Couple camera questions?

[Wilbur]

There is two different questions, one about photo and one about video. This has been a concern of mine since I bought tickets to Rolex 24.

I'm looking at trying to find a new camera that fits what I am wanting in one. Right now I have a Nikon s6000 if that gives you where I'm coming from. The LCD sucks the battery down bad and I need better life out of it for the times I go to races mainly. It doesn't have to be a DSLR either, I want as simple to a degree because I'm no camera guru (I'd love to learn, it's just greek to me on what to use or how to depending)

-viewfinder (as long as LCD can be turned off)
-good battery life or uses AA (not sure which is better for long term)
-great zoom (current camera has 7x optical)
- $300 or less perferred

Those are basic things I want that I can think of off top of my head. On to the next topic, involving the GoPro Hero2.

How long does the backpak last in real terms as far as video life? And just any advice on using it during both night and day? I'm unsure if I will just make a way to hold it or use headstrap or even possibly something in a backpack that might allow me to shot it over my head.

Sorry for the random rambling, but photography/video is not something I know a ton about and I'm more of hands on guy.

 

[wfooshee]

I can't really help you on the first question, I've not kept up with compacts at all for years.

As for the GoPro, I can't imagine what good it would be at a race. Those have such a wide field of view, anything you're looking at on the track will be very very distant. Also, I can't imagine anything much less interesting to watch than a video of what you see as you walk around the facility.

 

[TB]

Unless I missed something, the suggestion I made to someone else should apply fairly well to you, too:

Looking at what you'd like the camera to have, and ignoring any form factor issues, I'd suggest the Canon PowerShot SX150 IS. Including shipping it stretches your budget by about $10 but considering the huge list of shooting modes, the 12x optical zoom and image stabilization (to be able to actually use that zoom) I think it'd be worth the extra.

Can't help you with the GoPro bit, though.

 

[AOS-]

GoPros aren't really meant to be used like a camera taking pictures. They're more suited for recording video footage while traveling, more often than not on wheeled transportation, such as cars, bikes, skateboards, etc..

So unless you're strapping a camera to a race car (which I highly doubt), you're looking for regular cameras. Also, try to avoid cameras that take dry-cell batteries like AAs. Lithium-Ion batteries are smaller, consequentially lighter in weight, and tend to outlast AAs in my experience.

 

[Wilbur]

GoPros aren't really meant to be used like a camera taking pictures. They're more suited for recording video footage while traveling, more often than not on wheeled transportation, such as cars, bikes, skateboards, etc..

So unless you're strapping a camera to a race car (which I highly doubt), you're looking for regular cameras. Also, try to avoid cameras that take dry-cell batteries like AAs. Lithium-Ion batteries are smaller, consequentially lighter in weight, and tend to outlast AAs in my experience.

I was using the GoPro for more or less shooting video around the track like walking through the paddock. And If it wasn't clear I already own it.

On to a digital camera, the reason why I either want AA is because most of the time I don't have access to charger when I'm shooting like races. Last time I used it for the race, it died and was fully charged after about 150 pics. I don't mind some added weight and the next big race I will be at will be Rolex 24 and am trying to limit what I have to charge since I will be camping and using a small inventor in my car. The LCD suck battery life way too much so I'm in search of something with viewfinder, good zoom, and battery life.

I'm thinking Nikon actually has what I want but I will have to go look at them soon.

 

[Takumi Fujiwara]

Are you more interested in shooting the cars on track or just general closer-up stuff around the paddock? Getting good shots of the cars in action tends to require a lot of gear and quite a bit of technique. Your options for stuff that's closer up are a lot more open.

My call would be a Micro 4/3 camera. The Panasonic G5 is probably the best option right now. Long lens options would be the 45-200, which is equivalent to a 400mm at the long end, and is reasonably priced, or the $600 100-300, which will be tons of reach, but is pricey. You could also look at a lower-end DSLR and a 70-300 or 55-300 lens, but you'll probably end up spending more money, and it'll be a bigger package overall. The autofocus and sensor performance of a DSLR are better than anything else, though.

 

[Wilbur]

Are you more interested in shooting the cars on track or just general closer-up stuff around the paddock? Getting good shots of the cars in action tends to require a lot of gear and quite a bit of technique. Your options for stuff that's closer up are a lot more open.

My call would be a Micro 4/3 camera. The Panasonic G5 is probably the best option right now. Long lens options would be the 45-200, which is equivalent to a 400mm at the long end, and is reasonably priced, or the $600 100-300, which will be tons of reach, but is pricey. You could also look at a lower-end DSLR and a 70-300 or 55-300 lens, but you'll probably end up spending more money, and it'll be a bigger package overall. The autofocus and sensor performance of a DSLR are better than anything else, though.

The camera I use now actually does pretty well for what I want, as I am not really wanting a DSLR at all (too much $$$ and I have no clue really about all the things it will do). Mainly looking for when I am in the stands being able to possible get some better pictures, and having battery last more than 4 hours at times. It was one reason why I wanted a viewfinder too not just an LCD if possible.

I did come across a camera that seems to be great for what I want, except possibly battery life. Nikon Coolpix P510 has most of what I want overall, but really have no clue if there is something maybe that will be better for what I am asking for.

Overall I will be shooting upclose like paddock/pitstop and stuff, but I would shot some on track action as best I can. The whole deal for the GoPro was mainly just to have some fun nothing serious while walking around the paddock, and infield.