I have an inexpensive Logitech ClickSmart 510 (with 128 MB storage)
that is excellent in alternating snapshots and short movies; but the
quality is low. I would like an under $800 camera with balance
between megapixels, optical zoom, large storage capacity, and highest
quality video/audio ability. Good macro for closeup also a plus. I am
confused in comprehending the differences, cameras like the Nikon 5700
seem to have poor movie features. I have yet to compose larger videos
with my short sequences, but the format of the movies should lend
themselves to this.
I have shifted back and forth between a still camera with movie
features or a movie camera with still features. Although the latter
is improving, I must wait. Meantime, I feel a still camera with better
movie features will work best for me. Good luck. |
Request for Question Clarification by
endo-ga
on
03 Dec 2003 05:30 PST
Hi,
How about getting a very good still camera and a decent DV camcorder?
I can try and find devices that try and meet your budget. Any
camcorder will get better quality than a digicam.
Thanks.
endo
|
Clarification of Question by
nuet-ga
on
03 Dec 2003 12:19 PST
I use the camera walking the beach, on outings, etc. when ONE camera
is all I want to have with me. Later, when I want to make more
quality videos, I will get two cameras. I was looking again at the
Nikon 5700 and it has one minute video with audio (I will seldom want
scenes longer than that). But, can these be edited and combined into
longer videos?
On the other hand, a good digicam and a good DV camrecorder in my
price range is something to consider.
Larry
|
Request for Question Clarification by
endo-ga
on
03 Dec 2003 12:59 PST
Hi Larry,
I can imagine it being more practical, but there are two things to
consider, digicam video capture will be worse than any DV camcorder
and they work very poorly in low light conditions.
I will try and locate a few devices, which I think would suit your needs.
Editing and combining the videos is possible and I can show you how to
do that too. I'll be back in a bit with a few choices I hope you will
like.
Thanks.
endo
|
Hi again Larry,
Sorry for taking so much time to get back to you, but I believe I have
built a comprehensive list and some great deals where you can take
your pick.
I've stuck to 5 Megapixel cameras since you've mentionned the Nikon 5700.
Also please note that standard provided storage is 16-32mb, however
these can all be expanded and the price of removable storage is much
lower than it used to be.
1-) Sony DSC-P92 5 Megapixels 3x Optical Zoom
Price: $350 - $50 rebate
Provided memory: 16mb memory stick
MPEG VX 640x480 16 fps duration limit is size of memory card
Product page:
http://www.jandr.com/JRProductPage.process?RestartFlow=t&Section_Id=1&Product_Id=3697473
Rebate:
http://www.sonystyle.com/intershoproot/eCS/Store/en/documents/rebates/cyberholiday.pdf
Specs
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Sony/sony_dscp92.asp
2-) Sony DSC-F717 5 Megapixels 5x optical Zoom
Price: $663-$100 rebate
Provided memory: 32 MB Memory Stick
Movie resolution: 320x240 16fps 10KHz audio 60s
Review:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonydscf717/
Product page:
http://www2.butterflyphoto.com/shop/product.aspx?ref=dealtime&sku=DSC-F717
$689-$100 rebate = $590
Product page 2:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/detail/-/photo/B00006JU62/rebate-info/104-1415336-1348713
3-) Sony DSCP10 Cybershot 5 Megapixels 3x Optical Zoom
Price: $409.80 - $50 rebate = $359.80
MPEG VX 640x480 16 fps duration limit is size of memory card
Provided memory: 32 MB Memory Stick
Product page:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00008O35W/qid=1070497751/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1_etk-photo/104-1415336-1348713?v=glance&s=photo&n=508048
4-) Nikon Coolpix 5400 55 Megapixels 4x Optical Zoom
Price: $500
Movie with audio: 640x480 15 fps up to 70 sec
Product page:
http://www.edigitalcity.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=coolpix5400
5-) Olympus Camedia C-5050 5 Megapixels 3x Optical Zoom
Features:
Movie mode captures up to 148 seconds of video with audio at 15fps
Maximum Video Capture Resolution: 320 x 240
Removable Flash Memory Included: 16 MB
accepts CompactFlash, Microdrive, SSFDC/SmartMedia, xD-Picture Card
Price: Under $500
Places to buy:
http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=648625/search=c-5050/ut=5226c8654a64d2a0
Review:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2002_reviews/c5050.html
6-) Minolta DiMAGE 7Hi 5 Megapixels 7x Optical Zoom
Features:
Up to 60 secs of 320x240 motion video at 15fps with 16-bit audio
Removable Flash Memory Included: 16 MB
Memory Type: CompactFlash, Microdrive
Review:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2002_reviews/dimage7hi.html
Places to buy:
http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=631180/search=DiMAGE%25207Hi%2520/ut=5226c8654a64d2a0
Also here are some great deals on DV camcorders, you will notice that
you could combine one of these with one of the very decent digicams
for less than your budget.
