Reddit mentions of Canon EOS M 18.0 MP Compact Systems Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and EF-M18-55mm IS STM Lens

Bear in mind the smallest and lightest DSLRs are still bigger and heavier than compacts - plus a big reason for DSLRs is the ability to change lens, so if you carry additional lenses - there is really no escaping that being a DSLR photographer involves a commitment to more weight / 'hassle'. Your budget is also maybe a bit low (considering again once you get into DLSR you soon find yourself wanting new lenses).

On the other hand you have a range "Compact System Cameras" now which promise a middle ground between DLSR quality (bigger sensors, range of lenses) and compacts (smaller and lighter).

http://www.which.co.uk/technology/photography/guides/compact-system-cameras-explained/

To compare within the same brand, take for example (CSC) Canon EOS M: 1.3 x 4.3 x 2.6 inches; 9.3 ounces; $299.00 - versus the (DSLR) EOS 60D with standard kit lens: 5.7 x 4.2 x 3.1 inches; 1.7 pounds; $899.00.

No particular reason for mentioning Canon by the way (I actually have a Nikon), nor am I trying to dissuade you from DSLR, but it seems like a CSC might fit your requirements a little easier.

Not at all.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Compact-Systems-3-0-Inch-EF-M18-55mm/dp/B00A2BVCO0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1375304495&sr=8-3&keywords=canon+eos+m+22mm

That isn't a DSLR, it's mirrorless, but it seems very cool. $350 for the camera with 18-55 lens

or $399

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/883304-REG/Canon_6609b033_EOS_M_Digital_Camera_with.html

for the camera with the 22mm f/2 lens. I would get the 22mm f/2 lens. My friend just bought this camera and he hasn't got it out yet to use it but being that it's from canon and looking at the specs of it I'm sure it'll take very very quality photos. Again, it's DSLR and I realize that we're in the DSLR subreddit, but mirrorless does have some cool advantages over DSLR. The size of this is pretty awesome as well since you'd be way more likely to carry this thing with you than lug around a clunky DSLR (at least I know I would be)

Idk, that's just what I would get if I was looking in the 300 to 400 price range. I don't think you'll find a new APS-C size sensor body + lens for less than that.

Canon’s model numbers go in reverse of what one might expect, at least with the EOS lines and I assume with the Rebel lines too. So the 5 is a higher model than the 6. If you’re asking why they do this, I don’t know.

If you’re asking what the difference between the two is, google “Compare Canon Rebel 5 and Rebel 6” and you’ll probably find a selection of charts that are more concise than anything you’ll get here.

For the price, you can’t go too wrong with a Rebel, but the Canon compact system is also popular.

Long exposure for sunsets isn’t necessary but there’s room for experimentation. For long exposure you need a tripod of some kind.

Fun fact: cameras are duty free. You may find value ordering one in to TSB at Point Roberts.

Hi /u/ldonthaveaname

You might want to consider sensor size and image quality as you weigh your options.

Here is the image quality you can expect from the HF R52 and its 1/4.85" sensor:

http://youtu.be/Se4p_az68mA

http://youtu.be/yUtnFzXY2HM

This is typical small-sensor camcorder image quality and depth of field. Plus, this camera lacks an accessory shoe - so it will be difficult to mount an external microphone or light.

If you can stretch your budget a little, you might want to consider the [$398 Panasonic FZ200] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008MB6ZX0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008MB6ZX0&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20) instead. This camera has a 4 x larger 1/2.3" sensor, a mic jack, a standard hot shoe for accessories and 720/120p slow motion.

Here are a few examples of what it can do:

Documentary

• [The Young Dick Tiger] (http://player.vimeo.com/video/57346685)
  
  720/120fps Slow Motion
  
  
• [Several] (http://player.vimeo.com/video/65307967)
  
  
• [Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ200 Beautiful 120fps High-Speed and Fantastic Effects] (http://youtu.be/Lp_pmgCsmco) (please watch at 1080p)
  
  
• [Freestyle Football isn't a Sport, it's a Lifestyle] (http://player.vimeo.com/video/82785006)
  
  Nature
  
  
• [Camargue, paradise of birds] (http://player.vimeo.com/video/115814010)
  
  And it's a pretty good still camera too: https://www.flickr.com/groups/fz_200/
  
  One caveat with this camera is that it has a 2.5mm mic jack instead of the standard 3.5mm - so you'll need a [$1 adapter] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QU3JN4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000QU3JN4&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20).
  
  [Here] (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YOsHAPgPDyA/TyOiXxjW08I/AAAAAAAAEro/ct151wXHV2I/w815-h543-no/M1000018.JPG) is a picture of my FZ150 (the FZ200's predecessor) with a hot shoe mounted mic plugged into the camera with the 3.5mm to 2.5mm adapter.
  
  In my view, the FZ200 is the best 1080p still/video point and shoot superzoom camera at this price point and a very good value for your money.
  
  Another option in your price range is a little more challenging to use, but would give you much higher image quality - the [$299.95 interchangeable lens Canon EOS M] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A2BVCO0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00A2BVCO0&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20).
  
  This camera has an external mic jack and a hot shoe for accessories but it also has the largest sensor and the best video image quality in this price class.
  
  The EOS M is compatible with free Magic Lantern firmware (which allows it to shoot RAW uncompressed video).
  
