Advice on a new camera

flowrida2480 · Apr 25, 2015

Ok so I'm a Yacht Broker, I only use my camera I have now for work. Not a real enthusiast per say but I have been getting more into it. I currently have a Canon Powershot SD1100 is, nothing special and I think it actually takes pretty good photo's but the video's look like crap. I use the camera to shoot pictures of all my boats, and I also shoot video that get's uploaded to Youtube (I have a video editor I just upload them to dropbox and he takes care of it from there). What I need is something that shoots 1080p video. Most of my colleagues use their phone which I think comes off as very un-professional, but honestly their video's come out better than mine. I am also going to buy some kind of a steadicam mount so my videos aren't so shaky. I like Canon as this is the only brand I have used and I know they make good products but I am open to other manufacturer's. My budget is as cheap as possible but I seen a Canon Powershot SX510 HS for around $200 and a refurbished Canon SX50 HS for $180ish. My parents are buying an RV and traveling this summer so I would like to give them my Canon. Please let me know what you guys think about those 2 camera's and let me know of any other's.

Designer · Apr 25, 2015

My advice is to ask a moderator to move this thread to: DSLR Video Discussion Photography Forum

flowrida2480 · Apr 25, 2015

I would think this would be more of a beginner category then a DSLR Video thread category. I don't need/want a DSLR.

dennybeall · Apr 25, 2015

I would suggest a used HD Digital Video Camera. Canon, Sony and others make them and they are easy to handle and will give you exactly what you want without any accessories. You can get still images from one also.

flowrida2480 · Apr 25, 2015

I had thought about that, but I want to give my parents my old one and a Video Camera may be a little hard to take still images with. I take anywhere from 150-250 photo's per vessel and about 5-10 minutes of video.

rudimaes · Apr 26, 2015

The Canon SX50 HS is not bad, but for video, take also a look at the Panasonic FZ200. Good for video and stills.
Better and faster Leica lens and good EVF and faster than the SX50HS. Has also more features for video, like slo-mo.
There are also many Youtube tutorial videos on the FZ200 by Graham Houghton, also on shooting video.
Shooting with the EVF, helps you keep the camera more steady.
Rudi

flowrida2480 · Apr 26, 2015

Thanks for the suggestion, thats a super nice camera but at around $400, more than what I want to spend

rudimaes · Apr 26, 2015

Then I think the Canon SX50 HS will be the best choice.
Rudi

petrochemist · Apr 26, 2015

Micro four thirds cameras do great video, as well as good stills. An older model of one of these would meet your requirements, one of the related Panasonic bridge style/compact cameras may well also be sufficient for your needs, if you don't see the advantage of interchangeable lenses.

soufiej · Apr 26, 2015

I'd give another vote for the SX50 with the reservation it can be a rather complicated camera for anyone not familiar with the ins and outs of a modern digital camera. You can check out the images it is capable of turning out in the "powershot" section of this forum. Video is its weakness though it's acceptable when conditions are right. Like most small sensor cameras, its small sensor makes it less of a choice of low light availability is a consideration. However, the zoom power and the overall quality of the lens make the SX50 a top choice for many situations.

Keep an eye on Canon's direct sales refurbished department. I saw the SX50 there last week for $149. $199 is common. Two features which set the SX50 apart from most super zoom bridge cameras are the hot shoe for flash and the ability to store images in RAW format. If these are not important features, then a slightly lower priced SX series camera may do the trick. As of this moment, the SX510 with 30X zoom is at $199; Canon PowerShot SX510 HS Refurbished Canon Online Store Depending on the average use and user, the longer zoom range of the SX50 could actually be a drawback as it's very difficult to hand hold a clean shot at 50X zoom power. The SX510 has a fixed LCD screen (no view finder) while the SX50 has an articulated screen and an electronic viewfinder. The SX50 lacks WiFi connectability.

IMO, it's difficult to beat the SX50 when Canon offers it at the $199 or less price range.

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flowrida2480 · Apr 28, 2015

Thanks so much everyone for all the information, I am well versed in almost all electronics with the exception of camera's. I have no idea what RAW format even means lol. The more I go into this, the more I am leaning towards another compact point and shoot that shoots 1080p video. I know their are many disadvantages but for a 5-10 minute muted video for youtube I think that's where my money may go. However if I see the SX 510 at the same price it would be silly to pass that up. I'm all over the board here, I need to re-think what's right for my career and for my pocket.