Now, I agree that the 35mm camera is hard to beat when it comes to getting the highest possible quality pictures, but unfortunately getting them into the computer is a pain, and paying for film and developing is an even bigger pain.
About a year ago, I took a look at what was out there in digital cameras, and - like you - didn't think much of what I saw. I didn't need high resolution, since all the pictures I take are bound for the web, but I wanted something with closer to the look and feel of a "real" camera.
In the end, I bought a Canon XL1 MiniDV camcorder. It's a bit heavy to carry around (I put it around my neck like a giant still camera), but it takes fantastic pictures and draws attention like a magnet. It's very similar in operation to the Canon EOS still camera I own, so the learning curve was very gentle. And it has a real lens and camera-like manual controls that are very easy to use compared to the clunky menu systems of most digital and video cameras. It has interchangeable lenses, but the included lens is roughly equivalent to 28-500mm in 35mm context, so you probably won't need the insanely expensive other lenses.
It's a 3CCD camcorder, which means it uses imaging technology more advanced than any plain digital camera I know of.
Needless to say, I recommend it highly. Unfortunately, the $4,000-odd price puts it above the reach of most people; a good alternative is the Sony TRV-900, also a three-chip unit, for about $ 2,300.
High-end video as a film alternative (Score:2)
About a year ago, I took a look at what was out there in digital cameras, and - like you - didn't think much of what I saw. I didn't need high resolution, since all the pictures I take are bound for the web, but I wanted something with closer to the look and feel of a "real" camera.
In the end, I bought a Canon XL1 MiniDV camcorder. It's a bit heavy to carry around (I put it around my neck like a giant still camera), but it takes fantastic pictures and draws attention like a magnet. It's very similar in operation to the Canon EOS still camera I own, so the learning curve was very gentle. And it has a real lens and camera-like manual controls that are very easy to use compared to the clunky menu systems of most digital and video cameras. It has interchangeable lenses, but the included lens is roughly equivalent to 28-500mm in 35mm context, so you probably won't need the insanely expensive other lenses.
It's a 3CCD camcorder, which means it uses imaging technology more advanced than any plain digital camera I know of.
Needless to say, I recommend it highly. Unfortunately, the $4,000-odd price puts it above the reach of most people; a good alternative is the Sony TRV-900, also a three-chip unit, for about $ 2,300.
For more information, check out my DV FAQ [amazing.com] or take a look at some XL1 pictures I took [amazing.com]
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