Compare Canon FS300 flash cam to FS200? I'm a Canon fan, and considering one of these two. I can't see much difference, except the price; reviews seem better for the older one. Any ideas? Is it worth the extra for dual? Compare Canon FS300 flash cam to FS200? I'm a Canon fan, and considering one of these two. I can't see much difference, except the price; reviews seem better for the older one. Any ideas?... » Read More Compare Canon FS300 flash cam to FS200? I'm a Canon fan, and considering one of these two. I can't see much difference, except the price; reviews seem better for the older one. Any ideas? Is it worth the extra for dual? « Show Less
2030538
The file format the camera uses is .MOD It is nothing more than a .mpeg file. When you find the camera and it's SD files tagged .MOD in "My Computer", change the file type from .MOD to .mpeg and import it into an editing program that accepts .mpeg files and start editing...OR....you could download and try/use "MPEG Video Wizard DVD". Been using it for quite sometime. Excellent editor and it doesn't care if the camera files are named .MOD....it will import them and output them without recoding so there is no quality loss. Try either method above but do not use the software that came with the camera....it is NFG. The file format the camera uses is .MOD It is nothing more than a .mpeg file. When you find the camera and it's SD files tagged .MOD in "My Computer", change the file type from .MOD to .mpeg and import it into an editing program that accepts .mpeg files and start editing...OR....you could download and try/use "MPEG Video Wizard DVD". Been using it for quite sometime. Excellent editor and it doesn't care if the camera files are named .MOD....it will import them and output them without recoding so there is no quality loss. Try either method above but do not use the... » Read More The file format the camera uses is .MOD It is nothing more than a .mpeg file. When you find the camera and it's SD files tagged .MOD in "My Computer", change the file type from .MOD to .mpeg and import it into an editing program that accepts .mpeg files and start editing...OR....you could download and try/use "MPEG Video Wizard DVD". Been using it for quite sometime. Excellent editor and it doesn't care if the camera files are named .MOD....it will import them and output them without recoding so there is no quality loss. Try either method above but do not use the software that came with the camera....it is NFG. « Show Less
2030539
DV is the name for the digital video tapes (mini tapes that look like minature VHS tapes). I supose the fs200 or 300 is fine for your needs, but it kinda depends on what computer and software package you use to edit and publish the video with. If you're using a mac, you'll need iMovie 09. If you're using a pc, you'll need to buy some software to convert the files (unless you want to manually go through an change each extension name - there will be lots).I have an old Canon digital camcorder that uses DV tapes, and I still prefer it to the fs200.
2030540
Right on 3rd timer. I have not found a good solution for iMovie (Mac OS). It will not recognize the file even with a new extension name.I'll confess that I have not tried too hard (or looked for another program). I do have Quicktime pro and it does not like the .Mod files or the mpeg files. I prefer PCs, but must use a mac at work.
2030541
I have an HP w/Movie maker, but I thought you simply stuck the memory sticks into the laptop to download? I figured it would come with software like all my Canon cameras have and then you could burn to DVD. Did your fs200 not include this? Perhaps I'm not reading the description correctly.If it is truly that complicated (I also don't know what an 'extension' is) I may skip this one. Still, what about the picture quality? Is there a better alternative in the general price range? ($300 or so?).
2030542
Hmmm. Mac OS....I must have missed that. I don't have much experience with Macs but there is bound to be something that will work for you. The important thing to remember is that the .MOD file is just a container for a .mpeg file. If you do find a Mac based editing program try changing the extension from .MOD to .mpeg as I mentioned before. The important thing is to avoid recoding the original file in order to maintain quality. Let us know how it goes.
1923479
The best thing to do for comparing these cams is to look at the photos that are taken with them by people who use them. I would just do searches on FLICKR and really spend the time looking at those photos, and not just the photos you click-on from their thumbnails, but the ones that show enlargements and give you full size downloads as well. Compare them in terms of how they were taken, with the help of their EXIF data. This way you should know what photos are like when coming out from these cameras.
