Ok boys and girls (were all young here) here goes.

I am potentially being pulled into a air quality workshop in China as part of a advisory group at Peking University leaving on or about March 14 to Bejing and returning on the 25 th. I am taking the opportunity to purchase a new digital camera and wanted an opinion on whether to go for a larger still camera or buy of the new mini dv cameras like the canon optura which can take both and even record stills to tape (700 pics on a tape).

Any input as I know at least one of you who knows way too much about this. Figure I am in the $1k range.

 

What is your primary goal? To record video or take pictures?

I have a JVC mini DV that takes 1 megapixel still shots and a Canon S230 digital that takes 3.2 megapixel pictures and a minute of video.

The JVC mini DV does video 1000 times better and the canon digi cam does still shots 1000 times better. Sure the JVC can take pictures(crappy ones) and the canon can do short videos at a small resolution but neither one does both great.

I would suggest the Optura 200MC if you like the Canon Optura series. I could get you a nice price on one if it helps($899). Same goes for a digital camera (depending on the model)

I say get the mini dv if you want mostly video and some halfway decent still shots from the trip and get a digital camera if you want some nice still pictures.

 

you have PM

 

If your main focus is pictures, go for the camera. There is not a mini DV out there that can take pictures as good as a GOOD digital camera. I have both and the camera takes WAY better pictures - they are both Canons. Obviously the camcorder can store longer video - the cards in the cameras only hold very little streaming video. Good luck

 

I totally agree with Shadow and Jenner

That's why I ended up with the Canon Optura 200MC and a Canon G2. Depending on what your needs are... I ended up with those two Canon's mainly because I'm able to change the lens for Wide Angle and Telephoto.

Also... that price that Jenner quoted you is great! Just from a quick search I found it for $887 but... I'm not too sure about the reputation of the dealer

Have a great time! And ENJOY YOURSELF!

BTW Tom did you get a strange voicemail message this past weekend?

 

He is all set Glenn. He got two digital cameras. One that uses memory cards he already had and can do mp3s and he bought my Canon s230 since upgraded to a S400

He can do small movies on the two digital cameras and has one for himself and his wife! Great choice I think!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Jenner
[B]....he bought my Canon s230 since upgraded to a S400