Digital camera or camcorder?

[ST4RCUTTER]

Hey guys,

I'm turning to all you guys/gals who have digital cameras, digital camcorders or both! I am expecting the birth of my son in 4 weeks and I would like to be able to capture these moments digitally. Currently I only have the old 35mm camera and I am struggling with the decision of going for a digital camera such as the Canon Powershot A40 or a digital camcorder such as the JVC GR-DVL520U. I would like to capture both still and moving images and I feel that the 30 second "reels" that most digital cameras offer are just too short. What do you guys recommend? Are the still images on digital camcorders up to par? What recording medium should I look for? Should I shoot for Hi8, digital8 or Mini DV? Being newly married my budget is limited. My price range is ~$475 or less. I'm willing to hit Ebay and other low priced vendors to get what I need. Any feedback would be great!

 

[ynot167]

Photos say a thousand words and I'm sure you'd want to capture those special moments with your future family. Being a father, I have both. A digital camera Sony DSC-85 and a camcorder Sony TRV-17 (I like Sony). I liked the digital camcorder home videos, however, the picture quality on the camcorder is just ok. Flashes on cameras make a big difference in picture quality (in my experience) and that is what a camcorder with still shot capability lacks. Because of this, I bought a digital camera; which is great!!!

So as for me, I recommend getting a digital camcorder (digital 8) and a digital camera (at least 2 megapixels)---remember, your digital pictures are only gonna be as good as your printer!!! You should be able to find both within your budget. I'd spend more on the camera than the camcorder.

I hope this helped you a bit. You should probably get them soon so that you know how to use them properly and shoot more quality videos and photos without fumbling.

Congratulations and Good Luck:gift::camera:

I almost forgot. You'll need accessories too, like a carrying bag, tapes, and memory sticks. AND MAKE SURE YOU BACK YOUR PICTURES UP ON DISKS (probably the cheapest way to hold priceless memories)

 

[Markfw]

Buy an inexspensive digital camera, buy a cheap instant throw-away regular camera, and use whatever money is left for a camcorder, digital or not. You want it all, and in 20 years you won't regret it, even if the VISA is charged up a little more than you want (and for once, your wife probably won't get mad for you spending money you don't have).

Coming from a father of a 17 year old, and I did all of the above. Also, you are lucky, as my first camcorder was full size VHS ! Talk about heavy ! My son looks at all the old video, and loves it !

 

[tjdavis1138]

I'd get the camcorder before the camera , if you have to choose. Don't make the mistake I did. I bought my first camcorder a year ago, my son is six years old. How I wish I had charged up that credit card and bought a camcorder before he was born. I borrowed my mother's camcorder when he was little and have a few tapes throughout the first six years, but if I would have had my own, oh the videos I would have!!

You can't recapture those memories, but you can pay off that credit card.

 

[ST4RCUTTER]

Thanks guys! I'll do a little research and try and find the best digital8 camcorder for the money. Does anyone recommend one brand over another? Anyone know of any models that are good buys? I'll take your word for it and stick to the camcorder+standard camera combination until I can afford to pick up a good 2MP digital camera. Thanks again for the advice!

 

[ROJAS]

I have both. Sony Trv530 High digital 8 for video and Sony S85 4 megapixel digital camera. I purchased 2 128 sticks of memory and interchange between both cameras.

Also if you purchase any batteries or quick chargers for a Sony of these models, all equipment is interchangable. My batteries are rated for 3 hours and work in either camera.

SONY....



ROJAS

 

[tjdavis1138]

I have a Canon Optura Pi minidv camcorder and the Canon G2 4mp camera. I've been very happy with both of them.

 

[Jeff7181]

I don't know about camcorders... but I researched digital cameras quite a bit when I bought mine (Olympus C-3020). One thing you'll definately want, is at least a 3X optical zoom. Digital zoom is useless, so don't even give that a thought. Mine's 3.2 Megapixels, and I haven't printed any pictures cause my printer won't do the camera justice... but from what I've been told, 3.2 MP will make a good enough 8x10, but even better looking 5x7's and 4x6's. I think it's safe to say, unless you're looking for professional quality prints, 3.2 MP is all you need, even for an 8x10.