Sony DCRTRV19 MiniDV Camcorder
$500
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000087LIG/ref%3Dnosim/104-1415336-1348713
Panasonic PVDV203 MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5 Inch LCD Screen
$378
http://www.onecall.com/PMN_1035.htm?BCPID=396
I hope this answers your question. If you need any clarifications or
more recommendations please do not hesitate to ask, I will be more
than happy to help.
Thanks.
endo |
Clarification of Answer by
endo-ga
on
04 Dec 2003 03:38 PST
Hi,
Here's another great deal:
7-) Canon Powershot G5 5 Megapixels 4x Optical Zoom
Price: $560 delivered
Movie mode with sound: 320x240 and 160x120 up to 180 sec.
Review:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/g5.html
Product Page with 96mb CF card included:
http://www.onecall.com/Shipping.SHP?SubProductID_0=0&CartSpecialID_0=901&NewQty_0=1&AddType=1&PosCheck=1&396
Thanks.
endo
|
Clarification of Answer by
endo-ga
on
04 Dec 2003 03:44 PST
One more:
This combines the high end grade of the Sony DCS-F717 and high quality
video capture.
8-) Sony Cyber-shot DSC-V1 5 Megapixels 4x Optical Zoom
Price: a bit over $500
Memory included: 32mb
Quote from review:
"Motion video can be recorded in the new MPEG-VX mode that captures
full screen VGA (640 x 480) resolution frames at 16fps with audio. The
length of these movies is only limited by the media, record up to 5
minutes 54 seconds on a 128MB Memory Stick (up to 44 minutes can be
recorded on the new Memory Stick Pro 1GB flash card.)"
Review:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/v1.html
Places to buy:
http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=722443/search=dsc-v1/ut=5226c8654a64d2a0
I hope this helps.
Thanks.
endo
|
Clarification of Answer by
endo-ga
on
06 Dec 2003 19:36 PST
Hi again,
Another good deal:
Canon PowerShot S50 5MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom
Up to 3min at a time of 320 x 240 pixels movies.
Price: $430
Product page
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00008OE5I/ref=p_de_a_smtpd/104-1415336-1348713?v=glance&s=photo&vi=tech-data&me=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Review:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/s50.html
Get a free 128mb CF card with code FREI28MBCNON (offer expires 12/31)
Details of card:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00009M6UR/ref%3Dnosim/bensbargaicenter/104-1415336-1348713
Thanks.
endo
|
Clarification of Answer by
endo-ga
on
09 Dec 2003 11:21 PST
Hi,
It's me again.
I think you will like this one.
Sony DSC-F828 8 (yes eight) Megapixels
and:
"The F828 now supports various video modes (listed below) including
the mightly impressive 640 x 480 @ 30 fps with audio (which is
basically almost NTSC progressive). In all movie record modes you can
record video continuously until the storage media is full."
It also has support for compact flash cards.
The price? A bargain at $900-$15 rebate = $885 (add to cart to see real price)
Prodcut page:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?j=1&id=1067389197280&skuId=6179967&type=product&productCategoryId=cat04002
Rebate:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat15800050011&type=category&afflink=aff001
Review:
http://dpreview.com/articles/sonydscf828/default.asp
Thanks.
endo
|
