Surfing photos or recordings

[Beachbum]

I have a question on whether to get a waterproof camera or a videocamera for Christmas . I really want to get some shots or films of my friends and I surfing so I can watch my self and see what I'm doing wrong and what not. Any ideas on what is better for quality since I'm not sure how far those 30x zoom is on a videocamera because that would suck if it dosn't reach the spot we are surfing.

[sal]

can you borrow one to try? if not, go into a shop, play with a few, see what the zoom is like!

[Driftingalong]

If you can get either; I would think the video camera would be better.
If a picture is worth a thousand words; than a video is worth a novel...

[PapaW]

x30 is the bomb. plenty for thoes distant spots. you will need a tripod tho.

[Jimi]

Here's what i'd do (I have the camera gear, but just haven't gotten around to it yet):

I use a sony W7 digital still camera with 1gb memory (which can record video at 640x480 resolution). I also got a waterproof housing for it as part of the package. The whole setup cost around $700 aussie dollars, but I use it for scuba diving and take the camera everywhere with me, so it's ok value.

The waterproof housing is waterproof to 45m, so it's safe to take in the surf and floats. Just get your buds to swim out near the break and get video AND still photos of you from less than 10 m away.

That way you're not missing out on the surf to take photos.