New Camera - Advice?

[twinmama]

We're going to New Zealand in June and we were going to wait to get a new camera duty free. But I just got a catalogue in the junk mail with prices that seem almost too good to let go by.

We've (I've) decided on a Canon. Originally we looked at the 1000d (Rebel xs) - but decided against it due to the twin kit due to not having IS Lenses.

So we decided to go for the 450d (Rebel Xsi). We currently have a Fuji Finepix s5600, which also does video. Our digital video camera has battery issues (the battery lasts less then 10 minutes) so we use our digital camera as a video camera as well. So if we go for the 450d we are either going to keep our current digital camera for video (which I think is silly), or to upgrade to a digital video camera with built in harddrive.

So do I get the 450d (around $1399) and a new video camera, or the 500d (on sale for $1499) and use the video camera in that? Is the 500d going to be too big to use as a video camera?

[dugarner]

I can't answer this question with any technical knowledge, but I think no matter how big the 500d is, if it has video capability, I'd do that. I miss more than anything having my Fuji that did video. It was high-quality, easy because it stayed streamlined (video and photo on the same camera card) and everything was in one unit. If there is no difference between the cameras for you, I'd go with the one that does both. Next time I upgrade my dSLR body I'm buying one that does video, too.

[twinmama]

We have hardly used our video camera even when the battery lasted because of a number of issues - the main one being that it's a complicated process (even for DH who works in IT) to get video off of it. It is so easy to flick the camera onto video and use that. And as you said the Fuji does take high quality video. DH wants to keep it but it's a larger camera so carting that and the new canon will be a bit much (be different if it was the size of a p & s).

I think for the extra $100 the 500d is worth it - I think I just want justification to get it!

[dugarner]

Originally Posted by twinmama

I think for the extra $100 the 500d is worth it - I think I just want justification to get it!

Well, I think you can find some justification. If it's easier, you will be more productive with it (DH will be more likely to shoot video when you're not around), and you can download your photos and video right there at the same time. I'm all for having just one piece of equipment if it does everything well. I think the Canon video quality will be just as good as the Fuji---probably better!

[hendon]

I don't have any camera advice, my only thought is that duty free isn't always cheaper and they don't always have what you want in stock (I've found that with lenses in particular). Also, I think you'd be better off giving yourself time to get used to a new camera before traveling, rather than just opening the box and starting from scratch when you get here . So if you've found some good prices now I think you should go for it. (Personally I like the idea of a built in video - less to lug around, quicker to access and use).

ps. I'm in New Zealand, and I have twins too!

[twinmama]

In Australa duty free is GST free. We can purchase from where we like up to thirty days before departure and apply to get the GST back at the airport - so that won't be an issue.

[katrinak]

I would purchase "the most" camera you can afford. As soon as you get to know it you are likely to want to upgrade

I think the 50D or the 7D are great cameras. You can get a side by side comparison at dpreview.com

I'd also consider getting a little less of a camera and buying a flip video camera. We LOVE ours. It's super easy to use, small enough for a pocket with great quality.

Wow, did this post just lead you everywhere? LOL Sorry about that, lots of options to consider

[twinmama]

Update! I just bought the 500d a few hours ago. Very happy.

I have my iphone with me 99% of the time - so I don't see the need for a P & S.

Thanks everyone.