newbie help - Canon T3i vs Canon VIXIA HF G10

[PoseidonsEnforcer]

Hi, I am relatively new to underwater photography (so pardon if any of this is dumb) and have been mainly using a Canon powershot with Canon WP-DC24 underwater housing.
I now would like to upgrade to something better and have been considering making the move to a dslr.

Ideally the new camera would take:
• HD video
• Regular distance shots
• Close-up macro shots

I think I have narrowed my search down to the Canon T3i and the Canon VIXIA HF G10. I’ve read that the T3i doesn’t have an autofocus in video mode, which makes taking video tough.

My question is if the T3i will “do it all” or would I be better off getting the dslr for photos, and when the bank account recovers, get the HD video camera. This is going to be expensive isn't it...

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[darook]

The cameras are cheap it is the housings that are crazy expensive. In full disclosure I shoot a T21 underwater because there were more housings available for it and it is significantly smaller than a T3i. They both have lousy video autofocus but take wonderful still images. I hear mixed reviews the longevity of the sensors when used for a lot of video as they are not able to dissipate heat as well as purpose built video sensor. I think if you want great video along with very good still photos then you may want to consider a micro 4/3 camera. They have very good autofocus during video I am told and have shorter delay than a PnS when shooting stills. They have a much larger sensor than a PnS but smaller than the Canon Rebels. The crop factor is 2x vs. 1.6 on the rebels. The micro 4/3 lenses are quite nice though you have many more options at this point for the dSLRs. I use an EF-S 60mm for macro and a Tokina 10-17 fisheye for WA. The Tokina is nice for video as the depth of field is huge on it and covers the lack of autofocus to a large degree.

You can see some critter shots from Coz with both lenses here: Cozumel Critters - Bruce's Pics from Near and Far | SmugMug

Good luck with your search and decisions!