Question for those of you that have gone to the bodies with video

I guess this is the right place for this

Have any of you had both a DSLR and HD video camera and gotten rid of the video camera and gone to a body with HD video? Do you regret not having 1 of each? Can these video capable cameras take pictures while recording video?

I've got an XSi and a Sanyo HD video camera. I'm thinking about selling both and going to a T1i or T2i. Thoughts? Pros, cons?

Thanks

I didn't own a video camera before I bought my 7D, but now that I have it I don't feel a need to go buy an HD video camera. The only issue is a reliable autofocus feature.

The biggest issue with video in DSLRs is focus - try to manually focus while you are shooting - painful at best. AF is pretty much non-existent - it is so sloooooow that you cannot use it at all.

yes, 5Dmaniac is right.
the quality is amazing but you have to constantly focus if you're moving around. once you're in video mode, you first have to holg down the exposure button to let the camera set the right exposure and the lens hunts for a bit.

remember its not really a 2in1 machine, its still just a camera with video capability.

oops EDIT: NOT /\

fordbjr wrote in post #10331744
I've got an XSi and a Sanyo HD video camera. I'm thinking about selling both and going to a T1i or T2i. Thoughts? Pros, cons?

Ughhhh...WHY???

I have a 7D, a Canon Vixia HF20 (HD Camcorder), and a Casio EX-FC150 (P&S). All 3 can record a movie in HD. If I want to travel and make a quick recording, I can use my Casio EX-FC150. Video quality is decent, and it also allows me to record in High speed video. Great for watching golf swings in slow-mo. The downside, no auto focus and no zooming when recording starts.

We all know the Canon cameras have video, but there's no auto focus as well. Plus the videos are limited in recording length. Maybe fine for interviews, but if you have kids or trying to record moving subjects, good luck.

Now, my Canon Vixia HF20 is a true video recorder. I can press record and it will stop until either the battery dies (about 300 minutes) or the recording media is full. Auto focus, np. No worries about it overheating, well, I haven't yet. Basically, if I want to make a real video, I use my HF20. If I want to shoot photos, I can use my 7D.

I first had a T1i (still have it), then I got a canon Vixia HF20 just for a small light autofocusing camcorder. Then I got a 7D, I rarely use the T1i for video, but use the other two (HF20 and 7D).

I tested video on my 7D. It works according to the specifications. Using it like I would shoot video, it's awkward. For controlled shots, tripod, external microphone amplifier, external larger screen, remote zoom and focus arrangements and subjects which can be directed - then it's wonderful. For candid things - it sucks.

For everyday movie shooting, it's as useful as a motorcycle is for longhaul cargo.

I had a Sony FX510 video 8 handycam and when it was working I used it frequently. Once it died (maybe 2 years old) I just shifted to digital single image cameras. btw if anybody knows of someone who repairs sony handicams drop me a note please

fordbjr wrote in post #10331744
Can these video capable cameras take pictures while recording video?

Yes, but there's a short delay in the video while the still is taken. If I want a small still photo, I take a frame from the video and convert to JPEG.

Thanks for the replies. Sounds like the video feature, for what I would be using it for, sucks.

I thought I could lighten the load and get some money back at the same time. I guess not.