Choose a DigiCam
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Still or Movie or Film

Probably the first decision that you need to make is whether you should buy a digital still camera or a digital video movie camera or carry on with a film camera.

Film cameras

The market for film cameras is very mature. Meaning prices are lower and value for money is high. 35mm SLRs (Single Lens Reflex) cameras are not expensive serious devices anymore, many people can afford and use them particularly now that they have a P for Programmed Auto mode, autofocus - the main benefit is that you can swap lenses between wide (28mm) and telephoto (200mm). The focal lengths of the lenses are in ratio to the size of the film - 24mm x 36mm. A standard focal length lens is 50mm although 35-80mm simple and "short" zooms are common.

Because the 35mm SLR can be more bulky than you would want, the rangefinder cameras with autofocus, non interchangeable but telescoping lenses (meaning they physically collapse and expand in length) are often favoured by the general public. These are not expensive.

Be aware that there are two film formats that are commonly used - 35mm (classic) and Kodak Advantix. The Kodak Advantix is a modernised 35mm but never became as popular as 35mm.

Digital Movie Cameras

Analogue Video Movie cameras were made in two formats - VHS-C (Panasonic, JVC) and Hi-8 (Sony). The VHS-C cameras are quite bulky and the Hi-8s were smaller. However, when Digital Video Cameras came out, these Analogue Video cameras suddenly became obsolete:

  • The Digital Video Tape - miniDV is a standard size. Sony has created a microDV size but most of the cameras are miniDV.
  • The cameras are much smaller than comparable VHS-C and Hi-8. The general public is much happier.
  • The cameras shoot better video and audio - nearly good enough for DVD video.

 

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