|
for digital vs. optical zoom, the easiest way to get it is to throw out the digital spec. The optical zoom is the only spec that matters. Digital zoom just zooms in the same way Photoshop does when you zoom in - - -so you end up with bigger and bigger pixels. Digital zoom over 120% of original is pretty useless.
Beyond that, what Outdoor said - it depends on what you want to spend and what you want to do with it.
General things to watch for, though, are image stabilization (Canons are really good at this) so your video isn't so shaky when you go handheld. I also like larger cameras. It's pretty tough to find a decent sized camera (my definition of decent sized is one that goes on your shoulder - keeps you steadier off the tripod) unless you start looking into prosumer gear and then you're looking at anywhere from 2 to 7 thousand bucks. I'd certainly, though, avoid those tiny little cigarette-pack sized cameras.
Also, invest in a decent tripod, and then use it. Often. The reason people make fun of home movies so much is because they all look like they were shot in an earthquake. Keep your video steady and your home movies will be much more enjoyable.
|