Camera + Camcorder or DSLR for photo & video?

[Yzzim]

Before I start, I did search for this topic and couldn't find anything. Seems like it's something that's probably been covered before.

Anyway, my wife and I are expecting and we are trying to figure out what to do for a camera. I bought a Sony A330 DSLR to see what my wife thought of the whole DSLR thing. She didn't like it. First off, it doesn't do any video. Second, it's rather large. We're coming from a Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4 which does decent pictures for being a P&S. Most of the time we're using the iA (auto) setting for taking pictures. We would both love to learn how to do more with the camera but haven't jumped into it yet.

So now that the baby is getting closer, we're really wanting to figure out this camera situation. Should we buy a P&S camera and buy a separate camcorder? If so, what should we be looking for? The convenience of a smaller camera interests us. We haven't taken video of anything, so I know absolutely nothing about camcorders.

The other option would be to buy a DSLR that does video, like the Canon T2i. This would be our main camera and camcorder all in one. Does that work in the real world? Having to lug the thing around is a downfall, but (at least for me) the higher quality images/video would make it bearable.

A hybrid option would be the Canon SX1 IS. A buddy of mine has this camera and uses it as his camcorder and it seems to work very well. Taking 1080p video as well and very good shots (at least to me?) is exactly what we'd like. How does the SX1 IS compare to the T2i? I've read that the T2i does video @60fps rather than the 30fps as the SX1. Is that very noticeable?

The T2i would be at the very, very top of our price range. If we did a P&S plus camcorder, we'd be looking to spend no more than what the T2i costs, preferably less.

Thank you!!

 

[AkumaX]

I got the T2i w/ the intention of shooting video. It is GREAT when you have the subject and environment ready in consideration to change your settings before you shoot/record. Also, 60fps @ 720p is great if you're into that. Download some samples (or I can provide some if you like). It also does 24fps and 30fps @ 1080p.

But if it's for the baby stuff, I'm not sure if it would be the right fit; if you're fine with fixed-distance recording and/or manual-focusing, then the T2i (actually, T3i - consider it!) might be right for you.

However, if you're going to be moving around a lot while recording, then you'll notice that autofocusing while recording video is non-existent. In this case, a dedicated camcorder or P&S camera or micro 4/3's(?) would be right for you, because then you don't have to worry about focusing on the subject.

Although, there is one DSLR that breaks the norm of crappy continuous-AF: the Sony A33/A55. Might want to consider that

 

[Kaido]

I haven't looked too much at the SX1 IS, but the SX30 IS is incredible for both photos & video: ($370)

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_sx30_is

It has a crazy zoom & does really great pics and movies without any effort (no swapping lenses etc.). It's also smaller than a traditional dSLR. The SX30 IS is actually my default camera/camcorder recommendation to everyone who wants a hybrid that works well out of the box and has a great zoom range with a single lens.

Here's some photo samples:

http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=sx30is&s=int

Here's some video samples:

http://vimeo.com/16008153

http://vimeo.com/15545123

Nice, colorful pictures and video.

 

[metalmania]

I prefer a DSLR (with or without video function) AND a HD camcorder.

 

[sixone]

I haven't looked too much at the SX1 IS, but the SX30 IS is incredible for both photos & video: ($370)

I own the SX30, and it's a great cam. You can get good pics right out of the box. But if you want professional-level photos, you'll need to spend some time getting to know the cam, and it would be a good idea to get CHDK and learn how to use it, as well.

 

[Kaido]

I own the SX30, and it's a great cam. You can get good pics right out of the box. But if you want professional-level photos, you'll need to spend some time getting to know the cam, and it would be a good idea to get CHDK and learn how to use it, as well.

CHDK is a beast :thumbsup:

It's so cool that cameras can be hacked. I have my T2i modded with Magic Latern and get zebras, edge focus detection, AGC-off, audio meters, and more. A+

 

[Full Monty]

I'd suggest getting a Flip camera for the videos. My wife and I have used ours a ton since our son was born a year ago because it's so quick and easy to use, plus it records in HD. They hook directly into TVs for easy viewing and the videos are easily uploaded to computers.

We just purchased a T2i as well, but when a moment pops up where we want video quickly, we grab the Flip. Before the T2i, we'd just get still shots from my wife's Canon P&S.

 

[Kaido]

I'd suggest getting a Flip camera for the videos. My wife and I have used ours a ton since our son was born a year ago because it's so quick and easy to use, plus it records in HD. They hook directly into TVs for easy viewing and the videos are easily uploaded to computers.

