Good Beginner Camera w/ Recording?

[Bibimbap]

Hey guys, I've decided that I want to go and start doing some photography. I've always borrowed or had someone else take shots for me, but I'd like to learn something new and photography seems to be a great hobby.

I was looking for something all around that would be good for a beginner (taking videos are a plus). Some of the cameras I've been looking at (based on how much I like them) are:

Canon PowerShot SX20IS



Canon EOS Rebel XS



I think the main difference is image quality, standard features, and what I ultimately want. I'd like the sx20 for taking videos, but I'm trying to compare picture quality with that in comparison to the rebel XS. My friend has an XS and it shoots amazing pictures, but at the same token I'd like to be able to compile videos and post them up! Any feedback is appreciated guys, thanks!

[Paul350Z]

To post up videos here you're not going to get away with the 20 megabits a minute videos some of these cameras are making. Even standard definition files can be too big for youtube so many people go to quarter resolution 320-240 pixels.

I would highly recommend getting a still camera first and only look to it for video if you really really need to shoot a video. The $1000 (body only) Nikon D-90 I have shoots great video but it's controls are equal to the $120 Vado or Flip cameras. The glass on the Nikon is great but the lens are not designed to be used for smooth video zooming. There is no continuous auto focus. I'm been making professional video productions for more than 20 years and know how to work around these huge problems that even the cheapest $300 video camera solve. I can get good video out of a Nikon or a Cannon but I'd much rather be using a Sony, JVC, or Panasonic video camera.

I use my Nikon to shoot HD video only where I have to ... and use a real video camera every where else that's possible. Have a look at the Vloadr ContourHD for a wild camera for car shots. It's small enough, light enough, and cheap enough to mount in crazy locations. Put the thing on the end of a pole and have someone in a chase car drive along side. I put mine on a magnet and mount it to the bumper, suspension, and roof of my Xterra.

[Bibimbap]

I honestly think for what I want, my best choice is to go with a beginner DSLR and a video camera (liking the one you mentioned, seems best for in-car videos). Are there any other video cameras that you can recommend to me that would be hand held? Thanks again for the response!

EDIT: Maybe I can just rig something to the DSLR to hold the Vloadr ContourHD camera or just run around with it on one of my helmets haha.