Digital Camera with Video

[eburg]

I am leaving in 11 days and am thinking about getting a new camera so I do not have to carry both a camera and videocamera.

I would like one that has the option of a waterproof case ( I have a pool at my house so this would be beneficial down the road)

Has good zoom

fast turnaround time between pictures and video higher than 640 x 380

Is there a camera that exists for me?

I currently own a sony DSC P200 ( very compact , takes good pictures, but lacks good video)

 

[Shutterbug]

In my opinion you wont ever get really good video from a digital camera.

I know what you mean about having to carry both cameras but I do. A digital camera and digital camcorder.

Here is a link to reviews for weatherproof cameras:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/cameras_wr.html

 

[eburg]

bump

anybody???

 

[MICKEY88]

I agree with Shutterbug:

you will not get good video from a still camera, and you will not get good still photos from a video camera,

so you need to decide which is more important still or video, then decide if you're willing to compromise on the other

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Check out the Canon S5 IS. It's not waterproof (and I'm not sure about your numbers), but it takes a good picture (with some practice ), has good zoom and decent video, though not as good as a real video camera. There's a long thread going here for S3/S5 users. The S5 can take longer video clips than the S3 or S2 can. Make sure you get a large high speed card.

I have an S3 and we picked up an S2 for mainly for video. While it's good and will do the trick in a pinch, the quality really isn't near that of a video camera. However, it is convenient not to have to carry a video camera around. So there's a tradeoff. We've recently gotten our older Sony video camera working again (it had been broken) so we'll be using that once again for video that's important. Otherwise, our cameras will do.

I found on our last trip that using a tripod for video would have greatly improved the quality, just because footage was "shaky" (despite the IS). If using a tripod isn't feasible, try setting the camera on something stable and using the swivel screen to see your subject. Another nice feature is that you can take still shots while shooting video by just pushing the shutter button.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

PS I believe if you search around the web you can find examples of video clips taken with the S5 - perhaps on the Canon website or YouTube.

 

[SharonLowe]

I got a Canon G9 and underwater case for Christmas to use when we go snorkeling. No, it won't take as good a video as my son's HD camcorder but it is good enough for what I want. Plus, with the case, I can use it underwater. Oh, and it takes darn good photos too!

 

[alan]

Very similar logic led me to the Ixus 860IS (I think in the US it's called the Elph 870 - I have no idea why). I tried the G9, but I found it just too big to sit on my belt all day, every day.

I investigated a waterproof case - comes in around £140 from the discount places. Interstingly, the same discounters will sell you a waterproof Olympus camera for the same price!

regards,
/alan

 

[eburg]

I am going to test out the G9, on paper it has the best video and it seems to have very good reviews

 

[SharonLowe]

Very similar logic led me to the Ixus 860IS (I think in the US it's called the Elph 870 - I have no idea why). I tried the G9, but I found it just too big to sit on my belt all day, every day.

I investigated a waterproof case - comes in around £140 from the discount places. Interstingly, the same discounters will sell you a waterproof Olympus camera for the same price!

regards,
/alan

The Olympus is only good for a few feet/meters; the underwater case for my G9 is good to 40M/130 ft.

As for size, it is way smaller and lighter than my 1DsMkII so all is good

 

[alan]

Interesting point, thank you - I hadn't gotten around to comparing the specs in any details. That's a good reason for the Canon case for the G9 (or in my case, Ixus).

Mind you, at 40m you'll be wanting one for your 580EXII as well!

regards,
/alan