texasdan78070 Loc: Texas Hill Country

I have an XSi Canon. It has served me well for many years. I don't shoot for anything more than what is fun. I don't try to enter any contests. My only drawback is the lack of video. I thought I could pick up a used or re-conditioned for around $3-400. It seems that I was dreaming. Checked e-bay and B&H and couldn't find one in that price range. I don't need a $1000 camera that takes video good enough to make a movie. As with my photo camera, I only shoot for my pleasure.

Is this a pipe dream, or does someone have an avenue that I haven't explored yet? I know $300-400 is pretty low, but obviously I was mistaken. Maybe I need to check out just video cams. I just hate to carry 2 cameras, and I don't leave home without my XSi. Any thoughts? Many thanks.

Dan

JR45 Loc: Montgomery County, TX

I don't do much video, but years ago I picked up a Sony handycam. It's small enough to to fit in a small fanny pack.
Check Amazon.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Canon 7D's are selling for $450 all day long and they do video.

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/ele/6178556332.html

texasdan78070 Loc: Texas Hill Country

I'm not desperate enough to try Cragslist!!!!

MichaelL

Two cameras are really not that bad. The video camera I use is small, does not weigh much and fits in a lens holder area of most bags. While not professional level, it does a great job with very little assistance from the operator. New $699 used $549 from B&H. Have been using a pair of these for 6 years and can not remember any issues. Panasonic HC-X920 3MOS Ultrafine Full HD Camcorder Depending on what is being shot, I would recommend a microphone but the in camera one works but an external one allows better control over wind noise.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Most everything now has video. Consider upgrading and selling your current camera to,get what you can out of it.

texasdan78070 Loc: Texas Hill Country

Thanks Michael. I'll check out their video dept.

Dan

texasdan78070 Loc: Texas Hill Country

Sorry gvarner; I won't ever get rid of my camera. It's a part of me. I bought it when it first came out, so I've had it quite some time. Thanks for chiming in tho.

Dan

aellman Loc: Boston MA

Agreed! The best solution for you is a dedicated camcorder. The used ones are amazingly cheap and easy to operate.
I bought a top quality Sony HD for $50 on ebay. It looks and operates like new.
Just make sure the one you get records on flash (SD) cards. The internal microphone has some limitations.
Camcorders with an external microphone input are more versatile but sometimes cost more. >Alan

ecurb1105

While both my DSLRs shoot video, my pocket camera is a Nikon coolpix AW100, a waterproof pointer that also does video. Newest model AW300 sells.new about 380.00

MichaelL

https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=Q5qO-ptIFJM

For your reference. Two of the three cameras on this were the Panasonics.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Here's something that may get me shot here, but follow me.

I shoot weddings, and when I need some video, I use the 4K action cameras (which are GoPro knock offs) With your budget, you could get a few of them, and still afford a good video editing program. They shoot 4K, depending on the size of the card, can shoot more than an hour, and come with waterproof cases, and several accessories to allow them to be used on a tripod, stuck on a pole, clipped to a hat, etc... Some sports cameras shoot amazing video, especially compared to dedicated video cameras from just a few years ago.

I don't care for the sound quality, so I use my Nikon DSLR, with a dedicated mic for the main track with audio, then splice in different angles from the action cameras. If you are picky, maybe you can pick up a small digital recorder, but the sound may very well be fine for your use???

You may be able to get closer to a multi camera angle "movie" than you think, with not spending much money. A pretty good action camera can be found on sale for under $50. Around black Friday, closer to $30

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

You alrady have canon lenses. You can pick up a used 18MP Canon T5 for less than $300 on ebay like this one.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canon-EOS-Rebel-T5-EOS-1200D-18-0MP-Digital-SLR-Camera-Black/332301984243
It takes HD video at 1920x1080 resolution, and the T5 allows for manual control of aperture, shutter speed and ISO for video recording.
I don't think you would get better results from any camcorder costing less than $3,000.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

You can get a Rebel T6 for about $400 new, so I bet you'll find something cheaper on eBay!!

texasdan78070 Loc: Texas Hill Country

This advise has merit. I will check into it. Thanks for the input.

Dan