Thread: What vid camera are folks using

I m thinking of buying a vid cam for outdoor use . Waterproof drop ish proof with good zoom optical . Still photography also
Have go pro but it's not quite what I'm after . What do folks use as good all rounder ?

I've got a Canon SX 50. Takes HD video and stills has a 50x optical lens and can do 2x digital zoom on top of that. Should be able to find one reasonably cheap as they now have the SX60 out with a 60x zoom. Not waterproof though.

Originally Posted by stug

I've got a Canon SX 50. Takes HD video and stills has a 50x optical lens and can do 2x digital zoom on top of that. Should be able to find one reasonably cheap as they now have the SX60 out with a 60x zoom. Not waterproof though.

I just got one for $300. Nice bit of kit, its first outing will be Stewart island next week ;-)

I got a used Sony 60X from Cash Converters for about $100. Crummy optics at 60X but good value for money...

Go Pro my man?

Originally Posted by Maca49

Go Pro my man?

Read carefully :-) ...

Have go pro but it's not quite what I'm after

@Dr. Watson what was the camera you were using? The videos you take where you zoom in are awesome. Might be a good fit for @Happy

DSLR cameras will take far superior video footage than any averaged price handi cam on the market, Canon EOS 600D is pretty good.

Originally Posted by oneshot

DSLR cameras will take far superior video footage than any averaged price handi cam on the market, Canon EOS 600D is pretty good.

Only problem is size weight and non waterproof or yes it would be perfect

Cheers ..

You could look at a Sony or Panasonic system camera. I have Nex 5N, very compact and dSLR quality (same large sensor, good optics).

But they usually aren't ruggedised or waterproof. Some waterproof compact cameras from Canon etc will do decent video nowdays too (full HD with OK optics).

Wait for the new 2015 models to come out , as the trend is towards more mirrorless/weather/waterproof camera/lens .

Originally Posted by Happy

Only problem is size weight and non waterproof or yes it would be perfect

These factors are the only thing I could ever complain about my Fuji S5600 which is so outdated now...and all the rest of the faults are due to the incompetency of the operator!!!

Originally Posted by rs200nz

@Dr. Watson what was the camera you were using? The videos you take where you zoom in are awesome. Might be a good fit for @Happy

Most of the older footage is using a Nikon 510 bout $400 these days

Happy. Take a look at the specs for Panasonic Lumix FT5. Also look at price spy for best deals. I bought one of these recently after considerable homework. It is waterproof, shockproof, takes several levels of still or video up to full HD quality, and many other features. Various sized SD cards available so not tapes to worry about. Auto settings can be overridden manually if desired. Zoom is not fantastic but OK, both optical and digital multiplication. For an outdoorsman I reckon it is pretty neat. Mine cost me about $500 including extra battery, a very large SD card and case.