DSLR and Camcorder

[Rohais]

Just wondering if anyone can recommend either a DSLR or a camcorder, or both

Not looking for anything too expensive re camcorder, but something that is good quality, easy to use etc, relatively light. Ideally, nothing over £200. I've been looking at a JVC (a pink one!) but I know nothing about camcorders, so I'm fumbling around in the dark..

As for a DSLR, I'm looking for something not too expensive, easy to use, good for beginners. Again, I've been looking at a panasonic on Argos, which looks ideal for what I want and is a great price, under £200 I think. There's a lot of good reviews on them too.

Really, I'd just like a few pointers in the right direction as I don't know if I'm on the right path. Any help greatly appreciated!

 

[2Tiggies]

Have you thought of posting your question on the photography board?

 

[Neoshoegal]

Somewhat over your budget but IMHO worth the extra:
Canon 550D

It's your standard brand spanking new entry level DSLR, but it also does really amazing HD video, way way way better than any camcorder you can get around £200. So you only need to buy 1 camera. Less to carry about, although it does mean that at times you need to decide whether to take a picture or film, but then again, it only takes a second to switch between both modes.

That's what we do now, although with a different camera, but that one is way above your budget.

And whatever you do, stay away from JVC, even if it's nice and pink. Within the camcorder industry they have one of the worst reputations. I'd never ever buy one (I'm a filmmaker, so do know a thing or 2 about these things)

 

[wayneg]

I have been using DSLR since they were available and as long as I can remember a SLR. but it is getting to the point where there is very little point in DSLR for the average camera user. Compacts are now so advanced with zoom and pic quality there is no reason to carry a body and multiple lens'
Matt's Lumix(Panasonic) TZ7 has almost the zoom of my 300mm long lens, pic quality superb. Now under £180(we paid nearly £300 when launched) the newer TZ10 is only around £200 http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/panasonic-lumix-tz10-238-74-30-cash/721503
I have never bought a DSLR under £400, no idea of whats out there but personally I would stick to a very good compact, I think my current DSLR will be my last.

 

[2Tiggies]

I find compact cameras fiddly to hold now. Mine is a "bridge" camera so it has the 10 x zoom and plenty manual functions. I take a compact with me (which actually cost more, since I bought the other one on eBay auction for a bargain, lol) and also has a much better res although only a 5x zoom. However the difference in picutre quality is quite amazing. The bigger one is certainly not compact, but I have got comfortable with the sturdy body and spoilt with the choice of manual options. It also shoots incredible video footage.

You could consider one of these, also sometimes called super zoom cameras. Not a huge difference in price between that and a compact. What I will say is that before buying anything I check out 100s of reviews. When buying a camera I rather look for reviews on photographic websites than places like Argos.

 

[Rohais]

Thanks for all your input

I've currently got a pansonic 8MP camera, but it really struggled in Florida. I don't know if it was the heat or humidity, or something else, but it just simply refused to work properly. Over here, its great...but over there, I nearly threw it away in frustration at one point.

I've considered taking up photography as a more serious hobby for quite a while, but haven't really had the opportunity to. So, the Canon 550D looks ideal, apart from the price. But, thats easier to swallow with the fact that I wouldn't need a seperate camcorder. Thanks for the tip about JVC

Also, I have a pain disorder and really need something a bit more chunky to be honest. I, too, find compact cameras a little fiddly.

I know I initially stated I was looking at a panasonic, but I got it mixed up - its actually a fujifilm. Its the Fujifilm S2500HD, an 18x superzoom and sort of a mix between a DSLR and a standard digital camera. From what I've read so far, its had really good reviews

 

[2Tiggies]

If you go with a DSLR remember that even if you buy something relatively basic (entry level), if you stick with a reliable name it won't lose much value if you want to sell it at a later point to upgrade. People who put out for a decent camera generally have at least some interest in photography and tend to take care of their equipment. The other good thing is that you can build onto it with lenses, filters .... I think there is a point in the range where you start to see a big difference in picture quality and capabilities of the camera but there is a large middle ground. And as you know, a great deal depends on the photographer's ability to assess a good setting for a picture with position, lighting and knowing the settings and your camera's capabilities. They all have their strong points and their not so good ones. Once you get to know these, you can work with your camera for optimal results. That goes for any camera. All the best with your search and please let us know what you get. I hope that means we can be looking forward to some pictures after your trip

 

[Rohais]

Thanks for your advice

One of my main aims, is to have great photographs to work with in photoshop. I was hoping to do this for my last trip, but I didn't get half the photos I wanted to, as they either came out with a haze over them, or took far too long - sometimes over 30 seconds - to actually take the photograph. The video part worked better than the actual camera part of it

Its something I'd really like to get into on a more serious level, but with so many options out there, its a little confusing.

I think I've got a better idea in my head now though, so thanks everyone for your help. Its much appreciated!

 

[Neoshoegal]

If you are thinking of taking up photography more seriously, then I would really suggest to go with a proper DSLR. The initial investment will be higher, but you won't feel the need to upgrade your camera within a few months. You have so much more flexibilty with a DSLR. You can often pick up really good lenses for a bargain price on Ebay.

 

[dixonsontour]

We used to have a canon 350D which has now been replaced with a 450D.

I'd vouch that it is very easy to use - i'm not very techbnically minded (understament of the century!) but use it as a point and shoot. DH who is the opposite and enjoys photography is very happy with it.

I think it does videos aswell but we have a panasonic HD camcorder so i've never used it for that.

 

[2Tiggies]

You can often pick up really good lenses for a bargain price on Ebay.

Good point. Have you thought of looking at a second hand or reconditioned DSLR on eBay? Reconditioned products should come with a 12 month warranty (check first) but as I said before, people who put out for a decent camera usually love it enough to care for it properly.

 

[dixonsontour]

Yes the 450 canon we got was off ebay.