Baby on the way!, need video camera advice.

[BucketMan]

Greetings,

The good magical stork will be delivering our first child in October of this year, atleast that is when it is scheduled to arrive!

I am in need of advice on which video camera to get. I currently own an XSi and am just getting into photography. The video camera will be geared more towards recording the baby, family stuff....

I am familair with the standard questions regarding a DSLR, and I guess some apply here so I will do the best I can.

Price wise, maybe around 500 or so, havent researched them that much. Again, mostly family stuff, not looking for anything to do distance or sports yet. Size is not really a concern, I do not need something tiny. I guess my real questiosn start with how it records, DVD, camera memory or SD/CF card. My wife and I both have laptops, looking at getting a desktop in the near future, so donwloading video might be an issue as they are both 5-6 years old. On that note, the ability to dowload, edit and email short video clips would be nice for the grandparents, so this is a priority as well.

Sorry for the scattered nature of this post. I will be more than happy to answer any questions that could further help any of you assist in my decision. Lastly, I would prefer to stick with Canon as my XSi has been good to me, but if there is another camera that is obviously superior for the same cost I can be swayed, lol.

Thanks again!

p.s image stabilization and HD would probably be necessary as well!

[BucketMan]

Browsing the BH site I see that 500 is not going to cut it for a HD camera. So, my question is, is HD worth it? With some cameras just below that 500 mark with good sensors is the HD really worth the extra money for what I will be using it for?

Additionally I think the SD card slot might help me with the slow computer issue, would be easier to DL off of that than from a camera.

Also I read some reviews with concern about wind noise through the mic, anyone know which models are prone to this?

[tkbslc]

You may consider selling your 450D and buying the new 500D with HD video built in. Quality is as good, if not better, than $1000 HD cameras, but you give up a little ease of use. Just a thought and would be easily doable for under $500 total.

Another option is something like a Flip HD or Kodak Zi6 or similar if you just want casual HD videos around the house and backyard, etc.

And finally, you may consider a high-end compact with HD for casual use and videos. Canon SD960, G10, Panasonic Zs3, or simlar.

[rssmps]

Price wise, maybe around 500 or so ... p.s image stabilization and HD would probably be necessary as well!

I've also been doing some looking. This is waht I'm looking at and think this will fit your requirements.

Canon 3536B001 VIXIA HF200 Flash Memory HD Digital Camcorder - 15x Optical Zoom, HDMI

Tigerdirect has it on sale for 599 and if you use bing.com's cashback, it's $90 back. So you're looking at $510.

[bentlax33]

We just had our first baby girl June 20th(fathers day) We have a flip (SD) and a Zi8. Get one of these pocket video recorders for your house and bags. My wife has the flip I have the zi8 and we carry them everywhere. The quality is enough to capture all the fleeting moments and funny things your baby will do. I have a 7D and I'm sure I will use it to capture some memories of her but so far the mini video recorders have been invaluable.

They are so easy to turn on and start recordering, you can have them in you pocket or sitting on the cofee table.

It takes me too long to pull my 7D out of the bag, turn it on, and check the settings. Plus I can't get a video of her 1 handed with my 7D.

Does the quality compare...no not at all...but this is about capturing memories, not making a movie.

Creative editing in post process you can make the videos look good. I would at least look to supplement whatever you get with a mini recorder. You might find you use it more than you think.

We're buying her grandparents one as well so when we are at work they can make some recordings while they babysit.

Just my 2 cents. Maybe one day I'll regret I didn't get some moments in 1080p, but i doubt it.

EDIT:Whoops I didn't realize this thread was old...

[ecub]

Although I would push the Canon HF200, I use an HF20 myself, the Flip video is a better choice. It's compact, lite, and easy to use while lugging around the baby and gear. Granted, I don't have any kids, but I could see it's usefulness.