1972150
I own both. But if you only want one, well, a. if you value light-weight, smaller size, easier to lug around, then get the 18-200 b. if you really really want the extra zoom, and don't mind the extra mass, get the 18-300 I wanted both worlds...but I will tell you, my hand did get tired more quickly with the 18-300 mounted...and after I saw the difference in the full zoom pics, I thought to myself : "Is that all the extra I get?"....which I did want more zoom, and I am happy, but thought it would be much bigger than actual results... Holding/shooting with one hand, the 200 felt like a pleasure...the 300 felt hefty. I think hobby-ists can do without the extra zoom...try and find samples of shots at 200mm and 300mm zooms, and decide if it makes a difference to you...
1893354
Hello Amy. I see that you've not gotten a reply yet for a few days. I own the Canon SX130is camera that is nearly identical to that of the next version, the SX150is. I even owned the previous model of mine now, SX120is. THe only reason for the upgrade was to get HD video and stereo sound. Other than that, I loved that camera too. I've not studied the others you are deciding on but just looked them over. THere's not a "night & day" major difference between them. Differences of 2x zoom power is not major IMHO. Frames per second in burst mode shooting is. Size may be a factor too. But I can tell you why I like my camera. A manual flip up flash allows unmistakeable control over the flash and keeps the camera from waisting power charging for a flash that you didn't need for that shot. The option of complete manual settings is a must. And the advantage of using AA batteries gives you limitless flexibility of power. Don't let the negative reviews tell you that you cannot take lots of photos with this camera. If you get some high capacity rechargable batteries and enough for an extra set, you'll be good. Several here have recommended Sanyo Eneloop brand cells. That they come precharged and hold that charge for extended periods of storage time. A friend of mine used them and swears by them. I use Ansmann 2850 mAh batteries (which are higher capacity) and they give me nearly 200 more shots in my Canon SX20is than what is rated in the camera manual.
1064893
Well to be very honest I don't feel I could compare something I am not familiar with. I would only be reading reviews about the Finepix S1800 and not actually comparing 2 products. I can only say (since I bought it for my son who is 36) that the pictures he takes with it are amazing and the price was very reasonable. I am sorry but I think if I tried to compare it to something I am not familiar with I would be giving you false information.
344031
They seem to be pretty comparable. I found a couple of reviews... check out dpreview.com (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canonsx1is/page13.asp) for more details. The thing that turns me off of the Sony is that it takes memory sticks and I believe it saves the videos in a sony format.... Canon seems much more open and standards based.
1780048
The difference is the price. Anything made by Canon or Nikon is way more pricy. These units are extremly easy to use, you can fire one or two flashes at the same time. I have purchase about 6 of these units for my students and everyone warks right out of the box.
72188
The flash works differently with different settings of course, but I have had no issues with it thus far. I also have a couple of old flashes from when I had my 35mm camera and they both work on the hotfoot on top. There are so many different settings with this camera you can usually find one that works for a lot of different situations, plus if a person is familiar with the manual settings you can do it yourself. I have taken pictures of the moon, grandkids, birds. I really do like this camera.
96490
hello... this camera is a wonderful camera, but it's more like my pocket camera. I also own a Canon SX30IS which is a superb camera, not quite the DSLR but comes pretty close. I love Canon as a brand overall and also the fact that you can swipe memory cards and keep the same pictures regardless of which camera you took them with. Both of them are great cameras and are capable of taking wonderful pictures, it's pretty hard for me to say which one is my favorite. Again, it's a personal choice. I can't give you more advice since i'm a beginner in picture taking, but these 2 have made it pretty easy to get on my hobby. Good luck with your new purchase! hello... this camera is a wonderful camera, but it's more like my pocket camera. I also own a Canon SX30IS which is a superb camera, not quite the DSLR but comes pretty close. I love Canon as a brand overall and also the fact that you can swipe memory cards and keep the same pictures regardless of which camera you took them with. Both of them are great cameras and are capable of taking wonderful pictures, it's pretty hard for me to say which one is my favorite. Again, it's a personal choice. I can't give you more advice since i'm a beginner in picture taking, but these 2 have made it pretty... » Read More hello... this camera is a wonderful camera, but it's more like my pocket camera. I also own a Canon SX30IS which is a superb camera, not quite the DSLR but comes pretty close. I love Canon as a brand overall and also the fact that you can swipe memory cards and keep the same pictures regardless of which camera you took them with. Both of them are great cameras and are capable of taking wonderful pictures, it's pretty hard for me to say which one is my favorite. Again, it's a personal choice. I can't give you more advice since i'm a beginner in picture taking, but these 2 have made it pretty easy to get on my hobby. Good luck with your new purchase! « Show Less
1721987
I have a Lumix DMC-FZ18 and a Canon SX10. I wanted to buy a camera that was a little better than the FZ18 and wait a little longer for a DSLR. Picture quality on the Canon is not as good as the Lumix. Image stabalization on the Lumix is also noticably better. I have already taken over 300 photos of the same scene with both cameras for comparison. I should have upgraded to the Panasonic DMC-FZ28 as it is getting great reviews from everyone on the web.
