Kerry392

My husband and I will be taking a two week trip to California from Philadelphia this summer. What are your thoughts about having a video camera? We have a digital camera but I am wondering if a live video would be better. But, on the other hand, is having a video camera a nuisance?
Also, is it possible to rent a camera for the trip? My husband is not all that thrilled with laying out the money for the camera!
Sorry this is so long!!

tracys2cents

They sell one-time use video cameras now...kinda like those little Kodak one-use cameras? I think they have them at Rite Aid maybe...not sure about the price...but that might be the way to go if you can find one.

girlwilltravel

Hi, I feel your pain. I love to take photos of our travels; have a SLR 35 mm Pentax that I still purchase film for, a SLR 35mm Rebel Canon and a Sony video camera. And I'm a Mom who believes in documenting each and every moment of her childs life!! I have learned the hard way that packing, handling and taking photos with all of these cameras can make traveling a chore. They are hard to pack, tote around and difficult to keep track of in hotel rooms, etc. I've invested a large amount in these cameras and keeping track of them is the same as chasing a 4 year old around Disneyworld. And I can't tell you how many photos I have taken of family, etc., where they are looking at me (behind the lens) with the would-you-please-put-that-camera-down glare. I have learned to plan ahead. Are you going to see ships in Philadelphia? Are you going witness live action? You may want to take tracys2scents advice and purchase a one-time use video camera. At one time, I would never have done that, but my daughter loves those Kodak one-time cameras and I hate to admit it, taken with the right light they work pretty well (nothing against Kodak, of course). Why not purchase one before your trip and give it a try. If you aren't going to need a full time video camera at home, this would work out well. Or you can borrow one from a close friend or relative that would mind you taking across America. Of course, you would end up purchasing one to replace the you borrowed if it was stolen. If you aren't going to be capturing live events I would suggest going just with the digital camera. They are so versatile these days. My daughter has a little Kodak Share that takes a few minutes of video that I download into my laptop when we travel. No sound just video.
It is your choice, of course. To purchase a really good video camera is a large investment. If you do decide you need one, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get to know your camera before you hit the road. You don't have to have to pull out the instruction manual (been there, done that!) while you are trying to figure out what something means on the camera.
Whatever you decide, enjoy your trip. And your photo journal later!!

bookhall

Target sells a cheapie digital camera, by Pure Digital, for about $110. Walt Mossberg, in the Wall Street Journal, gave it an excellent review a few months ago. I've been wanting something like that, so I went out and bought one. And I'm quite pleased!

Web site for the camera is http://www.puredigitalinc.com/ .

Here's the URL for Mossberg's column: http://ptech.wsj.com/archive/solution-20060503.html .

irecommend

my opinion is that too many people spend too much time behind the lens and dont see the real view for snapping wildly. I traveled with a group and one women videotaped the entire meal and all the dinners. Life is to enjoy as we do it and I think we have to step back and keep the vidoe and photo thing in perspective!