I am planning to buy my first camera in the next few weeks, and don't plan on spending over $500. I want a camera that I can play around with that will let me learn as much as possible with settings and lenses and such. Anyone have any suggestions as to what I should get? I am looking at used Super 8's, 16mm and such. But Should I go digital or film which I am currently leaning towards, and why? Also can you recommend specific cameras?
Thanks
Used Super 8s? I thought you said your budget was $500, not $5. I don't really know the exact one you should get, but I'd go digital if I were you. Everything is going that way, I'm still stuck on analog video tape and quality sometimes suffers when converting it. Film is great but digital has come a long long way in recent years.
sharealthough film is nice, you have to remember that you need to spend money each time you want to use it. with digital, all you need is a memory stick or two for life.
with a film camera, every time you wanted to shoot something new you need to buy a new reel of film, then have that developed, then have it scanned to a digital format to edit on a computer. all of this costs quite a bit of money.
go digital, it's simply more practical. if you are very experienced and have a lot of money to spend EACH TIME you shoot on film, then get a film camera.
when looking for a digital camcorder, make sure you get one with as many manual controls as your budget allows. also, a camera that shoots 24 frames per second. for $500 maybe a used Canon HV30 would be the best fit.