227593
Hi, This was my biggest concern in purchasing a new video camera, and I first purchased a JVC Everio one, which I quickly learned would not be natively compatible. The people at the Apple store told me to get a Canon FS 100 (the forerunner to this model), and when I saw the FS 200 coming out, I decided to wait. It was well worth it, and it is COMPLETELY compatible with Mac, but there IS a catch. You need to be running imovie 08 or 09. My Macbook is almost 3 years old, and imovie HD (the 06 version) did not work with the camera, and when I would connect it, it would open iphoto and then have no idea what to do with my movies. Imovie 09 is a great program, and worth the money since it is easier to use than iMovie HD AND has important updates like the ability to post directly to YouTube (the older programs involved an extremely complicated process where you had to change bitrate settings, UGH!). So to sum up, this IS the camera for mac and imovie users, but know that you will need to upgrade your system if you are running an imovie version that predates imovie 08. Also, I recommend getting a card reader when you buy your memory card. I got a 16 gig card on Amazon that came with a reader for $40 and it's amazing. You just pop it in the side, open imovie, and I was able to transfer 2 hours of video in about 8 minutes. LOVE IT!!
1223646
Is the EVF viewer large enough to view comfortably? I was comparing the S3 to the Sony H2 and the EVF on the Sony seems smaller compared to the S3. Can't find a FZ7 in town to physically look at, but it sounds like a great camera for the price. Any info you can give would be greatly appreciated.
568654
Very bad in my experience with it. It's a good camera outdoors, especially on sunny days. Indoors, the combo of the long zoom and small sensor make for dark pics and/or blurry pics. Almost all cameras are trade-offs. This one's trade0offs were not for me. The FZ150 is a much better camera and the FZ200 is probably better yet. The FZ200 is expensive, so not a truly fail comparison. It is also bigger.The best compact in the world right now (my belief and that of many others) has a 3 -4 x zoom and a 1" sensor and costs $650 --- the Sony RX100. It's the same size as the ZS15 or maybe even a bit smaller. I wish it were cheaper !!! :-). Very bad in my experience with it. It's a good camera outdoors, especially on sunny days. Indoors, the combo of the long zoom and small sensor make for dark pics and/or blurry pics. Almost all cameras are trade-offs. This one's trade0offs were not for me. The FZ150 is a much better camera and the FZ200 is probably better yet. The FZ200 is expensive, so not a truly fail comparison. It is also bigger.The best compact in the world right now (my belief and that of many others) has a 3 -4 x zoom and a 1" sensor and costs $650 --- the Sony RX100. It's the same size as the ZS15 or... » Read More Very bad in my experience with it. It's a good camera outdoors, especially on sunny days. Indoors, the combo of the long zoom and small sensor make for dark pics and/or blurry pics. Almost all cameras are trade-offs. This one's trade0offs were not for me. The FZ150 is a much better camera and the FZ200 is probably better yet. The FZ200 is expensive, so not a truly fail comparison. It is also bigger.The best compact in the world right now (my belief and that of many others) has a 3 -4 x zoom and a 1" sensor and costs $650 --- the Sony RX100. It's the same size as the ZS15 or maybe even a bit smaller. I wish it were cheaper !!! :-). « Show Less
105686
The 30D, as noted by others, is a much sturdier camera. In addition, keep in mind that it shoots at a faster rate (5 fps), has a more ergonomic set of controls, and shoots better in low light-- ranging all the way up to 3200 ISO after expansion.I wouldn't be surprised to see Canon offer a similar jump to 10.1 MP or higher in this price range soon, more to compete with Nikon's D80 and D200 than to compete with their own product.That said, I'm adding the XTi as a backup to my existing 20D.
