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Need help finding the right camera

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[BoatsNHoes]
Posts: 183 - Karma: 1,324
So Ive been looking at buying a descent camera for a while, but there are simply too many to choose from. I know that there are a lot of threads like this already, but everyone was suggesting like 500 plus dollar cameras, and Im looking at sub 300 or around there. I was thinking about the Nikon Coolpix p500 or p510 cause i definitely want to be able to shoot 1080p video but I would also like to be able to take descent pictures too. As you might be able to tell Im just kinda starting off, although I do have a little experience.

Thanks Guys
Dec 29 2012 4:20PM
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Mag
Posts: 8155 - Karma: 14,809
What sort of descents are you looking at doing?

For sub 300 a GoPro would probably be your best bet.
Dec 29 2012 4:32PM
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[BoatsNHoes]
Posts: 183 - Karma: 1,324
I'd be shooting pretty much exclusively park considering I live in Illinois and there really isnt much else to do besides rails. And I have been thinking about buying a GoPro also but although I am going to be mostly using it for filming skiing, I was also going to use it for simply as a camera for every day use, and I dont feel like GoPros cover that aspect.
Dec 29 2012 4:44PM
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.qzyxya
Posts: 1479 - Karma: -26
Just because its HD video doesn't mean its very good quality. I'd get a camcorder or save up some more and get a dslr. Point and shoot video is really bad. If you want good stills and good video you're either going to need to get two seperate cameras (or settle for crappy video on a p&s) or get a dslr.
Dec 29 2012 6:03PM
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[BoatsNHoes]
Posts: 183 - Karma: 1,324
So then would the Coolpix p510 be a good choice for a dslr do you think?
Dec 29 2012 6:40PM
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HWW
Posts: 3084 - Karma: 3,436
• there are a load of threads about finding your camera
• you will have to be willing to part with some money for a "descent" setup
• best option for you: choose either still or film
Dec 29 2012 7:08PM
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Belzebub
Posts: 451 - Karma: 812
That cam is not a dslr, its a compact camera. A dslr is roughly the term for a cam that you can change lenses on(you could also change lenses on a mirrorless).
Dec 29 2012 7:22PM
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[BoatsNHoes]
Posts: 183 - Karma: 1,324
Oh that clarifies a lot. So what would be a dslr camera on the cheaper side of things? Like a Nikon D5100 be a good choice? By the way I have no preference with the brand.
Dec 29 2012 9:34PM
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oil.
Posts: 2255 - Karma: 1,254
dslr is not "roughly the term"... it stands for digital single lens reflex, and it is any camera that has a single mirror in front of a sensor that flips up to expose the sensor when the shutter button is clicked.
Dec 29 2012 9:45PM
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grown-ninja
Posts: 3031 - Karma: 175
check out my panasonic sd100 in my threads for sale, shoots great 1080p, nice little compact video camera, for 300 for a dslr its not gonna happen, ill throw in a handel, filters, lens hood,
Dec 30 2012 6:13PM
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.qzyxya
Posts: 1479 - Karma: -26
Do you prefer stills or video?
Dec 30 2012 6:57PM
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[BoatsNHoes]
Posts: 183 - Karma: 1,324
Probably video and Ive been looking at some camcorders, but they all kinda seem the same, and I don't wanna end up with some bum chinese one
Dec 30 2012 11:57PM
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[BoatsNHoes]
Posts: 183 - Karma: 1,324
for how much? theyre on amazon for 200. really not tryin to be a dick or anything, but i can barely pay for lift tickets
Dec 31 2012 1:28AM
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.qzyxya
Posts: 1479 - Karma: -26
Well a camcorder would be much better than a point and shoot (like hte p510) for video. The Panasonic Tm700 is suppsed to be good (people have recommended it a lot in other what camera threads), or one of the newer tm900/hx900. You could probably pick up a used one for ~$4-500. Or a cheaper hv700, http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-HCV700K-Angle-Camcorder-Black/dp/B0072B5E7E/ref=sr_1_10?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1357004375&sr=1-10. It looks like a tm700/900 just without the viewfinder and 3mos sensor
Dec 31 2012 8:54PM
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[BoatsNHoes]
Posts: 183 - Karma: 1,324
Thank you so much man! +k fo sho
Jan 1 2013 12:14AM
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grown-ninja
Posts: 3031 - Karma: 175
pmed...
Jan 1 2013 9:08PM
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