We just purchased a T2i as well, but when a moment pops up where we want video quickly, we grab the Flip. Before the T2i, we'd just get still shots from my wife's Canon P&S.

We have a Kodak Playsport, similar to the Flip but waterproof/snotproof/dustproof/dropproof/chewproof. Turns on quick and easy one-button recording. The new one was just announced (Zx5):

http://store.kodak.com/store/ekconsus/en_US/pd/PLAYSPORT_Video_Camera__Zx5/productID.221644700

You can get the old one (Zx3) for $60 less: ($109 shipped)

http://www.amazon.com/Kodak-PlaySpor.../dp/B0030MITDK

Ridiculously cheap for a 1080p cam.

 

[gsellis]

It is somewhere over in DVinfo.net, but I think the saying is video is 70% audio. The story without good audio does not work. Since audio is more of an afterthought on DSLRs, get a camcorder for video. The audio is built in as part of the design. The new DSLRs are definitely a big thing for cinematography. But in cinema, it is a whole other team that does the audio. It may not be recorded on the camera.

And thanks for the Playsport name Kaido. I just discovered the Speed and Sanyo last night. The party cam comes to video and it can go snorkeling with care.

 

[Alamat]

Just borrow someone's DSLR and play around with video. Best scenario is doing manual focus like them people doing films. Huge learning curve I guess but the results would probably amaze you!

 

[acx]

Camcorder is still best for video recording. I tried out video on Rebel T1i and Vixia HF100 last year and the Vixia is significantly ahead of the Rebel due to autofocus and ergonomics. The DSLR always felt unbalanced and awkward to use by itself. Zooming in and out and focusing is all manual which results in much shaking in the video footage. Whereas the the zoom and focus on the camcorder is electronic and can be done with one hand with a push of a button.

 

[NAC]

You probably want to eventually get 3 devices. But since money doesn't grow on trees, I'd prioritize them in this order:

1 Camcorder. As others have said - when filming a camcorder has much better autofocus and stabilization as compared to cameras. My under $400 canon HD camcorder takes 3.3 mp pictures which are pretty decent. So while a camcorder takes decent pictures - cameras have serious shortcomings with video. My small camera takes ok video as long as I don't zoom, and am very careful to hold it steady. Which is sometimes impossible. My SLR can't stay in focus when filming video - so is basically unusable if either you or the subject moves.

2 a small point & shoot. You said yourself you want something small and don't play around with settings. Definitely more convenient day to day when you don't want to lug more along with you. I think just over $100 gets you a decent one which will take better pictures and higher resolution than the camcorder.

3 Lastly, if you have the money, an SLR will get you better pictures around the house or for when you don't mind lugging it around.

I've always had all three since my girls were born, and use all three regularly.

 

[Yzzim]

I prefer a DSLR (with or without video function) AND a HD camcorder.

Do you ever find yourself wishing you had a smaller camera when traveling? Just thinking about the times we'd be outside, at the zoo/amusement parks and having to lug around a big camera.

 

[Kaido]

Do you ever find yourself wishing you had a smaller camera when traveling? Just thinking about the times we'd be outside, at the zoo/amusement parks and having to lug around a big camera.

If you think you'd be better off with just one camera, the SX30 IS is pretty hard to beat - nice macro, ridiculous zoom, HD video, great still photos, smaller than a typical dSLR. In short, a do-all camera. Granted it's no dSLR, and it's no camcorder, but a hybrid of both that does a great job and has room to grow as far as learning the more manual features goes.

 

[Yzzim]

I haven't looked too much at the SX1 IS, but the SX30 IS is incredible for both photos & video: ($370)

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_sx30_is

It has a crazy zoom & does really great pics and movies without any effort (no swapping lenses etc.). It's also smaller than a traditional dSLR. The SX30 IS is actually my default camera/camcorder recommendation to everyone who wants a hybrid that works well out of the box and has a great zoom range with a single lens.

Here's some photo samples:

http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=sx30is&s=int

Here's some video samples:

http://vimeo.com/16008153

http://vimeo.com/15545123

Nice, colorful pictures and video.

Those videos look great!

 

[Kaido]

Those videos look great!

The SX30 IS is basically what I'd call the "Dream Consumer Camera". It's not too big physically, packs a massive zoom, and looks great out-of-the-box. This is the camera I recommend to people's parents when they say "I just want a camera that does everything". What they are looking for is an easy camera that makes your footage look good without trying and lets you zoom in as much as you want.