1577619
I have to say that I'm not aware of the distinction between "old large SD cards" and "regular small SD" cards. But I have two 5D's and both of them use only Compact Flash cards. If Canon has made some sort of adapter available for SD cards, I haven't heard about it. Frankly, I'd rather use the CF cards anyway--they seem easier to handle and not as likely to get lost. I say that from experience with some other cameras I have that take only the smaller SDs. You probably know that some cameras do have two slots, one for each type of card--at least that was true with the Olympus 4/3 system (OMD E-5 for example) and probably with some of the Nikons and other Canons. I have to say that I'm not aware of the distinction between "old large SD cards" and "regular small SD" cards. But I have two 5D's and both of them use only Compact Flash cards. If Canon has made some sort of adapter available for SD cards, I haven't heard about it. Frankly, I'd rather use the CF cards anyway--they seem easier to handle and not as likely to get lost. I say that from experience with some other cameras I have that take only the smaller SDs. You probably know that some cameras do have two slots, one for each type of card--at least that was true with the... » Read More I have to say that I'm not aware of the distinction between "old large SD cards" and "regular small SD" cards. But I have two 5D's and both of them use only Compact Flash cards. If Canon has made some sort of adapter available for SD cards, I haven't heard about it. Frankly, I'd rather use the CF cards anyway--they seem easier to handle and not as likely to get lost. I say that from experience with some other cameras I have that take only the smaller SDs. You probably know that some cameras do have two slots, one for each type of card--at least that was true with the Olympus 4/3 system (OMD E-5 for example) and probably with some of the Nikons and other Canons. « Show Less
140946
OK, folks... here's the thing... all these three cameras (F10, F11, F100) record video directly in MPEG2 format.This means that the footage from all three cameras will be compatible with most (if not any) video application currently on the market. The cameras record .mod files, which are actually .mpg files (you can change the extension manually if you wish) - the video bitrate on the Canon FS1000 goes as high as 9000 kbps, and the sound is 100% Dolby Digital.In other words, you will NOT have any issues with codecs. The only drawbacks are related to editing MPEG2 files, which could be a bit tricky. OK, folks... here's the thing... all these three cameras (F10, F11, F100) record video directly in MPEG2 format.This means that the footage from all three cameras will be compatible with most (if not any) video application currently on the market. The cameras record .mod files, which are actually .mpg files (you can change the extension manually if you wish) - the video bitrate on the Canon FS1000 goes as high as 9000 kbps, and the sound is 100% Dolby Digital.In other words, you will NOT have any issues with codecs. The only drawbacks are related to editing... » Read More OK, folks... here's the thing... all these three cameras (F10, F11, F100) record video directly in MPEG2 format.This means that the footage from all three cameras will be compatible with most (if not any) video application currently on the market. The cameras record .mod files, which are actually .mpg files (you can change the extension manually if you wish) - the video bitrate on the Canon FS1000 goes as high as 9000 kbps, and the sound is 100% Dolby Digital.In other words, you will NOT have any issues with codecs. The only drawbacks are related to editing MPEG2 files, which could be a bit tricky. « Show Less
490821
I've also done alot of research on these two cameras. I have not purchased either one because I'm still deciding. I personally have seen some BEAUTIFUL "kid" pictures with a Sony camera. The only drawback I see with that camera is the expensive battery pack (plus you need an extra back-up) and some poeple have difficulty using the connecting software. The Canon camera looks cheaper in the stores. When you decide...let me know!