Camcorder, Speedlite, or new lens?

[Megan Turnidge]

So, I have decided that I need all 3 of these things: a camcorder, a Speedlite, and a new lens with a wider angle than my 50mm. I don't have a camcorder and my camera (Canon Rebel XSi) does not shoot video. So, I have no way of capturing Allie on video... unless she were to sit in front of my web cam. Sometimes Allie does something adorable that just can't be captured in a picture the way it can be captured in video, ykwim? I want the Flip (http://www.amazon.com/Flip-UltraHD-Camcorder-Minutes-Black/dp/B0023B14TK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1273642132&sr=1-1) - inexpensive and shoots HD... I don't need anything fancy right now.

I also feel very limited by my Rebel's performance with high ISO in low light (like at night time) and would love to bounce a Speedlite in order to get better shots in my house. I want this one (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Speedlite-II-Digital-Cameras/dp/B001CCAISE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1249786159&sr=8-1).

I also feel limited by my 50mm lens because it's just too tight indoors - I've got a small house. I'm looking at the Sigma 30mm 1.4 (http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-30mm-Canon-Digital-Cameras/dp/B0007U0GZM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1274248339&sr=8-1).

So, which would YOU pick up first in this situation? Which would you get next after that? Oh, and I'm paying for these with my Swag Bucks (http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/mturnidge) Amazon GCs that I've earned for FREE. I should have enough by mid June to cover the cost of the Flip camcorder completely... or I could have enough for the flash by August... and the lens will obviously take longer since it's the most expensive.

[Gabbina]

I would def get the camera!! Memories saved by camera are really precious... having the chance to see your kid doing something special in 10 years is just priceless. :thumbup:

[coopert]

Sounds like you really need the video camera. I LOVE my flip, an d it isn't even an hd one. It is just so easy to carry around with you. But I also understand your want for a new lens. You are definitely limited with the 50 and the sigma 30 is an awesome lens.

I guess my vote would be for the flip. It is so great to have funny moments of our little ones on video. Especially when they are learning to talk and saying the cutest things.

[Ebony]

Video camera for sure! Like you said, it's hard to capture some of the best moments in stills... you don't want to miss out on filming your little one's cute moments :D The other stuff can wait?

[Megan Turnidge]

Video camera for sure! Like you said, it's hard to capture some of the best moments in stills... you don't want to miss out on filming your little one's cute moments :D The other stuff can wait?

NONE OF IT CAN WAIT! I NEED IT NOW! :D lol j/k hehe

Seriously, where is a money tree when you need one? :p

You're probably right - a camcorder is probably the biggest "need" right now. Such a bummer because I was kinda set on more photography goodies. hehe

[Nettio]

Well considering I never take my Sigma lens off my camera, I'd vote for that. :D I'd put the video camera second and then the flash last. But I'm not much of a video or flash person so this would be an easy choice for me, haha.

[Buggie185]

I think if it were me I'd do camera, speedlight, lens. What a fun/horrible decision to make haha!
How many swagbucks do you have?

[Megan Turnidge]

I think if it were me I'd do camera, speedlight, lens. What a fun/horrible decision to make haha!
How many swagbucks do you have?

I've got a little over 3700 SBs right now and $65 in Amazon GCs stacked in my account. I'm hoping to get enough SBs by the end of the month to snag a $50 Amazon GC (since I maxed out my $5's for the month). :)

[ColleenSwerb]

I would go for the flip, then the lens, then the speedlight. I love my speedlight, but the extra light isn't going to help your smaller space issue with the 50mm.

[Milmomma]

Well considering I never take my Sigma lens off my camera, I'd vote for that. :D I'd put the video camera second and then the flash last. But I'm not much of a video or flash person so this would be an easy choice for me, haha.
Ditto, I have a camcorder we never use, and I'm way into my photography right now. :)

[DawnMarch]

I recently started putting the video from when my kids were smaller onto DVDs so they can watch it. They LOVE to watch those videos and watch them over and over laughing at how cute and funny they used to be (well, they still are, but they don't know that!). Anyhow, I'd go for the video and start taping.

[HeatherKS]

Hmm. Well, I have a speedlite that dh got me for Christmas and to tell you the truth, I've used it about three times. :blink: I'd much rather have the wider angle lens and in fact, right now I'm saving my pennies for the very lens you linked to. :) He won't go for the lens because "I got you a flash that you never use!" (said in the poutiest little boy voice you can imagine).

