Can a Camcorder with Digital Camera Take Good Still Pictures?
Many camcorders on the market are capable of taking still photos in addition to recording video footage. The question that many consumers have however is whether or not these devices can do double duty well enough so that they can purchase a camcorder and avoid buying a stand alone digital camera in addition.
The answer to this depends partially upon the camcorder selected and the level of expectation that the user has related to their still photography. We will give you some tips for choosing a camcorder with a digital camera and make some recommendations.
The Options
If you're on a budget and want both a camcorder for recording footage and the ability to capture nice still images there are two options.Below you will find some of the best camcorders for still pictures.
A Few Things To Consider When Choosing a Camcorder to Take Still Pictures
Here are just a few tips of things to consider when trying to choose the best camcorder for still pictures as well as video footage.Canon VIXIA HFS10
Canon VIXIA HFS10 HD Dual Flash Memory with 32 GB Internal Memory and 10x Optical Zoom
Amazon Price: $1,299.99 (as of 07/06/2009)
The Canon HF S10 is an HD dual flash memory camcorder with 32GB internal memory, expandable with SDHC memory cards allowing it to capture up to 12 hours of HD video. It also features 10x zoom and superior optical image stabilization. This is also a great camcorder for still pictures with it's 8 megapixel built in digital camera function. Users can also take 6 megapixel photos simultaneously while capturing video.
This camcorder also features a 2.7" multi-angle widescreen LCD, HDMI terminal for easy connection to your HDTV, a built-in 1.7x digital tele-converter, instant auto focus, face detection technology, advanced auto exposure to be sure you get the lighting right, 24p cinema and 30p modes for getting professional looking results, built in flash, PictBridge compatibility for easy printing, microphone terminal and manual audio control, built in electronic lens cover, and automatic shooting modes such as portrait, sports, night, and snow & beach among others.
Canon HF S10 Review
Canon Vixia HF S10 HD Camcorder Review CES 2009
http://www.kidguru.info http://www.cnet.com
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Canon VIXIA HV30 MiniDV High Definition Camcorder
Canon VIXIA HV30 MiniDV High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
Amazon Price: $849.95 (as of 07/06/2009)
This Canon HV30 is an excellent camcorder with digital camera. It is an outstanding videography tool firstly but also possesses a very respectable camera function. It allows the user to simultaneously grab photos while filming and replaying or to use capture still images independently. It is capable of 3 MP photography (2 megapixel during filming) and offers an easy print/share button for printing those images. It produces excellent still images for sharing online and for producing 4x6 or 5x7 prints.
Canon's SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer assures steady images both while filming and when shooting still images and the electronic lenscover protects the lens.
This Canon model features 10x optical zoom, a 2.96 megapixel CMOS image sensor, and DIGIC DV II processor. The 2.7" widescreen multi-angle LCD provides easy viewing and the built-in video light allows you to produce images with great clarity even in low light settings.
The camcorder also features instant autofocus, the ability to record in full high definition (1080) or in standard definition. Users have the choice of 24p Cinema Mode or 30p Progressive Mode for fast action scenes.
Complete with an HDMI terminal, this camcorder allows you to easily display your films/images on your HDTV.
Video Review of the Canon HV30
Sony HDR-SR12 10MP 120GB High Definition Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder
Sony HDR-SR12 10.2MP 120GB High Definition Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
Amazon Price: $1,999.95 (as of 07/06/2009)
This Sony HDR-SR12 is also among the best camcorders for still pictures. It offers full 1920x1080 HD video recording. It records to a 120GB hard drive or memory stick and can record 5 megapixel video footage or 10 megapixel still images. It features a 5 megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensor, 12x optical/150x digital zoom, a huge 3.2" widescreen (16:9) touch panel LCD screen, Super Steady Shot optical image stabilization, and a professional quality Carl Zeiss lens.
The camera function can even capture still images during the filming process and offers a variety of Picture Effects includeing Monotone, Pastel, and Sepia. HDMI connectivity makes enjoying images on compatible televisions and other devices simple.
With it's Super Night Shot Infared System, getting footage even at night is possible and the built-in zoom microphone and Dolby Digital 5.1 channel recording offer superior audio as well.
Video Review of the Sony HDR-SR12
Sony HDR-CX12 High Definition Handycam Camcorder
Sony HDR-CX12 High Definition Memory Stick PRO Duo Handycam Camcorder With 12x Optical Zoom
Amazon Price: $899.99 (as of 07/06/2009)
Another outstanding camcorder with digital camera is this Sony HDR-CX12 which offers full 1920x1080 high definition recording with a ClearVid CMOS sensor. It can also capture 10.2 megapixel still images. It features 12x optical and 150x digital zoom, super SteadyShot Optical image stabilization, a professional quality Carl Zeiss lens, and both Smile Shutter and Face Detection technology for optimal focusing and exposure of your subjects.
This camcorder boasts a 2.7" rotating widescreen ClearPhoto LCD display, built-in zoom microphone with Dolby Digital 5.1 channel recording for superior sound and a built-in flash for still images. A wide variety of scene modes are provided and still images can make use of montone, pastel and sepia picture effects.
This camcorder offers HDMI connectivity and comes with a 4GB memory stick for storing images.
JVC Everio GZ-X900
JVC Everio GZ-X900 AVCHD HD Flash Camcorder w/5x Optical Zoom
Amazon Price: $999.99 (as of 07/06/2009)
This JVC Everio is likely the top camcorder for still pictures. It boasts a Konica Minolta HD lens with 5x optical zoom with the ability to shoot video in full HD (1080p) resolution and record 9 megapixel still images. (5.3 megapixel stills while simultaneously recording HD video)
It offers simple one click uploading to YouTube and some great slow motion abilities. It can parallel some DSLR cameras with it's uncanny skill for recording 15 images per second. This camcorder, although a heavyweight in it's performance, is quite light and compact and can fit in a pocket for easy travel.
Learn more by clicking on the image.
A Brief Review of the JVC Everios GZ-X900
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Other Good Camcorders with Digital Camera
Sanyo Xacti VPC-C40 4MP MPEG4 Digital Camcorder with 5.8x Optical Zoom
Amazon Price: $167.40 (as of 07/06/2009)
Sony DCR-HC96 MiniDV 3.3MP Digital Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (Includes Handycam Station)
Amazon Price: (as of 07/06/2009)
Panasonic PV-GS500 4MP 3CCD MiniDV Camcorder with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
Amazon Price: (as of 07/06/2009)
Samsung SC-HMX20C 8GB High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom
Amazon Price: $987.55 (as of 07/06/2009)
Panasonic PV-GS300 3.1MP 3CCD MiniDV Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
Amazon Price: (as of 07/06/2009)
Camcorder Tripods for Better Still Photos and Video
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poddys wrote...
Very nice lens, 5***** Debbie and I bought a Panasonic HD Camcorder last year, and although it takes great video, I thought the stills were 2mp. I was so disappointed to find it was more like .2mp :( The photos looked nice and clear on the camcorder screen, but on the computer they are too tiny to use for anything. I don't know why any modern camera would have such a low MP.
Posted May 16, 2009
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Posted April 21, 2009
Mitja G wrote
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Posted August 09, 2008
Photo Credits
Introduction: Joe Shlabotnik.
The Options: Jorritf.
A Few Things to Consider: DuShaun.
This site is listed at LensMasterWorld.com.
