Hello Photography Genius',

I'm looking at getting a new camera since I lost mine when I got to Oz. I want fairly good still shots but I'd really like good quality video too.

Am I better buying a video camera that can take stills or visa-versa? Is there anything you could recommend?

Thanks for any advice.

Go for a still camera with video. Do you have a budget or preference for size, weight, anything?

Most compact digital cameras have a video mode these days, but if you want to shoot HD you need one of the more recent DSLRs from Nikon or Canon. As Heather implies, it depends on your budget. My Canon EOS 5D mk II shoots 1080p video at 30 fps, and the image quality is amazing, but it's not the cheapest camera out there. More recent models also tend to be more versatile in terms of resolution and frame rate.

My 500D will do 720p at 30fps and 1080p at 20fps.
I would caution you about some DSLR's built in mics if audio is important - it's just about ok on mine so long as I don't handle the body or adjust the lens. Something with a mic jack would have been better, but then I didn't have the budget.

(Nick, isn't there a firmware update for the 5DII around the corner that will make the video more flexible?)

I've seen a rumour to that effect, but most DSLR rumours I've seen (e.g. the mythical Nikon D700x) appear to be no more than wish-lists by people with lots of readers! I'll wait and see what happens.

You can get HD on compacts too, two examples being the Samsung WB500/550 and Panasonic TZ using 720p AVCHD

Sorry, shouldn't mentioned this in the original post. I don't really have a preference for size or weight as I'll usually just stick it in my backpack. My budget is probably going to be around $300-400. (Sorry, I know that's not helpful!)

£170-£230 folks.

I'm recommending this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-Lumix ... 216&sr=1-1

It's what I use. HD video and fantastic 10MP still pictures. Face recognition, AF Tracking, 12x optical zoom, fantastic Intelligent Auto function. I love this camera.

PS. No Amazon in Australia!? How do you cope!?

I like it, unfortunately it's a little over my budget here. Maybe one for the future once I've saved.




I'm not sure, it's a bit annoying to say the least. I think a lot of the guys here buy from the US one and use something like shipitto to get it here.

Look at the Lumix TZ6 then, it's cheaper and the only thing you noticeably lose is HD video (still shoots video though).

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-Lumix ... =8-1-spell

If the Panasonic is too expensive have a look at the Samsung - clicky

The picture quality doesnt quite match up to the TZ6/7 but it has HD video and a 24-240 equivalent lens

I stand corrected. Looks like there are loads of them!

Shopbot

Couple of Aussie stores offering the TZ7 inc. delivery within your budget. There is another camera supplier I've used before (5 years ago) and if I can find or remember will post details here.

Thanks guys

And cheers for the link Matt, not seen that site before