Are camcorders obsolete?

[minori]

I have noticed many people these days shoot video with digital cameras. Take for example this camera:

http://www.digitalrev.com/product/canon-kiss-x5-eos-600d/MTExMzc_A

It costs $600.00 and can take pictures and shoot video. I have seen this girl recording all of her videos using that camera. What makes it more superior than a 1080p HD camcorder? Is the camera lenses changing the quality/result?

I have also noticed deadmau5 used a camera to record some of his videos too. He did a slow fps video using a camera with special lenses, too: (shot in 5k @ 96fps with a RED Epic, zeiss 50mm prime / Canon 70-200)

http://youtu.be/KZRxvWUFEqE

I don't understand. I am stuck in the thought that you should use the right tool for the right job. A camera for taking photos, and a camcorder for shooting video. I am confused because it seems like these digital cameras are replacing camcorders.

Are these cameras with those lenses better than camcorders? If so what makes it better/superior/"the choice"?

 

[eelw]

I still use my video camcorder for higher optical zoom, better built in mic and comfort over my P&S or iPhone.

 

[corkyg]

I haven't seen any phones with a tripod mount so they can be left recording on a tripod. Time duration also - phones have short legs.

 

[minori]

I still use my video camcorder for higher optical zoom, better built in mic and comfort over my P&S or iPhone.

This is what I thought. Seeing people record with cameras instead of camcorders kind of threw me off. Especially when the camera costs 3x more.

I haven't seen any phones with a tripod mount so they can be left recording on a tripod. Time duration also - phones have short legs.

You can get 64GB SD cards now so space shouldn't be a problem anymore (unless you are going to text the video). What about this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0r6LeDjtlTM

Isn't it only possible to do that with a camera and not a camcorder due to the tilting of the lenses and the quality of pictures for stop motion?

I question this so much because I was considering buying a camcorder but when I see everyone using cameras to shoot video it makes me uncertain.

If the camcorder can only shoot in 1080P and the camera can shoot the same quality but take better pictures, it is natural lean towards the camera, right?

A better word to describe my big question is, are HDSLRs a good investment if you want to take both pictures and video? Or should you buy the right tool for each job, camera and camcorder separately?

 

[luv2liv]

camcorders are ridiculously easy to use for recording videos. turn on and ready to record.
even though my camcorder is full 1080p, im selling it because the quality isnt as good as the vid from a DSLR.

 

[minori]

camcorders are ridiculously easy to use for recording videos. turn on and ready to record.
even though my camcorder is full 1080p, im selling it because the quality isnt as good as the vid from a DSLR.

What DSLR are you using? I am interested in getting my first DSLR. I've had camcorders in the past but mine is so old (outdated) I am out researching what would be great quality for 2012.

 

[randomrogue]

New DSLR's can shoot really good video but that's a secondary feature. I've helped shoot a short film for a film festival though on a Canon 7D. I've done wedding videos on a Sony 5N and some of their other SLT's.

If my primary purpose was video though I'd get a video camera. The ergonomics alone justify it.

 

[JohnnyRebel]

New DSLR's can shoot really good video but that's a secondary feature. I've helped shoot a short film for a film festival though on a Canon 7D. I've done wedding videos on a Sony 5N and some of their other SLT's.

If my primary purpose was video though I'd get a video camera. The ergonomics alone justify it.

+1. I use cameras to shoot video simply because it's what I have with me when the opportunity arises.

JR

 

[alkemyst]

A proper camcorder is way better than shooting video with a digicam.

 

[GWestphal]

Camcorder:
Ergonomics, Autofocus Speed

DSLR:
Versatility, Lens Selection/Cost

 

[jpeyton]

HDSLR video is going to give you that cinematic look that a camcorder can never provide, but it will require extra legwork on your end.

You're going to need to spend more time composing your shot, practicing focus, dialing in the exposure, etc.

It's worth it in the end.

 

[blastingcap]

Indecisive people may want to get a Panasonic GH2 or GH3.

 

[luv2liv]

i had a canon rebel xti and vixia hf s100. sold both for canon rebel t4i.
recording vid is not easy. autofocus is slow, i find myself manually focusing more. also, there is no optical image stabilization. the only way to prevent shakes is to mount it on a tripod.
would have gotten panasonic gh2 if i didnt have canon lenses laying around

 

[minori]

I've been looking more at DSLRs and I've read from some nice people here that the best DSLR is the one that feels the best in the hands. Is this accurate?

Edit: Kiss X5/600D/T3i are all the same camera just recognized differently among countries.