen them upstairs at the Columbia Harbor House, in Exposition Hall, and at the ABC. They were not put in by Disney so you could power electronics. Public buildings have to have a particular amount of accessable outlets per square foot for emergency purposes.
2. How many can you comfortably carry? When I used Mini-DV's I took 2. Have at least one backup in case something happens to the first tape. Now my device is hard drive based and I worry more about battery hour.

[04CP_ Nolan]

I believe you're thinking of DVCAM tapes mercury, the mini-DV tapes are smaller that a credit card. I hadn't thought about the wall outlets, I'll have to be on the lookout. Anytime I go to the parks I have on cargo pants or cargo shorts, so I can stuff my pockets and still be comfortable. I actually shot part of a documentary for my video production degree on our home camera. I think I'll add a link, there are parts I wish were better of course.... RFP on blip.tv

[MJMcb]

last trip I used 3 hour tapes

[Tim]

I go through two tapes in a week. I don't really film the rides from start to finish anymore because I have done that ad nauseum over the years. Now the camera is focused on the kids.

[rock_doctor]

none.

I have a DXG-595V HD video camera that shoots 5meg stills and 1080p (@30 fps) video onto SD flash cards. When i fill a card i offload it to my laptop or my mp3 player which also works as a data bank. I usually take 2 batteries and 3 - 4gig cards and get an hour of 1080p on a 4 gig card. When home i burn one full SD card to a dvd-r for archival purposes. To answer your question, for normal purposes you can get away with two hours of tape and twice the time in battery power.

[luvlifeinfl]

My husband usually take between 8-10 mini DVD's. We have had this cam since 2005, we are planning on getting a new one w/ a hard drive built it, then I can just load to my lap top.

[rock_doctor]

I just noticed the part about the shaky camera work. Get yourself a monopod. If you want to pan up and down you just tilt the camera back and forward and to pan to the side you just turn it. It works a real treat and they are relatively cheap.

[04CP_ Nolan]

yeah, i've got my eye on a monopod at walmart. i just wanna be able to go to the parks without being weighed down by stuff, even a backpack. i wear a lot of cargo shorts and pants, so i can pack stuff away. i need to find a place that would carry the same kind of camera battery so i can pick up a third one. anybody know of good reliable places online?

[rock_doctor]

Just google search the part number of the battery and you should find anybody who sells it plus sells comparable versions of it. I don't know what kind of camera you have but mine is about 3x3x6in so i have a case that has a belt loop. I can carry the camera, cards and batteries all in the case. No backpack necessary. Take a run by walmart and see if the have a belt mountable camera case. Take a piece of rope and tie it onto the monopod and set it up so you can sling it over your shoulder.