Bill replied:

Hi Rod
I use a Sony digital video which has a memory stick. At the end of a trip, I go through the video, select suitable shots and transfer them to the memory stick (press of a button). These can then be downloaded to my PC for storage, enhancing etc and then printing. Stills can also be taken directly onto the memory stick by the way but I find transfer from the video to be the best. I also bought a 12volt charger - about $150 - very useful if you are away from 240volts for a while.

Definate110 replied:

Hi Rod,

A Digital Camera is one of the best investments that i have ever made! They put a whole new life into taking photo's. They are instantly viewable, and of course deletable. If i could have my time again i would have bought the Cannon Powershot G2....AWESOME! (I have a Kodak DC4800). If you want to print the pictures make sure that you get at least a 3 Megapixel camerera.
Take a look at http://www.dpreview.com it is IMO the best place on the web for ALL things in Digital photography.

Good Luck.

SeYa
Warwick.

Nigel replied:

We've had a Canon A20 (still camera) for a while and in hindsight a sony digital video camera would have been more useful, but we still make good use of the Canon. Being able to take 80-100 shots and then only having to print the 10-15 good ones certainly saves money and lets you try creative things.

Sam replied:

Rod

goto www.videocamera.com.au

they have a section on all the different makes and models. And they have a buyers guide aswell.

I can't quite remember whether or not they have a model comparison section.

Hope this is of some use.

cheers,
Sam.

royce replied:

Sony Mavica is the go. A pocket full of 'floppies' and take hundreds of pics on the road. No need for cables etc. I have used one all over Oz with my travelling science show.

Geoffrey replied:

Hello Rod,
did you get a digital video camera?
If so what did you get and what made you buy the particular model?

Geoffrey replied:

It seems to me that many didn't understand the question Rod.
In 'digital video cameras' the format all the major manufacturers have chosen is 'Mini DV' for domestic use.
In addition Sony also make a format called 'Digital 8' which performs to the specifications of Mini DV but uses the older style 8mm tape.
If you are totally new to video cameras Mini DV is the way to go,
however if you have had an 8mm 'Handycam' in the past you may want to consider D8 because it will play your old tapes .
Cost wise the D8 format is the cheapest to get into.
As far as the ability to take still photos with digital video cameras they all can do it with varying degrees of ease . Most of the Sonys have a memory card called a 'memory stick' onto which stills can be directly loaded and downloaded onto your PC .
I will be interested to read your decision.

Rob replied:

Another option is a digital camera such the Canon Ixus 300 which can take mini mpgs as well as jpegs depending on the amount of memory.
Also look at the cost of the storage medium,memory stick,cf card,mini drive as this may have a bearing on your purchase.