  Here is what it can do:
  
  Fashion (shot in RAW): http://vimeo.com/72938179
  
  Live music (shot in RAW): http://vimeo.com/75122636#t=38s
  
  Skate: http://vimeo.com/80326419
  
  Travel: http://vimeo.com/55604121
  
  Travel: http://vimeo.com/61150313
  
  It is also a very capable still camera: https://www.flickr.com/groups/eos-m/pool/
  
  The caveats with this camera have to do with lenses:
  
  
• you may or may not want to deal with the added complexity of interchangeable lenses
  
  
• the 18-55mm zoom lens is purely manual - the camera lacks a power zoom
  
  
• the kit lens is relatively slow - you may need supplemental lighting in dimly lit situations.
  
  All of that said, this camera will give you the best video image quality in this price class and is a very good value for your money.
  
  Hope this is helpful and good luck with your trip!
  
  
  

You've gotten some good advice here- but your problem is your camera's tiny 1/3" sensor. Before adoption of the large sensor DSLR for video starting in about 2009, shooters bought expensive adapters like this [$419 Letus Mini] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003M65ZX6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003M65ZX6&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20) for their camcorders to get the "shallow depth of field" you're looking for.

Here are a couple of examples, shot with the XA10, the Letus extreme and Nikon lenses:

[Letus Extreme Canon XA10 and Zombies] (http://youtu.be/dubY3CGqtSc)

[Canon XA10 w/Letus Extreme & Nikon 50mm f2.0] (https://vimeo.com/channels/xa10/38471275)

That said, you would have to buy the adapter and Nikon lenses to make this work.

If you really want out of focus backgrounds, it would be cheaper to buy a new large sensor interchangeable lens camera that already has a lens - such as the [$336 Canon EOS M] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A2BVCO0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00A2BVCO0&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20).

Its APS-C sensor is many times the size of your camcorder's sensor, and will give you the out of focus backgrounds you're looking for.

Good luck!

Hi /u/Squidward2theMoon - if you want an all-in-one interchangeable lens solution, you can produce images like this:

http://vimeo.com/77175404

with the [$747 Nikon 1 AW1] (http://amzn.to/1xJFLtI) waterproof, shockproof camera.

If you don't mind buying a separate waterproof case, you can save a little money and get a camera with a larger sensor - perhaps something like the [$310 Canon EOS M with the 18-55 kit lens] (http://amzn.to/1lTXsRY) and a [$179 Waterproof Case] (http://amzn.to/1xJJMOV).

This camera can produce video that looks like this (the RAW video was recorded using the free Magic Lantern firmware upgrade (download link [here] (https://builds.magiclantern.fm/jenkins/job/EOSM.202/155/artifact/platform/EOSM.202/magiclantern-Nightly.2014Jun11.EOSM202.zip))):

Fashion (shot in RAW): http://vimeo.com/72938179

Live music (shot in RAW): http://vimeo.com/75122636#t=38s

Skate: http://vimeo.com/80326419

Travel: http://vimeo.com/55604121

Travel: http://vimeo.com/61150313

Hope this is helpful!

Bill

Look for "Fulfilled By Amazon" Like this one

More info on FBA (they handle returns, so it should be easier)

I know this doesn't help now, just for future reference.

I have a Canon Eos-M which is Canon's mirrorless camera. It has similar specs to the Canon Rebel T3i (for about half the price), but it looks like it might have been discontinued, which sucks, cause I really like mine. Since it's mirrorless it uses it's own line of lenses, a 22mm and an 18mm-55mm zoom from Canon (Tamron has a telephoto lens for it, and there were some lenses released for it outside everywhere but the US), but it has an adaptor that allows it to use an of the lenses designed for the regular Eos line.

I think it's a pretty good camera for a student since you can get good quality pictures with out breaking the bank.

EOS-M is really cheap right now

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Compact-Systems-3-0-Inch-EF-M18-55mm/dp/B00A2BVCO0/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1375241984&sr=1-2&keywords=EOS-M

>Is it below $350?

You asked this 24 days ago, but yes, kits are now $299 or $349:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/883304-REG/Canon_6609b033_EOS_M_Digital_Camera_with.html

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Compact-Systems-3-0-Inch-EF-M18-55mm/dp/B00A2BVCO0

For APS-C size camera's: Well you have the Fujifilm line up of cameras X100 X100S X-E1 X-M1 though those are mostly all upwards of 1000$ (though the x100 you could find used for a little cheaper and the X-M1 is more like 700-800). There's the Sony NEX cameras which you can find in price from 400$ for older models all the way up to 1000$ NEX7 but the most recommended one has been the NEX 6 (EVF and a standard hotshoe). There's also the Ricoh GR which isn't interchangeable with other lenses (and doesn't zoom) but is an APS-C size sensor camera that's actually pocketable. Oh and there's also the firesale EOS-M that's going for 350$ with a lens right now. But there might be a new one coming out soon.

If you're not looking for a DSLR size sensor (or price) then you may want to look around at Micro 4/3 cameras.

And finally if you don't want to worry about interchangeable lenses then you could look around at larger sensor point and shoots. Example: Sony RX100. It's right around your price range and comes with a larger than usual 1inch sensor (as opposed to the 1/1.63-inch sensor on your XZ-1). Though there's an RX100 II out as well, has some fixes to the gripes people had about the RX100.

My fiance is kind of a camera-nut, and didn't want me using his super fancy camera, so I've been using his "This should be good enough for your blog, Jamie" camera: Canon's EOS-M. I think he might have changed the lens to a macro one, but I'm not sure.