4 Weeks till a baby arrives... Would you get the 600D?

[Jedifarce]

I would recommend what Neuro and several of the others are saying. Keep your 450 for stills. It's much better than a point and shoot, and spend about $300 on a camcorder instead.

If he can afford it, he should get the Vixa HF G10. For $300 you'll get an SD rather than an HD sensor.

 

[Jedifarce]

... If you are determined to use a DSLR for home videos, know that you can stop down the aperture (a larger aperture value) to increase the depth of field and make manual focus a little easier.

Don't you have that backwards? Or am I missing something?

:-[

He's talking about increasing the F/stop so the the depth of field isn't as shallow.

 

[RC]

I too think a video camera would be your best option as opposed to a DSLR for family videos and family users. From the time my first was born up until now (20 & 17 year olds), I went through 3 video cameras, a Sony and two Canons. Still have a Canon but don't use it much anymore--teenagers are turds and avoid cameras.

I disciplined myself over the years and took my camera on all significant family outings (as well as casual stuff around the house) and I have hundreds of hours of edited movies all on DVD. Looking back I am so glad I lugged my gear every where--those movies are priceless.

Give it some serious though, you might find a video camera is the better option.

I am not up on current video cameras but my one camera recommendation would be make sure it has a view finder in addition to the pop out screen. For me it was some much easier to compose, pan, and create smooth video using the viewfinder. My other suggestion is you must edit your videos to make them interesting and pleasant to watch. Get a good piece of editing software.

Congrats on the new addition!

 

[Z]

... If you are determined to use a DSLR for home videos, know that you can stop down the aperture (a larger aperture value) to increase the depth of field and make manual focus a little easier.

Don't you have that backwards? Or am I missing something?

:-[

Seeing as the OP is a novice I thought I'd try to explain that stopping down a lens means having a larger aperture value i.e. a 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 lens can be stopped down to f/11 ... I didn't mean to cause more confusion!

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I've just visited a few specialist camera shops for their opinion and I'm down to a couple of choices:

Upgrade to the 600d, keep my 17-85 lense and possibly buy a 50 f1.8 lense for better baby portrait shots. With this option I'm stuck using manual focus video which is harder for my wife.

OR

Look at Sonys A55 or A57. Financially this would likely lead to a downgraded lense but allow for easier operation for my wife and easier video for me.

Thoughts? Thanks again for your guidance!

Nothing is parfect, its always a compromise, but the lure of stills and video in one body is a strong incentive to hunt down one that will work for you. The sony APS-C DSLR's are fairly good in low light, but do lose some light due to the translucent mirror. On the otherhand, no dust gets to the sensor, and you can do autofocus video and very fast FPS (No AF after 1st frame).

There are reviews at DPR and Luminous landscape. The newer generation of sony Cameras seems to overcome the horrible video overheating issues that the A33 and A55 have, Stay away from them, or your camera sensor can overheat from 3 minutes of video!

I'm not sure the A57 is available yet, but it should eliminate the issues with the A55. One thing with Sony, is that you can look for good used Minolta AF lenses. They had some very good quality lenses. Be sure they are autofocus and compatible with the camera you buy, since they are mostly screw drive lenses.

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/sony_august_2011_new_products.shtml

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2012/03/13/Sony-SLT-A57-Preview-with-real-wold-samples

 

[Parallacs]

Congrats on the upcoming baby!

Mine first one is coming in May and I got a 5D back in November to prepare. I had a Xti for four years so I know how to control a DSLR pretty well. That said, the 5D is very easy for taking pictures. You can set it to P mode and auto-iso and take very good photos. Obviously, the more work you and your wife put into it, the better the photos will be.

In terms of video, going DSLR is a poor choice unless you are committed to it. Video takes large amounts of memory, obvious lack of auto focus, and a need for processing/editing on the computer. This makes it hard to upload and share. (The video from the 5D looks SO good though, I can't wait to use it on the baby)

My advice is to get a video camera AND a photo camera. This will allow the wife to take video and you to take photos. I would go for a DSLR (you only get one chance to take the best possible photos). For a video camera, people don't care too much about quality, I have a panasonic HDC that I will use to quickly share and it was pretty cheap.

 

[emag]

You could also consider something like a JVC Everio. Get your videos without breaking the bank. Good quality, light weight and mine's never given me trouble. I'd recommend something that will take an external mic.

 

[AnselA]

I would second or third getting a dedicated video camera ( the prices are really reasonable now) designed for the purpose and shoot the baby pics with the existing DSLR. You will find plenty other things to spend on with that Baby on Board.