camcorder/video camera vs. camera with video function

I currently have a 20d and would like a second body (but dont *need* one by any stretch of the imagination)
should I bite the bullet and buy a t21, 7d, or similar so I have a second body with video or should I get a $200 video camera (or "flip" camera [Is that a bad word here?])
I'm just curious what y'alls experiences have been LOL! any input will be most welcome!

Hey man.

Well even a T2i is not exactly $200... But it will definiatly outperform a 200$ videocamera...
I guess it all depends on what you want to do with the footage and how import the video quality is for you.

The Canon DSLR'S (or Nikon D7000 and Panasonic Gh1/GH2) are all capable of very nice video quality. If you can afford it easily I would recommend that. The T2i is the cheapest for that matter.

I have a 20D. I also have Vixia HF200...not really a $200 camcorder... and a T2i. Camcorder is much easier to use..autofocus, IS... and I have slick Tiffen Hollywood Movie effect filters for it.

But the video quality is no comparison to T2i.

Hello all, I'm new here

I have a canon md160 handy cam. I am finding it a really good quality video camera. However I have troubles with the mini-dv cable getting video to the computer. A couple of years ago I got images to my computer but I totally forgot how..

Now I might just have to get a firewire card

Maybe you should consider a Canon S95 compact. It'll be a great back up camera and it has excellent video capability.

thanks for all the input!
The more I think the more i wonder maybe I could get a new body and just be done with it... I got told a body would limit me (less zoom etc) but the more I think about it the more I like the idea of it... simply the way i've seen videos made entirely by "still" cameras look
(last season of House, MD (I think season 5??) was shot entirely with canon still bodies (I think the 5d mkii) because it was small and they were shooting in confined space as well as trying different techniques and angles they couldn't normally get)

jpbimages wrote in post #11876749
(last season of House, MD (I think season 5??) was shot entirely with canon still bodies (I think the 5d mkii) because it was small and they were shooting in confined space as well as trying different techniques and angles they couldn't normally get)

Only the Season 6 finale was shot with the 5D mk II.

terjay- thanks
love the show to death
don't keep up with seasons!
lol