What Camera and/or Video Recorder to You Buy When a Baby Is on The Way

LEmmaX10 on 18/12/2018 - 16:44
Last edited 18/12/2018 - 21:17

Hi

I'm expecting my first born in late March & I'm looking at the best options for taking great photos and/or video.
What do most of you use in this situation?
Also, my current iPhone 6 has a few things wrong with it so I need to upgrade to a new phone anyway.

Is it worth forking out the money for an iPhone XS (about $1800) which has a great camera?

Or am I better buying a cheaper phone and a camera separately which would still end up a lot cheaper than $1800?

Finances matter I guess. My partner is a high income earner but we have a lot of expenses coming up with the baby and I've been unemployed for quite some time due to a chronic illness but I do have savings. I'm not likely to re-enter a traditional work place setting or have a side gig up and running any time soon with the baby coming along, and my health is likely to limit the amount of work I can do in the future. Having said that, I do spend a lot of time on my phone to the exclusion of expensive socialising or activities. In this context, is it worth dipping into my savings to fork out an eyewatering $1800 for a phone?

Also, any tips on how best to buy a new iPhone/ cheapest time or place to buy an iPhone would be great. Yes, office works and ebay are options.

I'm going for an iPhone Xs over earlier models because the camera is noticeably better.

Update: Thank you all for your helpful responses and well wishes. As I'd come to expect from ozbargainers, there's been some very pragmatic and incisive advice offered. Needing a few pointers on my photography skills rather than forking out money on an expensive gadget really hit home for me. Thank you all so much and happy holidays.

Poll Options expired

  • 4
    Buy iPhone Xs
  • 0
    Buy an earlier iPhone and camera
  • 0
    Buy "X" phone and "X" camera
  • 11
    Other
Mobile Apple Camera Mobile Phone Video Camera

Comments

  • bossmode on 18/12/2018 - 16:46

    Honestly if I was expecting a baby on the way I’d strap a GoPro to to their foreheads once the soft cap has hardened so my kid can see their POV when they grow up.

    • SnoozeAndLose on 18/12/2018 - 17:03

      not possible as they will just grab and the footage is just make you dizzy

      • dcep on 18/12/2018 - 17:19

        thier hands are smaller than gopro

        the footage is for them to watch on funeral

  • coxjon on 18/12/2018 - 16:48
    +2

    The best camera is the one you have on you. Definitely prioritise camera in your next phone purchase, but iPhone Xs isn't necessary! iPhone Xr has portrait mode too to save some money, otherwise you could go for a 2nd hand iPhone 7 or 8.

  • angusngon9 on 18/12/2018 - 16:49

    pixel 3, s9, mate 20 pro has got good cameras too

  • ShortyX on 18/12/2018 - 16:56

    In addition to the phone, it's worth using a DSLR or mirrorless camera.

    All the best and enjoy the journey!

  • ShortyX on 18/12/2018 - 16:57
    +2

    I remember Hamish & Andy talking once about how kids these days will see a billion pictures and videos of themselves when they're older, and think that their parents really had no lives. :D

    • dcep on 18/12/2018 - 17:23

      timelapse FTW !

  • eug on 18/12/2018 - 17:10

    For great photos and FHD video, I reckon a (relatively) cheap second-hand mirrorless camera like the Sony A6000 and a lens like a Sigma 16mm f/1.4 which has a wide-ish field of view, or a 30mm f/1.4 for portrait shots, can give you much higher-quality images than a phone.

    You'll get real "portrait mode" (i.e. bokeh), not simulated bokeh that phones do, which sometimes looks fake.

    If you don't mind manual focus, something like this will give you decent-looking shots too.

  • ausdday on 18/12/2018 - 17:32
    +2

    Been in your situation. Best option is get a phone with good camera. Was using S7 when my first one came out. Second one coming out soon so recently upgrade to pixel 3.

    Rarely bring out my DSLR as we usually have too many things to carry every time we head out with a baby, so having extra bulky camera usually makes things worse.

  • [Deactivated] on 18/12/2018 - 17:37
    +1

    Doesn't make a difference. You'll still be saying how quickly they grow up.

  • LisaNeedsBraces on 18/12/2018 - 17:52
    +2

    Would strongly advise spending some time on photography websites and picking up a few pointers rather than blowing 1.8k on a gadget. you'll treasure a nicely lit and composed photo for many years than a poorly shot photo on a relatively expensive, new for the time, device. Your 6 is fine.

    source: just have a look on facebook

    • EmmaX10 on 24/12/2018 - 19:48

      Thanks for your much needed perspective. This really hit home for me. Thank you!

  • Halo375 on 18/12/2018 - 19:16
    +1

    Phone with a good camera - you don’t need to spend $1800 to find a good one. The key is portability so that its always with you - you’re not going to always have a DLSR in reach. An iPhone 7 or 8 would be fine.

  • bazingaa on 18/12/2018 - 19:39
    +1

    Pixel 3 ?

  • jelko on 18/12/2018 - 19:46
    +1

    I would recommend using a proper video camera. One of the main reasons why is that it is easier to keep a video camera stable as opposed to a light phone.

    If you are going to use a phone to record your newborn, please, please, PLEASE use it in landscape mode.

    If you're happy with your phone's video quality, then I would invest some money in purchasing a gimbal phone stabilizer. It will make your footage much better than 100% handheld.

    Also, don't get an SLR. You don't want to be carrying around that heavy thing along with extra lenses.

  • Diji1 on 18/12/2018 - 20:22
    +2

    is it worth dipping into my savings to fork out an eyewatering $1800 for a phone?

    No.

  • 87percent on 20/12/2018 - 13:43

    As a father of 2, you will very rarely use an SLR to take photos of your kids. You have too much stuff to worry about when you're with your kids that taking out a camera is the last thing on your mind. Your phone will become your primary camera

  • myusername on 26/12/2018 - 12:16

    spending $1800 on a phone? you must be rich

    don't you think you could find a less expensive phone and put some of that money towards your child?

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