Hey guys, I'm wanting to buy a new camera, but I'm completely out of touch with the technology that's out there today. I'm looking for recommendations and advice, what's good and what's bad. Let's hear it!

 

What are you looking to take pictures of? You looking for like a good pocket camera or something larger and fancier? I have a Canon for real quality pics but its way too big to have by chance. I have a Nikon S8000 that works great as a high quality pocket cam IMO.

 

I don't want anything that's big & bulky. I don't want to need to carry around an extra bag full of crap for it either. So, something compact, and versatile. I'm no professional photographer or anything, just general pics and videos of scenery, family, car shows & races, etc. I guess my budget is $400-600 ish, but I'll spend more if it's worth it. No way I'll spend over a grand though. I've always been partial to Sony, but I'm not hung up on any one brand.

 

Rog, since u are used to handling small things, get a GoPro.
Or do u want it for more than just track use?

 

Roger, I really like my Nikon for pictures but for video it lacks some because once you start filming you cannot zoom in and out without stopping recording. I would like to have the ability to zoom in and out when recording video but I also need to just buy a good video camera.

 

Yeah Pat, the camera I have now is the same way. Cannot zoom in or out after starting to record. I guess that's one thing I'd like to be able to do.

Tom, I plan on getting a GoPro, but not right now. For now I'm able to borrow one when I want/need to.

 

I was checkin out a Sony camcorder. It was their top of the line (well, at Best Buy anyway). It was north of that $600 figure u mentioned. But it was better than anything I saw there. And I'm not a JVC fan due to past history. But now I have the GoPro. I just the suction cup thing. Went to BB last nite. They didn't have it. I said order it. OK, we'll ship it to u. It doesn't ship. Must be store pickup. I say OK. U can't pickup in store. Well, if I can't get it thru BB online, shipped or picked up, I'm at a loss. Guess I gotta go direct or whatnot, IDK.

I hope your luck on your find is more successful.

 

I recently bought an Olympus EP-2. They are a steal right now, and it takes great quality photos. You could buy it and a lens for under $400. Also, it's much smaller than a DSLR.

 

Can you zoom while recording video?

 

Yes, and its 720p HD as well. Also, it has in camera stabilization as well, so the video turns out pretty smooth.