Travel Photography - Combined Digital Video and SLR

I am an avid traveler and I am looking for a camera which can grab both HD video and great photos so that I only have to carry 1 piece of equipment. At this point, I don't have any specific loyalties, but I would like something where I can edit the video via iMovie or in a Mac format. It would also be helpful to have a microphone plug, but I am not sure I will be able to find something with that. I appreciate any suggestions.

My Canon 7D shoots great HD video as well as been a great SLR.

http://gizmodo.com/5349829/canon-7d-dslr-first-hands-on-18-megapixels-24fps-full-hd-video-for-1900

just know that most dslr won't auto focus in video mode

just know that most dslr won't auto focus in video mode

The Nikon D3100, D5100 & D7000 will all auto focus in video mode

I am an avid traveler and I am looking for a camera which can grab both HD video and great photos so that I only have to carry 1 piece of equipment. At this point, I don't have any specific loyalties, but I would like something where I can edit the video via iMovie or in a Mac format. It would also be helpful to have a microphone plug, but I am not sure I will be able to find something with that. I appreciate any suggestions.

Check out this guide:

http://dslrhd.com/buyersguide/

I have not read it, so I cannot comment on the contents (I am strictly a still photo guy), but it appears to be written by a fairly competent guy. The price is not too bad, so it might be a good investment before buying a camera.

Cheers,
T.

I bought a Canon T1i back in 2009 before my trip to New Zealand. There are newer models available now that can do more than the T1i even though I believe Canon still sells the T1i. The T1i can shoot HD video all the way up to 1080p but only at 20fps which from experience produces a rather low quality feel to your videos. The T2i and T3i I believe can capture 1080p Full HD video at up to 30fps. If my memory hasn't deceived me my T1i does not have a microphone port, but the on board microphone does a surprisingly good job. I can not speak on behalf of Nikon DSLRs as I don't own one or know anyone who does, but they seem to have a fairly similar product lineup as Canon. Today you can buy a budget camera for less than $1000 that will take great photos and great video.

I just have one thing to add. I have a client who insists I shoot video alongside with stills occasionally. It's not usually a problem unless it's capturing the kickoff in a football game or some other one time event. In those cases it's better to have two separate devices with two operators.

And before someone suggests doing a screen grab from the video, it's not nearly as good as shooting a still in the first place.

There are many good ones out there.
You might want to check out the Nikon D5100

http://dpreview.com/reviews/nikond5100/

Well, if you willing to extend, the DMC-LX5 is one that can do both and lowlight ( good for shooting at night) .

Dong