decent camera with decent video?

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

04/25/2007 10:03:04 PM · #1

I have a friend looking for a new camera. She has a baby on the way and they would like a camera that will take quality pics as well as quality video. Does anyone know of one that exists in about a $300-$600 range?

Thanks for any suggestions, everyone!

BeeCee

Nikon D40

04/25/2007 10:07:09 PM · #2

I haven't tried the video on mine yet (only had it two years, after all) but it's supposedly pretty good, with stereo sound. I really like the camera :)

levyj413

Nikon D7100

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Nikon

04/25/2007 10:09:46 PM · #3

Originally posted by BeeCee:

I haven't tried the video on mine yet (only had it two years, after all) but it's supposedly pretty good, with stereo sound. I really like the camera :)

I have the same camera, and the video is excellent (it can even zoom optically while shooting video, like a real videocamera). The zoom is also very quiet. I'd assume the newer S3 IS is just as good.

From what I've read, many (maybe most) modern point-and-shoots take good video. The one restriction on my camera is that each file is limited 1 GB. That's about 9 minutes at the full size (640x480) and full speed (30 frames per second). But I've never come close to wanting 9 straight minutes of video.

One feature that's VERY handy if you want to use a camera as a videocamera is a flip-out LCD screen. Makes it MUCH easier to shoot at odd angles. I use the flip-out screen regularly for photography, too.

Check dpreview.com and dcresource.com for discussions of video capabilities. I think it's hard to go wrong today.

Message edited by author 2007-04-25 22:11:12.

buzzrock

Fujifilm X-M1

Fujifilm XC 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS

04/25/2007 10:14:43 PM · #4

As a general rule-- Camcorders take pretty crappy Still photo's & Digital Cam's take pretty crappy videos (when compared to camcorders)--
Unforntually , there really isnt the best of both worlds out there..

Good news is with that price range-- you can get a really good Point and shoot camera and a really good Mini DV camcorder, just not in one package..

Elmakias

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

04/25/2007 10:14:53 PM · #5

I have an S2 IS as well, it was my first digital camera, the price has dropped dramatically sense i bought one. its a great camera, and relatively cheap.

Blue Moon

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

04/25/2007 10:15:14 PM · #6

same here, video quality is very good, even in dark situation. I got my camera for $300 off of amazon last year.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

04/25/2007 10:27:39 PM · #7

Originally posted by buzzrock:

This is what I have heard as well. I had suggested to her that she get a separate camera and video camera, but then I thought I'd better check here first!

Thanks everyone, the info so far is very helpful. I agree a flip-out LCD is very handy, as we had one with our powershot. I'll mention the S2 IS and S3 IS to her. I'm not sure if the 1 GB limit/video will work out, but it's good to know.

Any other input is appreciated! Thanks, all!

RainMotorsports

Nikon D60

04/25/2007 10:29:58 PM · #8

Originally posted by buzzrock:

Ive actually seen a Still camera do 1024x768 (odd res) @ 30 FPS. WHich is about SDTV res and just about 720P a little taller not quite as wide. With quality Better then any 300 dollar 640x480 dv cam.

When u push out of the 300 dollar video camera range is when u stop getting junk.

rayg544

Olympus E-5

Olympus 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 Zuiko ED Digitial Zoom

04/25/2007 10:32:25 PM · #9

I've read GREAT reviews on my camera as far as video, but I don't use it (I'm strickly a photograph shooter). It's a great still photo camera though. Maybe you can do a goole search on "best video digital cameras". Good luck.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

04/25/2007 10:33:08 PM · #10

Originally posted by levyj413:

Check dpreview.com and dcresource.com for discussions of video capabilities. I think it's hard to go wrong today.

Thanks! I'll keep these handy as well.

RainMotorsports

Nikon D60

04/25/2007 10:34:41 PM · #11

Originally posted by Lorene:

Originally posted by levyj413:

Check dpreview.com and dcresource.com for discussions of video capabilities. I think it's hard to go wrong today.

Thanks! I'll keep these handy as well.

Theres the truth right now and they typically provide a 1 fast moving daylight shot and one daylight shot where the zoom is used.

crayon

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1

04/25/2007 10:46:32 PM · #12

The new Canon TX-1 may be what your friend needs.
Able to do 1280 x 720 (30 fps) or 640 x 480 (30 fps), with audio, unlimited duration. Has a 10x optical zoom too.

Blue Moon

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

04/25/2007 11:13:12 PM · #13

okay, this is my first ever youtube video, so hopefully it works. This was the same lion as in this shot.

Now keep in mind that the pic could have been sharper (my bad) and the video quality was better on realplayer, but this is basically just a sample. I REALLY wanted to post my illegal concert filming, but unfortunately...it's illegal. Enjoy.

Lion Roaring-shot with S2 IS