Help: Need a camera - compete novice

[pt0608]

I am a total novice with video cameras and digital cameras. However, I am a web designer and so I need to get myself some hardware with which to get some digital photos which I can use on the web.

I need 2 things. 1. A digital camera that can fulfill this task. There are so many with varying numbers of mega pixels etc.

2. A digital video camera with which to capture video for use on the web. Not a clue were to begin here.
Ideally I'd like one machine to do both. Is that possible?

I am based in the UK, so need something that is available over here.

Many thanks for any help.

[mwfanelli]

I am a total novice with video cameras and digital cameras. However, I am a web designer and so I need to get myself some hardware with which to get some digital photos which I can use on the web.

I need 2 things. 1. A digital camera that can fulfill this task. There are so many with varying numbers of mega pixels etc.

2. A digital video camera with which to capture video for use on the web. Not a clue were to begin here.
Ideally I'd like one machine to do both. Is that possible?

I am based in the UK, so need something that is available over here.

Many thanks for any help.

If you are using this still camera for web use and not a lot above 8x10 prints, a 3 MP camera will do an excellent job. You can, of course, buy something more. There are so many out there it would be difficult to point to just one. Go to a store and try them out. Choose the one you like. Stick with major brands.

Video on still cameras is an afterthought. For decent digital, you will need a camcorder. Post the video question on the video forum for informed opinions.

[another view]

I can't help you with video, but if you're only using the images from this digital camera for the web then resolution really doesn't matter at this point. After all, 1024x768 resolution is less than one megapixel. The thing about resolution is that you'll need it for printing so if that's a concern then probably 3-5mp would handle most people's needs (again, you'll have a hard time finding less resolution than this anyway).

Higher resolution cameras also have more features. I have an old Nikon Coolpix 5000 which has been replaced by the current 8400. It's really good for a lot of things, and should be available in the UK. It's not the cheapest one out there but after 3+ years with my 5000 I'm not looking to get rid of it either.

[Loupey]

My wife uses Sony's T-33 point-and-shoot. This little guy slips into your shirt pocket, shoots 5.1MP stills, and records 30fps video with sound at 640x480 (I think) resolution. The duration of the video is limited only by the capacity of Memory Stick Duo Pro media. She loves it.

For web purposes, I think that it would certainly do the trick. Don't know if they still make this model but, if not, they probably make something similar.

[freygr]

I am a total novice with video cameras and digital cameras. However, I am a web designer and so I need to get myself some hardware with which to get some digital photos which I can use on the web.

I need 2 things. 1. A digital camera that can fulfill this task. There are so many with varying numbers of mega pixels etc.

2. A digital video camera with which to capture video for use on the web. Not a clue were to begin here.
Ideally I'd like one machine to do both. Is that possible?

I am based in the UK, so need something that is available over here.

Many thanks for any help.

For web even an old 640 by 480 pixel camera will work 90% of the time. You my just may look around used camera stores as for web work anything over 1 meg most likely not be used. If you do purchase a camera get the most optical zoom you can afford.