Cameras & Camcorders

[Wikolia]

I am upgading from my little Canon Power Shot.  Decided on a Canon Rebel either t3i or t2i and would like input.

The only difference I can see is the swivel out LCD screen, is it worth spending the extra money on that opiton???

I do take a lot of video's. 

Any input would be greatly appreciated.    Thanks

[xl]

• Swivel screens is nice when you shoot low or overhead
• Swivel screens are unprotected (ie a belt buckle) when exposed and must be flip around in order to view it.... a hassle
• Swivel screens also results in more blurry shaky pictures.... using the view finder will be a more steady image as the camera is held closer to your bodies center of gravity
• DSLR videos offer great images, but horrible give audio when the Auto Focus or Image Stabilizer is used.  Turn up your computer speakers and click on this link.  The audio is like listening to finger nails on a chalkboard.  Just say "NO"!  If this your wedding video.... you will be "so fired!".
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r3VcFueYw4&t=4s
• DSLR videos will require external microphones for best audio.... suddenly your camera is no longer portable.
• DSLR videos are also limited in length before the sensor overheats..... will your wedding completed in 12 minutes?  I prefer packing a separate HD camcorder.
• I like Canon pocket shooters and HD cameras, but I like Nikon for DSLR's.  Consider the D7000 and the D5100 as well in your research

[Wikolia]

WoW......Thanks for the great information.  Watched the video, is that the lens clicking you hear in video?  Very annoying

I do have a Flip Share that works great.

Thanks so much.

[xl]

Get a DSLR if you want better stills, never for videos unless you plan for tripods and major external microphones.  DSLR's offer larger sensors for low noise images and give you an option to add external flashes.

The clicking is the "focus hunting" where Canon is trying to give you a sharp image.  Canon DSLR's has low light focus issues compared to Nikon.  You may also notice some "chittering".... that's the image stabilization.

[Wikolia]

Thanks xl,  may need to rethink this whole situation.  Went to our local camera shop and the guy at Ritz Camera likes Nikon as well.  Guess I need to go back and adjust my train of thought.

As I do want a camera that takes great pictures and movies as well.

You have been very helpful.

[xl]

• The issue with DSLR video is the heavy glass in the lens.  It's hard to minimize the motor noises pushing the heavy glass around.  Optical image stabilization doesn't help either as it adds to the unwanted strange noises.
• If you do a lot of video, get yourself a separate Canon HD camcorder if you are a consumer.  Start with a Nikon D3100 instead.
• The secret of professional DSLR video is "manual focus".  But how often do you plan to use manual focus?
• Audio is also often superimposed on another device to minimize noise with video editing software

I'll should also ask, which Powershot model do you have? 

• which lens do you plan to have with your first DSLR?  Is there enough reach?
• go back to your camera shop and ask to bolt a Nikon 18-200mm VR to a Nikon DSLR.  What do you think about the zoom range?

[Wikolia]

I have a Canon Power Shot SD1300 IS ..... it does take great videos, just can't zoom quite as much as I would like to.

Sam's Club has a Canon t2i Bundle, with an 18-55 ef-s lens and a 55-250 ef-s lens, 1080p HD video, with gadget bag, SD card and HDMI .

[xl]

Sorry that bundle does not excite me....

• Your SD1300 does 28 – 112 mm, to achieve the same zoom range, you will need to swap lenses.  You need to carry two lenses (weight and portability issues)
• I want you to visit a camera store and ask for a demonstration of the 18-200mmVR.  Bolt it to a body and try out the zoom range.  No more lens swaps.
• Then pickup a body with the 18-55mm..... ask someone to walk back and forth from you.  At what point do you need to swap lenses?
• It's not uncommon to see DSLR left at home because the owner is turned off by the hassles of a second lens, or find the 18-55mm too limiting.

[Wikolia]

Dang it !!!!     It excited me  : )

Just called the camera shop, he's out giving "how to use your DSLR"  lessons.

I'll go back and talk to him Monday.

Thanks for all your advise xl, I appreciate it.

With all your knowledge of camera's and photography .... have you ever been on "worth1000.com" website ?

I love all the contests they have going on, especially photo effects. Just thought you may be interested.

[xl]

Why wait til Monday?  Best buy and other stores are open today.

• Go try out the 18-200mmVR and let me know how practical it is.
• Do you plan to use flash?  Pay attention if the long zoom lenses causing a "flash shadow".  You might also want to budget for an external flash.
• Also go try out the video modes and see if there is a lot of "focus hunting"