Looking for a decent bridge or DSLR camera for around $150~220

[Guest]

Hey Tom's Guides,

I am in need of a camera for some basic photography and video recording. Now, I am somewhat new to this field and I was looking for something that could record 1920x1080 at 30/fps so I could upload footage to YouTube and Social Media.

Now, I want something that has a bit more kick than my smartphone, an LG G3.
I love the camera's quality but the phone will overheat and shut down when recording videos longer than 2~3 minutes. Furthermore, the camera has awful low light abilities- which is why I had to purchase an umbrella light.

So, long story short- I need something that won't break the bank as I am currently a student and money is tight.

Currently, I had my eyes on two cameras however if someone with a bit more expertise could help me out that would be greatly appreciated. Also, I don't mind Refurbs.

FujiFilm S8200 $213~
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FujiFilm S9150 $139~ (Refurb)
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[digitaldoc]

I would not go with a refurb on a camera, or any electronics.

Take a look at the Sony A3000 which is $245 on Amazon.

 

[Guest]

If your main priority is to record videos then a DSLR or bridge camera shouldn't be your choice.. Instead, you should be going for a camcorder that will give you far better quality videos since they are specifically optimized and were made for recording videos. For example, this Sony HD Video Recording HDRCX405 Handycam Camcorder would record far higher quality videos than any bridge camera or DSLR you could possibly get anywhere near its price range.

I appreciate the input but it is also for photography. Maybe 30-40% would be used for recording videos at 1080P, while the focus would be higher resolution photos, without the constant recharging and overheating that comes with a phone.

 

[Guest]

I would not go with a refurb on a camera, or any electronics.

Take a look at the Sony A3000 which is $245 on Amazon.

I've never had a huge issue with refurbs in the past, however that is a decent price- a bit out of my budget but if it was necessary I would stretch my budget for the A3000. The only thing that bothered me a bit about the Sony A3000 is that it says 24p or 60i @1080P. I would prefer 30fps non interlaced at 1080P, as I will be using this for more than pure photography. Maybe 30-40% recording also. I know this is kind of hard to explain as you can't have something do it all, but I want something with a bit more punch than my current option.

 

[digitaldoc]

More punch will require more money...