But I miss having a video option on my camera since moving to the rebel so I'd probably do the Flip first and the lens second. You don't want to miss those cute moments on video! :)

[Megan Turnidge]

All good points, ladies! I think I will snag the Flip next month... Allie won't be this little forever and I really want to capture the cute little things she says and the little dances she does! :wub: I'm still torn on what I'll get after that though. hehe

[melmos75]

After the Flip, I would go for the speedlight. With the speedlight, you could always use your kit lens instead of the 50 till you could save up for the 30.

[Megan Turnidge]

After the Flip, I would go for the speedlight. With the speedlight, you could always use your kit lens instead of the 50 till you could save up for the 30.

haha I didn't buy the kit with the kit lens. The *only* lens I have is the 50. :sleep:

[melmos75]

haha I didn't buy the kit with the kit lens. The *only* lens I have is the 50. :sleep:

Hmm, then I would go lens next. Such a dilemma you have. LOL!

I have so many photography things that I want, it's crazy. My DH doesn't see the point in spending so much money for different lenses and stuff. Of course, he wouldn't know a good photo if it bit him in the butt!

[HeatherKS]

haha I didn't buy the kit with the kit lens. The *only* lens I have is the 50. :sleep:

Ha ha, that's the boat I'm in too! :thumbdown: Probably the other reason I so desperately want the 30 mm. lol

[coopert]

While you save for the flash, you could get the Gary Fong Diffuser (http://www.amazon.com/Gary-Fong-Diffuser-Accessory-Olympus/dp/B0034BWR4O/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1274285936&sr=8-7) . I use my flash at times at night, because I would rather capture the moment using a regular flash, than not get it at all, just because I am not going to get a perfect picture using a straight on flash. If you have a diffuser it will help the quality of the picture.

[digideb]

I used to use Gary Fong's "Puffer" that Theresa mentioned. It works great! But, I went through 3 of them. They kept breaking! I would see if there's something else similar to get instead. I'm seriously tempted to try one of these. (http://www.amazon.com/Opteka-Universal-Diffuser-Olympus-Camera/dp/B0017SVEDQ/ref=pd_sim_dbs_p_4)

[coopert]

I used to use Gary Fong's "Puffer" that Theresa mentioned. It works great! But, I went through 3 of them. They kept breaking! I would see if there's something else similar to get instead. I'm seriously tempted to try one of these. (http://www.amazon.com/Opteka-Universal-Diffuser-Olympus-Camera/dp/B0017SVEDQ/ref=pd_sim_dbs_p_4)

For less than $10, that definitely looks like it is worth trying.

[nun69]

I would go for the flip, then the lens, then the speedlight. I love my speedlight, but the extra light isn't going to help your smaller space issue with the 50mm.

this would be my choices as well :)

[hollyxann]

My vote is for the camcorder.

I too want a flip really bad! I need to save up the money to get one because I am set on getting one asap.
I'd also like a new lens to but that can wait.

[melmos75]

I used to use Gary Fong's "Puffer" that Theresa mentioned. It works great! But, I went through 3 of them. They kept breaking! I would see if there's something else similar to get instead. I'm seriously tempted to try one of these. (http://www.amazon.com/Opteka-Universal-Diffuser-Olympus-Camera/dp/B0017SVEDQ/ref=pd_sim_dbs_p_4)

I haven't seen these before. I think I might try it. It's cheap enough that if it doesn't work I won't be out much.

[Beth Swann]

I agree on the camcorder being first. The lense would definitely be the next one if it were me, then the flash.

However, if you purchase a lense, I would sooner go for a 1.8 vs. a 1.4 if you're lookin' to save $$$. It's not big enough of a difference for me to justify the larger expense. Just sayin'. :p

[newfiemountiewife]

Camcorder then lens, then Speedlight :)

I have little videos of the kids and they are so cute to watch! I think they don't realize just how small they used to be, and I guess neither do I! Tony got me a small hand held one for Christmas, I forget what kind, and it's great, fits in my purse, and holds SD cards so they fit right into my laptop for download!

[ryliesmom]

I'd do flip, speedlite, then lense. I rarely take my 50mm off my rebel. I got the 580ex a couple of months ago and I'm just now learning it but I'm loving it! Amazing the natural looking pics I can get in low light conditions with that thing.