Question from film user: digital cam or camcorder for video ?

[raytoei@gmail.com]

I am looking for one for my daughter
who wants to record video.

I am unsure whether to get a Fuji X-10
camera which is small and does video Or
to get a Sony-type camcorder.

I doubt if she is going to make any feature
length movie anytime soon.

suggestions greatly appreciated. my current
digital cameras are m-related and can't do video.

thanks much

raytoei
a film user.

 

[Pickett Wilson]

I shoot a lot of video with both a DSLR and video camera. IMO, she will probably be happier with a video camera than either a DSLR or compact P&S. Yes, you can shoot video video with them (really nice stuff with a DSLR), but they aren't as good at it, without a lot of accessories, as a dedicated video camera is. YMMV, of course.

 

[Lss]

IMO, she will probably be happier with a video camera than either a DSLR or compact P&S. Yes, you can shoot video video with them (really nice stuff with a DSLR), but they aren't as good at it, without a lot of accessories, as a dedicated video camera is.

I agree with this. A DSLR or high-end mirrorless camera can provide much better video quality and more creative possibilities than a dedicated camcorder, but this comes at the expense of system size and complexity and ease of use. At some point, it may make sense to migrate to a more complex system, but if it just about recording some video for fun or a little project a camcorder is better.