I'm guessing that when your baby comes, you don't want to be fiddling with the settings on your dSLR and miss a shot or footage because the picture wasn't "just right", you just want to turn it on, hit record, and capture the moment. Or zoom in as they take their first steps all the way across the room. Etc. and so on.

Just be sure to get a padded carry case :awe:

 

[Yzzim]

Sooo the wife just delivered one month ahead of schedule.....using the Panasonic Lumix right now and it just won't cut it. Going to check out the differences between the sx1 and the sx30 when I get time.

Thanks for the help Kaido and others...it is much appreciated. Thought I had another month to get my act together!

 

[AkumaX]

Sooo the wife just delivered one month ahead of schedule.....using the Panasonic Lumix right now and it just won't cut it. Going to check out the differences between the sx1 and the sx30 when I get time.

Thanks for the help Kaido and others...it is much appreciated. Thought I had another month to get my act together!

Congrats! Spec Comparision Between SX1 and SX30

http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon_PowerShot_SX1_IS-vs-Canon_PowerShot_SX30_IS

Personally I'd probably go for the SX30 because of the wide (24mm vs 28mm). The other end (560mm vs 810mm) is pretty impressive also. Not sure how you'd feel about continuous shooting (4 fps vs 1.1fps), but video should take care of something like that . Also, not sure if 1080p vs 720p would be a deal breaker for you

 

[Madwand1]

I bought a Sony A330 DSLR to see what my wife thought of the whole DSLR thing. She didn't like it. First off, it doesn't do any video. Second, it's rather large. We're coming from a Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4 which does decent pictures for being a P&S. Most of the time we're using the iA (auto) setting for taking pictures. We would both love to learn how to do more with the camera but haven't jumped into it yet.

Regardless of what you do with respect to the camcorder and another P&S or whatever, don't throw away the DSLR without trying this: Beg, borrow or buy an inexpensive fast prime, a 50 f/2.0 or lower (not sure what's available for Sony -- probably a f/1.8), set it on aperture priority at f/2.0 or so (the best will often be a step or two off the widest), and take natural light portraits of your subjects.

 

[Kaido]

Sooo the wife just delivered one month ahead of schedule.....using the Panasonic Lumix right now and it just won't cut it. Going to check out the differences between the sx1 and the sx30 when I get time.

Thanks for the help Kaido and others...it is much appreciated. Thought I had another month to get my act together!

Wow congrats! Hope the baby is healthy!

 

[AkumaX]

Regardless of what you do with respect to the camcorder and another P&S or whatever, don't throw away the DSLR without trying this: Beg, borrow or buy an inexpensive fast prime, a 50 f/2.0 or lower (not sure what's available for Sony -- probably a f/1.8), set it on aperture priority at f/2.0 or so (the best will often be a step or two off the widest), and take natural light portraits of your subjects.

He can get the Minolta AF 50mm f/1.7 for a nice price. I totally missed the part where he owned a Sony DSLR haha

 

[Madwand1]

He can get the Minolta AF 50mm f/1.7 for a nice price.

That's cool. The new 50 f/1.8 also looks good and affordable. There are fans of both.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/sony_alpha/discuss/72157624462791560/

Another advantage of fast primes -- less flash in the baby's eyes (and less red-eye).

 

[Sp12]

I would look into a Sony a55 as a replacement for both your current SLR as well as videocam.

 

[jaydee]

We have a Kodak Playsport, similar to the Flip but waterproof/snotproof/dustproof/dropproof/chewproof. Turns on quick and easy one-button recording. The new one was just announced (Zx5):

http://store.kodak.com/store/ekconsus/en_US/pd/PLAYSPORT_Video_Camera__Zx5/productID.221644700

You can get the old one (Zx3) for $60 less: ($109 shipped)

http://www.amazon.com/Kodak-PlaySpor.../dp/B0030MITDK

Ridiculously cheap for a 1080p cam.

How do you find the Playsport Zx3 in low light at 720p@60fps? I see good reviews in low light, but I assume they are testing it at 30fps, because it can use a longer shutter.

 

[Kaido]

How do you find the Playsport Zx3 in low light at 720p@60fps? I see good reviews in low light, but I assume they are testing it at 30fps, because it can use a longer shutter.

Haven't messed too much with 60fps in low-light, but I can tell you that, for the price, the camera does amazingly well in dark situations. Live concerts in the dark came out pretty dang well for a $100-ish pocket camcorder. Although if it's primarily low-light performance you're after, the Zoom Q3HD has the best low-light of any pocket cam I've seen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SyWM17l2iQ