digital cameras vs. digital camcorders

[goofyme]

my old videocamera still does fine but we need a new camera..thought about getting a digital camera but i noticed that a lot of digital camcorders have "still" options...how does these compare to the cameras if i have them developed?? are they good quality??

also, i would like to spend less than $250 bucks on a good cameral if i don't go they camcorder way...any recommendations?

 

[jfulcer]

Most of the camcorders have a resolution for still images of 1 megapixel or less. While you may get an OK image printed off it, you certainly couldn't print it larger than 4x6 without serious image quality problems. Even with the 4x6 print, it may not be very clear.

Until they can upgrade the camcorders to use a higher resolution, it'd be a better choice to buy a camcorder to record video and a digital camera for still images. I always say "use the proper tool for the job". You wouldn't use a screwdriver to pound a nail in would you?

Good luck!!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Originally posted by jfulcer
.... You wouldn't use a screwdriver to pound a nail in would you?...

Sure, if it is big enough, LOL.

As to the question, I agree fully with Jeff. If you are looking at sharing camcorder images in emails or the Net, usually okay, but not for printing.

 

[Jaypd]

Well I have to disagree. I have a JVC GR-D70 digital camcorder as well as a Olympus Digital Camera.

I have taken many stills with my JVC which has a memory card for the pics and a tape for film. I did a print test with some pics taken with each camera and you can not tell the diffrence at all.

This is all IMO but I dont think its a bad thing to get a Digital Camcorder.

Now as far as the right tool goes....Where is my screwdriver I have some lug nuts to tighten

 

[jfulcer]

Originally posted by Jaypd
Well I have to disagree. I have a JVC GR-D70 digital camcorder as well as a Olympus Digital Camera.

I have taken many stills with my JVC which has a memory card for the pics and a tape for film. I did a print test with some pics taken with each camera and you can not tell the diffrence at all.

This is all IMO but I dont think its a bad thing to get a Digital Camcorder.

Now as far as the right tool goes....Where is my screwdriver I have some lug nuts to tighten

The JVC GR-D70 has a 1024x768 CCD which is a little more than than the 'standard' still capture most camcorders do. At 1024x768, you could get a 4x6 that did not have too much pixelization, so I can see how it would be close. Of course, if you try anything larger, the graininess will start to show up.

And Dan, you're the reason Craftsman offers lifetime warranties cause they <i>know</i> you're using your screwdriver as a hammer.

 

[DonnaS]

There's a new Samsung model coming out. DH had me write down the model number, but he must have put it somewhere. If I recall correctly, the resolution is high enough to print 8x10's. It is expensive, but since we're looking at both a new camcorder and digital camera before our Alaska trip-- it might be doable for us.

 

[Wendy]

Hey! I have the same digital camcorder as Jay! I also have a Nikon Coolpix 995 digital still camera.

The stills I take with the camcorder can't even compare to the pictures taken with the digital still camera. Unlike Jay, I have not been impressed with the stills from the camcorder. (Sorry Jay! ) They are okay in a pinch, but you can't enlarge them past 4x6 and the picture quality doesn't even come close to the picture quality of the Nikon. I take all my video with the digital video camera and all my stills with the digital still camera.

 

[tkd lisa]

Another point is the size. We did the camcorder option first and I swore we didn't need a digital camera. DH surprised me at Christmas with a digital camera and I haven't taken a still shot (nor hardly any video) with the camcorder since. The camcorder is about 3 times as big, and it's a pain to drag around!

On our first cruise when we had the camcorder, I only took about 10 shots digitally, and didn't "clip" any off the tape.

The second cruise, we FILLED a 16, 32, and 64 MByte card with about 300 digital pix.

 

[Zurg]

another trend is for the still cameras to shoot video.

some of the newerones will shoot as much as the card will hold.

there are some limits, few let you zoom while shooting video

My experiance is the stills make better stills and the video's better video. your milage may vary

 

[Jaypd]

You know I may have to swing to the other side now. I never tried printing 8x10 until you guys brought it up. Your right it is not as good as my Digital camera.

Either way I like the camcorder and I like the camera so I guess it comes down to each is own