Here's an opinion question for everyone: Should I invest in a video camera, or a DSLR for photos?

[Harrison]

So as many of you know, I (try) to do quite a bit of railfanning. I have a Canon T5 that's my main camera. I was using it to take photos for years now, but recently I have been using it to take video, since my "video camera", an old point and shoot, wasn't very good at taking quality videos. I recently ran a poll on my blog asking readers if they preferred my photos or videos. So far 100% have voted for photos. So my question is, should I start saving for and invest in a video camera (and use my T5 to take photos), or should I invest in a (better) DSLR camera, and use the T5 to take videos? My budget would probably be not more then a few hundred bucks.

As to what I like better, I love making videos and taking photos, so I can't choose one. 

 

[Overmod]

I'd invest in good video NONLINEAR EDITING AND CONPOSITION SOFTWARE before upgrading anything with cameras -- your stuff largely is seen in browsers, likely on smaller devices, and high resolution, precise color management, etc. are far less relevant than, say, proper commenting, smooth transitions, ability to reframe video clips, etc. and more importantly the ability to do NLE easily and quickly the way you like to work.

In my non-professional opinion a camera optimized for 'railroad' stills is different from a camera shooting 30fps or faster motion capture, and you will eventually (probably) want two devices for the two purposes.  In the meantime, since you say you don't like the T5 for video and so much of what you currently do is documented on YouTube and not via high-end photo sites I'd get the 'right' optimized video system first, and get it complete.

Then experiment with high-end still photography as you have additional money thereafter.

[Harrison]

Thanks Overmod, I just downloaded some new software that I've been playing with and I'm super excited to start using it! You say I should work on my production skills. Could you point me to a couple YouTube channels that I could use as inspiration/referance? 

[SD60MAC9500]

 

Considering the improvement in cell phone cameras over the decades. In my opinion if you're not a professional photographer. I wouldn't waste the money. My iphone 11 Pro Max takes some excellent photos even in low light settings. There's some nice media editing apps available on Google and the App store.

 

[tree68]

My cell phone has better resolution than my DSLR, but the DSLR has adjustments available that my phone does not.

I have a digital video camera that shoots great video, and has a killer zoom range as well.

While there are mounts for cell phones, both of my cameras have the ability to mount on a tripod.

Then there's my GoPro, which will do pretty well for either application.  I shot a two hour kayak ride with it a couple of years ago.  The GoPro was mounted on the bow of the kayak. 

Having a camera dedicated to each mode is useful, since you can tripod the video camera while using the still camera for special interest stuff.

[Flintlock76]

Harrison

Could you point me to a couple YouTube channels that I could use as inspiration/referance? 

Harrison, I may have pointed this one out to you in the past, but just in case I haven't here it is again.  This guy's good!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpVqXRuNzCMLDFd0mkdJ_yQ

PS: Don't ask me for camera advice, my favorite camera is an Argus C-3.  

[Overmod]

Harrison

You say I should work on my production skills.

I don't mean that critically, I mean it cinematographically -- learn different effects and presentation, learn how to correct and frame material for best effect, learn how different people have succeeded or created 'looks' that enhance viewing.

I don't know offhand if there are organizations like IXDA for cinematography and video-making, but I bet there are are (and you can find the ones most relevant to your desired style better than anything I can suggest)

One piece of advice I was given was to shoot and edit video in such a way that any frame, extracted, comprised a good still photograph composition.  That remains an interesting criterion as you learn different approaches and move from making videos of trains into telling stories about things to do with trains and their culture.