I need some advice on cameras and video recorders

[Specop 007]

First off, I know about jack in regards to this video stuff. I'm the "push button and take picture" kind of guy. I'm impressed by those who can do more, but its just not my forte by any means. Maybe someday....

Anyways its time to upgrade. I currently have a Sony DSC S75. Yes, thats an OLD camera.
What I would like is an affordable quality "do it all" device. Note I say affordable, NOT cheap. I dont really want to spend 800 or 1000, if possible I would like to stay between....ohhh......3 and 600. I dont need the best at everything, but competence in everything as it were.

How are the current video cameras at taking stills? I dont do a lot of photography so different lenses, lighting, ISO, shutter speed....Its all Greek to me. Point focus and shoot and hope for the best. As such having a "smart" device is nice. Something that figures out all the little details and just lets me point and shoot and get a good picture is great. My current camera for the most part gives me that even to this day. What its lacking on is video.

So I really want a video camera, but would like to also be able to take quality stills with it. As mentioned, a "do it all" device with focus on video. Frankly I dont even know where to start. Some of the other posts mention the Canon HF10/100 series. The 10 looks good to me based on the price and features, but how is it on still images? Maybe a Powershot TX-1? I'm torn on the advantages of HD video, thoughts on that? I get confused because the TX-1 states 7 megapixels and the HF100 states approx 3.3, so my noobishness tells me "Hey the TX1 is better".....But the HF does HD video and the TX doesnt.....

I've also thought of just going for a good video camera and swinging by a pawn shop to get one of the newer DSLR's cheap. I've seen some good deals on used cameras there so thats an option on the plate too. I have a set in stone hard limit of a grand. As stated, 3-6 is preferable but if theres a "cant be beat" video camera for 4 or 5 and a "cantr be beat" still for 4-5 I would be tempted on that.....

Thoughts? Recommendations? If any photo bugs have some time to help a noob I'd appreciate it!

 

[jpeyton]

No single solution will be ideal. There are a handful of cameras that take HD video, and most camcorders allow you to take limited resolution stills.

If you want to go the camera route, Panasonic makes several cameras (like the TZ5) that take 720P HD video; I believe Sony has some too, and Canon has the SX1 IS.

Video camcorders will take OK stills, but I'd rather just keep a slim digital camera in my pocket in case I want to take a picture.

Getting a camcorder and a camera is the best overall option. A Canon HF100 + Panasonic LZ8/Sony W120/Canon SD1100 will run you around $600. If you want better photo quality, get an entry level DSLR (I've seen D40 kits for $300 used).

 

[Specop 007]

So even an entry level digi cam is better then the picture abilities of the video cameras then?

 

[jpeyton]

Without a question. I had an HF100 and the stills were average. Awesome video camera though.

 

[Specop 007]

How about video editing with the new format they use? Any problems there?

EDIT

I suppose its also safe to say about anything on the market today will outperform my antiquated S75 too?

 

[Deleted member 4644]

I think resolution (i.e. the ability to take HD video) is impt on camcorders because monitors are only getting larger, and in 15 years if you want to look at a video you are going to want as much "data" there are possible.

Also, as others said, a dedicated still camera is going to take literally 2x or 3x better image quality than any camcorder that I have ever heard of.