Need new camera with stills and video

[tylerandalexsmom]

Hello! I need help picking out a new camera. I have a Canon 30D DSLR that I've had for several years now, and I love the picture quality and speed, but it's really too much camera for me (I never take it off the "dummy" settings! ) and is big to carry around Disney. For our last trip, which was a DCL cruise, I got a Canon Powershot D10 Waterproof/Video camera. It's faster than a lot of point and shoot cameras, but I miss the speed and continuous shoot of my 30D. But I really like the more compact size. And also, on my 30D, I had to switch lenses for zoom and closer up (and really didn't have a lens for close settings, like say at character dining -- I had to either get up and stand half way across the room, or I'd only get half of my child and half of the character -- sometimes you couldn't even tell which character!)

So for my next trip, I want a camera that is more compact (like say the size of a Powershot -- doesn't have to be the tiniest thing in the world, but smaller than a DSLR), that has a good range (for close up settings like character dining, and decent zoom), that is fast on the stills (and perferably also has continuous shoot), and also does video, AND that I can take stills and video at the same time. And of course, I want something that will take good pictures! (And with kids' action shots, low lighting, etc.)

I am not well versed enough in the technical aspects to read the descriptions and be able to tell which camera would fit that "want" list. (and maybe I want too much! ) I have had Canon for my last several cameras, but I would consider other (good) brands if they have all the characteristics I'm looking for.

Please help (with dummied-down terms! I don't get all the technical jargon!) Thanks!!!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Look into the Mirrorless options.

 

[reimero]

I agree, I think mirrorless might be your best option. You might also want to take a look at the Canon PowerShot G1 X, but I'm not sure it gives you the lens range you need.

From what I can see, you need speed, wide-angle, zoom and video capabilities, good low-light functionality and high portability. I honestly don't know that such a camera exists.

Most P&S cameras offer a "compromise" range between wide angle and zoom. (Note: digital zoom is a waste, it just pixelates things.) If you need that kind of range, you need interchangeable lenses.
The other big factors are speed and low light functionality, and that's typically a function of image sensor size. DSLRs have the largest sensors, and (by extension) the best low-light capabilities. Mirrorless cameras tend to have slightly smaller sensors than DSLRs (some might have the same crop sensors). The G1X has a large sensor, which is why I mention it.
The newest DSLRs will take photos while video is recording. I know the Rebel EOS T4i is supposed to be very good at this.

Another option you may want to think about is this: a few years back, we bought a camcorder that is capable of taking photos. Since we've got dedicated photo cameras, I don't have a lot to say about image quality, but it might be another avenue worth exploring.

 

[hakepb]

While no compact PnS can truly match a DSLr, I would say consider the Sony HX-20v and 30v(20v plus wifi)
It's full 1080p 60fps video with 3way optical video stabilization, along with great autofocus and metering performance give you a video that beats many prosumer dedicated camcorders and many DSLr for video (until you need lower light, full manual control or external mic).
You get a 20x optical zoom that is the 35mm equivalent of a 25mm-500mm lens that starts at f/3.2 (and then the better than average smart digital zoom doubles that)
The Sony does decent in low light for a PnS , especially in the hand-held twilight setting if you are taking a picture of a stationary object.
There seem to be a few DSLr users that have chosen the Sony HX20v as their pocketable travel zoom camera for times they do not want to carry the DSLr.

Now if you do not need the zoom, but really want low light then Sony is introducing the RX100 with a much larger sensor (same size as the Nikon 1 mirrorless) behind a fast f/1.8 Zeiss glass in a smaller case.

 

[tylerandalexsmom]

Thanks everyone so far (please keep suggestions coming)

what's a mirrorless camera? (I told you, I need the "cameras for dummies" version!)

I don't know that I really need a lot of zoom. Some, yes, but I don't need a huge distance. More family shots with the ability to take close shots (like sitting at a table). I think my 30D lens went down to 28mm, so maybe 25 or 24?

But I am also really interested in the ability to take video and stills at the same time. I know I saw a Nikkon commercial for one, but can't remember what model (I'm not familiar with Nikkon as to how good the pictures are). I don't really care what the brand is (as long as it's a good brand that takes decent pictures). And I also want good speed of the pictures (I hate saying 1,2,3, and then having to go 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, before it takes, at which point, I've missed the shot!) with preferably continuous shoot option. (and more compact than a DSLR)

Told ya', totally clueless.......More suggestions please!

