Should you take a camera to an amusement park?

With summer in full swing and many families coming up with all sorts of great things to do, one big question that often comes up is whether or not it’s appropriate or even smart to take a digital camera to an amusement park. All amusement parks clearly have signs posted that absolve them of any responsibility for lost, stolen, or damaged items, so there’s no protection if you should decide to take your camera with you.

Obviously, you shouldn’t take along a large and expensive digital camera, such as a Canon Rebel, unless you don’t mind watching it at all times, avoiding rides that would expose it to damage or loss, or having a family member or friend take turns watching it with you. But what about a smaller point and shoot model? Most of them are small enough to slip inside a pocket, but will they stay there? Many amusement park rides subject you to great changes in height, angle, gravitational pull, etc., so some pocketed items could easily work themselves loose.

If you do decide to take a compact camera with you to an amusement park, here are some tips:

• This should go without saying, but take an inexpensive model with you. The smaller, the better.
• Wear shorts or pants that provide a button or zippered pocket, so that you can keep your camera well-contained within the pocket.
• If at all possible, tie the camera’s wrist strap around a loop on your shorts or pants for added security.
• Avoid water rides, unless you have a waterproof digital camera or some kind of waterproof or water resistant pouch to store it in.

Filed Under: General