camera guys

[_paralyzed_]

My Mom wants a better camera, and I'm planning ahead for mother's day. My budget will be $400. I don't know if it's possible, she wants:

- video capabilty

- decent zoom

- removable storage

In this day and age I don't know whether to buy a video camera with still shot capability or a still camera with video capability???

Any reccomendatons?

[ANGRY-ALIEN]

Well I believe you buy for the functionality of it... will she take more stills than vids, or the other the other way around? I'm a Nikon guy... So I'll naturally have the tendency to look to them first for a solution...I also looked at comparable Canon, they do produce some good equipment too... have a look at the below.


Nikon Coolpix P90 Digital Camera





24x Optical Zoom Nikkor ED Glass Lens
Legendary Nikkor optics are known for a tradition of uncompromising color and clarity. This rich history coupled with the 24x optical zoom range (26-624mm 35mm film equivalent) of the COOLPIX P90 boasts exceptional quality and complete compositional freedom. From landscapes to portraits to telephoto sports and nature shooting, the P90 takes you where the action is!

3" Vari-Angle LCD
Bright, sharp, and easy to view at any angle, the 3" LCD of the P90 makes composition a snap. The screen offers 90 degree tilt for easy high and low-angle shooting. The wide viewing angle makes framing and reviewing your photos a pleasure, even under harsh sunlight.

15fps Sports Continuous Scene Mode
Never miss an action moment again! The new Sports Continuous Scene Mode of the P90 captures up to 15fps at a resolution of 3MP or less. From the fast-paced action of the soccer field to an eagle in flight, the P90 works with you to capture the moments that matter most.

Best Shot Selector
Great for night portraits and low-light landscapes, Nikon's proprietary Best Shot Selector mode ensures the sharpest picture possible by sorting up to 10 continuous photos and automatically saving the sharpest frame.

Advanced Face Detection Technology
Nikon's Advanced Face Detection technology keeps everyone in focus. From individual portraits up to a 12-person group shot, the P90 puts an emphasis on faces. Compose with the confidence that everyone will be in focus!


Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera






High Resolution Imaging
By combining a new 12.1 megapixel CCD sensor and Canon's advanced DIGIC 4 Image Processor, the PowerShot SX20 IS offers amazing image quality with dramatic low light sensitivity. Impressive ISO 3200 capability reduces blur and subject movement for crisp photos with spectacular sharpness and clarity.

20x Optical Zoom Lens
Built to the highest standards, Canon optics bring rich color and uncompromising quality to every subject. The 20x optical zoom range (28-560mm 35mm film equivalent) of the SX20 IS takes you where the action is. From landscapes to telephoto sports and nature shooting, you'll never have to compromise on your vision.

HD Video Recording
Record family events or unlock your inner filmmaker with smooth 30 frames per second HD video. The SX20 IS captures broadcast quality 1280 x 720 video with life-like stereo sound. The camera even provides use of the optical zoom while recording. Easily share your memories on a big screen HDTV by connecting the camera with an optional HDMI cable.

2.5" Vari-Angle LCD
Easy to view at any angle, the razor-sharp 2.5" LCD of the SX20 IS makes composition a snap. The screen offers 270 degree tilt and 180 degree flip for easy shooting at any angle. Framing and reviewing your photos is a pleasure, even under the brightest sunlight.

Smart Auto Technology
Concentrate on your subjects and let the camera handle the technical details with Canon's Smart Auto Technology. The SX20 IS analyzes your situation and shooting conditions with 22 scene settings. Whether you're photographing flowers, a sporting event, or a night out with friends, the camera maximizes image quality while minimizing effort.

Optical Image Stabilization
Canon's optical image stabilizer counteracts camera shake caused by unwanted movement. Vibration sensors detect the angle and speed of hand movement and send this information to the processor, allowing the camera to compensate. This adds stability to hand-held, telephoto and moving shots and enables shooting at shutter speeds of up to three stops without the use of a tripod.

AA-size Battery Convenience
This AA battery powered camera enables you to easily power up. Since AA-size batteries can be purchased at virtually any store, simply get replacements wherever you go - no special power adapters or chargers are needed.


Hope this helped... I'll let you know if I think of anything else...

Alien

[_paralyzed_]

Thanks Alien!! Odds are she would do more stills, but she mentioned she'd like video. I just have no clue, I have never looked at cameras. The AA power supply would be nice, you can always have back-up. She has killed her built in battery in her current camera and that just sucks.

She never spends money on herself, I just want to get something nice for her.

[ANGRY-ALIEN]

Yeah... AA power is always convenient, but they're not that practical with this application... The lithium cells will definitely offer more run time if your mom starts to play with the vid features more often... Believe it or not, the little LCD screens soak up quite a bit of the power too... So, just take into consideration the amount of use at any one time... If you go Canon, have a set of spare AAs on hand.