 

[hakepb]

FYI here is one review from last years Sony HX-9v vs Canon 600D for video:
http://www.eoshd.com/content/2930/sony-hx9v-vs-canon-600d-dslr-gets-beat-by-compact-in-video-mode

One quote: " The HX9v’s video mode is to compacts what the 5D Mark II’s video mode was to DSLRs"

 

[hakepb]

Mirrorless are the small interchangeable lens cameras. Like the Nikon 1. That is a very nice system, with very nice overall performance, (speed wise)but it either only fits in your pocket with a wide angle lens or you put on a bigger zoom lens.

The Sony HX20/30 can take 13MP (framed widescreen, full resolution) stills while shooting video in most modes (except the highest 28mbps AVCHD)
The Sony has very fast autofocus for a PnS.
Time between pictures is fairly good, unless you use the Auto+ mode that actually takes several pictures and takes time combining them for cool effects like HDR) (so use the regular auto for faster)
I think the Panasonic TZ 30 is a little faster so consider that)
Take a little time and try them out in stores.

While some that like to post process pictures ( ie in photoshop) criticize some of the detail in the Sony, many agree that you get really nice shots straight from the camera.

 

[tylerandalexsmom]

Ok, I don't use photoshop or anything like that, so that HX20/30 you mentioned may be up my alley. Is that what it is actually called? Or is it a Cybershot HX20/30? (or is that really two models - a 20 and a 30?) Just need to know what to ask for! Do you have one? and if so do you have any photos you could post (or does anyone else out there have any samples or experiences with this one you could share)?

Thanks so much for the help! Like I said, the technical stuff goes right over my head!

 

[photo_chick]

Just to give a little perspective.... A 28mm lens on a crop camera is not that wide. I'm guessing you have the 28-135, which was sold as a kit lens for a long time with the mid line Canon crop bodies because it was the standard mid-quality zoom. Many people who shoot crop keep something that goes to 18mm wide on their camera for a walk around lens. But those numbers don't mean a lot when you talk about point and shoots because they will use a much shorter lens to get the same field of view since the sensor is so much smaller. They'll list 35mm/full frame equivalents but that still won't relate to what you're used to. So apply the crop factor to your 28mm lens to get the full frame field of view equivalent of about 45mm... you want something that has a full frame equivalent field of view that's wider than that.


Now.. if you don't want to change lenses I'd skip the mirrorless. They're great cameras but if you don't want to change lenses, then you don't want one. If you do want a lot of zoom then look at the super zooms (10x and 12x or more zoom). These will actually zoom farther than what most of us can do with a DSLR and our telephoto lens. To put that into perspective as well, when you get to the 10x and 12x zoom you're talking about the equivalent field of view of more than 400mm with a DSLR.

Check dpreview.com for reviews and buying guides. They're pretty unbiased there and will give you a good place to start.

 

[hakepb]

There are 2 models, the Sony DSC-HX20v and the DSC-HX30v. Both are digital cameras in Sony's Cybershot lineup. The only difference between the two is the 30v has built in wifi that makes it possible to wirelessly transmit pictures to a computer, wireless TV or a smartphone. It's up to you if it is worth any extra cost.

I bought the 30v for many of the reasons you seem to be asking. (zoom, video, speed , auto) But there can be many factors about cameras that can make or break it for different people. (ie I really like the feel of the Sony in my hands but that may not fit everyone)

There is a good Sony forum at dpreview that has many samples for the HX20v and 30v. I just got mine and have not had much time to play, yet

 

[tylerandalexsmom]

Just to give a little perspective.... A 28mm lens on a crop camera is not that wide. I'm guessing you have the 28-135, which was sold as a kit lens for a long time with the mid line Canon crop bodies because it was the standard mid-quality zoom. Many people who shoot crop keep something that goes to 18mm wide on their camera for a walk around lens. But those numbers don't mean a lot when you talk about point and shoots because they will use a much shorter lens to get the same field of view since the sensor is so much smaller. They'll list 35mm/full frame equivalents but that still won't relate to what you're used to. So apply the crop factor to your 28mm lens to get the full frame field of view equivalent of about 45mm... you want something that has a full frame equivalent field of view that's wider than that.


