Walt Disney World has begun rolling out new Sony cameras for its PhotoPass service, marking a significant upgrade in the equipment used to capture magical moments for guests. This change is part of Disney’s ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of its photography services. In this article, we’ll explore the details of the new cameras, where they’ve been introduced, and what this means for guests visiting the parks.
New Sony Cameras at EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
The new Sony cameras have been introduced at two Walt Disney World theme parks: EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. PhotoPass photographers at these locations are now equipped with Sony A7IV cameras, replacing the older Nikon D7500 models. This upgrade includes not only the camera body but also a high-quality 24-105mm G-series lens and a Sony flash attachment.
The rollout is expected to expand to Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom at a later date, though Disney has not yet provided a timeline for this transition.
Why the Upgrade Matters
The switch to Sony A7IV cameras represents a significant improvement in the technology used for Disney PhotoPass. The new cameras feature a full-frame sensor, which allows for higher-quality images compared to the crop sensor used in the previous Nikon models. Additional benefits include improved image stabilization, an enhanced LCD screen for better photo composition, and overall superior performance in various lighting conditions.
These upgrades are expected to result in sharper, more vibrant photos for guests, enhancing the overall PhotoPass experience.
A Brief History of Disney’s Camera Partnerships
For years, Disney partnered with Nikon for its PhotoPass service, a collaboration that began in 2013 and ended in 2021. During this partnership, Nikon branding was prominently displayed throughout the parks, and Nikon cameras were the standard equipment for PhotoPass photographers. After the partnership ended, Disney began exploring other options, eventually transitioning to Sony cameras for its photography services.
The introduction of Sony A7IV cameras is not Disney’s first experience with Sony equipment. The company has used Sony cameras for boutique photo offerings in the past, making this a natural progression for its PhotoPass service.
What Guests Can Expect
With the new Sony cameras, guests can look forward to higher-quality photos that capture their Disney memories in stunning detail. The upgraded equipment is designed to perform well in a variety of settings, from bright daylight to dimly lit evening events. While the in-camera images are expected to be significantly improved, Disney may still apply post-processing edits that could affect the final image quality.
For now, the rollout is limited to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, but guests visiting other parks can anticipate similar upgrades in the near future.
For more updates on the latest developments at Walt Disney World, stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog and subscribe to our newsletter to get our latest articles delivered to your inbox.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