Alien

[_paralyzed_]

Good point. My little netbook battery is good for 9 hours, but it only has a 10 inch screen.

I'll have to ask her what she prefers without directly asking her, private investigator style

[ANGRY-ALIEN]

... good luck with that... mothers see right through those things quite easily.

[_paralyzed_]

[What's_nitro?]

Between the two I'd vote Canon hands down. Both are 12.1 Mp which is awesome. The Nikkon has a bit longer zoom and a larger screen, but seriously, a 15fps video capture rate??? Have you ever played a video game at 15fps? What's the point? AA power is OK if you make sure to bring an extra set, but it beats having to buy proprietary batteries/chargers.

[bruce750i]

Does she use a computer much? Some cameras shoot vids in crappy formats that steer you towards the camera's CPU program. What type of card reader slot will she have? They have camera cards that upload via esp or wi-fi or some shi7 it's cool and my parents like it allot. IMO, AA cameras maybe 2s2p, go lipo or go home. I use sony cybershots for quick slide n shoot action.

[rabosi]

Definitely go for a model with removable lithium battery so you could have a second battery as back up if you wanted. Women typically would want a small form factor for their pocket books so something sleek maybe.

[ANGRY-ALIEN]

Originally Posted by What's_nitro?

Between the two I'd vote Canon hands down. Both are 12.1 Mp which is awesome. The Nikkon has a bit longer zoom and a larger screen, but seriously, a 15fps video capture rate??? Have you ever played a video game at 15fps? What's the point? AA power is OK if you make sure to bring an extra set, but it beats having to buy proprietary batteries/chargers.

The 15fps ("burst mode") is actually speaking to stills... not Video... the lithiums are lighter and easier to handle than a set of AAs.

Originally Posted by bruce750i

Does she use a computer much? Some cameras shoot vids in crappy formats that steer you towards the camera's CPU program. What type of card reader slot will she have? They have camera cards that upload via esp or wi-fi or some shi7 it's cool and my parents like it allot. IMO, AA cameras maybe 2s2p, go lipo or go home. I use sony cybershots for quick slide n shoot action.

All good points... connectivity and user friendly upload options will be very important.

Originally Posted by rabosi

Definitely go for a model with removable lithium battery so you could have a second battery as back up if you wanted. Women typically would want a small form factor for their pocket books so something sleek maybe.

I have seen too many people in the field Pro/Not so Pro fumble with AAs when it was time to swap them out... If the camera becomes difficult for her to just change batteries, then the experience won't be so pleasant.

[What's_nitro?]

Originally Posted by ANGRY-ALIEN

The 15fps ("burst mode") is actually speaking to stills... not Video...

Ah yes, my mistake.

[suicideneil]

I love my Panasonic FZ-28, but Im with whoever said go for a slimline compact camera; same kinda spec as the 'big-zoom' models but more compact.

I would do some research first though, and I know a brilliant site that has great impartial reviews:

http://www.cameralabs.com/

Helped me choose my camera, which comes out in the top 2 or 3 ranking on all the sites- explains all the features, pros and cons, and any other camera of a similar spec that would be comparable.

You could subtley ask your mum ( mom? speak English! ) whether she prefers the mini- dslr design or the compact design, and base your choice on that; a cheap tripod would be cool too, comes in very handy.

[ANGRY-ALIEN]

Originally Posted by What's_nitro?

Ah yes, my mistake.

No worries man...

Originally Posted by suicideneil

I love my Panasonic FZ-28, but Im with whoever said go for a slimline compact camera; same kinda spec as the 'big-zoom' models but more compact.

I would do some research first though, and I know a brilliant site that has great impartial reviews:

http://www.cameralabs.com/

Helped me choose my camera, which comes out in the top 2 or 3 ranking on all the sites- explains all the features, pros and cons, and any other camera of a similar spec that would be comparable.

You could subtley ask your mum ( mom? speak English! ) whether she prefers the mini- dslr design or the compact design, and base your choice on that; a cheap tripod would be cool too, comes in very handy.

Good idea Neil... She might like something a little more compact and 'stealthy'... but one will still have to consider the power source... most compacts I have seen are still being powered by AAs...
My sister uses a compact and she'll keep at least two sets of backup cells for her projects... I am not hating on compacts... I just don't believe they are powered efficiently when they are
asked to run a flash, LCD screens (and they are getting bigger and bigger), Vids and extend really phallic looking lenses that appear out of nowhere...

I agree, some more research will help to find the 'The One'

[_paralyzed_]

Thanks again guys! She has a "slim" and wants more zoom. I only thought about the AA's because her internal lithium in her slim died on her once, I just had a brain fart and didn't even think to get a second lithium unit.

Man I love RCM, you guys are the bestest!!