Now.. if you don't want to change lenses I'd skip the mirrorless. They're great cameras but if you don't want to change lenses, then you don't want one. If you do want a lot of zoom then look at the super zooms (10x and 12x or more zoom). These will actually zoom farther than what most of us can do with a DSLR and our telephoto lens. To put that into perspective as well, when you get to the 10x and 12x zoom you're talking about the equivalent field of view of more than 400mm with a DSLR.

Check dpreview.com for reviews and buying guides. They're pretty unbiased there and will give you a good place to start.

Yep, that's the lens (I had it on my Canon Rebel when I was still using film, and kept the lenses when I switched to digital). And you are right, one of the things I want to avoid is carrying extra lenses around, so it doesn't sound like the mirrorless would be what I am looking for. (Basically, I want a good point and shoot with some extra bells and whistles and speed!)

There are 2 models, the Sony DSC-HX20v and the DSC-HX30v. Both are digital cameras in Sony's Cybershot lineup. The only difference between the two is the 30v has built in wifi that makes it possible to wirelessly transmit pictures to a computer, wireless TV or a smartphone. It's up to you if it is worth any extra cost.

I bought the 30v for many of the reasons you seem to be asking. (zoom, video, speed , auto) But there can be many factors about cameras that can make or break it for different people. (ie I really like the feel of the Sony in my hands but that may not fit everyone)

There is a good Sony forum at dpreview that has many samples for the HX20v and 30v. I just got mine and have not had much time to play, yet

I will look into the dpreview you both recommended. When you get a minute to play around with your 30V (I'm thinking the wifi sounds interesting), please post or pm me some pictures so I can see how they turn out (even pictures of just everyday stuff would be fine -- I just like to see!)

Thanks so much! Anyone, please post pictures from cameras you recommend! (compact, fast, still and video at the same time, decent quality photos!)

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I didn't see her say anywhere she didn't want to change lenses. She said

For our last trip, which was a DCL cruise, I got a Canon Powershot D10 Waterproof/Video camera. It's faster than a lot of point and shoot cameras, but I miss the speed and continuous shoot of my 30D. But I really like the more compact size. And also, on my 30D, I had to switch lenses for zoom and closer up (and really didn't have a lens for close settings, like say at character dining -- I had to either get up and stand half way across the room, or I'd only get half of my child and half of the character -- sometimes you couldn't even tell which character!)

So for my next trip, I want a camera that is more compact (like say the size of a Powershot -- doesn't have to be the tiniest thing in the world, but smaller than a DSLR), that has a good range (for close up settings like character dining, and decent zoom), that is fast on the stills (and perferably also has continuous shoot), and also does video, AND that I can take stills and video at the same time. And of course, I want something that will take good pictures! (And with kids' action shots, low lighting, etc.)

I'd be less apt to mention a mirrorless option to someone who has no knowledge of lenses, but it sounds like this poster does, and wants other features where mirrorless may fit the bill.

what's a mirrorless camera? (I told you, I need the "cameras for dummies" version!)

No worries, they are relatively new to the market and many don't know what they are. They're like a dSLR but they're generally smaller because the mirror/pentaprism mechanism is eliminated but picture quality and other features are pretty close to their dSLR cousins. They do video. They do use interchangable lenses but some come with two kits that are quite small, good quality and cover a variety of focal lengths so you may never need any other lenses. (Yet you also hae the option to buy more or use other lenses with an adaptor.)

ETA I see you just posted you don't want to carry lenses around. I guess you will just need to make a decision what features are most important to you because as it stands now, there is no one camera that will have everything you are looking for. Go for point and shoot, and you will lose some picture quality. Go mirrorless, and you will lose some ability to be carefree. Go dSLR and you will have to lug a big camera around.

Good luck with your decisions. I do still think you should consider all your options.

Some links you might find helpful:

http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/search/mirrorless

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2937404

 

[boBQuincy]

A mirrorless like Panasonic's GF3 (now GF5) or one of the Olympus models along with a 14-140 or similar lens might do what you want. The lens is not tiny ( not cheap either) but at 3-1/4" long it is not bad for such a range.
If you can live with a 3x zoom then Panasonic's 14-42 X lens is great, it collapses and makes the camera just about pocketable.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

If you can live with a 3x zoom then Panasonic's 14-42 X lens is great, it collapses and makes the camera just about pocketable.

Yeah, the Olympus 14-42 does that as well. Neat little feature!

(OP these are both micro 4/3 mirrorless models.)